bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field response of near‐isogenic brown midrib sorghum lines to fusarium stalk rot, and response of wildtype lines to controlled water deficit
Authors: Funnell‐Harris D. L. , O'Neill P. M. , Sattler S. E.
Published: March 2018

To increase digestibility for ruminant livestock and for lignocellulosic ethanol conversion efficiency in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), brown midrib (bmr) lines carrying bmr6 or bmr12 and the double mutant (bmr6 bmr12) in two backgrounds (RTx430 and Wheatland) were developed, resulting in lines with significantly reduced lignin, as compared with the near‐isogenic wildtype. Under greenhouse conditions, these lines had previously demonstrated no increased susceptibility, and some lines were more resistant to the highly virulent stalk rot pathogen, Fusarium thapsinum, compared to the wildtype. Fusarium stalk rot of sorghum is a destructive disease that under high temperatures or drought conditions may lead to lodging. To determine if greenhouse observations could be extended to field environments, bmr and near‐isogenic wildtype lines were inoculated with F. thapsinum at field locations, Mead (irrigated) and Havelock (dryland) in Nebraska, USA. Analysis of mean lesion lengths showed those of most bmr lines were statistically similar to the wildtype. Across both genetic backgrounds, bmr6 and bmr6 bmr12 double mutant plants grown at Mead had significantly smaller mean lesion lengths than the corresponding wildtype (P ≤ 0.05). To assess responses of the two genetic backgrounds to controlled (greenhouse) water stress, wildtype RTx430 and Wheatland plants were inoculated with F. thapsinum under well‐watered and water stress conditions. Mean lesion lengths resulting on water deficit plants were significantly larger than those on well‐watered plants (P = 0.01). These results indicate that this bioassay can be used to screen sorghum lines in the greenhouse for increased resistance or tolerance to both drought and fusarium stalk rot.
Genome‐wide analysis ofGlycine sojaubiquitin (UBQ) genes and functional analysis ofGsUBQ10in response to alkaline stress
Authors: Chen Chao , Chen Ranran , Wu Shengyang , Zhu Dan , Sun Xiaoli , Liu Beidong , Li Qiang , Zhu Yanming
Published: March 2018

Ubiquitin is a highly conserved protein with multiple essential regulatory functions through the ubiquitin‐proteasome system. Even though its functions in the ubiquitin‐mediated protein degradation pathway are very well characterized, the function of ubiquitin genes in the regulation of the alkaline stress response is not fully established. In this study, we identified 12 potentialUBQgenes in theGlycine sojagenome, and analyzed their evolutionary relationship, conserved domains and promotercis‐elements. We also explored the expression profiles ofG. sojaUBQgenes under alkaline stress, based on the transcriptome sequencing. We found that the expression ofGsUBQ10was significantly induced by alkaline stress, and the function ofGsUBQ10was characterized by overexpression in transgenic alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Our results suggested thatGsUBQ10transgenic lines significantly improved the alkaline tolerance in alfalfa. TheGsUBQ10transgenic lines showed lower relative membrane permeability, lower malon dialdehyde content and higher catalase activity than in the wild‐type plants. This indicates thatGsUBQ10is involved in regulating the reactive oxygen species accumulation under alkaline stress. Taken together, we identified an ubiquitin geneGsUBQ10fromG. soja, which plays a positive role in responses to alkaline stress in alfalfa.
Floristics of soil seed banks on agricultural and disturbed land cleared of tropical forests
Authors: Weerasinghe Madhushi , Ashton Mark S. , Hooper Elaine R. , Singhakumara Balangoda M. P.
Published: March 2018

Little is known about how soil seed banks vary in germination, composition, and density under different land uses after tropical forest conversion. Seed banks can potentially act as one source of regeneration for reforestation of old agricultural lands. Our study documents the composition and density of germinants in soil seed banks from four land uses types surrounding the Sinharaja forest in southwest Sri Lanka. These include: (1) kekilla fern lands; (2) pine plantations; and (3) tea. These were compared to the adjacent (4) mature rainforest. During the 6‐month period of monitoring, we recorded 1,674 germinants (0.036 germinants/cm3 soil), representing 46 species. Germinants of tree and shrub species were restricted to the pine and rainforest soils and all of them are considered pioneers. The soils of the rainforest had the lowest species richness, density, and diversity of germinants; tea lands comprised much higher richness, Shannon diversity, and density. However, almost all germinants in tea were grasses and herbs as compared with other land uses. A multivariate analysis of the germinants of soil seed banks revealed that the four land use types comprise very different compositions and abundances, some of which can be associated with differences in growth habit (trees, shrubs, vines, herbs, grasses). Our results suggest that pine plantations may facilitate some tree and shrub regeneration. However, the seed banks beneath tea and kekilla fern land do not comprise any woody plant species. This may explain why agricultural lands such as tea do not revert back to forest easily.
Direct 40Ar/39Ar K‐feldspar dating of Late Permian—Early Triassic brittle faulting in northern Norway
Authors: Davids Corine , Benowitz Jeff A. , Layer Paul W. , Bergh Steffen G.
Published: March 2018

