bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of genetic selection for environmental impact traits on economically important traits in dairy cows
Authors: Kandel Purna , Vanderick Sylvie , Vanrobays Marie-Laure , Soyeurt Hélène , Gengler Nicolas
Published: June 2017

Methane (CH4) emission is an important environmental trait in dairy cows. Breeding aiming to mitigate CH4 emissions require the estimation of genetic correlations with other economically important traits and the prediction of their selection response. In this study, test-day CH4 emissions were predicted from milk mid-infrared spectra of Holstein cows. Predicted CH4 emissions (PME) and log-transformed CH4 intensity (LMI) computed as the natural logarithm of PME divided by milk yield (MY). Genetic correlations of PME and LMI with traits used currently were approximated from correlations between estimated breeding values of sires. Values were for PME with MY 0.06, fat yield (FY) 0.09, protein yield (PY) 0.13, fertility 0.17; body condition score (BCS) –0.02; udder health (UDH) 0.22; and longevity 0.22. As expected by its definition, values were negative for LMI with production traits (MY –0.61; FY –0.15 and PY –0.40) and positive with fertility (0.36); BCS (0.20); UDH (0.08) and longevity (0.06). The genetic correlations of 33 type traits with PME ranged from –0.12 to 0.25 and for LMI ranged from –0.22 to 0.18. Without selecting PME and LMI (status quo) the relative genetic change through correlated responses of other traits were in PME by 2% and in LMI by –15%, but only due to the correlated response to MY. Results showed for PME that direct selection of this environmental trait would reduce milk carbon foot print but would also affect negatively fertility. Therefore, more profound changes in current indexes will be required than simply adding environmental traits as these traits also affect the expected progress of other traits.
First record of blind-side hypermelanosis in a wild brill, Colistium guntheri (Hutton, 1873) (Pisces: Pleuronectidae), collected from Manukau Harbor, Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Jawad L. A.
Published: June 2017

Partial hypermelanosis was observed on the blind side of one specimen of wild brill (Colistium guntheri) with a total length of 330mm, collected from Manukau Harbour, south of Auckland City, New Zealand. This is the first record of brill blind-side hypermelanosis from New Zealand waters. The specimen showed broad melanic patches running mainly at the base of the dorsal and anal fins. Causes for such colour aberration are discussed.
RASSF4: Regulator of plasma membrane PI(4,5)P2
Authors: Dickson Eamonn J.
Published: June 2017

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) is a negatively charged phospholipid that plays a major role in recruiting and regulating proteins at the plasma membrane–cytosol interface. In this issue, Chen et al. (2017. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201606047) demonstrate that RAS association domain family 4 (RASSF4) positively influences PI(4,5)P2 synthesis through ARF6-dependent regulation of PIP5K.
The catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in children
Authors: Go Ellen J.L. , O’Neil Kathleen M.
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review

To review the difficult syndrome of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, emphasizing new developments in the diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment.

Recent findings

Few recent publications directly address pediatric catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS). Most articles are case reports or are data from adult and pediatric registries. The major factors contributing to most pediatric catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome include infection and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, but complement activation also is important in creating diffuse thrombosis in the microcirculation. Treatment of the acute emergency requires anticoagulation, suppression of the hyperinflammatory state and elimination of the triggering infection. Inhibition of complement activation appears to improve outcome in limited studies, and suppression of antiphospholipid antibody formation may be important in long-term management.

CAPS, an antibody-mediated diffuse thrombotic disease of microvasculature, is rare in childhood but has high mortality (33–50%). It requires prompt recognition and aggressive multimodality treatment, including anticoagulation, anti-inflammatory therapy and elimination of inciting infection and pathogenic autoantibodies.
Toward a comprehensive cancer registration in Germany
Authors: Holleczek Bernd , Katalinic Alexander
Published: June 2017

This article presents the current status of the implementation of clinical cancer registration across all German federal states that started in 2013 and that is basis for setting up comprehensive clinical and population-based cancer registries (CRs). A nationwide definition of relevant cancers, a common model of passive registration, a standard basic set of data items as well as a sustainable funding are prerequisites for a standardized collection of cancer data in Germany. For the collected information, the tools and methods used for data collection and processing, for statistical analyses and reporting, the potential synergies of a comprehensive CR implementing the tasks of both a clinical CR and a population-based CR become evident. Many different tasks of clinical and population-based CRs have already been implemented in Germany. This includes usage of individual patient data for quality assurance and the certification of cancer centers or comparative analyses on the adherence to guideline recommendations. CRs further provided unselected data on the cancer burden in the underlying populations and actively contribute in a variety of ways to many collaborative research projects on cancer etiology, the effectiveness of screening programs or cancer care, or provide patient or outcome data for clinical or population-based studies. Although many tasks of clinical and population-based CRs have already been implemented, a number of great efforts still lay ahead. Major challenges include the harmonization of data collection, the development of required standards and methods for data processing and usage, but first and foremost, the collection of complete and valid data for the different tasks of comprehensive CRs.
Pharmacodynamic Monitoring of Tacrolimus-Based Immunosuppression in CD14+ Monocytes After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Kannegieter Nynke M. , Hesselink Dennis A. , Dieterich Marjolein , de Graav Gretchen N. , Kraaijeveld Rens , Rowshani Ajda T. , Leenen Pieter J. M. , Baan Carla C.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Monocytes significantly contribute to ischemia-reperfusion injury and allograft rejection after kidney transplantation. However, the knowledge about the effects of immunosuppressive drugs on monocyte activation is limited. Conventional pharmacokinetic methods for immunosuppressive drug monitoring are not cell type–specific. In this study, phosphorylation of 3 signaling proteins was measured to determine the pharmacodynamic effects of immunosuppression on monocyte activation in kidney transplant patients.

