bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metastatic carotid body paraganglioma of lungs and lymph nodes: Unsuspected diagnosis on EBUS‐TBNA
Authors: Kumari Kalpana , Jain Deepali , Kumar Rohit , Mohan Anant , Kumar Rakesh
Published: November 2016

Paragangliomas are tumors that originate from the extra‐adrenal chromaffin and nonchromaffin cells of neural crest origin. Lymph node metastases are common, while distant metastases to lung, liver, and bone are rare events and usually occur in the presence of a long standing clinically evident primary tumor. Primary diagnosis of paraganglioma at a metastatic site without a known primary is a diagnostic challenge. We report a case of an adult woman with incidentally detected metastasis to bilateral lungs from an occult carotid body paraganglioma, which presented a cytopathological diagnostic dilemma on EBUS‐TBNA from paratracheal lymph nodes. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:327–332. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Minor amputation does not negatively affect health‐related quality of life as compared with conservative treatment in patients with a diabetic foot ulcer: An observational study
Authors: Pickwell K. , Siersma V. , Kars M. , Apelqvist J. , Bakker K. , Edmonds M. , Holstein P. , Jirkovská A. , Jude E.B. , Mauricio D. , Piaggesi A. , Reike H. , Spraul M. , Uccioli L. , Urbancic V. , van Acker K. , van Baal J. , Schaper N.
Published: November 2016

Background

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is poor in patients with persistent diabetic foot ulcers and poor HRQoL predicts worse outcomes in these patients. Amputation is often considered a treatment failure, which is why conservative treatment is generally preferred over amputation. However, it is unclear whether minor amputation negatively affects HRQoL compared with conservative treatment in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods

In the cohort of the multicenter, prospective, observational Eurodiale study, we determined difference in change of HRQoL measured by EQ‐5D between patients with a diabetic foot ulcers that healed after conservative treatment (n = 676) and after minor amputation (n = 145). Propensity score was used to adjust for known confounders, attempting to overcome lack of randomization.

Results

Baseline HRQoL was not significantly different between patients treated conservatively and undergoing minor amputation. In addition, there was no difference in the change of HRQoL between these groups. In patients who healed 6 to 12 months after the first visit, HRQoL on the anxiety/depression subscale even appeared to improve more in those who underwent minor amputation.

Conclusions

Minor amputation was not associated with a negative impact on HRQoL in patients with a diabetic foot ulcers. It may therefore not be considered treatment failure in terms of HRQoL but rather a viable treatment option. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to further examine the influence of minor amputations on health‐related quality of life.
Effects of different doses of 2,3‐dimercaptosuccinic acid‐modified Fe2O3nanoparticles on intercalated discs in engineered cardiac tissues
Authors: Mou Yongchao , Lv Shuanghong , Xiong Fei , Han Yao , Zhao Yuwei , Li Junjie , Gu Ning , Zhou Jin
Published: November 2016

Although iron oxide nanoparticles (IRONs) were applied in clinical magnetic resonance imagingin vivoand magnetic tissue engineeringin vitrowidely, the underlying effects of IRONs on the development of cardiomyocytes especially the intercellular junctions, intercalated discs (IDs), remain an unknown issue. Given the critical role of three‐dimensional (3D) engineered cardiac tissues (ECTs) in evaluation of nanoparticles toxicology, it remained necessary to understand the effects of IRONs on IDs assembly of cardiomyocytes in 3D environment. In this study, we first reconstituted collagen/Matrigel based ECTsin vitroand prepared IRONs with 2,3‐dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA‐IRONs). We found that the internalization of DMSA‐IRONs by cardiac cells in dose‐dependent manner was not associated with the cell distribution in 3D environment by determination of Prussian blue staining and transmission electronic microscopy. Significantly, through determination of western blotting and immunofluorescence of connexin 43, N‐cadherin, desmoplakin, and plakoglobin, DMSA‐IRONs enhanced the assembly of gap junctions, decreased mechanical junctions (adherens junctions and desmosomes) of cardiac cells but not in dose‐dependent manner in ECTs at seventh day. In addition, DMSA‐IRONs increased the vesicles secretion of cardiac cells in ECTs apparently compared to control groups. Overall, we conclude that the internalization of DMSA‐IRONs by cardiac cells in dose‐dependent manner enhanced the assembly of electrochemical junctions and decreased the mechanical related microstructures. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 121–130, 2018.
Effects of intratracheal exposure of 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) on the activation of CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP) and its protection by antioxidant liposome
Authors: Roy Somdutta Sinha , Mukherjee Shyamali , Das Salil K.
Published: November 2016

Exposure of 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) to guinea pigs causes lung injury by infiltration of neutrophils in interstitial lung spaces. A unique MAPK‐regulated transcription factor, C/EBP (CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein), regulates the expression of intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), involved in recruiting neutrophils in lung. The present study was to determine if CEES exposure causes activation of C/EBP, in particular the predominant β‐isoform and if so whether it can be prevented by intratracheal delivery of an antioxidant liposome containing N‐acetyl cysteine and tocopherols. Lung injury was developed in guinea pigs by intratracheal exposure of CEES (0.5 mg/kg). The antioxidant liposome was given intratracheally 5 min after CEES exposure, and the animals were sacrificed after 30 days. CEES exposure caused a 2.3‐fold increase in the activation of C/EBP accompanied with a 45% and 121% increase in the protein level of C/EBP β and ICAM‐1, respectively, and this effect was counteracted by the antioxidant liposome.
Nonparametric de‐noising filter optimization using structure‐based microscopic image classification
Authors: Beagum Samsad , Dey Nilanjan , Ashour Amira S. , Sifaki‐Pistolla Dimitra , Balas Valentina E.
Published: November 2016

