bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Intensity of Infection with Third Stage Larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Mollusks from Northeast Thailand
Authors: Tesana Smarn , Srisawangwong Tuanchai , Sithithaworn Paiboon , Laha Thewarach , Andrews Ross
Published: September 2018

Prevalences and intensity of infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis third stage larvae were examined in mollusks to determine whether they are potential intermediate hosts in eight provinces, northeast Thailand. Mollusk samples were collected from 24 reservoirs (3 reservoirs/province) in close to human cases during the previous year. Six out of 24 localities and 9 (3 new record species) out of 27 species were found with the infection. The highest intensity in infected species was found to be only one or two snails, whereas the majority had very low or no infection. The highest density was found in Pila pesmei and the lowest in Pila polita. The edible snails, P. polita, P. pesmei, and Hemiplecta distincta have the potential to transmit A. cantonensis to man. The varying density levels of larvae in infected snails may reflect observed variation in symptoms of people who traditionally eat a raw snail dish.
Wild Ecotopes and Food Habits of Triatoma longipennis Infected by Trypanosoma cruzi Lineages I and II in Mexico
Authors: Bosseno Marie-France , Barnabé Christian , Sierra Maria Jesus Ramirez , Kengne Pierre , Guerrero Sergio , Lozano Felipe , Ezequiel Kasten , Gastélum Magallón , Brenière Simone Frédérique
Published: September 2018

The control of wild triatomine populations that can invade dwellings is a major challenge for Chagas disease control in Mexico, but a better knowledge of the biology of these populations is required to develop appropriate control methods. We describe a new terrestrial ecotope of Triatoma longipennis, a principal vector in the occidental part of Mexico, in addition to its previously identified niche in rock pile boundary walls. Analysis of feeding hosts in the two ecotopes showed that this species is able to diversify its food sources outside of the principal hosts, Dasypus novemcinctus and Procyon lotor, and to disperse in search of new meals. Moreover, T. longipennis are strongly infected not only by the Trypanosoma cruzi I lineage found in the domestic cycle, but also by T. cruzi lineage II. The impact of T. cruzi II on human infection remains to be determined.
Simplified Pupal Surveys of Aedes aegypti (L.) for Entomologic Surveillance and Dengue Control
Authors: Barrera Roberto
Published: September 2018

Pupal surveys of Aedes aegypti (L.) are useful indicators of risk for dengue transmission, although sample sizes for reliable estimations can be large. This study explores two methods for making pupal surveys more practical yet reliable and used data from 10 pupal surveys conducted in Puerto Rico during 2004–2008. The number of pupae per person for each sampling followed a negative binomial distribution, thus showing aggregation. One method found a common aggregation parameter (k) for the negative binomial distribution, a finding that enabled the application of a sequential sampling method requiring few samples to determine whether the number of pupae/person was above a vector density threshold for dengue transmission. A second approach used the finding that the mean number of pupae/person is correlated with the proportion of pupa-infested households and calculated equivalent threshold proportions of pupa-positive households. A sequential sampling program was also developed for this method to determine whether observed proportions of infested households were above threshold levels. These methods can be used to validate entomological thresholds for dengue transmission.
Antibiotic Use in Pediatric Patients Admitted to a Referral Hospital in Botswana
Authors: Fisher Brian T. , Meaney Peter A. , Shah Samir S. , Irwin Stacy A. , Grady Carol A. , Kurup Shobha , Malefho Kolaatamo C. S. , Jibril Haruna , Steenhoff Andrew P.
Published: September 2018

Inappropriate antimicrobial drug use is well described for hospitalized patients in the United States. Antibiotic use in hospitals in developing countries is less well documented. We evaluated the antibiotics prescribed to 91 pediatric inpatients in Botswana. The results showed that the duration of prescribed therapy can be excessive. Recommendations for potential interventions to reduce antibiotic overuse in this setting are necessary.
Difficulties in Maintaining Improved Handwashing Behavior, Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Luby Stephen P. , Agboatwalla Mubina , Bowen Anna , Kenah Eben , Sharker Yushuf , Hoekstra Robert M.
Published: September 2018

In an earlier study in Karachi, Pakistan, households that received free soap and handwashing promotion for 9 months reported 53% less diarrhea than controls. Eighteen months after the intervention ended, these households were enrolled in a follow-up study to assess sustainability of handwashing behavior. Upon re-enrollment, mothers in households originally assigned to the intervention were 1.5 times more likely to have a place with soap and water to wash hands (79% versus 53%, P = 0.001) and when asked to wash hands were 2.2 times more likely to rub their hands together at least three times (50% versus 23%, P = 0.002) compared with controls. In the ensuing 14 months, former intervention households reported a similar proportion of person-days with diarrhea (1.59% versus 1.88%, P = 0.66) as controls. Although intervention households showed better handwashing technique after 2 years without intervention, their soap purchases and diarrhea experience was not significantly different from controls.
High Prevalence and Fixation of Plasmodium vivax dhfr/dhps Mutations Related to Sulfadoxine/Pyrimethamine Resistance in French Guiana
Authors: Barnadas Céline , Musset Lise , Legrand Eric , Tichit Magali , Briolant Sébastien , Fusai Thierry , Rogier Christophe , Bouchier Christiane , Picot Stéphane , Ménard Didier
Published: September 2018

