bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial microbiota assemblage in Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and its impacts on larval development
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Liu Tong , Wu Yang , Zhong Daibin , Zhou Guofa , Su Xinghua , Xu Jiabao , Sotero Charity F. , Sadruddin Adnan A. , Wu Kun , Chen Xiao‐Guang , Yan Guiyun
Published: May 2018

Interactions between bacterial microbiota and mosquitoes play an important role in mosquitoes’ capacity to transmit pathogens. However, microbiota assemblages within mosquitoes and the impact of microbiota in environments on mosquito development and survival remain unclear. This study examined microbiota assemblages and the effects of aquatic environment microbiota on the larval development of the Aedes albopictus mosquito, an important dengue virus vector. Life table studies have found that reducing bacterial load in natural aquatic habitats through water filtering and treatment with antibiotics significantly reduced the larva‐to‐adult emergence rate. This finding was consistent in two types of larval habitats examined—discarded tires and flowerpots, suggesting that bacteria play a crucial role in larval development. Pyrosequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was used to determine the diversity of bacterial communities in larval habitats and the resulting numbers of mosquitoes under both laboratory and field conditions. The microbiota profiling identified common shared bacteria among samples from different years; further studies are needed to determine whether these bacteria represent a core microbiota. The highest microbiota diversity was found in aquatic habitats, followed by mosquito larvae, and the lowest in adult mosquitoes. Mosquito larvae ingested their bacterial microbiota and nutrients from aquatic habitats of high microbiota diversity. Taken together, the results support the observation that Ae. albopictus larvae are able to utilize diverse bacteria from aquatic habitats and that live bacteria from aquatic habitats play an important role in larval mosquito development and survival. These findings provide new insights into bacteria's role in mosquito larval ecology.
Aging attenuates adenosine triphosphate‐induced, but not muscarinic and nicotinic, cutaneous vasodilation in men
Authors: Fujii Naoto , Nishiyasu Takeshi , Sigal Ronald J. , Boulay Pierre , McGarr Gregory W. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: May 2018

Objective

We evaluated the hypothesis that aging attenuates muscarinic, nicotinic, and ATP‐related cutaneous vasodilation.

Methods

In 11 young (24 ± 4 years) and 11 older males (61 ± 8 years), CVC was assessed at 3 forearm skin sites that were infused with either: (i) methacholine (muscarinic receptor agonist, 5 doses: 0.0125, 0.25, 5, 100, 2000 mmol/L), (ii) nicotine (nicotinic receptor agonist, 5 doses: 1.2, 3.6, 11, 33, 100 mmol/L), or (iii) ATP (purinergic receptor agonist, 5 doses: 0.03, 0.3, 3, 30, 300 mmol/L). Each agonist was administered for 25 minutes per dose.

Results

We showed that CVC at all doses of methacholine did not differ between groups. Similarly, no between‐group differences in CVC were observed during nicotine administration at all doses administered. By contrast, while no differences in CVC were measured during the administration of ATP at low (0.03 and 0.3 mmol/L) or high (300 mmol/L) concentrations, CVC was reduced in the older relative to the young males at moderate concentrations of ATP (3 mmol/L: 23 ± 6 vs 40 ± 13%max, 30 mmol/L: 62 ± 11 vs 83 ± 8%max, both P ≤ .05).

Conclusions

We show that aging attenuates ATP‐induced, but not muscarinic or nicotinic, cutaneous vasodilation in men.
Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and suicidal behavior in adult psychiatric outpatients
Authors: Stickley Andrew , Tachimori Hisateru , Inoue Yosuke , Shinkai Takahiro , Yoshimura Reiji , Nakamura Jun , Morita Gihei , Nishii Shigeki , Tokutsu Yuki , Otsuka Yuka , Egashira Kazuteru , Inoue Miyuki , Kubo Takamitsu , Tesen Hirofumi , Takashima Naoyuki , Tominaga Hirotaka , Koyanagi Ai , Kamio Yoko
Published: May 2018

Aim

We aimed to examine the association between attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and suicidal behavior in psychiatric outpatients and whether this association differs among patients with different psychiatric disorders.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data came from the Japan Prevalence Study of Adult ADHD at Psychiatric Outpatient Care, which included psychiatric outpatients aged 18–65 years recruited from one university hospital and three general psychiatric outpatient clinics in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka, Japan from April 2014 to January 2015 (N = 864). The Adult ADHD Self‐Report Scale (ASRS) Screener was used to collect information on ADHD symptoms. Reports of current and lifetime suicidal behavior were also obtained. A multivariable Poisson regression analysis was used to examine the association between ADHD symptoms and suicidal behavior.

Results

After adjusting for covariates there was a strong association between possible ADHD (ASRS ≥14) and suicidal behavior with prevalence ratios ranging from 1.17 (lifetime suicidal ideation) to 1.59 (lifetime suicide attempt) and 2.36 (current suicidal ideation). When ASRS strata were used, there was a dose–response association between increasing ADHD symptoms and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Analyses of individual ICD‐10 psychiatric disorders showed that associations varied across disorders and that for anxiety disorder, ADHD symptoms were significantly linked to all forms of suicidal behavior.

