bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
YWHAE long non-coding RNA competes with miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p through activating K-Ras/Erk1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in HCT116 cells
Authors: Bjeije Hassan , Soltani Bahram Mohammad , Behmanesh Mehrdad , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2019

YWHAE gene product belongs to the 14-3-3 protein family that mediates signal transduction in plants and mammals. Protein-coding and non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcripts have been reported for this gene in human. Here, we aimed to functionally characterize YWHAE-encoded lncRNA in colorectal cancer-originated cells. RNA-seq analysis showed that YWHAE gene is upregulated in colorectal cancer specimens. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis suggested that YWHAE lncRNA sponges miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p that were predicted to target K-Ras 3′UTR sequence. Overexpression of YWHAE lncRNA resulted in upregulation of K-Ras gene expression, while overexpression of both miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p had an inverse effect, detected by RT-qPCR. Consistently, western blot analysis confirmed that YWHAE lncRNA overexpression upregulated K-Ras/Erk1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, while miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p overexpression suppressed both pathways in HCT116 cells. Furthermore, dual luciferase assay validated the direct interaction of miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p with K-Ras 3′UTR sequence and supported the sponging effect of YWHAE lncRNA over both miRNAs. These results suggested YWHAE lncRNA as an oncogene that exerts its effect through sponging miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p and in turn, upregulates K-Ras/Erk1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Consistently, flow cytometry analysis, MTT assay and measuring cyclin D1 gene expression, confirmed the cell cycle stimulatory effect of YWHAE lncRNA, while miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p showed an inhibitory effect on cell cycle progression. Finally, wound-healing assay supported the cell migratory effect of YWHAE lncRNA in HCT116 cells. This study identified a novel mechanism involving YWHAE-encoded lncRNA, miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p in regulating HCT116 cell survival and suggested a potential therapeutic avenue for colorectal cancer.
Potential role of rumen microbiota in altering average daily gain and feed efficiency in meat goats fed simple and mixed pastures using bacterial tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing1
Authors: Min Byeng Ryel , Gurung Nar , Shange Raymon , Solaiman Sandra
Published: June 2019

Cost-effective and feasible production system of meat goats requires that grazed forages are converted to profitable goat meat product. However, there are studies as how altering forage type influences ruminal fermentation parameters and animal growth performance, and interact with microbiota in meat goats. Our objective for current study was to examine whether the comparative abundance of the Bacteroidetes (B) and Firmicutes (F) bacterial phyla in meat goats fed simple and mixed forages influenced average daily gain (ADG) and rumen fermentation parameters. In the present study, a molecular approach, bacterial tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing (bTEFAP) was applied to accomplish diversity analyses of rumen bacterial populations. Thirty-six Kiko-cross growing meat goats (body weight (BW) = 27.7 ± 2.83 kg) at approximately 7 mo of age were used in this study. Animals were randomly allocated to 3 pasture treatment groups (n = 12) as follows: 1) bermudagrass pasture (BG; Cynodon dactylon), 2) sunn hemp forage (SH; Crotalaria juncea), and 3) BG + SH forage combinations. There were 2 replicates per treatment and animals grazed these pastures for 45 d. Results indicated that treatments had similar initial BW, but final BW and ADG were higher (P < 0.01) for SH and BG + SH combinations than for BG alone. Animal ADG and rumen fermentation (acetate to propionate; A/P ratios) were highly correlated with the abundance of various bacterial populations within the rumen microbiome. There were linear decreases in percentage of Bacteroidetes (R2 = −0.84; P < 0.05) associated with decreasing ADG. In contrast, increased ADG was linearly associated with higher percentages of Firmicutes (R2 = 0.79; P < 0.05), F/B ratios (R2 = 0.88; P = 0.07), total VFA (R2 = 0.45; P < 0.05), and lower A/P ratio (R2 = −0.72; P < 0.01). This suggests that the substrates (diets) and bacterial community have the role in adapting host biological parameters in meat goats. The abundance examination of both Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes will be useful for exploring the structure of gut microbiota as an estimate of animal performance.
Plasmalogen mediates integration of adherens junction
Authors: Takahashi Takanori , Honsho Masanori , Abe Yuichi , Fujiki Yukio
Published: June 2019

Ether glycerolipids, plasmalogens are found in various mammalian cells and tissues. However, physiological role of plasmalogens in epithelial cells remains unknown. We herein show that synthesis of ethanolamine-containing plasmalogens, plasmenylethanolamine (PlsEtn), is deficient in MCF7 cells, an epithelial cell line, with severely reduced expression of alkyl-dihydroxyacetonephosphate synthase (ADAPS), the second enzyme in the PlsEtn biosynthesis. Moreover, expression of ADAPS or supplementation of PlsEtn containing C18-alkenyl residue delays the migration of MCF7 cells as compared to that mock-treated MCF7 and C16-alkenyl-PlsEtn-supplemented MCF7 cells. Localization of E-cadherin to cell–cell junctions is highly augmented in cells containing C18-alkenyl-PlsEtn. Together, these results suggest that PlsEtn containing C18-alkenyl residue plays a distinct role in the integrity of E-cadherin-mediated adherens junction.
Impact of hemoglobin levels on hemoglobin-adjusted carbon monoxide diffusion capacity after chemotherapy for testicular cancer
Authors: Nitta Satoshi , Kawai Koji , Nagumo Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Atsushi , Kandori Shuya , Kojima Takahiro , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: June 2019

