bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma Vasoprotective Eicosanoid Concentrations in Healthy Greyhounds and Non‐Greyhound Dogs
Authors: Martinez J.T. , Rogers L.K. , Kellogg C. , Iazbik M.C. , Couto C.G. , Pressler B.M. , Hoepf T.M. , Radin M.J.
Published: January 2016

Background

Hypertension and albuminuria often coexist in Greyhounds, suggesting generalized vascular dysfunction that could contribute to the development of a variety of diseases in this breed. Eicosanoid metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) mediate endothelial function, vascular reactivity, and proteinuria in humans and in rodent models.

Hypothesis

The eicosanoid profile of Greyhounds is shifted toward metabolites that promote vascular dysfunction, hypertension, and proteinuria.

Animals

Healthy Greyhounds (n = 20) and non‐Greyhound (n = 20) dogs that were consecutively enrolled in a blood donor program.

Methods

Prospective study. Plasma eicosanoid metabolites were assayed by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MS) and compared to systolic blood pressure (SP) measurements and urine albumin concentration.

Results

Isomers of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) were higher in Greyhounds than non‐Greyhounds (median, range in pmol/mL: 5(S)HETE19.82, 8.55–32.95 versus 13.54, 4.33–26.27,P= .033; 8(S)HETE9.39, 3.28–19.84 versus 5.80, 2.25–17.66,P= .002; 9(S)HETE9.46, 2.43–13.79 versus 5.82, 1.50–17.16,P= .026; 12(S)HETE10.17, 3.81–40.06 versus 7.24, 2.9–16.16,P= .022). Dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (DHET) isomers also were higher in Greyhounds compared to non‐Greyhounds (mean ±SDin pmol/mL: 8,9DHET5.78 ± 2.13 versus 4.03 ± 1.36,P= .004; 11,12DHET11.98 ± 2.86 versus 8.90 ± 3.48,P= .004; 14,15DHET7.23 ± 2.19 versus 5.76 ± 1.87,P= .028). Albuminuria correlated with totalDHET(rs= 0.46,P= .003).SPwas positively correlated with 11,12EET(rs= 0.42,P= .006) and 20(S)HETE(rs= 0.38,P= .017).SPand 8,9EETwere inversely correlated (rs= −0.49,P= .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Plasma eicosanoid profile in Greyhounds was consistent with activation of metabolic pathways known to promote vascular dysfunction and might contribute to higher blood pressures and albuminuria. Inhibition of these eicosanoid pathways should be evaluated as therapeutic targets in Greyhounds.
Supermajorities and Political Rent Extraction
Authors: Kauder Björn , Potrafke Niklas
Published: January 2016

Models of political competition portray political candidates as seeking the support of the median voter to win elections by majority voting. In practice, political candidates seek supermajorities, rather than majorities based on support of the median voter. We study the political benefits of supermajorities using data from Bavaria, the largest German state. Members of the Bavarian parliament had been permitted to hire relatives as office employees, but in the year 2000 the practice was prohibited, with exceptions that allowed continuation of employment of previously hired relatives. The circumstances provide an informative setting to relate political behavior to protection of incumbency. Our results show that the likelihood of politicians hiring relatives increased with the margin of the majority for the incumbent in the previous election. When the majority increased by one percentage point, the likelihood of hiring relatives increased by about one percentage point. Supermajorities thus facilitated political rent extraction.
Simulating evolution of interindustry linkages in endogenous dynamic IO model with layers of techniques
Authors: Gurgul Henryk , Lach Łukasz
Published: January 2016

In this article, we propose a new version of dynamic input–output model in which both technological progress and deployment are endogenous, and where sector‐specific outlays on R&D speed up the development of new technologies and the installation of capital stock. In this two‐technology model, the new and old technical processes within a sector exchange their relative weights in production. We use the model to obtain projections of the interindustry linkages of sectors in the Polish economy over the next 50 years. The results of this simulation suggest an ongoing change of the composition of the set of key sectors of the Polish economy. In general, one may expect to see an ongoing drop in the importance of agriculture‐ and heavy‐industry‐related sectors on the one hand, and a rise in the importance of services‐related ones on the other.
Is an Increase in the Minimum Retirement Age Always Desirable? The Case of Notional Defined Contribution Systems
Authors: Magnani Riccardo
Published: January 2016

Several countries have recently introduced reforms that aim to increase the neutrality of their pension system by introducing an incentives‐disincentives mechanism or by replacing their traditional defined‐benefit system with a Notional Defined Contribution method. This paper evaluates the financial effects of an increase in the minimum retirement age in countries where a Notional Defined Contribution system exists. We show that such a reform produces a positive effect on the financial situation of the pension system (by generating surpluses or by reducing deficits) in the short and in the medium run, but it becomes completely ineffective in the long run. This result implies that in countries where the pension system is sufficiently neutral such a reform is not appropriate to solve the problem of population ageing which is a long‐run problem.
Antifungal mechanisms of a plant defensin MtDef4 are not conserved between the ascomycete fungi Neurospora crassa and Fusarium graminearum
Authors: El‐Mounadi Kaoutar , Islam Kazi T. , Hernández‐Ortiz Patricia , Read Nick D. , Shah Dilip M.
Published: January 2016

