bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The first case of congenital blood chimerism in two of the triplets in Korea
Authors: Chung Yoo Na , Chun Sejong , Phan Minh‐Trang Thi , Nam Myung‐Hyun , Choi Byung Min , Cho Duck , Choi Ji Seon
Published: May 2018

Background

Chimeras are composed of two or more different populations that originated from different zygotes. Blood chimerism arising from twins have been reported in the literature. Herein, we report the first blood group chimerism in triplets.

Methods

ABO blood grouping was carried out by manual tile methods (Merck Millipore, UK) and micro‐column agglutination method (Bio‐Rad, Cressier sur Morat, Switzerland). Flow cytometric analysis was performed with Anti‐A‐PE conjugated monoclonal antibodies (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA) and FACS Canto II (BD Biosciences). Molecular analysis was performed with allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (AS‐PCR) and direct sequencing of the exons 6 and 7.

Results

Mixed‐field agglutination and weak agglutination against anti‐A were revealed by ABO blood grouping. Flow cytometric analysis revealed the presence of both A cells and O cells. AS‐PCR and sequencing showed two neonates with chimerism, with each neonate`s genotype being A102/O01/O02.

Conclusion

This is the first recorded case of blood chimera from a triplet in Korea. We recommend full investigation of blood group chimerism in neonates with ABO discrepancy, as blood chimerism is subject to certain caution in the clinical environment.
Calcineurin Inhibitor and Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drug Interaction: Implications of Changes in Renal Function Associated With Concurrent Use
Authors: Delzer Luke M. , Golightly Larry K. , Kiser Tyree H. , Biggins Scott W. , Lewis Victor J. , Kim Ike I.
Published: May 2018

Evidence for a drug interaction between calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is meager, and the magnitude of risk for adverse renal effects associated with this interaction is unclear. To explicate these uncertainties, sequential measures of kidney function were evaluated in hospitalized adult solid organ or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients who received maintenance CNI therapy and concurrent treatment with an oral or parenteral NSAID. A comparator group of closely matched transplant recipients on CNI therapy who did not receive NSAID treatment during hospitalization was similarly evaluated. Among inpatients on CNIs, treatment‐emergent acute kidney injury occurred in 5 of 41 (12.2%) patients exposed to concurrent NSAIDs and in 7 of 126 (5.6%) of matched patients who were not exposed to NSAIDs (relative risk ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval 0.74 to 6.54). During hospitalization, an increase in serum creatinine above baseline occurred in 80.5% of patients on CNI therapy who were exposed to NSAIDs as compared with 56.3% of patients on CNIs who were not exposed (P = .001). NSAID administration was an independent predictor for a rapid increase in serum creatinine (P = .026). The event rate for worsened renal function was highest among patients exposed to parenteral ketorolac. Because the likelihood of developing treatment‐related worsening of renal function is increased with combined use of CNIs and NSAIDs, concurrent use of these medications is inadvisable. Patients and clinicians should be counseled accordingly.
An eco‐friendly molecular imprinting technique for the selective recognition and controlled release of bovine serum albumin
Authors: Sadanandan Sandeep
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Synthesis of molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) by conventional methods is a tedious process due to the necessity for toxic organic solvents, chemicals and thermal activation for the free radical generation of initiators. In this study, a new MIP is synthesized using only the action of biopolymer blend cross‐linking in the presence of BSA as a template.

RESULTS

The characteristics of the MIP were investigated using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, SEM, X‐ray diffraction and zeta potential analyses. The effects of cross‐linking density in imprinting efficiency, and the influence of pH and ionic strength in the loading of BSA into MIP were investigated. The adsorption isotherms of BSA onto MIP and nonimprinted polymer (NIP) were determined by a Langmuir model and showed a maximum binding capacity of 95.73 mg g−1 for MIP and 76.08 mg g−1 for NIP.

CONCLUSION

The porous structure formed in the polymer blend of MIP enables easy access of proteins by diffusion as clearly shown in an SEM image. Compared with the NIP blends, the MIP blends demonstrated much higher adsorption capacity due to the presence of multiple hydrogen bonds and covalent bond interaction between the imprinted cavities and template proteins. The merits of this novel technique include elimination of a complex polymerization reaction, toxic volatile organic solvents and free radical initiators. Thus, this new way of strategy will be a promising trend for the future preparation of environmentally benign molecular imprinted polymer materials. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Differential characteristics in drug‐induced autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Martínez‐Casas Omar Yesid , Díaz‐Ramírez Gabriel Sebastián , Marín‐Zuluaga Juan Ignacio , Muñoz‐Maya Octavio , Santos Oscar , Donado‐Gómez Jorge Hernando , Restrepo‐Gutiérrez Juan Carlos
Published: May 2018

Background and Aim

Drug‐induced autoimmune hepatitis (DIAIH) is an adverse effect associated with several drugs that usually occurs acutely, with variable latency, and it may potentially be mortal. There are a few reports and studies about DIAIH.

Methods

This was an analytical study of a retrospective cohort of patients, discriminated according to idiopathic or drug‐induced etiology, followed up for a 7‐year period until 31 December 2016.