Plasmodium vivax isolates from French Guiana were studied for the presence of mutations associated with sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) drug resistance. Ninety-six blood samples were collected from 2000 to 2005 from symptomatic malaria patients. SP drug resistance was predicted by determining point mutations in the dihydrofolate reductase (pvdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (pvdhps) genes. All samples showed mutant genotypes in both genes with a prevalence > 90% for the 58R, 117N, 382C, and 383G. A new mutation (116G) in pvdhfr was found at a frequency of 3.3%. Six different pvdhfr/dhps multilocus genotypes were observed with the predominance of the quintuple mutant-type 58R/117N/173L–382C/383G (59.3%). No significant differences were observed between the prevalence of haplotypes and the year of collection. Our results indicate that, in this area, the fixation of SP drug-resistant parasites in the P. vivax population is stable.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in Macaca fascicularis Using Archived Tissues
Authors: Williams Jeff T. , Mubiru James N. , Schlabritz-Loutsevitch Natalia E. , Rubicz Rohina C. , VandeBerg John L. , Dick Edward J. , Hubbard Gene B.
Published: September 2018

This study describes conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods developed to detect and quantify Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks archived for periods of up to 6 years. The highest concentration of T. cruzi DNA was found in the myocardium, urinary bladder, stomach, lymph node, adrenal gland, and colon. The concentration of T. cruzi DNA detected in cardiac tissues was 10–100-fold greater than found elsewhere; the mean concentrations of T. cruzi DNA in non-cardiac tissues were otherwise comparable. Trypanosoma cruzi DNA was amplified from cerebrum but not cerebellum or kidney. Successful use of DNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks is important because most pathology laboratories routinely archive wax blocks. This archived resource can be used for further studies on the prevalence of this disease.
Results from Nationwide Hepatitis B Serosurvey in Cambodia using Simple and Rapid Laboratory Test: Implications for National Immunization Program
Authors: Soeung Sann Chan , Rani Manju , Huong Vu , Sarath Savay , Kimly Chea , Kohei Toda
Published: September 2018

Chronic liver infection and cancer in the western Pacific region is disproportionate to the population globally. This study provides the first nationwide estimates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroprevalence in Cambodia among children five year of age. Using a simple and rapid test for HBsAg and multi-stage stratified cluster sampling design, we estimated HBsAg seroprevalence to be 3.5% (95% confidence interval = 2.4–4.8%) among five-year old children. Triangulating the results with other studies, we demonstrate the importance of interrupting perinatal transmission and one-time catch-up vaccination of older children born before nationwide introduction of vaccination for effective hepatitis B control in Cambodia and for reaching the disease control goal of less than 2% chronic infection rates among children ≥ 5 years of age. The results demonstrate the feasibility of conducting nationwide serosurveys using simple and rapid tests to evaluate the impact of hepatitis B vaccination programs in lieu of standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Environmental and Biological Factors Influencing Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) Vector Competence for Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Richards Stephanie L. , Lord Cynthia C. , Pesko Kendra , Tabachnick Walter J.
Published: September 2018

Complex interactions between environmental and biological factors influence the susceptibility of
Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus
to St. Louis encephalitis virus and could affect the epidemiology of virus transmission. Similar interactions could have epidemiologic implications for other vector-virus systems. We conducted an experiment to examine four such factors in combination: mosquito age, extrinsic incubation temperature (EIT), virus dose, and colony. The proportion of mosquitoes with body infections or disseminated infections varied between colonies, and was dependant on age, EIT, and dose. We also show that the probability of a body or leg infection interacted in complex ways between colonies, ages, EITs, and doses. The complex interactive effects of environmental and biological factors must be taken into account for studies of vector competence and epidemiology, especially when laboratory studies are used to generalize to natural transmission dynamics where the extent of variation is largely unknown.
Evaluation of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Based on Araraquara Virus Recombinant Nucleocapsid Protein
Authors: Figueiredo Luiz Tadeu Moraes , Moreli Marcos Lazaro , Borges Alessandra Abel , de Figueiredo Glauciane Garcia , Badra Soraya Jabur , Bisordi Ivani , Suzuki Akemi , Capria Silvana , Padula Paula
Published: September 2018

Laboratory diagnosis of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in Brazil has been performed mostly by detection of IgM antibodies to recombinant antigen purified from Sin Nombre virus and Andes virus (ANDV). Recently, a recombinant nucleocapsid (rN) protein of Araraquara virus (ARAV), a Brazilian hantavirus, was obtained in Escherichia coli. To evaluate ARAV rN as antigen for antibody detection, serum samples from 30 patients from Argentina seropositive for hantavirus were tested. All samples were positive for IgG and IgM by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using either ARAV rN or ANDV rN antigens. In Brazil, six of 60 serum samples from patients with suspected HCPS (10%) were positive for IgM by ELISA using ARAV rN antigen and 7 were positive using ANDV rN antigen. For results obtained with 90 serum samples analyzed by IgM ELISA with ANDV rN antigen, the sensitivity of the IgM ELISA using ARAV rN antigen was 97.2%, the specificity was 100%, the positive predictive value was 100%, and the negative predictive value was 98.1%. The results show that ARAV rN is a suitable antigen for diagnosis of hantavirus infection in Brazil and Argentina.
First Case of Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis Caused by Acanthamoeba castellanii in Taiwan
Authors: Sheng Wang-Huei , Hung Chien-Ching , Huang Huai-Hsuan , Liang Shih-Yu , Cheng Yu-Jen , Ji Dar-Der , Chang Shan-Chwen
Published: September 2018