The DLCO-adjusted Cotes method may be influenced by anemia. For preoperative risk assessment, the addition of Dinakara-adjusted DLCO and chest computed tomography was recommended.
Consideration of sample source for establishing reliable genetic microsatellite data from mammalian carnivore specimens held in natural history collections
Authors: Lonsinger Robert C , Daniel David , Adams Jennifer R , Waits Lisette P
Published: June 2019

Specimens from natural history collections (NHCs) are increasingly being used for genetic studies and can provide information on extinct populations, facilitate comparisons of historical and contemporary populations, produce baseline data before environmental changes, and elucidate patterns of change. Destructive sampling for DNA may be in disagreement with NHC goals of long-term care and maintenance. Differentiating quality among sample sources can direct destructive sampling to the source predicted to yield the highest quality DNA and most reliable data, potentially reducing damage to specimens, laboratory costs, and genotyping errors. We used the kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) as a model species and evaluated the quality and reliability of genetic data obtained from carnivoran specimens via three different sample sources: cranial bones, nasal bones, and toepads. We quantified variation in microsatellite amplification success and genotyping error rates and assessed the reliability of source-specific genic data. Toepads had the highest amplification success rates and lowest genotyping error rates. Shorter loci had higher amplification success and lower allelic dropout rates than longer loci. There were substantial differences in the reliability of resulting multilocus genotypes. Toepads produced the most reliable data, required the fewest replicates, and therefore, had the lowest costs to achieve reliable data. Our results demonstrate that the quality of DNA obtained from specimens varies by sample source and can inform NHCs when evaluating requests for destructive sampling. Our results suggest that prior to large-scale specimen sampling, researchers should conduct pilot studies to differentiate among source-specific data reliability, identify high performing loci, reduce costs of analyses, and minimize destructive sampling.
Coexistence of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy With Pontocerebellar Atrophy and Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
Authors: Koga Shunsuke , Eric Ahlskog J , DeTure Michael A , Baker Matt , Roemer Shanu F , Konno Takuya , Rademakers Rosa , Ross Owen A , Dickson Dennis W
Published: June 2019

Progressive supranuclear palsy with predominant cerebellar ataxia (PSP-C) has been reported as a rare clinical subtype, but the underlying pathology of its cerebellar ataxia remains unclear. Here, we report a patient with the coexistence of PSP with pontocerebellar atrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). A 73-year-old man who was an asymptomatic carrier of DM1 (66 CTG repeats) started developing ataxic gait with multiple falls, visual blurring, double vision, and word finding difficulty at age 62 and was initially diagnosed with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Subsequently, the diagnosis was changed to PSP due to hypometric downward gaze, reduced blink frequency, symmetric bradykinesia, rigidity, and the absence of autonomic dysfunction. He eventually developed delayed grip opening with percussion myotonia at age 72. At autopsy, severe neuronal degeneration and astrogliosis in the pontocerebellar structures suggested MSA, but immunohistochemistry for α-synuclein did not reveal neuronal or glial cytoplasmic inclusions. Immunohistochemistry for phospho-tau and 4-repeat tau confirmed a neuropathological diagnosis of PSP with exceptionally numerous coiled bodies and threads in the pontine base and cerebellar white matter. This unusual distribution of 4-repeat tau pathology and neuronal degeneration with astrogliosis is a plausible clinicopathological substrate of PSP-C.
Distribution and possible biosynthetic pathway of non-protein sulfur amino acids in legumes
Authors: Joshi Jaya , Saboori-Robat Elham , Solouki Mahmood , Mohsenpour Motahhareh , Marsolais Frédéric
Published: June 2019

Some grain legumes store sulfur in the form of non-protein amino acids in seed. γ-Glutamyl-S-methylcysteine is found in Phaseolus and several Vigna species. γ-Glutamyl-S-ethenylcysteine, an antinutritional compound, is present in Vicia narbonensis. In P. vulgaris, free S-methylcysteine levels are higher at early stages of seed development followed by a decline. γ-Glutamyl-S-methylcysteine accumulates later, in two phases, with a lag during reserve accumulation. The concentration of total S-methylcysteine, quantified after acid hydrolysis, is positively regulated by sulfate nutrition. The levels of both γ-glutamyl-S-methylcysteine and γ-glutamyl-S-ethenylcysteine are modulated in response to changes in seed protein composition. A model is proposed whereby the majority of γ-glutamyl-S-methylcysteine in P. vulgaris is synthesized via the intermediate S-methylhomoglutathione. Knowledge of the biosynthesis of non-protein sulfur amino acids is required for metabolic engineering approaches, in conjunction with manipulation of the protein sink, to increase the concentration of nutritionally essential methionine and cysteine. This would improve protein quality of some important legume crops.
DEG10 contributes to mitochondrial proteostasis, root growth, and seed yield in Arabidopsis
Authors: Huber Catharina V , Jakobs Barbara D , Mishra Laxmi S , Niedermaier Stefan , Stift Marc , Winter Gudrun , Adamska Iwona , Funk Christiane , Huesgen Pitter F , Funck Dietmar
Published: June 2019

