bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posterior teeth occlusion and dysphagia risk in older nursing home residents: a cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Okabe Y. , Takeuchi K. , Izumi M. , Furuta M. , Takeshita T. , Shibata Y. , Kageyama S. , Ganaha S. , Yamashita Y.
Published: December 2016

The total number of natural teeth was related to swallowing function among older adults; however, limited information is available regarding the impact of occluding pairs of teeth on swallowing function. This study aimed to examine the association between posterior teeth occlusion and dysphagia risk in older nursing home residents. This cross‐sectional study included 238 residents aged ≥60 years from eight nursing homes in Aso City, Japan. Swallowing function was evaluated using the modified water swallowing test (MWST); the primary outcome was dysphagia risk (MWST score ≤3). Posterior teeth occlusion was assessed using number of functional tooth units (FTUs), determined based on number and location of the remaining natural and artificial teeth on implant‐supported, fixed or removable prostheses. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between posterior teeth occlusion and dysphagia risk, adjusted for the covariates of number of natural teeth, demographic characteristics, comorbidities, physical function, body mass index and cognitive function. Of the 238 subjects, 44 (18·5%) were determined to be at risk of dysphagia based on the MWST scores. The odds ratio (OR) of dysphagia risk decreased in subjects with higher total FTUs [OR = 0·92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·87–0·98]. After adjusting for covariates, this association remained significant (OR = 0·90, 95% CI 0·84–0·97). Loss of posterior teeth occlusion was independently associated with dysphagia risk in older nursing home residents. Maintaining and restoring posterior teeth occlusion may be an effective measure to prevent dysphagia.
Consumption adaptation, anticipation‐bias, and optimal income taxation
Authors: Aronsson Thomas , Schöb Ronnie
Published: December 2016

Adaptation is omnipresent but people systematically fail to correctly anticipate the degree to which they adapt, leading them to make irrational intertemporal decisions. This paper concerns optimal income taxation to correct for such anticipation‐biases in a framework where consumers adapt to earlier consumption levels. The analysis is based on a general equilibrium OLG model with endogenous labor supply and savings where each consumer lives for three periods. The results show how a paternalistic government may correct for the effects of anticipation‐bias through a combination of time‐variant marginal labor income taxes and savings subsidies/taxes. The optimal policy mix remains the same, irrespective of whether consumers commit to their original life time plan for work hours and consumption or reoptimize later on when realizing that they have already adapted more than expected.
The Fast Prefix Coding Algorithm (FPCA) for 3D Pavement Surface Data Compression
Authors: Zhang Allen , Wang Kelvin C. P.
Published: December 2016

The enormous data inflow during three‐dimensional (3D) pavement surface data collection requires an efficient compression system for 3D data. However, with respect to the phase of lossless encoding, the commonly used Huffman Coding is inefficient in terms of speed and memory usage for encoding 3D pavement surfaces. The Fast Prefix Coding Algorithm (FPCA) is proposed in the article as an effective substitute of Huffman Coding at the stage of lossless encoding. It is demonstrated in the article that the FPCA is much faster and more memory efficient than Huffman Coding, while outperforming Shannon–Fano Coding in terms of both redundancy and time efficiency. The FPCA‐based coding approach is a modification of the baseline JPEG algorithm to support 3D pavement data whose dynamic range is more than 12 bits. The presented modifications include algorithms for Quantization, Run‐Length Encoding and Entropy Coding without limiting data depth in terms of dynamic range. Compared with the baseline JPEG approach, the proposed coding system is able to restrict the data loss more successfully and can achieve a significantly higher level of time efficiency and compression ratio (over than 30:1 for most of the evaluated 3D images). With parallel computing techniques, encoding full‐lane width pavement in 3D and at 1 mm resolution with an up‐to‐date desktop computer can be conducted at 150 MPH or even higher speed.
Hyposalivation and xerostomia among Parkinson's disease patients and its impact on quality of life
Authors: Barbe AG , Heinzler A , Derman SHM , Hellmich M , Timmermann L , Noack MJ
Published: December 2016

Objective

Parkinson's disease (PD) adversely affects oral health (OH). However, the informative value of xerostomia compared to objective parameters and its impact on quality of life (QoL) are still unclear. This study aimed to explore whether xerostomia correlates with hyposalivation and to define its impact on OH‐related QoL.

Materials and Methods

Whole stimulated saliva (WSS) was collected from 30 patients with PD and 30 matched healthy controls. Objective parameters (community periodontal index of treatment needs, plaque/gingivitis index, mucosa situation and cheilitis angularis) and questionnaires (German Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIPG]‐14, visual analogue scale [VAS], xerostomia [yes/no] and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale‐II) were assessed.

Results

Eighty‐seven per cent of patients with PD showed hyposalivation vs 50% of controls (P = 0.001); 50% of patients with PD reported xerostomia, and none of controls (P < 0.001). The OHIPG‐14 was impaired in patients with PD compared to controls (P < 0.001), PD patients with xerostomia reported mean VAS values of 4.1 (s.d.: 2.2). WSS did not correlate with VAS values.