Defensins play an important role in plant defense against fungal pathogens. The plant defensin, MtDef4, inhibits growth of the ascomycete fungi, Neurospora crassa and Fusarium graminearum, at micromolar concentrations. We have reported that MtDef4 is transported into the cytoplasm of these fungi and exerts its antifungal activity on intracellular targets. Here, we have investigated whether the antifungal mechanisms of MtDef4 are conserved in these fungi. We show that N. crassa and F. graminearum respond differently to MtDef4 challenge. Membrane permeabilization is required for the antifungal activity of MtDef4 against F. graminearum but not against N. crassa. We find that MtDef4 is targeted to different subcellular compartments in each fungus. Internalization of MtDef4 in N. crassa is energy‐dependent and involves endocytosis. By contrast, MtDef4 appears to translocate into F. graminearum autonomously using a partially energy‐dependent pathway. MtDef4 has been shown to bind to the phospholipid phosphatidic acid (PA). We provide evidence that the plasma membrane localized phospholipase D, involved in the biosynthesis of PA, is needed for entry of this defensin in N. crassa, but not in F. graminearum. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a defensin which inhibits the growth of two ascomycete fungi via different mechanisms.
Search for the missing lncs: gene regulatory networks in neural crest development and long non‐coding RNA biomarkers of Hirschsprung's disease
Authors: Rogers J. M.
Published: January 2016

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR), a birth defect characterized by variable aganglionosis of the gut, affects about 1 in 5000 births and is a consequence of abnormal development of neural crest cells, from which enteric ganglia derive. In the companion article in this issue (Shen et al., Neurogasterenterol Motil 28: 266–73), the authors search for long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) differentially expressed in bowel tissues of infants with HSCR. Microarray analysis of over 37 000 lncRNAs and 34 000 mRNAs was done. The key result was identification of a set of 5 lncRNAs that is a potential diagnostic biomarker of HSCR. In this minireview, I provide an overview of neural crest development and the gene regulatory networks involved in specification, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and migration of neural crest cells. Genes involved in later development, proliferation, and differentiation of neural crest cells as they migrate into the gut are also reviewed. Many of these genes are associated with HSCR, including RET, GDNF, GFRα, EDN3, and EDNRB. LncRNAs and their roles in development and disease and their use as biomarkers are discussed. The authors of the companion article previously used a multipronged approach to elucidate the etiology of HSCR by examining the effects of specific miRNAs or lncRNAs and target genes on cell migration, proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis in vitro. These studies are discussed in terms of their elegance and limitations. The companion article identifies many new lncRNAs that, in addition to providing potential biomarkers of HSCR, may be a treasure trove for future investigations.
Stronger effect of gastropods than rodents on seedling establishment, irrespective of exotic or native plant species origin
Authors: Korell Lotte , Stein Claudia , Hensen Isabell , Bruelheide Helge , Suding Katharine N. , Auge Harald
Published: January 2016

Experimental evidence about how generalist consumers affect exotic plant invasions is equivocal, but most tests have been limited to few plant species, single herbivore guilds, and single locations. Using a seed‐addition experiment, we studied effects of gastropods and rodents on recruitment success of 37 exotic and 37 native plant species affiliated to three different functional groups (i.e. grasses, legumes and non‐legume herbs). We replicated our seed addition x herbivore exclusion experiment at multiple grassland sites, located within a few km of each other in two regions, coastal central California (USA) and southern Saxony–Anhalt (Germany). The two study regions differed in climate, land‐use, invasion history and species pools which allowed us to disentangle general from context‐specific effects. In both regions, herbivory by gastropods had a stronger impact on the proportion of recruited seedlings and the proportion of recruited species than rodent herbivory, but this effect was much more pronounced in California than in Germany. Especially, seedling recruitment of non‐legume herbs and legumes suffered from gastropod herbivory. Contrastingly, the effect of rodents was negative at the German sites and positive at the Californian sites, likely driven by context‐specific differences in the rodent assemblages. Across both study regions, exotics had higher seedling recruitment than natives, indicating that higher recruitment success constitutes an inherent feature of exotic species. After two years, more exotic than native species established at grassland sites in California while the opposite was true for the German grassland sites. Consistently across regions, native and exotic species did, however, not differ in their response to herbivory, suggesting that generalist consumers suppress recruitment and colonization of plant species irrespective of their origin. Our results demonstrate the importance of a multi‐species, multi‐site approach to separate general responses of exotic and native plants to generalist herbivory from local, regional or species‐specific peculiarities.
Niche‐based host extinction increases prevalence of an environmentally acquired pathogen
Authors: García‐Peña Gabriel E. , Garchitorena Andrés , Carolan Kevin , Canard Elsa , Prieur‐Richard Anne‐Hélène , Suzán Gerardo , Mills James N. , Roche Benjamin , Guégan Jean‐François
Published: January 2016