While the offshore post‐Caledonian extensional history of the north Norwegian passive margin is well constrained, the tectonic relationship between onshore and offshore regions is less clear because of limited age constraints on the timing of rifting onshore. 40Ar/39Ar dating of K‐feldspar from hydrothermally altered fault rocks in a Precambrian gneiss complex in northern Norway was used to study the timing of extensional faulting onshore. In addition, 40Ar/39Ar dating of K‐feldspar from the host rock provided insight into the regional rock cooling history prior to brittle deformation. Results indicated a dominant Late Permian–Early Triassic (~265–244 Ma) faulting event and found no evidence for later reactivation, which has been documented offshore. The region cooled to below the closure temperature for 40Ar/39Ar K‐feldspar in the Carboniferous to Early Permian, prior to the main brittle faulting event. 40Ar/39Ar dating of fault zone K‐feldspar products provided a means to date brittle faulting events.
Endosomal sorting complexes required for ESCRTing cells toward death during neurogenesis, neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration
Authors: Kaul Zenia , Chakrabarti Oishee
Published: March 2018

The endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) proteins help in the recognition, sorting and degradation of ubiquitinated cargoes from the cell surface, long‐lived proteins or aggregates, and aged organelles present in the cytosol. These proteins take part in the endo‐lysosomal system of degradation. The ESCRT proteins also play an integral role in cytokinesis, viral budding and mRNA transport. Many neurodegenerative diseases are caused by toxic accumulation of cargo in the cell, which causes stress and ultimately leads to neuronal death. This accumulation of cargo occurs because of defects in the endo‐lysosomal degradative pathway—loss of function of ESCRTs has been implicated in this mechanism. ESCRTs also take part in many survival processes, lack of which can culminate in neuronal cell death. While the role played by the ESCRT proteins in maintaining healthy neurons is known, their role in neurodegenerative diseases is still poorly understood. In this review, we highlight the importance of ESCRTs in maintaining healthy neurons and then suggest how perturbations in many of the survival mechanisms governed by these proteins could eventually lead to cell death; quite often these correlations are not so obviously laid out. Extensive neuronal death eventually culminates in neurodegeneration.
Transfusion of autologous extracellular vesicles from stored red blood cells does not affect coagulation in a model of human endotoxemia
Authors: Peters Anna L. , Vlaar Alexander P. J. , van Bruggen Robin , de Korte Dirk , Meijers Joost C. M. , Nieuwland Rienk , Juffermans Nicole P.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion has been related to thromboembolic events. Microvesicles in the RBC product may support coagulation because they have procoagulant effects in vitro. We investigated whether transfusion of RBCs containing extracellular vesicles promotes coagulation in human recipients. As transfusion is mostly administered to ill patients, we used a model of endotoxemia.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Eighteen healthy volunteers were randomized to receive either saline or fresh (2 days stored) or stored autologous (35 days stored) RBC transfusion (Dutch Trial Register: NTR4455). Two hours after infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, from Escherichia coli, 2 ng/kg body weight), subjects received either saline or fresh or stored RBCs. Blood was sampled every 2 hours up to 8 hours after LPS infusion. Vesicles were measured with a flow cytometer (A50‐Micro, Apogee Flow Systems).

RESULTS

LPS resulted in increased thrombin generation compared to baseline. During storage, the total number of extracellular vesicles increased from 1.4 × 108/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 8.3 × 107‐1.9 × 108/mL) in the fresh product to 1.7 × 1010/mL (IQR, 7.9 × 109‐2.3 × 1010/mL; p < 0.01) in the stored product (p < 0.001). Vesicles appeared to be mostly RBC derived.

CONCLUSION

After transfusion, extracellular vesicles from stored RBC products, but not from fresh products, could be detected in the circulation of healthy volunteers. However, infusion of stored RBC extracellular vesicles did not augment thrombin generation compared to endotoxemic controls. Also, levels of d‐dimer and thrombin‐antithrombin complex were unaffected. In conclusion, transfusion of autologous RBCs containing high levels of extracellular vesicles does not enhance coagulation in human volunteers with endotoxemia.
Morphological ontogeny of Protoribates dentatus (Acari, Oribatida, Haplozetidae)
Authors: Seniczak Stanisław , Seniczak Anna , Kaczmarek Sławomir , Marquardt Tomasz
Published: March 2018

The morphological ontogeny of Protoribates dentatus (Berlese, 1883) is described and illustrated. The juveniles of P. dentatus are elongated, oval in cross section, and their prodorsal, gastronotal setae and most setae on the legs are thin, smooth or with short barbs, which is typical of xylophages. Typical for this group is also a posterior position of the anal opening and relatively thick leg segments and claws, especially on leg I. The larva of P. dentatus has 11 pairs of gastronotal setae, including h2;and setae c2, la and lm are with excentrosclerites. The nymphs have 15 pairs of setae, of which c2, l- and h-series are with excentrosclerites. The adult of this species has a long seta ad1 (which is short in most congeners) and the number of claws varies on all leg tarsi.
Matrix and element dependences of useful yield in Si and SiO2 matrices using laser-ionization sputtered neutral mass spectrometry
Authors: Saito Reiko , Akutsu Haruko , Asakawa Jun , Takeno Shiro , Kiyokawa Kei , Nagashima Satoru , Ishikawa Takeharu , Kashiwagi Takahiro , Takano Akio , Sakamoto Tetsuo , Fujii Masaaki
Published: March 2018