We report the first case of granulomatous amebic encephalitis caused by
Acanthamoeba
in a previously healthy farmer in Taiwan who fell into a ditch. The DNA amplicons of amebas identified by polymerase chain reaction in the cerebrospinal fluid specimen and the ditch water specimens were identical and shared strong homology with
A. castellanii
. He survived after treatment with amphotericin B, rifampin, and corticosteroids.
Transmission Dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi Determined by Low-Stringency Single Primer Polymerase Chain Reaction and Southern Blot Analyses in Four Indigenous Communities of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
Authors: Rodríguez Ingrid B. , Botero Adriana , Mejía-Jaramillo Ana M. , Marquez Edna J. , Ortiz Sylvia , Solari Aldo , Triana-Chávez Omar
Published: September 2018

This study attempted to evaluate the transmission dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi in four indigenous communities of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM), Colombia. Low-stringency single primer-polymerase chain reaction (LSSP-PCR) of the minicircles and Southern blot analyses were used to characterize samples from patients, vectors, and reservoirs in these communities. The LSSP-PCR profiles revealed a high genetic variability but with similarities among the parasites present in the samples of vectors, patients, and reservoirs of the same and different communities. Cluster and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) analyses of data derived from LSSP-PCR and Southern blot suggest a gene flux among populations of T. cruzi circulating in patients, vectors, and reservoirs. The results support the idea that the domestic and wild transmission cycles overlap in the SNSM, with Rhodnius prolixus as the main vector and Triatoma dimidiata playing an important role in the transmission of Chagas disease in this zone, making the vector control strategy by spraying unsuccessful.
Comparison of Prednisolone Plus Albendazole with Prednisolone Alone for Treatment of Patients with Eosinophilic Meningitis
Authors: Chotmongkol Verajit , Kittimongkolma Suvicha , Niwattayakul Kanigar , Intapan Pewpan M. , Thavornpitak Yupa
Published: September 2018

Corticosteroid and the combination of corticosteroid and antihelminthic drug are safe and beneficial in relieving headaches in patients with eosinophilic meningitis. However, clinical trials comparing the efficacies of these regimens have never been reported. We conducted a prospective, open, randomized, controlled study to compare the efficacy of the combination of prednisolone plus albendazole and prednisolone alone for the treatment of eosinophilic meningitis. Our study had 53 patients in the combined treatment group and 51 patients in the prednisolone alone group. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the number of patients who still had headaches after 14 days (0 versus 1, respectively; P = 0.49) and the median length of time until complete disappearance of headache (3 versus 3 days, respectively; P = 0.32. Prednisolone plus albendazole is no better than prednisolone alone for treatment of patients with eosinophilic meningitis.
Calicivirus and Giardia lamblia are Associated with Diarrhea in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Seropositive Patients from Southeast Brazil
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Carolina M. , Gabbay Yvone B. , Mascarenhas Joana D’arc , Yassaka Marcela B. , Moran Luciana C. , Fraga Valéria D. , Castro Edna , Franco Célia , Machado Ricardo Luiz D. , Rossit Andréa Regina B.
Published: September 2018

To study enteropathogens, 100 fecal samples were collected from a Brazilian human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive population, with or without diarrhea. Giardia lamblia and calicivirus were significantly associated with diarrhea as were severe immunosuppression and the presence of at least one enteropathogen. No sample was positive for rotavirus and only one asymptomatic individual carried the astrovirus. We concluded that there is a great diversity of pathogens and opportunistic infections in the studied population, with a high prevalence of mixed colonization/infection. Our findings pave the way for future molecular studies related to the expression of virulence factors and to the possibility of pathogen–pathogen interactions, especially between G. lamblia and calicivirus. These findings are relevant to the improvement of therapies and controlling diarrhea in the HIV-seropositive population.
Combining Indoor Residual Spraying and Insecticide-Treated Net Interventions
Authors: Kleinschmidt Immo , Schwabe Christopher , Shiva Murugasampilay , Segura Jose Luis , Sima Victor , Mabunda Samuel Jose Alves , Coleman Michael
Published: September 2018

Does scaling up of malaria control by combining indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) enhance protection to populations? Results from a literature search and from recent household surveys in Bioko, Equatorial Guinea, and Zambezia, Mozambique are presented. Five out of eight previous studies reported a reduced risk of infection in those protected by both interventions compared with one intervention alone. Surveys in Bioko and Zambezia showed strong evidence of a protective effect of IRS combined with nets relative to IRS alone (odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.59–0.86 for Bioko, and OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.50–0.79, for Zambezia). The effect of both interventions combined, compared with those who had neither, was OR = 0.46, (95% CI = 0.76–0.81) in Bioko and 0.34 (95% CI = 0.21–0.56) in Zambezia. Although the effects of confounding cannot be excluded, these results provide encouragement that the additional resources for combining IRS and LLIN are justified.
Functional Limitations after Surgical or Antibiotic Treatment for Buruli Ulcer in Benin
Authors: Barogui Yves , Johnson R. Christian , van der Werf Tjip S. , Sopoh Ghislain , Dossou Ange , Dijkstra Pieter U. , Stienstra Ymkje
Published: September 2018