Conclusions

Half of the patients with PD reported xerostomia and underestimated their xerostomic status, with higher probability than healthy controls. WSS did not reflect the grade of xerostomia. Patients with PD suffered from impaired OH‐related QoL. Dental teams should not overlook these oral health risks.
Streptococcus mutans SpaP binds to RadD of Fusobacterium nucleatum ssp. polymorphum
Authors: Guo Lihong , Shokeen Bhumika , He Xuesong , Shi Wenyuan , Lux Renate
Published: December 2016

Adhesin‐mediated bacterial interspecies interactions are important elements in oral biofilm formation. They often occur on a species‐specific level, which could determine health or disease association of a biofilm community. Among the key players involved in these processes are the ubiquitous fusobacteria that have been recognized for their ability to interact with numerous different binding partners. Fusobacterial interactions with Streptococcus mutans, an important oral cariogenic pathogen, have previously been described but most studies focused on binding to non‐mutans streptococci and specific cognate adhesin pairs remain to be identified. Here, we demonstrated differential binding of oral fusobacteria to S. mutans. Screening of existing mutant derivatives indicated SpaP as the major S. mutans adhesin specific for binding to Fusobacterium nucleatum ssp. polymorphum but none of the other oral fusobacteria tested. We inactivated RadD, a known adhesin of F. nucleatum ssp. nucleatum for interaction with a number of gram‐positive species, in F. nucleatum ssp. polymorphum and used a Lactococcus lactis heterologous SpaP expression system to demonstrate SpaP interaction with RadD of F. nucleatum ssp. polymorphum. This is a novel function for SpaP, which has mainly been characterized as an adhesin for binding to host proteins including salivary glycoproteins. In conclusion, we describe an additional role for SpaP as adhesin in interspecies adherence with RadD‐SpaP as the interacting adhesin pair for binding between S. mutans and F. nucleatum ssp. polymorphum. Furthermore, S. mutans attachment to oral fusobacteria appears to involve species‐ and subspecies‐dependent adhesin interactions.
Social framework of pediatric heart recipients who have survived more than 15 post‐transplant years: A single‐center experience
Authors: Copeland Hannah , Razzouk Anees , Beckham Allison , Chinnock Richard , Hasaniya Nahidh , Bailey Leonard
Published: December 2016

To evaluate social development of pediatric heart transplant (tx) recipients who have lived 15 or more years after transplantation. Among 498 pediatric patients, age less than 18 years, who underwent heart transplantation, at a single institution, 337 were performed between 1985 and 1998. We identified all who survived more than 15 years and engaged them in a survey regarding employment, education, marital, and social status. One hundred and eighty‐three recipients (54.3%; 183/337) have survived greater than 15 years; of these, 150 (81.9%) subjects are alive with age ranging from 15.04 from 28 years (median, 23.6 years). Forty‐two patients (23%) are independent, 127 (69%) were living at home, and 14 (8%) have been lost to follow‐up. Ninety‐nine survivors (66%) responded to the survey study. Currently, five recipients are married. Seventy‐four completed high school, 21 are enrolled in high school, and four did not complete high school. Of the 47 recipients who started college, 27 are currently enrolled, 11 graduated, and nine did not finish college. Ninety‐four patients have health insurance, 40 are employed, and 31 receive financial assistance for a disability. The majority of recipients of pediatric heart transplantation are able to reach reasonable academic milestones, achieve social well‐being, and professional independence.
Vegetation structure, species life span, and exotic status elucidate plant succession in a limestone quarry reclamation
Authors: Boscutti Francesco , Vianello Angelo , Bozzato Fabio , Casolo Valentino
Published: December 2016

An understanding of the processes involved in plant succession is pivotal in achieving an effective site restoration. In a former limestone quarry (northeastern Italy), we explored the effects of a technical reclamation on the plant community using changes in cover of vegetation layers and two sensitive plant traits (i.e. exotic status and life span), with a chronosequence approach. Four reclaimed areas of different ages (from 8 to 35 years old) and natural vegetation in the surroundings were investigated with seven permanent plots each, for a total of 35. Changes in vegetation layers and species richness of both exotic status and life span were analyzed by generalized linear (mixed) models. Relations with plant community assembly were also considered, using a multivariate approach. Both vegetation layers and plant traits were affected by the age of reclaimed areas, evidencing the main changes in plant succession. Annual and exotic species decreased toward the mature stages of reclamation and target vegetation, whereas overall plant diversity (species richness) was stable. Our findings show that both vegetation layer changes and plant traits can be used to assess the degree to which reclamation efforts produce results that approach the restoration of a natural vegetation reference. Implementation of management practices aimed at favoring native perennial species (e.g. appropriate seed mixtures, mowing, tree, and shrub planting) could limit weed‐control efforts, representing a reasonable trade‐off between biodiversity promotion and invasive plant control.
Land Use in the 21st Century: Contributing to the Global Public Good
Authors: Hertel Thomas W.
Published: December 2016