Conclusion

ADHD symptom severity is associated with an increased risk for suicidal behavior in general psychiatric outpatients. As ADHD symptoms are common among adult psychiatric outpatients, detecting and treating ADHD in this population may be important for preventing suicidal behavior.
Prevalence rate of Internet addiction among Japanese college students: Two cross‐sectional studies and reconsideration of cut‐off points of Young's Internet Addiction Test in Japan
Authors: Tateno Masaru , Teo Alan R. , Shiraishi Masaki , Tayama Masaya , Kawanishi Chiaki , Kato Takahiro A.
Published: May 2018

Aim

Due to variation in estimates of the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) in prior research, we conducted two cross‐sectional studies over 2 years investigating the prevalence rate of IA in college students in Japan and reconsidered appropriate cut‐off points of a self‐rating scale to screen possible IA.

Methods

This study was composed of two parts: survey I in 2014 and survey II in 2016, which were conducted in the same schools with an interval of 2 years. The study questionnaire included questions about demographics and Internet use, and Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Additionally, the subjects in survey II were asked about self‐reported IA.

Results

There were 1005 respondents in total with a mean age (± SD) of 18.9 ± 1.3 years. The mean IAT scores remained stable between 2014 and 2016: 45.2 ± 12.6 in survey I and 45.5 ± 13.1 in survey II (overall mean IAT score of 45.4 ± 13.0). With respect to self‐reported IA in survey II, a total of 21.6% admitted to having IA (score of 5 or 6 on a 6‐point Likert scale). We categorized these subjects as IA, and the remainder as non‐IA. The mean IAT score showed a significant difference between these two groups (57.8 ± 14.3 vs 42.1 ± 10.7, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The severity of IA symptoms among Japanese college students has appeared stable in recent years, with mean IAT scores of over 40. Our results suggest that a screening score cut‐off of 40 on the IAT could be reconsidered and that 50 might be proposed for the cut‐off.
Evaluation of DEFB1 polymorphisms in individuals with chronic periodontitis and diabetes mellitus type 2 in a population of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Soraia Aguiar de Melo Dias Rayanne , Carlos Mourão Pinho Roberto , Almeida Felipe Rodrigues de , Alfredo Farias Bandeira Francisco , Celerino da Silva Ronaldo , Crovella Sergio , de Carvalho Farias Vajgel Bruna , Cimões Renata
Published: May 2018

Aims

The role of genetic variations in genes related to innate response, as β‐defensin‐1 (DEFB1), in the context of chronic periodontitis (CP) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), is still not clear. The present study evaluates the distribution of DEFB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) 5′‐untranslated (5′UTR) region and its relation with the CP in DM2 individuals in northeastern Brazilians.

Methods

Two hundred and eighty individuals participated in the study, being 116 DM2+CP, 95 CP, and 69 healthy individuals. Three known DEFB1 functional SNPs [‐52 G > A (rs1799946), ‐44 C > G (rs1800972), ‐20 G > A (rs11362)] were genotyped with allele‐specific assays.

Results

Association was found for the DEFB1 ‐20 G > A SNP. The G allele, the GA and GG genotypes were significantly (P < 0.05) more frequent in the DM2+CP (59.5%, 50%, and 34.5%, respectively) and CP (61%, 44.2%, and 38.9%, respectively) than in healthy individuals (26.8%, 36.2%, and 8.7%, respectively). The GCG and ACG combinations (‐52, ‐44, ‐20) were significantly more frequent among DM2+CP and CP than in the healthy individuals.

Conclusion

The results indicate that genetic variations of DEFB1 gene (SNP‐20: G allele and GA and GG genotypes) and the DEFB1 5′UTR haplotypes (GCG and ACG) may be associated with a susceptibility to CP in DM2 individuals as well as CP individuals without DM2.
Measuring Women's Covert Use of Modern Contraception in Cross‐Sectional Surveys
Authors: Choiriyyah Ifta , Becker Stan
Published: May 2018

A proportion of women in couples use contraception without their partners’ knowledge. There are two principal ways to measure this covert use in cross‐sectional surveys like the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). First is a direct question, “Does your husband/partner know that you are using a method of family planning?” Second is an indirect method: the reports of both partners to the question on contraceptive use are matched, and if the woman reports a modern contraceptive method and the male partner reports nonuse, her use is considered covert. For 21 DHS surveys for which both estimates could be made, there are large discrepancies between the two. We found that a proxy variable—responses to the question, “Would you say that using contraception is mainly your decision, mainly your husband's/partner's decision, or did you both decide together?”—has high sensitivity and specificity for classifying those in the open category for both methods and those in the covert category for both methods. Recommendations are that the direct question be reinstated in the DHS and that the indirect method not be used by itself but in conjunction with the decision‐making variable.
The erythrocyte alloimmunisation in patients with sickle cell anaemia: a systematic review
Authors: da Cunha Gomes E. G. , Machado L. A. F. , de Oliveira L. C. , Neto J. F. N.
Published: May 2018

Transfusion therapy is a common practice in the treatment of anaemia and can cause erythrocyte alloimmunisation. To systematise data related to erythrocyte alloimmunisation in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), a bibliographic search was carried out in September 2017 to search for studies in four electronic databases. (i) Referring to the original work, (ii) being cohort or case–control, (iii) having been developed with individuals with SCD and (iv) having evaluated the erythrocyte alloimmunisation. Two reviewers identified the articles for inclusion in the study, extracted the predetermined data and carried out the evaluation of the methodological quality of the work. 21 studies were selected; the studies included data on 20 636 individuals (children and adults), were mostly published in the last 10 years, were developed in the United States and had high methodological quality. The occurrence of erythrocyte alloimmunisation ranged from 4·4 to 76%, and there was a higher rate of alloimmunisation against antigens of the Rh system. The risk factors for alloimmunisation were age; gender (female); red blood cell (RBC) units received; presence of ≥1 autoantibodies, TNF‐α, interleukin (IL1B), human leukocyte antigens (HLA)‐DRB1 gene polymorphisms; first blood transfusion (BT) after 5 years of age, transfusion episodic, multiple or during inflammatory events, acute chest syndrome (ACS) and vase‐occlusive crisis (VOC); increased percentage of CD41 T memory cells; and positive direct antiglobulin test. Transfusion policies should be developed to protect the patient and his or her health based on the main factors associated with its incidence.
In vitro bactericidal activity of 465–470 nm blue light phototherapy and aminolevulinic acid on Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
Authors: Bae Seulgi , Oh Taeho
Published: May 2018