Understanding the ecology of environmentally acquired and multi‐host pathogens affecting humans and wildlife has been elusive in part because fluctuations in the abundance of host and pathogen species may feed back onto pathogen transmission. Complexity of pathogen‐host dynamics emerges from processes driving local extinction of the pathogen, its hosts and non‐hosts. While the extinction of species may entail losses in pathogen–host interactions and decrease the proportion of hosts infected by a pathogen (prevalence), some studies suggest the opposite pattern. Niche‐based extinction, based on the species tolerance to environmental conditions, may increase prevalence of infection because the pathogen and its hosts persist, while other species go extinct. Hence, understanding prevalence of infection requires disentangling random‐ and niche‐based extinction processes occurring simultaneously. To contribute to this exercise, we analysed the prevalence of an environmentally acquired, multi‐host pathogen, Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU), in a unique dataset of 16 communities of freshwater animals, surveyed during 12 months in Akonolinga, Cameroon in equatorial Africa. Two different ecosystems were identified: rivers (lotic) and swamps and flooded areas (lentic). Increased prevalence of MU infection was correlated with niche‐based extinction of aquatic host invertebrates and vertebrates in the lentic ecosystems, whereas decreased prevalence was associated with random disassembly of the lotic ecosystems. This finding suggests that random and niche‐based extinction of host taxa are key to assessing the effect of local extinction of species on the ecology of environmentally acquired and multi‐host pathogens.
Predation can select for later and more synchronous arrival times in migrating species
Authors: Harts Anna M. F. , Kristensen Nadiah P. , Kokko Hanna
Published: January 2016

For migratory species, the timing of arrival at breeding grounds is an important determinant of fitness. Too early arrival at the breeding ground is associated with various costs, and we focus on one understudied cost: that migrants can experience a higher risk of predation if arriving earlier than the bulk of the breeding population. We show, using both a semi‐analytic and simulation model, that predation can select for later arrival. This is because of safety in numbers: predation risk becomes diluted if many other individuals, either con‐ or heterospecific, are already residing in the area. Predation risk dilution can also select for more synchronous arrival because deviating from the current population‐wide norm to earlier or later dates leads to higher predation risk or to failures in territory acquisition, respectively. The fact that selection for high arrival synchrony can in some cases be more important than selection for a specific date (early or late) within the season is an example of an ‘evolutionary priority effect’: whichever strategy – in this case a particular arrival time – becomes established in a population can remain stable over long periods of time; there are many possible equilibria (multiple stable states) which the population can remain at. Mixed arrival strategies are also possible under some circumstances.
Integration of small RNAs, degradome and transcriptome sequencing in hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii uncovers a complex regulatory network and provides insights into cadmium phytoremediation
Authors: Han Xiaojiao , Yin Hengfu , Song Xixi , Zhang Yunxing , Liu Mingying , Sang Jiang , jiang Jing , Li Jihong , Zhuo Renying
Published: January 2016

The hyperaccumulating ecotype of Sedum alfredii Hance is a cadmium (Cd)/zinc/lead co‐hyperaccumulating species of Crassulaceae. It is a promising phytoremediation candidate accumulating substantial heavy metal ions without obvious signs of poisoning. However, few studies have focused on the regulatory roles of miRNAs and their targets in the hyperaccumulating ecotype of S. alfredii. Here, we combined analyses of the transcriptomics, sRNAs and the degradome to generate a comprehensive resource focused on identifying key regulatory miRNA‐target circuits under Cd stress. A total of 87 721 unigenes and 356 miRNAs were identified by deep sequencing, and 79 miRNAs were differentially expressed under Cd stress. Furthermore, 754 target genes of 194 miRNAs were validated by degradome sequencing. A gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of differential miRNA targets revealed that auxin, redox‐related secondary metabolism and metal transport pathways responded to Cd stress. An integrated analysis uncovered 39 pairs of miRNA targets that displayed negatively correlated expression profiles. Ten miRNA‐target pairs also exhibited negative correlations according to a real‐time quantitative PCR analysis. Moreover, a coexpression regulatory network was constructed based on profiles of differentially expressed genes. Two hub genes, ARF4 (auxin response factor 4) and AAP3 (amino acid permease 3), which might play central roles in the regulation of Cd‐responsive genes, were uncovered. These results suggest that comprehensive analyses of the transcriptomics, sRNAs and the degradome provided a useful platform for investigating Cd hyperaccumulation in S. alfredii, and may provide new insights into the genetic engineering of phytoremediation.
Effects of Arrangement of UV Light‐Emitting Diodes on the Inactivation Efficiency of Microorganisms in Water
Authors: Oguma Kumiko , Kita Ryo , Takizawa Satoshi
Published: January 2016

Ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes (UV‐LEDs) offer high flexibility in the reactor design for water disinfection. To specify the key design factors affecting the performance of a reactor, we examined how the arrangement of UV‐LEDs in a cylindrical reactor affects the inactivation efficiency of Escherichia coli and coliphage Qβ. A ring‐shaped UV‐LED apparatus, composed of two units containing ten 285‐nm UV‐LEDs each, were attached to a quartz cylinder, and microbial suspensions flowed through the cylinder for single pass at altered flow rates. The distance between the two units, L, was altered to examine its effects on inactivation efficiencies. Over 4 log inactivation of E. coli was achieved at 800 mL min−1 regardless of the L values, suggesting that the apparatus has a high potential to disinfect water. The inactivation at L = 20 mm was significantly higher than that at L = 0 in all cases tested (ANOVA, P < 0.05), while this was not true when L was extended to 40 and 60 mm. Therefore, a separate arrangement of UV‐LEDs at a certain distance can improve the efficiency, and the distance matters to enhance the performance. This study involves a design concept on how to arrange UV‐LEDs in a water disinfection apparatus.
Carbon dioxide emission from bamboo culms
Authors: Zachariah E. J. , Sabulal B. , Nair D. N. K. , Johnson A. J. , Kumar C. S. P.
Published: January 2016