Maintaining mitochondrial proteome integrity is especially important under stress conditions to ensure a continued ATP supply for protection and adaptation responses in plants. Deg/HtrA proteases are important factors in the cellular protein quality control system, but little is known about their function in mitochondria. Here we analyzed the expression pattern and physiological function of Arabidopsis thaliana DEG10, which has homologs in all photosynthetic eukaryotes. Both expression of DEG10:GFP fusion proteins and immunoblotting after cell fractionation showed an unambiguous subcellular localization exclusively in mitochondria. DEG10 promoter:GUS fusion constructs showed that DEG10 is expressed in trichomes but also in the vascular tissue of roots and aboveground organs. DEG10 loss-of-function mutants were impaired in root elongation, especially at elevated temperature. Quantitative proteome analysis revealed concomitant changes in the abundance of mitochondrial respiratory chain components and assembly factors, which partially appeared to depend on altered mitochondrial retrograde signaling. Under field conditions, lack of DEG10 caused a decrease in seed production. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that DEG10 affects mitochondrial proteostasis, is required for optimal root development and seed set under challenging environmental conditions, and thus contributes to stress tolerance of plants.
Status of Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) in the Department of Defense (DoD)
Authors: Grasso Samuel , Dilday Joshua , Yoon Brian , Walker Avery , Ahnfeldt Eric
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Since inception of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in 1999, there has been an exponential rise in RAS in both number and complexity of surgical cases performed. The majority of these cases are gynecologic surgery in nature, with only a quarter of them labeled as general surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine if RAS in the Department of Defense (DoD) mirrors these trends.

Methods

A total of 6,204 RAS cases from across the DoD were reviewed between 01 January 2015 and 30 September 2017 from every Military Treatment Facility (MTF) that employs a robotic surgical device (various models of the da Vinci robotic surgical system by Intuitive Surgical). Specialty, number, and surgeon were recorded for each case. These end points were also examined for trends overtime and compared to similar civilian data.

Results

The number of MTFs performing robotic surgery and the number of cases performed increased significantly. An average of 373 cases per quarter-year were performed in 2015, 647 in 2016, and 708 in 2017. The number of RAS cases increased by about 10% every quarter-year during this time period. RAS was most commonly performed by general surgery in 10 of the 14 MTFs examined.

Conclusions

MTFs implemented RAS much later than the civilian world. However, since its implementation, the frequency of RAS use has increased at a faster rate in the DoD than in the civilian world. Possible reasons for this are a younger pool of surgeons in the military and less demands on cost-effective productivity, allowing these younger surgeons to focus on emerging technology rather than maximizing surgical cost efficiency. General surgery constitutes the majority of RAS cases in the DoD. It is unclear why this difference from the civilian world exists.
Measurement of DNA damage with the comet assay in high-prevalence diseases: current status and future directions
Authors: Møller Peter , Stopper Helga , Collins Andrew R
Published: June 2019

The comet assay is widely used in studies on genotoxicity testing, human biomonitoring and clinical studies. The simple version of the assay detects a mixture of DNA strand breaks and alkali-labile sites; these lesions are typically described as DNA strand breaks to distinguish them from oxidatively damaged DNA that are measured with the enzyme-modified comet assay. This review assesses the association between high-prevalence diseases in high-income countries and DNA damage measured with the comet assay in humans. The majority of case–control studies have assessed genotoxicity in white blood cells. Patients with coronary artery disease, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Alzheimer’s disease have on average 2-fold higher levels of DNA strand breaks compared with healthy controls. Patients with coronary artery disease, diabetes, kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also have 2- to 3-fold higher levels of oxidatively damaged DNA in white blood cells than controls, although there is not a clear difference in DNA damage levels between the different diseases. Case–control studies have shown elevated levels of DNA strand breaks in patients with breast cancer, whereas there are only few studies on colorectal and lung cancers. At present, it is not possible to assess if these neoplastic diseases are associated with a different level of DNA damage compared with non-neoplastic diseases.
Is high-volume post-dilution haemodiafiltration associated with risk of fluid volume imbalance? A national multicentre cross-sectional cohort study
Authors: Chazot Charles , Deleuze Sebastien , Fadel Baya , Hebibi Hadia , Jean Guillaume , Levannier Martial , Puyoo Olivier , Attaf David , Stuard Stefano , Canaud Bernard
Published: June 2019

Background

Fluid overload is frequent among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Dialysis therapy itself may favor sodium imbalance from sodium dialysate prescription. As on-line hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) requires large amounts of dialysate infusion, this technique can expose to fluid accumulation in case of a positive sodium gradient between dialysate and plasma. To evaluate this risk, we have analyzed and compared the fluid status of patients treated with HD or OL-HDF in French NephroCare centers.

Method

This is a cross-sectional and retrospective analysis of prevalent dialysis patients. Data were extracted from the EUCLID5 data base. Patients were split in 2 groups (HD and OL-HDF) and compared as whole group or matched patients for fluid status criteria including predialysis relative fluid overload (RelFO%) status from the BCM®.