This paper focuses on the evolution of global public goods related to the world's land resources over the course of the 21st century, their potential impacts on the world's poorest households, as well as prospects for policy interventions aimed at enhancing these outcomes. It begins with global scale projections to 2100 of land use and associated goods and services, including food, fuel, timber, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration and biodiversity. This is followed by in‐depth discussion of each of these services and the challenges of providing these public goods in sufficient quantities to advance societal welfare—especially that of the world's poorest households. The paper concludes with a discussion of policies aimed at promoting the provision of land‐based public goods and how they could be altered to be more pro‐poor. Within this context, the paper argues that access to geospatial analysis tools and information on climate, land use and tenure, poverty and environmental indicators will become increasingly valuable to both public and private decision makers.
Contesting ‘Traditional’ Masculinity and Men's Sexuality in Kwadukuza, South Africa
Authors: Ratele Kopano
Published: December 2016

In this paper I examine the question of how masculinities and men's sexualties challenge, seek to become, and are resisted from becoming, part of tradition, as well as how such a confrontation is contigent on space. I employ the case of a famous ‘traditional’ gay wedding that took place in the relatively small township of KwaDukuza in KwaZulu, South Africa, and mediated responses to the wedding, to consider how we might better understand this question. In pointing out men's genders and sexualities and their traditions as discursive practices connected to specific places and temporalities I hope to raise the possibility of finding spaces for transforming gender relations and liberating masculinities.
Affective Inequality and Heteronormative Discomfort
Authors: Rodó‐De‐Zárate Maria
Published: December 2016

Focusing on empirical research carried out with young lesbians in two small cities, Manresa (Catalonia) and Ponta Grossa (Brazil), I explore their feelings of comfort and discomfort in public space from an intersectional perspective that takes into account their different positions. Besides the differences regarding the contexts, they permanently negotiate whether they show affection in public space or not, engaging with different practices to avoid discrimination such as ‘passing’ as heterosexuals. I argue that the deprivation of engaging in affective relations in public space is an instance of affective inequality, and that the relation between the private and the public space in small cities is a fundamental factor in the constitution of this inequality. By providing a distinction between systematic and circumstantial discomforts, I show how an emotional and geographical approach can provide new insights on how we address inequalities.
Activation of the dimers and tetramers of metal amidinate atomic layer deposition precursors upon adsorption on silicon oxide surfaces
Authors: Chen Bo , Duan Yichen , Yao Yunxi , Ma Qiang , Coyle Jason P. , Barry Seán T. , Teplyakov Andrew V. , Zaera Francisco
Published: December 2016

The gas-phase structure of three copper amidinate compounds, copper(I)-N,N′-di-sec-butyl-acetamidinate (1), copper(I)-N-sec-butyl-2-iminopyrrolidinate (2), and copper(I)-N-tert-butyl-5,5-dimethyl-2-iminopyrrolidinate (3), and their initial adsorption on silicon oxide surfaces, were characterized by a combination of experimental measurements and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. These compounds have previously been shown to crystallize in dimeric or tetrameric form, and liquid-injection field desorption ionization mass spectrometry data proved that such structures are retained upon vaporization into the gas phase (dimers for the first and third compounds, a tetramer for the second). Results from DFT calculations of the relative energies of formation of the monomers, dimers, and tetramers confirmed the experimental results. Adsorption on the surface of silicon oxide films was determined, based on additional DFT calculations, to lead to the binding of the copper amidinates preferentially as dimers; although the monomers form stronger bonds to the silicon surface because they bind directly through their copper atom, this cannot fully compensate for the large energy required to break the dimers apart. N 1s x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data were used to corroborate both the presence of the dimers on the surface with the second (2) precursor and the threshold for their surface decomposition around room temperature. The behavior of the third compound is somewhat more complex, with some decomposition possibly happening immediately upon adsorption at 100 K.
Engineering extrinsic disorder to control protein activity in living cells
Authors: Dagliyan Onur , Tarnawski Miroslaw , Chu Pei-Hsuan , Shirvanyants David , Schlichting Ilme , Dokholyan Nikolay V. , Hahn Klaus M.
Published: December 2016

Engineering control of cellular proteins

The ability to switch proteins between active and inactive conformations can give insight into their function. Dagliyan
et al.
present a method to insert domains that control protein activity. They computationally identified protein loops that are coupled to the active site. Sensory domains inserted into these loops could modulate protein activity when their conformation was changed by light or ligand binding. The authors engineered domains into three different classes of proteins involved in cell signaling and found that switching the proteins between active and inactive states could control the shape and movement of living cells.

Science
, this issue p.
1441
Biaxially strained PtPb/Pt core/shell nanoplate boosts oxygen reduction catalysis
Authors: Bu Lingzheng , Zhang Nan , Guo Shaojun , Zhang Xu , Li Jing , Yao Jianlin , Wu Tao , Lu Gang , Ma Jing-Yuan , Su Dong , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: December 2016

An activity lift for platinum

Platinum is an excellent but expensive catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is critical for fuel cells. Alloying platinum with other metals can create shells of platinum on cores of less expensive metals, which increases its surface exposure, and compressive strain in the layer can also boost its activity (see the Perspective by Stephens
et al.
). Bu
et al.
produced nanoplates—platinum-lead cores covered with platinum shells—that were in tensile strain. These nanoplates had high and stable ORR activity, which theory suggests arises from the strain optimizing the platinum-oxygen bond strength. Li
et al.
optimized both the amount of surface-exposed platinum and the specific activity. They made nanowires with a nickel oxide core and a platinum shell, annealed them to the metal alloy, and then leached out the nickel to form a rough surface. The mass activity was about double the best reported values from previous studies.