Methods:

Blood samples from 20 kidney transplant recipients were monitored before and during the first year after transplantation. All patients received induction therapy with basiliximab, followed by tacrolimus (TAC), mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone maintenance therapy. TAC whole-blood predose concentrations were determined using an antibody-conjugated magnetic immunoassay. Samples were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin, and phosphorylation of p38MAPK, ERK, and Akt in CD14+ monocytes was quantified by phospho-specific flow cytometry.

Results:

Phosphorylation of p38MAPK and Akt in monocytes of immunosuppressed recipients was lower after 360 days compared with before transplantation in the unstimulated samples [mean reduction in median fluorescence intensity 36%; range −28% to 77% for p-p38MAPK and 20%; range −22% to 53% for p-Akt; P < 0.05]. P-ERK was only decreased at day 4 after transplantation (mean inhibition 23%; range −52% to 73%; P < 0.05). At day 4, when the highest whole-blood predose TAC concentrations were measured, p-p38MAPK and p-Akt, but not p-ERK, correlated inversely with TAC (rs = −0.65; P = 0.01 and rs = −0.58; P = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusions:

Immunosuppressive drug combination therapy partially inhibits monocyte activation pathways after kidney transplantation. This inhibition can be determined by phospho-specific flow cytometry, which enables the assessment of the pharmacodynamic effects of immunosuppressive drugs in a cell type–specific manner.
An Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization MS/MS Assay Using Online Extraction for the Analysis of 11 Cannabinoids and Metabolites in Human Plasma and Urine
Authors: Klawitter Jelena , Sempio Cristina , Mörlein Sophie , De Bloois Erik , Klepacki Jacek , Henthorn Thomas , Leehey Maureen A. , Hoffenberg Edward J. , Knupp Kelly , Wang George S. , Hopfer Christian , Kinney Greg , Bowler Russell , Foreman Nicholas , Galinkin Jeffrey , Christians Uwe , Klawitter Jost
Published: June 2017

Background:

Although, especially in the United States, there has been a recent surge of legalized cannabis for either recreational or medicinal purposes, surprisingly little is known about clinical dose–response relationships, pharmacodynamic and toxicodynamic effects of cannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Even less is known about other active cannabinoids.

Methods:

To address this knowledge gap, an online extraction, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous quantification of 11 cannabinoids and metabolites including THC, 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid, 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid glucuronide (THC-C-gluc), cannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabigerol, cannabidivarin, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV-COOH) was developed and validated in human urine and plasma.

Results:

In contrast to atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, electrospray ionization was associated with extensive ion suppression in plasma and urine samples. Thus, the atmospheric pressure chemical ionization assay was validated showing a lower limit of quantification ranging from 0.39 to 3.91 ng/mL depending on study compound and matrix. The upper limit of quantification was 400 ng/mL except for THC-C-gluc with an upper limit of quantification of 2000 ng/mL. The linearity was r > 0.99 for all analyzed calibration curves. Acceptance criteria for intrabatch and interbatch accuracy (85%–115%) and imprecision (<15%) were met for all compounds. In plasma, the only exceptions were THCV (75.3%–121.2% interbatch accuracy) and cannabidivarin (interbatch imprecision, 15.7%–17.2%). In urine, THCV did not meet predefined acceptance criteria for intrabatch accuracy.

Conclusions:

This assay allows for monitoring not only THC and its major metabolites but also major cannabinoids that are of interest for marijuana research and clinical practice.
Augmented Renal Clearance Using Population-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients*
Authors: Avedissian Sean N. , Bradley Erin , Zhang Diana , Bradley John S. , Nazer Lama H. , Tran Tri M. , Nguyen Austin , Le Jennifer
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the prevalence of augmented renal clearance in critically ill pediatric patients using vancomycin clearance; 2) derive the pharmacokinetic model that best describes vancomycin clearance in critically ill pediatric patients; and 3) correlate vancomycin clearance with creatinine clearance estimated by modified Schwartz or Cockcroft-Gault.

Design:

Retrospective, two-center, cohort study from 2003 to 2016.

Setting:

Clinical drug monitoring services in the PICUs at two tertiary care, teaching hospitals.