Almost half of patients have functional limitations after treatment of Buruli ulcer disease. Antibiotic treatment (along with surgery) was introduced in the National Program for Buruli ulcer in Benin in 2005. The aim of this study was to compare functional limitations in patients who were treated by antibiotics, surgery, or both, using a validated questionnaire. One hundred seventy-nine former patients in Lalo, Benin were retrieved and interviewed in their village. Hospital records were used to gather data about size of lesion at presentation and treatment provided. No significant differences in resulting functional limitations were found between the different treatments. Larger lesions (> 15 cm cross-sectional diameter) at presentation; lesions on a joint, muscular atrophy, and amputation were all associated with a higher risk for functional limitations. Advantages of antibiotic treatment may involve other domains, like costs of treatment or a change in help-seeking behavior.
The Domestic Violence Protection Order System as Entry to the Criminal Justice System for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Authors: Douglas Heather , Fitzgerald Robin
Published: September 2018

The domestic violence protection order (DVO) system is a hybrid system of criminalisation in which the DVO itself is a civil order, but any contravention of that order may result in a criminal charge. Limited attention has been paid to the potential consequences of criminalisation through the hybrid DVO system in the Australian context. We use Queensland as a case study and examine administrative data gathered through Queensland Courts.  We show that a disproportionate number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people are named on DVOs, charged with contraventions of DVOs and significantly more likely than non-Indigenous people to receive a sentence of imprisonment for a contravention of a DVO, compared to non-Indigenous people. We find that ATSI women are particularly overrepresented in this system. We review explanations for these startling figures and emphasize the need for a change in approach.
miR‐372 and miR‐373 enhance the stemness of colorectal cancer cells by repressing differentiation signaling pathways
Authors: Wang Lu‐Qin , Yu Peng , Li Bin , Guo Yan‐Hua , Liang Zi‐Rui , Zheng Ling‐Ling , Yang Jian‐Hua , Xu Hui , Liu Shun , Zheng Li‐Si , Zhou Hui , Qu Liang‐Hu
Published: September 2018

miR‐372/373, a cluster of stem cell‐specific microRNAs transactivated by the Wnt pathway, has been reported to be dysregulated in various cancers, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the unique role of these microRNAs in cancer remains to be discovered. In the present study, we characterized the upregulation in expression of miR‐372/373 in CRC tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas data, and then showed that overexpression of miR‐372/373 enhanced the stemness of CRC cells by enriching the CD26/CD24‐positive cell population and promoting self‐renewal, chemotherapy resistance and the invasive potential of CRC cells. To clarify the mechanism underlying microRNA‐induced stemness, we profiled 45 cell signaling pathways in CRC cells overexpressing miR‐372/373 and found that stemness‐related pathways, such as Nanog and Hedgehog, were upregulated. Instead, differentiation‐related pathways, such as NFκB, MAPK/Erk and VDR, were markedly repressed by miR‐372/373. Numerous new targets of miR‐372/373 were identified, including SPOP, VDR and SETD7, all of which are factors important for cell differentiation. Furthermore, in contrast to the increase in miR‐372/373 expression in CRC tissues, the expression levels of SPOP and VDR mRNA were significantly downregulated in these tissues, indicative of the poor differentiation status of CRC. Taken together, our findings suggest that miR‐372/373 enhance CRC cell stemness by repressing the expression of differentiation genes. These results provide new insights for understanding the function and mechanisms of stem cell‐specific microRNAs in the development of metastasis and drug resistance in CRC.
The reduction in FOXA2 activity during lung development in fetuses from diabetic rat mothers is reversed by Akt inhibition
Authors: Zhang Qingmiao , Chai Xinqun , Deng Feitao , Ouyang Weixiang , Song Ting
Published: September 2018

Hyperglycemia during pregnancy is associated with fetal lung development disorders and surfactant protein (SP) deficiency. Here, we examined the role of FOXA2 and Akt signaling in fetal lung development during diabetic pregnancy. Sprague‐Dawley rats were injected with streptozocin (STZ) during pregnancy to induce diabetes (DM). DM‐exposed fetal lungs exhibited reduced numbers of alveoli, irregularities in the appearance and thickness of the alveolar septum, increased levels of glycogen and lipids in type II alveolar epithelial cells, fewer microvilli and mature lamellar bodies, and swollen mitochondria. SP‐B and SP‐C in DM amniotic fluid and DM lungs were lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). DM lung nuclear FOXA2 was lower compared with the control group (P < 0.05), but p‐FOXA2 was higher (P < 0.05). In murine lung epithelial (MLE) 12 cells, p‐AKT levels were increased by high glucose/insulin, but decreased by the Akt inhibitor MK2206 (P < 0.05). Expression of nuclear FOXA2 was increased by MK2206 compared with the high glucose/insulin group (P < 0.05). These results suggest that maternal diabetes induces fetal lung FOXA2 phosphorylation through the Akt pathway, and also affects the maturation of alveolar epithelial cells and reduces levels of SP‐B and SP‐C in the fetal lungs. An Akt inhibitor reversed the changes in SP expression in vitro.
Controlling Proton and Electron Transfer Rates to Enhance the Activity of an Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst
Authors: Gautam Rajendra P. , Lee Yi Teng , Herman Gabriel L. , Moreno Cynthia M. , Tse Edmund C. M. , Barile Christopher J.
Published: September 2018

