bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aggregated neutrophil extracellular traps resolve inflammation by proteolysis of cytokines and chemokines and protection from antiproteases
Authors: Hahn Jonas , Schauer Christine , Czegley Christine , Kling Lasse , Petru Lenka , Schmid Benjamin , Weidner Daniela , Reinwald Christiane , Biermann Mona H. C. , Blunder Stefan , Ernst Jürgen , Lesner Adam , Bäuerle Tobias , Palmisano Ralf , Christiansen Silke , Herrmann Martin , Bozec Aline , Gruber Robert , Schett Georg , Hoffmann Markus H.
Published: August 2018

Papillon‐Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is characterized by nonfunctional neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) and fulminant periodontal inflammation of unknown cause. Here we investigated neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)‐associated aggregation and cytokine/chemokine‐release/degradation by normal and NSP‐deficient human and mouse granulocytes. Stimulated with solid or soluble NET inducers, normal neutrophils formed aggregates and both released and degraded cytokines/chemokines. With increasing cell density, proteolytic degradation outweighed release. Maximum output of cytokines/chemokines occurred mostly at densities between 2 × 107 and 4 × 107 neutrophils/cm3. Assessment of neutrophil density in vivo showed that these concentrations are surpassed during inflammation. Association with aggregated NETs conferred protection of neutrophil elastase against αl‐antitrypsin. In contrast, eosinophils did not influence cytokine/chemokine concentrations. The proteolytic degradation of inflammatory mediators seen in NETs was abrogated in Papillon–Lèfevre syndrome (PLS) neutrophils. In summary, neutrophil‐driven proteolysis of inflammatory mediators works as a built‐in safeguard for inflammation. The absence of this negative feedback mechanism might be responsible for the nonresolving periodontitis seen in PLS.—Hahn, J., Schauer, C., Czegley, C., Kling, L., Petru, L., Schmid, B., Weidner, D., Reinwald, C., Biermann, M. H. C., Blunder, S., Ernst, J., Lesner, A., Bäuerle, T., Palmisano, R., Christiansen, S., Herrmann, M., Bozec, A., Gruber, R., Schett, G., Hoffmann, M. H. Aggregated neutrophil extracellular traps resolve inflammation by proteolysis of cytokines and chemokines and protection from antiproteases. FASEB J. 33, 1401–1414 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Assessment of Pain-related Disability in Pediatric Chronic Pain
Authors: Stahlschmidt Lorin , Friedrich Yvonne , Zernikow Boris , Wager Julia
Published: August 2018

Objectives:

The assessment of pain-related disability in pediatric chronic pain patients plays an important role in research on the effectiveness of pain treatment. The present study aimed to compare the 2 available measures of pain-related disability in the German language, the Functional Disability Inventory (FDI) and Pediatric Pain Disability Index (PPDI), in terms of psychometric properties and convergent validity. In addition, associations between FDI/PPDI scores and sex, age, and pain locations were investigated.

Materials and Methods:

Data of N=250 pediatric pain patients (M
age=14.4, SD=1.8) were collected at the patients’ initial presentation to a specialized pediatric pain center.

Results:

The results revealed similarly sound psychometric properties in terms of model fit, item difficulties, corrected item-total correlations, and missing values for both measures. However, item difficulties for the FDI were rather low. Both measures displayed good convergent validity in terms of associations with pain intensity, pain-related school absence, and emotional functioning (anxiety, depression). In both measures, girls had significantly higher scores than boys. No associations were found between the FDI/PPDI total scores and age or pain location.

Discussion:

In conclusion, both measures are equally suited to assess pain-related disability in adolescents with chronic pain. The FDI should be used with caution in epidemiological studies due to the risk of floor effects. Further research is needed with regard to the relationship between pain-related disability and sex.
Approach-based Comparative and Predictor Analysis of 30-day Readmission, Reoperation, and Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using the ACS-NSQIP Dataset
Authors: Katz Austen David , Mancini Nickolas , Karukonda Teja , Greenwood Matthew , Cote Mark , Moss Isaac L.
Published: August 2018

Study Design.

A retrospective cohort study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to determine the difference in 30-day readmission, reoperation, and morbidity for patients undergoing either posterior or anterior lumbar interbody fusion.

Summary of Background Data.

Despite increasing utilization of lumbar interbody fusion to treat spinal pathology, few studies compare outcomes by surgical approach, particularly using large nationally represented cohorts.

Methods.

Patients who underwent lumbar interbody fusion were identified using the NSQIP database. Rates of readmission, reoperation, morbidity, and associated predictors were compared between posterior/transforaminal (PLIF/TLIF) and anterior/lateral (ALIF/LLIF) lumbar interbody fusion using multivariate regression. Bonferroni-adjusted alpha-levels were utilized whereby variables were significant if their P values were less than the alpha-level or trending if their P values were between 0.05 and the alpha-level.

Results.

We identified 26,336 patients. PLIF/TLIF had greater operative time (P = 0.015), transfusion (P < 0.001), UTI (P = 0.008), and stroke/CVA (P = 0.026), but lower prolonged ventilation (P < 0.001) and DVT (P = 0.002) rates than ALIF/LLIF. PLIF/TLIF independently predicted greater morbidity on multivariate analysis (odds ratio: 1.155, P = 0.0019).