The Local Polynomial Approximation (LPA) is a nonparametric filter that performs pixel‐wise polynomial fit on a certain neighborhood. This filter can be supported by the Intersection of Confidence Interval rule (ICI) as an adaptation algorithm to identify the most suited neighborhood at which the polynomial assumptions provide superior fit for the observations. However, the LPA‐ICI is considered to be a near‐optimal de‐noising filter. Moreover, the ICI rule has several parameters that affect its performance. The current study applied an optimization algorithm, namely the Particle swarm optimization (PSO) to determine the optimal ICI parameter values for microscopic images de‐noising. As the ICI parameters are image's structure based, bag‐of‐features classifier is used to classify the images based on their structure into different classes. Afterward, a generated optimal ICI parameters' table was created using the LPA‐ICI‐PSO for further direct use without optimization. This table included the optimal ICI parameters based on the image structure. Based on the image category, the generated table can be used to attain the suitable ICI optimal parameters without using PSO. This guarantees less computational time along with the optimal de‐noising compared to the LPA‐ICI as established by the performance metrics. The experimental results established the superiority of the proposed LPA‐ICI‐PSO over the classical LPA‐ICI filter.
Quantitative assessment of hyperacute cerebral infarction with intravoxel incoherent motion MR imaging: Initial experience in a canine stroke model
Authors: Gao Qian‐Qian , Lu Shan‐Shan , Xu Xiao‐Quan , Wu Cheng‐Jiang , Liu Xing‐Long , Liu Sheng , Shi Hai‐Bin
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) for the measurement of diffusion and perfusion parameters in hyperacute strokes.

Materials and Methods

An embolic ischemic model was established with an autologous thrombus in 20 beagles. IVIM imaging was performed on a 3.0 Tesla platform at 4.5 h and 6 h after embolization. Ten b values from 0 to 900 s/mm2 were fitted with a bi‐exponential model to extract perfusion fraction f, diffusion coefficient D, and pseudo‐diffusion coefficient D*. Additionally, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was calculated using the mono‐exponential model with all the b values. Statistical analysis was performed using the pairwise Student's t test and Pearson's correlation test.

Results

A significant decrease in f and D was observed in the ischemic area when compared with those in the contralateral side at 4.5 h and 6 h after embolization (P < 0.01 for all). No significant difference was observed in D* between the two sides at either time point (P = 0.086 and 0.336, respectively). In the stroke area, f at 6 h was significantly lower than that at 4.5 h (P = 0.016). A significantly positive correlation was detected between ADC and D in both stroke and contralateral sides at 4.5 h and 6 h (P < 0.001 for both). Significant correlation between ADC and f was only observed in the contralateral side at 4.5 h and 6 h (P = 0.019 and 0.021, respectively).

Conclusion

IVIM imaging could simultaneously evaluate the diffusion and microvascular perfusion characteristics in hyperacute strokes.

Level of Evidence:2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:550–556
A novel thyroid cancer nodal map classification system to facilitate nodal localization and surgical management: The A to D map
Authors: Cunnane Marybeth , Kyriazidis Natalia , Kamani Dipti , Juliano Amy F. , Kelly Hillary R. , Curtin Hugh D. , Barber Samuel R. , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: November 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the effectiveness, reproducibility, and usability of our proposed nodal nomenclature and classification system employed for several years in our high‐volume thyroid cancer unit, for the adequate localization and mapping of lymph nodes in thyroid cancer patients with extensive nodal disease.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

Thirty‐three thyroid cancer patients with extensive nodal disease treated from January 2004 to May 2013 were included in our study. Preoperative ultrasound and computed tomography scans of these patients were reanalyzed by blinded radiologists to investigate the feasibility for the assignment of abnormal lymph nodes to compartments defined in our proposed nodal classification system and to identify areas of difficulty in the assignment.

Results

Analysis of nodal localization revealed a discrepancy in compartment agreement between the two radiologists in the assignment of abnormal nodes in nine patients (9/33, 27%). In six patients (6/33, 18%), discrepancy existed in labeling paratracheal and pretracheal nodes. In three patients (3/33, 9%), disagreement arose in the classification of retrocarotid nodes into lateral versus central compartment. A further refinement of the definition of key borderline regions of the pretracheal versus paratracheal and retrocarotid regions of our classification improved the agreement and demonstrated a complete concordance (100%) amongst the reviewing radiologists.

