bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foliar application of the leaf-colonizing yeast Pseudozyma churashimaensis elicits systemic defense of pepper against bacterial and viral pathogens
Authors: Lee Gahyung , Lee Sang-Heon , Kim Kyung Mo , Ryu Choong-Min
Published: January 2017

Yeast associates with many plant parts including the phyllosphere, where it is subject to harsh environmental conditions. Few studies have reported on biological control of foliar pathogens by yeast. Here, we newly isolated leaf-colonizing yeasts from leaves of field-grown pepper plants in a major pepper production area of South Korea. The yeast was isolated using semi-selective medium supplemented with rifampicin to inhibit bacterial growth and its disease control capacity against Xanthomonas axonopodis infection of pepper plants in the greenhouse was evaluated. Of 838 isolated yeasts, foliar spray of Pseudozyma churashimaensis strain RGJ1 at 108 cfu/mL conferred significant protection against X. axonopodis and unexpectedly against Cucumber mosaic virus, Pepper mottle virus, Pepper mild mottle virus, and Broad bean wilt virus under field conditions. Direct antagonism between strain RGJ1 and X. axonopodis was not detected from co-culture assays, suggesting that disease is suppressed via induced resistance. Additional molecular analysis of the induced resistance marker genes Capsicum annuum Pathogenesis-Related (CaPR) 4 and CaPR5 indicated that strain RGJ1 elicited plant defense priming. To our knowledge, this study is the first report of plant protection against bacterial and viral pathogens mediated by a leaf-colonizing yeast and has potential for effective disease management in the field.
Effect of shortened sleep on energy expenditure, core body temperature, and appetite: a human randomised crossover trial
Authors: Hibi Masanobu , Kubota Chie , Mizuno Tomohito , Aritake Sayaka , Mitsui Yuki , Katashima Mitsuhiro , Uchida Sunao
Published: January 2017

The effects of sleep restriction on energy metabolism and appetite remain controversial. We examined the effects of shortened sleep duration on energy metabolism, core body temperature (CBT), and appetite profiles. Nine healthy men were evaluated in a randomised crossover study under two conditions: a 3.5-h sleep duration and a 7-h sleep duration for three consecutive nights followed by one 7-h recovery sleep night. The subjects’ energy expenditure (EE), substrate utilisation, and CBT were continually measured for 48 h using a whole-room calorimeter. The subjects completed an appetite questionnaire every hour while in the calorimeter. Sleep restriction did not affect total EE or substrate utilisation. The 48-h mean CBT decreased significantly during the 3.5-h sleep condition compared with the 7-h sleep condition (7-h sleep, 36.75 ± 0.11 °C; 3.5-h sleep, 36.68 ± 0.14 °C; p = 0.016). After three consecutive nights of sleep restriction, fasting peptide YY levels and fullness were significantly decreased (p = 0.011), whereas hunger and prospective food consumption were significantly increased, compared to those under the 7-h sleep condition. Shortened sleep increased appetite by decreasing gastric hormone levels, but did not affect EE, suggesting that greater caloric intake during a shortened sleep cycle increases the risk of weight gain.
Comparison of the glycopattern alterations of mitochondrial proteins in cerebral cortex between rat Alzheimer’s disease and the cerebral ischemia model
Authors: Yu Houyou , Yang Changwei , Chen Shi , Huang Yang , Liu Chuanming , Liu Jian , Yin Wen
Published: January 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and ischemic brain injury are two major neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction commonly occurs in AD and ischemic brain injury. Currently, little attention has been paid to the glycans on mitochondrial glycoproteins, which may play vital roles during the process of mitochondrial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to illustrate and compare the glycopattern alterations of mitochondrial glycoproteins extracted from the cerebral cortex of the rat models of these two diseases using High-throughput lectin microarrays. The results shown that the number of lectins with significant differences compared to normal brains was nine for the rat sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (SAD) model and eighteen for the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Interestingly, five lectins showed opposite expression patterns between the SAD and MCAO rat models. We conclude that glycopattern alterations of mitochondrial glycoproteins in the cerebral cortex may provide vital information to help understand mitochondrial dysfunction in AD and ischemic brain injury. In addition, glycans recognized by diverse lectins with opposite expression patterns between these two diseases hints at the different pathomechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in AD and ischemic brain injury.
Chemical complexity of odors increases reliability of olfactory threshold testing
Authors: Oleszkiewicz Anna , Pellegrino Robert , Pusch Katharina , Margot Celine , Hummel Thomas
Published: January 2017

Assessment of odor thresholds is a widely recognized method of measuring olfactory abilities in humans. To date no attempts have been made to assess whether chemical complexity of odors used can produce more reliable results. To this end, we performed two studies of repeated measures design with 121 healthy volunteers (age 19–62 years). In Study 1, we compared thresholds obtained from tests based on one odor presented in a pen-like odor dispensing device with three odors and six odors mixtures presented in glass containers. In study 2 we compared stimuli of one and three odors, both presented in glass containers. In both studies measurements were performed twice, separated by at least three days. Results indicate that the multiple odor mixtures produced more reliable threshold scores, as compared to thresholds based on a single substance.
Predictors of Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Asymptomatic Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation: Mechanistic Insights from 2D Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Kamijima Ryo , Suzuki Kengo , Izumo Masaki , Kuwata Shingo , Mizukoshi Kei , Takai Manabu , Kou Seisyou , Hayashi Akio , Kida Keisuke , Harada Tomoo , Akashi Yoshihiro J.
Published: January 2017