The element and/or material dependence of the useful yield in laser-ionization sputtered neutral mass spectrometry (SNMS) using a high-photon-flux laser was investigated. Useful yields obtained from Si, B, As, and O in Si and SiO2 matrices using both secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and SNMS were compared, and the possibility of the accurate analysis of impurities in multilayers was investigated in terms of tunnel ionization. The behavior of atoms released from the surface by ion bombardment was calculated, and it was considered that the flying speed of sputtered atoms depends on the mass and that this causes the elemental difference in the fractions of laser-irradiated atoms. In the case of SNMS, excluding O, whose ionization probability is considered to be much lower than for the other elements, the useful yields of Si, B, and As are within 1 order of magnitude in both the Si and SiO2 matrices, and the difference between the matrices for each element is within a factor of two. These differences are much smaller than in the result of SIMS. It was confirmed that the distribution of B in a SiO2/Si stacked layer can be analyzed more accurately by SNMS than by SIMS. SNMS with a high-photon-density laser is considered to be effective for the analysis of more than one element in multilayers.
Modeling the topography of uneven substrates post spin-coating
Authors: Decoster Stefan , Piao Xiaoyu , Gillijns Werner , Lazzarino Frédéric
Published: March 2018

The semiconductor industry has followed Moore's law for many decades and is currently preparing for high-volume manufacturing of the 7 nm technology node. To further scale down to the 5 nm technology node and below, research centers are constantly testing novel patterning and integration approaches. To enable a number of these new integration approaches, there is a growing need for a well-understood and well-controlled tone reversal technology. Tone reversal consists in inverting the tonality of all structures present on a wafer, e.g., turning a hole pattern into a pillar pattern. Examples of applications that advantageously integrate such tone reversal technology are multiple litho-etch block patterning, the fully self-aligned block concept, and the direct metal etch approach. A critical step in the tone reversal process is to achieve a good wafer planarization, i.e., limited wafer topography. This can be done by chemical mechanical polishing after filling the patterned features that need to be tone inverted. However, a more promising approach is to reduce the topography by using a planarizing spin-coating process to fill the patterns. Material vendors and research groups have done tremendous efforts to understand and improve the quality (uniformity, planarity, etch resistance, etc.) of spin-coating processes. When a spin-coating process is used to fill a given patterned structure, it is known that the degree of planarization is impacted by a set of parameters such as pattern width and density. However, it is not clear yet what the exact functional dependence is. In this work, the authors first present an experimental study of the planarization behavior of spin-coated materials as a function of pattern width, depth, and density. The authors observed a strong dependency of the width and the density of the patterns on the wafer topography post spin-coating, while the depth, within the boundaries of this study, showed no significant impact. The most striking result was the observation of the linear relationship between the pattern density difference between two areas and the relative height difference of those areas after spin-coating. Second, based on these experimental observations, the authors present a model that predicts the remaining wafer topography post spin-coating. The model calculates the topography for a given set of structures, using only one parameter as input. This parameter is a fixed number for a specific spin-coating process and is called the planarization length λ. The authors demonstrate that this model is capable of reproducing and predicting the experimentally measured height profiles on complex patterned structures for different spin-coating processes. These calculations can be done with commercially available electronic design automation software. Therefore, this model can become a powerful tool in mask design, both for applications based on tone reversal, and, in general, for patterning processes that make use of spin-coated materials.
Low-voltage coherent electron microscopy based on a highly coherent electron source built from a nanoemitter
Authors: Lin Chun-Yueh , Chang Wei-Tse , Hsu Wei-Hao , Chang Mu-Tung , Chen Yi-Sheng , Hwu En-Te , Huang Wun-Cin , Hwang Ing-Shouh
Published: March 2018

It has been a general trend to develop low-voltage electron microscopes due to their high imaging contrast of samples and low radiation damage. Atomic-lattice-resolved transmission electron microscopes with voltages as low as 15–40 kV have been demonstrated. However, achieving an atomic resolution at voltages lower than 10 kV is extremely difficult. An alternative approach is a coherent imaging or phase retrieval imaging, which requires a sufficiently coherent source, an adequately small illumination area on the sample, the detection of high-angle diffraction patterns with a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio, and an appropriate theoretical reconstruction algorithm. This study proposes several transmission-type schemes to achieve coherent imaging of thin materials (less than 5 nm thick) with atomic resolution at voltages lower than 10 kV. Experimental schemes of both lens-less and lens-containing designs and preliminary results based on a highly coherent single-atom electron source are presented. The image plate is designed to be retractable to record the transmission patterns at different positions along the beam propagation direction. In addition, the authors proposed reflection-type coherent electron imaging schemes as novel methods for characterizing surface atomic and electronic structures of materials. The ultimate goal is to achieve high-contrast and high-spatial-resolution imaging of thin materials, such as two-dimensional materials, or molecules, such as organic or biological molecules, under low-dose conditions.
Sport-Related Concussion Reporting and Coach-Athlete Attachment Among Collegiate Student-Athletes
Authors: Milroy Jeffrey J. , Hebard Stephen , Kroshus Emily , Wyrick David L.
Published: March 2018