Conclusions

The proposed nodal classification system, derived specifically for differentiated thyroid carcinoma, with readily identifiable anatomic boundaries on imaging and at surgery, facilitates communication among multidisciplinary physicians and aids in creating a uniform and reproducible radiographic nodal map to guide surgical therapy.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 127:2429–2436, 2017
Flame retardancy synergism in polymers through different inert fillers' geometry
Authors: Schartel Bernhard , Schmaucks Gerd
Published: November 2016

Low amounts (<7.5 wt%) of organically modified layered silicate (LS) as well as large amounts (>10 wt%) of spherical amorphous SiO2 (sSiO2) has been used successfully as adjuvants in commercial polymeric materials flame retarded with metal hydroxide. The combination of LS and SiO2 is investigated in different thermoplastics with respect to their fire behavior, particular to overcome the restrictions in maximum and minimum filler contents know for the single additives. The aim was to check the potential of combinations of the inert fillers in absence of a real fire retardant. The combination of LS and sSiO2 harbors the potential for flame retardancy effects close to superposition or even synergy, due to an improved structure of the fire residue. LS‐sSiO2 combinations are proposed to work as adjuvants superior to LS and sSiO2 in flame retarded polymeric materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:1099–1109, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of V‐pits embedded InGaN/GaN superlattices on optical and electrical properties of GaN‐based green light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Zhou Shengjun , Liu Xingtong
Published: November 2016

We investigated effects of V‐pits embedded InGaN/GaN superlattices (SL) on optical and electrical properties of high power green LEDs by changing the number of SL period and SL growth temperature. Surface morphology of V‐pits embedded InGaN/GaN SL with various periods and growth temperatures was evaluated by using atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was found that density and size of V‐pit increase with decreasing SL growth temperature and increasing SL periods. Experimental studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with cathodoluminescence (CL) indicated that SL with larger V‐pits appear to be more effective in suppressing the lateral diffusion of carriers into threading dislocations (TD). Compared to c‐plane quantum wells, narrower quantum wells on the V‐pit sidewall were clearly observed by performing high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM). The external quantum efficiency (EQE) and the efficiency droop of green LEDs grown on underlying SL with larger V‐pits are improved at high injection current regime, which is attributed to a more efficient hole injection into multiple quantum well, and also to a higher V‐pit potential barrier height that could more effectively suppress the lateral diffusion of carriers into non‐radiative recombination centers of TDs.
Structures, stabilities, and electronic properties of fullerene C36 with endohedral atomic Sc, Y, and La: A dispersion‐corrected DFT study
Authors: Miralrio Alan , Enrique Sansores Luis
Published: November 2016

The M@C36 compounds form a family of small endohedral metallofullerenes. Recently, these have been detected as the smallest endohedral compounds formed with Sc, Y, and La. For the first time, these compounds are studied theoretically. Calculations obtained at the dispersion‐corrected DFT level PBE‐D3(BJ)/def2‐TZVP agree admirably with experimental results. The zero‐point energy corrected binding energies can explain the lower abundance of La@C36 in comparison with Sc@C36 and Y@C36. Their small HOMO‐LUMO gaps denote high reactivity. The bond between Y and Sc with the cage is mostly covalent. In contrast, La is located at the fullerene's center with an ionic interaction; all metals transferred charge to the cage. Furthermore, La@C36 was found in doublet state and the others preferred the quartet state. To conclude, according to the analysis of aromaticity performed by the NICS(0)iso index, the insertion of none of these metals increase the aromaticity.
Si44– in Solution – First Solvate Crystal Structure of the Ligand‐free Tetrasilicide Tetraanion in Rb1.2K2.8Si4·7NH3
Authors: Lorenz Corinna , Gärtner Stefanie , Korber Nikolaus
Published: November 2016

We report the first solvate structure of the silicide anion Si44–, which provides circumstantial evidence of the stability of the highly charged anion in liquid ammonia solutions. The solvate Rb1.2K2.8Si4·7NH3 crystallized from a mixture of the ternary compound K6Rb6Si17 with the transition metal complex [(C6H5)3P]2Ni(CO)2 [bis(triphenylphosphine)dicarbonylnickel] in the presence of the chelating agents 18‐crown‐6 (1,4,7,10,13,16‐hexaoxacyclooctadecane) and [2.2.2]cryptand (4,7,13,16,21,24‐hexaoxa‐1,10‐diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane) in liquid ammonia. Single X‐ray diffraction analysis confirms the presence of the Si44– anion in the crystal structure of Rb1.2K2.8Si4·7NH3, which represents the first solvate compound of the naked tetrasilicide tetraanion. All five crystallographically independent cation positions show mixed occupancy by Rb+ and K+.
ZnO Nanoparticle Formation from the Molecular Precursor [MeZnOtBu]4 by Ozone Treatment in Ionic Liquids: in‐situ Vibrational Spectroscopy in an Ultrahigh Vacuum Environment
Authors: Bauer Tanja , Voggenreiter Markus , Xu Tao , Wähler Tobias , Agel Friederike , Pohako‐Esko Kaija , Schulz Peter , Döpper Tibor , Görling Andreas , Polarz Sebastian , Wasserscheid Peter , Libuda Jörg
Published: November 2016