Presence of exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (EIPH) in asymptomatic degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) determines prognosis. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism and predictors of EIPH in asymptomatic DMR. Ninety-one consecutive asymptomatic patients with DMR who underwent exercise stress echocardiography were prospectively included. We obtained various conventional echocardiographic parameters at rest and during peak exercise, as well as left atrial (LA) function at rest using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking analysis. The 25 patients (33.3%) with EIPH were significantly older and had a greater ratio of mitral peak velocity of early filling to early diastolic mitral annular velocity during peak exercise than those without EIPH. LA strain (LAS)-s and LAS-e, indices of LA reservoir and conduit function, respectively, were significantly lower in those with EIPH than in those without EIPH. Multivariate analysis indicated that LAS-s was the only resting echocardiographic parameter that independently predicted EIPH, with a cut-off value of 26.9%. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that symptom-free survival was markedly lower among those with reduced LAS-s. In conclusion, decreased LA reservoir function contributes to EIPH, and LAS-s at rest is a useful indicator for predicting EIPH in asymptomatic patients with DMR.
Purification and differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells by membrane filtration and membrane migration methods
Authors: Lin Hong Reng , Heish Chao-Wen , Liu Cheng-Hui , Muduli Saradaprasan , Li Hsing-Fen , Higuchi Akon , Kumar S. Suresh , Alarfaj Abdullah A. , Munusamy Murugan A. , Hsu Shih-Tien , Chen Da-Chung , Benelli Giovanni , Murugan Kadarkarai , Cheng Nai-Chen , Wang Han-Chow , Wu Gwo-Jang
Published: January 2017

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are easily isolated from fat tissue without ethical concerns, but differ in purity, pluripotency, differentiation ability, and stem cell marker expression, depending on the isolation method. We isolated hADSCs from a primary fat tissue solution using: (1) conventional culture, (2) a membrane filtration method, (3) a membrane migration method where the primary cell solution was permeated through membranes, adhered hADSCs were cultured, and hADSCs migrated out from the membranes. Expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers and pluripotency genes, and osteogenic differentiation were compared for hADSCs isolated by different methods using nylon mesh filter membranes with pore sizes ranging from 11 to 80 μm. hADSCs isolated by the membrane migration method had the highest MSC surface marker expression and efficient differentiation into osteoblasts. Osteogenic differentiation ability of hADSCs and MSC surface marker expression were correlated, but osteogenic differentiation ability and pluripotent gene expression were not.
Transcriptome analysis of neo-tetraploid rice reveals specific differential gene expressions associated with fertility and heterosis
Authors: Guo Haibin , Mendrikahy Jean Nestor , Xie Lei , Deng Junfeng , Lu Zijun , Wu Jinwen , Li Xiang , Shahid Muhammad Qasim , Liu Xiangdong
Published: January 2017

Polyploid rice hybrids have a powerful biological and yield potential that may become a new way for rice breeding; however, low fertility is major hindrance in commercial utilization. Here, we developed a neo-tetraploid rice that could overcome the sterility of autotetraploid rice and produce high heterosis. Transcriptome analysis of F1 hybrid developed by crossing neo-tetraploid with autotetraploid rice displayed 807, 663 and 866 differentially expressed genes that uniquely associated with F1 and specific to (DEGFu-sp) anther, ovary and leaf, respectively. Of the DEGFu-sp, 1224 genes displayed nonadditive expression; 44 and 10 genes were annotated as TFs and methyltransferase or hydroxymethyltransferase, respectively. Gene ontology enrichment and co-expression analysis revealed specific differential gene expressions in the DEGFu-sp to leaf, anther and ovary, such as genes related to photosynthesis, metabolic process and transport, and co-expression network including fertility, resistance and epigenetic elements. Of the DEGFu-sp to anther, 42 meiosis stage-specific genes, eight meiosis-related genes, such as RAD51 and SMC2, were identified. We identified 38 miRNAs from DEGFu-sp to anther, and their targets were associated with pollen fertility and retrotransposon protein. Our study provides new germplasm for polyploid rice breeding, and revealed complex regulatory mechanisms that might be associated with heterosis and fertility.
An automated method for large-scale monitoring of seed dispersal by ants
Authors: Bologna Audrey , Toffin Etienne , Detrain Claire , Campo Alexandre
Published: January 2017

Myrmecochory is the process of seed dispersal by ants; however, it is highly challenging to study, mainly because of the small size of both partners and the comparatively large range of dispersal. The mutualistic interaction between ants and seeds involves the former retrieving diaspores, consuming their elaiosome (a nutrient-rich appendage), and the rejection of seeds from the nest. Here, we introduce a semi-automated method based on stitching high resolution images together, allowing the study of myrmecochory in a controlled environment over time. We validate the effectiveness of our method in detecting and discriminating seeds and ants. We show that the number of retrieved diaspores varies highly among colonies, and is independent of both their size and activity level, even though the dynamics of diaspore collection are correlated with the arrival of ants at the food source. We find that all retrieved seeds are rejected from the nest in a clustered pattern, and, surprisingly, they are also frequently redispersed within the arena afterwards, despite lacking elaiosome. This finding suggests that the dispersal pattern might be more complex and dynamic than expected. Our method unveils new insights on the mechanisms of myrmecochory, and could be usefully adapted to study other dispersal phenomena.
Rye polyphenols and the metabolism of n-3 fatty acids in rats: a dose dependent fatty fish-like effect
Authors: Ounnas Fayçal , de Lorgeril Michel , Salen Patricia , Laporte François , Calani Luca , Mena Pedro , Brighenti Furio , Del Rio Daniele , Demeilliers Christine
Published: January 2017