Results

2242 patients (age 71 years; female: 39%; vintage: 38 months; Charlson index: 6) were studied. 58% of the cohort were prescribed post-dilution OL-HDF. Comparing the HD and OL-HDF groups, there was no difference between HD and OL-HDF patients regarding the predialysis systolic BP, the interdialytic weight gain, the dialysate-plasma sodium gradient, and the predialysis RelFO%. The stepwise logistic regression did not find dialysis modality (HD or OL-HDF) associated with fluid overload or high predialysis systolic blood pressure. In OL-HDF patients, monthly average convective or weekly infusion volumes per session were not related with the presence of fluid overload.

Conclusions

In this cross-sectional study we did not find association between the use of post-dilution OL-HDF and markers of fluid volume excess. Aligned dialysis fluid sodium concentrations to patient predialysis plasma sodium and regular monitoring of fluid volume status by bioimpedance spectroscopy may have been helpful to manage adequately the fluid status in both OL-HDF and HD patients.
Neolithic millet farmers contributed to the permanent settlement of the Tibetan Plateau by adopting barley agriculture
Authors: Li Yu-Chun , Tian Jiao-Yang , Liu Feng-Wen , Yang Bin-Yu , Gu Kang-Shu-Yun , Rahman Zia Ur , Yang Li-Qin , Chen Fa-Hu , Dong Guang-Hui , Kong Qing-Peng
Published: June 2019

The permanent human settlement of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) has been suggested to have been facilitated by the introduction of barley agriculture ∼3.6 kilo-years ago (ka). However, how barley agriculture spread onto the TP remains unknown. Given that the lower altitudes in the northeastern TP were occupied by millet cultivators from 5.2 ka, who also adopted barley farming ∼4 ka, it is highly possible that it was millet farmers who brought barley agriculture onto the TP ∼3.6 ka. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 8277 Tibetans and 58 514 individuals from surrounding populations, including 682 newly sequenced whole mitogenomes. Multiple lines of evidence, together with radiocarbon dating of cereal remains at different elevations, supports the scenario that two haplogroups (M9a1a1c1b1a and A11a1a), which are common in contemporary Tibetans (20.9%) and were probably even more common (40–50%) in early Tibetans prior to historical immigrations to the TP, represent the genetic legacy of the Neolithic millet farmers. Both haplogroups originated in northern China between 10.0–6.0 ka and differentiated in the ancestors of modern Tibetans ∼5.2–4.0 ka, matching the dispersal history of millet farming. By showing that substantial genetic components in contemporary Tibetans can trace their ancestry back to the Neolithic millet farmers, our study reveals that millet farmers adopted and brought barley agriculture to the TP ∼3.6–3.3 ka, and made an important contribution to the Tibetan gene pool.
Modified Frameless Stereotactic System for Intracerebral Delivery of Viral Vector in Young Children
Authors: Tai Chun-Hwei , Hwu Wu-Lian , Wu Ruey-Meei , Tseng Sheng-Hong
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Stereotaxic surgery for viral vector delivery in young children is highly challenging because of their small cranial size, thin and fragile skull, and deformity of the skull or brain after prolonged bed ridden condition.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a modified frameless stereotactic system especially suitable for intracerebral delivery of viral vector in young children for accurate localization of intracerebral targets during stereotactic surgery.

METHODS

A modified frameless stereotactic system was developed for intracerebral delivery of viral vector in pediatric patients with congenital enzyme deficiency. Localization markers and a stereotactic stabilizer were designed specifically for surgery in pediatric patients, and this equipment is used along with a pre-existing frameless stereotactic and computer-assisted planning and navigation system.

RESULTS

We applied this modified frameless stereotactic system to treat 10 children with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency.

CONCLUSION

It is potentially suitable for stereotactic functional neurosurgery in pediatric patients as young as 1 yr and 8 mo of age.
Stereoscopy in Surgical Neuroanatomy: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Rubio Roberto Rodriguez , Bonaventura Rina Di , Kournoutas Ioannis , Barakat Dania , Vigo Vera , El-Sayed Ivan , Abla Adib A
Published: June 2019

Since the dawn of antiquity, scientists, philosophers, and artists have pondered the nature of optical stereopsis—the perception of depth that arises from binocular vision. The early 19th century saw the advent of stereoscopes, devices that could replicate stereopsis by producing a 3D illusion from the super-imposition of 2D photographs. This phenomenon opened up a plethora of possibilities through its usefulness as an educational tool—particularly in medicine. Before long, photographers, anatomists, and physicians were collaborating to create some of the first stereoscopic atlases available for the teaching of medical students and residents. In fields like neurosurgery—where a comprehensive visuospatial understanding of neuro-anatomical correlates is crucial—research into stereoscopic modalities are of fundamental importance. Already, medical institutions all over the world are capitalizing on new and immersive technologies—such as 3D intraoperative recording, and 3D endoscopes—to refine their pedagogical efforts as well as improve their clinical capacities. The present paper surveys the history of stereoscopy from antiquity to the modern era—with a focus on its role in neurosurgery and medical education. Through the tracking of this evolution, we can discuss potential benefits, future directions, and highlight areas in which further research is needed. By anticipating these factors, we may strive to take full advantage of an emergent field of technology, for our ultimate goal of improving patient care.
Columnar Injection for Intracerebral Cell Therapy
Authors: Schweitzer Jeffrey S , Song Bin , Leblanc Pierre R , Feitosa Melissa , Carter Bob S , Kim Kwang-Soo
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Surgical implantation of cellular grafts into the brain is of increasing importance, as stem cell-based therapies for Parkinson and other diseases continue to develop. The effect of grafting technique on development and survival of the graft has received less attention. Rate and method of graft delivery may impact the cell viability and success of these therapies. Understanding the final location of the graft with respect to the intended target location is also critical.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a “columnar injection” technique designed to reduce damage to host tissue and result in a column of graft material with greater surface area to volume ratio than traditional injection techniques.

