bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete and Assembled Genome Sequence of
Vagococcus teuberi
DSM 21459
T
, a Novel Species Isolated from Fermented Cow Milk in Mali
Authors: Stevens Marc J. A. , Inglin Raffael C. , Meile Leo
Published: January 2017

The genome of
Vagococcus teuberi
DSM 21459
T
, a strain isolated from Malian fermented milk, was sequenced using single-molecule real-time sequencing. The genome of
V. teuberi
DSM 21459
T
is the first sequenced genome of this novel species and the second genome among the genus
Vagococcus
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Plant Growth–Promoting Micrococcus luteus Strain K39 Isolated from
Cyperus conglomeratus
in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Lafi Feras F. , Ramirez-Prado Juan S. , Alam Intikhab , Bajic Vladimir B. , Hirt Heribert , Saad Maged M.
Published: January 2017

Micrococcus luteus
strain K39 is an endophyte bacterium isolated from roots of the desert plant
Cyperus conglomeratus
collected from the Red Sea shore, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. The draft genome sequence of strain K39 revealed a number of enzymes involved in salinity and oxidative stress tolerance or having herbicide-resistance activity.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria—Overview
Authors: Koh Won-Jung
Published: January 2017

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emerging pathogens that affect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The development of molecular methods has allowed the characterization of new species and the identification of NTM to the precise species and subspecies levels. The incidence and prevalence of NTM lung disease are increasing worldwide, and this syndrome accounts for the majority of clinical cases of NTM disease. Common causative organisms of pulmonary infection are the slowly growing mycobacteria
Mycobacterium avium
complex and
Mycobacterium kansasii
and the rapidly growing mycobacteria, including
Mycobacterium abscessus
complex. NTM lung disease often affects elderly people with chronic lung disease and may be a manifestation of a complex genetic disorder determined by interactions among multiple genes, as well as environmental exposures. To be diagnosed with NTM lung disease, patients should meet all clinical and microbiologic criteria, but the decision to start treatment is complex, requiring careful individualized analysis of risks and benefits. Clinicians should be alert to the unique aspects of NTM lung disease, including the need for proper diagnosis, the availability of advanced molecular methods for species and subspecies identification, and the benefits and limitations of recommended treatments.
Rumpel-Leede phenomenon in a patient with adult-onset Still's disease
Authors: Lambdin Jacob Trygve , Mackenzie Catherine
Published: January 2017

Rumpel-Leede phenomenon (RLP), also known as acute capillary rupture syndrome (ACRS), is a rare occurrence where distal dermal capillaries rupture in response to a proximal compressive force, such as a blood pressure cuff or tourniquet. This phenomenon has been reported to occur in states of vascular fragility such as long-term steroid use, hypertension or diabetes mellitus. Here, we provide a report of RLP occurring secondary to tourniquet application in a 26-year-old woman with adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) and a recent drug rash. In this case, the cause of the phenomenon is most likely multifactorial. Likely contributing factors include long-term steroid use for the treatment of AOSD, and increased vascular permeability secondary to the drug rash. Patients and clinicians should be aware that the treatment of AOSD may induce a state of capillary fragility and they should work together to minimise the risk of complications.
Indian erythrodermic postkala-azar dermal leishmaniasis
Authors: Sethuraman Gomathy , Bhari Neetu , Salotra Poonam , Ramesh Venkatesh
Published: January 2017

Postkala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a complication of kala-azar or visceral leishmaniasis and is caused byLeishmania donovani.We describe an Indian male patient with the rarer erythrodermic form of PKDL and multiple unusual skin lesions viz. verrucous, annular and mucosal ulceration.
My week: Sara Robson
Authors: Robson Sara
Published: January 2017

Having an interest in government veterinary work, Cambridge fifth‐year vet student Sara Robson jumped at the chance of spending a week with Defra to learn what it does and the job opportunities it offers
IN-PLANE ENHANCED SEEBECK COEFFICIENT OF ZINC FILMS OBLIQUELY DEPOSITED
Authors: JAWAD MUSLIM F. , MOOSA JAAFAR M.
Published: January 2017