As long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) of the n-3 series are critically important for human health, fish consumption has considerably increased in recent decades, resulting in overfishing to respond to the worldwide demand, to an extent that is not sustainable for consumers’ health, fisheries economy, and marine ecology. In a recent study, it has been shown that whole rye (WR) consumption improves blood and liver n-3 LCFA levels and gut microbiota composition in rats compared to refined rye. The present work demonstrates that specific colonic polyphenol metabolites may dose dependently stimulate the synthesis of n-3 LCFA, possibly through their microbial and hepatic metabolites in rats. The intake of plant n-3 alpha-linolenic acid and WR results in a sort of fatty fish-like effect, demonstrating that the n-3 LCFA levels in blood and tissues could be increased without eating marine foods, and therefore without promoting unsustainable overfishing, and without damaging marine ecology.
Simultaneous abrupt shifts in hydrology and fish assemblage structure in a floodplain lake in the central Amazon
Authors: Röpke Cristhiana P. , Amadio Sidinéia , Zuanon Jansen , Ferreira Efrem J. G. , Deus Cláudia Pereira de , Pires Tiago H. S. , Winemiller Kirk O.
Published: January 2017

Combined effects of climate change and deforestation have altered precipitation patterns in the Amazon. This has led to changes in the frequency of extreme events of flood and drought in recent decades and in the magnitude of the annual flood pulse, a phenomenon that influences virtually all aspects of river-floodplain ecosystem dynamics. Analysis of long-term data revealed abrupt and synchronous changes in hydrology and fish assemblage structure of a floodplain lake near the confluence of Amazon and Negro rivers. After an intense drought in 2005, the assemblage assumed a different and fairly persistent taxonomic composition and functional structure. Declines in abundance after 2005 were more pronounced for species of all sizes having equilibrium life history strategy, large species with periodic life history strategy, and for all trophic levels except primary consumers. Our results suggest that the extreme drought triggered changes in the fish assemblage and subsequent anomalous hydrological conditions have hampered assemblage recovery. These findings stress the need to account for climatic-driven hydrological changes in conservation efforts addressing aquatic biodiversity and fishery resources in the central Amazon.
Nrf2 regulates gene-environment interactions in an animal model of intrauterine inflammation: Implications for preterm birth and prematurity
Authors: Sussan Thomas E. , Sudini Kuladeep , Talbot C. Conover , Wang Xiaobin , Wills-Karp Marsha , Burd Irina , Biswal Shyam
Published: January 2017

Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal mortality, and surviving infants are at increased risk for lifelong disabilities. Intrauterine inflammation is an etiological factor that drives PTB, and oxidative stress is associated with PTB. Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a redox-sensitive transcription factor that is the key regulator of the response to oxidative and inflammatory stress. Here, we used the established mouse model of intrauterine inflammation-induced PTB to determine whether Nrf2 is a modifier of susceptibility to PTB and prematurity-related morbidity and mortality in the offspring. We determined that Nr2-deficient (Nrf2−/−) mice exhibited a greater sensitivity to intrauterine inflammation, as indicated by decreased time to delivery, reduced birthweight, and 100% mortality. Placentas from preterm Nrf2−/− mice showed elevated levels of markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death, and transcriptomic analysis identified numerous key signaling pathways that were differentially expressed between wild-type (WT) and Nrf2−/− mice in both preterm and control samples. Thus, Nrf2 could be a critical factor for gene-environment interactions that may determine susceptibility to PTB. Further studies are needed to determine if Nrf2 is a viable therapeutic target in women who are at risk for PTB and associated complications in the affected offspring.
Mammary extracellular matrix directs differentiation of testicular and embryonic stem cells to form functional mammary glands in vivo
Authors: Bruno Robert D. , Fleming Jodie M. , George Andrea L. , Boulanger Corinne A. , Schedin Pepper , Smith Gilbert H.
Published: January 2017

Previously, we demonstrated the ability of the normal mammary microenvironment (niche) to direct non-mammary cells including testicular and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to adopt a mammary epithelial cell (MEC) fate. These studies relied upon the interaction of transplanted normal MECs with non-mammary cells within the mammary fat-pads of recipient mice that had their endogenous epithelium removed. Here, we tested whether acellular mammary extracellular matrix (mECM) preparations are sufficient to direct differentiation of testicular-derived cells and ESCs to form functional mammary epithelial trees in vivo. We found that mECMs isolated from adult mice and rats were sufficient to redirect testicular derived cells to produce normal mammary epithelial trees within epithelial divested mouse mammary fat-pads. Conversely, ECMs isolated from omental fat and lung did not redirect testicular cells to a MEC fate, indicating the necessity of tissue specific components of the mECM. mECM preparations also completely inhibited teratoma formation from ESC inoculations. Further, a phenotypically normal ductal outgrowth resulted from a single inoculation of ESCs and mECM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a tissue specific ECM driving differentiation of cells to form a functional tissue in vivo.
Development of a multiple-hybrid population for genome-wide association studies: theoretical consideration and genetic mapping of flowering traits in maize
Authors: Wang Hui , Xu Cheng , Liu Xiaogang , Guo Zifeng , Xu Xiaojie , Wang Shanhong , Xie Chuanxiao , Li Wen-Xue , Zou Cheng , Xu Yunbi
Published: January 2017