Bamboos are one of the fastest growing plants on Earth, and are widely considered to have high ability to capture and sequester atmospheric carbon, and consequently to mitigate climate change. We tested this hypothesis by measuring carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from bamboo culms and comparing them with their biomass sequestration potential. We analysed diurnal effluxes from Bambusa vulgaris culm surface and gas mixtures inside hollow sections of various bamboos using gas chromatography. Corresponding variations in gas pressure inside the bamboo section and culm surface temperature were measured. SEM micrographs of rhizome and bud portions of bamboo culms were also recorded. We found very high CO2 effluxes from culm surface, nodes and buds of bamboos. Positive gas pressure and very high concentrations of CO2 were observed inside hollow sections of bamboos. The CO2 effluxes observed from bamboos were very high compared to their carbon sequestration potential. Our measurements suggest that bamboos are net emitters of CO2 during their lifespan.
Engineering carpel‐specific cold stress tolerance: a case study in Arabidopsis
Authors: Artlip Timothy S. , Wisniewski Michael E. , Takatsuji Hiroshi , Bassett Carole L.
Published: January 2016

Climate change predictions forecast an increase in early spring frosts that could result in severe damage to perennial crops. For example, the Easter freeze of April 2007 left several states in the United States reporting a complete loss of that year's peach crop. The most susceptible organ to early frost damage in fruit trees is the carpel, particularly during bloom opening. In this study, we explored the use of a carpel‐specific promoter (ZPT2‐10) from petunia (Petunia hybrida var. Mitchell) to drive expression of the peach dehydrin PpDhn1. In peach, this gene is exceptionally responsive to low temperature but has not been observed to be expressed in carpels. This study examined carpel‐specific properties of a petunia promoter driving the expression of the GUS gene (uidA) in transgenic Arabidopsis flowers and developed a carpel‐specific ion leakage test to assess freezing tolerance. A homozygous Arabidopsis line (line 1‐20) carrying the petunia ZPT2‐10 promoter::PpDhn1 construct was obtained and freezing tolerance in the transgenic line was compared with an untransformed control. Overexpression of PpDhn1 in line 1‐20 provided as much as a 1.9°C increase in carpel freezing tolerance as measured by electrolyte leakage.
Beach erosion under rising sea‐level modulated by coastal geomorphology and sediment availability on carbonate reef‐fringed island coasts
Authors: Romine Bradley M. , Fletcher Charles H. , Frazer L. Neil , Anderson Tiffany R.
Published: January 2016

This study addresses gaps in understanding the relative roles of sea‐level change, coastal geomorphology and sediment availability in driving beach erosion at the scale of individual beaches. Patterns of historical shoreline change are examined for spatial relationships to geomorphology and for temporal relationships to late‐Holocene and modern sea‐level change. The study area shoreline on the north‐east coast of Oahu, Hawaii, is characterized by a series of kilometre‐long beaches with repeated headland‐embayed morphology fronted by a carbonate fringing reef. The beaches are the seaward edge of a carbonate sand‐rich coastal strand plain, a common morphological setting in tectonically stable tropical island coasts. Multiple lines of geological evidence indicate that the strand plain prograded atop a fringing reef platform during a period of late‐Holocene sea‐level fall. Analysis of historical shoreline changes indicates an overall trend of erosion (shoreline recession) along headland sections of beach and an overall trend of stable to accreting beaches along adjoining embayed sections. Eighty‐eight per cent of headland beaches eroded over the past century at an average rate of −0·12 ± 0·03 m yr−1. In contrast, 56% of embayed beaches accreted at an average rate of 0·04 ± 0·03 m yr−1. Given over a century of global (and local) sea‐level rise, the data indicate that embayed beaches are showing remarkable resiliency. The pattern of headland beach erosion and stable to accreting embayments suggests a shift from accretion to erosion particular to the headland beaches with the initiation of modern sea‐level rise. These results emphasize the need to account for localized variations in beach erosion related to geomorphology and alongshore sediment transport in attempting to forecast future shoreline change under increasing sea‐level rise.
Foot contact angle variability during a prolonged run with relation to injury history and habitual foot strike pattern
Authors: Paquette M. R. , Milner C. E. , Melcher D. A.
Published: January 2016

Foot strike pattern and movement variability have each been associated with running injuries. Foot contact angle (FCA) is a common measure of strike pattern. Thus, variability in FCA could be an important running injury risk factor. The purposes of this study were to compare (a) foot contact angle (FCA) and its variability between runners with and without injury history and, (b) FCA variability between habitual rearfoot strike (RFS) and non‐RFS runners during a prolonged run. Twenty‐three runners with and 21 without injury history participated. Motion capture was used to collect kinematic data during a 40 min treadmill run. Average FCA and its variability were compared between injury groups and among four time points. FCA and its variability were not different between runners with and without injury history or among time points during the run. FCA variability was lower in non‐RFS compared to RFS runners (P < 0.001). Lower FCA variability in non‐RFS runners may have implications for higher injury risks due to repeated localized tissue loading. Prospective analyses on the effects of lower FCA variability on injury risk are needed.
The crustal evolution of South America from a zircon Hf‐isotope perspective
Authors: Augustsson Carita , Willner Arne P. , Rüsing Tobias , Niemeyer Hans , Gerdes Axel , Adams Christopher J. , Miller Hubert
Published: January 2016