In this work, the oblique angle dependence of Seebeck coefficient ([Formula: see text]) on the Zn polycrystalline thin film was demonstrated. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient are investigated in the temperature range between 25[Formula: see text]C and 100[Formula: see text]C. We observed a notable increase of [Formula: see text] and a decrease in electrical conductivity, and the power factor ([Formula: see text]) increased more than two times at [Formula: see text]. Obliquely deposited metallic films have shown great potential to achieve much higher thermoelectric figure of merits than their normal counterparts. Here, the thermoelectric properties of Zn Polycrystalline crystalline thin film have been investigated. The thickness and deposition angle dependence of its related thermoelectric parameters have been studied.
Performance Assessment and Feasibility Analysis of IEEE 802.15.4m Wireless Sensor Networks in TV Grayspaces
Authors: Bedogni Luca , Achtzehn Andreas , Petrova Marina , Mähönen Petri , Bononi Luciano
Published: January 2017

In this article, we assess the viability of underlay sensor networks in frequencies used by an incumbent digital TV broadcasting system, that is, in the so-called TV grayspaces (TVGS). Grayspace operations are particularly interesting when other unlicensed bands are overcrowded, for example, due to high-volume WiFi operations. We simulate the operational characteristics of the recent IEEE 802.15.4m standard for low-rate wireless personal area networks to evaluate the performance degradation of an incumbent Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial (DVB-T) system if a secondary network of low-power low-rate devices are co-deployed in the same frequency bands. Our results show that short sensor messages will not disrupt the DVB-T service due to the existing error-correction capabilities. Furthermore, if sufficient separation distances to primary transmitters are maintained, transmit powers are sufficient to achieve reasonable connectivity levels of the secondary network. In order to obtain realistic figures on the predicted feasibility of grayspace sensor networks, we study the deployment constraints of a hypothetical secondary network co-located with the TV broadcasting network of Germany. Our analysis shows that if we aim to support a minimum sensor-sensor distance, no universal coverage can be maintained in this country. While our quantitative results are specific to Germany, we deem them indicative for the expected results also in other potential deployments. We found that while a secondary wireless sensor network in TVGS is technically possible, the necessary constraints on operational parameters and service levels for TVGS co-existence will significantly limit its practical viability.
Encode When Necessary
Authors: Wang Shuai , Kim Song Min , Yin Zhimeng , He Tian
Published: January 2017

Recent research has shown that network coding has great potential to improve network performance in wireless communication. The performance of network coding in real-world scenarios, however, varies dramatically. It is reported that network coding brings negligible improvements but extra coding overhead in some scenarios. In this article, for the first time, we analyze the impact of link correlation on network coding and quantify the coding benefits. We propose correlated coding, which encodes packets only when performance improvement is achieved. Correlated coding uses only one-hop information, which makes it work in a fully distributed manner and introduces minimal communication overhead. The highlight of the design is its broad applicability and effectiveness. We implement the design with four broadcast protocols and three unicast protocols, and we evaluate them extensively on one 802.11 testbed and three 802.15.4 testbeds. The experimental results show that (i) more coding operations do not lead to fewer transmissions, and (ii) compared to existing network coding protocols, the number of transmissions is reduced with lower coding overhead.
CRISPR/Cas 9 genome editing and its applications in organoids
Authors: Driehuis Else , Clevers Hans
Published: January 2017

Organoids are three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from adult or embryonic stem cells that maintain many structural and functional features of their respective organ. Recently, genome editing based on the bacterial defense mechanism CRISPR/Cas9 has emerged as an easily applicable and reliable laboratory tool. Combining organoids and CRISPR/Cas9 creates exciting new opportunities to study organ development and human disease in vitro. The potential applications of CRISPR in organoids are only beginning to be explored.
Can endothelial hemoglobin-α regulate nitric oxide vasodilatory signaling?
Authors: Parikh Jaimit , Kapela Adam , Tsoukias Nikolaos M.
Published: January 2017

