bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flavonol rhamnosylation indirectly modifies the cell wall defects ofRHAMNOSE BIOSYNTHESIS1mutants by altering rhamnose flux
Authors: Saffer Adam M. , Irish Vivian F.
Published: August 2017

Rhamnose is required inArabidopsis thalianafor synthesizing pectic polysaccharides and glycosylating flavonols.RHAMNOSE BIOSYNTHESIS1 (RHM1)encodes a UDP-L-rhamnose synthase, andrhm1mutants exhibit many developmental defects, including short root hairs, hyponastic cotyledons, and left-handed helically twisted petals and roots. It has been proposed that the hyponastic cotyledons observed inrhm1mutants are a consequence of abnormal flavonol glycosylation, while the root hair defect is flavonol-independent. We have recently shown that the helical twisting ofrhm1petals results from decreased levels of rhamnose-containing cell wall polymers. In this work, we find that flavonols indirectly modify therhm1helical petal phenotype by altering rhamnose flux to the cell wall. Given this finding, we further investigated the relationship between flavonols and the cell wall inrhm1cotyledons. We show that decreased flavonol rhamnosylation is not responsible for the cotyledon phenotype ofrhm1mutants. Instead, flavonols provide a large reservoir of rhamnose, and blocking flavonol synthesis or rhamnosylation can suppressrhm1defects by diverting rhamnose to the synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides. Therefore, rhamnose is required in the cell wall for normal expansion of cotyledon epidermal cells. Our findings suggest a broad role for rhamnose-containing cell wall polysaccharides in the morphogenesis of epidermal cells.
Crystal structure ofrac-4-[2-(tert-butylazaniumyl)-1-hydroxyethyl]-2-(hydroxymethyl)phenol benzoate
Authors: Liu Wenju , Chen Qiliang , Yu Linda
Published: August 2017

The title salt, C13H22NO3+·C7H5O2−, comprises one salbutamol cation {systematic name: 4-[2-(tert-butylazaniumyl)-1-hydroxyethyl]-2-(hydroxymethyl)phenol} and a benzoate anion. The cation shows disorder of the hydroxy group [occupancy ratio 0.738 (3):0.262 (3)] at the stereogenic C atom. The non-planar benzoate anion [the dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the carboxyl group is 11.30 (8)°] is linked to the salbutamol cation by a medium-strength O—H...O hydrogen bond. Other intermolecular O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds of weaker nature give rise to [001] chains.
Understanding SAFE Housing – putting older LGBT* people’s concerns, preferences and experiences of housing in England in a sociological context
Authors: King Andrew , Stoneman Paul
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to put the findings of the Secure, Accessible, Friendly and Equal (SAFE) Housing study, which explored older LGBT* people’s housing concerns, preferences and experiences, in a sociological context.

Design/methodology/approach

The SAFE Housing study was based on a mixed methods research design that included focus groups and an online survey conducted in two areas of England. The paper draws heavily on the theoretical concept of social capital to help to understand and explain the findings.

Findings

Findings are grouped into three broad themes: safety, comfort and trust; connections and community; and imagining the future.

Originality/value

This is the first time that an older LGBT housing study has used social capital theory to interpret its findings. This shows how a focus on issues of trust, social networks and connections is expedient to avoid reductive approaches in research, policy and practice to older LGBT* people’s housing choices, preferences and expectations that concentrate on the individual.
Comparison of anticoagulation regimens for pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves: A meta‐analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Kangqi , Li Hongyan , Zhu Weiwei , Sun Haiyan , Lu Congxiao
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Pregnancy is associated with a hypercoagulable state, which makes pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves at high risk of thromboembolism. The proper anticoagulation regimen should take both the maternal protection and the fetal outcomes into consideration. However, no consensus on the present anticoagulation regimen for those women has been reached yet, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Aims

The present meta‐analysis is conducted to compare anticoagulation efficiency and feto‐maternal complications of heparin and warfarin in the first trimester.

Results

Databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched (all from their inception to October 2016) for cohort studies reporting the outcome of anticoagulation in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves. Seven relevant prospective studies were identified for inclusion in the present meta‐analysis. The forest plots indicated that warfarin was more effective in prevention valve thrombosis in the first trimester than heparin (OR: 14.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.94‐53.94; P < .0001; I2 = 0%). The spontaneous abortion between the two regimens was not statistically different (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 0.80‐2.49; P = .23; I2 = 20%), which indicated that heparin could not provide better protection to the fetus in the early stage of pregnancy than warfarin. The incidence of warfarin embryopathy was low, and it only occurred in a twin among all the included cases.