Hf‐isotope data of >1100 detrital zircon grains from the Palaeozoic, south‐central Andean Gondwana margin record the complete crustal evolution of South America, which was the predominant source. The oldest grains, with crustal residence ages of 3.8–4.0 Ga, are consistent with complete recycling of existing continental crust around 4 Ga. We confirm three major Archaean, Palaeoproterozoic (Transamazonian) and late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic crust‐addition phases as well as six igneous phases during Proterozoic to Palaeozoic time involving mixing of juvenile and crustally reworked material. A late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic, Grenville‐age igneous belt can be postulated along the palaeo‐margin of South America. This belt was the basement for later magmatic arcs and accreted allochthonous microcontinents as recorded by similar crustal residence ages. Crustal reworking likely dominated over juvenile addition during the Palaeozoic era, and Proterozoic and Archaean zircon was mainly crustally reworked from the eroding, thickened Ordovician Famatinian arc.
A common miRNA160‐based mechanism regulates ovary patterning, floral organ abscission and lamina outgrowth in tomato
Authors: Damodharan Subha , Zhao Dazhong , Arazi Tzahi
Published: January 2016

Plant microRNAs play vital roles in auxin signaling via the negative regulation of auxin response factors (ARFs). Studies have shown that targeting of ARF10/16/17 by miR160 is indispensable for various aspects of development, but its functions in the model crop tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) are unknown. Here we knocked down miR160 (sly–miR160) using a short tandem target mimic (STTM160), and investigated its roles in tomato development. Northern blot analysis showed that miR160 is abundant in developing ovaries. In line with this, its down‐regulation perturbed ovary patterning as indicated by the excessive elongation of the proximal ends of mutant ovaries and thinning of the placenta. Following fertilization, these morphological changes led to formation of elongated, pear‐shaped fruits reminiscent of those of the tomato ovate mutant. In addition, STTM160‐expressing plants displayed abnormal floral organ abscission, and produced leaves, sepals and petals with diminished blades, indicating a requirement for sly–miR160 for these auxin‐mediated processes. We found that sly–miR160 depletion was always associated with the up‐regulation of SlARF10A, SlARF10B and SlARF17, of which the expression of SlARF10A increased the most. Despite the sly–miR160 legitimate site of SlARF16A, its mRNA levels did not change in response to sly–miR160 down‐regulation, suggesting that it may be regulated by a mechanism other than mRNA cleavage. SlARF10A and SlARF17 were previously suggested to function as inhibiting ARFs. We propose that by adjusting the expression of a group of ARF repressors, of which SlARF10A is a primary target, sly–miR160 regulates auxin‐mediated ovary patterning as well as floral organ abscission and lateral organ lamina outgrowth.
Cytomegalovirus in Australian blood donors: seroepidemiology and seronegative red blood cell component inventories
Authors: Lancini Daniel V. , Faddy Helen M. , Ismay Sue , Chesneau Stuart , Hogan Chris , Flower Robert L.
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can lead to severe disease in high‐risk subpopulations. To prevent transfusion‐transmitted CMV in these patient groups, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service maintains inventories of CMV‐seronegative fresh blood components.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Donor demographic data and CMV seroscreening results for all blood donations and blood components issued in Australia between financial years (FYs) 2008/09 to 2012/13 inclusive were obtained. Population estimates were also extracted for the calculation of age‐weighted seroprevalence estimates. Linear regression was used to model trends in red blood cell (RBC) component acquisition and demand.

RESULTS

The estimated age‐weighted seroprevalence of CMV in 20‐ to 69‐year old Australians was 76.12 ± 0.13%, with higher seroprevalence in females and older age groups. Seroprevalence decreased over the study period, while the demand for CMV‐seronegative RBC components increased. It was predicted that component acquisition may be insufficient by FY 2017/18 if current trends persist.

CONCLUSION

These findings represent an evaluation of CMV seroepidemiology in Australia and form a basis to predict the future status of CMV‐seronegative RBC component inventories. The results will serve to guide Blood Service operations and inform current international debate on CMV‐safe blood components.
Differentiation between dogs with thrombosis and normal dogs using the overall hemostasis potential assay
Authors: Dengate Anna L. , Morel‐Kopp Marie‐Christine , Beatty Julia A. , Barrs Vanessa , Braddock Jody A. , Churcher Richard K. , Wilson Bethany J. , Ward Christopher M.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To determine whether the overall hemostasis potential (OHP) and calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) were significantly different between dogs with thrombosis and normal dogs.

Animals

Ten dogs with clinical evidence of thromboembolic disease had both OHP and CAT performed. Forty healthy control dogs had OHP performed, and 23 of these also had CAT performed.