Results

A total of 190 patients were selected for the analysis, 12 (6.3%) with DIAIH. The two main drugs related to DIAIH were nitrofurantoin, n = 8 (67%), and NSAID, n = 2 (17%), constituting 84% of the cases. There were no significant differences in seropositivity between AIH with DIAIH in antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti‐smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA) antibodies, with 82.6% versus 82.6% and 34% versus 16%, respectively. The fibrosis stages were similar, except for the F4 stage, in a greater proportion in AIH. None of the patients with DIAIH had cirrhosis or developed it during follow‐up, but it was present in 42.1% of the AIH cases at diagnosis (P = 0.003). Biochemical remission with management was higher in DIAIH but not significant (91.7% vs 80.9%, P = 0.35). The definitive interruption of immunosuppression was successfully performed in 25% of those with DIAIH without relapses but was only possible in 2.8% in AIH (P < 0.001) with 32 cases of relapses.

Conclusion

DIAIH constitutes a minor proportion of AIH. The clinical and histological characteristics may be similar; DIAIH patients have a greater chance of having treatment suspended with a low risk of relapse, progression to cirrhosis, or need for liver transplant.
Human interleukin‐10 delivered intrathecally by self‐complementary adeno‐associated virus 8 induces xenogeneic transgene immunity without clinical neurotoxicity in swine
Authors: Unger Mark D. , Pleticha Josef , Heilmann Lukas F. , Newman Laura K. , Maus Timothy P. , Beutler Andreas S.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Intrathecal interleukin (IL)‐10 delivered by plasmid or viral gene vectors has been proposed for clinical testing because it is effective for chronic pain in rodents, is a potential therapeutic for various human diseases, and was found to be nontoxic in dogs, when the human IL‐10 ortholog was tested. However, recent studies in swine testing porcine IL‐10 demonstrated fatal neurotoxicity. The present study aimed to deliver vector‐encoded human IL‐10 in swine, measure expression of the transgene in cerebrospinal fluid and monitor animals for signs of neurotoxicity.

Results

Human IL‐10 levels peaked 2 weeks after vector administration followed by a rapid decline that occurred concomitant with the emergence of anti‐human IL‐10 antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum. Animals remained neurologically healthy throughout the study period.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study suggest that swine are not idiosyncratically sensitive to intrathecal IL‐10 because, recapitulating previous reports in dogs, they suffered no clinical neurotoxicity from the human ortholog. These results strongly infer that toxicity of intrathecal IL‐10 in large animal models was previously overlooked because of a species mismatch between transgene and host. The present study further suggests that swine were protected from interleukin‐10 by a humoral immune response against the xenogeneic cytokine. Future safety studies of IL‐10 or related therapeutics may require syngeneic large animal models.
Postoperative infections after dental implant placement: Variables associated with increased risk of failure
Authors: Camps‐Font Octavi , Martín‐Fatás Pablo , Clé‐Ovejero Adrià , Figueiredo Rui , Gay‐Escoda Cosme , Valmaseda‐Castellón Eduard
Published: May 2018

Background

Wound infections after dental implant placement are a rare finding that might lead to early implant failure. However, the available information on this topic is scarce.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine factors that may increase the failure rate of dental implants that presented a postoperative infection during the osseointegration period. Postoperative infections were defined as the presence of pus or fistula in the surgical area, with pain or tenderness, swelling, redness, and heat or fever, before prosthetic loading. A bivariate and multivariate analysis of the data using Cox proportional‐hazards regression was performed to detect prognostic factors for implant failure in patients that suffer infections.

Results

The patient‐based prevalence of postoperative infections after implant placement was 2.80% (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 2.04% to 3.83%). Thirty‐three out of 37 (89.19%) patients with infections had to be surgically retreated because of antibiotic failure and 65% of the infected implants were removed. The bivariate analysis showed a significant association between implant failure and the collar surface (HR: 3.12; 95% CI: 1.16 to 8.41; P = 0.014). Cox proportional‐hazards regression indicated that rough‐surfaced collars increased 2.35 times the likelihood of failure (95% CI: 0.87 to 6.37; P = 0.071).

Conclusions

The survival of implants placed in the maxilla, with smooth collar, and late‐onset of infection was higher than those placed in the mandible, with a rough collar and early onset of infection. In general, signs of infection after dental implant placement compromises the survival rate of the affected fixtures.
Construction of pH‐Responsive Supramolecular Assemblies Based on Dynamic Covalent Bonds for Tunable Drug Release
Authors: Sun Panpan , Lu Fei , Wu Aoli , Yin Yue , Shi Lijuan , Zheng Liqiang
Published: May 2018

In the present work, we propose a novel strategy for preparing supramolecular self‐assemblies for pH‐responsive drug delivery. In alkaline solutions, a novel supra‐amphiphile can be fabricated by a cationic surfactant dodecyl[2‐(4‐formylphenoxy)ethyl] dimethylammonium bromide (C12‐CHO) and a drug molecule (isonicotinic acid hydrazide) via a dynamic covalent bond. The constructed supra‐amphiphile can hierarchically self‐assemble into ordered micelles, which facilitates its use for drug delivery. Interestingly, the supra‐amphiphile can facilely disassemble under specific acidic conditions, which is convenient for controlled release of drugs. Thus, this ionic amphiphile‐drug system paves a way for realizing pH‐driven targeted drug release.
Comparison of sensory perception and verbal expression of Korean Kimchi stews between Chinese consumers and Korean trained panelists
Authors: Park Hye‐Won , Kim Young Choul , Jang Seong‐Ho , Hong Jae‐Hee
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Sensory drivers of liking in foreign food markets are difficult to identify because the expression of perceived characteristics varies depending on cultural differences. We aimed to identify differences in the perception and expression of a Korean home meal replacement product (Kimchi stew) between 10 Korean trained panelists versus 50 eastern Chinese consumers (EC) and 54 northern Chinese consumers (NC) using descriptive analysis and rate‐all‐that‐apply (RATA) tests. Regional differences between the EC and NC groups were also investigated.