Conclusions

The present meta‐analysis indicated that warfarin can provide better protection for the mother and the teratogenic effects may be overestimated. Heparin does not ensure better fetal outcomes as it is associated with severe adverse maternal outcomes, including mortality.
ITS fungal barcoding primers versus 18S AMF‐specific primers reveal similar AMF‐based diversity patterns in roots and soils of three mountain vineyards
Authors: Berruti Andrea , Desirò Alessandro , Visentin Stefano , Zecca Odoardo , Bonfante Paola
Published: August 2017

ITS primers commonly used to describe soil fungi are flawed for AMF although it is unknown the extent to which they distort the interpretation of community patterns. Here, we focus on how the use of a specific ITS2 fungal barcoding primer pair biased for AMF changes the interpretation of AMF community patterns from three mountain vineyards compared to a novel AMF‐specific approach on the 18S. We found that although discrepancies were present in the taxonomic composition of the two resulting datasets, the estimation of diversity patterns among AMF communities was similar and resulted in both primer systems being able to correctly assess the community‐structuring effect of location, compartment (root vs. soil) and environment. Both methodologies made it possible to detect the same alpha‐diversity trend among the locations under study but not between root and soil transects. We show that the ITS2 primer system for fungal barcoding provides a good estimate of both AMF community structure and relation to environmental variables. However, this primer system does not fit in with cross‐compartment surveys (roots vs. soil) as it can underestimate AMF diversity in soil samples. When specifically focusing on AMF, the 18S primer system resulted in wide coverage and marginal non‐target amplification.
Mode of delivery for singleton extreme preterm breech fetuses: A 10 year retrospective review from a single tertiary obstetric centre
Authors: Hills Frances , Way Mandy , Sekar Renuka
Published: August 2017

Background

Preterm breech delivery is associated with a higher perinatal mortality rate compared with preterm vertex delivery, and some studies suggest caesarean section leads to lower mortality rates. Few studies include infants delivered less than 26 weeks gestation, and where included, results are often not stratified by gestational age. There is also a lack of consistent reporting on neonatal and maternal morbidity outcome measures.

Aims

To determine if mode of delivery for singleton extreme preterm breech fetuses is associated with a difference in perinatal mortality, neonatal and maternal morbidity.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective cohort study of breech deliveries from 23 + 0 to 27 + 6 weeks gestation (extreme preterm) between 2005 and 2014 at a tertiary obstetric facility.

Results

One hundred and fifty deliveries met the selection criteria. Perinatal mortality was reduced in the caesarean section group (20% vs 55.5% P < 0.001). Apgar scores ≥ 7 (P = 0.008) and cord pH ≥7.1 (P = 0.025) were more likely for neonates delivered by caesarean section, with lower rates of birth trauma (P = 0.003). Caesarean section was associated with higher nursery admission rates (P < 0.001), longer intensive care nursery admission (P = 0.006), continuous positive airway pressure times (P = 0.008) and increased use of surfactant (P < 0.001). Maternal morbidity was increased with caesarean section including longer hospital stay (P < 0.001), higher postpartum haemorrhage (P < 0.001) and wound infection rates (P = 0.034).

Conclusion

Caesarean section for singleton extreme preterm breech delivery is associated with reduced perinatal mortality, improved neonatal condition at delivery, and increased short‐term maternal morbidity.
C‐reactive protein concentrations can help to determine which febrile infants under three months should receive blood cultures during influenza seasons
Authors: Li Weiran , Luo Shuanghong , Zhu Yu , Wen Yang , Shu Min , Wan Chaomin
Published: August 2017

Aim

We explored whether C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations could indicate which infants with fever without source (FWS) should receive undergo blood culture tests during influenza seasons.

Methods

This retrospective study focused on patients under three months of age with FWS who had received blood culture tests at the West China Second University Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department during the influenza seasons from June 2013 to January 2015. The statistical analysis comprised specificity, sensitivity, multilevel likelihood ratios (LRs), receiver operating characteristic analysis and a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

We enrolled 592 febrile patients and 7.1% had bacteraemia, with levels falling with increasing age. According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimum threshold of CRP was 30.5 mg/L, and when the CRP level was higher than 30.5 mg/L, the positive LR of bacteraemia was 2.32. In patients aged 29–90 days, when the CRP level was higher than 5 mg/L, the negative LR of bacteraemia was 0.38. In the neonatal group, a CRP level of ≥30.5 mg/L had a positive LR of bacteraemia of 3.55.

Conclusion

We found that CRP concentrations could indicate which febrile children under three months of age should undergo blood culture tests during influenza seasons.
Helicobacter pylori infection and serum level of pepsinogen are associated with the risk of metachronous gastric neoplasm after endoscopic resection
Authors: Kwon Y. , Jeon S. , Nam S. , Shin I.
Published: August 2017

Background

Patients who have undergone endoscopic resection of early gastric cancers (EGCs) are at risk for metachronous gastric neoplasm.

Aim

To determine whether serum level of pepsinogen (PG), a marker of gastric atrophy, can determine which patients who have undergone endoscopic submucosal dissection for EGC are at risk for metachronous gastric neoplasm. We also investigated the effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication on metachronous gastric neoplasm incidence.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 590 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for EGC, from January 2008 to May 2013 at a tertiary centre in South Korea; serum levels of PG were measured at the time of endoscopic submucosal dissection and H. pylori infection status were recorded. In case of proven presence of current H. pylori infection, eradication treatment was provided. Patients underwent follow‐up endoscopies at 3 months, 9 months, and each year after the procedure to detect neoplasms and were tested for H. pylori infection; serum levels of PG were measured at these time points from 442 of the patients. The main and sub‐cohorts were assessed for baseline characteristics, H. pylori infection, serum level of PG, and metachronous gastric neoplasm lesions.