Various types of populations have been used in genetics, genomics and crop improvement, including bi- and multi-parental populations and natural ones. The latter has been widely used in genome-wide association study (GWAS). However, inbred-based GWAS cannot be used to reveal the mechanisms involved in hybrid performance. We developed a novel maize population, multiple-hybrid population (MHP), consisting of 724 hybrids produced using 28 temperate and 23 tropical inbreds. The hybrids can be divided into three subpopulations, two diallels and NC (North Carolina Design) II. Significant genetic differences were identified among parents, hybrids and heterotic groups. A cluster analysis revealed heterotic groups existing in the parental lines and the results showed that MHPs are well suitable for GWAS in hybrid crops. MHP-based GWAS was performed using 55 K SNP array for flowering time traits, days to tassel, days to silk, days to anthesis and anthesis-silking interval. Two independent methods, PEPIS developed for hybrids and TASSEL software designed for inbred line populations, revealed highly consistent results with five overlapping chromosomal regions identified and used for discovery of candidate genes and quantitative trait nucleotides. Our results indicate that MHPs are powerful in GWAS for hybrid-related traits with great potential applications in the molecular breeding era.
Genome-wide identification of novel ovarian-predominant miRNAs: new insights from the medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Authors: Bouchareb Amine , Le Cam Aurélie , Montfort Jérôme , Gay Stéphanie , Nguyen Thaovi , Bobe Julien , Thermes Violette
Published: January 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, highly conserved non-coding RNAs that play important roles in the regulation of many physiological processes. However, the role of miRNAs in vertebrate oocyte formation (i.e., oogenesis) remains poorly investigated. To gain new insights into the roles of miRNAs in oogenesis, we searched for ovarian-predominant miRNAs. Using a microarray displaying 3,800 distinct miRNAs originating from different vertebrate species, we identified 66 miRNAs that are expressed predominantly in the ovary. Of the miRNAs exhibiting the highest overabundance in the ovary, 20 were selected for further analysis. Using a combination of QPCR and in silico analyses, we identified 8 novel miRNAs that are predominantly expressed in the ovary, including 2 miRNAs (miR-4785 and miR-6352) that exhibit strict ovarian expression. Of these 8 miRNAs, 7 were previously uncharacterized in fish. The strict ovarian expression of miR-4785 and miR-6352 suggests an important role in oogenesis and/or early development, possibly involving a maternal effect. Together, these results indicate that, similar to protein-coding genes, a significant number of ovarian-predominant miRNA genes are found in fish.
spict, a cyst cell-specific gene, regulates starvation-induced spermatogonial cell death in the Drosophila testis
Authors: Chiang Ason C.-Y. , Yang Heiko , Yamashita Yukiko M.
Published: January 2017

Tissues are maintained in a homeostatic state by balancing the constant loss of old cells with the continued production of new cells. Tissue homeostasis can shift between high and low turnover states to cope with environmental changes such as nutrient availability. Recently, we discovered that the elimination of transit-amplifying cells plays a critical role in maintaining the stem cell population during protein starvation in the Drosophila testis. Here, we identify spict, a gene expressed specifically in differentiating cyst cells, as a regulator of spermatogonial death. Spict is upregulated in cyst cells that phagocytose dying spermatogonia. We propose that phagocytosis and subsequent clearance of dead spermatogonia, which is partly promoted by Spict, contribute to stem cell maintenance during prolonged protein starvation.
Core Transcription Factors, MicroRNAs, and Small Molecules Drive Transdifferentiation of Human Fibroblasts Towards The Cardiac Cell Lineage
Authors: Christoforou Nicolas , Chakraborty Syandan , Kirkton Robert D. , Adler Andrew F. , Addis Russell C. , Leong Kam W.
Published: January 2017

Transdifferentiation has been described as a novel method for converting human fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocyte-like cells. Such an approach can produce differentiated cells to study physiology or pathophysiology, examine drug interactions or toxicities, and engineer cardiac tissues. Here we describe the transdifferentiation of human dermal fibroblasts towards the cardiac cell lineage via the induced expression of transcription factors GATA4, TBX5, MEF2C, MYOCD, NKX2–5, and delivery of microRNAs miR-1 and miR-133a. Cells undergoing transdifferentiation expressed ACTN2 and TNNT2 and partially organized their cytoskeleton in a cross-striated manner. The conversion process was associated with significant upregulation of a cohort of cardiac-specific genes, activation of pathways associated with muscle contraction and physiology, and downregulation of fibroblastic markers. We used a genetically encoded calcium indicator and readily detected active calcium transients although no spontaneous contractions were observed in transdifferentiated cells. Finally, we determined that inhibition of Janus kinase 1, inhibition of Glycogen synthase kinase 3, or addition of NRG1 significantly enhanced the efficiency of transdifferentiation. Overall, we describe a method for achieving transdifferentiation of human dermal fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocyte-like cells via transcription factor overexpression, microRNA delivery, and molecular pathway manipulation.
Prevalence of feral swine disturbance at important archaeological sites over a large landscape in Florida
Authors: Engeman Richard M. , Meyer Joseph S. , Allen John B.
Published: January 2017