RESULTS

Sensory representations of the six Kimchi stew samples were similar between the Korean trained and Chinese consumer panels. Use of simple sensory RATA terms was similar among the groups. However, EC, who have a daily diet with mild flavors, associated consumer terms with negative connotations, such as odd flavor and sharp, with burning sensation and seasoning, implying the influence of regional food cultures.

CONCLUSION

RATA could elicit foreign consumers' sensory representations of an unfamiliar ethnic food that was comparable to that from descriptive analysis, assisting researchers in understanding target consumers' sensory perceptions in a more cost‐ and time‐effective manner. The inclusion of consumer terms in a RATA list and its correlation with descriptive analysis by a native descriptive panel can help with the understanding of foreign consumers' verbal expressions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Prediction of storm‐based nutrient loss incorporating the estimated runoff and soil loss at a slope scale on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Shi Wenhai , Huang Mingbin , Wu Lianhai
Published: May 2018

Soil nutrient loss driven by soil erosion and runoff leads to land degradation, thereby decreasing soil productivity and crop yield. Nutrient loss modelling is an important tool for designing efficient soil and water conservation practices that alleviate land degradation. We proposed a framework to integrate newly developed models for sediment‐bound nutrient loss and runoff‐associated nutrient loss with the modified storm‐based Chinese soil loss equation model and modified Soil Conservation Service curve number model to predict particulate nutrient losses of nitrogen (N), carbon (C), and phosphorus (P) and soluble nutrient losses of P and nitrate. The data collected from the literature included 330 storm events with experimental plot measurements of runoff, sediment, and particulate and soluble nutrient losses conducted on slopes in Loess Plateau; and these data were used to calibrate and assess model performances. The accuracies of the model estimations were examined with the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). The proposed models with optimized parameters showed high NSE for particulate N (98.5%), C (98.9%), and P (99.8%) and soluble P (95.8%) and nitrate (85.4%) when compared with the literature‐reported measured losses. To test the models, independent literature data were compared with model‐estimated values. The comparison showed agreement between the estimated and observed data with NSEs of 74.4%, 63.7%, 86.3%, 63.6%, and 66.7% for particulate N, C, P, soluble P, and nitrate, respectively.
Evaluation of absorbable PLA nasal implants in an ovine model
Authors: Rippy Marian K. , Baron Scott , Rosenthal Mike , Senior Brent A.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To examine biocompatibility and absorption profile of a poly (L‐lactide‐co‐D,L‐lactide) 70:30 nasal implant.

Methods

In an ovine model, 66 rod‐shaped absorbable implants were placed in 11 nasal dorsa. The sheep were sacrificed at 1.5 (N = 3), 6 (N = 3), 12 (N = 3), 18 (N = 1), and 24 months (N = 1). The nasal dorsum was harvested from each animal. Gross and histopathological examinations were performed.

Results

There were no postoperative complications, signs of infection, or tissue rejection throughout follow‐up time points. Upon sacrifice, no abnormalities were identified during gross pathological examinations. The histology of the implant sites at all time points showed the implants were fully encapsulated through 12 months. The inflammatory reaction to the implants was minimal to mild at 1.5, 6, and 12 months. At 18 months the implant material was in the mass loss phase, being actively absorbed. During this phase, the inflammatory reaction within the fibrous connective tissue capsule reached expected moderate levels. By 24 months, the inflammatory reaction had diminished in most implantation sites and complete absorption of the rod implants was noted at some sites with nodular bundles of mature collagenized fibrous tissue replacing the implant, devoid of an inflammatory infiltrate.

Conclusion

Biocompatibility of the poly (L‐lactide‐co‐D,L‐lactide) 70:30 material was demonstrated when used as a nasal implant in the nasal dorsum ovine model. Absorption of the implant occurred approximately 18 to 24 months postoperatively, and the implant site was replaced with collagenized fibrous tissue.

Level of Evidence

NA.
Assessment of skin lesions produced by focused, tunable, mid‐infrared chalcogenide laser radiation
Authors: Evers Michael , Ha Linh , Casper Malte , Welford David , Kositratna Garuna , Birngruber Reginald , Manstein Dieter
Published: May 2018

Background

Traditionally, fractional laser treatments are performed with focused laser sources operating at a fixed wavelength. Using a tunable laser in the mid‐infrared wavelength range, wavelength‐dependent absorption properties on the ablation process and thermal damage formation were assessed with the goal to obtain customizable tissue ablations to provide guidance in finding optimized laser exposure parameters for clinical applications.