Between 2001 and 2015, 3.4 million traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurrences in the U.S. were accounted for by sport participation. It is estimated between 12% and 60% of athletes delay seeking care after sustaining a concussion. Differences in sport-related concussion (SRC) reporting have been attributed to several different factors. Whereas prior research related to SRC reporting behavior focus on normative and competitive pressures to continue play, less attention is given to the interpersonal context in which reporting takes place. Grounded in attachment theory, this study investigated relationships between coach-athlete attachment and help-seeking behavior. Findings suggest that as coach-athlete anxiousness increases, not reporting increases. and as coach-athlete secureness increases, not reporting decreases. Logistic regression analyses indicate that secure coach attachment significantly predicts greater likelihood of SRC reporting. These findings underscore the important role coach-athlete relationships may have on care-seeking behaviors of student-athletes and can inform individual and group interventions promoting SRC reporting.
Understanding the Nature of Measurement Error When Estimating Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity via Physical Activity Recall
Authors: Paul David R. , McGrath Ryan , Vella Chantal A. , Kramer Matthew , Baer David J. , Moshfegh Alanna J.
Published: March 2018

Background: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey physical activity questionnaire (PAQ) is used to estimate activity energy expenditure (AEE) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Bias and variance in estimates of AEE and MVPA from the PAQ have not been described, nor the impact of measurement error when utilizing the PAQ to predict biomarkers and categorize individuals. Methods: The PAQ was administered to 385 adults to estimate AEE (AEE:PAQ) and MVPA (MVPA:PAQ), while simultaneously measuring AEE with doubly labeled water (DLW; AEE:DLW) and MVPA with an accelerometer (MVPA:A). Results: Although AEE:PAQ [3.4 (2.2) MJ·d−1] was not significantly different from AEE:DLW [3.6 (1.6) MJ·d−1; P > .14], MVPA:PAQ [36.2 (24.4) min·d−1] was significantly higher than MVPA:A [8.0 (10.4) min·d−1; P < .0001]. AEE:PAQ regressed on AEE:DLW and MVPA:PAQ regressed on MVPA:A yielded not only significant positive relationships but also large residual variances. The relationships between AEE and MVPA, and 10 of the 12 biomarkers were underestimated by the PAQ. When compared with accelerometers, the PAQ overestimated the number of participants who met the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Conclusions: Group-level bias in AEE:PAQ was small, but large for MVPA:PAQ. Poor within-participant estimates of AEE:PAQ and MVPA:PAQ lead to attenuated relationships with biomarkers and misclassifications of participants who met or who did not meet the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
Brain-Behavior Mechanisms for the Transfer of Neuromuscular Training Adaptions to Simulated Sport: Initial Findings From the Train the Brain Project
Authors: Grooms Dustin R. , Kiefer Adam W. , Riley Michael A. , Ellis Jonathan D. , Thomas Staci , Kitchen Katie , DiCesare Christopher A. , Bonnette Scott , Gadd Brooke , Barber Foss Kim D. , Yuan Weihong , Silva Paula , Galloway Ryan , Diekfuss Jed A. , Leach James , Berz Kate , Myer Gregory D.
Published: March 2018

Context: A limiting factor for reducing anterior cruciate ligament injury risk is ensuring that the movement adaptions made during the prevention program transfer to sport-specific activity. Virtual reality provides a mechanism to assess transferability, and neuroimaging provides a means to assay the neural processes allowing for such skill transfer. Objective: To determine the neural mechanisms for injury risk–reducing biomechanics transfer to sport after anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention training. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Research laboratory. Participants: Four healthy high school soccer athletes. Interventions: Participants completed augmented neuromuscular training utilizing real-time visual feedback. An unloaded knee extension task and a loaded leg press task were completed with neuroimaging before and after training. A virtual reality soccer-specific landing task was also competed following training to assess transfer of movement mechanics. Main Outcome Measures: Landing mechanics during the virtual reality soccer task and blood oxygen level–dependent signal change during neuroimaging. Results: Increased motor planning, sensory and visual region activity during unloaded knee extension and decreased motor cortex activity during loaded leg press were highly correlated with improvements in landing mechanics (decreased hip adduction and knee rotation). Conclusion: Changes in brain activity may underlie adaptation and transfer of injury risk–reducing movement mechanics to sport activity. Clinicians may be able to target these specific brain processes with adjunctive therapy to facilitate intervention improvements transferring to sport.
Characterization of Individual Human Antibodies That Bind Pertussis Toxin Stimulated by Acellular Immunization
Authors: Acquaye-Seedah Edith , Reczek Elizabeth E. , Russell Hugh H. , DiVenere Andrea M. , Sandman Sara O. , Collins Joseph H. , Stein Caitlin A. , Whitehead Timothy A. , Maynard Jennifer A.
Published: March 2018