Science
, this issue p.
1410
, p.
1414
; see also p.
1378
Enantioselective photochemistry through Lewis acid–catalyzed triplet energy transfer
Authors: Blum Travis R. , Miller Zachary D. , Bates Desiree M. , Guzei Ilia A. , Yoon Tehshik P.
Published: December 2016

Relatively few catalytic systems are able to control the stereochemistry of electronically excited organic intermediates. Here we report the discovery that a chiral Lewis acid complex can catalyze triplet energy transfer from an electronically excited photosensitizer. We applied this strategy to asymmetric [2 + 2] photocycloadditions of 2′-hydroxychalcones, using tris(bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) as a sensitizer. A variety of electrochemical, computational, and spectroscopic data rule out substrate activation by means of photoinduced electron transfer and instead support a mechanism in which Lewis acid coordination dramatically lowers the triplet energy of the chalcone substrate. We expect that this approach will enable chemists to more broadly apply their detailed understanding of chiral Lewis acid catalysis to stereocontrol in reactions involving electronically excited states.
Architecture of the yeast small subunit processome
Authors: Chaker-Margot Malik , Barandun Jonas , Hunziker Mirjam , Klinge Sebastian
Published: December 2016

A machine for building ribosomes

The ribosome is a very large protein and RNA complex responsible for the difficult process of synthesizing proteins. Construction of the ribosome itself involves several molecular machines and an army of helper proteins and RNAs. Chaker-Margot
et al.
determined the structure of one of those machines, the yeast small subunit processome. The structure reveals how the processome helps in the maturation of individual domains of the ribosome and suggests that the mechanism involves a molecular motor to drive conformational changes.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aal1880
Bidirectional intragraft alloreactivity drives the repopulation of human intestinal allografts and correlates with clinical outcome
Authors: Zuber Julien , Shonts Brittany , Lau Sai-Ping , Obradovic Aleksandar , Fu Jianing , Yang Suxiao , Lambert Marion , Coley Shana , Weiner Joshua , Thome Joseph , DeWolf Susan , Farber Donna L. , Shen Yufeng , Caillat-Zucman Sophie , Bhagat Govind , Griesemer Adam , Martinez Mercedes , Kato Tomoaki , Sykes Megan
Published: December 2016

Clinical transplant outcomes reflect the balance between host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host reactivities.
Partial exhaustion of CD8 T cells and clinical response to teplizumab in new-onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: Long S. Alice , Thorpe Jerill , DeBerg Hannah A. , Gersuk Vivian , Eddy James A. , Harris Kristina M. , Ehlers Mario , Herold Kevan C. , Nepom Gerald T. , Linsley Peter S.
Published: December 2016

Features of T cell exhaustion in CD8 T cells are associated with beneficial response to anti-CD3 therapy in T1D.
Rapid profiling of RSV antibody repertoires from the memory B cells of naturally infected adult donors
Authors: Gilman Morgan S. A. , Castellanos Carlos A. , Chen Man , Ngwuta Joan O. , Goodwin Eileen , Moin Syed M. , Mas Vicente , Melero José A. , Wright Peter F. , Graham Barney S. , McLellan Jason S. , Walker Laura M.
Published: December 2016

Anti–RSV F antibody repertoire profiling reveals new opportunities for vaccine design and passive therapy.
Glutathione in Escherichia coli is dispensable for resistance to H2O2 and gamma radiation
Authors: Greenberg J T , Demple B
Published: December 2016

Escherichia coli devoid of glutathione (because of transposon insertions in the gshA gene) has normal resistance to H2O2, cumene hydroperoxide, heat, or ionizing radiation. Intracellular glutathione thus does not protect E. coli from such lethal oxidative damage. The use of gshA::Tn10 mutants also revealed a glutathione-independent, H2O2-inducible resistance to N-ethylmaleimide.
Starvation proteins in Escherichia coli: kinetics of synthesis and role in starvation survival
Authors: Groat R G , Schultz J E , Zychlinsky E , Bockman A , Matin A
Published: December 2016

Starvation proteins synthesized by Escherichia coli at the onset of carbon starvation (R. G. Groat and A. Matin, J. Indust. Microbiol. 1:69-73, 1986) exhibited four temporal classes of synthesis in response to glucose or succinate starvation, indicating sequential expression of carbon starvation response (cst) genes. A cst mutant of E. coli showed greatly impaired carbon starvation survival. Thus, it appears that E. coli undergoes a significant molecular realignment in response to starvation, which increases its resistance to this stress. New polypeptides were also synthesized by E. coli in response to phosphate or nitrogen starvation. Some of these polypeptides were unique to a given starvation regimen, but at least 13 appeared to be synthesized regardless of the nutrient deprivation causing the starvation.
Autoradiographic studies of chromosome replication during the cell cycle of Streptococcus faecium
Authors: Higgins M L , Koch A L , Dicker D T , Daneo-Moore L
Published: December 2016