In both groups, experiencing a complication and, in PLIF/TLIF, ASA-class ≥3 predicted readmission (P < 0.001). Increased age trended toward readmission in ALIF/LLIF (P = 0.003); increased white cell count (P = 0.003), dyspnea (P = 0.030), and COPD (P = 0.005) trended in PLIF/TLIF. In both groups, increased hospital stay and wound/site-related complication predicted reoperation (P < 0.001). Adjunctive posterolateral fusion predicted reduced reoperation in ALIF/LLIF (P = 0.0018). ASA-class ≥3 (P = 0.016) and age (P = 0.021) trended toward reoperation in PLIF/TLIF and ALIF/LLIF, respectively. In both groups, age, hospital stay, reduced hematocrit, dyspnea, ASA-class ≥3, posterolateral fusion, and revision surgery and, in PLIF/TLIF, bleeding disorder predicted morbidity (P < 0.001). Female sex (P = 0.010), diabetes (P = 0.042), COPD (P = 0.011), and disseminated cancer (P = 0.032) trended toward morbidity in PLIF/TLIF; obesity trended in PLIF/TLIF (P = 0.0022) and ALIF/LLIF (P = 0.020).

Conclusion.

PLIF/TLIF was associated with a 15.5% increased odds of morbidity; readmission and reoperation were similar between approaches. Older age, higher ASA-class, and specific comorbidities predicted poorer 30-day outcomes, while procedural-related factors predicted only morbidity. These findings can guide surgical approach given specific factors.

Level of Evidence: 3
Evaluation of Percutaneous Intradiscal Amniotic Suspension Allograft in a Rabbit Model of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Luo Tianyi David , Vines Jeremy B. , Zabarsky Zachary K. , Mowry Katie C. , Marquez-Lara Alejandro , Jinnah Alexander H. , Ma Xue , Berwick Benjamin W. , Willey Jeffrey S. , Smith Thomas L. , Li Zhongyu , O’Gara Tadhg J.
Published: August 2018

Study Design.

A laboratory study using a rabbit annular puncture model of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).

Objective.

The aims of this study were to assess whether an amniotic suspension allograft (ASA) containing particulated human amnion and amniotic fluid derived cells regains intervertebral disc height and morphology and improves histologic scoring in a rabbit model of IDD.

Summary of Background Data.

In contrast to current surgical interventions for IDD, in which the primary goal is to relieve symptomatic pain, one novel strategy involves the direct injection of anabolic cytokines. Current therapies for IDD are limited by both the short half-life of therapeutic proteins and general decline in anabolic cell populations.

Methods.

Intervertebral discs in New Zealand white rabbits were punctured using 18-gauge needle under fluoroscopic guidance. Four weeks post-puncture, two groups of rabbits were injected with either ASA or a vehicle/sham control, while a third group was untreated. Weekly radiographs were obtained for 12 weeks to assess disc height index (DHI). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 relaxation time was evaluated at weeks 4 and 12 to assess morphological changes. Histologic sections were evaluated on a semi-quantitative grading scale.

Results.

Before treatment at week 4, DHIs and normalized T2 relaxation times between the three groups were not significantly different. At week 12, ASA-treated rabbits exhibited significantly greater DHIs and MRI T2 relaxation times than vehicle and untreated control groups. The ASA group had higher mean histologic score than the vehicle group, which demonstrated extensive fiber disorganization and delamination with reduced proteoglycan staining on histology.

Conclusion.

Minimally invasive intervention with intradiscal injection of ASA was successful in reducing IDD in a reproducible rabbit model, with significant improvement in disc height and morphology when compared with vehicle and untreated control groups on radiographic and MRI analyses.

Level of Evidence: N/A
An Exploration of Multilevel Physical Activity Correlates Among Low-Income African Americans in Alabama and Mississippi
Authors: O'Neal LaToya J. , Bateman Lori Brand , Smith Theolishia , Li Yufeng , Dai Chen , Wynn Theresa A. , Fouad Mona N.
Published: August 2018

Understanding obesity-related health disparities among low-income African Americans in the south requires further research investigating the range of factors influencing health behaviors. This study sought to examine the relationship between meeting the minimum recommendation for moderate physical activity and multilevel, including policy, systems, and environmental, strategies thought to influence health behaviors. We utilize preintervention community survey data from a sample of 256 low-income, predominantly, African Americans in 3 southeastern cities. Results indicate that individual, social, and environmental factors are related to whether participants met the recommended guidelines for physical activity and that sex predicts whether guidelines are met.
CMV-specific Cell-mediated Immunity at 3-month Prophylaxis Withdrawal Discriminates D+/R+ Kidney Transplants at Risk of Late-onset CMV Infection Regardless the Type of Induction Therapy
Authors: Jarque Marta , Melilli Edoardo , Crespo Elena , Manonelles Anna , Montero Nuria , Torras Joan , Cruzado Josep M. , Luque Sergi , Gil-Vernet Salvador , Grinyó Josep M. , Bestard Oriol
Published: August 2018

Background

Whether cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) at prophylaxis cessation predicts D+/R+ kidney transplants at risk of late-onset CMV infection after receiving distinct induction therapies is still not well characterized.