Measurements and Main Results

Dogs with thrombosis had significantly higher OHP (P = 0.003), overall coagulation potential (P = 0.0001), and maximum optical density (Max OD, P < 0.0001) than normal dogs, and a significantly longer delay in the start of clot formation (P = 0.01). Max OD was higher than established reference intervals in 80% of the dogs with thrombosis. Using the CAT assay, dogs with thrombosis had a significantly longer lag time than normal dogs (P < 0.001). Plasma fibrinogen concentration correlated positively with overall coagulation potential, OHP, Max OD, and the slope of the OHP curve (P < 0.05), and was increased in 90% of dogs with thrombosis.

Conclusions

The OHP assay findings were significantly different between normal dogs and those with thrombosis. CAT did not detect any significant differences between these populations of dogs, other than the lag time of the assay.
Histologic and immunohistochemical predictors of clinical behavior for feline diffuse iris melanoma
Authors: Wiggans K. Tomo , Reilly Christopher M. , Kass Philip H. , Maggs David J.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To determine histologic and immunohistochemical predictors of metastasis of feline diffuse iris melanoma (FDIM).

Animals

Globes from 47 client‐owned cats enucleated for FDIM between January 1985 and December 2013.

Procedures

Hematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections were evaluated for neoplastic invasiveness and cell morphology, necrosis within the neoplasm, inflammation, and glaucoma. Sections were immunolabeled with antibodies against melan‐A, PNL2, E‐cadherin, or B‐Raf, and label intensity, percentage of labeled cells, and label homogeneity were semi‐quantitatively graded. Medical records were evaluated, and referring veterinarians and clients were contacted to determine whether cats developed metastasis following enucleation. The log‐rank test or Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine associations between histologic or immunohistochemical parameters and metastasis.

Results

Metastasis was suspected or confirmed in 9/47 (19%) cats. Extrascleral extension, necrosis within the neoplasm, a mitotic index of >7 mitoses in 10 high‐power (×400) fields, choroidal invasion, and increased E‐cadherin and melan‐A label intensity were each associated with increased rate of metastasis. PNL2 label homogeneity was associated with decreased rate of metastasis. Decreased PNL2 label intensity and an increasing percentage of neoplastic cells labeled for melan‐A each approached significance for increased rate of metastasis.

Conclusions

We report four histologic and three immunohistochemical parameters helpful in determining cats at risk of metastasis of FDIM. Further studies should determine if B‐Raf mutations identified in human malignant melanomas are found in cats with FDIM and assess benefits of adjunctive therapy following enucleation of eyes with FDIM bearing poor prognostic indicators.
Three‐dimensional printing of orbital and peri‐orbital masses in three dogs and its potential applications in veterinary ophthalmology
Authors: Dorbandt Daniel M. , Joslyn Stephen K. , Hamor Ralph E.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To describe the technique and utility of three‐dimensional (3D) printing for orbital and peri‐orbital masses and discuss other potential applications for 3D printing.

Animals studied

Three dogs with a chronic history of nonpainful exophthalmos.

Procedures

Computed tomography (CT) and subsequent 3D printing of the head was performed on each case. CT confirmed a confined mass, and an ultrasound‐guided biopsy was obtained in each circumstance. An orbitotomy was tentatively planned for each case, and a 3D print of each head with the associated globe and mass was created to assist in surgical planning.

Results

In case 1, the mass was located in the cranioventral aspect of the right orbit, and the histopathologic diagnosis was adenoma. In case 2, the mass was located within the lateral masseter muscle, ventral to the right orbit between the zygomatic arch and the ramus of the mandible. The histopathologic diagnosis in case 2 was consistent with a lipoma. In case 3, the mass was located in the ventral orbit, and the histopathologic diagnosis was histiocytic cellular infiltrate.

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional printing in cases with orbital and peri‐orbital masses has exceptional potential for improved surgical planning and provides another modality for visualization to help veterinarians, students, and owners understand distribution of disease. Additionally, as the techniques of 3D printing continue to evolve, the potential exists to revolutionize ocular surgery and drug delivery.
Environmental changes bridge evolutionary valleys
Authors: Steinberg Barrett , Ostermeier Marc
Published: January 2016

Epistatic interactions and changes in the selection environment facilitate the experimental evolution of β-lactamase.
A novel persulfide detection method reveals protein persulfide- and polysulfide-reducing functions of thioredoxin and glutathione systems
Authors: Dóka Éva , Pader Irina , Bíró Adrienn , Johansson Katarina , Cheng Qing , Ballagó Krisztina , Prigge Justin R. , Pastor-Flores Daniel , Dick Tobias P. , Schmidt Edward E. , Arnér Elias S. J. , Nagy Péter
Published: January 2016

Protein Persulfide Detection Protocol reveals vital roles for thioredoxin and glutathione systems in maintaining sulfane sulfur homeostasis in cells and in vivo.
An iron-iron hydrogenase mimic with appended electron reservoir for efficient proton reduction in aqueous media
Authors: Becker René , Amirjalayer Saeed , Li Ping , Woutersen Sander , Reek Joost N. H.
Published: January 2016

A synthetic catalyst mimics its natural enzyme with improved stability.
Molecular Structural Basis for the Cold Adaptedness of the Psychrophilic β-Glucosidase BglU in Micrococcus antarcticus
Authors: Miao Li-Li , Hou Yan-Jie , Fan Hong-Xia , Qu Jie , Qi Chao , Liu Ying , Li De-Feng , Liu Zhi-Pei
Published: January 2016