An electrochemical approach is developed that allows for the control of both proton and electron transfer rates in the O2 reduction reaction (ORR). A dinuclear Cu ORR catalyst was prepared that can be covalently attached to thiol‐based self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au electrodes using azide–alkyne click chemistry. Using this architecture, the electron transfer rate to the catalyst is modulated by changing the length of the SAM, and the proton transfer rate to the catalyst is controlled with an appended lipid membrane modified with proton carriers. By tuning the relative rates of proton and electron transfer, the current density of the lipid‐covered catalyst is enhanced without altering its core molecular structure. This electrochemical platform will help identify optimal thermodynamic and kinetic parameters for ORR catalysts and catalysts of other reactions that involve the transfer of both protons and electrons.
Genetic variation analysis in a follow‐up study of gastric cancer precursor lesions confirms the association of MUC2 variants with the evolution of the lesions and identifies a significant association with NFKB1 and CD14
Authors: Companioni Osmel , Bonet Catalina , García Nadia , Ramírez‐Lázaro María José , Lario Sergio , Mendoza Jorge , Adrados Mª Magdalena , Poves Elvira , Espinosa Laura , Pozo‐Kreilinger José Juan , Ortega Luís , Bujanda Luis , Cosme Angel , Ferrández Angel , Muñoz Guillermo , Cuatrecasas Miriam , Elizalde Ignasi , Andreu Victoria , Paules Mª José , Madrigal Beatriz , Barrio Jesús , Berdasco María , Calvet Xavier , Sanz‐Anquela José Miguel , Gisbert Javier P. , González Carlos A. , Sala Núria ,   on behalf of the Study Group
Published: September 2018

Gastric carcinogenesis proceeds through a series of gastric cancer precursor lesions (GCPLs) leading to gastric cancer (GC) development. Although Helicobacter pylori infection initiates this process, genetic factors also play a role. We previously reported that genetic variability in MUC2 is associated with the evolution of GCPLs. In order to replicate previous results in an independent sample series and to explore whether genetic variability in other candidate genes plays a role in the evolution of GCPL, genomic DNA from 559 patients with GCPLs, recruited from 9 Spanish hospitals and followed for a mean of 12 years, was genotyped for 141 SNPs in 29 genes. After follow‐up, 45.5% of the lesions remained stable, 37% regressed and 17.5% progressed to a more severe lesion. Genetic association with the evolution of the lesions (progression or regression) was analyzed by multinomial and binomial logistic regression. After correction for multiple comparisons, the results obtained confirmed the inverse association between MUC2 variants and the regression of the lesions. A significant association was also observed between NFKB1 and CD14 variants and the evolution of the lesions; interestingly, this association was with both progression and regression in the same direction, which could reflect the dual role of inflammation in cancer. Stratified analyses according to H. pylori virulence factors indicated some significant and differential effects but none of them passed the FDR test. These results confirm that genetic variability in MUC2, NFKB1 and CD14 may have a role in the evolution of the GCPLs along time and in gastric carcinogenesis.
Downregulation of exosome‐encapsulated miR‐548c‐5p is associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Peng Zhi‐Yong , Gu Run‐Huan , Yan Bin
Published: September 2018

The role of circulating exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) has drawn more and more attention during the past few years. Previously, we have identified several specific miRNAs in serum exosomes as potential CRC biomarkers. However, little is known about the association between exosome‐encapsulated miR‐548c‐5p and outcomes of patients with CRC. In the current study, the expression of serum exosomal miR‐548c‐5p was investigated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Its correlation with CRC prognosis was estimated by Kaplan‐Meier survival and log‐rank tests. Cox regression analysis based on uni‐ and multivariate analyses was performed to estimate the relationship of exosome‐encapsulated miR‐548c‐5p with the clinicopathological factors of patients with CRC. Reduced levels of serum exosomal miR‐548c‐5p were more significant in CRC patients with liver metastasis and at later TNM stage (III/IV tumor stages). Serum exosomal miR‐548c‐5p could inhibit the proliferation of CRC cells, while the precise molecular mechanisms warranted further elucidation. In addition, decreased levels of serum exosomal miR‐548c‐5p were independently associated with shorter overall survival in CRC adjusted by age, sex, tumor grade vascular infiltration, TNM stage (III/IV tumor stages) and metastasis (hazard ratio = 3.40, 95% confidence interval 1.02‐11.27; P = 0.046). The downregulation of exosomal miR‐548c‐5p in serum predicts poor prognosis in patients with CRC. Exosomal miR‐548c‐5p may be a critical biomarker for CRC diagnosis and prognosis.
Niacin deficiency modulates genes involved in cancer: Are smokers at higher risk?
Authors: Lohani Mohtashim , Dhasmana Anupam , Haque Shafiul , Dar Sajad A. , Jawed Arshad , Wahid Mohd , Mandal Raju K. , Akhter Naseem , Farasani Abdullah , Hobani Yahya Hassan , Singh Ankita , Hussain Showket
Published: September 2018