Methods

We prospectively assessed CMV-specific CMI predicting late-onset CMV infection at prophylaxis withdrawal and at earlier time-points, in 96 consecutive D+/R+ patients receiving either anti-interleukin 2-receptor antibody (anti-IL2RA; n = 50) or rabbit antithymoglobulin (n = 46). CMV-specific CMI was evaluated against CMV antigens (IE-1, pp65) using an IFN-γ ELISpot assay.

Results

Fourteen (14.6%) of 96 patients developed late-onset CMV infection and 2 (2.1%) of 96 displayed disease. At 3 months, CMV-specific CMI frequencies were significantly lower in patients developing late-onset CMV infection (P < 0.001 for IE-1, P = 0.030 for pp65), regardless the type of induction therapy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed accurate CMV-specific CMI cutoffs (25 and 130 IFN-γ spots for IE-1 and pp65, respectively) classifying patients into high risk, intermediate risk, or low risk (log-rank = 0.006; hazard ratio, 4.084; 95% confidence interval, 1.431-11.651; P = 0.009), being IE-1 CMI the strongest predictor (odds ratio, 5.554; 95% confidence interval, 1.486-20.766; P = 0.011). Although the profound posttransplant CMV-specific CMI inhibition among rabbit antithymocyte globulin–treated patients precludes its use for risk stratification both before and early after kidney transplant, a similar proportion of at-risk patients could be identified before month 3 within anti-interleukin 2-receptor antibody–treated patients.

Conclusions

Monitoring CMV-specific CMI at 3-month prophylaxis cessation discriminates kidney transplant recipient at risk of late-onset CMV infection, regardless the type of induction therapy.
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Kidney Transplantation: The Role of Dietary Fructose and Systemic Endotoxemia
Authors: Chan Winnie , Smith Byron , Stegall Mark , Borrows Richard
Published: August 2018

Background

The concepts that obesity is merely a consequence of overeating, and that metabolic health then reflects obesity, may be insufficient and potentially flawed. The role of fructose intake and metabolic endotoxemia has gained attention recently, but data in kidney transplantation are lacking. This study evaluated the risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MS), its components, and other associated markers in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), focusing particularly on fructose intake and systemic endotoxemia.

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study enrolled 128 KTRs longer than 1 year posttransplantation. Clinical, biochemical, anthropometric, and questionnaire assessments were undertaken.

Results

Obesity (body mass index, ≥30 kg/m2) and MS (International Diabetes Federation Definition) were found in 36.7% and 50% of KTRs, respectively. Both increased fructose intake (P = 0.01) and endotoxin level (P = 0.02) were independently associated with MS; and higher fructose intake was independently associated with obesity (P < 0.001). Specifically, increased fructose intake was associated with the central obesity (P = 0.01) and hyperglycemia (P < 0.001) criteria of MS, whereas higher endotoxin level was associated with the hypertriglyceridemia (P = 0.003) and low HDL cholesterol concentration (P = 0.002) criteria of MS. Neither saturated fat nor total caloric intakes were independently associated with obesity and MS; and neither obesity nor central obesity were independently associated with the dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia criteria of MS. Principal component analysis demonstrated relationships between higher levels of endotoxin, soluble endothelial selectin, triglycerides, and insulin resistance (r > 0.6), as well as relationships between increased fructose intake, inflammation, and blood glucose (r > 0.6).

Conclusions

Dietary modifications through decreasing fructose intake and addressing systemic endotoxemia are plausible targets for improving metabolic health of KTRs.
Factors Associated With Mortality and Response to Extracorporeal Photopheresis in Lung Allograft Recipients With Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome
Authors: Karnes Hope E. , Schindler Emily I. , Morrell Matt , Hachem Ramsey R. , Berman Keith , Vedantham Suresh , Atkinson Jeff , Spitznagel Edward , Despotis George John
Published: August 2018

Background.

This study was designed to identify factors associated with clinical response to extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) and mortality after ECP in lung allograft recipients with bronchiolitis obliterans.

Methods.

Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) values obtained 6 months before (baseline) and 6 months after initiation of ECP were used to plot the linear relationship between FEV1 versus time before and after ECP. Response to ECP was assigned when a positive integer was derived after subtracting the baseline rate of decline from the rate of decline 6 months after ECP. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify demographic, treatment-related factors or spirometric parameters that may be associated with response to ECP or mortality at either 6 or 16 months after initiation of ECP.

Results.

Forced expiratory volume in 1 second just before ECP was associated with mortality (P = 0.007) at 16 months after ECP initiation. An FEV1 of 1.50 L or less had a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 60% to identify patients who died within 16 months after ECP initiation. Patients whose FEV1 decline exceeded 40 mL/month were 12 times more likely to have a response to ECP (P = 0.0001). Patients whose decline in FEV1 before ECP was statistically significant (P < 0.05) were nearly 10 times (P = 0.008) more likely to respond to ECP.

Conclusions.