Methods

Laser tissue experiments were carried out on full thickness ex vivo human abdominal skin using a mid‐infrared tunable chromium‐doped zinc selenide/sulfide chalcogenide laser. The laser has two independent channels: a continuous wave (CW) output channel which covers a spectrum ranging from 2.4 μm to 3.0 μm with up to 9.2 W output power, and a pulsed output channel which ranges from 2.35 μm to 2.95 μm. The maximum pulse energy of the pulsed channel goes up to 2.8 mJ at 100 Hz to 1,000 Hz repetition rate with wavelength‐dependent pulse durations of 4–7 ns.

Results

Total ablation depth, ablation efficiency, and coagulation zone thickness were highly correlated to wavelength, pulse width, and pulse energy. Using the same total radiant exposure at 2.85 μm wavelength resulted in 10‐times smaller coagulation zones and 5‐times deeper ablation craters for one hundred 6 ns pulses compared to one 100 ms pulse. For a fixed pulse duration of 6 ns and a total radiant exposure of 2.25 kJ/cm2 the ablation depth increased with longer wavelengths.

Conclusion

The tunable laser system provides a useful research tool to investigate specific laser parameters such as wavelength on lesion shape, ablation depth and thermal tissue damage. It also allows for customization of the characteristics of laser lesions and therefore facilitates the selection of suitable laser parameters for optimized fractional laser treatments. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:961–972, 2018.© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebral edema induced by laser interstitial thermal therapy and radiotherapy in close succession in patients with brain tumor
Authors: Maraka Stefania , Asmaro Karam , Walbert Tobias , Lee Ian
Published: May 2018

Objective

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is an image‐guided technique that uses high temperature to ablate pathological tissue. Brain tumor patients undergoing LITT may also undergo radiation therapy (RT) either before or after LITT. Both procedures have been reported to increase cerebral edema and thereby the two treatments in close succession may worsen existing edema that can be difficult to control. The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency of increased and/or symptomatic cerebral edema after combined LITT and RT, the radiographic and clinical signs of this cerebral edema, and the treatment required.

Materials and Methods

This is a single center, retrospective study of patients who underwent LITT and RT less than 60 days apart. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and clinical information were reviewed at three time points (pre‐treatment, post‐LITT, and post‐RT).

Results

The study cohort comprised eight patients: six with glioblastoma, one with anaplastic astrocytoma, and one with metastasis. Pre‐treatment MRI showed cerebral edema in seven patients. Post‐LITT MRI showed worsening cerebral edema in three patients, of which one was symptomatic. Post‐RT MRI showed worsening cerebral edema in one patient. One patient who received RT before LITT had asymptomatic cerebral edema post‐RT that improved post‐LITT. Three patients required prolonged steroid therapy (>65 days), while two patients required bevacizumab for steroid‐refractory edema.

Conclusions

LITT and RT treatment in close succession can induce cerebral edema, which can usually be managed successfully with steroids, although the treatment period may be prolonged. A minority of patients may require more aggressive treatment, such as bevacizumab. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:917–923, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of water vapor on the oxidation behavior of HVAF‐sprayed NiCr and NiCrAlY coatings
Authors: Sadeghimeresht Esmaeil , Eklund Johan , Phother Simon Julien , Liske Jesper , Markocsan Nicolaie , Joshi Shrikant
Published: May 2018

Isothermal oxidation behavior of NiCr and NiCrAlY coatings deposited onto low alloy 16Mo3 steel by high‐velocity air fuel (HVAF) process was investigated in 5% O2 + 20% H2O + N2 at 600 °C for 168 h. Whereas NiCrAlY showed lower mass gain compared to NiCr, both coatings succeeded in maintaining the integrity with the substrate during the exposure without any breakaway oxidation. A thin Cr‐rich oxide scale (Cr2O3) formed on NiCr, and a thin mixed oxide scale (Al2O3 with NiCr2O4) formed on NiCrAlY significantly increasing the oxidation protection in the presence of water vapor.
Topological Insight into Superabsorbent Hydrogel Network Structures: a 1H Double‐Quantum NMR Study
Authors: Guo Xiaoai , Theissen Solveig , Claussen Jan , Hildebrand Viet , Kamphus Juliane , Wilhelm Manfred , Luy Burkhard , Guthausen Gisela
Published: May 2018

Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) hydrogels have pronounced water‐absorbing and water‐storing capacities, which are essential for numerous potential applications. It remains a challenge to better understand the network topology because of their amorphous and anisotropic structures. Synthesis parameters such as monomer concentration, degree of neutralization and crosslinking, and surface crosslinking are varied to correlate structural changes in the network with low‐field proton double‐quantum (1H DQ) NMR results. 1H DQ‐NMR data are processed by a reliable, user‐independent analysis approach to determine the fractions of network defects, of mobile sol components, and of network chains as well as the residual dipolar coupling distribution in SAPs. In addition, results obtained by applying different distributions to describe the DQ buildup curves are quantified and compared. The correlation between topological and synthesis parameters as well as the impact of temperature, swelling, and solvent of SAP on DQ signals is investigated and discussed.
New characterizations for differences of Volterra‐type operators from α‐weighted‐type space to β‐Bloch–Orlicz space
Authors: Liang Yu‐Xia , Chen Cui
Published: May 2018