The role of niacin’s metabolite, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), in DNA repair via base‐excision repair pathway is well documented. We evaluated if niacin deficiency results in genetic instability in normal human fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC‐5), and further, does it leads to enhanced accumulation of cigarette smoke–induced genetic damage? MRC‐5 cells were grown discretely in niacin‐proficient/deficient media, and exposed to nicotine‐derived nitrosamine ketone (NNK, a cigarette smoke carcinogen). Niacin deficiency abated the NAD polymerization, augmented the spontaneous induction of micronuclei (MN) and chromosomal aberrations (CA) and raised the expression of 10 genes and suppressed 12 genes involved in different biological functions. NNK exposure resulted in genetic damage as measured by the induction of MN and CA in cells grown in niacin‐proficient medium, but the damage became practically marked when niacin‐deficient cells were exposed to NNK. NNK exposure raised the expression of 16 genes and suppressed the expression of 56 genes in cells grown in niacin‐proficient medium. NNK exposure to niacin‐deficient cells raised the expression of eight genes including genes crucial in promoting cancer such as FGFR3 and DUSP1 and suppressed the expression of 33 genes, including genes crucial in preventing the onset and progression of cancer like RASSF2, JUP, and IL24, in comparison with the cells grown in niacin‐proficient medium. Overall, niacin deficiency interferes with the DNA damage repair process induced by chemical carcinogens like NNK, and niacin‐deficient population are at the higher risk of genetic instability caused by cigarette smoke carcinogen NNK.
Exploring the concentration‐dependent actions of interferon‐τ on bovine neutrophils to understand the process of implantation
Authors: Manjari P. , Hyder Iqbal , Kapoor Suresh , Senthilnathan M. , Dang A. K.
Published: September 2018

Interferon‐τ (IFNT) is a major cytokine produced by the ruminant trophoectoderm during the peri‐implantation period exerting immunomodulatory actions on various cells including neutrophils. The current in vitro study was undertaken to analyze the concentration‐dependent effects of IFNT on neutrophil gene dynamics to understand its possible role in implantation process. The neutrophils were isolated from the blood of heifers and were cultured subjecting them to different IFNT concentrations (1, 5, or 10 ng/mL). The gene‐expression patterns of different interferon‐stimulated genes, l‐selectin, CD31, CD11b, and progesterone‐induced blocking factor (PIBF) were analyzed by quantitative real‐time PCR. It was observed that at lower concentrations of IFNT, the IFI16, l‐selectin, ISG15, and PIBF were upregulated, whereas at higher concentrations the same were down regulated. At all the experimental concentrations, IFI44, OAS1, MX genes were significantly upregulated and CD31, CD11b were significantly downregulated. At lower concentrations of IFNT, the neutrophil activity with respect to chemoattraction is stimulated, whereas at higher concentrations the same is reduced. Hence, it can be concluded that IFNT exerts concentration‐dependent actions on neutrophil gene‐expression dynamics indicating a fine modulation of its activity depending upon the temporal variation in its destined functions ultimately leading to successful implantation.
PNPLA3 variant M148 causes resistance to starvation‐mediated lipid droplet autophagy in human hepatocytes
Authors: Negoita Florentina , Blomdahl Julia , Wasserstrom Sebastian , Winberg Martin E. , Osmark Peter , Larsson Sara , Stenkula Karin G. , Ekstedt Mattias , Kechagias Stergios , Holm Cecilia , Jones Helena A.
Published: September 2018

The mechanism of how patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) variant M148 is associated with increased risk of development of hepatic steatosis is still debated. Here, we propose a novel role of PNPLA3 as a key player during autophagosome formation in the process of lipophagy. A human hepatocyte cell line, HepG2 cells, expressing recombinant I148 or 148M, was used to study lipophagy under energy deprived conditions, and lipid droplet morphology was investigated using florescence microscopy, image analysis and biochemical assays. Autophagic flux was studied using the golden‐standard of LC3‐II turnover in combination with the well characterized GFP‐RFP‐LC3 vector. To discriminate between, perturbed autophagic initiation and lysosome functionality, lysosomes were characterized by Lysotracker staining and LAMP1 protein levels as well as activity and activation of cathepsin B. For validation, human liver biopsies genotyped for I148 and 148M were analyzed for the presence of LC3‐II and PNPLA3 on lipid droplets. We show that the M148‐PNPLA3 variant is associated with lipid droplets that are resistant to starvation‐mediated degradation. M148 expressing hepatocytes reveal decreased autophagic flux and reduced lipophagy. Both I148‐PNPLA3 and M148‐PNPLA3 colocalize and interact with LC3‐II, but the M148‐PNPLA3 variant has lower ability to bind LC3‐II. Together, our data indicate that PNPLA3 might play an essential role in lipophagy in hepatocytes and furthermore that the M148‐PNPLA3 variant appears to display a loss in this activity, leading to decreased lipophagy.
Constructions of augmented orthogonal arrays
Authors: Wang Xin , Ji Lijun , Li Yun , Liang Miao
Published: September 2018

Augmented orthogonal arrays (AOAs) were introduced by Stinson, who showed the equivalence between ideal ramp schemes and AOAs (Discrete Math. 341 (2018), 299–307). In this paper, we show that there is an AOAif and only if there is an OAwhich can be partitioned intosubarrays, each being an OA, and that there is a linear AOAif and only if there is a linear maximum distance separable (MDS) code of lengthand dimensionover, which contains a linear MDS subcode of lengthand dimensionover. Some constructions for AOAs and some new infinite classes of AOAs are also given.
Shear stress promotes anoikis resistance of cancer cells via caveolin‐1‐dependent extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways
Authors: Li Shun , Chen Yu , Zhang Yuehui , Jiang Xiaomin , Jiang Ying , Qin Xiang , Yang Hong , Wu Chunhui , Liu Yiyao
Published: September 2018