Forced expiratory volume in 1 second is an important predictor of mortality, and the response to ECP is influenced by both the extent (>40 mL/mo) and statistical significance of the relationship between FEV1 versus time before ECP initiation. Therefore, earlier bronchiolitis obliterans detection and more timely implementation of ECP (ie, when FEV1 values >1.5 L) should be considered especially in patients with a more aggressive rate of decline of lung function.
On
The Origin of Species
: The story of Darwin's title
Authors: Tanghe Koen B.
Published: August 2018

The genesis of Charles Darwin's book
On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life
(1859) is well known, and the changes that it underwent in subsequent editions are well documented. However, less is known or has been published about the genesis of its original title and about the seven modifications that it subsequently underwent. That original title was much longer than the title of the unfinished big ‘Species Book’ that preceded and inspired
The Origin
:
Natural Selection
. Why did Darwin use an extended version of this elegant, short title for
The Origin
? And what was the rationale behind the later modifications? Contrary to what is often claimed or implied, the criticism of his publisher, John Murray, does not offer the only and certainly not the full answer to the latter question.
Spatial organization of different sigma factor activities and c-di-GMP signalling within the three-dimensional landscape of a bacterial biofilm
Authors: Klauck Gisela , Serra Diego O. , Possling Alexandra , Hengge Regine
Published: August 2018

Bacterial biofilms are large aggregates of cells embedded in an extracellular matrix of self-produced polymers. In macrocolony biofilms ofEscherichia coli, this matrix is generated in the upper biofilm layer only and shows a surprisingly complex supracellular architecture. Stratified matrix production follows the vertical nutrient gradient and requires the stationary phaseσS(RpoS) subunit of RNA polymerase and the second messenger c-di-GMP. By visualizing global gene expression patterns with a newly designed fingerprint set of Gfp reporter fusions, our study reveals the spatial order of differential sigma factor activities, stringent control of ribosomal gene expression and c-di-GMP signalling in vertically cryosectioned macrocolony biofilms. Long-range physiological stratification shows a duplication of the growth-to-stationary phase pattern that integrates nutrient and oxygen gradients. In addition, distinct short-range heterogeneity occurs within specific biofilm strata and correlates with visually different zones of the refined matrix architecture. These results introduce a new conceptual framework for the control of biofilm formation and demonstrate that the intriguing extracellular matrix architecture, which determines the emergent physiological and biomechanical properties of biofilms, results from the spatial interplay of global gene regulation and microenvironmental conditions. Overall, mature bacterial macrocolony biofilms thus resemble the highly organized tissues of multicellular organisms.
Variation in individual temperature preferences, not behavioural fever, affects susceptibility to chytridiomycosis in amphibians
Authors: Sauer Erin L. , Fuller Rebecca C. , Richards-Zawacki Corinne L. , Sonn Julia , Sperry Jinelle H. , Rohr Jason R.
Published: August 2018

The ability of wildlife populations to mount rapid responses to novel pathogens will be critical for mitigating the impacts of disease outbreaks in a changing climate. Field studies have documented that amphibians preferring warmer temperatures are less likely to be infected with the fungal pathogenBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd). However, it is unclear whether this phenomenon is driven by behavioural fever or natural variation in thermal preference. Here, we placed frogs in thermal gradients, tested for temperature preferences and measuredBdgrowth, prevalence, and the survival of infected animals. Although there was significant individual- and species-level variation in temperature preferences, we found no consistent evidence of behavioural fever across five frog species. Interestingly, for species that preferred warmer temperatures, the preferred temperatures of individuals were negatively correlated withBdgrowth on hosts, while the opposite correlation was true for species preferring cooler temperatures. Our results suggest that variation in thermal preference, but not behavioural fever, might shape the outcomes ofBdinfections for individuals and populations, potentially resulting in selection for individual hosts and host species whose temperature preferences minimizeBdgrowth and enhance host survival during epidemics.
Unpredictable movement as an anti-predator strategy
Authors: Richardson Graham , Dickinson Patrick , Burman Oliver H. P. , Pike Thomas W.
Published: August 2018

Prey animals have evolved a wide variety of behaviours to combat the threat of predation, and these have been generally well studied. However, one of the most common and taxonomically widespread antipredator behaviours of all has, remarkably, received almost no experimental attention: so-called ‘protean’ behaviour. This is behaviour that is sufficiently unpredictable to prevent a predator anticipating in detail the future position or actions of its prey. In this study, we used human ‘predators’ participating in 3D virtual reality simulations to test how protean (i.e. unpredictable) variation in prey movement affects participants' ability to visually target them as they move (a key determinant of successful predation). We found that targeting accuracy was significantly predicted by prey movement path complexity, although, surprisingly, there was little evidence that high levels of unpredictability in the underlying movement rules equated directly to decreased predator performance. Instead, the specific movement rules differed in how they impacted on targeting accuracy, with the efficacy of protean variation in one element depending on the values of the remaining elements. These findings provide important insights into the understudied phenomenon of protean antipredator behaviour, which are directly applicable to predator–prey dynamics within a broad range of taxa.
Sex differences in helping effort reveal the effect of future reproduction on cooperative behaviour in birds
Authors: Downing Philip A. , Griffin Ashleigh S. , Cornwallis Charlie K.
Published: August 2018