Analysis of the distribution of autoradiographic grains around cells of Streptococcus faecium which had been either continuously or pulse-labeled with tritiated thymidine (mass doubling time, 90 min) showed a non-Poisson distribution even when the distribution of cell sizes in the populations studied was taken into account. These non-Poisson distributions of grains were assumed to reflect the discontinuous nature of chromosome replication. To study this discontinuous process further, we fitted an equation to the grain distribution observed for the pulse-labeled cells that assumed that in any population of cells there were subpopulations in which there were zero, one, or two replicating chromosomes. This analysis predicted an average time for chromosome replication and for the period between completion of rounds of chromosome replication and division of 55 and 43 min, respectively, which were in excellent agreement with estimates made by other techniques. The present investigation extended past studies in indicating that the initiation and completion of rounds of chromosome replication are poorly phased with increases in cell volume and that the amount of chromosome replication may be different in different cell halves.
Purification of the phoU protein, a negative regulator of the pho regulon of Escherichia coli K-12
Authors: Surin B P , Dixon N E , Rosenberg H
Published: December 2016

Thermally induced transcription of the phoU gene under control of the major leftward promoter, pL, of phage lambda resulted in production of the PhoU protein to compose approximately 5% of the total cell protein. The PhoU protein was present in the cytoplasm in the form of an aggregate. The amino acid composition and N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified protein confirmed the reading frame established earlier for the phoU gene.
Amplified expression of the tag+ and alkA+ genes in Escherichia coli: identification of gene products and effects on alkylation resistance
Authors: Kaasen I , Evensen G , Seeberg E
Published: December 2016

We have constructed plasmids which overproduce the tag and alkA gene products of Escherichia coli, i.e., 3-methyladenine DNA glycosylases I and II. The tag and alkA gene products were identified radiochemically in maxi- or minicells as polypeptides of 21 and 30 kilodaltons, respectively, which are consistent with the gel filtration molecular weights of the enzyme activities, thus confirming the identity of the cloned genes. High expression of the tag+-coded glycosylase almost completely suppressed the alkylation sensitivity of alkA mutants, indicating that high levels of 3-methyladenine DNA glycosylase I will eliminate the need for 3-methyladenine DNA glycosylase II in repair of alkylated DNA. Furthermore, overproduction of the alkA+-coded glycosylase greatly sensitizes wild-type cells to alkylation, suggesting that only a limited expression of this enzyme will allow efficient DNA repair.
Molecular proof that bacteriophage T4 alc and unf genes are the same gene
Authors: Snyder L , Jorissen L
Published: December 2016

The DNA of bacteriophage T4 normally has a substituted base, hydroxymethylcytosine, instead of the usual cytosine. The bacteriophage shuts off host transcription after infection presumably by specifically blocking transcription of cytosine DNA. If T4 incorporates cytosine into its own DNA, this shutoff mechanism is directed back at itself and blocks its own transcription. Mutations which overcome this transcriptional block are in the T4 alc gene, and alc mutations allow the propagation of T4 with cytosine in their DNA (L. Snyder, L. Gold, and E. Kutter, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 73:3098-3102, 1976). By genetic criteria, alc is the same as another gene, unf, whose product is required for the unfolding of the bacterial nucleoid after infection (K. Sirotkin, J. Wei, and L. Snyder, Nature [London] 265:28-32, 1977; D. P. Snustad, M. A. Tigges, K. A. Parson, C. J. H. Bursch, F. M. Caron, J. F. Koerner, and D. J. Tutas, J. Virol. 17:622-641, 1976; M. Tigges, C. J. H. Bursch, and D. P. Snustad, J. Virol. 24:775-785, 1977). The product of the alc gene has been identified as a 19-kilodalton protein (R. E. Herman, N. Haas, and D. P. Snustad, Genetics 108:305-317, 1984; E. Kutter, R. Drivdahl, and K. Rand, Genetics 108:291-304, 1984), and an open reading frame has been proposed to be the alc gene based on its size and map position (E. Kutter, R. Drivdahl, and K. Rand, Genetics 108:291-304, 1984). We used marker rescue techniques and DNA sequencing to confirm that this open reading frame is the alc gene. We also present a molecular proof that alc and unf are the same gene. While these results do not rigorously exclude the possibility that Unf and Alc are different activities of the same protein, they strongly support the conclusion that the unfolding of the bacterial nucleoid the blockage of transcription are but different manifestations of the same activity.
Rare case of glioblastoma multiforme located in posterior corpus callosum presenting with depressive symptoms and visual memory deficits
Authors: Yapıcı-Eser Hale , Onay Aslıhan , Öztop-Çakmak Özgür , Egemen Emrah , Vanlı-Yavuz Ebru Nur , Solaroğlu İhsan
Published: December 2016