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) need to acquire resistance to anoikis to survive after they experience fluid shear stress in the circulatory and lymphatic systems. However, the mechanism by which tumor cells resist anoikis under shear stress conditions remains unknown. Here, we found that the application of low shear stress (LSS; 2 dyn/cm2) to human breast carcinoma cells (MDA‐MB‐231) resulted in increased anoikis resistance when tumor cells were grown under anchorage‐independent conditions. Caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1), the major component of plasma membrane caveolae, was overexpressed in LSS‐treated cells and prevented tumor cells from anoikis, while depletion of Cav‐1 restored sensitivity to anoikis. LSS‐induced dissociation of Cav‐1–Fas inhibited formation of the death‐inducing signaling complex, caspase‐8 activation, and rendered tumor cells resistant to anoikis. Likewise, LSS blocked the mitochondrial pathway through promotion of integrin β1–focal adhesion kinase‐mediated multicellular aggregation and suppression of truncated BID translocation mediated crosstalk between the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms by which LSS induces anoikis resistance in breast carcinoma cells through inhibition of Cav‐1‐dependent extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways, and serves as a potential therapeutic target for CTCs and metastatic breast cancer.
Interest of neuroimaging of social exclusion in suicide
Authors: Olié Emilie , Courtet Philippe
Published: September 2018

With one million deaths worldwide, suicide is a major health issue. The frequency of life events preceding suicidal act is high and raises the question of their role in suicidal process. At biological level, dysfunctional neural processing of social exclusion may participate in suicidal risk through an increased perception of social adversity in vulnerable subjects. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss neuroimaging findings related to social exclusion and loneliness, and to open new perspectives to investigate sensitivity to social stress in suicide.
Evaluation of Normal and Varicocele‐Bearing Testes Using Real‐time Strain Elastography
Authors: Salama Nader , Samir Mohamed , Blgozah Saeed
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To evaluate testes in patients with varicocele using real‐time strain elastography and to correlate the results with the patients' clinical, seminal, and hormonal profiles.

Methods

Fifty patients with left varicocele and 20 age‐matched control participants were included in the study. All participants were evaluated via a historical interview, clinical examination, including testicular volume and varicocele grade, hormonal assay (total and free testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle‐stimulating hormone), computer‐assisted semen analysis, and testicular assessment using real‐time strain elastography to define the strain ratio and elasticity score.

Results

Testicular volume and sperm parameters were significantly lower (P < .001), whereas the follicle‐stimulating hormone level, strain ratio, and elasticity score were significantly higher (P < .01; P < .001; P < .001, respectively), in the varicocele group. Other hormone levels in the endocrine profile were not significantly different between the groups. Significant negative correlations were found between the elasticity score and testicular volume and the percentage of normal forms (P = .029; P = .005). The varicocele grade showed significant positive correlations with both the strain ratio and elasticity score (P < .001).

Conclusions

Strong correlations were found between real‐time strain elastography and the testicular volume, varicocele grade, and sperm morphologic characteristics. Real‐time strain elastography is a simple, noninvasive investigative modality that can potentially be used to study the structure and function of the testicular tissue in varicocele.
A Hybrid Multilayer Filtering Approach for Thyroid Nodule Segmentation on Ultrasound Images
Authors: Abbasian Ardakani Ali , Bitarafan‐Rajabi Ahmad , Mohammadzadeh Ali , Mohammadi Afshin , Riazi Reza , Abolghasemi Jamileh , Homayoun Jafari Amir , Bagher Shiran Mohammad
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Speckle noise is the main factor that degrades ultrasound image contrast and segmentation failure. Determining an effective filter can reduce speckle noise and improve segmentation performances. The aim of this study was to define a useful filter to improve the segmentation outcome.

Methods

Twelve filters, including median, hybrid median (Hmed), Fourier Butterworth, Fourier ideal, wavelet (Wlet), homomorphic Fourier Butterworth, homomorphic Fourier ideal, homomorphic wavelet (Hmp_Wlet), frost, anisotropic diffusion, probabilistic patch‐based (PPB), and homogeneous area filters, were used to find the best filter(s) to prepare thyroid nodule segmentation. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used for filter evaluation in the nodule segmentation process. Accordingly, 10 morphologic parameters were measured from segmented regions to find the best parameters that predict the segmentation performance.

Results

The best segmentation performance was reached by using 4 hybrid filters that mainly contain contrast‐limited adaptive histogram equalization, Wlet, Hmed, Hmp_Wlet, and PPB filters. The area under the ROC curve for these filters ranged from 0.900 to 0.943 in comparison with the original image, with an area under the curve of 0.685. From 10 morphologic parameters, the area, convex area, equivalent diameter, solidity, and extent can evaluate segmentation performance.