METHODS

Using a clinically relevant model system of human embryonic stem cell-derived dopaminergic progenitors injected into athymic rat host brain, we describe a novel device that allows separate control of syringe barrel and plunger, permitting precise deposition of the contents into the cannula tract during withdrawal. Controls consist of contralateral injection using traditional techniques. Graft histology was examined at graft maturity.

RESULTS

Bolus grafts were centered on the injection tract but were largely proximal to the “target” location. These grafts displayed a conspicuous peripheral distribution of cells, particularly of mature dopaminergic neurons. In contrast, column injections remained centered at the intended target, contained more evenly distributed cells, and had significantly more mature dopaminergic neurons.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that this columnar injection technique may allow better engraftment and development of intracerebral grafts, enhancing outcomes of cell therapy, compared to fixed-point injection techniques.
Thoracolumbar Vertebral Column Resection With Rectangular Endplate Cages Through a Posterior Approach: Surgical Techniques and Early Postoperative Outcomes
Authors: Safaee Michael M , Pekmezci Murat , Deviren Vedat , Ames Christopher P , Clark Aaron J
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Thoracolumbar pathology can result in compression of neural elements, instability, and deformity. Circumferential decompression with anterior column reconstruction is often required to restore biomechanical stability and minimize the risk of implant failure.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and viability of wide-footprint rectangular cages for vertebral column resection (VCR).

METHODS

We performed VCR with wide-footprint rectangular endplate cages, which were designed for transthoracic or retroperitoneal approaches. We present our technique using a single-stage posterior approach.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients underwent VCR with rectangular endplate cages. Mean age was 58 yr. Diagnoses included 23 tumors (51%), 14 infections (31%), and 8 deformities (18%). VCRs were performed in 10 upper thoracic, 17 middle thoracic, 14 lower thoracic, and 4 lumbar levels. Twenty-four cases involved a single level VCR (53%) with 18 two-level (40%) and 3 three-level (7%) VCRs. Average procedure duration was 264 min with mean estimated blood loss of 1900 ml. Neurological outcomes were stable in 27 cases (60%), improved in 16 (36%), and worse in 2 (4%). There were 7 medical and 7 surgical complications in 11 patients. There were significant decreases in postoperative thoracic kyphosis (47° vs 35°, P = .022) and regional kyphosis (34° vs 10°, P < .001). There were 2 cases of cage subsidence due to intraoperative endplate violation, neither of which progressed on CT scan at 14 and 35 mo.

CONCLUSION

Posterior VCR with rectangular footprint cages is safe and feasible. This provides improved biomechanical stability without the morbidity of a lateral transthoracic or retroperitoneal approach.
The Inferior Nuchal Line as a Simple Landmark for Identifying the Vertebral Artery During the Retrosigmoid Approach
Authors: Tayebi Meybodi Ali , Zhao Xiaochun , Borba Moreira Leandro , Lawton Michael T , Lang Michael J , Labib Mohamed , Preul Mark C
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The V3 segment of the vertebral artery (V3-VA) is at risk during various approaches to the craniovertebral junction. Several landmarks have been defined to identify V3-VA, but these landmarks are not routinely exposed during a retrosigmoid (RS) approach, where musculocutaneous dissection inferiorly towards the foramen magnum can threaten this arterial segment.

OBJECTIVE

To find a landmark that will identify the V3-VA during the RS approach, and analyze the inferior nuchal line (INL) as this novel landmark.

METHODS

The anatomic relationships between the INL and the V3-VA were assessed in 7 cadaveric heads through RS exposure in the lateral position.

RESULTS

The INL is an L-shaped bony ridge with horizontal (medial) and vertical (lateral) arms, with the vertical arm being more conspicuous in all specimens (INLV). The mean depths of the V3-VA relative to the medial and lateral ends of the INLV were (mean ± standard deviation) 24.9 ± 7.1 mm, and 8.3 ± 3.2 mm, respectively. In all specimens, the V3-VA was located inferior and anterior to the INLV.