Background

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the principal pathogen causing bacterial skin infections in dogs. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involving the combination of light and a topical photosensitizer is used to treat human skin infections. Although the antimicrobial effects of PDT have been demonstrated using in vivo and in vitro studies in humans, its effects on dogs and their pathogens are unclear.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the in vitro efficacy of PDT over a 465–470 nm spectrum to kill S. pseudintermedius using δ‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) as the photosensitizer.

Methods

Six S. pseudintermedius isolates from canine skin were exposed to blue light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) at 465–470 nm, with or without ALA. The light doses were 18.4, 36.8 and 55.2 J/cm2. The number of colony‐forming units and optical densities of broth cultures were measured and then compared with Dunnett's test. Bacterial viability was monitored using fluorescence microscopy and the fluorescence intensity values were compared with a paired Student's t‐test.

Results

Blue light inhibited the growth of S. pseudintermedius; the effect significantly increased with the addition of ALA as a photosensitizer and with increasing light doses. Live/dead staining confirmed that PDT reduced bacterial viability and exerted an antibacterial effect.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Blue light has a strong antibacterial effect on S. pseudintermedius in a light dose‐dependent manner. ALA alone did not exhibit bactericidal action, but its combination with blue light increased the effect of PDT compared to blue light alone.
Mapping the distributive environmental justice of urban waters
Authors: Viinikka Arto , Paloniemi Riikka , Assmuth Timo
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we identify patterns of distributive environmental justice in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area (HMA) in terms of spatial proximity of urban waters, as a potential provider of a diverse set of environmental goods and well-being. Our focus is on the question how equally these benefits are distributed in HMA? To answer this we apply a GIS-based clustering analysis with spatial statistics to map the good and deprived access of different socio-economic and demographic groups to urban blue. We use income, education, language and age as factors to delineate residential areas and found not only differences in how various population groups are located in the four different municipalities of the HMA, but also differences in group distances to the nearest water areas. Results show that high income and high educational background, Swedish language and high age are factors more frequently related to living closer to water areas. At the same time, children, foreigners, and people having lower economic status tend to live further away from urban blue. This is important knowledge to be integrated into urban planning. The recognition of lacking opportunities suggests more consideration towards these aforementioned population groups to reduce inequality and to ensure just distribution of accessible and usable urban nature in the HMA.
A cerebellar adaptation to uncertain inputs
Authors: Khilkevich Andrei , Canton-Josh Jose , DeLord Evan , Mauk Michael D.
Published: May 2018

Under uncertain conditions, the cerebellum keeps responses adaptive by scaling the probability, but not the size of response.
Pipecolic acid confers systemic immunity by regulating free radicals
Authors: Wang Caixia , Liu Ruiying , Lim Gah-Hyun , de Lorenzo Laura , Yu Keshun , Zhang Kai , Hunt Arthur G. , Kachroo Aardra , Kachroo Pradeep
Published: May 2018

Pipecolic acid induces free radicals and is dependent on SA and G3P for its de novo synthesis in distal leaves.
Dynamical features in fetal and postnatal zinc-copper metabolic cycles predict the emergence of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Curtin Paul , Austin Christine , Curtin Austen , Gennings Chris , Arora Manish ,   (for the Emergent Dynamical Systems Group), Tammimies Kristiina , Willfors Charlotte , Berggren Steve , Siper Paige , Rai Dheeraj , Meyering Kristin , Kolevzon Alexander , Mollon Josephine , David Anthony S. , Lewis Glyn , Zammit Stanley , Heilbrun Lynne , Palmer Raymond F. , Wright Robert O. , Bölte Sven , Reichenberg Abraham
Published: May 2018

Baby tooth analysis shows that fetal and early postnatal zinc-copper metabolic rhythms predict autism risk.
Electronic skins for soft, compact, reversible assembly of wirelessly activated fully soft robots
Authors: Byun Junghwan , Lee Yoontaek , Yoon Jaeyoung , Lee Byeongmoon , Oh Eunho , Chung Seungjun , Lee Takhee , Cho Kyu-Jin , Kim Jaeha , Hong Yongtaek
Published: May 2018

A skin-like driving system enables compact and reversible assembly of wirelessly activated, fully soft robots.
Encoding tissue mechanics in silicone
Authors: Sheiko Sergei S. , Everhart Matthew H. , Dobrynin Andrey V. , Vatankhah-Varnosfaderani Mohammad
Published: May 2018

By controlling polymer-network architecture, we create tissue-like materials to extend soft robot performance to harsh environments.
Meant to merge: Fabrication of stretchy electronics for robotics
Authors: Hartmann Florian , Drack Michael , Kaltenbrunner Martin
Published: May 2018