Feral swine are globally known as one of the most destructive invasive vertebrates, damaging native habitats, native plants and animals, agriculture, infrastructure, spreading diseases. There has been little quantification on their disturbance to archaeological sites across a broad landscape. Over 6 years we inspected 293 significant archaeological sites for swine disturbance across a vast area. We found a 42% prevalence of swine disturbance among all sites, with prevalence not distinguishable among prehistoric sites, historic sites, and sites with both components. The areas of disturbance mapped within three historic homestead sites showed 5–26% of total site surface area rooted. Disturbance was not evident upon re-inspection of one of these sites after 18 months, indicating how evidence of disturbance can be obscured in this environment. Thus, our observed 42% prevalence of disturbance should be considered a minimum for disturbance occurring through time. Artifacts depths were <10 cm of the surface at 85% of the sites and <20 cm of the surface for 90% of the sites. Feral swine rooting commonly exceeds 20 cm in depth, especially in soft sandy substrates typical of Florida, making the great majority of the studied sites highly vulnerable to artifact damage or displacement.
Sox10+ adult stem cells contribute to biomaterial encapsulation and microvascularization
Authors: Wang Dong , Wang Aijun , Wu Fan , Qiu Xuefeng , Li Ye , Chu Julia , Huang Wen-Chin , Xu Kang , Gong Xiaohua , Li Song
Published: January 2017

Implanted biomaterials and biomedical devices generally induce foreign body reaction and end up with encapsulation by a dense avascular fibrous layer enriched in extracellular matrix. Fibroblasts/myofibroblasts are thought to be the major cell type involved in encapsulation, but it is unclear whether and how stem cells contribute to this process. Here we show, for the first time, that Sox10+ adult stem cells contribute to both encapsulation and microvessel formation. Sox10+ adult stem cells were found sparsely in the stroma of subcutaneous loose connective tissues. Upon subcutaneous biomaterial implantation, Sox10+ stem cells were activated and recruited to the biomaterial scaffold, and differentiated into fibroblasts and then myofibroblasts. This differentiation process from Sox10+ stem cells to myofibroblasts could be recapitulated in vitro. On the other hand, Sox10+ stem cells could differentiate into perivascular cells to stabilize newly formed microvessels. Sox10+ stem cells and endothelial cells in three-dimensional co-culture self-assembled into microvessels, and platelet-derived growth factor had chemotactic effect on Sox10+ stem cells. Transplanted Sox10+ stem cells differentiated into smooth muscle cells to stabilize functional microvessels. These findings demonstrate the critical role of adult stem cells in tissue remodeling and unravel the complexity of stem cell fate determination.
Allergy reduces the risk of meningioma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Peng-fei , Ji Wen-Jun , Zhang Xiao-hui , Li Shou-wei , Yan Chang-Xiang
Published: January 2017

Meningiomas are the most common brain tumours; however, little is known regarding their aetiology. The data are inconsistent concerning atopic disease and the risk of developing meningioma. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association between allergic conditions and the risk of developing meningioma. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of SCI from Jan 1979 to Feb 2016. Two investigators independently selected the relevant articles according to the inclusion criteria. Eight case-control studies and 2 cohort studies were included in the final analysis, comprising 5,679 meningioma cases and 55,621 control subjects. Compared with no history of allergy, the pooled odds ratio (OR) for allergic conditions was 0.81 (0.70–0.94) for meningioma in a random-effects meta-analysis. Inverse correlations of meningioma occurrence were also identified for asthma and eczema, in which the pooled ORs were 0.78 (0.70–0.86) and 0.78 (0.69–0.87), respectively. A reduced risk of meningioma occurrence was identified in hay fever; however, the association was weak (0.88, 95% CI = 0.78–0.99). The source of this heterogeneity could be the various confounding variables in individual studies. Overall, the current meta-analysis indicated that allergy reduced the risk of developing meningiomas. Large cohort studies are required to investigate this relationship.
Reproducibility and Repeatability of Computer Tomography-based Measurement of Abdominal Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissues
Authors: Lee Yuan-Hao , Hsiao Hsing-Fen , Yang Hou-Ting , Huang Shih-Yi , Chan Wing P.
Published: January 2017

Excessive accumulation of abdominal adipose tissue is a widely recognized as a major feature of obesity, and it can be quantified by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). However, in a phantom study, the inter- and intra-instrument reliability of DXA remains unpredictable. Thus, we attempted to determine the precision of estimates from computer tomography-based measurements and analysis with AZE Virtual Place software. To determine the inter-rater reproducibility and intra-rater repeatability of adipose tissue area estimates, we used the automatic boundary-tracing function of the AZE Virtual Place to generate cross-sectional areas of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues from the abdomen of reconstructed CT images. The variability of inter-rater and intra-rater estimates expressed as the coefficient of variation ranged from 0.47% to 1.43% for subcutaneous adipose tissue and 1.08% to 2.20% for visceral adipose tissue; the optimal coefficient of variation of the fat rate calculation ranged from 0.55% to 1.13%, respectively. There was high and significant correlation between adipose tissue areas as estimated in 40 obese subjects by two raters or repeatedly on 20 obese subjects by either rater. This indicates excellent reproducibility and repeatability via a computer tomography-based measurement of abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues.
Evidence for genetic heterogeneity between clinical subtypes of bipolar disorder
Authors: Charney A W , Ruderfer D M , Stahl E A , Moran J L , Chambert K , Belliveau R A , Forty L , Gordon-Smith K , Di Florio A , Lee P H , Bromet E J , Buckley P F , Escamilla M A , Fanous A H , Fochtmann L J , Lehrer D S , Malaspina D , Marder S R , Morley C P , Nicolini H , Perkins D O , Rakofsky J J , Rapaport M H , Medeiros H , Sobell J L , Green E K , Backlund L , Bergen S E , Juréus A , Schalling M , Lichtenstein P , Roussos P , Knowles J A , Jones I , Jones L A , Hultman C M , Perlis R H , Purcell S M , McCarroll S A , Pato C N , Pato M T , Craddock N , Landén M , Smoller J W , Sklar P
Published: January 2017