As reported previously, novel ZnO nanostructures can be grown by oxidation of [MeZnOtBu]4 “building blocks” with O3 in ionic liquids (ILs). In this study, we have explored the role of the IL during ZnO formation by in‐situ infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV). [MeZnOtBu]4 and [C2C1Im][OTf] were (co‐)deposited as thin films by physical vapor deposition (PVD) onto Au(111), separately or simultaneously. The IR spectrum of [MeZnOtBu]4 was analyzed between 300 and 4000 cm–1 based on calculated spectra from density‐functional theory (DFT). Spectral changes in the IL‐related bands during the thermal treatment of [MeZnOtBu]4 in [C2C1Im][OTf] indicate the loss of the precursor ligands and the interaction of the IL with the growing ZnO aggregates. The films were treated with ozone (10–6 mbar) in UHV and the spectral changes were monitored in‐situ by IRAS. Slow ozonolysis of [C2C1Im][OTf] is observed. Spectroscopically we identify the primary ozonide formed by addition of O3 to [C2C1Im]+ and suggest a reaction mechanism, which leads to a biuret derivative. Upon ozone treatment of mixed [MeZnOtBu]4/[C2C1Im][OTf] films, ZnO aggregates are formed at the IL/vacuum interface. Ozonolysis of [C2C1Im][OTf] is suppressed. Upon annealing to 320 K, further ZnO aggregates are formed, leading to enclosure of [C2C1Im][OTf] in the ZnO film. At 380 K the IL is released from the mixed film. The pure [C2C1Im][OTf] desorbs at 420 K, leaving behind the ZnO phase.
An Effective Method to Construct Cluster‐based Frameworks with Multifarious Structures, Luminescence, and Sorption Properties
Authors: Li Qipeng , Yu Panpan , Luo Jiagang , Qi Cen , Zhang Zejun , Qian Jinjie
Published: November 2016

An effective method was developed for the synthesis of three cluster‐based frameworks with multifarious secondary building units (SBUs) and various structures, which were formulated as [Me2NH2]2[Zn10(BTC)6(μ3‐O)(μ4‐O)(H2O)5]·3DMA·9H2O (FJI‐3), [Me2NH2]2[Zn9(μ3‐OH)2(BTC)6(H2O)3]·5DMA·6H2O (FJI‐4) and [Me2NH2][Zn3(μ3‐OH)(BTC)2DMF]·H2O (FJI‐5) (H3BTC = 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid, DMA = N,N′‐dimethyl acetamide and DMF = N,N′‐dimethyl formamide), respectively. X‐ray structural analysis reveals that FJI‐3 displays 3D highly porous metal‐organic framework with four kinds of microporous cages constructed by two paddle‐wheel Zn2(CO2)4, trimeric Zn3O(CO2)6, and tetrameric Zn4O(CO2)6 SBUs. FJI‐4 exhibits 3D microporous MOFs with a dodecahedral cavities built by paddle‐wheel Zn2(CO2)4 and trimeric Zn3O(CO2)6. FJI‐5 shows 3D microporous MOFs with an 1D channel assembled by the Zn3O(CO2)6 SBUs. In addition, the fluorescence and sorption properties in these cluster‐based frameworks were also investigated. Furthermore, the method employed in this work may provide an useful approach to the design and synthesis of novel cluster‐based frameworks.
An Evaluation of Preparedness, Delivery and Impact of Surgical and Anesthesia Care in Madagascar: A Framework for a National Surgical Plan
Authors: Bruno Emily , White Michelle C. , Baxter Linden S. , Ravelojaona Vaonandianina Agnès , Rakotoarison Hasiniaina Narindria , Andriamanjato Hery Harimanitra , Close Kristin L. , Herbert Alison , Raykar Nakul , Saluja Saurabh , Shrime Mark G.
Published: November 2016

Background

The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCoGS) described the lack of access to safe, affordable, timely surgical, and anesthesia care. It proposed a series of 6 indicators to measure surgery, accompanied by time‐bound targets and a template for national surgical planning. To date, no sub‐Saharan African country has completed and published a nationwide evaluation of its surgical system within this framework.

Method

Mercy Ships, in partnership with Harvard Medical School and the Madagascar Ministry of Health, collected data on the 6 indicators from 22 referral hospitals in 16 out of 22 regions of Madagascar. Data collection was by semi‐structured interviews with ministerial, medical, laboratory, pharmacy, and administrative representatives in each region. Microsimulation modeling was used to calculate values for financial indicators.

Results

In Madagascar, 29% of the population can access a surgical facility within 2 h. Surgical workforce density is 0.78 providers per 100,000 and annual surgical volume is 135–191 procedures per 100,000 with a perioperative mortality rate of 2.5–3.3%. Patients requiring surgery have a 77.4–86.3 and 78.8–95.1% risk of incurring impoverishing and catastrophic expenditure, respectively. Of the six LCoGS indicator targets, Madagascar meets one, the reporting of perioperative mortality rate.

Conclusion

Compared to the LCoGS targets, Madagascar has deficits in surgical access, workforce, volume, and the ability to offer financial risk protection to surgical patients. Its perioperative mortality rate, however, appears better than in comparable countries. The government is committed to improvement, and key stakeholder meetings to create a national surgical plan have begun.
Tendon transfer to unossified bone in a porcine model: Potential implications for early tibialis anterior tendon transfers in children with clubfeet
Authors: Halanski Matthew A. , Abrams Sam , Lenhart Rachel , Leiferman Ellen , Kaiser Teresa , Pierce Emily , Franklin Rachel Rebekah , Opel Dayton , Noonan Kenneth J. , Crenshaw Thomas D.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Tibialis anterior tendon transfers (TATT) are commonly performed in young children following Ponseti casting for clubfeet. The classic TATT involves advancing the tendon through a hole drilled in the ossified cuneiform. The aim of this study was to determine if tendons transferred through unossified bones have untoward effects on subsequent bone development.

Method

Twenty-five piglets underwent one of five surgical procedures. An 18-gauge needle was then used to place a tunnel through the bony or cartilaginous portion of the calcaneus (through direct visualization) and isolated slips of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) were placed through the tunnels, as determined by surgical procedure. Radiographic and/or histologic evaluations of the calcaneal apophyses were then performed. A discrete (1–4) and dichotomous “Normal” or “Abnormal” scoring system was developed and its reliability assessed to grade the appearance of the calcanei. Calcaneal appearances following the surgical procedures were then compared with controls. The average load to failure of a subset of transferred tendons was then compared using an MTS machine.