With the next generation of squishy robots on the rise, advanced soft electronic skins could provide the ultimate touch.
Ibrutinib inactivates BMX-STAT3 in glioma stem cells to impair malignant growth and radioresistance
Authors: Shi Yu , Guryanova Olga A. , Zhou Wenchao , Liu Chong , Huang Zhi , Fang Xiaoguang , Wang Xiuxing , Chen Cong , Wu Qiulian , He Zhicheng , Wang Wei , Zhang Wei , Jiang Tao , Liu Qing , Chen Yaping , Wang Wenying , Wu Jingjing , Kim Leo , Gimple Ryan C. , Feng Hua , Kung Hsiang-Fu , Yu Jennifer S. , Rich Jeremy N. , Ping Yi-Fang , Bian Xiu-Wu , Bao Shideng
Published: May 2018

Targeting glioma stem cells by ibrutinib inhibits malignant growth and overcomes glioblastoma radioresistance.
A common antimicrobial additive increases colonic inflammation and colitis-associated colon tumorigenesis in mice
Authors: Yang Haixia , Wang Weicang , Romano Kymberleigh A. , Gu Min , Sanidad Katherine Z. , Kim Daeyoung , Yang Jun , Schmidt Birgitta , Panigrahy Dipak , Pei Ruisong , Martin Derek A. , Ozay E. Ilker , Wang Yuxin , Song Mingyue , Bolling Bradley W. , Xiao Hang , Minter Lisa M. , Yang Guang-Yu , Liu Zhenhua , Rey Federico E. , Zhang Guodong
Published: May 2018

The commonly used antimicrobial compound triclosan increases colonic inflammation and colon cancer in mice.
Miltefosine Has a Postantifungal Effect and Induces Apoptosis in Cryptococcus Yeasts
Authors: Spadari Cristina de Castro , Vila Taissa , Rozental Sonia , Ishida Kelly
Published: May 2018

Cryptococcus
spp. are common opportunistic fungal pathogens, particularly in HIV patients.
Engineering Escherichia coli for Glutarate Production as the C
5
Platform Backbone
Authors: Zhao Mei , Li Guohui , Deng Yu
Published: May 2018

Glutarate is an important C
5
linear-chain dicarboxylic acid, which is widely used in polyesters and polyamides such as nylon-4,5 and nylon-5,5 in the chemical industry. Glutarate is currently produced from the feedstocks derived from petroleum, specifically by oxidation of a mixture of cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol catalyzed by nitric acid. However, the chemical synthesis results in high pollution and dramatic greenhouse gas emission. Thus, the biological production of glutarate directly from the substrate is of great importance. Although there have been reports using
Corynebacterium glutamicum
to produce glutarate, it has serious limitations due to the limited lysine supply and long fermentation time. To solve this problem, a novel synthetic pathway was constructed in this study, and the highest glutarate titer was reported in
Escherichia coli
using a short fermentation time without lysine addition, making bio-based glutarate production much more feasible.
Complete Genomic Sequence of Pseudoalteromonas sp. Strain SAO4-4, a Protease-Producing Bacterium Isolated from Seawater of the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Tang Bai-Lu , Rong Jin-Cheng , Dang Yan-Ru , Xie Bin-Bin , Chen Xiu-Lan , Zhang Xi-Ying
Published: May 2018

The complete genome of
Pseudoalteromonas
sp. strain SAO4-4, a protease-producing bacterium from seawater, is composed of two circular chromosomes and one plasmid. This genome sequence will provide a better understanding of the ecological roles of protease-producing bacteria in the degradation of organic matter in marine aquatic environments.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Recombinant
Citrus Tristeza Virus
, a Resistance-Breaking Isolate from Uruguay
Authors: Benítez-Galeano María José , Vallet Thomas , Carrau Lucía , Hernández-Rodríguez Lester , Bertalmío Ana , Rivas Fernando , Rubio Leticia , Maeso Diego , Vignuzzi Marco , Moratorio Gonzalo , Colina Rodney
Published: May 2018

We report here the complete genome sequence of a
Citrus tristeza virus
(CTV) from Uruguay, sequenced by using Illumina and Sanger sequencing technology. This CTV DSST-17 genome clustered within genotype resistance breaking (RB) and presents two recombination events.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Novel Enterobacter cloacae Strain amazonensis, a Highly Heavy Metal-Resistant Bacterium from a Contaminated Stream in Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Astolfi Maria Clara Tavares , Carvalho Elen Bethleen de Souza , de Barros Adriane Menezes , Pinto Marcelo Valente , de Lacerda Luna Barrôco , Nogueira Viviane Brito , Lopes Eraldo Ferreira , Astolfi-Filho Spartaco
Published: May 2018

Here, we report the draft genome of the
Enterobacter cloacae
strain amazonensis, a bacterium highly resistant to mercury that was isolated from a metal- and sewage-contaminated stream in Amazonas, Brazil. The exploration of the 5.0-Mb genome revealed 104 genes encoding resistance to toxic compounds and heavy metals, highlighting the potential biotechnological applications of this strain.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Tomato Aspermy Virus Isolates in Japan
Authors: Inoue Sota , Tamura Misato , Ugaki Masashi , Suzuki Masashi
Published: May 2018