We used mathematical modeling to investigate nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilatory signaling in the arteriolar wall. Detailed continuum cellular models of calcium (Ca2+) dynamics and membrane electrophysiology in smooth muscle and endothelial cells (EC) were coupled with models of NO signaling and biotransport in an arteriole. We used this theoretical approach to examine the role of endothelial hemoglobin-α (Hbα) as a modulator of NO-mediated myoendothelial feedback, as previously suggested in Straub et al. ( Nature 491: 473–477, 2012). The model considers enriched expression of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP3Rs), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme, Ca2+-activated potassium (KCa) channels and Hbα in myoendothelial projections (MPs) between the two cell layers. The model suggests that NO-mediated myoendothelial feedback is plausible if a significant percentage of eNOS is localized within or near the myoendothelial projection. Model results show that the ability of Hbα to regulate the myoendothelial feedback is conditional to its colocalization with eNOS near MPs at concentrations in the high nanomolar range (>0.2 μM or 24,000 molecules). Simulations also show that the effect of Hbα observed in in vitro experimental studies may overestimate its contribution in vivo, in the presence of blood perfusion. Thus, additional experimentation is required to quantify the presence and spatial distribution of Hbα in the EC, as well as to test that the strong effect of Hbα on NO signaling seen in vitro, translates also into a physiologically relevant response in vivo.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mathematical modeling shows that although regulation of nitric oxide signaling by hemoglobin-α (Hbα) is plausible, it is conditional to its presence in significant concentrations colocalized with endothelial nitric oxide synthase in myoendothelial projections. Additional experimentation is required to test that the strong effect of Hbα seen in vitro translates into a physiologically relevant response in vivo
Blockade of CaMKII depresses conduction preferentially in the right ventricular outflow tract and promotes ischemic ventricular fibrillation in the rabbit heart
Authors: Warren Mark , Sciuto Katie J. , Taylor Tyson G. , Garg Vivek , Torres Natalia S. , Shibayama Junko , Spitzer Kenneth W. , Zaitsev Alexey V.
Published: January 2017

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) regulates the principle ion channels mediating cardiac excitability and conduction, but how this regulation translates to the normal and ischemic heart remains unknown. Diverging results on CaMKII regulation of Na+ channels further prevent predicting how CaMKII activity regulates excitability and conduction in the intact heart. To address this deficiency, we tested the effects of the CaMKII blocker KN93 (1 and 2.75 μM) and its inactive analog KN92 (2.75 μM) on conduction and excitability in the left (LV) and right (RV) ventricles of rabbit hearts during normal perfusion and global ischemia. We used optical mapping to determine local conduction delays and the optical action potential (OAP) upstroke velocity (d V/d tmax). At baseline, local conduction delays were similar between RV and LV, whereas the OAP d V/d tmax was lower in RV than in LV. At 2.75 μM, KN93 heterogeneously slowed conduction and reduced d V/d tmax, with the largest effect in the RV outflow tract (RVOT). This effect was further exacerbated by ischemia, leading to recurrent conduction block in the RVOT and early ventricular fibrillation (at 6.7 ± 0.9 vs. 18.2 ± 0.8 min of ischemia in control, P < 0.0001). Neither KN92 nor 1 μM KN93 depressed OAP d V/d tmax or conduction. Rabbit cardiomyocytes isolated from RVOT exhibited a significantly lower d V/d tmax than those isolated from the LV. KN93 (2.75 μM) significantly reduced d V/d tmax in cells from both locations. This led to frequency-dependent intermittent activation failure occurring predominantly in RVOT cells. Thus CaMKII blockade exacerbates intrinsically lower excitability in the RVOT, which is proarrhythmic during ischemia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) blockade exacerbates intrinsically lower excitability in the right ventricular outflow tract, which causes highly nonuniform chamber-specific slowing of conduction and facilitates ventricular fibrillation during ischemia. Constitutive CaMKII activity is necessary for uniform and safe ventricular conduction, and CaMKII block is potentially proarrhythmic.
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIβ and IIδ mediate TGFβ-induced transduction of fibronectin and collagen in human pulmonary fibroblasts
Authors: Mukherjee Subhendu , Sheng Wei , Sun Rui , Janssen Luke J.
Published: January 2017