Patients:

Children from 1 to 21 years old.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Identify patients with augmented renal clearance (vancomycin clearance ≥ 130 mL/min/1.73 m2 used as definition of augmented renal clearance). Derive final population-based pharmacokinetic model and estimate individual patient pharmacokinetic parameters. Compare estimated glomerular filtration rate (modified Schwartz or Cockcroft-Gault depending on age < or ≥ 17 yr) with vancomycin clearance. Augmented renal clearance was identified in 12% of 250 total subjects. The final population-based pharmacokinetic model for vancomycin clearance (L/hr) was 0.118 × weight (e–1.13 × [serum creatinine (Scr) – 0.40]). Median vancomycin clearance in those with versus without augmented renal clearance were 141.3 and 91.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively (p < 0.001). By classification and regression tree analysis, patients who were more than 7.9 years old were significantly more likely to experience augmented renal clearance (17% vs 4.6% in those ≤ 7.9 yr old; p = 0.002). In patients with augmented renal clearance, 79% of 29 had vancomycin trough concentrations less than 10 µg/mL, compared with 52% of 221 in those without augmented renal clearance (p < 0.001). Vancomycin clearance was weakly correlated to the glomerular filtration rate estimated by the modified Schwartz or Cockcroft-Gault method (Spearman R
2 = 0.083).

Conclusions:

Augmented renal clearance was identified in one of 10 critically ill pediatric patients using vancomycin clearance, with an increase of approximately 50 mL/min/1.73 m2 in those with augmented renal clearance. As augmented renal clearance results in subtherapeutic antibiotic concentrations, optimal dosing is essential in those exhibiting augmented renal clearance.
HIV Care Initiation Delay Among Rural Residents in the Southeastern United States, 1996 to 2012
Authors: Lopes Brettania L.W. , Eron Joseph J. , Mugavero Michael J. , Miller William C. , Napravnik Sonia
Published: June 2017

Background:

Delaying HIV care initiation may lead to greater morbidity, mortality, and further HIV transmission. Rural residence may be associated with delayed diagnosis and linkage to care, with negative clinical outcomes.

Objective:

To examine the association between rural patient residence and CD4 cell count at HIV care initiation in a large HIV clinical cohort in the Southeastern United States.

Methods:

We included HIV-infected patients who initiated care between 1996 and 2012 with a geocodable address and no previous history of HIV clinical care. Patient residence was categorized as urban or rural using United States Department of Agriculture Rural Urban Commuting Area codes. Multivariable linear regression models were fit to estimate the association between patient residence and CD4 cell count at HIV care initiation.

Results:

Among 1396 patients who met study inclusion criteria, 988 had a geocodable address. Overall, 35% of patients resided in rural areas and presented to HIV care with a mean CD4 cell count of 351 cells/mm3 (SD, 290). Care initiation mean CD4 cell counts increased from 329 cells/mm3 (SD, 283) in 1996–2003 to 391 cells/mm3 (SD, 292) in 2008–2012 (P = 0.006). Rural in comparison with urban patients presented with lower CD4 cell counts with an unadjusted and adjusted mean difference of −48 cells/mm3 [95% confidence interval, −86 to −10) and −37 cells/mm3 (95% confidence interval: −73 to −2), respectively, consistently observed across calendar years.

Conclusions:

HIV care initiation at low CD4 cell counts was common in this Southeastern US cohort and more common among rural area residents.
Reassessing the Anatomic Origin of the Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma
Authors: McKnight Colin D. , Parmar Hemant A. , Watcharotone Kuanwong , Mukherji Suresh K.
Published: June 2017

Objective

A modern imaging review is necessary to further define the anatomic origin of the juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

Methods

After institutional review board approval, a search from January 1998 to January 2013 yielded 33 male patients (aged 10–23 years) with pathologically proven juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma lesions, as well as pretreatment computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma involvement was assessed in the following regions: sphenopalatine foramen, pterygopalatine fossa, vidian canal, nasopharynx, nasal cavity, sphenoid sinus, choana, pterygomaxillary fissure/masticator space, orbit, and sphenoid bone.

Results

The choana and nasopharynx were involved in all 33 patients. In contrast, only 22 lesions involved the pterygopalatine fossa, 24 lesions involved the sphenopalatine foramen, and 28 lesions involved the vidian canal.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma origin is in the region of the choana and nasopharynx rather than the sphenopalatine foramen or pterygopalatine fossa.
Acute Rejection After Kidney Transplantation Associates With Circulating MicroRNAs and Vascular Injury
Authors: Bijkerk Roel , Florijn Barend W. , Khairoun Meriem , Duijs Jacques M. G. J. , Ocak Gurbey , de Vries Aiko P.J. , Schaapherder Alexander F. , Mallat Marko J. K. , de Fijter Johan W. , Rabelink Ton J. , van Zonneveld Anton Jan , Reinders Marlies E. J.
Published: June 2017

Background

Acute rejection (AR) of kidney transplants is associated with the loss of endothelial integrity, microvascular rarefaction and, ultimately, graft dysfunction. Circulating angiogenic microRNAs (miRNAs) may serve as markers for microvascular injury. Here, we investigated the short- and long-term effects of AR after kidney transplantation on systemic vascular injury and the associated circulating miRNA profile.

Methods

Systemic vascular injury was determined by measuring capillary tortuosity and density within the oral mucosa as well as by assessing circulating levels of angiopoietin-2/angiopoietin-1 ratio, vascular endothelial growth factor and soluble thrombomodulin. After a pilot study, we selected 48 miRNAs to assess the AR- and microvascular injury associated circulating miRNAs.