We report here the first complete nucleotide sequences of genomic RNAs of threeTomato aspermy virus(TAV) isolates in Japan. Analysis of these sequences showed that they have unique characteristics in RNAs 2 and 3. The Japanese isolates are similar to each other compared to other TAVs.
Complete Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Edwardsiella ictaluri Strain MS-17-156
Authors: Abdelhamed Hossam , Tekedar Hasan C. , Ozdemir Ozan , Hsu Chuan-Yu , Arick Mark A. , Karsi Attila , Lawrence Mark L.
Published: May 2018

Edwardsiella ictaluri
is a significant pathogen of cultured fish, particularly channel catfish. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant
E. ictaluri
strain, MS-17-156, isolated from diseased channel catfish. The genome sequence of this multidrug-resistant strain is expected to help us understand the molecular mechanism of antibiotic resistance in this important pathogen.
Delafloxacin
In Vitro
Broth Microdilution and Disk Diffusion Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Guidelines: Susceptibility Breakpoint Criteria and Quality Control Ranges for an Expanded-Spectrum Anionic Fluoroquinolone
Authors: Pfaller M. A. , Flamm R. K. , McCurdy S. P. , Pillar C. M. , Shortridge D. , Jones R. N.
Published: May 2018

Delafloxacin, a recently approved anionic fluoroquinolone, was tested within an international resistance surveillance program. The
in vitro
susceptibilities of 7,914 indicated pathogens causing acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) were determined using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution MIC testing methods.
Partial Inactivation of the Chromatin Remodelers SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 in Virus-Infected Cells by Caspase-Mediated Cleavage
Authors: Dudek Alexandra H. , Pfaff Florian , Bolte Hardin , Waguia Kontchou Collins , Schwemmle Martin
Published: May 2018

Efficient induction of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) prior to infection is known to effectively convert a cell into an antiviral state, blocking viral replication. Additionally, cells can undergo caspase-mediated apoptosis to control viral infection. Here, we identify SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 to be essential for the efficient induction of ISGs but also to be targeted by cellular caspases downstream of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. We find that C-terminally cleaved SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 accumulate at late stages of infection, when cell damage already had occurred. Cleavage of the C terminus removes domains important for nuclear localization and chromatin binding of SMARCA2 and SMARCA4. Consequently, the cleaved forms are unable to efficiently accumulate in the cell nucleus. Intriguingly, the remaining nuclear C-terminally truncated SMARCA2 still induced ISG expression, although to lower levels. These data suggest that in virus-infected cells caspase-mediated cell death does not completely inactivate the SMARCA2- and SMARCA4-dependent interferon signaling pathway.
Human Cytomegalovirus Productively Replicates
In Vitro
in Undifferentiated Oral Epithelial Cells
Authors: Weng Chao , Lee Denis , Gelbmann Christopher B. , Van Sciver Nicholas , Nawandar Dhananjay M. , Kenney Shannon C. , Kalejta Robert F.
Published: May 2018

The ocular epithelial cells currently used to study HCMV infections
in vitro
have historical significance based upon their role in retinitis, an HCMV disease most often seen in AIDS patients. However, with the successful implementation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens, the incidence of HCMV retinitis has rapidly declined, and therefore, the relevance of studying ocular epithelial cell HCMV infection has decreased as well. Our introduction here of oral epithelial cells provides two alternative
in vitro
models for the study of HCMV infection that complement and extend the physiologic relevance of the ocular system currently in use.
Preseason intrinsic risk factors—associated odds estimate the exposure to proximal lower limb injury throughout the season among professional football players
Authors: Liporaci Rogério Ferreira , Saad Marcelo Camargo , Bevilaqua-Grossi Débora , Riberto Marcelo
Published: May 2018

Background/aim

Football players frequently face the occurrence of non-contact musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose of the study was to verify whether the evaluation of combined risk factors could produce a score system to determine the probability of injury in football players during the Brazilian football season.

Methods

Sixty-two male professional soccer players recruited from the first and second division soccer teams, with ages between 18 and 36 years. Functional performance evaluations were carried out at the beginning of the preseason which included strength and jumping tests, history of injuries and characteristics of athletes.

Results and conclusions

The results were grouped and a score/monogram was constructed.
Expansion of IL-23 receptor bearing TNFR2+ T cells is associated with molecular resistance to anti-TNF therapy in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Schmitt Heike , Billmeier Ulrike , Dieterich Walburga , Rath Timo , Sonnewald Sophia , Reid Stephen , Hirschmann Simon , Hildner Kai , Waldner Maximilian J , Mudter Jonas , Hartmann Arndt , Grützmann Robert , Neufert Clemens , Münster Tino , Neurath Markus F , Atreya Raja
Published: May 2018

Objective

Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antibodies are successfully used for treatment of Crohn’s disease. Nevertheless, approximately 40% of patients display failure to anti-TNF therapy. Here, we characterised molecular mechanisms that are associated with endoscopic resistance to anti-TNF therapy.

Design

Mucosal and blood cells were isolated from patients with Crohn’s disease prior and during anti-TNF therapy. Cytokine profiles, cell surface markers, signalling proteins and cell apoptosis were assessed by microarray, immunohistochemistry, qPCR, ELISA, whole organ cultures and FACS.