Despite high vaccination rates, the incidence of whooping cough has steadily been increasing in developing countries for several decades. The current acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines all include the major protective antigen pertussis toxin (PTx) and are safer, but they appear to be less protective than infection or older, whole-cell vaccines. To better understand the attributes of individual antibodies stimulated by aP, we isolated plasmablast clones recognizing PTx after booster immunization of two donors. Five unique antibody sequences recognizing native PTx were recovered and expressed as recombinant human IgG1 antibodies. The antibodies all bind different epitopes on the PTx S1 subunit, B oligomer, or S1-B subunit interface, and just one clone neutralized PTx in an
in vitro
assay. To better understand the epitopes bound by the nonneutralizing S1-subunit antibodies, comprehensive mutagenesis with yeast display provided a detailed map of the epitope recognized by antibodies A8 and E12. Residue R76 is required for antibody A8 binding and is present on the S1 surface but is only partially exposed in the holotoxin, providing a structural explanation for A8's inability to neutralize holotoxin. The B-subunit-specific antibody D8 inhibited PTx binding to a model receptor and neutralized PTx
in vitro
as well as in an
in vivo
leukocytosis assay. This is the first study, to our knowledge, to identify individual human antibodies stimulated by the acellular pertussis vaccine and demonstrates the feasibility of using these approaches to address outstanding issues in pertussis vaccinology, including mechanisms of accelerated waning of protective immunity despite repeated aP immunization.
Validation of the FluoroType MTBDR Assay for Detection of Rifampin and Isoniazid Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Isolates
Authors: Hillemann Doris , Haasis Carsten , Andres Sönke , Behn Tobias , Kranzer Katharina
Published: March 2018

For
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC), the rapid and accurate diagnosis of drug resistance is crucial to ensure early initiation of appropriate therapy. Recently, a new molecular diagnostic test, the FluoroType MTBDR, aimed at detecting rifampin and isoniazid resistance has become available. This study aimed to evaluate the FluoroType MTBDR in comparison to phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) using
M. tuberculosis
complex isolates. MTBC isolates underwent phenotypic DST and were tested using the FluoroType MTBDR and Genotype MTBDRplus. Sanger sequencing of the key regions of
rpoB
,
katG
,
inhA
, and
aphC
was performed for isolates with discordant phenotypic and molecular results. Furthermore, isolates with specific wild-type bands missing in the Genotype MTBDRplus, indicating the presence of a mutation, were investigated by Sanger sequencing. Specificity and sensitivity, defined as the proportions of isolates correctly determined as susceptible and resistant by the FluoroType MTBDR compared to phenotypic DST, were calculated. A total of 180 culture isolates were included; phenotypic DST showed 85 isolates susceptible to isoniazid and rifampin, 7 with isoniazid monoresistance, 7 with rifampin monoresistance, and 81 with multidrug resistance. The specificity of the FluoroType MTBDR was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 96.0 to 100%) for both rifampin and isoniazid. The sensitivity was 91.7% (95% CI, 83.6 to 96.6%) for isoniazid and 98.9% (95% CI, 93.8 to 100.0%) for rifampin. The FluoroType MTBDR has a high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of rifampin and isoniazid resistance when using culture isolates.
Physiological Effect of XoxG(4) on Lanthanide-Dependent Methanotrophy
Authors: Zheng Yue , Huang Jing , Zhao Feng , Chistoserdova Ludmila
Published: March 2018

A recent surprising discovery of the activity of rare earth metals (lanthanides) as enzyme cofactors as well as transcriptional regulators has overturned the traditional assumption of biological inertia of these metals. However, so far, examples of such activities have been limited to alcohol dehydrogenases. Here we describe the physiological effects of a mutation in
xoxG
, a gene encoding a novel cytochrome, XoxG(4), and compare these to the effects of mutation in XoxF, a lanthanide-dependent methanol dehydrogenase, at the enzyme activity level and also at the community function level, using
Methylomonas
sp. strain LW13 as a model organism. Through comparative phenotypic characterization, we establish XoxG as the second protein directly involved in lanthanide-dependent metabolism, likely as a dedicated electron acceptor from XoxF. However, mutation in XoxG caused a phenotype that was dramatically different from the phenotype of the mutant in XoxF, suggesting a secondary function for this cytochrome, in metabolism of methane. We also purify XoxG(4) and demonstrate that this protein is a true cytochrome
c
, based on the typical absorption spectra, and we demonstrate that XoxG can be directly reduced by a purified XoxF, supporting one of its proposed physiological functions. Overall, our data continue to suggest the complex nature of the interplay between the calcium-dependent and lanthanide-dependent alcohol oxidation systems, while they also suggest that addressing the roles of these alternative systems is essential at the enzyme and community function level, in addition to the gene transcription level.

IMPORTANCE
The lanthanide-dependent biochemistry of living organisms remains a barely tapped area of knowledge. So far, only a handful of lanthanide-dependent alcohol dehydrogenases have been described, and their regulation by lanthanides has been demonstrated at the transcription level. Little information is available regarding the concentrations of lanthanides that could support sufficient enzymatic activities to support specific metabolisms, and so far, no other redox proteins involved in lanthanide-dependent methanotrophy have been demonstrated. The research presented here provides enzyme activity-level data on lanthanide-dependent methanotrophy in a model methanotroph. Additionally, we identify a second protein important for lanthanide-dependent metabolism in this organism, XoxG(4), a novel cytochrome. XoxG(4) appears to have multiple functions in methanotrophy, one function as an electron acceptor from XoxF and another function remaining unknown. On the basis of the dramatic phenotype of the XoxG(4) mutant, this function must be crucial for methanotrophy.
Assembly, Biochemical Characterization, Immunogenicity, Adjuvanticity, and Efficacy of
Shigella
Artificial Invaplex
Authors: Turbyfill K. Ross , Clarkson Kristen A. , Vortherms Anthony R. , Oaks Edwin V. , Kaminski Robert W.
Published: March 2018