Results

In stable transplant recipients (n = 25) and patients with AR (n = 13), which were also studied longitudinally (1, 6, and 12 months post-AR), we found an AR-associated increase in markers of systemic vascular injury, of which vascular endothelial growth factor and soluble thrombomodulin normalized within 1 year after AR. Of the 48 selected miRNAs, 8 were either decreased (miR-135a, miR-199a-3p, and miR-15a) or increased (miR-17, miR-140-3p, miR-130b, miR-122 and miR-192) in AR. Of these, miR-130b, miR-199a, and miR-192 associated with markers of vascular injury, whereas miR-140-3p, miR-130b, miR-122, and miR-192 normalized within 1 year after AR.

Conclusions

AR after kidney transplantation is characterized by systemic microvascular injury and associates with specific circulating miRNA levels.
Degree of Postictal Suppression Depends on Seizure Induction Time in Magnetic Seizure Therapy and Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Kayser Sarah , Bewernick Bettina H. , Soehle Martin , Switala Christina , Gippert Sabrina M. , Dreimueller Nadine , Schlaepfer Thomas E.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Anesthesia is required for both magnetic seizure therapy (MST) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), although it has anticonvulsant properties. In this case, bispectral index (BIS) monitoring, a specific electroencephalogram-derived monitoring, can be used to find the optimal seizure induction time during anesthesia to elicit adequate seizures. A measurement of seizure adequacy in electroencephalogram is the postictal suppression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of seizure induction time on the degree of postictal suppression by comparing BIS versus no-BIS monitoring in MST and ECT.

Methods

Twenty patients with treatment-resistant depression were randomly assigned to either MST or ECT. Each patient underwent 3 treatments with the determination of seizure induction time by defined prestimulation BIS (BIS condition) and 3 treatments with determination of seizure induction time by controlled clinical trial protocol (no-BIS condition). Statistical analysis was calculated by repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results

The degree of postictal suppression was more pronounced in both MST and ECT, with BIS monitoring. In this connection, no differences between MST and ECT were found. Seizure induction time was significantly later in the BIS condition (181.3 ± 6 seconds) compared with the no-BIS condition (114.3 ± 12 seconds) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Adequacy of seizures, in the form of the degree of postictal suppression, was superior by determining the seizure induction time with BIS in both MST and ECT. Further research is needed to investigate the correlation between the degree of postictal suppression and treatment response.
Modeling the Mechanism of CLN025 Beta-Hairpin Formation
Authors: McKiernan Keri A. , Husic Brooke E. , Pande Vijay S.
Published: June 2017

Beta-hairpins are a substructure found in proteins that can lend insight into more complex systems. Furthermore, the folding of beta-hairpins is a valuable test case for benchmarking experimental and theoretical methods. Here, we simulate the folding of CLN025, a miniprotein with a beta-hairpin structure, at its experimental melting temperature using a range of state-of-the-art protein force fields. We construct Markov state models in order to examine the thermodynamics, kinetics, mechanism, and rate-determining step of folding. Mechanistically, we find the folding process is rate-limited by the formation of the turn region hydrogen bonds, which occurs following the downhill hydrophobic collapse of the extended denatured protein. These results are presented in the context of established and contradictory theories of the beta-hairpin folding process. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that the AMBER-FB15 force field, at this temperature, best describes the characteristics of the full experimental CLN025 conformational ensemble, while the AMBER ff99SB-ILDN and CHARMM22* force fields display a tendency to overstabilize the native state.
Highly multiplexed immunofluorescence imaging of human tissues and tumors using t-CyCIF and conventional optical microscopes
Authors: Lin Jia-Ren , Izar Benjamin , Wang Shu , Yapp Clarence , Mei Shaolin , Shah Parin , Santagata Sandro , Sorger Peter K
Published: June 2017

The architecture of normal and diseased tissues strongly influences the development and progression of disease as well as responsiveness and resistance to therapy. We describe a tissue-based cyclic immunofluorescence (t-CyCIF) method for highly multiplexed immuno-fluorescence imaging of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens mounted on glass slides, the most widely used specimens for histopathological diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. t-CyCIF generates up to 60-plex images using an iterative process (a cycle) in which conventional low-plex fluorescence images are repeatedly collected from the same sample and then assembled into a high dimensional representation. t-CyCIF requires no specialized instruments or reagents and is compatible with super-resolution imaging; we demonstrate its application to quantifying signal transduction cascades, tumor antigens and immune markers in diverse tissues and tumors. The simplicity and adaptability of t-CyCIF makes it an effective method for pre-clinical and clinical research and a natural complement to single-cell genomics.
Microbial manganese(III) reduction fuelled by anaerobic acetate oxidation
Authors: Szeinbaum Nadia , Lin Hui , Brandes Jay A. , Taillefert Martial , Glass Jennifer B. , DiChristina Thomas J.
Published: June 2017