Results

Responders to anti-TNF therapy displayed a significantly higher expression of TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) but not IL23R on T cells than non-responders prior to anti-TNF therapy. During anti-TNF therapy, there was a significant upregulation of mucosal IL-23p19, IL23R and IL-17A in anti-TNF non-responders but not in responders. Apoptosis-resistant TNFR2+IL23R+ T cells were significantly expanded in anti-TNF non-responders compared with responders, expressed the gut tropic integrins α4β7, and exhibited increased expression of IFN-γ, T-bet, IL-17A and RORγt compared with TNFR2+IL23R− cells, indicating a mixed Th1/Th17-like phenotype. Intestinal TNFR2+IL23R+ T cells were activated by IL-23 derived from CD14+ macrophages, which were significantly more present in non-responders prior to anti-TNF treatment. Administration of IL-23 to anti-TNF-treated mucosal organ cultures led to the expansion of CD4+IL23R+TNFR2+ lymphocytes. Functional studies demonstrated that anti-TNF-induced apoptosis in mucosal T cells is abrogated by IL-23.

Conclusions

Expansion of apoptosis-resistant intestinal TNFR2+IL23R+ T cells is associated with resistance to anti-TNF therapy in Crohn’s disease. These findings identify IL-23 as a suitable molecular target in patients with Crohn’s disease refractory to anti-TNF therapy.
Guidelines for evaluation and management of cerebral collateral circulation in ischaemic stroke 2017
Authors: Liu Liping , Ding Jing , Leng Xinyi , Pu Yuehua , Huang Li-An , Xu Anding , Wong Ka Sing Lawrence , Wang Xin , Wang Yongjun
Published: May 2018

Collateral circulation plays a vital role in sustaining blood flow to the ischaemic areas in acute, subacute or chronic phases after an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Good collateral circulation has shown protective effects towards a favourable functional outcome and a lower risk of recurrence in stroke attributed to different aetiologies or undergoing medical or endovascular treatment. Over the past decade, the importance of collateral circulation has attracted more attention and is becoming a hot spot for research. However, the diversity in imaging methods and criteria to evaluate collateral circulation has hindered comparisons of findings from different cohorts and further studies in exploring the clinical relevance of collateral circulation and possible methods to enhance collateral flow. The statement is aimed to update currently available evidence and provide evidence-based recommendations regarding grading methods for collateral circulation, its significance in patients with stroke and methods under investigation to improve collateral flow.
Kolaviron attenuates diclofenac-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats
Authors: Alabi Quadri K. , Akomolafe Rufus O. , Adefisayo Modinat A. , Olukiran Olaoluwa S. , Nafiu Aliyat O. , Fasanya Micheal K. , Oladele Ayowole A.
Published: May 2018

The beneficial effects of kolaviron, a natural biflavonoid from the seeds of Garcinia kola, have been attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study was designed to investigate the renoprotective effect of kolaviron in rat model of diclofenac (DFC)-induced acute renal failure. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats each as follows: a control group that received propylene glycol orally and treatment groups that received DFC, DFC recovery, DFC followed by kolaviron at 3 different doses, and kolaviron only. DFC-treated rats showed sluggishness, illness, and anorexia. Their urine contained appreciable protein, glucose, and ketone bodies. Histopathological examination of their kidneys revealed profound acute tubular necrosis. DFC treatment significantly increased levels of plasma creatinine, urea, sodium, chloride, potassium ions, and increased renal tissue activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, levels of malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide. Fractional excretion of sodium and potassium and renal tissue levels of reduced glutathione and prostaglandin E2(PGE2) decreased significantly in DFC-treated groups. However, kolaviron administration significantly reduced the toxic effect of DFC on PGE2release; plasma levels of creatinine, urea, glucose, and electrolytes; and significantly attenuated renal tubular and oxidative damages. Furthermore, the effects of DFC administration on food consumption, water intake, urine output and urine protein, glucose, ketone bodies, and electrolytes were significantly attenuated in animals treated with kolaviron. The results suggested that kolaviron ameliorated DFC-induced kidney injury in Wistar rats by decreasing renal oxidative damage and restoration of renal PGE2release back to the basal levels.
Glutamate increases glucose uptake in L6 myotubes in a concentration- and time-dependent manner that is mediated by AMPK
Authors: Barnes Tyler , Di Sebastiano Katie M. , Vlavcheski Filip , Quadrilatero Joe , Tsiani Evangelia Litsa , Mourtzakis Marina
Published: May 2018

Various in vivo studies have investigated the insulin response that is elicited when glutamate is elevated in circulation or in a given tissue; fewer studies have investigated the effects of glutamate on glucose uptake and handling. Glutamate ingestion in humans can attenuate rises in blood glucose following a carbohydrate load in the absence of increases in serum insulin concentrations. However, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be investigated. To elucidate the effects of glutamate on glucose handling in skeletal muscle tissue, differentiated rat L6 myocytes were treated with glutamate, and glucose uptake was assessed with the use of 2-[3H]-deoxy-d-glucose ([3H]-2-DG). Cells treated with 2 mmol/L glutamate experienced the greatest increase in [3H]-2-DG uptake relative to the control condition (177% ± 2% of control, P < 0.001) and the uptake was similar to that of metformin (184% ± 4%, P < 0.001). In line with these findings, differentiated glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4)-overexpressing myotubes treated with 2 mmol/L glutamate displayed significantly increased GLUT4 translocation when compared with the control condition (159% ± 8% of control, P < 0.001) and to an extent similar to that of insulin and metformin (181% ± 7% and 159% ± 12%, respectively). An AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor (Compound C) abolished the glutamate-stimulated glucose uptake (98% ± 12% of control), and Western blotting revealed significantly elevated AMPK phosphorylation (278% ± 17% of control, P < 0.001) by glutamate. Our findings suggest that when muscle cells are exposed to increased glutamate concentrations, glucose uptake into these cells is augmented through AMPK activation, through mechanisms distinct from those of insulin and leucine.
Residual deformation and stiffness changes of frozen soils subjected to high- and low-amplitude cyclic loading
Authors: Li Qionglin , Ling Xianzhang , Hu Jinjun , Zhou Zhiwei
Published: May 2018