Results

The proposed apophyseal grading system (1–4) demonstrated an intraclass correlational coefficient (ICC) for consistency of 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88 < ICC < 0.95] and ICC for agreement of 0.91 (95% CI 0.86 < ICC < 0.95), indicating strong agreement and consistency. Similarly, Fleiss’ kappa for the 1–4 scoring system was found to be 0.67, indicating substantial agreement between reviewers. When the 1–4 system was translated into the dichotomous scheme “Normal” and “Abnormal”, the kappa value increased to 0.94, indicating strong agreement. Forty-six apophyses (13 control and 33 operative) were assessed using this scoring scheme. Apophyseal transfers were significantly more abnormal than controls ( p < 0.0001), while no difference in abnormalities was found following tunnel placement alone ( p = 1). Mechanical testing of the tendons transferred to bone or through the cartilaginous apophysis demonstrated no significant differences ( p = 0.2).

Conclusion

Tendon transfers through unossified bones altered subsequent bone development.

Significance

While the long-term consequence of these structural changes is unknown, these findings suggest that tendon transfers through unossified bones should be avoided and alternative methods of tendon fixation explored.
Successful Implementation of Electrocardiogram-Placed Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters at a Major Academic Medical Teaching Organization
Authors: Wuerz Lorelle , Cooke Joseph , Hentel Keith , Ince-Barnes Joan , Dawson Robert
Published: November 2016

Health care is becoming increasingly complex. Introduction of new technologies can be overwhelming and complex. The following article outlines the use of a change process theoretical framework to plan, implement, and sustain successful outcomes with integration of electrocardiogram-placed peripherally inserted central catheters at a major metropolitan medical teaching facility.
DNA barcoding analysis of more than 9 000 yeast isolates contributes to quantitative thresholds for yeast species and genera delimitation
Authors: Vu D. , Groenewald M. , Szöke S. , Cardinali G. , Eberhardt U. , Stielow B. , de Vries M. , Verkleij G.J.M. , Crous P.W. , Boekhout T. , Robert V.
Published: November 2016

DNA barcoding is a global initiative for species identification through sequencing of short DNA sequence markers. Sequences of two loci, ITS and LSU, were generated as barcode data for all (ca. 9k) yeast strains included in the CBS collection, originally assigned to ca. 2 000
species. Taxonomic sequence validation turned out to be the most severe bottleneck due to the large volume of generated trace files and lack of reference sequences. We have analysed and validated CBS strains and barcode sequences automatically. Our analysis shows that there were 6 and 9.5 %
of CBS yeast species that could not be distinguished by ITS and LSU, respectively. Among them, ∼3 % were indistinguishable by both loci. Except for those species, both loci were successfully resolving yeast species as the grouping of yeast DNA barcodes with the predicted taxonomic
thresholds was more than 90 % similar to the grouping with respect to the expected taxon names. The taxonomic thresholds predicted to discriminate yeast species were 98.41 % for ITS and 99.51 % for LSU. To discriminate current yeast genera, thresholds were 96.31 % for ITS
and 97.11 % for LSU. Using ITS and LSU barcodes, we were also able to show that the recent reclassifications of basidiomycetous yeasts in 2015 have made a significant improvement for the generic taxonomy of those organisms. The barcodes of 4 730 (51 %) CBS yeast strains of
1 351 (80 %) accepted yeast species that were manually validated have been released to GenBank and the CBS-KNAW website as reference sequences for yeast identification.
Conservation of threatened plant species in botanic garden reserves in Brazil
Authors: Costa Maria Lúcia M. N. da , Wyse Jackson Peter , Fernandes Ricardo Avancini , Peixoto Ariane Luna
Published: November 2016

Over the last few decades botanic gardens worldwide have been encouraged to adopt complementary measures for the conservation of plant species from their own regions, combining in situ conservation efforts with ex situ methods, both in cultivation and in storage. This integrated approach is particularly important for botanic gardens in the tropics, which face the challenge of conserving a highly diverse and often threatened flora. We gathered information on the occurrence of threatened species in the natural vegetation reserves of 21 Brazilian botanic gardens. The data were collected from herbarium records in the database of the National Centre for Flora Conservation, and from the available plant inventories of these reserves. The results indicate that 148 species from the List of Threatened Species of Brazilian Flora are recorded as having been collected in the reserves. Of these, 51 species were maintained in the living collections of 18 botanic gardens and 83 species were recorded in federally protected areas. The occurrence of threatened species in the reserves of botanic gardens highlights the scientific value of these areas, as well as their biological, social and cultural importance for conservation. The results may be used to inform the planning of integrated conservation strategies for threatened species.
Cognitive dysfunction in body dysmorphic disorder: new implications for nosological systems and neurobiological models
Authors: Jefferies-Sewell Kiri , Chamberlain Samuel R. , Fineberg Naomi A. , Laws Keith R.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a debilitating disorder, characterized by obsessions and compulsions relating specifically to perceived appearance, and which has been newly classified within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders grouping. Until now, little research has been conducted into the cognitive profile of this disorder.