Firstly, we presented three equivalent characterizations for the boundedness of the difference of general Volterra‐type operators from α‐weighted‐type space to β‐Bloch–Orlicz space. Especially, the descriptions in terms of the n‐th power of the induced analytic self‐maps were described. And then we estimated their essential norms, which can provide new compactness criteria and be seen as generalizations of classical results. Finally, we completed this paper with similar results on the differences of other three integral‐type operators, which extend and strengthen several existing results in the literature.
Susceptibility to antibiotics in isolates of Lactobacillus plantarum RAPD‐type Lp299v, harvested from antibiotic treated, critically ill patients after administration of probiotics
Authors: Klarin Bengt , Larsson Anders , Molin Göran , Jeppsson Bengt
Published: May 2018

Recultured Lactobacillus plantarum 299v‐like strains were tested regarding antibiotic susceptibility, and no decrease was detected. Antibiotics are frequently used to treat patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and are associated with a significant risk of selection of resistant bacterial strains. In particular, it is possible that genetic transfer of antibiotic resistance to the resident gastrointestinal flora, as well as to administered probiotics, may be increased in the ICU setting. The aim of the present investigation was to detect possible changes in antimicrobial susceptibility in reisolates of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) given to antibiotic treated, critically ill patients. Lp299v‐like strains were identified in cultures of biopsies and fecal samples from 32 patients given the probiotic strain enterally in two previous ICU studies. The patients received a variety of antibiotics. Isolates with the same genomic RAPD profile (RAPD‐type) as Lp299v were obtained to enable monitoring of antibiotic susceptibility by E‐tests. Forty‐two isolates, collected throughout the course of illness, were tested against 22 different antibiotics. No obvious decrease in susceptibility was found for 21 of the tested antibiotics. There was a tendency toward decreased susceptibility to ampicillin. The stable antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the Lp299v‐like isolates studied here suggests this probiotic is less likely to acquire resistance when administered to critically ill patients treated with broad‐spectrum antibiotics.
Nitrospina bacteria in a rocky intertidal habitat (Quintay Bay, central Chile)
Authors: Yepsen Daniela V. , Levipan Héctor A. , Molina Verónica
Published: May 2018

Nitrospina bacteria are among the most important nitrite oxidizers in coastal and open‐ocean environments, but the relevance of the genus contrasts with the scarceness of information on their ecophysiology and habitat range. Thus far, Nitrospina bacteria have been the only nitrite oxidizers detected at high abundance in Chilean coastal waters. These levels are often higher than at other latitudes. In this study, the abundance of 16S‐rRNA gene transcripts of Nitrospina (hereafter just transcripts) was measured by reverse transcription quantitative PCR in a rocky intertidal gradient and compared with the nearshore counterpart off central Chile (~33°S). Rocky pond transcripts were also compared with the taxonomic composition of the macrobiota and bacterioplankton (by 16S‐rRNA gene‐based T‐RFLP) in the intertidal gradient. Transcripts increased from warmer, saltier, and low‐nitrite ponds in the upper intertidal zone (19.5 ± 1.6°C, 39.0 ± 1.0 psu, 0.98 ± 0.17 μmol/L) toward cooler, less salty, and high‐nitrite ponds (17.8 ± 2.6°C, 37.7 ± 0.82 psu, 1.23 ± 0.21 μmol/L) from middle and low zones. These varied from ~1,000 up to 62,800 transcripts. This increasing trend in the number of transcripts toward the lower zone was positively associated with the Shannon's diversity index for the macrobiota (r = .81, p < .01). Moreover, an important increase in the average number of transcripts was observed in ponds with a greater number of fish in the upper (7,846 transcripts during 2013) and lower zones (62,800 transcripts during 2015). Altogether, intertidal and nearshore transcripts were significantly correlated with nitrite concentrations (r = .804, p ˂ .01); rocky pond transcripts outnumbered nearshore ones by almost two orders of magnitude. In summary, rocky ponds favored both the presence and activity of Nitrospina bacteria that are tolerant to environmental stress. This in turn was positively influenced by the presence of ammonia‐ or urea‐producing macrobiota.
Thermoelectric heat exchange and growth regulation in a continuous yeast culture
Authors: Latorre‐Pérez Adriel , Vilanova Cristina , Alcaina José J. , Porcar Manuel
Published: May 2018

We have designed a thermoelectric heat exchanger (TEHE) for microbial fermentations that is able to produce electric power from a microbial continuous culture using the intrinsic heat generated by microbial growth. While the TEHE was connected, the system proved able to stably self‐maintain both the temperature and the optical density of the culture. This paves the way toward a more sustainable operation of microbial fermentations, in which energy could be saved by converting part of the metabolic heat into usable electric power.
Virulence of Melissococcus plutonius and secondary invaders associated with European foulbrood disease of the honey bee
Authors: Lewkowski Oleg , Erler Silvio
Published: May 2018

European foulbrood is a globally distributed brood disease affecting honey bees. It may lead to lethal infections of larvae and, in severe cases, even to colony collapse. Lately, a profound genetic and phenotypic diversity was documented for the causative agent Melissococcus plutonius. However, experimental work on the impact of diverse M. plutonius strains on hosts with different genetic background is completely lacking and the role of secondary invaders is poorly understood. Here, we address these issues and elucidate the impact and interaction of both host and pathogen on one another. Moreover, we try to unravel the role of secondary bacterial invasions in foulbrood‐diseased larvae. We employed in vitro infections with honey bee larvae from queens with different genetic background and three different M. plutonius strains. Larvae infection experiments showed host‐dependent survival dynamics although M. plutonius strain 49.3 consistently had the highest virulence. This pattern was also reflected in significantly reduced weights of 49.3 strain‐infected larvae compared to the other treatments. No difference was found in groups additionally inoculated with a secondary invader (Enterococcus faecalis or Paenibacillus alvei) neither in terms of larval survival nor weight. These results suggest that host background contributes markedly to the course of the disease but virulence is mainly dependent on pathogen genotype. Secondary invaders following a M. plutonius infection do not increase disease lethality and therefore may just be a colonization of weakened and immunodeficient, or dead larvae.
Preferential strategies for mitigating the harms of adolescent illicit drug involvement: A multicriteria decision analysis
Authors: Wong Gabriel T.W. , Manning Matthew
Published: May 2018