CONCLUSION

The INL provides an important landmark during RS approach that can protect the V3-VA from inadvertent injury or identify it for use in an interpositional bypass. The INLV identifies the region of the suboccipital triangle where the V3-VA is embedded. INLV is routinely seen during the RS approach, making it more relevant than other classic landmarks such as the transverse process of C1, C1 posterior arch, and the atlantomastoid line that are not exposed during the RS approach.
Helicobacter pylori infection is an infectious disease and the empiric therapy paradigm should be changed
Authors: Li Hong , Yang Tiankuo , Tang Hong , Tang Xiaoqiong , Shen Yalin , Benghezal Mohammed , Tay Alfred , Marshall Barry
Published: June 2019

Helicobacter pylori infection is an infectious disease. Given the alarmingly high antibiotic resistance in H. pylori, gastroenterologists should change the empiric H. pylori treatment paradigm to an antimicrobial susceptibility testing-guided precision treatment. Antimicrobial stewardship programs for H. pylori should be implemented locally, regionally, and nationally to monitor the antibiotic resistance pattern.
Information theoretic measures for quantifying sequence–ensemble relationships of intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Cohan Megan C , Ruff Kiersten M , Pappu Rohit V
Published: June 2019

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) contribute to a multitude of functions. De novo design of IDPs should open the door to modulating functions and phenotypes controlled by these systems. Recent design efforts have focused on compositional biases and specific sequence patterns as the design features. Analysis of the impact of these designs on sequence-function relationships indicates that individual sequence/compositional parameters are insufficient for describing sequence-function relationships in IDPs. To remedy this problem, we have developed information theoretic measures for sequence–ensemble relationships (SERs) of IDPs. These measures rely on prior availability of statistically robust conformational ensembles derived from all atom simulations. We show that the measures we have developed are useful for comparing sequence-ensemble relationships even when sequence is poorly conserved. Based on our results, we propose that de novo designs of IDPs, guided by knowledge of their SERs, should provide improved insights into their sequence–ensemble–function relationships.
The Contingent Effect of Management Practices
Authors: Blader Steven , Gartenberg Claudine , Prat Andrea
Published: June 2019

This article investigates how the success of a management practice depends on the underlying values articulated by the management. A large U.S. transportation company is in the process of fitting its trucks with an electronic on-board recorder (EOBR) to provide drivers with information on their driving performance. The company also has commenced a multi-year initiative to remake its internal operations, the first phase of which focuses exclusively on changing values toward a greater emphasis on teamwork and empowerment. In this setting, a natural question is whether the optimal managerial practice consists of: (1) letting each driver know his or her individual performance only; or also (2) providing drivers with information about their performance with respect to other drivers. Using the EOBR-provided driver performance data, we randomize these practices across sites. The main result of our experiment is that (2) leads to better performance than (1) in a particular site if and only if the site has not yet received the values intervention, and worse performance if it has. The result is consistent with the presence of a conflict between competition-based managerial practices and a shift to a cooperation-based value system. More broadly, it highlights the role of intangible factors in determining the optimal set of managerial practices.
Mental Health and Functional Outcomes in Young Adulthood of Children With Psychotic Symptoms: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Trotta Antonella , Arseneault Louise , Caspi Avshalom , Moffitt Terrie E , Danese Andrea , Pariante Carmine , Fisher Helen L
Published: June 2019

Background

Childhood psychotic symptoms have been associated with various psychiatric disorders in adulthood but their role as early markers of poor outcomes during the crucial transition to adulthood is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated associations between age-12 psychotic symptoms and a range of mental health problems and functional outcomes at age 18.

Methods

Data were used from the Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study, a nationally representative birth cohort of 2232 twins born in 1994–1995 in England and Wales, followed to age 18 with 93% retention. Childhood psychotic symptoms were assessed in structured interviews at age 12. At age 18, study members’ mental health problems, functional outcomes, risky behaviors, and offending were measured using self-reports and official records.

Results

Children with psychotic symptoms (N = 125, 5.9%) were more likely to experience a range of mental health problems in young adulthood than children without such symptoms. They were also more likely to be obese, smoke cigarettes, be lonely, be parents, and report a lower quality of life, but not more likely to commit crimes. Childhood psychotic symptoms predicted these poor outcomes over and above other emotional and behavioral problems during childhood. Nevertheless, twin analyses indicated that these associations were largely accounted for by shared family factors.

Conclusions

Psychotic symptoms in childhood signal risk for pervasive mental health and functional difficulties in young adulthood and thus may provide a useful screen for an array of later problems. However, early psychotic symptoms and poor outcomes may be manifestations of shared environmental and genetic risks.
The comparative institutional analysis of energy transitions
Authors: Wood Geoffrey , Finnegan Jared J , Allen Maria L , Allen Matthew M C , Cumming Douglas , Johan Sofia , Nicklich Manuel , Endo Takahiro , Lim Sijeong , Tanaka Seiki
Published: June 2019

The discussion on ‘The comparative institutional analysis of energy transitions’ gives us a state-of-the-art overview of the main theoretical and conceptual developments within the field of political economy. It invites us to broaden our knowledge on the changing realities of different geographical regions in energy transition. In this discussion forum, Finnegan discusses emerging themes in the comparative political economy literature of climate change. He identifies gaps and offers an outline for further research. Allen, Allen, Cumming and Johan take a closer look at the links between different types of capitalism and the natural environment. The authors stress the importance of adopting an institutional perspective to explain differences in environmental outcomes. Wood compares the transitions of energy usage and mixes between liberal and coordinated market economies from a historical perspective. He looks for parallels between the energy transition from coal to oil and gas to the current renewables. Nicklich and Endo answer the question ‘Do globalization and globally perceived occurrences of environmental problems lead to a convergence of energy supply?’. They compare the fields of German and Japanese wind power with a particular focus on Greenpeace after the Fukushima disaster in 2011. Finally, Lim and Tanaka focus on the question ‘When do energy transition policies enjoy broad-based acceptance?’. They conclude that the public acceptance of energy transition varies between Western and non-Western societies.
Debt struggles: How financial markets gave birth to a working-class movement
Authors: Ravelli Quentin
Published: June 2019