The evolution of helping behaviour in species that breed cooperatively in family groups is typically attributed to kin selection alone. However, in many species, helpers go on to inherit breeding positions in their natal groups, but the extent to which this contributes to selection for helping is unclear as the future reproductive success of helpers is often unknown. To quantify the role of future reproduction in the evolution of helping, we compared the helping effort of female and male retained offspring across cooperative birds. The kin selected benefits of helping are equivalent between female and male helpers—they are equally related to the younger siblings they help raise—but the future reproductive benefits of helping differ because of sex differences in the likelihood of breeding in the natal group. We found that the sex which is more likely to breed in its natal group invests more in helping, suggesting that in addition to kin selection, helping in family groups is shaped by future reproduction.
Tree species richness increases ecosystem carbon storage in subtropical forests
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Trogisch Stefan , He Jin-Sheng , Niklaus Pascal A. , Bruelheide Helge , Tang Zhiyao , Erfmeier Alexandra , Scherer-Lorenzen Michael , Pietsch Katherina A. , Yang Bo , Kühn Peter , Scholten Thomas , Huang Yuanyuan , Wang Chao , Staab Michael , Leppert Katrin N. , Wirth Christian , Schmid Bernhard , Ma Keping
Published: August 2018

Forest ecosystems are an integral component of the global carbon cycle as they take up and release large amounts of C over short time periods (C flux) or accumulate it over longer time periods (C stock). However, there remains uncertainty about whether and in which direction C fluxes and in particular C stocks may differ between forests of high versus low species richness. Based on a comprehensive dataset derived from field-based measurements, we tested the effect of species richness (3–20 tree species) and stand age (22–116 years) on six compartments of above- and below-ground C stocks and four components of C fluxes in subtropical forests in southeast China. Across forest stands, total C stock was 149 ± 12 Mg ha
−1
with richness explaining 28.5% and age explaining 29.4% of variation in this measure. Species-rich stands had higher C stocks and fluxes than stands with low richness; and, in addition, old stands had higher C stocks than young ones. Overall, for each additional tree species, the total C stock increased by 6.4%. Our results provide comprehensive evidence for diversity-mediated above- and below-ground C sequestration in species-rich subtropical forests in southeast China. Therefore, afforestation policies in this region and elsewhere should consider a change from the current focus on monocultures to multi-species plantations to increase C fixation and thus slow increasing atmospheric CO
2
concentrations and global warming.
Vectashield-induced fluorescence quenching hinders conventional and super resolution microscopy
Authors: Arsić Aleksandra , Stajković Nevena , Spiegel Rainer , Nikić-Spiegel Ivana
Published: August 2018

Finding the right combination of a fluorescent dye and a mounting medium is crucial for optimal microscopy of fixed samples. It was recently shown that Vectashield, one of the most commonly used mounting media for conventional microscopy, can also be applied to super-resolution direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM). dSTORM utilizes conventional dyes and starts with samples in a fluorescent ON state. This helps identifying structures of interests. Subsequently, labelled samples are brought to blinking, which is necessary for localization of single molecules and reconstruction of super-resolution images. This is only possible with certain fluorescent dyes and imaging buffers. One of the most widely used dyes for dSTORM, Alexa Fluor (AF) 647, blinks in Vectashield. However, after adding Vectashield to our samples, we noticed that the fluorescence intensity of AF647 and its improved variant, AF647+, is quenched. Since structures of interest cannot be identified in quenched samples, loss of fluorescence intensity hinders imaging of AF647 in Vectashield. This has consequences for both conventional and dSTORM imaging. To overcome this, we provide: 1) a quantitative analysis of AF647 intensity in different imaging media, 2) practical advice on how to use Vectashield for dSTORM imaging of AF647 and AF647+.
The neuronal basis of insect stereopsis
Authors: Rosner Ronny , von Hadeln Joss , Tarawneh Ghaith , Read Jenny C. A.
Published: August 2018

A puzzle for neuroscience - and robotics - is how insects achieve surprisingly complex behaviours with such tiny brains1,2. One example is depth perception via binocular stereopsis in the praying mantis, a predatory insect. Praying mantids use stereopsis, the computation of distances from disparities between the two retinas, to trigger a raptorial strike of their forelegs3,4when prey is within reach. The neuronal basis of this ability is entirely unknown. From behavioural evidence, one view is that the mantis brain must measure retinal disparity locally across a range of distances and eccentricities4–7, very like disparity-tuned neurons in vertebrate visual cortex8. Sceptics argue that this “retinal disparity hypothesis” implies far too many specialised neurons for such a tiny brain9. Here we show the first evidence that individual neurons in the praying mantis brain are indeed tuned to specific disparities and eccentricities, and thus locations in 3D-space. This disparity information is transmitted to the central brain by neurons connecting peripheral visual areas in both hemispheres, as well as by a unilateral neuron type. Like disparity-tuned cortical cells in vertebrates, the responses of these mantis neurons are consistent with linear summation of binocular inputs followed by an output nonlinearity10. Additionally, centrifugal neurons project disparity information back from the central brain to early visual areas, possibly for gain modulation or 3D spatial attention. Thus, our study not only proves the retinal disparity hypothesis for insects, it reveals feedback connections hitherto undiscovered in any animal species.
Network analysis of lymphocyte nucleus staining image —Data mining of lymphocyte image
Authors: Li Da-Dong , Yang Xing-Lin , Xiong Qian-Yu , Liang Yue-Dong , Liu Shui-Qing , Hu Hai-Yan , Zhou Xiang-hong , Huang Hai
Published: August 2018

Background: A complex network has been studied and applied in various disciplines. As network analysis and image processing are based on matrices, this research analysed the changes in the chromatin image of lymphocyte nuclei in peripheral blood of humans using a network motif and static features (static parameters), so as to complete image classification with network method.