We performed a genome-wide association study of 6447 bipolar disorder (BD) cases and 12 639 controls from the International Cohort Collection for Bipolar Disorder (ICCBD). Meta-analysis was performed with prior results from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium Bipolar Disorder Working Group for a combined sample of 13 902 cases and 19 279 controls. We identified eight genome-wide significant, associated regions, including a novel associated region on chromosome 10 (rs10884920; P=3.28 × 10−8) that includes the brain-enriched cytoskeleton protein adducin 3 (ADD3), a non-coding RNA, and a neuropeptide-specific aminopeptidase P (XPNPEP1). Our large sample size allowed us to test the heritability and genetic correlation of BD subtypes and investigate their genetic overlap with schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. We found a significant difference in heritability of the two most common forms of BD (BD I SNP-h2=0.35; BD II SNP-h2=0.25; P=0.02). The genetic correlation between BD I and BD II was 0.78, whereas the genetic correlation was 0.97 when BD cohorts containing both types were compared. In addition, we demonstrated a significantly greater load of polygenic risk alleles for schizophrenia and BD in patients with BD I compared with patients with BD II, and a greater load of schizophrenia risk alleles in patients with the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder compared with patients with either BD I or BD II. These results point to a partial difference in the genetic architecture of BD subtypes as currently defined.
Decreased hippocampal translocator protein (18 kDa) expression in alcohol dependence: a [11C]PBR28 PET study
Authors: Kalk N J , Guo Q , Owen D , Cherian R , Erritzoe D , Gilmour A , Ribeiro A S , McGonigle J , Waldman A , Matthews P , Cavanagh J , McInnes I , Dar K , Gunn R , Rabiner E A , Lingford-Hughes A R
Published: January 2017

Repeated withdrawal from alcohol is clinically associated with progressive cognitive impairment. Microglial activation occurring during pre-clinical models of alcohol withdrawal is associated with learning deficits. We investigated whether there was microglial activation in recently detoxified alcohol-dependent patients (ADP), using [11C]PBR28 positron emission tomography (PET), selective for the 18kDa translocator protein (TSPO) highly expressed in activated microglia and astrocytes. We investigated the relationship between microglial activation and cognitive performance. Twenty healthy control (HC) subjects (45±13; M:F 14:6) and nine ADP (45±6, M:F 9:0) were evaluated. Dynamic PET data were acquired for 90 min following an injection of 331±15 MBq [11C]PBR28. Regional volumes of distribution (VT) for regions of interest (ROIs) identifieda prioriwere estimated using a two-tissue compartmental model with metabolite-corrected arterial plasma input function. ADP had an ~20% lower [11C]PBR28VT,in the hippocampus (F(1,24) 5.694;P=0.025), but no difference inVTin other ROIs. Hippocampal [11C]PBR28VTwas positively correlated with verbal memory performance in a combined group of HC and ADP (r=0.720,P<0.001), an effect seen in HC alone (r=0.738;P=0.001) but not in ADP. We did not find evidence for increased microglial activation in ADP, as seen pre-clinically. Instead, our findings suggest lower glial density or an altered activation state with lower TSPO expression. The correlation between verbal memory and [11C]PBR28VT, raises the possibility that abnormalities of glial function may contribute to cognitive impairment in ADP.
Glutamatergic and GABAergic gene sets in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: association to overlapping traits in ADHD and autism
Authors: Naaijen J , Bralten J , Poelmans G ,   The IMAGE consortium, Faraone Stephen , Asherson Philip , Banaschewski Tobias , Buitelaar Jan , Franke Barbara , P Ebstein Richard , Gill Michael , Miranda Ana , D Oades Robert , Roeyers Herbert , Rothenberger Aribert , Sergeant Joseph , Sonuga-Barke Edmund , Anney Richard , Mulas Fernando , Steinhausen Hans-Christoph , Glennon J C , Franke B , Buitelaar J K
Published: January 2017

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often co-occur. Both are highly heritable; however, it has been difficult to discover genetic risk variants. Glutamate and GABA are main excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain; their balance is essential for proper brain development and functioning. In this study we investigated the role of glutamate and GABA genetics in ADHD severity, autism symptom severity and inhibitory performance, based on gene set analysis, an approach to investigate multiple genetic variants simultaneously. Common variants within glutamatergic and GABAergic genes were investigated using the MAGMA software in an ADHD case-only sample (n=931), in which we assessed ASD symptoms and response inhibition on a Stop task. Gene set analysis for ADHD symptom severity, divided into inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, autism symptom severity and inhibition were performed using principal component regression analyses. Subsequently, gene-wide association analyses were performed. The glutamate gene set showed an association with severity of hyperactivity/impulsivity (P=0.009), which was robust to correcting for genome-wide association levels. The GABA gene set showed nominally significant association with inhibition (P=0.04), but this did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. None of single gene or single variant associations was significant on their own. By analyzing multiple genetic variants within candidate gene sets together, we were able to find genetic associations supporting the involvement of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter systems in ADHD and ASD symptom severity in ADHD.
Unlocking the electronic genome of halogenobenzenes
Authors: Jezowski Sebastian R. , Baer Ryan , Monaco Stephen , Mora-Perez Carlos A. , Schatschneider Bohdan
Published: January 2017