Though the social consequences of financialization are well-known, their influence on radical politics remains unclear. The failure of the democratization of finance led to unprecedented levels of debt and to new types of social movement. Across the globe, the collapse of mortgage markets, and the promise of private property for all, generated strong contestation. In Spain, the movement against debt, structured around the Platform of People Affected by Mortgages, is exceptionally powerful, contributing to unprecedented political change. What makes this anti-eviction movement so successful? How can a brand new organization, off the well-worn paths of trade unions and political parties, mobilize debtors, despite their isolation, despondency and lack of organizational skills? Combining visual ethnography with a survey of 568 underwater borrowers from 12 cities, this article shows who the over-indebted activists are. Construction workers and migrant women played a central role in transforming individual guilt and shame into political empowerment.
Detection of flunixin in the urine of untreated pigs housed with pigs treated with flunixin meglumine at labeled doses1
Authors: Hairgrove Thomas B , Mask Joe W , Mays Travis P , Fajt Virginia R , Bentke Ashley L , Warner Jacob L , Baynes Ronald E
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the likelihood that swine treated with flunixin meglumine could contaminate their environment, which could cause untreated swine housed in the same pen to ingest or absorb enough drug to be detected in their urine. Currently, any detectable level of flunixin found in the urine of pigs exhibited at livestock shows in Texas can disqualify the exhibitor. We conducted 2 trials in this study. The first, a pilot trial, placed pigs in 2 pens, with each pen housing a pig that did not receive a drug and a treated pig that received 2.2 mg/kg of flunixin intramuscularly. This trial demonstrated that transfer of the drug from treated to untreated pigs housed in close proximity was possible. The second trial was conducted using 10 pens, with a treated and untreated pig in each pen. Each pig receiving treatment was randomly selected and administered 2.2 mg/kg of flunixin intramuscularly; then, urine and plasma were collected from all swine for 10 d. Flunixin was detected at or above the limit of detection of 0.1 ng/mL in the urine of all treated and untreated pigs throughout the 10-d trial. Treated pigs had higher urine levels of flunixin than their untreated pen mates for 4 d post-treatment (P < 0.0001), but there was no statistical difference between pen mates during the last 5 d of the trial, making it impossible to differentiate treated from untreated pigs.
Cross-border regulation and fintech: are transnational cooperation agreements the right way to go?
Authors: Ivanova Petja
Published: June 2019

In light of inevitable cross-border scenarios in today’s highly interconnected financial markets and since financial stability may be put at risk by the rising phenomenon of financial technology (known as fintech), the importance of developing effective ways to regulate fintech across borders cannot be neglected. The financial sector has changed from a traditional one marked by conventional financial intermediation structures towards an increasingly technology-affected one. Not only this change but anticipated developments too require if not extensively reconsidering the design of financial regulation,1 then at least not turning a blind eye to shaping developments. Whether the numerous recently sprouting bilateral fintech cooperation agreements are adequate transnational regulatory instruments to address fintech effectively across borders is for this paper to elucidate.
Protein Arginine Methyltransferase Expression Affects Ectomycorrhizal Symbiosis and the Regulation of Hormone Signaling Pathways
Authors: Plett Krista L. , Raposo Anita E. , Anderson Ian C. , Piller Sabine C. , Plett Jonathan M.
Published: June 2019

The genomes of all eukaryotic organisms, from small unicellular yeasts to humans, include members of the protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) family. These enzymes affect gene transcription, cellular signaling, and function through the posttranslational methylation of arginine residues. Mis-regulation of PRMTs results in serious developmental defects, disease, or death, illustrating the importance of these enzymes to cellular processes. Plant genomes encode almost the full complement of PRMTs found in other higher organisms, plus an additional PRMT found uniquely in plants, PRMT10. Here, we investigate the role of these highly conserved PRMTs in a process that is unique to perennial plants—the development of symbiosis with ectomycorrhizal fungi. We show that PRMT expression and arginine methylation is altered in the roots of the model tree Eucalyptus grandis by the presence of its ectomycorrhizal fungal symbiont Pisolithus albus. Further, using transgenic modifications, we demonstrate that E. grandis–encoded PRMT1 and PRMT10 have important but opposing effects in promoting this symbiosis. In particular, the plant-specific EgPRMT10 has a potential role in the expression of plant hormone pathways during the colonization process and its overexpression reduces fungal colonization success.
Oryza glumaepatula, a New Source of Resistance to Meloidogyne graminicola and Histological Characterization of Its Defense Mechanisms
Authors: Mattos Vanessa S. , Leite Raycenne R. , Cares Juvenil E. , Gomes Ana Cristina M. M. , Moita Antonio W. , Lobo Valácia L. S. , Carneiro Regina M. D. G.
Published: June 2019