Results

During a median follow‐up period of 47.7 months, 64 patients developed metachronous gastric neoplasms. In multivariate analysis of the main cohort (n = 590), risk factors for metachronous gastric neoplasm included persistent H. pylori infection (hazard ratio [HR], 2.532; P = .022) and serum ratio of PGI:PGII of three or less at the time of endoscopic submucosal dissection (HR, 1.881; P = .018). Among patients with serum PG measurements, persistent H. pylori infection (odds ratio [OR], 4.404; P = .009) and persistent decrease in mean serum ratio of PGI:PGII to 3 or less were associated with increased risk of metachronous gastric neoplasm (OR, 2.141; P = .039).

Conclusions

In a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent endoscopic resection of EGCs, eradication of H. pylori infection reduced risk for metachronous gastric neoplasm. Serum ratio of PGI:PGII of 3 or less also increase risk of metachronous gastric neoplasm after endoscopic submucosal dissection. ClinicalTrials.gov. registry number, NCT02682446.
Awakening, Efficacy, and Action: A Qualitative Inquiry of a Social Justice‐Infused, Science Education Program
Authors: Kozan Saliha , Blustein David L. , Barnett Michael , Wong Catherine , Connors‐Kellgren Alice , Haley James , Patchen Amie , Olle Chad , Diemer Matthew A. , Floyd Ava , Tan R. P. Benjamin , Wan Deborah
Published: August 2017

This article describes an innovative application of a social justice‐infused pedagogy to an out‐of‐school program for urban high school students. Using an interdisciplinary framework, the program featured a coherent synthesis of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, highlighting environmental and food justice perspectives; social justice education; and career and college planning. We used qualitative content analysis to analyze two separate interviews with six female and three male students of color ranging in age from 15 to 18 with an average age of 16.1 (SD=1.26) across an approximately 10‐month time span. Utilizing a model of critical consciousness development as our organizing framework, we explored the students’ understanding of environmental and food justice issues. Participants indicated that they were actively engaged in learning about food and environmental justice, exploring STEM careers, and investigating the various ways that social justice is manifested in their lives. Implications for social justice and STEM education interventions as well as broader public policies are discussed.
Butyrate protects against disruption of the blood‐milk barrier and moderates inflammatory responses in a model of mastitis induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Wang Jing‐Jing , Wei Zheng‐Kai , Zhang Xu , Wang Ya‐Nan , Fu Yun‐he , Yang Zheng‐Tao
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose

Short‐chain fatty acids are fermentation end products produced by gut bacteria, which have been shown to ameliorate inflammatory bowel diseases and allergic asthma. However, the mechanism involved remains largely unknown. Here, we investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of sodium butyrate (SB) on LPS‐induced mastitis model.

Experimental Approach

Effects of increasing doses of SB on blood‐milk barrier function and inflammation are studied in BALB/c mice with LPS‐induced mastitis. The underlying mechanisms of anti‐inflammatory effects of SB were further investigated in LPS‐stimulated mouse mammary epithelial cells (mMECs).

Key Results

The results show that SB decreased LPS‐induced disruption in mammary tissues, infiltration of inflammatory cells and the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β. SB up‐regulated the tight junction proteins occludin and claudin‐3 and reduced blood‐milk barrier permeability in LPS‐induced mastitis. Studies in vitro revealed that SB inhibited LPS‐induced inflammatory response by inhibition of the NF‐κB signalling pathway and histone deacetylases in LPS‐stimulated mMECs.

Conclusions and Implications

In our model, SB protected against LPS‐induced mastitis by preserving blood‐milk barrier function and depressing pro‐inflammatory responses, suggesting the potential use of SB as a prophylactic agent to protect blood‐milk barrier function in mastitis.
Pharmacological inhibition of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis‐related, gain of function mutants of TRPC6 channels by semi‐synthetic derivatives of larixol
Authors: Urban Nicole , Neuser Sonja , Hentschel Anika , Köhling Sebastian , Rademann Jörg , Schaefer Michael
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose

Gain of function mutations in TRPC6 channels can cause autosomal dominant forms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Validated inhibitors of TRPC6 channels that are biologically active on FSGS‐related TRPC6 mutants are eagerly sought.

Experimental Approach

We synthesized new TRPC6‐inhibiting modulators from larixol, a resiniferous constituent of Larix decidua, and tested the potency and selectivity in cell lines stably expressing various TRPC channel isoforms. Channel activation was followed by Ca2+ influx analyses and electrophysiological recordings. The most promising compound larixyl carbamate (LC) was tested on native TRPC6 channels and TRPC6 constructs carrying FSGS‐related point mutations.

Key Results

LC exhibited an about 30‐fold preference for TRPC6 over TRPC3 channels and a fivefold preference for TRPC6 over TRPC7 channels. Six FSGS‐related TRPC6 mutants, including the highly active M132T and R175Q variants, were strongly inhibited by 1 μM LC. Surprisingly, no TRPC6‐related Ca2+ signals were detectable in primary murine podocytes, or in acutely isolated glomeruli. in these preparations. Quantitative PCR revealed a 20‐fold to 50‐fold lower abundance of TRPC6 transcripts in rat or mouse podocytes, compared with pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from the same species. Accordingly, electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that DAG‐induced currents in murine podocytes are very small, but sensitive to LC.