Conclusions

Hybrid filters that contain contrast‐limited adaptive histogram equalization, Wlet, Hmed, Hmp_Wlet, and PPB filters have a high potential to provide good conditions for thyroid nodule segmentation in ultrasound images. In addition to an ROC analysis, morphometry of a segmented region can be used to evaluate segmentation performances.
Atmospheric chemistry ofn‐CH3(CH2)xCN (x = 0–3): Kinetics and mechanisms
Authors: Andersen Simone Thirstrup , Kyte Mildrid , Andersen Lene Løffler , Nielsen Ole John , Sulbaek Andersen Mads P.
Published: September 2018

Smog chamber/Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques were used to measure the kinetics of the reaction ofn‐CH3(CH2)xCN (x = 0–3) with Cl atoms and OH radicals:k(CH3CN + Cl) = (1.04 ± 0.25) × 10−14,k(CH3CH2CN + Cl) = (9.20 ± 3.95) × 10−13,k(CH3(CH2)2CN + Cl) = (2.03 ± 0.23) × 10−11,k(CH3(CH2)3CN + Cl) = (6.70 ± 0.67) × 10−11,k(CH3CN + OH) = (4.07 ± 1.21) × 10−14,k(CH3CH2CN + OH) = (1.24 ± 0.27) × 10−13,k(CH3(CH2)2CN + OH) = (4.63 ± 0.99) × 10−13, andk(CH3(CH2)3CN + OH) = (1.58 ± 0.38) × 10−12cm3molecule−1s−1at a total pressure of 700 Torr of air or N2diluents at 296 ± 2 K. The atmospheric oxidation of alkyl nitriles proceeds through hydrogen abstraction leading to several carbonyl containing primary oxidation products. HC(O)CN, NCC(O)OONO2, ClC(O)OONO2, and HCN were identified as the main oxidation products from CH3CN, whereas CH3CH2CN gives the products HC(O)CN, CH3C(O)CN, NCC(O)OONO2, and HCN. The oxidation ofn‐CH3(CH2)xCN (x = 2–3) leads to a range of oxygenated primary products. Based on the measured OH radical rate constants, the atmospheric lifetimes ofn‐CH3(CH2)xCN (x = 0–3) were estimated to be 284, 93, 25, and 7 days forx = 0,1, 2, and 3, respectively.
Response of Riparian Vegetation, Instream Habitat, and Aquatic Biota to Riparian Grazing Exclosures
Authors: Dauwalter Daniel C. , Fesenmyer Kurt A. , Miller Scott W. , Porter Tucker
Published: September 2018

Improper riparian grazing can alter riparian vegetation and reduce streambank stability, negatively impacting aquatic habitat and biota. We evaluated differences in riparian and instream habitat, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish inside versus outside seven riparian exclosures constructed from 1982 to 2005 in Idaho. The normalized difference vegetation index from Landsat imagery (1985 to 2015) showed significant increases in riparian vegetation productivity after some but not all exclosures were constructed. Field data collected in 2015 showed woody riparian vegetation to be more abundant, streambanks less altered, and stream channels narrower inside versus outside exclosures, as we expected. However, instream habitat, a benthic macroinvertebrate index, fish species richness, and adult salmonid density showed no response. Higher age-0 salmonid densities were the only aquatic organism response observed. Broader watershed-scale factors likely limited strong and consistent responses by aquatic biota to exclosures. We conclude that riparian exclosures have localized effects on stream systems, such as increased riparian vegetation, reduced streambank alteration, and improved channel stability, but may not always influence aquatic biota that commonly reflect larger watershed-scale processes and conditions. Therefore, well-maintained riparian exclosures should be used to eliminate livestock use in localized areas of stream corridors that are sensitive to disturbance. To improve stream health at the larger watershed scale that is relevant to most aquatic biota, exclosures should only be one of several grazing management tools implemented simultaneously to reduce the impacts of improper livestock grazing.
Hybridization and Genetic Structure of Neosho Smallmouth Bass in the Ozark Highlands
Authors: Taylor Andrew T. , Long James M. , Schwemm Michael R. , Brewer Shannon K.
Published: September 2018

The Neosho Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu velox is endemic to Arkansas River tributaries originating in the Ozark Highlands and Boston Mountains. Although morphologically and genetically distinct from other populations of Smallmouth Bass M. dolomieu, the conservation-genetic status of Neosho Smallmouth Bass is largely unknown. To assist in filling this data gap, we quantified introgressive hybridization, genetic diversity, and population structure of Neosho Smallmouth Bass in two major river basins (Grand River and Illinois River) using seven polymorphic microsatellite markers. Introgressive hybridization with stocked Tennessee lake-strain Smallmouth Bass was most prevalent in the Illinois River, wherein the overall genomic proportion of Neosho Smallmouth Bass alleles was only 0.422. After accounting for hybrid individuals, genetic diversity of Neosho Smallmouth Bass was generally higher in larger rivers and lower in smaller, isolated streams. Three distinct population clusters were identified at the uppermost level of genetic structure—one from the Illinois River basin and two from the Grand River basin. These three population boundaries accounted for approximately 7% of the hierarchical genetic variation within our data set, and substructure below the uppermost level accounted for an additional 2% of genetic variation. The population structure we discovered can provide a blueprint for management that conserves diversity within and among populations; for example, population boundaries can be used to determine brood source locations for supplemental stocking efforts to counter nonnative introgression. Introgressive hybridization with nonnative Smallmouth Bass appears to be the most pertinent threat to the Neosho Smallmouth Bass subspecies, which is of conservation value to the overall adaptability of Smallmouth Bass as a species.