Meloidogyne graminicola causes significant damage to rice fields worldwide. Sources of resistance to M. graminicola reported in Oryza sativa are limited. Resistance to this species has been found in other Oryza species such as O. glaberrima and O. longistaminata. This study aimed to evaluate the reaction of four wild species of Oryza from the Embrapa Rice and Bean Germplasm Bank (Goiás, Brazil) to a pool of M. graminicola populations and determine the resistance mechanism in O. glumaepatula. Two genotypes of O. glaberrima, one of O. alta, three of O. glumaepatula, one of O. grandiglumis, one of O. longistaminata, and one of O. sativa (control) were included in the study. The results showed that O. glumaepatula was highly resistant (reproduction factor [RF] < 1). O. glaberrima, O. alta, and O. grandiglumis were considered moderately resistant. O. longistaminata was susceptible, although values of RF remained lower than the control O. sativa ‘BR-IRGA 410’, considered highly susceptible. Histological observations on the interaction of O. glumaepatula and M. graminicola showed reduced penetration of second-stage juveniles (J2s) when this resistant wild accession was compared with O. sativa. An intense hypersensitivity response-like reaction occurred at 2 days after inoculation in the root cortex of the resistant accession. Few J2s established in the central cylinder, and rare collapsed giant cells were observed surrounded by degenerate females. Fluorescence microscopy in O. glumaepatula revealed giant cells and the female body presumably exhibiting accumulation of phenolic compounds. Our study suggests that wild rice accessions, especially from the AA genotype (e.g., O. glumaepatula), are of great interest for use in future breeding programs with Oryza spp.
Honeybees use absolute rather than relative numerosity in number discrimination
Authors: Bortot Maria , Agrillo Christian , Avarguès-Weber Aurore , Bisazza Angelo , Miletto Petrazzini Maria Elena , Giurfa Martin
Published: June 2019

Various vertebrate species use relative numerosity judgements in comparative assessments of quantities for which they use larger/smaller relationships rather than absolute number. The numerical ability of honeybees shares basic properties with that of vertebrates but their use of absolute or relative numerosity has not been explored. We trained free-flying bees to choose variable images containing three dots; one group (‘larger’) was trained to discriminate 3 from 2, while another group (‘smaller’) was trained to discriminate 3 from 4. In both cases, numbers were kept constant but stimulus characteristics and position were varied from trial to trial. Bees were then tested with novel stimuli displaying the previously trained numerosity (3) versus a novel numerosity (4 for ‘larger’ and 2 for ‘smaller’). Both groups preferred the three-item stimulus, consistent with absolute numerosity. They also exhibited ratio-dependent discrimination of numbers, a property shared by vertebrates, as performance after 2 versus 3 was better than after 3 versus 4 training. Thus, bees differ from vertebrates in their use of absolute rather than of relative numerosity but they also have some numeric properties in common.
Reconstruction of long-distance bird migration routes using advanced machine learning techniques on geolocator data
Authors: Pancerasa Mattia , Sangiorgio Matteo , Ambrosini Roberto , Saino Nicola , Winkler David W. , Casagrandi Renato
Published: June 2019

Geolocators are a well-established technology to reconstruct migration routes of animals that are too small to carry satellite tags (e.g. passerine birds). These devices record environmental light-level data that enable the reconstruction of daily positions from the time of twilight. However, all current methods for analysing geolocator data require manual pre-processing of raw records to eliminate twilight events showing unnatural variation in light levels, a step that is time-consuming and must be accomplished by a trained expert. Here, we propose and implement advanced machine learning techniques to automate this procedure and we apply them to 108 migration tracks of barn swallows (Hirundo rustica). We show that routes reconstructed from the automated pre-processing are comparable to those obtained from manual selection accomplished by a human expert. This raises the possibility of fully automating light-level geolocator data analysis and possibly analysing the large amount of data already collected on several species.
Frequency dependence of surface acoustic wave swimming
Authors: Pouya C. , Hoggard K. , Gossage S. H. , Peter H. R. , Poole T. , Nash G. R.
Published: June 2019

Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) are elastic waves that can be excited directly on the surface of piezoelectric crystals using a transducer, leading to their exploitation for numerous technological applications, including for example microfluidics. Recently, the concept of SAW streaming, which underpins SAW microfluidics, was extended to make the first experimental demonstration of ‘SAW swimming’, where instead of moving water droplets on the surface of a device, SAWs are used as a propulsion mechanism. Using theoretical analysis and experiments, we show that the SAW swimming force can be controlled directly by changing the SAW frequency, due to attenuation and changing force distributions within each SAW streaming jet. Additionally, an optimum frequency exists which generates a maximum SAW swimming force. The SAW frequency can therefore be used to control the efficiency and forward force of these SAW swimming devices. The SAW swimming propulsion mechanism also mimics that used by many microorganisms, where propulsion is produced by a cyclic distortion of the body shape. This improved understanding of SAW swimming provides a test-bed for exploring the science of microorganism swimming, and could bring new insight to the evolutionary significance for the length and beating frequency of swimming microbial flagella.