Conclusions and Implications

In spite of their low abundance in native podocytes, native TRPC6 channels are targetable using larixol‐derived TRPC6 inhibitors. As observed with wild‐type TRPC6 channels, FSGS‐related TRPC6 mutants were sensitive to the newly developed inhibitors, paving the way for experimental therapies.
Economic Targeting of Agricultural Beneficial Management Practices to Address Phosphorus Runoff in Manitoba
Authors: Kelly Kaitlin E. , Belcher Ken , Khakbazan Mohammad
Published: August 2017

The mechanisms used to deliver agricultural beneficial management practices (BMPs) can influence the performance of these policies. Research has suggested that agri‐environmental instruments targeted based on specific economic or environmental characteristics can improve policy performance. Using a case study approach, we evaluate the relative performance of different mechanisms to target subsidized water retention pond BMPs to reduce phosphorus (P) runoff in an agriculture dominated subwatershed within the Lake Winnipeg watershed in southern Manitoba. The water retention pond BMPs were targeted based on estimated establishment costs (cost targeting), total phosphorus removal from surface water (benefit targeting), and pond‐specific benefit–cost ratios. The targeting was simulated using predictions of retention pond‐specific P removal from an adapted hydrology model and site‐specific pond construction and land opportunity costs assembled in a geographic information system database. Targeting of water retention pond BMPs has an impact on the cost effectiveness of the policy delivery with benefit–cost targeting being the most cost‐effective approach. Water retention ponds providing higher P removal at lower cost were smaller in size and on land previously used for the production of lower value crops.

Le ciblage économique des pratiques de gestion bénéfiques en agriculture pour remédier au ruissellement du phosphore au Manitoba

Les mécanismes utilisés pour livrer des pratiques de gestion bénéfiques (PGB) peuvent influencer la performance de ces politiques. Des études suggèrent que le ciblage d'instruments agroenvironnementaux basé sur des caractéristiques économiques ou environnementales précises peut améliorer la performance des politiques. Au moyen d'études de cas, nous évaluons la performance relative de divers mécanismes pour cibler les PGB des bassins de rétention d'eau subventionnés pour réduire le ruissellement de phosphore (P) dans un sous‐bassin du bassin du Lac Winnipeg au sud du Manitoba. Les PGB du bassin de rétention des eaux ont été ciblées en fonction des coûts estimés d'établissement (ciblage des coûts), de l′élimination totale du phosphore de la surface de l'eau (ciblage des bénéfices), et des ratios avantages‐coûts liés au bassin. Le ciblage fut simulé au moyen de prédictions du taux de suppression de P spécifique à chaque bassin de rétention obtenues à partir d'une adaptation d'un modèle hydrologique et d'une base de données d'un système d'information géographique (SIG) contenant les sites de chaque bassin de rétention et le coût d'opportunité du terrain. Le ciblage des PGB des bassins de rétention d'eau a un impact sur la rentabilité de la mise en œuvre de politiques, le ciblage coût‐avantages étant l'approche la plus rentable. Les bassins de rétention d'eau ayant le plus haut taux d'élimination de P à moindre coût s'avéraient plus petits et sur des terrains ayant servi, auparavant, à la production de cultures de moindre valeur.
Comparison of robotic and coblation tongue base resection for obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Hwang C.S. , Kim J.W. , Kim J.W. , Lee E.J. , Kim C.‐H. , Yoon J.‐H. , Cho H.‐J.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and safety of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with endoscope‐guided coblation tongue base resection.

Design

Retrospective case‐control study.

Setting

University‐based tertiary care medical center.

Participants

Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) who underwent endoscope‐guided tongue base coblation resection or transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in combination with lateral pharyngoplasty at a single institution in South Korea between April 2013 and December 2016 were investigated. Forty‐five patients who had moderate‐to‐severe OSA with tongue base collapse and a minimum follow‐up period of 6 months with postoperative polysomnography (PSG) were enrolled in this study.

Main outcome measures

All patients underwent pre‐ and postoperative (at least 4 months after surgery) overnight PSG. Available information on results of the PSG, Epworth sleepiness scale and complications of the TORS and coblation groups were compared.

Results

Postoperative PSG studies showed improved sleep quality for most patients. The mean postoperative apnoea‐hypopnea index (AHI) was reduced significantly from 45.0 to 17.0 events/h (P < .0001) in the TORS group and from 45.6 to 16.2 events/h (P < .0001) in the coblation group. The mean rates of improvement (AHI reduction > 50%) were 75.0% in TORS patients and 62.1% in coblation patients and the difference was not significant. Less frequent postoperative morbidity, including bleeding, taste dysfunction and foreign body sensation, was recorded in TORS patients.

Conclusions

Both the coblation and TORS groups showed similar surgical outcomes, TORS achieved PSG results non‐inferior to and complication rates comparable to coblation.
A comparison of two endoscopic posterior cordotomy techniques: Laser cordotomy vs diathermy‐assisted cordotomy
Authors: Ozturk K. , Turhal G. , Kaya I. , Aysel A. , Benzer M. , Korkmaz Ekren P. , Akyildiz S.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To compare respiratory function, swallowing and voice quality of bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis (BAVFP) patients undergoing laser and diathermy‐assisted posterior cordotomy.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Tertiary academic hospital.

Participants

Thirty patients were included in the study (groups 1 and 2, 15 patients each). Mean age was 53 ± 14.27 years with a range of 31‐78 years (12 [40%] males, 18 [60%] females).