Methods

Participants with BDD (n=12) and participants without BDD (n=16) were tested using a computerized neurocognitive battery investigating attentional set-shifting (Intra/Extra Dimensional Set Shift Task), decision-making (Cambridge Gamble Task), motor response-inhibition (Stop-Signal Reaction Time Task), and affective processing (Affective Go-No Go Task). The groups were matched for age, IQ, and education.

Results

In comparison to controls, patients with BDD showed significantly impaired attentional set-shifting, abnormal decision-making, impaired response inhibition, and greater omission and commission errors on the emotional processing task.

Conclusion

Despite the modest sample size, our results showed that individuals with BDD performed poorly compared to healthy controls on tests of cognitive flexibility, reward and motor impulsivity, and affective processing. Results from separate studies in OCD patients suggest similar cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, these findings are consistent with the reclassification of BDD alongside OCD. These data also hint at additional areas of decision-making abnormalities that might contribute specifically to the psychopathology of BDD.
The pro‐fibrotic role of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 in carbon tetrachloride‐induced experimental liver injury
Authors: Wang Xin M , Holz Lauren E , Chowdhury Sumaiya , Cordoba Shaun P , Evans Kathryn A , Gall Margaret G , Vieira de Ribeiro Ana Júlia , Zheng Yuan Zhou , Levy Miriam T , Yu Denise MT , Yao Tsun‐Wen , Polak Natasa , Jolly Christopher J , Bertolino Patrick , McCaughan Geoffrey W , Gorrell Mark D
Published: November 2016

Liver fibrosis is a progressive pathological process involving inflammation and extracellular matrix deposition. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), also known as CD26, is a cell surface glycoprotein and serine protease. DPP4 binds to fibronectin, can inactivate specific chemokines, incretin hormone and neuropeptides, and influences cell adhesion and migration. Such properties suggest a pro‐fibrotic role for this peptidase but this hypothesis needs in vivo examination. Experimental liver injury was induced with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in DPP4 gene knockout (gko) mice. DPP4 gko had less liver fibrosis and inflammation and fewer B cell clusters than wild type mice in the fibrosis model. DPP4 inhibitor‐treated mice also developed less liver fibrosis. DNA microarray and PCR showed that many immunoglobulin (Ig) genes and some metabolism‐associated transcripts were differentially expressed in the gko strain compared with wild type. CCl4‐treated DPP4 gko livers had more IgM+ and IgG+ intrahepatic lymphocytes, and fewer CD4+, IgD+ and CD21+ intrahepatic lymphocytes. These data suggest that DPP4 is pro‐fibrotic in CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis and that the mechanisms of DPP4 pro‐fibrotic action include energy metabolism, B cells, NK cells and CD4+ cells.
Additives for vaccine storage to improve thermal stability of adenoviruses from hours to months
Authors: Pelliccia Maria , Andreozzi Patrizia , Paulose Jayson , D’Alicarnasso Marco , Cagno Valeria , Donalisio Manuela , Civra Andrea , Broeckel Rebecca M. , Haese Nicole , Jacob Silva Paulo , Carney Randy P. , Marjomäki Varpu , Streblow Daniel N. , Lembo David , Stellacci Francesco , Vitelli Vincenzo , Krol Silke
Published: November 2016

Up to 80% of the cost of vaccination programmes is due to the cold chain problem (that is, keeping vaccines cold). Inexpensive, biocompatible additives to slow down the degradation of virus particles would address the problem. Here we propose and characterize additives that, already at very low concentrations, improve the storage time of adenovirus type 5. Anionic gold nanoparticles (10−8–10−6 M) or polyethylene glycol (PEG, molecular weight ∼8,000 Da, 10−7–10−4 M) increase the half-life of a green fluorescent protein expressing adenovirus from ∼48 h to 21 days at 37 °C (from 7 to >30 days at room temperature). They replicate the known stabilizing effect of sucrose, but at several orders of magnitude lower concentrations. PEG and sucrose maintained immunogenicity in vivo for viruses stored for 10 days at 37 °C. To achieve rational design of viral-vaccine stabilizers, our approach is aided by simplified quantitative models based on a single rate-limiting step.
Platinum single-atom and cluster catalysis of the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Cheng Niancai , Stambula Samantha , Wang Da , Banis Mohammad Norouzi , Liu Jian , Riese Adam , Xiao Biwei , Li Ruying , Sham Tsun-Kong , Liu Li-Min , Botton Gianluigi A. , Sun Xueliang
Published: November 2016

Platinum-based catalysts have been considered the most effective electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction in water splitting. However, platinum utilization in these electrocatalysts is extremely low, as the active sites are only located on the surface of the catalyst particles. Downsizing catalyst nanoparticles to single atoms is highly desirable to maximize their efficiency by utilizing nearly all platinum atoms. Here we report on a practical synthesis method to produce isolated single platinum atoms and clusters using the atomic layer deposition technique. The single platinum atom catalysts are investigated for the hydrogen evolution reaction, where they exhibit significantly enhanced catalytic activity (up to 37 times) and high stability in comparison with the state-of-the-art commercial platinum/carbon catalysts. The X-ray absorption fine structure and density functional theory analyses indicate that the partially unoccupied density of states of the platinum atoms’ 5d orbitals on the nitrogen-doped graphene are responsible for the excellent performance.
Revealing the spin–vibronic coupling mechanism of thermally activated delayed fluorescence
Authors: Etherington Marc K. , Gibson Jamie , Higginbotham Heather F. , Penfold Thomas J. , Monkman Andrew P.
Published: November 2016