Soluble manganese in the intermediate +III oxidation state (Mn3+) is a newly identified oxidant in anoxic environments, whereas acetate is a naturally abundant substrate that fuels microbial activity. Microbial populations coupling anaerobic acetate oxidation to Mn3+ reduction, however, have yet to be identified. We isolated a Shewanella strain capable of oxidizing acetate anaerobically with Mn3+ as the electron acceptor, and confirmed this phenotype in other strains. This metabolic connection between acetate and soluble Mn3+ represents a new biogeochemical link between carbon and manganese cycles. Genomic analyses uncovered four distinct genes that allow for pathway variations in the complete dehydrogenase‐driven TCA cycle that could support anaerobic acetate oxidation coupled to metal reduction in Shewanella and other Gammaproteobacteria. An oxygen‐tolerant TCA cycle supporting anaerobic manganese reduction is thus a new connection in the manganese‐driven carbon cycle, and a new variable for models that use manganese as a proxy to infer oxygenation events on early Earth.
Urban Operating Systems: Diagramming the City
Authors: Marvin Simon , Luque‐Ayala Andrés
Published: June 2017

A set of software/hardware packages developed by IT companies for the urban market is transforming the way in which cities are imagined and configured. These urban operating systems (Urban OS) embody important presumptions about what constitutes appropriate knowledge and forms of decision making, pointing to how novel forms of ‘smart' or ‘computational' urbanism may govern urban life. Arguing that an analysis of the interface between the urban and IT requires a broader historical and theoretical perspective, the article traces the ways in which the city has been diagrammed as a space of power since the nineteenth century and highlights the antecedents of Urban OS present across different domains of life—particularly in military and corporate enterprises. Relaying the urban as an efficient logistical enterprise, and operating as a piloting device (Deleuze and Guattari, 1987), the Urban OS appears as an emerging urban diagram introducing an informational diagrammatic of control. We focus on five archetypal framings of how Urban OS envision the city, illustrating how a new corporate rationality of control based on functional simplification and heterogeneous reintegration seeks to take hold in the city (via re‐engineering, agility, modularity, flexibility and configurability).
Molecular Detection, Typing, and Quantification of Campylobacter spp. in Foods of Animal Origin
Authors: Frasao Beatriz da Silva , Marin Victor Augustus , Conte‐Junior Carlos Adam
Published: June 2017

The most frequently reported zoonosis and the main bacterial foodborne disease infection in humans is caused by Campylobacter spp., and C. jejuni and C. coli are the most common types. These bacteria can be found in the intestinal tracts of cattle, dogs, cats, sheep, poultry and pigs. The isolation of this microorganism is laborious because it requires specific media and a low oxygen concentration for growth. Additionally, differentiation between species through conventional bacteriology is difficult, as there are few different biochemical characteristics among the various species. Molecular microbiological techniques have become more important and are now broadly applied to help overcome difficulties in the identification, differentiation, and quantification of this pathogen. To date, there have been advances in the development and use of molecular techniques for the identification of microorganisms in foodstuffs. Tools such as pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing are the most commonly used for typing. For the identification and confirmation of species, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is crucial. Quantification by real‐time PCR has wide applicability. To identify strains and antimicrobial resistance genes, sequencing technologies have been applied. This review builds on the discussion about the main and most widely used molecular methods for Campylobacter, as well as methods showing better potential for the classification, identification, and quantification of this important pathogen.
A Univariate Approach to Sex Estimation for the Fragmentary Upper Limb
Authors: Bongiovanni Rosanne , LeGarde Carrie B.
Published: June 2017

Although there are numerous reliable multivariate models for sex estimation, many scenarios, both forensic and archaeological, result in the recovery of fragmentary remains, which prevents the collection of various standard measurements. The purpose of this research was to establish metric applications for sex estimation from the distal humerus and distal radius of European/American Whites and American Blacks. Data for this research were retrieved from a sample consisting of a larger database from multiple skeletal collections. Measurements include epicondylar breadth, breadth of the capitulum‐trochlea, and distal breadth of the radius. Student's t‐test and descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze the data. Classification rates ranged from 75% to 96.4%, with the capitulum‐trochlea breadth performing best. Overall, significant metric differences exist between the sexes in the distal humerus and radius and can be utilized to estimate sex. This study offers a reliable alternative sex estimation technique applicable to fragmentary or damaged remains.
A Unique Fatal Moose Attack Mimicking Homicide
Authors: Gudmannsson Petur , Berge Johan , Druid Henrik , Ericsson Göran , Eriksson Anders
Published: June 2017

Fatalities caused by animal attacks are rare, but have the potential to mimic homicide. We present a case in which a moose attacked and killed a woman who was walking her dog in a forest. Autopsy showed widespread blunt trauma with a large laceration on one leg in which blades of grass were embedded. Flail chest was the cause of death. The case was initially conceived as homicide by means of a riding lawn mower. A review of the case by moose experts and analyses of biological trace material that proved to originate from moose, established the true source of injury. The dog probably provoked a moose, which, in response, stomped and gored the victim to death. The injuries resembled those previously reported from attacks by cattle and water buffalo. Fatal moose attacks constitute an extremely rare threat in boreal areas, but can be considered in traumatic deaths of unknown cause.
Inactivation of Bacillus cereus Spores on Red Chili Peppers Using a Combined Treatment of Aqueous Chlorine Dioxide and Hot‐Air Drying
Authors: Kim Songyi , Lee Huyong , Ryu Jee‐Hoon , Kim Hoikyung
Published: June 2017