Main outcome measures

Sufficient airway, complications, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), voice quality VAS, fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, NHR, amplitude perturbation quotient (APQ) and pitch perturbation quotient (PPQ) scores.

Results

A sufficient laryngeal airway was achieved in all patients. Six patients (20%) developed postoperative granulation tissue (2 in group 1 and 4 in group 2).

There was a statistically significant improvement in FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEF measurements at the postoperative sixth month compared to preoperative measurements in both of the groups (P < .05).

Preoperative median voice quality VAS scores in groups 1 and 2 were 8 (IQR = 1) and 8 (IQR = 3), respectively. Postoperative sixth‐month voice quality VAS scores in groups 1 and 2 were 6 (IQR = 1) and 6 (IQR = 0), respectively. Postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower in both groups (P < .05).

The postoperative changes in fundamental frequency, NHR, jitter, shimmer, APQ and PPQ were not statistically significant in both of the groups (P > .05).

Conclusions

Laser and diathermy‐assisted posterior cordotomy are both minimally invasive, effective techniques with a long‐term sufficient laryngeal airway. Despite lower quality of voice VAS scores, objective acoustic outcomes were not significantly lower in both of the groups.
The Contribution of Vocabulary Knowledge to Reading Proficiency: The Case of College Russian
Authors: Hacking Jane F. , Tschirner Erwin
Published: August 2017

Literacy development in a second language (L2) is a key goal of college foreign language study; language programs aspire to graduate students with strong L2 reading ability. Research has shown a strong correlation between L2 vocabulary knowledge and L2 reading proficiency; however, much of this research has focused on English as a second language. Research among other language learning populations is needed to offer empirically grounded suggestions on how best to achieve high levels of L2 literacy. This article presents data on the reading proficiency and vocabulary knowledge of 48 native American‐English‐speaking college‐level learners of Russian in order to determine whether there are identifiable lexical thresholds associated with moving from one level of reading proficiency to the next. Participants completed the ACTFL Reading Proficiency Test rated according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012—Reading and the Russian Vocabulary Levels Test, which measured knowledge of the 5,000 most frequent words in Russian. Results showed that there are statistically significant lexical minimums associated with different levels of reading proficiency. These findings suggest the utility of similarly designed studies for other languages and are discussed in terms of implications for the role of developing vocabulary knowledge in an undergraduate curriculum.
Race, Place, and the Persisting Income Divide in the U.S. Southeast, 2000–2014
Authors: Sharma Madhuri
Published: August 2017

Despite economic growth since the recession, the gap between the richest and the poorest segments of the population remains one of the most pressing concerns of contemporary America. This paper uses IR‐95/20, IR‐80/20, and IR‐65/35 ratios to measure the income divides between the richest and the poorest segments in the mid‐to‐large‐sized metropolises of the U.S. Southeast, their variation across ethnicities, and their association with metropolitan level attributes such as diversity, segregation, socio‐economic, and other built‐environment, and labor characteristics. The income divide ratios serve as the dependent variables whereas principal components along with state‐dummy variables serve as the explanatory variables in regressions analyses. The metropolises that are large, diverse, and better educated are the most income‐divided whereas those with lower educated people are less divided. Metropolises with larger shares of their labor engaged in primary sectors of economy have higher income divides; this observation also holds true for African Americans and Hispanics. Metropolises that gained in intermixing during 2000–2014 are associated with a lower income divide and vice versa.
Patient with a total artificial heart maintained on outpatient dialysis while listed for combined organ transplant, a single center experience
Authors: Hanna Ramy M. , Hasnain Huma , Kamgar Mohammad , Hanna Mina , Minasian Raffi , Wilson James
Published: August 2017

Advanced mechanical circulatory support is increasingly being used with more sophisticated devices that can deliver pulsatile rather than continuous flow. These devices are more portable as well, allowing patients to await cardiac transplantation in an outpatient setting. It is known that patients with renal failure are at increased risk for developing worsening acute kidney injury during implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD) or more advanced modalities like a total artificial heart (TAH). Dealing with patients who have an implanted TAH who develop renal failure has been a challenge with the majority of such patients having to await a combined cardiac and renal transplant prior to transition to outpatient care. Protocols do exist for VAD implanted patients to be transitioned to outpatient dialysis care, but there are no reported cases of TAH patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) being successfully transitioned to outpatient dialysis care. In this report, we identify a patient with a TAH and ESRD transitioned successfully to outpatient hemodialysis and maintained for more than 2 years, though he did not survive to transplant. It is hoped that this report will raise awareness of this possibility, and assist in the development of protocols for similar patients to be successfully transitioned to outpatient dialysis care.
Global multielectrode contact mapping plus ablation with a single catheter: Preclinical and preliminary experience in humans with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kottkamp Hans , Moser Fabian , Rieger Andreas , Schreiber Doreen , Pönisch Christian , Trofin Monica
Published: August 2017

Introduction

One question for the technological advancement of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is whether a creative new concept can combine and even improve the diagnostic mapping options of single‐tip and basket catheters with the simplicity of the use of balloon catheters for ablation. Herein, we describe the first in‐human experience with a single catheter offering such a complete solution.