Shigella
species are bacteria that cause severe diarrheal disease worldwide primarily in young children. Treatment of shigellosis includes oral fluids and antibiotics, but the high burden of disease, increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance, and long-term health consequences clearly warrant the development of an effective vaccine. One
Shigella
vaccine under development is termed the invasin complex or Invaplex and is designed to drive an immune response to specific antigens of the bacteria in an effort to protect an individual from infection. The work presented here describes the production and evaluation of a new generation of Invaplex. The improved vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies in immunized mice and guinea pigs and protects these animals from
Shigella
infection. The next step in the product’s development will be to test the safety and immune response induced in humans immunized with Invaplex.
Exploring Linkages between Taxonomic and Functional Profiles of the Human Microbiome
Authors: Langille Morgan G. I.
Published: March 2018

Microbiome studies typically focus on characterizing the taxonomic and functional profiles of the microbes within a community. Functional profiling is generally thought to be superior to taxonomic profiling for investigating human-microbe interactions, but there are several limitations and challenges to existing approaches.
Acupuncture in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Chia Kwan Leung , Lam Rex Pui Kin , Lam Chung Kwun , Tsui Sik Hon
Published: March 2018

Introduction

A comprehensive review of both English and Chinese language literature to inform acupuncture practice in emergency department (ED) settings is lacking. Accordingly, we aimed to conduct a systematic review of English and Chinese randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture use in the ED.

Methods

Four English databases (Embase, PubMed, AMED and CENTRAL) and two Chinese databases (CNKI and Wanfang) were systematically searched using the keywords ‘acupuncture’ and ‘emergency department’, followed by a bibliographic search of references. The data were extracted and assessed by two independent authors. RCTs were selected based on pre-defined criteria. Data were extracted and a risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The quality of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

In total, 1461 articles were screened and six RCTs involving 651 patients were included. For various acute pain conditions, acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture, more effective than intravenous morphine, comparable to conventional ED treatment, and superior to standard ED care alone when used on an adjuvant basis; however, the overall level of evidence was low. Studies that applied acupuncture in hypertension and cardiac arrest were deemed to be at high risk of bias, and the level of evidence for these outcomes was very low. No major adverse events were reported in the included studies.

Conclusion

There is a lack of high-quality evidence to support the use of acupuncture in the ED. Multicentre RCTs with rigorous designs are warranted.
Surgical adhesives in ophthalmology: history and current trends
Authors: Guhan Samantha , Peng Si-Liang , Janbatian Hrag , Saadeh Stephanie , Greenstein Stephen , Al Bahrani Faisal , Fadlallah Ali , Yeh Tsai-Chu , Melki Samir A
Published: March 2018

Tissue adhesives are gaining popularity in ophthalmology, as they could potentially reduce the complications associated with current surgical methods. An ideal tissue adhesive should have superior tensile strength, be non-toxic and anti-inflammatory, improve efficiency and be cost-effective. Both synthetic and biological glues are available. The primary synthetic glues include cyanoacrylate and the recently introduced polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives, while most biological glues are composed of fibrin. Cyanoacrylate has a high tensile strength, but rapidly polymerises upon contact with any fluid and has been associated with histotoxicity. Fibrin induces less toxic and inflammatory reactions, and its polymerisation time can be controlled. Tensile strength studies have shown that fibrin is not as strong as cyanoacrylate. While more research is needed, PEG variants currently appear to have the most promise. These glues are non-toxic, strong and time-effective. Through MEDLINE and internet searches, this paper presents a systematic review of the current applications of surgical adhesives to corneal, glaucoma, retinal, cataract and strabismus surgeries. Our review suggests that surgical adhesives have promise to reduce problems in current ophthalmic surgical procedures.
Risk factors for, and prevention of, shoulder injuries in overhead sports: a systematic review with best-evidence synthesis
Authors: Asker Martin , Brooke Hannah L , Waldén Markus , Tranaeus Ulrika , Johansson Fredrik , Skillgate Eva , Holm Lena W
Published: March 2018

Objective

To assess the evidence for risk factors and prevention measures for shoulder injuries in overhead sports.

Design

Systematic review with best-evidence synthesis.

Data sources

Medline (Ovid), PubMed (complementary search), Embase (Elsevier), Cochrane (Wiley), SPORTDiscus (Ebsco) and Web of Science Core Collection (Thomson Reuters), from 1 January 1990 to 15 May 2017.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Randomised controlled trials, cohort studies and case-control studies on risk factors or prevention measures for shoulder injuries in overhead sports. The eligible studies were quality assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria.

Results

Of 4778 studies identified, 38 were eligible for quality review and 17 met the quality criteria to be included in the evidence synthesis. One additional quality study presented a shoulder injury prevention programme. Most studies focused on baseball, lacrosse or volleyball (n=13). The risk factors examined included participation level (competition vs training) (n=10), sex (n=4), biomechanics (n=2) and external workload (n=2). The evidence for all risk factors was limited or conflicting. The effect of the prevention programme within the subgroup of uninjured players at baseline was modest and possibly lacked statistical power.