The effect of a combined treatment using aqueous chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and hot‐air drying to inactivate Bacillus cereus spores on red chili peppers was evaluated. Ten washed and dried pepper samples, each comprising half of a single pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), were inoculated with B. cereus spore suspension. The inoculated samples were washed with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl; 50, 100, or 200 μg/mL) or ClO2 (50, 100, or 200 μg/mL) solution for 1 min and then air‐dried (25 ± 1 °C, 47 ± 1% relative humidity), which was followed by drying with hot air at 55 °C for up to 48 h. The spore populations on the samples were enumerated and their aw and chromaticity values were measured. The spore numbers immediately after treatment with NaOCl and ClO2 were not significantly different. A more rapid reduction in spore numbers was observed in the samples treated with ClO2 than those treated with NaOCl during drying. A combined treatment of ClO2 and hot‐air drying significantly reduced the spore populations to below the detection limit (1.7 log CFU/sample). B. cereus spores on chili peppers were successfully inactivated by washing with ClO2 solution followed by hot‐air drying whereas the pepper color was maintained.
A Gompertz Model Approach to Microbial Inactivation Kinetics by High‐Pressure Processing (HPP): Model Selection and Experimental Validation
Authors: Serment‐Moreno Vinicio , Fuentes Claudio , Torres José Antonio , Welti‐Chanes Jorge
Published: June 2017

A recently proposed Gompertz model (GMPZ) approach describing microbial inactivation kinetics by high‐pressure processing (HPP) incorporated the initial microbial load (N0) and lower microbial quantification limit (Nlim), and simplified the dynamic effects of come‐up time (CUT). The inactivation of Listeria innocua in milk by HPP treatments at 300, 400, 500, and 600 MPa and pressure holding times (thold) ≤10 min was determined experimentally to validate this model approach. Models based on exponential, logistic‐exponential, and inverse functions were evaluated to describe the effect of pressure on the lag time (λ) and maximum inactivation rate (μmax), whereas the asymptote difference (A) was fixed as A = log10(N0/Nlim). Model performance was statistically evaluated and further validated with additional data obtained at 450 and 550 MPa. All GMPZ models adequately fitted L. innocua data according to the coefficient of determination (R2 ≥ 0.95) but those including a logistic‐exponential function for μmax(P) were superior (R2 ≥ 0.97). These GMPZ versions predicted that approximately 597 MPa is the theoretical pressure level (Pλ) at which microbial inactivation begins during CUT, mathematically defined as λ (P = Pλ) = tCUT, and matching the value observed on the microbial survival curve at 600 MPa. As pressure increased, predictions tended to slightly underestimate the HPP lethality in the tail section of the survival curve. This may be overseen in practice since the observed microbial counts were below the predicted log10 N values. Overall, the modeling approach is promising, justifying further validation work for other microorganisms and food systems.
Dietary Intake of Structured Lipids with Different Contents of Medium‐Chain Fatty Acids on Obesity Prevention in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Zhou Shengmin , Wang Yueqiang , Jiang Yuanrong , Zhang Zhongfei , Sun Xiangjun , Yu Liangli (Lucy)
Published: June 2017

Three medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) with different contents of medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA) (10% to 30%, w/w) were prepared and evaluated for their anti‐obesity potential in C57BL/6J mice. The group fed with a high fat diet of MLCT containing 30% (w/w) MCFA showed significantly decreased body weight and fat mass (P < 0.05) relative to the control mice fed an obesity‐inducing high fat rapeseed oil diet. In addition, serum parameters including triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, glucose, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B in the treatment group fed with 30% (w/w) MCFA were close to those of mice fed with a low fat rapeseed oil diet, but significantly different (P < 0.05) from those of the obesity control group. Moreover, the intake of MLCT with high content of MCFA reduced the size of adipocytes. In addition, the visceral fat and liver weights, as well as the liver triacylglycerol for 3 treatment groups were lower than those of the obesity control group. These results demonstrate the great potential of MLCT with high content of MCFA in weight loss.
Internal cyclopexy for complicated traumatic cyclodialysis cleft
Authors: Wang Cong , Peng Xiao‐Yan , You Qi‐Sheng , Liu Yi , Pang Xiu‐Qin , Zheng Peng‐Fei , Jonas Jost B.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To assess the surgical and functional outcome of internal direct cyclopexy as therapy of complicated traumatic cyclodialysis.

Methods

The single‐centre interventional case‐series study included eyes with traumatic cyclodialysis who had consecutively been treated. Internal cyclopexy was performed using double‐armed sutures introduced into the eye through the pars plana opposite to the cyclodialysis cleft and which were laid parallel to limbus. Additional procedures included cataract surgery, and pars plana vitrectomy. The cyclodialysis was documented upon ultrasound biomicroscopy and gonioscopy.

Results

The study included 44 patients (44 eyes). The cyclodialysis extended over 4.8 ± 3.2 clock hours of scleral spur circumference (range 1–12 hr, median 4 hr), involving >180° of the scleral spur circumference in 16 eyes (37%) and 360° in 3 eyes (7%). Besides cyclodialysis, additional trauma‐related complications included hyphema, iridodialysis, lens dislocation, cataract, vitreous haemorrhage, retinal detachment, suprachoroidal haemorrhage and endophthalmitis. The surgery performed on average at 64 days after the trauma included a mean number of 4.6 ± 1.9 sutures (range: 2–9), with 1.2 sutures per 30° width of cyclodialysis. Mean follow‐up was 32 ± 8 weeks (range: 6–51 weeks). Closure of the cyclodialysis was achieved in all 44 eyes, and intraocular pressure (IOP) increased from 8.0 ± 3.4 mmHg (range: 3 21 mmHg) to 14.4 ± 4.0 mmHg (range: 11–21 mmHg). Mean visual acuity (VA) improved from 2.3 ± 1.1 logMAR (range: 0.22–4.0) to 1.2 ± 0.8 logMAR (range 0.3–4.0 logMAR).