Methods and results

A new catheter (Globe®) with a distal multielectrode array consisting of 16 ribs with 122 gold‐plated electrodes was used. Each electrode can ablate, pace, and can measure tissue contact, temperature, current, and intracardiac electrograms. The Globe was deployed and removed without difficulty in all 3 patients. Complete pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was achieved in all 12 veins. In 10 veins, PVI was achieved with a single placement in front of the respective vein (“single circle isolation”). In one subject, the device was repositioned due to the esophagus location. In the other subject, a single gap was observed after circumferential ablation of the right inferior PV. After precise gap identification, the device was adjusted slightly for improved contact at that region, and reablation resulted in immediate PVI.

Conclusions

PVI isolation could be performed with the new multielectrode array Globe in all 12 PVs offering the option for easy handling and fast “single‐shot” PVI. Several continuously updated mapping types from 122 electrodes even in real time during ablation demonstrate the capability to go beyond PVI for voltage mapping plus substrate modification, and for rotor mapping plus rotor ablation.
Catheter ablation of left atrial arrhythmias on uninterrupted oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists: What is the relationship between international normalized ratio, activated clotting time, and procedure‐related complications?
Authors: Kottmaier Marc , Bourier Felix , Semmler Verena , Telishevska Martha , Koch‐Büttner Katharina , Lennerz Carsten , Lengauer Sarah , Kornmayer Marielouise , Rousseva Elena , Brooks Stephanie , Brkic Amir , Grebmer Christian , Kolb Christoph , Hessling Gabriele , Deisenhofer Isabel , Reents Tilko
Published: August 2017

Background

Ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) on uninterrupted phenprocoumon reduces periprocedural thromboembolic and bleeding complications. Heparin is administered intraprocedurally to achieve activated clotting times (ACT) of 300–400 seconds. We investigated the effect of international normalized ratio (INR) on ACT and intraprocedural heparin requirements. Moreover, safety of a target ACT of 250–300 seconds was investigated.

Methods and results

We studied 949 patients referred for AF or left atrial tachycardia ablation. Patients were divided into Group 1 (n = 249) with an INR <2 and Group 2 (n = 700) with an INR ≥2. Mean INR was 1.7 ± 0.13 in Group 1 and 2.3 ± 0.25 in Group 2. Baseline, mean, minimum and maximum ACT were significantly lower in Group 1 (138 ± 17 seconds vs. 145 ± 21 seconds; 281 ± 28 seconds vs. 288 ± 29 seconds; 251 ± 36 seconds vs. 258 ± 34 seconds; 307 ± 32 seconds vs. 316 ± 40 seconds; P <0.05). Intraprocedural heparin requirements adjusted to body weight were lower in Group 1 (127 ± 41 U/kg vs. 122 ± 40 U/kg). Weak correlations between INR and baseline, mean, minimum and maximum ACT as well as intraprocedural heparin requirements were observed. No differences regarding major or minor complications were found. INR and periprocedural anticoagulation parameters had no influence on major complications. No thromboembolic complications were observed in both groups with a target ACT value of 250–300 seconds.

Conclusions

There is only a weak correlation between INR, intraprocedural ACT, and intraprocedural heparin requirements. Periprocedural target ACT of 250–300 seconds seems safe and does not increase periprocedural bleeding and thromboembolic complications in patients undergoing RF ablation on uninterrupted phenprocoumon therapy.
Everolimus‐eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation to treat saphenous vein graft disease, single‐center initial experience
Authors: Picard Fabien , Marquis‐Gravel Guillaume , Avram Robert , Ly Hung Q. , Dorval Jean‐François , Doucet Serge , de Hemptinne Quentin , L'allier Philippe L. , Tanguay Jean‐François
Published: August 2017

Aims

Recent studies have shown favorable outcomes with everolimus‐eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Data on the use of BVS in saphenous vein graft disease (SVG) is currently lacking.

Methods and Results

A total of 10 consecutive patients (13 lesions, including 6 in‐stent restenosis) who underwent BVS for SVG disease between May 2013 and June 2015 at a tertiary care institution were included. Median follow‐up period was 874 (720‐926) days. One patient had scaffold thrombosis (ScT) 15 months after implantation, which was treated medically. Another patient had target lesion revascularization (TLR) in two different lesions, where BVS was used to treat in‐stent restenosis. The composite endpoint of TLR, ScT, target vessel myocardial infarction, and cardiac death, was reached in two patients

Conclusions

This first real‐world data on the use of the ABSORB™ BVS in patients with SVG disease shows that its implantation is technically feasible. The observed rate of target lesion revascularization was similar to those observed with drug‐eluting stents in similar settings. Larger studies are required to better define the optimal use of BVS to treat SVG disease.
Effect of flour information (origin and organic) and consumer attitude to health and natural product on bread acceptability of Korean consumers
Authors: Ha Chung‐Hong , Lee Soh Min , Lee Eun‐Kyung , Kim Kwang‐Ok
Published: August 2017

While bread is a staple food in western culture, it is a supplementary food in rice eating societies. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of extrinsic flour information on bread acceptability in one of rice eating societies, Korea. Consumers evaluated six bread samples either blind or with flour information including which country it was produced and whether organic production was applied or not. Consumers' interest in health or in natural products was also measured. The results showed that information of using domestic flour had a strong positive effect on overall bread acceptability, while organic information particularly affected flavor preferences. Health or natural product interested people showed more distinct tendency of the above origin and organic effect. Texture liking remained unaffected by extrinsic information in all cases.