Methods: Image processing technology was used to establish a chromatin image network of a cell nucleus; Network analysis tool Pajek was used to display the special motif of an isolated structural hole with different symmetric line values; afterwards, the frequency of occurrence of this structural hole in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and AIDS, and healthy people was computed. Then by applying the network static features as variables, the chromatin images of stained lymphocytes from the three groups of people were classified and recognised by using an extreme learning machine (ELM).

Results: The frequency of occurrence of the isolated structural hole with different symmetric line values was adopted to distinguish the structures of the chromatins of peripheral blood lymphocytes in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and AIDS, and healthy people. Similarly, The static features of the chromatin image network of a cell nucleus were applied to classify and recognise the morphological and structural changes in chromatins for peripheral blood lymphocytes in the three groups of people.

Conclusion: The surface chemical and physical characteristics, as well as the polymerisation link status of biomacromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and protein in the lymphocyte nucleus change under certain pathological conditions. The change influences the combination of small molecular staining materials and any associated biomacromolecules. Therefore, various macroscopic and microscopic changes were found in the chromatin images of the cell nucleus. The microscopic changes include the variations of the extent of staining of chromatin in the nuclei, coarseness and direction of the texture therein, the size of stained conglomerations,etc. These changes contribute to the differences in chromatin image networks among the same type of cells across the three groups. Based on this, the model can be used to classify and reorganise certain diseases. The results prove that using complex network to analyse the chromatin structure of a cell nucleus is of significance.
Mindfulness meditators show altered distributions of early and late neural activity markers of attention in a response inhibition task
Authors: Bailey NW , Freedman G , Raj K , Sullivan CM , Rogasch NC , Chung SW , Hoy KE , Chambers R , Hassed C , Van Dam NT , Fitzgerald PB
Published: August 2018

Attention is a vital executive function, since other executive functions are largely dependent on it. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to enhance attention. However, the components of attention altered by meditation and the related neural activities are underexplored. In particular, the contributions of inhibitory processes and sustained attention are not well understood. Additionally, it is not clear whether improvements in attention are related to increases in the strength of typically activated brain areas, or the recruitment of additional or alternative brain areas. To address these points, 34 meditators were compared to 28 age and gender matched controls during electroencephalography (EEG) recordings of neural activity during a Go/Nogo response inhibition task. This task generates a P3 event related potential, which is related to response inhibition processes in Nogo trials, and attention processes across both trial types. Compared with controls, meditators were more accurate at responding to Go and Nogo trials. Meditators showed a more frontally distributed P3 to both Go and Nogo trials, suggesting more frontal involvement in sustained attention rather than activity specific to response inhibition. Unexpectedly, meditators also showed increased positivity over the right parietal cortex prior to visual information reaching the occipital cortex. Both results were positively related to increased accuracy across both groups. The results suggest that meditators have an increased capacity to modulate a range of neural processes in order to meet task requirements, including higher order processes, and sensory anticipation processes. This increased capacity may underlie the improved attentional function observed in mindfulness meditators.
Little variation in the morphology of the atria across 13 orders of birds
Authors: Kroneman Jelle G. H. , Faber Jaeike W. , Wolschrijn Claudia F. , Christoffels Vincent M. , Jensen Bjarke
Published: August 2018

Mammals and birds acquired high performance hearts and endothermy during their independent evolution from amniotes with many reptile characters. A literature review shows that the variation in atrial morphology is greater in mammals than in ectothermic reptiles. We therefore hypothesized that the transition from ectothermy to endothermy associated with greater variation in cardiac structure. We tested the hypothesis in birds, by assessing the variation in 15 characters in hearts from 13 orders of birds. Hearts were assessed by gross morphology and histology, and we focused on the atria as they have multiple features that lend themselves to quantification. We found bird hearts to have multiple features in common with ectothermic reptiles (synapomorphies), for instance the presence of three sinus horns. Convergent features were shared with crocodylians and mammals, such as the cranial offset of the left atrioventricular junction. Other convergent features like the compact organization of the atrial walls were shared with mammals only. Sinus myocardium expressing Isl1 was node-like (Mallard), thickened (chicken), or anatomically indistinct from surrounding myocardium (Lesser redpoll). Some features were distinctively avian (apomorphies), including the presence of a left atrial antechamber, and the ventral merger of the left and right atrium, which was found in parrots and passerine birds. Most features, however, exhibited little variation. For instance, there were always three systemic veins and two pulmonary veins, whereas among mammals there are 2-3 and 1-7, respectively. Our findings suggest that the transition to high cardiac performance does not necessarily lead to greater variation in cardiac structure.
Relaxed constraint and thermal desensitization of the cold-sensing ion channel TRPM8 in mammoths
Authors: Chigurapati Sravanthi , Sulak Mike , Miller Webb , Lynch Vincent J.
Published: August 2018