Conclusion

In conclusion, internal direct cyclopexy is a novel and relatively little invasive surgery technique for the repair of traumatic cyclodialysis.
The glycan‐mediated mechanism on the interactions of gp120 with CD4 and antibody: Insights from molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Niu Yuzhen , Tian Jiaqi , Liu Xuewei , Yao Xiaojun , Liu Huanxiang
Published: June 2017

N‐linked glycans such as 234 and 276 gp120 glycans are vital components of HIV evasion from humoral immunity and important for HIV‐1 neutralization of many broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). However, it is unknown the action mechanism of two glycans. To investigate the roles of the glycans on the interactions of gp120 with CD4 and antibody, molecular dynamic simulations based on gp120‐CD4‐8ANC195 complex with 234 and 276 gp120 glycans, 234 gp120 glycan, 276 gp120 glycan, and without glycan were performed. Our results reveal that 276 gp120 glycan can enhance gp120‐CD4 and gp120‐antibody interactions through the formation of hydrogen bonds of the glycan with CD4 and antibody and make the binding interface of gp120, CD4 and antibody stable; 234 gp120 glycan primarily reinforces gp120‐antibody interactions and weakly affects gp120‐CD4 interactions as it mainly lies between gp120 and antibody. The co‐operating of two glycans can enhance gp120‐CD4 and gp120‐antibody associations. Through the structural analysis, it can be seen that 234 gp120 glycan leads to moving upward of two glycans and the variable region of heavy chain, which is favorable for the interactions of gp120 with CD4 and antibody. The information obtained in this study can provide the guidance for design vaccines and small molecule inhibitors.
Resonance frequency analysis of dental implants placed at the posterior maxilla varying the surface treatment only: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Novellino Marcelo M. , Sesma Newton , Zanardi Piero R. , Laganá Dalva C.
Published: June 2017

Background

Chemical modifications of the dental implant surface that improve the wettability result in a faster and better osseointegration.

Purpose

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the implant stability quotient (ISQ) of implants with similar designs, treated with 2 surfaces, sandblasted acid‐etched (SAE) and hydrophilic SAE, within the initial 16 weeks of healing.

Material and methods

A total of 64 implants (32 SAE—control group and 32 modified SAE—test group) with the same design, length, and diameter (conical and compressive, 4.3 × 10 mm) were inserted into the posterior maxillae of 21 patients partially edentulous. The ISQ values were collected at post‐surgery (T0), 1 week (T1), 2 weeks (T2), 3 weeks (T3), 5 weeks (T4), 8 weeks (T5), 12 weeks (T6), and 16 weeks (T7).

Results

None of the implants failed. Test group presented ISQ values higher than the control group (ANOVA—P < .01) from T5 to T7. When comparing groups regarding the amount of time required to achieve ISQ ≥ 70 as a reference, there was a statistically significant difference (cox regression—P < .01), and a hazard ratio of 2.24 (CI 1.62‐3.11). At the 1‐year follow‐up, there was a drop out of 1 patient, and 2 implants were no longer evaluated. Survival rate for both groups was 100% at the 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions

The current study suggests that implants with hydrophilic surface (modified SAE) integrate faster than implants with SAE surface. The stability gain of the test group was 2.24 times faster than the control group after 5 weeks of evaluation at the posterior region of the edentulous maxillae.
Impaired hippocampal glucose metabolism during and after flurothyl‐induced seizures in mice: Reduced phosphorylation coincides with reduced activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase
Authors: McDonald Tanya S. , Borges Karin
Published: June 2017

Objective

To determine changes in glucose metabolism and the enzymes involved in the hippocampus ictally and postictally in the acute mouse flurothyl seizure model.

Methods

[U‐13C]‐Glucose was injected (i.p.) prior to, or following a 5 min flurothyl‐induced seizure. Fifteen minutes later, mice were killed and the total metabolite levels and % 13C enrichment were analyzed in the hippocampal formation using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Activities of key metabolic and antioxidant enzymes and the phosphorylation status of pyruvate dehydrogenase were measured, along with lipid peroxidation.

Results

During seizures, total lactate levels increased 1.7‐fold; however, [M + 3] enrichment of both lactate and alanine were reduced by 30% and 43%, respectively, along with a 28% decrease in phosphofructokinase activity. Postictally the % 13C enrichments of all measured tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates and the amino acids were reduced by 46–93%. At this time, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity was 56% of that measured in controls, and there was a 1.9‐fold increase in the phosphorylation of PDH at ser232. Phosphorylation of PDH is known to decrease its activity.