Multidisciplinary perspectives in informing complex policies are critical, but ineffectual when diverse differences are not adequately represented. Using multicriteria analysis, potential heterogeneity of key expert preferences for 19 drug interventions in Hong Kong was examined. Significant differences in preferences were found among academics, health professionals, and law enforcers regarding drug testing, and a range of law enforcement, harm reduction, and treatment interventions. The weighted consensual preference reveals overall support for preventative and treatment strategies, with decriminalization, needle syringe programmes, reactive policing strategies, and drug testing seen as less favourable. The results assist policymakers in understanding the profound knowledge our experts possess and building robust policy that is informed by empirical evidence generated from a commonly used method in the decision sciences. Importantly, these results can inform the development of targeted institutional and criminal justice policies aimed at mitigating the adverse harms and consequences of drug involvement.
Next‐generation sequencing unravels extensive genetic alteration in recurrent ovarian cancer and unique genetic changes in drug‐resistant recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Du Zhen‐Hua , Bi Fang‐Fang , Wang Lei , Yang Qing
Published: May 2018

Background

By using a high‐throughput sequencing technique, we sought to delineate genetic alterations in recurrent ovarian cancer patients and further compare genetic changes in drug‐resistant and ‐sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer patients. We also sought to study the specificity, sensitivity, and consistency of DNA biomarkers in liquid biopsy specimens and ovarian cancer tissue DNA.

Methods

Tumor tissue specimens and blood samples were obtained from pathologically proven recurrent ovarian cancer patients. Genomic DNA was extracted from tumor tissues, blood cells, ascites, and urine samples. The DNA Library was constructed and sequencing was performed using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 high‐throughput sequencing platform. Bioinformatic analysis was done using the Torrent Suite software.

Results

Ten patients with pathologically proven drug‐resistant recurrent ovarian cancer and 11 patients with sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer were included. The 5‐year OS for drug‐resistant recurrent ovarian cancer patients (44 ± 11.07 months, 95% CI: 231.24–53.66 months) was significantly lower than that of drug‐sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer patients (58 ± 3.97 months; 95% CI: 50.05–65.59 months; p = 0.024) TP53 was the most frequently mutated gene in both drug‐resistant (9/10, 90%) and drug‐sensitive recurrent ovarian cancers (10/11, 91%). MYC and RB1 had the highest frequency of copy number variations (6/21, 29%) in recurrent ovarian cancers, followed by PIK3CA (3/21, 14%). BRCA2 N372H polymorphism was found in 40% (4/10) of drug‐resistant recurrent ovarian cancer patients. The specificity, sensitivity, and consistency of TP53 and BRCA1 in circulating tumor‐free DNA and tumor tissue DNA were 100%, 73.7%, 76.2% and 100%, 75%, 95.24%, respectively.

Conclusion

We uncovered extensive genetic alterations in recurrent ovarian cancer and drug‐resistant recurrent ovarian cancer exhibited unique genetic changes compared with recurrent ovarian cancer and drug‐sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer. We further showed that high‐throughput sequencing using liquid biopsy specimens could provide an effective, specific, and sensitive approach for detecting genetic alterations in ovarian cancer.
A Novel method to generate on‐board 4D MRI using prior 4D MRI and on‐board kV projections from a conventional LINAC for target localization in liver SBRT
Authors: Harris Wendy , Wang Chunhao , Yin Fang‐Fang , Cai Jing , Ren Lei
Published: May 2018

Purpose

On‐board MRI can provide superb soft tissue contrast for improving liver SBRT localization. However, the availability of on‐board MRI in clinics is extremely limited. On the contrary, on‐board kV imaging systems are widely available on radiotherapy machines, but its capability to localize tumors in soft tissue is limited due to its poor soft tissue contrast. This study aims to explore the feasibility of using an on‐board kV imaging system and patient prior knowledge to generate on‐board four‐dimensional (4D)‐MRI for target localization in liver SBRT.

Methods

Prior 4D MRI volumes were separated into end of expiration (EOE) phase (MRIprior) and all other phases. MRIprior was used to generate a synthetic CT at EOE phase (sCTprior). On‐board 4D MRI at each respiratory phase was considered a deformation of MRIprior. The deformation field map (DFM) was estimated by matching DRRs of the deformed sCTprior to on‐board kV projections using a motion modeling and free‐form deformation optimization algorithm. The on‐board 4D MRI method was evaluated using both XCAT simulation and real patient data. The accuracy of the estimated on‐board 4D MRI was quantitatively evaluated using Volume Percent Difference (VPD), Volume Dice Coefficient (VDC), and Center of Mass Shift (COMS). Effects of scan angle and number of projections were also evaluated.