We present a DFT investigation that establishes the structure–property relations governing the electronic trends of homo-halogenated benzenes.
Prediction of Co nanoparticle morphologies stabilized by ligands: towards a kinetic model
Authors: Nguyen Van Bac , Benoit Magali , Combe Nicolas , Tang Hao
Published: January 2017

The morphology variation of hcp cobalt nanoparticles as a function of ligand concentration is predicted using a novel kinetic method.
In situ ligand exchange-mediated 0D/1D transformation of a polyoxovanadate
Authors: Wendt M. , Polzin P. , van Leusen J. , Näther C. , Kögerler P. , Bensch W.
Published: January 2017

The antimonato-polyoxovanadate {NiII(en)3}3[VIV15SbIII6O42(H2O)]·ca.15H2O was utilized as a synthon for the solvothermal in situ generation of the new compound {NiII(phen)3}2[{NiII(en)2}VIV15SbIII6O42(H2O)]·19H2O, a rearrangement induced by ligand metathesis.
The pyrrole ring η2-hapticity bridged binuclear tricarbonyl Mo(0) and W(0) complexes: catalysis of regioselective hydroamination reactions and DFT calculations
Authors: Jha Vikesh Kumar , Mani Ganesan , Davuluri Yogeswara Rao , Anoop Anakuthil
Published: January 2017

The new pyrrole ring π-bond bridged binuclear Mo complex catalyzes the regioselective hydroamination of phenylacetylene with a series of secondary amines at room temperature giving the products in very high yields.
Synthesis and characterisation of tetranuclear ruthenium polyhydrido clusters with pseudo-tetrahedral geometry
Authors: Kameo Hajime , Ito Yutaka , Shimogawa Ryuichi , Koizumi Asuka , Chikamori Hiroki , Fujimoto Junko , Suzuki Hiroharu , Takao Toshiro
Published: January 2017

A series of tetranuclear ruthenium polyhydrido complexes with electric charges from +2 to 0 was synthesized.
Decomposition of MOFs for the preparation of nanoporous Co3O4 fibres and sheets with excellent microwave absorption and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Shi Fa-Nian , Hu Yue , Wang Xiaolei , Sun Xingdan , Lu Miao , Shi Guimei , Xu Ge
Published: January 2017

Unique nanoporous Co3O4 fibres and sheets were successfully fabricated via a facile hydrothermal route (150 °C) and subsequent annealing process at 500 °C in air.
Mung bean (Phaseolus radiatus L.) polyphenol extract attenuates aluminum-induced cardiotoxicity through an ROS-triggered Ca2+/JNK/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats
Authors: Cheng Dai , Wang Ruhua , Wang Chunling , Hou Lihua
Published: January 2017

Aluminum (Al) has been linked to the development of some cardiovascular diseases and mung bean is a functional food with the ability to detoxify.
The DNA target determines the dimerization partner selected by bHLHZ-like hybrid proteins AhRJun and ArntFos
Authors: Inamoto Ichiro , Chen Gang , Shin Jumi A.
Published: January 2017

The molecular basis of protein–partner selection and DNA binding of the basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) and basic region-leucine zipper (bZIP) superfamilies of dimeric transcription factors is fundamental toward understanding gene regulation.
Synthesis, characterization, optical and electrochemical properties and antifungal and anticancer activities of ferrocenyl conjugated novel dendrimers
Authors: Saravanan Velautham , Kannan Ayyavoo , Rajakumar Perumal
Published: January 2017

A new class of triazoloferrocenyl conjugates was prepared by copper(i) catalyzed click chemistry, which shows good antifungal activity against fungal pathogens, and also shows excellent anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells.
Tetrathienyl-functionalized red- and NIR-absorbing BODIPY dyes appending various peripheral substituents
Authors: Liu Ping , Gao Feng , Zhou Lina , Chen Yu , Chen Zhijian
Published: January 2017

The optical and electrochemical properties of 2,3,5,6-tetrathienyl functionalized boron-dipyrromethene dyes (BODIPYs) have been tuned by varying peripheral substituents at the α-position of thienyls.
Revisiting secondary interactions in neighboring group participation, exemplified by reactivity changes of iminylium intermediates
Authors: Ning Yingtang , Fukuda Tomoya , Ikeda Hirotaka , Otani Yuko , Kawahata Masatoshi , Yamaguchi Kentaro , Ohwada Tomohiko
Published: January 2017

In addition to the primary interaction with the nearest neighboring group, secondary interactions involving another neighboring group can also occur in principle, changing the reaction pathway.
Self-healable polymer gels with multi-responsiveness of gel–sol–gel transition and degradability
Authors: Chang Ruixue , An Heng , Li Xu , Zhou Ruyi , Qin Jianglei , Tian Yuelan , Deng Kuilin
Published: January 2017

P(NIPAM-co-FPA) contains an aldehyde group and a phenolic ester moiety is synthesized. The aldehyde group can form reversible covalent bonds with hydrazide to endow the polymer gels with self-healing properties. The self-healable polymer gel can be degraded in Na2CO3 solution based on cleavage of phenolic ester bond.
Peripherally diketopyrrolopyrrole-functionalized dendritic oligothiophenes – synthesis, molecular structure, properties and applications
Authors: Gao Wei , Luo Qun , Wang Junkai , Lin Yi , Tang Changquan , Dou Junyan , Tan Hongwei , Zheng Qingdong , Ma Chang-Qi , Cui Zheng
Published: January 2017