Conclusions

All investigated potential risk factors for shoulder injury in overhead sports had limited evidence, and most were non-modifiable (eg, sex). There is also limited evidence for the effect of shoulder injury prevention measures in overhead sports.

PROSPERO trial registration number

CRD42015026850.
Weak surveillance and policy attention to cancer in global health: the example of Mozambique
Authors: Lorenzoni Cesaltina , Oliveras Laura , Vilajeliu Alba , Carrilho Carla , Ismail Mamudo R , Castillo Paola , Augusto Orvalho , Sidat Mohsin , Menéndez Clara , Garcia-Basteiro Alberto L , Ordi Jaume
Published: March 2018

Cancer is an emerging public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa due to population growth, ageing and westernisation of lifestyles. The increasing burden of cancer calls for urgent policy attention to develop cancer prevention and control programmes. Cancer surveillance is an essential prerequisite. Only one in five low-income and middle-income countries have the necessary data to drive policy and reduce the cancer burden. In this piece, we use data from Mozambique over a 50-year period to illustrate cancer epidemiological trends in low-income and middle-income countries to hypothesise potential circumstances and factors that could explain changes in cancer burden and to discuss surveillance weaknesses and potential improvements. Like many low-income and middle-income countries, Mozambique faces the dual challenge of a still high morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases in rural areas and increased incidence of cancers associated with westernisation of lifestyles in urban areas, as well as a rise of cancers related to the HIV epidemic. An increase in cancer burden and changes in the cancer profile should be expected in coming years. The Mozambican healthcare and health-information systems, like in many other low-income and middle-income countries, are not prepared to face this epidemiological transition, which deserves increasing policy attention.
Effect of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis on the tracheobronchial tree
Authors: Farrell James , Garrido Enrique
Published: March 2018

Introduction

High prevalence of obstructive lung disease has been reported in patients undergoing surgical correction of thoracic scoliosis. Airway narrowing due to spine morphology is analysed as a contributing factor.

Methods

Preoperative surgical planning CTs of 34 patients with right-sided thoracic scoliosis (age: 17.6±9.0) were retrospectively analysed and compared with 15 non-scoliotic controls (age: 16.3±5.1). Three-dimensional models of spine and airway lumen were reconstructed. Based on thoracic sagittal profile, patients were divided into hypokyphosis (HypoS: <10°), normal kyphosis (NormS: ≥10° and <40°) and hyperkyphosis (HyperS: ≥40°) groups. Lumen area of bronchi, bifurcation angles and minimum spine–airway distance were measured. Pulmonary function tests were correlated to scoliosis, kyphosis and lumen area.

Results

Loss of kyphosis led to proximity between bronchus intermedius (BI) and spine. HypoS (NormS) had lumen area reductions in the right main bronchus of 29% (19%), BI of 45% (23%), right middle lobar bronchus of 46% (32%) and right lower lobe bronchus (RLL7) of 66% (37%), respectively (P<0.05). The lower right superior segmental bronchus was reduced across all scoliotic groups (P<0.05). Airways were displaced caudal by 0.65±0.45 vertebra in patients with scoliosis. Loss of kyphosis correlated negatively with forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), FVC/(FVC predicted) and FEV1/(FEV1predicted) (P<0.01). Lumen area of trachea, right upper lobar bronchus, BI and RLL7 correlated negatively with FEV1/FVC. BI and RLL7 narrowing were strong predictors of FVC and FEV1loss (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Right-sided main stem airways are narrowed in HypoS and NormS. Loss of kyphosis leads to narrowing of BI and its trifurcation. FEV1/FVC correlated negatively with airway narrowing, implying an obstructive element to lung function impairment in patients with scoliosis and hypokyphosis.
Low level of knowledge of heart attack symptoms and inappropriate anticipated treatment-seeking behaviour among older Chinese: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Chau Pui Hing , Moe Gordon , Lee Siu Yin , Woo Jean , Leung Angela Y M , Chow Chi-Ming , Kong Cecilia , Lo Wing Tung , Yuen Ming Hay , Zerwic Julie
Published: March 2018

Background

Prehospital delay of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is common globally, and Hong Kong—home of a rapidly ageing Chinese population—is not an exception. Seeking emergency medical care promptly is important for patients. Treatment-seeking behaviours have been shown to be associated with knowledge of AMI symptoms and specific cultural beliefs. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of AMI symptoms and expected treatment-seeking behaviour among older Chinese in Hong Kong.

Methods

A cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted at the Elderly Health Centres in Hong Kong from March to September 2016. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a structured questionnaire based on previous studies and local adaptations.

Results

Among 1804 people aged 65 years and above who completed the questionnaire, chest pain (80.2%), palpitations (75.8%) and fainting (71.9%) were the major symptoms recognised as AMI related. Meanwhile, stomach ache (46.9%), coughing (45.4%) and neck pain (40.8%) were recognised as not AMI related. The mean expected discomfort intensity during AMI onset was 7.7 out of 10 (SD=2.1). Regarding the expected treatment-seeking behaviour, seeking non-emergent medical care was the most popular action when AMI symptoms emerged during the day, without chest pain or with lower discomfort intensity, whereas calling an ambulance was the most common option when AMI symptoms emerged at night or with high discomfort intensity.