Practical applications

The results implied the possibility of consumers who consider bread as supplementary food may be either lacking in knowledge about bread quality in relation to flours, resulting in biased expectation induced from extrinsic information or may not care bread quality as carefully as consumers in societies who consume bread as staple food. Consumer attitudes to health and to natural product were observed to be important considerations when developing market strategies for bread consumers in Korea.
Looking back and moving forward: Health geography in Aotearoa and beyond
Authors: Ergler Christina R. , Lovell Sarah , Watkins Alison , Milligan Christine , Thompson Lee , Exeter Daniel J. , Kearns Robin
Published: August 2017

Health geography in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) has had a major impact on international sub‐disciplinary debates. It is timely to celebrate our domestic health geography achievements and alert ourselves to the challenges ahead. This reflection article provides a brief overview of Aotearoa NZ's maturing health geography community and includes the reflections of a panel discussion held during the bi‐annual NZ Geographical Society conference in 2016. We argue that the eclectism of health geography in NZ and beyond is both the sub‐discipline's major strength and challenge.
Burnout among Finnish and Chinese university students
Authors: Hernesniemi Elina , Räty Hannu , Kasanen Kati , Cheng Xuejiao , Hong Jianzhong , Kuittinen Matti
Published: August 2017

In this study the levels of experienced burnout of Finnish and Chinese university students are compared using School Burnout Inventory (SBI). This study is motivated by earlier studies, which suggest that the level of student burnout is different in the culturally distinct Finnish and Chinese university systems, but which are based on different research instruments for the two groups. The sample studied consisted of 3,035 Finnish students and 2,309 Chinese students. Because of the cross‐cultural nature of this study the level of structural equivalence of SBI between the cultural groups was examined and the effect of different response styles on the results was taken into account. Both standard and robust statistical methods were used for the analyses. The results showed that SBI with two extracted components is suitable for cross‐cultural analysis between Finnish and Chinese university students. Virtually no difference was found in experienced overall burnout between the Finnish and Chinese students, which means that both university systems contain factors causing similar levels of student burnout. This study also verified that controlling for the response styles is important in cross‐cultural studies as it was found to have a distinct effect on the results obtained from mean‐level comparisons.
Kindlin‐2 interacts with endothelial adherens junctions to support vascular barrier integrity
Authors: Pluskota Elzbieta , Bledzka Kamila M. , Bialkowska Katarzyna , Szpak Dorota , Soloviev Dmitry A. , Jones Sidney V. , Verbovetskiy Dmitriy , Plow Edward F.
Published: August 2017

Key points

A reduction in Kindlin‐2 levels in endothelial cells compromises vascular barrier function.

Kindlin‐2 is a previously unrecognized component of endothelial adherens junctions.

By interacting directly and simultaneously with β‐ or γ‐catenin and cortical actin filaments, Kindlin‐2 stabilizes adherens junctions.

The Kindlin‐2 binding sites for β‐ and γ‐catenin reside within its F1 and F3 subdomains. Although Kindlin‐2 does not associate directly with tight junctions, its downregulation also destabilizes these junctions. Thus, impairment of both adherens and tight junctions may contribute to enhanced leakiness of vasculature in Kindlin‐2+/− mice.

Endothelial cells (EC) establish a physical barrier between the blood and surrounding tissue. Impairment of this barrier can occur during inflammation, ischaemia or sepsis and cause severe organ dysfunction. Kindlin‐2, which is primarily recognized as a focal adhesion protein in EC, was not anticipated to have a role in vascular barrier. We tested the role of Kindlin‐2 in regulating vascular integrity using several different approaches to decrease Kindlin‐2 levels in EC. Reduced levels of Kindlin‐2 in Kindlin‐2+/– mice aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) from these mice, and human umbilical ECs (HUVEC) treated with Kindlin‐2 siRNA showed enhanced basal and platelet‐activating factor (PAF) or lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated vascular leakage compared to wild‐type (WT) counterparts. PAF preferentially disrupted the Kindlin‐2+/− MAECs barrier to BSA and dextran and reduced transendothelial resistance compared to WT cells. Kindlin‐2 co‐localized and co‐immunoprecipitated with vascular endothelial cadherin‐based complexes, including β‐ and γ‐catenin and actin, components of adherens junctions (AJ). Direct interaction of Kindlin‐2 with β‐ and γ‐catenin and actin was demonstrated in co‐immunoprecipitation and surface plasmon resonance experiments. In thrombin‐stimulated HUVECs, Kindlin‐2 and cortical actin dissociated from stable AJs and redistributed to radial actin stress fibres of remodelling focal AJs. The β‐ and γ‐catenin binding site resides within the F1 and F3 subdomains of Kindlin‐2 but not the integrin binding site in F3. These results establish a previously unrecognized and vital role of Kindlin‐2 with respect to maintaining the vascular barrier by linking Vascuar endothelial cadherin‐based complexes to cortical actin and thereby stabilizing AJ.
Evidence of a speech evoked electrophysiological release from masking in noise
Authors: Faucette Sarah P. , Stuart Andrew
Published: August 2017