Results

In the XCAT study, VPD/VDC/COMS among all XCAT scenarios were 10.16 ± 1.31%/0.95 ± 0.01/0.88 ± 0.15 mm using orthogonal‐view 30° scan angles with 102 projections. The on‐board 4D MRI method was robust against the various scan angles and projection numbers evaluated. In the patient study, estimated on‐board 4D MRI was generated successfully when compared to the “reference on‐board 4D MRI” for the liver patient case.

Conclusions

A method was developed to generate on‐board 4D MRI using prior 4D MRI and on‐board limited kV projections. Preliminary results demonstrated the potential for MRI‐based image guidance for liver SBRT using only a kV imaging system on a conventional LINAC.
Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation frequency on muscles of the tongue
Authors: Kletzien Heidi , Russell John A. , Leverson Glen , Connor Nadine P.
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for the treatment of swallowing disorders is delivered at a variety of stimulation frequencies. We examined the effects of stimulation frequency on tongue muscle plasticity in an aging rat model. Methods: Eighty‐six young, middle‐aged, and old rats were assigned to either bilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation at 10 or 100 Hz (5 days/week, 8 weeks), sham, or no‐implantation conditions. Muscle contractile properties and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) composition were determined for hyoglossus (HG) and styloglossus (SG) muscles. Results: Eight weeks of 100‐Hz stimulation resulted in the greatest changes in muscle contractile function with significantly longer contraction and half‐decay times, the greatest reduction in fatigue, and a transition toward slowly contracting, fatigue‐resistant MyHC isoforms. Discussion: NMES at 100‐Hz induced considerable changes in contractile and phenotypic profiles of HG and SG muscles, suggesting higher frequency NMES may yield a greater therapeutic effect. Muscle Nerve, 2018
Evaluation of Dietary Protein Level in Practical Feed for Twoband Bream Diplodus vulgaris
Authors: Yigit Murat , Sahinyilmaz Merve , Acar Ümit , Kesbic Osman , Yilmaz Sevdan , Bulut Musa , Gürses Kaan , Maita Masashi
Published: May 2018

The effects of different dietary protein levels on growth performance and health status of TwobandBream Diplodus vulgaris juveniles were investigated. Three test diets that had increasing protein levels (30, 36, and 42%) and used fish meal as the protein source were formulated. Each of the test diets was fed in triplicate groups of 28 juvenile fish (initial weight, 23.65 ± 0.34 [mean ± SD]) to satiety for a period of 80 d. Growth performance and feed utilization were best in the group fed the diet with a protein level of 36%. Ammonia nitrogen excretion showed an increasing trend as dietary protein levels increased, and retention rates of ammonia nitrogen per intake were highest in fish fed the 42% protein diet. Whole-body proximate composition and hematological variables were not significantly affected by protein level in the diets. However, serum glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values were significantly affected by dietary protein level and showed an increasing trend as the dietary protein level in the diets increased. As a result, an improved health status of Twoband Bream was observed in the fish fed a 36% protein level.
Corrosion Rates and Compression Strength of White Sturgeon-Sized Fishing Hooks Exposed to Simulated Stomach Conditions
Authors: Lamansky James A. , Meyer Kevin A. , Spaulding Brett , Jaques Brian J. , Butt Darryl P.
Published: May 2018

Field reports indicate that many White Sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus ingest hooks internally, but the length of time required for hooks to corrode, facilitating passage through their digestive system, is not well understood. Using a buffered acidic solution to simulate stomach conditions, a laboratory experiment was used to estimate the speed at which sturgeon-sized hooks (2.0-mm wire diameter) lost weight and compression strength and to evaluate whether loss of hook weight and compression strength was affected by hook abrasion, such as may occur when baited hooks are bounced along the bottom of the river or when ingested hooks are ground between hard food items in the gizzard of a sturgeon. After 399 d, hooks lost an estimated 34% of their weight and 70% of their compression strength. Abrading the hooks with stones before and throughout the study accelerated weight loss by 34% (after 399 d) compared with nonabraded hooks but did not accelerate the loss of compression strength. Abrasion increased the variability between hooks in weight loss but not in compression strength. Regardless of hook abrasion, the compression strength of some hooks was reduced essentially to 0 N within 1 year of constant exposure to stomach-like acidic conditions.
On the optimal convergence factor of the accelerated parameterized inexact Uzawa method with three parameters for augmented systems
Authors: Huang Zheng‐Da , Wang Hui‐Di
Published: May 2018

Under the assumption that all eigenvalues of the preconditioned Schur complement are real, we present an analytical proof for obtaining the optimal convergence factor of the real accelerated parameterized inexact Uzawa (APIU) method when P=A. It is proved that the optimal convergence factor is the same as that of the generalized successive overrelaxation method, which was published at the same time, and that it can be attained only at the unique optimum point of parameters, regardless of whether m>n or m=n. In addition, we generalize the APIU method and analyze the relationship between the APIU method and 10 additional Uzawa‐like methods.
Fault‐tolerant sliding mode control for uncertain active suspension systems against simultaneous actuator and sensor faults via a novel sliding mode observer
Authors: Li Min , Zhang Yingchun , Geng Yunhai
Published: May 2018