Conclusions

To minimise delays in seeking treatment, future health education should focus on increasing the public knowledge of AMI symptoms and the need to call an ambulance during an emergency.
Advanced Body Composition Assessment: From Body Mass Index to Body Composition Profiling
Authors: Borga Magnus , West Janne , Bell Jimmy D , Harvey Nicholas C , Romu Thobias , Heymsfield Steven B , Dahlqvist Leinhard Olof
Published: March 2018

This paper gives a brief overview of common non-invasive techniques for body composition analysis and a more in-depth review of a body composition assessment method based on fat-referenced quantitative MRI. Earlier published studies of this method are summarized, and a previously unpublished validation study, based on 4753 subjects from the UK Biobank imaging cohort, comparing the quantitative MRI method with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is presented. For whole-body measurements of adipose tissue (AT) or fat and lean tissue (LT), DXA and quantitative MRIs show excellent agreement with linear correlation of 0.99 and 0.97, and coefficient of variation (CV) of 4.5 and 4.6 per cent for fat (computed from AT) and LT, respectively, but the agreement was found significantly lower for visceral adipose tissue, with a CV of >20 per cent. The additional ability of MRI to also measure muscle volumes, muscle AT infiltration and ectopic fat, in combination with rapid scanning protocols and efficient image analysis tools, makes quantitative MRI a powerful tool for advanced body composition assessment.
CT coronary angiography: a paradigm shift for functional imaging tests
Authors: Alfakih Khaled , Byrne Jonathan , Monaghan Mark
Published: March 2018

The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have just updated their guideline on new-onset stable chest pain, recommending that all patients should be investigated with a CT coronary angiography (CTCA). In a separate guideline, NICE recommended CT fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR), to assess coronary stenoses, found on CTCA, stating that this would reduce the need for invasive coronary angiography and hence reduce cost. We discuss the evidence base for CT-FFR and emphasise that we already have established functional imaging tests, with extensive evidence base for efficacy and prognosis and that CT-FFR should be compared with this standard of care and not with the much more expensive and invasive fractional flow reserve undertaken during invasive coronary angiography.
Conduction disorders using the Evolut R prosthesis compared with the CoreValve: has anything changed?
Authors: Perrin Nils , Perrin Tilman , Hachulla Anne-Lise , Frei Angela , Müller Hajo , Roffi Marco , Cikirikcioglu Mustafa , Ellenberger Christoph , Licker Marc-Joseph , Burri Haran , Noble Stephane
Published: March 2018

Aim

We compared early postprocedural and midterm evolution of atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction disorders following implantation of the new generation Evolut R (ER) prosthesis in comparison with the previous generation CoreValve (CV) system using routinely recorded ECG up to 6-month follow-up.

Methods

All consecutive patients treated by transcathether aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using the Medtronic self-expanding devices for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis in a single centre between October 2011 and February 2016 were considered for inclusion. ECGs recorded at baseline, day 1 after TAVI, discharge and 6 months were retrospectively analysed. At each time-point, intrinsic rhythm, PR interval, QRS axis and duration, and atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction were analysed. Atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction following TAVI at discharge and at 6 months were compared intrasubject at the different time intervals and between patients receiving the ER versus the CV prosthesis.

Results

Among the 113 patients included in the analysis (51% female, 83.3±6.2 years), 60 (53%) patients received the CV and 53 (47%) patients received the ER. Compared with patients in the CV group, those in the ER group had a lower Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (6.3±3.1vs 4.8±3.6, P=0.02). Patients in the ER group in comparison with those in the CV group more frequently had postprocedural PR interval (57%vs23%, respectively, P=0.004) and QRS prolongation (76%vs50%, P=0.03) at discharge. Incidence of complete atrioventricular block was similar between both groups (9%vs18%, P=0.3) up to 6-month follow-up. No difference in term of new left bundle branch block (LBBB) (34%vs28%, P=0.8) or permanent pacemaker implantation rates (32.1%vs31.7%, P=1.0) was reported.

Conclusions

Patients with the ER had greater postprocedural atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction delays than those with the CV at discharge, with however similar incidence of high-degree atrioventricular block, new LBBB and permanent pacemaker implantation up to 6-month follow-up.
Regioselective substituent effects upon the synthesis of dipyrrins from 2-formyl pyrroles
Authors: Beh Michael H.R. , Figliola Carlotta , Lund Kate-Lyn A.R. , Kajetanowicz Aleksandra K. , Johnsen Ann E. , Aronitz Elise M. , Thompson Alison
Published: March 2018

The synthesis of symmetric α-free meso-H-dipyrrin hydrobromides from 5-H-2-formyl pyrroles was investigated. The self-condensation produces regioisomeric dipyrrins through adoption of two mechanistic pathways. The key difference between the two pathways lies in which position of the pyrrole directs nucleophilic attack. Through a systematic study involving various substituted and (or) isotopically labelled 5-H-2-formyl pyrroles, we herein provide evidence to suggest that not only do two mechanistic pathways exist, but the steric bulk of the substituent adjacent to the 5-unsubstituted position influences which pathway dominates.