The present paper reports the results of a laboratory experiment that aimed to investigate the residual deformation and stiffness changes of frozen silty clays under cyclic triaxial loading. Two sets of cyclic stress magnitude — namely, low and high level — were applied to the reconstituted artificial frozen soil specimens with identical properties, and the effect of six levels of confining pressure was examined. The results indicate that two distinct development categories of residual axial strain with number of loading cycles are induced by the low- and high-level cyclic stress. The dynamic Young’s modulus derived from each test experiences a significant increase with the number of loading cycles, which is partly attributed to the cyclic densification. A special observation from the tests under high-level cyclic stress along with a confining pressure of 0.3 MPa also indicates that the dynamic Young’s modulus keeps as a relatively constant value when the change of residual volumetric deformation transfers from compression to dilation. The empirical relationships were proposed to properly reflect the development of the residual axial strain and dynamic Young’s modulus with the number of loading cycles.
Importance of soil property sampling location in slope stability assessment
Authors: Yang Rui , Huang Jinsong , Griffiths D.V. , Li Jinhui , Sheng Daichao
Published: May 2018

Site investigations provide characterization of soil properties, but inevitable uncertainty remains at locations that have not been examined. Only a limited scope of site investigation can be conducted due to budget and time constraints, hence there are always risks associated with design based on limited investigation information. An efficient geotechnical site investigation should involve choosing the optimal number and location of borehole sites to gain adequate information for a given cost. Using a slope as an example, this paper proposes a framework to find the best sampling location that gives the most information while minimizing the probability of making the wrong decisions. The results suggest that the slope crest appears to be the optimal location to conduct geotechnical site exploration for slope stability assessment.
Integrating diverse objectives for sustainable fisheries in Canada
Authors: Stephenson Robert L. , Wiber Melanie , Paul Stacey , Angel Eric , Benson Ashleen , Charles Anthony , Chouinard Omer , Edwards Dan , Foley Paul , Lane Dan , McIsaac Jim , Neis Barb , Parlee Courtenay , Pinkerton Evelyn , Saunders Mark , Squires Kevin , Sumaila U. Rashid
Published: May 2018

An interdisciplinary team of academics and representatives of fishing fleets and government collaborated to study the emerging requirements for sustainability in Canada’s fisheries. Fisheries assessment and management has focused on biological productivity with insufficient consideration of social (including cultural), economic, and institutional (governance) aspects. Further, there has been little discussion or formal evaluation of the effectiveness of fisheries management. The team of over 50 people (i) identified a comprehensive set of management objectives for a sustainable fishery system based on Canadian policy statements, (ii) combined objectives into an operational framework with relevant performance indicators for use in management planning, and (iii) undertook case studies that investigated some social, economic, and governance aspects in greater detail. The resulting framework extends the suite of widely accepted ecological aspects (productivity and trophic structure, biodiversity, and habitat–ecosystem integrity) to include comparable economic (viability and prosperity, sustainable livelihoods, distribution of access and benefits, regional–community benefits), social (health and well-being, sustainable communities, ethical fisheries), and institutional (legal obligations, good governance structure, effective decision-making) aspects of sustainability. This work provides a practical framework for implementation of a comprehensive approach to sustainability in Canadian fisheries. The project also demonstrates the value of co-construction of collaborative research and co-production of knowledge that combines and builds on the strengths of academics, industry, and government.
Amiodarone’s major metabolite, desethylamiodarone, induces apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Bognar Zita , Fekete Katalin , Bognar Rita , Szabo Aliz , Vass Reka A. , Sumegi Balazs
Published: May 2018

Previously, we found that desethylamiodarone (DEA) may have therapeutic potentiality in bladder cancer. In this study, we determined its effects on human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Cell viability was evaluated by Muse Cell Count & Viability Assay; cell apoptosis was detected by Muse Annexin V & Dead Cell Assay. Cell cycle was flow cytometrically determined by Muse Cell Cycle Kit and the morphological changes of the cells were observed under a fluorescence microscope after Hoechst 33342 staining. The changes in the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins in the HeLa cells were assessed by immunoblot. Our results showed that DEA significantly inhibited the proliferation and viability of HeLa cells and induced apoptosis in vitro in dose-dependent and also in cell cycle-dependent manner because DEA induced G0/G1 phase arrest in the HeLa cell line. We found that DEA treatment downregulated the expression of phospho-Akt and phospho-Bad. In addition, DEA could downregulate expression of Bcl-2, upregulate Bax, and induce cytochrome c release. Our results indicate that DEA might have significance as an anti-tumor agent against human cervical cancer.
The adaptable amphibious wheel-legged robot
Authors: Liu Jicheng , Yang Jinshuai , Yan Binglu , Liu Zheng
Published: May 2018

A new category of large-diameter adaptable amphibious wheel-legged robot is proposed in this paper. The proposed mechanism can climb obstacles better than existing designs. The Denavit–Hartenberg (D–H) coordinate system is used for kinematic analysis, and the constructed kinematic model is used to solve for these joint variables for a redundant robot. The control strategy is to plan both the foot trajectory of the amphibious robot, to optimize the operational performance in special environments, as well as the walking gait. Then the closed-loop control system is used. A simulation is used to verify the usefulness of the planned foot trajectory and walking gait for an entire running cycle, and a circuit is designed to solve a communication problem between the Arduino and the AX-12 servo. Finally, the foot trajectory of a single robot leg is captured by a three-dimensional motion-capture system to verify the rationality of the foot trajectory and walking gait.
Transient Invariant and Quasi-Invariant Structures in an Example of an Aperiodically Time Dependent Fluid Flow
Authors: Fortunati Alessandro , Wiggins Stephen
Published: May 2018

Starting from the concept of invariant KAM tori for nearly-integrable Hamiltonian systems with periodic or quasi-periodic nonautonomous perturbation, the paper analyzes the “analogue” of this class of invariant objects when the dependence on time is aperiodic.