In this study, a release from masking (RFM) was sought with cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) elicited by speech (/da/) in competing continuous and interrupted noises. Two paradigms (i.e., fixed speech with varying signal-to-noise ratios and fixed noise with varying speech levels) were employed. Shorter latencies and larger amplitudes were observed in interrupted versus continuous noise at equivalent signal-to-noise ratios. With fixed speech presentation, P1-N1-P2 latencies were prolonged and peak N1 and P2 amplitudes decreased and more so with continuous noise. CAEP thresholds were lower in interrupted noise. This is the first demonstration of RFM with CAEPs to speech.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three β-Lactam-Catabolizing Soil
Proteobacteria
Authors: Crofts Terence S. , Wang Bin , Spivak Aaron , Gianoulis Tara A. , Forsberg Kevin J. , Gibson Molly K. , Johnsky Lauren A. , Broomall Stacey M. , Rosenzweig C. Nicole , Skowronski Evan W. , Gibbons Henry S. , Sommer Morten O. A. , Dantas Gautam
Published: August 2017

Most antibiotics are derived from the soil, but their catabolism there, which is necessary to close the antibiotic carbon cycle, remains uncharacterized. We report the first draft genome sequences of soil
Proteobacteria
identified for subsisting solely on β-lactams as their carbon sources. The genomes encode multiple β-lactamases, although their antibiotic catabolic pathways remain enigmatic.
Genome Sequences of Mycobacteriophages Kerberos, Pomar16, and StarStuff
Authors: Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Catinas Oana , Fernandez-Martinez Mariceli , Garcia Amelia , Garlena Rebecca A. , Guerrero Bustamante Carlos A. , Larsen Michelle H. , Medellin Rosa H. , Melendez-Ortiz Martin Y. , Melendez-Rivera Crystal M. , Mercado-Andino Alondra K. , Mercado-Delgado Abner J. , Ortiz-Ortiz Cathia P. , Quesada-Gordillo Ana M. , Ramos Jacqueline M. , Rubin Michael R. , Russell Daniel A. , Sadana Rachna A. , Saha Sanghamitra , Vazquez Edwin , Villarreal David , Hatfull Graham F.
Published: August 2017

We describe the genome sequences of three closely related mycobacteriophages, Kerberos, Pomar16, and StarStuff, isolated at similar times but from geographically distinct regions. All three genomes are similar to those of other subcluster A2 phages, such as L5 and D29, are temperate, and have siphoviral virion morphologies.
First Insights into the Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas oleovorans DSM 1045
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Daniel Rolf , Thürmer Andrea , Bollinger Alexander , Thies Stephan , Katzke Nadine , Jaeger Karl-Erich
Published: August 2017

The Gram-negative proteobacterium
Pseudomonas oleovorans
DSM 1045 is considered a promising source for enzymes of biotechnological interest, e.g., hydrolases and transaminases. Here, we present a draft sequence of its 4.86-Mb genome, enabling the identification of novel biocatalysts.
First Complete Genome Sequence of
Tobacco necrosis virus D
Isolated from Soybean and from North America
Authors: Díaz-Cruz Gustavo A. , Smith Charlotte M. , Wiebe Kiana F. , Cassone Bryan J.
Published: August 2017

We present the first complete genome sequence of the tombusvirus
Tobacco necrosis virus D
(TNV-D) from North America, obtained from an infected soybean plant. Compared with the three other TNV-D genomes isolated from different geographic regions and host plants, its nucleotide identities were between 83% and 93%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 398 Isolated from Swine in the United States
Authors: Hau Samantha J. , Bayles Darrell O. , Alt David P. , Frana Timothy S. , Nicholson Tracy L.
Published: August 2017

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) colonizes and causes disease in many animal species. Livestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA) isolates are represented by isolates of the sequence type 398 (ST398). These isolates are considered to be livestock adapted. This report provides the complete genome sequence of one swine-associated LA-MRSA ST398 isolate from the United States.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 5 Isolate from the United States
Authors: Hau Samantha J. , Bayles Darrell O. , Alt David P. , Frana Timothy S. , Nicholson Tracy L.
Published: August 2017

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(LA-MRSA) may be the largest MRSA reservoir outside the hospital setting. One concern with LA-MRSA is the acquisition of novel mobile genetic elements by these isolates. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a swine LA-MRSA sequence type 5 isolate from the United States.
Cytomegalovirus-related transverse myelitis in an immunocompetent host: a subacute onset of an immune-mediated disease?
Authors: Merchan-del Hierro Xavier , Halalau Alexandra
Published: August 2017

We report a case of transverse myelitis in an immunocompetent host with an atypical long onset of symptoms. A 56-year-old man was admitted to the hospital reporting 5 months of progressive ascending lower extremity weakness and numbness, inability to walk, bowel incontinence,urinary retention and several episodes of nausea and vomiting. MRI showed moderate spinal swelling and multiple hyperintense signal changes on cervical levels C2–C5 and thoracic levels T1–T3. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed pleocytosis and was positive for anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG intrathecal antibodies, but the CSF PCR for CMV was negative. The diagnosis of immune-mediated CMV-related transverse myelitis was established and the patient was treated with methylprednisolone and valgancyclovir. The patient had poor recovery and remained paraplegic at discharge.