Psychrophilic enzymes play crucial roles in cold adaptation of microbes and provide useful models for studies of protein evolution, folding, and dynamic properties. We examined the crystal structure (2.2-Å resolution) of the psychrophilic β-glucosidase BglU, a member of the glycosyl hydrolase 1 (GH1) enzyme family found in the cold-adapted bacterium
Micrococcus antarcticus
. Structural comparison and sequence alignment between BglU and its mesophilic and thermophilic counterpart enzymes (BglB and GlyTn, respectively) revealed two notable features distinct to BglU: (i) a unique long-loop L3 (35 versus 7 amino acids in others) involved in substrate binding and (ii) a unique amino acid, His299 (Tyr in others), involved in the stabilization of an ordered water molecule chain. Shortening of loop L3 to 25 amino acids reduced low-temperature catalytic activity, substrate-binding ability, the optimal temperature, and the melting temperature (

T
m

). Mutation of His299 to Tyr increased the optimal temperature, the

T
m

, and the catalytic activity. Conversely, mutation of Tyr301 to His in BglB caused a reduction in catalytic activity, thermostability, and the optimal temperature (45 to 35°C). Loop L3 shortening and H299Y substitution jointly restored enzyme activity to the level of BglU, but at moderate temperatures. Our findings indicate that loop L3 controls the level of catalytic activity at low temperatures, residue His299 is responsible for thermolability (particularly heat lability of the active center), and long-loop L3 and His299 are jointly responsible for the psychrophilic properties. The described structural basis for the cold adaptedness of BglU will be helpful for structure-based engineering of new cold-adapted enzymes and for the production of mutants useful in a variety of industrial processes at different temperatures.
Improvement of Biological Indicators by Uniformly Distributing Bacillus subtilis Spores in Monolayers To Evaluate Enhanced Spore Decontamination Technologies
Authors: Raguse Marina , Fiebrandt Marcel , Stapelmann Katharina , Madela Kazimierz , Laue Michael , Lackmann Jan-Wilm , Thwaite Joanne E. , Setlow Peter , Awakowicz Peter , Moeller Ralf
Published: January 2016

Novel decontamination technologies, including cold low-pressure plasma and blue light (400 nm), are promising alternatives to conventional surface decontamination methods. However, the standardization of the assessment of such sterilization processes remains to be accomplished. Bacterial endospores of the genera
Bacillus
and
Geobacillus
are frequently used as biological indicators (BIs) of sterility. Ensuring standardized and reproducible BIs for reliable testing procedures is a significant problem in industrial settings. In this study, an electrically driven spray deposition device was developed, allowing fast, reproducible, and homogeneous preparation of
Bacillus subtilis
168 spore monolayers on glass surfaces. A detailed description of the structural design as well as the operating principle of the spraying device is given. The reproducible formation of spore monolayers of up to 5 × 10
7
spores per sample was verified by scanning electron microscopy. Surface inactivation studies revealed that monolayered spores were inactivated by UV-C (254 nm), low-pressure argon plasma (500 W, 10 Pa, 100 standard cubic cm per min), and blue light (400 nm) significantly faster than multilayered spores were. We have thus succeeded in the uniform preparation of reproducible, highly concentrated spore monolayers with the potential to generate BIs for a variety of nonpenetrating surface decontamination techniques.
Infectio: a Generic Framework for Computational Simulation of Virus Transmission between Cells
Authors: Yakimovich Artur , Yakimovich Yauhen , Schmid Michael , Mercer Jason , Sbalzarini Ivo F. , Greber Urs F.
Published: January 2016

Infectio presents a generalized platform to analyze virus infection spread between cells. It allows the simulation of plaque phenotypes from image-based assays. Viral plaques are the result of virus spreading from primary infected cells to neighboring cells. This is a complex process and involves neighborhood effects at cell-cell contact sites or fluid dynamics in the extracellular medium. Infectio differentiates between two major modes of virus transmission between cells, allowing
in silico
testing of hypotheses about spreading mechanisms of any virus which can be grown in cell cultures, based on experimentally measured parameters, such as infection intensity or cell killing. The results of these tests can be compared with experimental data and allow interpretations with regard to biophysical mechanisms. Infectio also facilitates characterizations of the mode of action of therapeutic agents, such as oncolytic viruses or other infectious or cytotoxic agents.
Acupuncture Has a Positive Effect on Asthmatic Rats in a Glucocorticoid-Independent Manner
Authors: Wang Wen-Qian , Xu Yu-Dong , Cui Long-Ping , Yin Lei-Miao , Wang Yu , Liu Yan-Yan , Yang Yong-Qing
Published: January 2016

Background

There is some evidence to support the use of acupuncture as an alternative therapy for asthma. However, the mechanisms underlying its effects are not fully understood. We have reported previously that acupuncture has beneficial effects on asthma without changing the concentration of serum cortisol, although endogenous glucocorticoid (GC) plays an important role in regulating immune responses.

Objective

In this study, bilateral adrenalectomy (removal of both adrenal glands) was performed in rats before asthma model induction to investigate whether acupuncture influences asthma in a GC-dependent manner.