Structure defined DPP functionalized conjugated thiophene dendrimers with a narrow optical band gap and a high TPA cross section are reported.
Three-dimensional nitrogen and boron codoped graphene for carbon dioxide and oils adsorption
Authors: Liu Ying , Xiang Minghui , Hong Li
Published: January 2017

Three-dimensional heteroatom-doped graphene macroporous structures possess superior features, such as the large pore volume, numerous surface active sites and the high specific surface area.
Cobalt-catalysed C–H carbonylative cyclisation of aliphatic amides
Authors: Williamson Patrick , Galván Alicia , Gaunt Matthew J.
Published: January 2017

A cobalt-catalysed C–H carbonylation of aliphatic carboxamide derivatives is described, employing commercially available Co(ii)-salts in the presence of a silver oxidant.
Perovskite-type organic–inorganic hybrid NLO switches tuned by guest cations
Authors: Geng Fu-Juan , Zhou Lin , Shi Ping-Ping , Wang Xiao-Li , Zheng Xuan , Zhang Yi , Fu Da-Wei , Ye Qiong
Published: January 2017

Three perovskite-type organic–inorganic hybrid analogues undergo reversible phase transitions and can be used as NLO switches tuned by guest cations.
Ratiometric dual-emitting MOF⊃dye thermometers with a tunable operating range and sensitivity
Authors: Zhao Dian , Yue Dan , Jiang Ke , Cui Yuanjing , Zhang Qi , Yang Yu , Qian Guodong
Published: January 2017

A tetracarboxylic acid ligand containing a highly polarized benzothiadiazole moiety was designed and used to construct the luminescent porous MOFZJU-21, which can efficiently absorb the luminescent dye DMASM into the pores as well as sensitize it, yielding a dual-emitting MOF⊃dye compositeZJU-21⊃DMASM.
Transparent Ag@Au–graphene patterns with conductive stability via inkjet printing
Authors: Li Lihong , Gao Meng , Guo Yuzhen , Sun Jiazhen , Li Yanan , Li Fengyu , Song Yanlin , Li Yadong
Published: January 2017

Transparent Ag@Au–graphene patterns with conductive stability are obtained via inkjet printing on a viscoelastic state substrate.
Toward a reliable PWM‐based light‐emitting diode visual stimulus for improved SSVEP response with minimal visual fatigue
Authors: Mouli Surej , Palaniappan Ramaswamy
Published: January 2017

Steady‐state visual evoked response (SSVEP) is widely used in visual‐based diagnosis and applications such as brain–computer interfacing due to its high information transfer rate and the capability to activate commands through simple gaze control. However, one major impediment in using flashing visual stimulus to obtain SSVEP is eye fatigue that prevents continued long‐term use preventing practical deployment. This combined with the difficulty in establishing precise pulse‐width modulation (PWM) that results in poorer accuracy warrants the development of appropriate approach to solve these issues. Various studies have suggested the usage of high frequencies of visual stimulus to reduce the visual fatigue for the user but this results in poor response performance. Here, the authors study the use of extremely high duty‐cycles in the stimulus in the hope of solving these constraints. Electroencephalogram data was recorded with PWM duty‐cycles of 50–95% generated by a precise custom‐made light‐emitting diode hardware and tested ten subjects responded that increasing duty‐cycles had less visual strain for all the frequency values and the SSVEP exhibited a subject‐independent peak response for duty‐cycle of 85%. This could pave the way for increased usage of SSVEP for practical applications.
Ein seltener Fall eines Volvulus des Coecums nach Koloskopie bei Coecum mobile – Darstellung von Diagnostik, operativer Therapie und postoperativen Komplikationen
Authors: Beltzer Christian , Geiger Axel , Schmidt Roland , Danz Burkhardt , Maier Amrei , Karpa Richard , Dikopoulos Nektarios
Published: January 2017

Die Koloskopie ist sowohl als Vorsorgeuntersuchung als auch als therapeutische Endoskopie mit Polypektomie eine sichere Untersuchung. Ernsthafte Komplikationen sind sehr selten. Blutungen oder Nachblutungen können in der Mehrzahl der Fälle durch eine endoskopische Intervention beherrscht werden, wohingegen bei iatrogener Darmperforation zumeist eine operative Therapie erforderlich ist. Weitaus seltenere Komplikationen stellen das Post-Polypektomie-Koagulationssyndrom sowie als Rarität ein Volvulus nach Koloskopie dar. Wir beschreiben den seltenen Fall eines Patienten mit Volvulus des Coecums nach Koloskopie bei vorbestehendem, aber nicht vorbekanntem Coecum mobile. Die spezifischen Befunde der koloskopischen Untersuchung, die klinische, bildgebende und laborchemische Diagnostik sowie die operative Therapie dieser seltenen Krankheitsentität werden dargestellt und diskutiert. Ein Volvulus des Kolons sollte bei abdominalen Schmerzen nach Koloskopie immer als mögliche seltene aber ernsthafte Komplikation differenzialdiagnostisch in Erwägung gezogen werden. Bei Volvulus des Coecums stellt die Hemikolektomie rechts das operative Verfahren der Wahl dar, alternativ ist bei noch vitalem Darm die Coecopexie ohne Resektion möglich.