Significance

Here, we show that the increase of lactate levels during flurothyl seizures is from a source other than [U‐13C]‐glucose, such as glycogen. Surprisingly, although we saw a reduction in phosphofructokinase activity during the seizure, metabolism of [U‐13C]‐glucose into the TCA cycle seemed unaffected. Similar to our recent findings in the chronic phase of the pilocarpine model, postictally the metabolism of glucose by glycolysis and the TCA cycle was impaired along with reduced PDH activity. Although this decrease in activity may be a protective mechanism to reduce oxidative stress, which is observed in the flurothyl model, ATP is critical to the recovery of ion and neurotransmitter balance and return to normal brain function. Thus we identified promising novel strategies to enhance energy metabolism and recovery from seizures.
Photophobia and Seasonal Variation of Migraine in a Subarctic Population
Authors: Bekkelund Svein I. , Müller Kai I. , Wilhelmsen Aleksander , Alstadhaug Karl B.
Published: June 2017

Objective

To investigate associations between photophobia and seasonal variation of migraine.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, migraineurs consecutively recruited were referred to a specialist center located above the Arctic Circle at 68‐71 degrees North during a 2.5‐year period. Data were obtained through a structured interview.

Results

In total, 302 migraineurs with a mean (±SD) age of 35.5 (±12.6) years were included. Patients who reported seasonal variation of migraine (n = 90; 29.8%) also reported more often interictal photophobia than the others (61/90, 67.8% vs 92/212, 43.4%, P < .0001). Patients reported sunlight or other bright light to trigger migraine attacks in 74.4% with seasonal migraine (SM) compared with 40.6% in patients with non‐seasonal migraine (NSM) (P < .0001), but there were similar frequencies of attacks reported to be triggered by sleep, menstruation, and other precipitating factors. After adjusting for migraine with aura, migraine disability, chronic migraine, interictal photophobia, and insomnia, sunlight or other bright light, photophobia was still associated with SM (OR; 3.47, CI [95%]; 1.83‐6.59, P < .0001).

Conclusions

Migraineurs in a subarctic area reporting seasonal variation of attack frequency also report increased interictal photophobia independent of other clinical factors. Chronobiological mechanisms and/or increased activity in the visual system may be responsible for this phenomenon.
Knockdown of mediator subunit Med19 suppresses bladder cancer cell proliferation and migration by downregulating Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway
Authors: Yuan Hejia , Yu Shengqiang , Cui Yuanshan , Men Changping , Yang Diandong , Gao Zhenli , Zhu Zhe , Wu Jitao
Published: June 2017

Mediator complex subunit 19 (Med19), a RNA polymerase II‐embedded coactivator, is reported to be involved in bladder cancer (BCa) progression, but its functional contribution to this process is poorly understood. Here, we investigate the effects of Med19 on malignant behaviours of BCa, as well as to elucidate the possible mechanisms. Med19 expression in 15 BCa tissues was significantly higher than adjacent paired normal tissues using real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemical staining of 167 paraffin‐embedded BCa tissues was performed, and the results showed that high Med19 protein level was positively correlated with clinical stages and histopathological grade. Med19 was knocked down in BCa cells using short‐hairpin RNA. Functional assays showed that knocking‐down of Med19 can suppress cell proliferation and migration in T24, UM‐UC3 cells and 5637 in vitro, and inhibited BCa tumour growth in vivo. TOP/FOPflash reporter assay revealed that Med19 knockdown decreased the activity of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, and the target genes of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway were down‐regulated, including Wnt2, β‐catenin, Cyclin‐D1 and MMP‐9. However, protein levels of Gsk3β and E‐cadherin were elevated. Our data suggest that Med19 expression correlates with aggressive characteristics of BCa and Med19 knockdown suppresses the proliferation and migration of BCa cells through down‐regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, thereby highlighting Med19 as a potential therapeutic target for BCa treatment.
Gas swallow during meals in patients with excessive belching
Authors: Caballero N. , Serra J.
Published: June 2017

Background

Swallowed gas is an important source of abdominal gas, and aerophagia is often believed as a putative cause of gas‐related abdominal symptoms. However, altered gas‐swallow during meals has not been demonstrated. Our aim was to characterize the number of gas swallows during meals in patients complaining of excessive belching and gaseousness and a control group without abdominal symptoms during a 24‐h period.

Methods

A 24‐h pH‐impedance monitoring was performed in 10 patients with excessive belching, and 11 patients without digestive symptoms or reflux in the pH‐impedance study. During the study, patients followed their daily routine and customary meals, without any specific limitation. In each patient the number and content of swallows and belches were analyzed.

Key Results

Total meal periods were similar in controls (75±26 min) and patients (79±21 min; P=.339), but the number of gaseous swallows was greater in patients (114±13 swallows) than controls (71±8 swallows; P=.007), due to a greater frequency of gaseous swallows during meals (15±2 swallows/10 min vs 10±1 swallows/10 min, respectively; P=.008). During the 24‐h study period, 66±13 belches were recorded in patients, but only 13±3 belches in controls (P<.001), mainly gastric belches (80±4% and 92±2% of belches, patients, and controls, respectively) which showed a good correlation with the number of gaseous swallows performed during meals (r=.756; P=.011).

Conclusion and Inferences

Gas is frequently swallowed during meals. Patients complaining of excessive belching have a different swallow pattern during meals, with an increased ingestion of gas that correlates with increased gastric belching events.