Unlike the living elephants, which live in warm tropical and subtropical habitats, mammoths lived in extreme cold environments where average winter temperatures ranged from −30° to −50°C. Like other cold adapted and artic species, mammoths evolved of suite of morphological and molecular adaptations that facilitated life in the cold. Here we reanalyze mammoth genomes and find that genes with mammoth-specific amino acid substitutions are enriched in functions related to temperature sensation. Among the genes with mammoth-specific amino acid substitutions is TRPM8, which mediates sensitivity to nonnoxious cool temperatures from 25– 28°C and cooling sensations induced by the chemical agonists menthol and icilin. We find that TRPM8 evolved rapidly in the mammoth stem-lineage, likely because of an episode of relaxed purifying selection. Functional characterization of resurrected mammoth and ancestral TRPM8 indicates that the mammoth TRPM8 is desensitized to cold but maintains sensitivity to menthol and icilin. These data suggest that as mammoths evolved into a cold tolerant species they lost the need for a cold-sensitive TRPM8.
RNA sequencing of the in vivohuman herpesvirus 6B transcriptome to identify targets for clinical assays distinguishing between latent and active infections
Authors: Hill Joshua A. , Ikoma Minako , Zerr Danielle M. , Basom Ryan S. , Peddu Vikas , Huang Meei-Li , Sedlak Ruth Hall , Jerome Keith R. , Boeckh Michael , Barcy Serge
Published: August 2018

Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) DNA is frequently detected in human samples, especially after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Diagnostic assays distinguishing HHV-6B reactivation from latency are limited, and this has contributed to confusion in research and made the design of clinical approaches to diagnose and treat HHV-6-associated diseases challenging. We used RNA sequencing to characterize and compare the HHV-6B transcriptome in multiplein vivoandin vitrosample types, including 1) whole blood from HCT recipients with and without HHV-6B plasma viremia; 2) tumor tissue samples from subjects with large B cell lymphoma infected with HHV-6B; 3) lymphoblastoid cell lines from subjects with inherited chromosomally integrated HHV-6B or latent infection with HHV-6B; and 4) HHV-6B Z29 infected SupT1 CD4+ T cells. We demonstrated substantial overlap in the HHV-6B transcriptome observed inin vivoandin vitrosamples, although there was variability in the breadth and quantity of gene expression across samples. No HHV-6B transcripts were detected in whole blood samples from subjects without plasma HHV-6B viremia. The HHV-6B viral polymerase gene U38 was the only HHV-6B transcript detected in all RNA-seq data sets and was one of the most highly expressed genes. Using a novel reverse transcription PCR assay targeting HHV-6B U38, we identified U38 messenger RNA in all tested whole blood samples from patients with concurrent HHV-6B viremia, indicating its utility as a diagnostic assay for HHV-6B replication. This study demonstrates the feasibility of pathogen transcriptome analyses in HCT recipients to identify better targets for diagnostic, and potentially therapeutic, applications.

IMPORTANCE

Infection with human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B), a DNA virus, occurs early in life, results in chronic viral latency in diverse cell types, and affects the population at large. Additionally, HHV- 6B can integrate into germline chromosomes, resulting in individuals with viral DNA in every nucleated cell. Given that PCR to detect viral DNA is the mainstay for diagnosing HHV-6B infection, the characteristics of HHV-6B infection complicate efforts to distinguish between latent and active viral infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients who have frequent HHV- 6B reactivation. In this study, we used RNA sequencing to characterize the HHV-6B gene expression profile in multiple sample types, and our findings identified evidence-based targets for diagnostic tests that distinguish between latent and active viral infection.
A novel function of Galactomyces candidum in highly efficient ammonia nitrogen removal from low C:N wastewater
Authors: Xiaochao Li , Hui Liu , Guihua Zeng , Hualin Li , Zhinan Chen , Wenbin Liu , Liping Yang
Published: August 2018

A strain of bacteria that demonstrated efficient nitrogen removal potential under low C:N conditions was screened from landfill leachate. The strain was identified as Galactomyces candidum by ITS sequencing, and growth density and removal of ammonia nitrogen were assessed after 24 h of incubation. The results showed that the optimum ammonia nitrogen reduction conditions for G. candidum was at pH 8.0 and 30 °C, with a C:N ratio of 1.5:1; the highest rate of ammonia nitrogen removal was 93.1%. This novel function of G. candidum offers great potential in the removal of ammonia nitrogen from sewage, especially in low C:N wastewater. Our study provides a new theoretical basis for the industrial application of bacteria in the biochemical treatment of wastewater and reduces environmental pollution.