Most of the primary brain tumours are located in the supratentorial region, and it is uncommon to see tumour growth on deep brain structures such as posterior corpus callosum (PCC). In addition, lesions in PCC are also difficult to recognise, because construction apraxia, visuospatial perception and attentional capacity impairment may be the only presenting symptoms. Here, we represent a rare case of gliobastoma multiforme located in PCC, which solely presents with depressive symptoms and visual memory deficits. Initial manifestations of primary brain tumours with psychiatric symptoms and memory disturbances, in addition to headaches and seizures, should be kept in mind.
Unexplained lymphadenopathies: autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome in an adult patient
Authors: Leal-Seabra Fatima , Costa Gonçalo Sarmento , Coelho Henrique Pereira , Oliveira Agripino
Published: December 2016

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is characterised by massive enlargement of the lymphoid organs, autoimmune cytopenias and a predisposition to develop lymphoid malignancies. The basic defect is a disturbance of the lymphocyte apoptosis, and a high number of circulating TCRab CD3+CD4−CD8−T-cells (double-negative T cells (DNT cells)). We describe a case of a 41-year-old man with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, multiple lymphadenopathy, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and severe thrombocytopenia. Peripheral blood immunophenotyping revealed elevation of the characteristic DNT cells in 8% and high levels of interleukin 10. Histopathological analysis of lymph nodes showed lymphadenitis with paracortical hyperplasia. It was assumed as a probable diagnosis of ALPS, and the procedure was to medicate the patient with steroids. As a result, a significant clinical improvement was achieved, and he has been in remission for 2 years. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in a Portuguese adult patient.
Boari flap reconstruction in a male infant with solitary kidney and associated megaureter
Authors: Saini Durgesh Kumar , Sinha Rahul Janak , Sokhal Ashok Kumar , Singh Vishwajeet
Published: December 2016

A 1-year-old male infant presented with fever and abdominal lump for 3 months with increased leucocyte count (15 300/mm3) and serum creatinine (0.83 mg%). Abdominal ultrasound and renal scan demonstrated solitary left kidney with dilated tortuous left ureter. Voiding cystourethrogram was unequivocal. Left percutaneous nephrostomy was placed after poor response to perurethral catheterisation. His serum creatinine dropped to 0.58 mg/dL. Subsequent percutaneous nephrostogram and CT nephrostogram showed dilated left pelvicalyceal system, dilated, tortuous left ureter. A diagnosis of obstructed megaureter was made and ureteric plication and reimplantation planned. Intraoperatively, there were primitive ureteral valves until proximal one-third of the ureter. The distance between the upper ureter and bladder was ∼6 cm. This defect was bridged by Boari flap. The postoperative period was uneventful and now after 6 months of follow-up, he is doing fine.
Concomitant multiple myeloma, gastric adenocarcinoma and Evan's syndrome in a patient presenting with anaemia
Authors: Al-Ammari Maged , Adam Soheir
Published: December 2016

An association between multiple myeloma (MM) and solid tumours has been previously described.1Furthermore, autoimmune disorders can precede plasma cell dyscrasias, and the pathogenesis of MM maybe linked to chronic immune stimulation.2We describe a case of concomitant MM and gastric adenocarcinoma preceded by Evan's syndrome. A previously healthy woman presented to the emergency room with symptomatic anaemia. Her initial workup was compatible with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. On progression of the anaemia and development of thrombocytopenia, she was diagnosed with Evan's syndrome. Two months later, she presented with severe back pain and her MRI revealed L4–5 vertebral collapse. The clinical picture was compatible with MM. Occult blood was repeatedly positive in stools, and she underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and was found to have gastric adenocarcinoma. The patient refused surgical resection of the adenocarcinoma and refused active treatment for MM.
Outcome of femoral fractures care as a measure of trauma care between level I and level II trauma systems in Israel
Authors: Khoury A , Weil Y , Liebergall M , Mosheiff R
Published: December 2016

Background

Our hypothesis in this study was that the outcome of patients with femur fractures would be favorable in a level I trauma center (LITC).

Methods

A prospective multicenter cohort study. 5 LITC and 6 regional (level II) trauma centers (RTCs) were enrolled to participate in the study. A total of 238 patients suffering from a femoral fracture were recruited to the study. 125 patients were treated in LITCs and 113 in RTCs. Data were extracted from the emergency medical services ambulances, emergency department records, patient hospitalization and discharge records, operating room records, and the national trauma registry (for LITCs). A study questionnaire was administered to all participating patients at discharge, 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. The following parameters were studied: mechanism of injury, time from injury to the hospital, Injury Severity Score, classification of femoral fracture, additional injuries, medical history, time to surgery, implant type, skill level of the surgical team, type of anesthesia, length of stay and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, postoperative and intraoperative complications and mortality.

Results

There was a significant difference in the modality of patient transfer between the 2 study groups—with the LITC receiving more patients transported by helicopters or medical intensive care. Time to surgery from admission was shorter in the LITC. Length of stay, ICU stay, and mortality were similar. In the LITCs, 47% of the procedures were performed by residents without the supervision of an attending surgeon, and in the RTCs 79% of the procedures were performed with an senior orthopaedic surgeon. Intraoperative and immediate complication rates were similar among the 2 groups.

Conclusions

A femoral shaft fracture can be successfully treated in an LITC and RTC in the state of Israel. Both research and policy implementation works are required. Also, a more detailed outcome analysis and triage criteria for emergency are desired.