Knowing the underlying photophysics of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) allows proper design of high efficiency organic light-emitting diodes. We have proposed a model to describe reverse intersystem crossing (rISC) in donor–acceptor charge transfer molecules, where spin–orbit coupling between singlet and triplet states is mediated by one of the local triplet states of the donor (or acceptor). This second order, vibronically coupled mechanism describes the basic photophysics of TADF. Through a series of measurements, whereby the energy ordering of the charge transfer (CT) excited states and the local triplet are tuned in and out of resonance, we show that TADF reaches a maximum at the resonance point, substantiating our model of rISC. Moreover, using photoinduced absorption, we show how the populations of both singlet and triplet CT states and the local triplet state change in and out of resonance. Our vibronic coupling rISC model is used to predict this behaviour and describes how rISC and TADF are affected by external perturbation.
Rhein and rhubarb similarly protect the blood-brain barrier after experimental traumatic brain injury via gp91phox subunit of NADPH oxidase/ROS/ERK/MMP-9 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Yang , Fan Xuegong , Tang Tao , Fan Rong , Zhang Chunhu , Huang Zebing , Peng Weijun , Gan Pingping , Xiong Xingui , Huang Wei , Huang Xi
Published: November 2016

Oxidative stress chiefly contributes to the disruption of the BBB following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Chinese herbal medicine rhubarb is a promising antioxidant in treating TBI. Here we performed in vivo and in vitro experiments to determine whether rhubarb and its absorbed bioactive compound protected the BBB after TBI by increasing ZO-1 expression through inhibition of gp91phox subunit of NADPH oxidase/ROS/ERK/MMP-9 pathway. Rats were subjected to the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model, and primary rat cortical astrocytes were exposed to scratch-wound model. The liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method showed that rhein was the compound absorbed in the brains of CCI rats after rhubarb administration. The wet-dry weights and Evans blue measurements revealed that rhubarb and rhein ameliorated BBB damage and brain edema in CCI rats. Western blots showed that rhubarb and rhein downregulated GFAP in vitro. RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, Western blot and dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate analysis indicated that rhubarb prevented activation of gp91phox subunit of NADPH oxidase induced ROS production, subsequently inhibited ERK/MMP-9 pathway in vivo and in vitro. Interestingly, rhein and rhubarb similarly protected the BBB by inhibiting this signaling cascade. The results provide a novel herbal medicine to protect BBB following TBI via an antioxidative molecular mechanism.
Mycobacterium avium MAV2054 protein induces macrophage apoptosis by targeting mitochondria and reduces intracellular bacterial growth
Authors: Lee Kang-In , Whang Jake , Choi Han-Gyu , Son Yeo-Jin , Jeon Haet Sal , Back Yong Woo , Park Hye-Soo , Paik Seungwha , Park Jeong-Kyu , Choi Chul Hee , Kim Hwa-Jung
Published: November 2016

Mycobacterium avium complex induces macrophage apoptosis. However, the M. avium components that inhibit or trigger apoptosis and their regulating mechanisms remain unclear. We recently identified the immunodominant MAV2054 protein by fractionating M. avium culture filtrate protein by multistep chromatography; this protein showed strong immuno-reactivity in M. avium complex pulmonary disease and in patients with tuberculosis. Here, we investigated the biological effects of MAV2054 on murine macrophages. Recombinant MAV2054 induced caspase-dependent macrophage apoptosis. Enhanced reactive oxygen species production and JNK activation were essential for MAV2054-mediated apoptosis and MAV2054-induced interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production. MAV2054 was targeted to the mitochondrial compartment of macrophages treated with MAV2054 and infected with M. avium. Dissipation of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) and depletion of cytochrome c also occurred in MAV2054-treated macrophages. Apoptotic response, reactive oxygen species production, and ΔΨm collapse were significantly increased in bone marrow-derived macrophages infected with Mycobacterium smegmatis expressing MAV2054, compared to that in M. smegmatis control. Furthermore, MAV2054 expression suppressed intracellular growth of M. smegmatis and increased the survival rate of M. smegmatis-infected mice. Thus, MAV2054 induces apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway in macrophages, which may be an innate cellular response to limit intracellular M. avium multiplication.
Rice volatiles lure gravid malaria mosquitoes, Anopheles arabiensis
Authors: Wondwosen Betelehem , Birgersson Göran , Seyoum Emiru , Tekie Habte , Torto Baldwyn , Fillinger Ulrike , Hill Sharon R. , Ignell Rickard
Published: November 2016

Mosquito oviposition site selection is essential for vector population dynamics and malaria epidemiology. Irrigated rice cultivations provide ideal larval habitats for malaria mosquitoes, which has resulted in increased prevalence of the malaria vector, Anopheles arabiensis, in sub-Saharan Africa. The nature and origin of the cues regulating this behaviour are only now being elucidated. We show that gravid Anopheles arabiensis are attracted and oviposit in response to the odour present in the air surrounding rice. Furthermore, we identify a synthetic rice odour blend, using electrophysiological and chemical analyses, which elicits attraction and oviposition in laboratory assays, as well as attraction of free-flying gravid mosquitoes under semi-field conditions. This research highlights the intimate link between malaria vectors and agriculture. The identified volatile cues provide important substrates for the development of novel and cost-effective control measures that target female malaria mosquitoes, irrespective of indoor or outdoor feeding and resting patterns.
Inter-individual variability and modeling of electrical activity: a possible new approach to explore cardiac safety?
Authors: Le Guennec Jean-Yves , Thireau Jérôme , Ouillé Aude , Roussel Julien , Roy Jérôme , Richard Serge , Richard Sylvain , Martel Eric , Champéroux Pascal
Published: November 2016