Methods

Adrenal-intact and adrenalectomised rats were injected with ovalbumin to induce asthma and then left untreated or treated with manual acupuncture (MA) at GV14, bilateral BL12 and bilateral BL13, or manual restraint without MA. Healthy and sham-adrenalectomised control groups were also included. Pulmonary resistance (RL), serum concentrations of corticosterone, and eosinophil counts were measured at the end of the experimental course. Sera from adrenal-intact and adrenalectomised asthmatic rats treated with acupuncture were injected into untreated adrenal-intact and adrenalectomised asthmatic rats to investigate further the potential role of GC in the effect of acupuncture.

Results

Acupuncture significantly decreased RL and eosinophil count in both adrenal-intact and adrenalectomised asthmatic rats. Moreover, administration of sera derived from acupuncture-treated adrenal-intact and adrenalectomised asthmatic rats attenuated the increase in RL and eosinophil count in both asthmatic models.

Conclusions

Results of this study suggest that endogenous GC is not a key contributor to the effects of acupuncture on asthma, and that acupuncture may have potentially therapeutic effects on asthma in a GC-independent manner.
Moral distress within neonatal and paediatric intensive care units: a systematic review
Authors: Prentice Trisha , Janvier Annie , Gillam Lynn , Davis Peter G
Published: January 2016

Objective

To review the literature on moral distress experienced by nursing and medical professionals within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and paediatric intensive care units (PICUs).

Design

Pubmed, EBSCO (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL and Medline) and Scopus were searched using the terms neonat*, infant*, pediatric*, prematur* or preterm AND (moral distress OR moral responsibility OR moral dilemma OR conscience OR ethical confrontation) AND intensive care.

Results

13 studies on moral distress published between January 1985 and March 2015 met our inclusion criteria. Fewer than half of those studies (6) were multidisciplinary, with a predominance of nursing staff responses across all studies. The most common themes identified were overly ‘burdensome’ and disproportionate use of technology perceived not to be in a patient's best interest, and powerlessness to act. Concepts of moral distress are expressed differently within nursing and medical literature. In nursing literature, nurses are often portrayed as victims, with physicians seen as the perpetrators instigating ‘aggressive care’. Within medical literature moral distress is described in terms of dilemmas or ethical confrontations.

Conclusions

Moral distress affects the care of patients in the NICU and PICU. Empirical data on multidisciplinary populations remain sparse, with inconsistent definitions and predominantly small sample sizes limiting generalisability of studies. Longitudinal data reflecting the views of all stakeholders, including parents, are required.
Fat burn X: burning more than fat
Authors: Hannabass Kyle , Olsen Kevin Robert
Published: January 2016

A 50-year-old man presented with a 2-day history of bilateral lower extremity cramping and dark urine. The patient was found to have a creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevated of up to 2306 U/L, a serum uric acid of 9.7 mg/dL and 101 red blood cell's per high-powered field on urinalysis. On questioning, the patient endorsed daily exercise with free weights. There were no changes in his regular exercise and medication regimen, no muscle trauma, no recent drug use and no illness. The patient did mention using a new fat burner known as ‘Fat Burn X’, which he had begun taking 2 days prior to the onset of his muscle cramps. The patient was given normal saline intravenous fluid resuscitation for 48 h with resultant normalisation of his CPK and creatinine, and was discharged with primary care follow-up.
Diagnostic accuracy of shear wave elastography for prediction of breast malignancy in patients with pathological nipple discharge
Authors: Guo Xiaobo , Liu Ying , Li Wanhu
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Pathological nipple discharge (PND) may indicate malignant breast lesions. As the role of shear wave elastography (SWE) in predicting these malignant lesions has not yet been evaluated, we aim to evaluate the diagnostic value of SWE for this condition.

Design

Prospective diagnostic accuracy study comparing a combination of qualitative and quantitative measurements of SWE (index test) to a ductoscopy and microdochectomy for histological diagnosis (reference test).

Setting

Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing military command.

Participants

A total of 379 patients with PND were finally included from January, 2011 to March 2014, after we screened 1084 possible candidates. All participants were evaluated through SWE, with qualitative parameters generated by Virtual Touch tissue imaging (VTI) and quantitative parameters generated by Virtual Touch tissue quantification (VTQ). All the patients were consented to receive a ductoscopy and microdochectomy for histological diagnosis, and the results were set as a reference test.

Outcome measures

Sensitivity and specificity of the combined VTI and VTQ of the SWE for detection of malignancy in patients with PND.

Results

The 379 participants presented with 404 lesions. The results of pathological examination showed that 326 (80.7%) of the 404 lesions were benign and the other 78 (19.3%) were malignant. An area under the curve of elasticity score, VTQm and VTQc, were 0.872, 0.825 and 0.857, respectively, with the corresponding cut-off point as 2.50, 2.860 m/s and 3.015 m/s, respectively. After a combination of these measurements, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV), were 89.7%, 72.1%, 43.5% and 96.7%, respectively. The sensitivity analysis showed 82% of the sensitivity and 96.8% of the specificity, in which patients with no pathological findings in ductoscopy were excluded.

Conclusions

Ultrasonographic elastography is sensitive for patients with PND and could be used as a triage test before ductoscopy examination. Studies for further improvement of diagnostic sensitivity are warranted.