Level of evidence

II.
Superconducting phases in a generalized Hubbard chain with additional off-diagonal hopping processes
Authors: Ding Hanqin , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2016

Applying the bosonization and renormalization group techniques, we study a generalized Hubbard chain incorporating extra off-diagonal hopping processes in the weak regime, and determine rich ground-state phase diagrams. At half filling, in addition to the insulating phases (HI, MI and DI), there exist the superconducting phases (LE and LL). The off-diagonal hopping accounts for the occurrence of insulator–superconductor transition. Away from half filling, the transition from the LL to LE phase takes place, and the insulating phases disappear. The result provides an insignificant insight into unconventional scenarios for Cooper pairing and insulator-superconductor transition.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENTS OF FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS: AN UPDATE
Authors: Chang Chia-Yu , Kuo Shanny Hsuan , Peng Yun-Wen , Lin Chia-Hung , Lee Yuen-Kwan , Chen Yu-Chun , Chang Hui-Wen
Published: December 2016

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an important disease frequently seen in veterinary practice affecting cats worldwide. The objectives of this review were to provide the updated progress of FIP diagnostics and therapeutics. The diagnosis of FIP is based on age, origin, clinical signs and physical examination of the patient. However, a definitive diagnosis of FIP ante-mortem remains challenging. This review will cover several diagnostic tests with emphasis on PCR-based diagnoses for the disease. Furthermore, there is still no effective treatment for FIP although several approaches have been used to treat cats with FIP. This review will also discuss the effectiveness of antiviral drugs, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive drugs, and immunostimulant drugs for FIP treatments.
Reservoir quality prediction of deep-water Oligocene sandstones from the west Niger Delta by integrated petrological, petrophysical and basin modelling
Authors: Chudi O. K. , Lewis Helen , Stow D. A. V. , Buckman J. O.
Published: December 2016

Petroleum exploration and production in the region of the Niger Delta to date has mainly focused on the onshore, deltaic and offshore deep-water Miocene successions. Although Miocene turbidites have been the principal deep-water target, deeper-lying Oligocene sandstones are now being considered for exploration. This study targets an area beneath the Niger Basin slope at a present-day water depth of 800–1500 m. Within this study area, the Miocene to Recent sands above a burial depth of 3600 m show very good reservoir quality with porosities as high as 35% and permeabilities in the Darcy range. The aim of this study is to predict the reservoir quality and properties of the Oligocene sandstones below 3800 m using basin modelling to predict conditions where quartz cementation will take place and quartz cementation models to predict the amount of cementation and hence the potential porosity loss. Modelling results show that the Oligocene sandstones have been exposed to conditions favourable for quartz precipitation, but that less than 14% of the original porosity will have been occluded by quartz cement. These results are in agreement with elemental analysis from both petrophysical and petrological observation of thin sections. Although the deeper-lying Oligocene sandstones are likely to have reduced reservoir quality due to the presence of quartz overgrowth cementation, it appears likely that the volume of cement is relatively low and the Oligocene succession should be considered a viable play.
miR-958 inhibits Toll signaling and Drosomycin expression via direct targeting of Toll and Dif in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Li Shengjie , Li Yao , Shen Li , Jin Ping , Chen Liming , Ma Fei
Published: December 2016

Drosophila melanogaster is widely used as a model system to study innate immunity and signaling pathways related to innate immunity, including the Toll signaling pathway. Although this pathway is well studied, the precise mechanisms of posttranscriptional regulation of key components of the Toll signaling pathway by microRNAs (miRNAs) remain obscure. In this study, we used an in silico strategy in combination with the Gal80ts-Gal4 driver system to identify microRNA-958 (miR-958) as a candidate Toll pathway regulating miRNA in Drosophila. We report that overexpression of miR-958 significantly reduces the expression of Drosomycin, a key antimicrobial peptide involved in Toll signaling and the innate immune response. We further demonstrate in vitro and in vivo that miR-958 targets the Toll and Dif genes, key components of the Toll signaling pathway, to negatively regulate Drosomycin expression. In addition, a miR-958 sponge rescued the expression of Toll and Dif, resulting in increased expression of Drosomycin. These results, not only revealed a novel function and modulation pattern of miR-958, but also provided a new insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms of Toll signaling in regulation of innate immunity.
Nitric oxide: what’s new to NO?
Authors: Ghimire Kedar , Altmann Helene M. , Straub Adam C. , Isenberg Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2016

Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the critical components of the vasculature, regulating key signaling pathways in health. In macrovessels, NO functions to suppress cell inflammation as well as adhesion. In this way, it inhibits thrombosis and promotes blood flow. It also functions to limit vessel constriction and vessel wall remodeling. In microvessels and particularly capillaries, NO, along with growth factors, is important in promoting new vessel formation, a process termed angiogenesis. With age and cardiovascular disease, animal and human studies confirm that NO is dysregulated at multiple levels including decreased production, decreased tissue half-life, and decreased potency. NO has also been implicated in diseases that are related to neurotransmission and cancer although it is likely that these processes involve NO at higher concentrations and from nonvascular cell sources. Conversely, NO and drugs that directly or indirectly increase NO signaling have found clinical applications in both age-related diseases and in younger individuals. This focused review considers recently reported advances being made in the field of NO signaling regulation at several levels including enzymatic production, receptor function, interacting partners, localization of signaling, matrix-cellular and cell-to-cell cross talk, as well as the possible impact these newly described mechanisms have on health and disease.
Conditional genetic deletion of Ano1 in interstitial cells of Cajal impairs Ca2+ transients and slow waves in adult mouse small intestine
Authors: Malysz John , Gibbons Simon J. , Saravanaperumal Siva A. , Du Peng , Eisenman Seth T. , Cao Chike , Oh Uhtaek , Saur Dieter , Klein Sabine , Ordog Tamas , Farrugia Gianrico
Published: December 2016

Myenteric plexus interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-MY) in the small intestine are Kit+ electrical pacemakers that express the Ano1/TMEM16A Ca2+-activated Cl– channel, whose functions in the gastrointestinal tract remain incompletely understood. In this study, an inducible Cre-LoxP-based approach was used to advance the understanding of Ano1 in ICC-MY of adult mouse small intestine. KitCreERT2/+;Ano1Fl/Fl mice were treated with tamoxifen or vehicle, and small intestines (mucosa free) were examined. Quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated ~50% reduction in Ano1 mRNA in intestines of conditional knockouts (cKOs) compared with vehicle-treated controls. Whole mount immunohistochemistry showed a mosaic/patchy pattern loss of Ano1 protein in ICC networks. Ca2+ transients in ICC-MY network of cKOs displayed reduced duration compared with highly synchronized controls and showed synchronized and desynchronized profiles. When matched, the rank order for Ano1 expression in Ca2+ signal imaged fields of view was as follows: vehicle controls>>>cKO(synchronized)>cKO(desynchronized). Maintenance of Ca2+ transients’ synchronicity despite high loss of Ano1 indicates a large functional reserve of Ano1 in the ICC-MY network. Slow waves in cKOs displayed reduced duration and increased inter-slow-wave interval and occurred in regular- and irregular-amplitude oscillating patterns. The latter activity suggested ongoing interaction by independent interacting oscillators. Lack of slow waves and depolarization, previously reported for neonatal constitutive knockouts, were also seen. In summary, Ano1 in adults regulates gastrointestinal function by determining Ca2+ transients and electrical activity depending on the level of Ano1 expression. Partial Ano1 loss results in Ca2+ transients and slow waves displaying reduced duration, while complete and widespread absence of Ano1 in ICC-MY causes lack of slow wave and desynchronized Ca2+ transients.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The Ca2+-activated Cl− channel, Ano1, in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) is necessary for normal gastrointestinal motility. We knocked out Ano1 to varying degrees in ICC of adult mice. Partial knockout of Ano1 shortened the widths of electrical slow waves and Ca2+ transients in myenteric ICC but Ca2+ transient synchronicity was preserved. Near-complete knockout was necessary for transient desynchronization and loss of slow waves, indicating a large functional reserve of Ano1 in ICC.

View this article's corresponding video summary at https://youtu.be/cyPtDP0KLY4 .
Hemodynamic response to muscle reflex is abnormal in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Roberto Silvana , Mulliri Gabriele , Milia Raffaele , Solinas Roberto , Pinna Virginia , Sainas Gianmarco , Piepoli Massimo F. , Crisafulli Antonio
Published: December 2016

The aim of the present investigation was to assess the role of cardiac diastole on the hemodynamic response to metaboreflex activation. We wanted to determine whether patients with diastolic function impairment showed a different hemodynamic response compared with normal subjects during this reflex. Hemodynamics during activation of the metaboreflex obtained by postexercise muscle ischemia (PEMI) was assessed in 10 patients with diagnosed heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and in 12 age-matched healthy controls (CTL). Subjects also performed a control exercise-recovery test to compare data from the PEMI test. The main results were that patients with HFpEF achieved a similar mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) response as the CTL group during the PEMI test. However, the mechanism by which this response was achieved was markedly different between the two groups. Patients with HFpEF achieved the target MAP via an increase in systemic vascular resistance (+389.5 ± 402.9 vs. +80 ± 201.9 dynes·s−1·cm−5 for HFpEF and CTL groups respectively), whereas MAP response in the CTL group was the result of an increase in cardiac preload (−1.3 ± 5.2 vs. 6.1 ± 10 ml in end-diastolic volume for HFpEF and CTL groups, respectively), which led to a rise in stroke volume and cardiac output. Moreover, early filling peak velocities showed a higher response in the CTL group than in the HFpEF group. This study demonstrates that diastolic function is important for normal hemodynamic adjustment to the metaboreflex. Moreover, it provides evidence that HFpEF causes hemodynamic impairment similar to that observed in systolic heart failure.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides evidence that diastolic function is important for normal hemodynamic responses during the activation of the muscle metaboreflex in humans. Moreover, it demonstrates that diastolic impairment leads to hemodynamic consequences similar to those provoked by systolic heart failure. In both cases the target blood pressure is obtained mainly by means of exaggerated vasoconstriction than by a flow-mediated mechanism.