Safety pharmacology aims to predict rare side effects of new drugs. We explored whether rare pro-arrhythmic effects could be linked to the variability of the effects of these drugs on ion currents and whether taking into consideration this variability in computational models could help to better detect and predict cardiac side effects. For this purpose, we evaluated how intra- and inter-individual variability influences the effect of hERG inhibition on both the action potential duration and the occurrence of arrhythmias. Using two computer simulation models of human action potentials (endocardial and Purkinje cells), we analyzed the contribution of two biological parameters on the pro-arrhythmic effects of several hERG channel blockers: (i) spermine concentration, which varies with metabolic status, and (ii) L-type calcium conductance, which varies due to single nucleotide polymorphisms or mutations. By varying these parameters, we were able to induce arrhythmias in 1 out of 16 simulations although conventional modeling methods to detect pro-arrhythmic molecules failed. On the basis of our results, taking into consideration only 2 parameters subjected to intra- and inter-individual variability, we propose thatin silicocomputer modeling may help to better define the risks of new drug candidates at early stages of pre-clinical development.
Assessing the feasibility of fly based surveillance of wildlife infectious diseases
Authors: Hoffmann Constanze , Stockhausen Melanie , Merkel Kevin , Calvignac-Spencer Sébastien , Leendertz Fabian H.
Published: November 2016

Monitoring wildlife infectious agents requires acquiring samples suitable for analyses, which is often logistically demanding. A possible alternative to invasive or non-invasive sampling of wild-living vertebrates is the use of vertebrate material contained in invertebrates feeding on them, their feces, or their remains. Carrion flies have been shown to contain vertebrate DNA; here we investigate whether they might also be suitable for wildlife pathogen detection. We collected 498 flies in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, a tropical rainforest and examined them for adenoviruses (family Adenoviridae), whose DNA is frequently shed in feces of local mammals. Adenoviral DNA was detected in 6/142 mammal-positive flies. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that five of these sequences were closely related to sequences obtained from local non-human primates, while the sixth sequence was closely related to a murine adenovirus. Next-generation sequencing-based DNA-profiling of the meals of the respective flies identified putative hosts that were a good fit to those suggested by adenoviral sequence affinities. We conclude that, while characterizing the genetic diversity of wildlife infectious agents through fly-based monitoring may not be cost-efficient, this method could probably be used to detect the genetic material of wildlife infectious agents causing wildlife mass mortality in pristine areas.
Negative axial strain sensitivity in gold-coated eccentric fiber Bragg gratings
Authors: Chah Karima , Kinet Damien , Caucheteur Christophe
Published: November 2016

New dual temperature and strain sensor has been designed using eccentric second-order fiber Bragg gratings produced in standard single-mode optical fiber by point-by-point direct writing technique with tight focusing of 800 nm femtosecond laser pulses. With thin gold coating at the grating location, we experimentally show that such gratings exhibit a transmitted amplitude spectrum composed by the Bragg and cladding modes resonances that extend in a wide spectral range exceeding one octave. An overlapping of the first order and second order spectrum is then observed. High-order cladding modes belonging to the first order Bragg resonance coupling are close to the second order Bragg resonance, they show a negative axial strain sensitivity (−0.55 pm/με) compared to the Bragg resonance (1.20 pm/με) and the same temperature sensitivity (10.6 pm/°C). With this well conditioned system, temperature and strain can be determined independently with high sensitivity, in a wavelength range limited to a few nanometers.
Analysis of chikungunya virus proteins reveals that non-structural proteins nsP2 and nsP3 exhibit RNA interference (RNAi) suppressor activity
Authors: Mathur Kalika , Anand Abhishek , Dubey Sunil Kumar , Sanan-Mishra Neeti , Bhatnagar Raj K. , Sunil Sujatha
Published: November 2016

RNAi pathway is an antiviral defence mechanism employed by insects that result in degradation of viral RNA thereby curbing infection. Several viruses including flaviviruses encode viral suppressors of RNAi (VSRs) to counteract the antiviral RNAi pathway. Till date, no VSR has been reported in alphaviruses. The present study was undertaken to evaluate chikungunya virus (CHIKV) proteins for RNAi suppressor activity. We systematically analyzed all nine CHIKV proteins for RNAi suppressor activity using Sf21 RNAi sensor cell line based assay. Two non-structural proteins, namely, nsP2 and nsP3 were found to exhibit RNAi suppressor activity. We further validated the findings in natural hosts, namely in Aedes and in mammalian cell lines and further through EMSA and Agrobacterium infiltration in GFP silenced transgenic tobacco plants. Domains responsible for maximum RNAi suppressor activity were also identified within these proteins. RNA binding motifs in these domains were identified and their participation in RNAi suppression evaluated using site directed mutagenesis. Sequence alignment of these motifs across all species of known alphaviruses revealed conservation of these motifs emphasizing on a similar role of action in other species of alphaviruses as well. Further validation of RNAi suppressor activity of these proteins awaits establishment of specific virus infection models.