In this paper, the problem of fault estimation and fault‐tolerant control for half‐car active suspension system with simultaneous varying sprung and unsprung mass, actuator fault, and sensor fault is investigated. First, Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy approach is used to describe the uncertain half‐car active suspension system with simultaneous actuator fault and sensor fault. Then, a novel augmented descriptor sliding mode observer is designed to estimate the state of system, actuator fault, and sensor fault with good precision. Based on the state and fault estimation, a fault‐tolerant sliding mode control scheme is designed to stabilize the resulting fault half‐car active suspension system. By utilizing Lyapunov stability theory, the existence condition for the proposed sliding mode observer and fault‐tolerant sliding mode controller is provided in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). In addition, it is shown that the reachability of the developed sliding surface can be ensured under the design control law. Finally, simulation results for uncertain half‐car active suspension systems are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design techniques.
Preimplantation genetic testing of Robertsonian translocation by SNP array‐based preimplantation genetic haplotyping
Authors: Wang Jing , Zeng Yanhong , Ding Chenhui , Cai Bin , Lu Baomin , Li Rong , Xu Yan , Xu Yanwen , Zhou Canquan
Published: May 2018

What's already known about this topic?

With the recent development of high‐throughput genome‐wide technologies, access to comprehensive chromosome screening has improved the clinical outcomes of preimplantation genetic testing. However, only a few studies have reported clinical applications of these methods to differentiate normal embryos from balanced translocation carriers.

What does this study add?

This study reports the clinical applications to distinguish embryos carrying Robertsonian translocations, simultaneously with CCS, based on a single nucleotide polymorphism array platform. It offers a feasible approach to identify normal embryos and carriers. Finally, the results of this study could prevent Robertsonian translocations from being passed to subsequent generations.
Identification, chemical synthesis, structure, and function of a new KV1 channel blocking peptide from Oulactis sp.
Authors: Sunanda Punnepalli , Krishnarjuna Bankala , Peigneur Steve , Mitchell Michela L. , Estrada Rosendo , Villegas‐Moreno Jessica , Pennington Michael W. , Tytgat Jan , Norton Raymond S.
Published: May 2018

Rapid progress in transcriptomic and proteomic studies of sea anemones has led to the identification of a large number of new peptide sequences. Some of these peptides have high sequence similarity and identical cysteine frameworks to those of previously reported sequences. One such peptide we have identified from a transcriptomic study of Oulactis sp is OspTx2a, which has a cysteine framework similar to that of ShK (from Stichodactyla helianthus) and BgK (from Bunodosoma granulifera). This peptide was made using solid‐phase peptide synthesis, but, upon oxidative folding, it generated two peptides with identical masses (OspTx2a‐p1 and OspTx2a‐p2) that were distinguishable by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The structures of OspTx2a‐p1 and OspTx2a‐p2 were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and voltage‐clamp electrophysiology assays were performed in order to assess the activity against a range of potassium channels. The structures of the two peptides were very similar to each other and to BgK, with the same disulfide bond connectivities, and both had an all‐trans backbone conformation. In functional assays, both OspTx2a‐p1 and OspTx2a‐p2 inhibited KV1.2 and KV1.6 channel currents at low µM concentrations, with similar but not identical IC50 values. Peptides containing a C‐terminal Cys residue are particularly sensitive to racemization at this residue, and the two products obtained for OspTx2a could be a consequence of racemization of the Cys residue at its C‐terminus during synthesis. NMR chemical shift differences between the two products and their structural preferences for a d‐Cys residue were consistent with this interpretation.
Relative role(s) of leucine versus isoleucine in the folding of membrane proteins
Authors: Deber Charles M. , Stone Tracy A.
Published: May 2018

Large, hydrophobic residues (isoleucine, leucine, and valine) dominate sequences of transmembrane (TM) helices in membrane proteins (total ∼34%), but their relative roles in mediating the biologically relevant protein–lipid and protein–protein interactions have not been systematically evaluated. Here we have synthesized Leu‐containing Lys‐tagged hydrophobic peptides of identical composition, where sequences have been designed with their Leu residues either scrambled (sequence KKKLAASALAAAWLAALALSAAKKK); clustered (KKKAAASAALLLWLLAAAASAAKKK); or “lipopathic” (all Leu on one helical face) (KKKAAASLAALLWALLAAASAAKKK). These peptides were compared by several biophysical/biochemical techniques to the corresponding set of peptides where the Leu residues are replaced by the isosteric Ile residues. Circular dichroism spectra showed that all peptides were helical in POPC liposomes, as confirmed by blue shifts in Trp fluorescence spectra, notably with the Ile‐lipopathic peptide displaying increased Trp burial versus its Leu counterpart. Quenching experiments with a dibromo‐PC lipid indicated deeper membrane penetration of the Ile versus the Leu lipopathic peptide—a result supported by protease degradation assays where Ile peptides reconstituted into lipid bilayers were significantly more protected from the protease than the Leu peptides. Assessment of Trp blue shifts in the presence of lipid bilayers of varied lipid packing indicated that Leu/Ile peptide interactions are dependent on lipid composition. The overall results suggest that two main interactions tend to dominate Leu and Ile interactions within the membrane: (1) hydrophobic interactions between amino acid side chains and the surrounding lipid; and (2) degree of disruption of lipid–lipid packing. This “battle of giants” likely underlies the specific role(s) that Leu and Ile will play in the folding of a given membrane protein.