The investigation is carried out in a model motivated by the problem of a traveling wave in a channel over a smooth, quasi- and asymptotically flat (from which the “transient” feature) bathymetry, representing a case in which the described structures play the role of barriers to fluid transport in phase space.

The paper provides computational evidence for the existence of transient structures also for “large” values of the perturbation size, as a complement to the rigorous results already proven by the first author for real-analytic bathymetry functions.
Reducing the Dynamical Degradation by Bi-Coupling Digital Chaotic Maps
Authors: Liu Lingfeng , Liu Bocheng , Hu Hanping , Miao Suoxia
Published: May 2018

A chaotic map which is realized on a computer will suffer dynamical degradation. Here, a coupled chaotic model is proposed to reduce the dynamical degradation. In this model, the state variable of one digital chaotic map is used to control the parameter of the other digital map. This coupled model is universal and can be used for all chaotic maps. In this paper, two coupled models (one is coupled by two logistic maps, the other is coupled by Chebyshev map and Baker map) are performed, and the numerical experiments show that the performances of these two coupled chaotic maps are greatly improved. Furthermore, a simple pseudorandom bit generator (PRBG) based on coupled digital logistic maps is proposed as an application for our method.
Bifurcations and Control in a Discrete Predator–Prey Model with Strong Allee Effect
Authors: Zhang Limin , Zou Lan
Published: May 2018

In this paper, the bifurcations and the control of a discrete predator–prey model with strong Allee effect on the prey are investigated. This shows that the model undergoes a supercritical Neimark–Sacker bifurcation. Meanwhile, the explicit approximate expression of the stable closed invariant curve caused by the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation is given. 1:3 strong resonance is investigated through approximation by a flow, and the bifurcation curves around 1:3 resonance are obtained. Moreover, for the sake of regulating the stability of the biological system, we extend the hybrid control strategy to control the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation and 1:3 strong resonance. The theoretical analyses are validated by numerical simulations and are explained from the biological point of view.
Bifurcation Diagram of a Map with Multiple Critical Points
Authors: Romera M. , Pastor G. , Danca M.-F. , Martin A. , Orue A. B. , Montoya F. , Encinas L. Hernández , Ţundrea E.
Published: May 2018

In this work a conjecture to draw the bifurcation diagram of a map with multiple critical points is enunciated. The conjecture is checked by using two quartic maps in order to verify that the bifurcation diagrams obtained according to the conjecture contain all the periodic orbits previously counted by Xie and Hao for maps with four laps.

We show that a map with split bifurcation contains more periodic orbits than those counted by these authors for a map with the same number of laps.
Brain-Inspired Constructive Learning Algorithms with Evolutionally Additive Nonlinear Neurons
Authors: Fang Le-Heng , Lin Wei , Luo Qiang
Published: May 2018

In this article, inspired partially by the physiological evidence of brain’s growth and development, we developed a new type of constructive learning algorithm with evolutionally additive nonlinear neurons. The new algorithms have remarkable ability in effective regression and accurate classification. In particular, the algorithms are able to sustain a certain reduction of the loss function when the dynamics of the trained network are bogged down in the vicinity of the local minima. The algorithm augments the neural network by adding only a few connections as well as neurons whose activation functions are nonlinear, nonmonotonic, and self-adapted to the dynamics of the loss functions. Indeed, we analytically demonstrate the reduction dynamics of the algorithm for different problems, and further modify the algorithms so as to obtain an improved generalization capability for the augmented neural networks. Finally, through comparing with the classical algorithm and architecture for neural network construction, we show that our constructive learning algorithms as well as their modified versions have better performances, such as faster training speed and smaller network size, on several representative benchmark datasets including the MNIST dataset for handwriting digits.
Dynamic Stability of Rotating FG-CNTRC Cylindrical Shells under Combined Static and Periodic Axial Loads
Authors: Heydarpour Yasin , Malekzadeh Parviz
Published: May 2018

The dynamic stability behavior of rotating functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) cylindrical shells under combined static and periodic axial forces is investigated. The governing equations are derived based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) of shells. The initial mechanical stresses due to the steady state rotation of the shell are evaluated by solving the dynamic equilibrium equations. The equations of motion under different boundary conditions are discretized in the spatial domain and transformed into a system of Mathieu–Hill type equations using the differential quadrature method (DQM) together with the trigonometric series. The influences of both the initial mechanical stresses and Coriolis acceleration are considered. Then, the parametric resonance is analyzed and the dynamic instability regions are determined by employing the Bolotin’s first approximation. After validating the approach, the effects of rotational speed, Coriolis acceleration, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) distribution in the thickness direction, CNTs volume fraction, length and thickness-to-mean radius ratios on the principal dynamic instability regions are examined in detail.