A novel function and potential of Galamyces candidum in the removal of ammonia nitrogen from wastewater treatment was found, which provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of ammonia in wastewater.
Solitary bee larvae prioritize carbohydrate over protein in parentally provided pollen
Authors: Austin Alexander J. , Gilbert James D. J.
Published: August 2018

Most organisms must regulate their nutritional intake in an environment full of complex food choices. While this process is well understood for self-sufficient organisms, dependent offspring, such as bee larvae, in practice have limited food choices because food is provided by parents. Nutrient balancing may therefore be achieved by offspring, by parents on offspring’s behalf, or by both, whether cooperatively or in conflict.

We used the Geometric Framework to investigate the capacity of dependent larval mason bees (Osmia bicornis) to regulate their intake of protein and carbohydrate. FemaleOsmiaseal eggs individually inside cells they have provisioned with pollen, and have no contact with developing offspring, allowing offspring choices to be studied in isolation. Herbivorous insect larvae are typically expected to balance protein and carbohydrate to maximise growth and reproduction.

Contrary to prediction, carbohydrate and not protein mediated both growth and survival to pupation. Accordingly, larvae prioritised maintaining a constant intake of carbohydrate and self-selected a relatively carbohydrate biased diet compared to other hymenopterans, while tolerating wide excesses and deficiencies of protein, rendering them potentially vulnerable to dietary change or manipulation. Reasons for prioritising carbohydrate may include (1) the relative abundance of protein in their normal pollen diet, (2) the relative paucity of nectar in parental provisions making carbohydrate a scarce resource, or (3) the requirement for diapause for allO. bicornislarvae. Larvae were intolerant of moderate dietary dilution, likely reflecting an evolutionary history of nutrient-dense food.

Our results demonstrate that dependent offspring can remain active participants in balancing their own nutrients even when sedentary, and, moreover, even in mass provisioning systems where parents and offspring have no physical contact. Research should now focus on whether and how evolutionary interests of parent and dependent offspring coincide or conflict with respect to food composition, and the implications for species’ resilience to changing environments.
Significant antitumour effect of an antibody against TMEM180, a new cancer-specific molecule
Authors: Yasunaga Masahiro , Saijou Shinji , Hanaoka Shingo , Anzai Takahiro , Tsumura Ryo , Matsumura Yasuhiro
Published: August 2018

The present state of therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) is far from satisfactory, highlighting the need for new targets for this disease. We identified a new colorectal cancer (CRC)-specific molecule, TMEM180, a predicted eleven-pass transmembrane protein that apparently functions as a cation symporter. Our anti-TMEM180 monoclonal antibody (mAb) eradicated SW480 CRC xenografts in mice. The TMEM180 promoter region contains ten hypoxia-responsive element consensus sequences; accordingly SW480 cells upregulated TMEM180 under low-oxygen conditions. TMEM180 expression in SW480 cells was positively correlated with anchorage-independent colony formation and tumourigenesis. TMEM180-positive SW480 cells resided at the tumour–stroma interface manifested by αSMA-positive fibroblasts, also known as the tumour niche. Some clusters of TMEM180-positive cells adjacent to the niche were integrin α6-positive. These data indicate that TMEM180 represents a possible cancer stem cell marker and that a mAb against this protein could be used as antibody-based therapeutic against CRC.
A draft reference genome sequence for Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi
Authors: Zhao Qing , Yang Jun , Liu Jie , Cui Meng-Ying , Fang Yuming , Qiu Wengqing , Shang Huiwen , Xu Zhicheng , Wei Yukun , Yang Lei , Hu Yonghong , Chen Xiao-Ya , Martin Cathie
Published: August 2018

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is an important medicinal plant used worldwide. Information about the genome of this species is important for scientists studying the metabolic pathways that synthesise the bioactive compounds in this plant. Here, we report a draft reference genome sequence for S. baicalensis obtained by a combination of Illumina and PacBio sequencing, which was assembled using 10 X Genomics and Hi-C technologies. We assembled 386.63 Mb of the 408.14 Mb genome, amounting to about 94.73% of the total genome size, and the sequences were anchored onto 9 pseudochromosomes with a super-N50 of 33.2 Mb. The reference genome sequence of S. baicalensis offers an important foundation for understanding the biosynthetic pathways for bioactive compounds in this medicinal plant and for its improvement through molecular breeding.
Crystal structure of 2,3′-bipyridine-2′,6′-dicarbonitrile
Authors: Jung Seoulgi , Park Ki-Min , Kim Jinho , Kang Youngjin
Published: August 2018

The title compound, C12H6N4, crystallizes with four independent molecules (A, B, C and D) in the asymmetric unit. The dihedral angles between the two pyridine rings in each molecule are 25.25 (8)° in A, 5.51 (9)° in B, 11.11 (9)° in C and 16.24 (8)° in D. In the crystal, molecules A and B are linked by C—H...N hydrogen bonds to form layers extending parallel to the ab plane, while molecules C and D are linked by C—H...N hydrogen bonds forming –C–D–C–D– chains propagating along the b-axis direction. The layers and the chains are stacked alternately along the c axis through offset π–π and C[triple-bond]N...π [N-to-pyridine-centroid distance = 3.882 (2) Å] interactions, resulting in the formation of a supramolecular framework.