It is now clear that in addition to activating several complex kinase pathways (Smad, MAP kinase, PI3 kinase), TGFβ also acts by elevating cytosolic Ca2+ concentration within human pulmonary fibroblasts. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CamK II) is also known to regulate gene expression in fibroblasts. In this study, we examined the interactions between calcium signaling, activation of CamK and other kinases, and extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression. Human pulmonary fibroblasts were cultured and stimulated with artificially generated Ca2+ pulses in the absence of TGFβ, or with TGFβ (1 nM) or vehicle in the presence of various blockers of Ca2+ signaling. PCR and Western blotting were used to measure gene expression and protein levels, respectively. We found that Ca2+ pulses in the absence of TGFβ increased ECM gene expression in a pulse frequency-dependent manner, and that blocking Ca2+ signaling and the CamK II pathway significantly reduced TGFβ-mediated ECM gene expression, without having any effects on other kinase pathways (Smad, PI3 kinase, or MAP kinase). We also found that TGFβ elevated the expression of CamK IIβ and CamK IIδ, while siRNA silencing of those two subtypes significantly reduced TGFβ-mediated expression of collagen A1 and fibronectin 1. Our data suggest that TGFβ induces the expression of CamK IIβ and CamK IIδ, which in turn are activated by TGFβ-evoked Ca2+ waves in a frequency-dependent manner, leading to increased expression of ECM proteins.
Hypoxia inhibits expression and function of mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 to promote pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Adesina Sherry E. , Wade Brandy E. , Bijli Kaiser M. , Kang Bum-Yong , Williams Clintoria R. , Ma Jing , Go Young-Mi , Hart C. Michael , Sutliff Roy L.
Published: January 2017

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and increased pulmonary vascular pressures that often result in right ventricular dysfunction, leading to right heart failure. Evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to PH pathogenesis by altering pulmonary vascular cell proliferation and intracellular signaling pathways. However, the role of mitochondrial antioxidants and oxidant-derived stress signaling in the development of hypoxia-induced PH is largely unknown. Therefore, we examined the role of the major mitochondrial redox regulator thioredoxin 2 (Trx2). Levels of Trx2 mRNA and protein were examined in human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAECs) and smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) exposed to hypoxia, a common stimulus for PH, for 72 h. Hypoxia decreased Trx2 mRNA and protein levels. In vitro overexpression of Trx2 reduced hypoxia-induced H2O2 production. The effects of increased Trx2 protein level were examined in transgenic mice expressing human Trx2 (TghTrx2) that were exposed to hypoxia (10% O2) for 3 wk. TghTrx2 mice exposed to hypoxia had exacerbated increases in right ventricular systolic pressures, right ventricular hypertrophy, and increased ROS in the lung tissue. Trx2 overexpression did not attenuate hypoxia-induced increases in Trx2 oxidation or Nox4 expression. Expression of a dominant negative C93S Trx2 mutant that mimics Trx2 oxidation exacerbated hypoxia-induced increases in HPASMC H2O2 levels and cell proliferation. In conclusion, Trx2 overexpression failed to attenuate hypoxia-induced HPASMC proliferation in vitro or hypoxia-induced PH in vivo. These findings indicate that strategies to enhance Trx2 expression are unlikely to exert therapeutic effects in PH pathogenesis.
Prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke sex dependently influences methylation and mRNA levels of the Igf axis in lungs of mouse offspring
Authors: Meyer K. F. , Krauss-Etschmann S. , Kooistra W. , Reinders-Luinge M. , Timens W. , Kobzik L. , Plösch T , Hylkema M. N.
Published: January 2017

Prenatal smoke exposure is a risk factor for abnormal lung development and increased sex-dependent susceptibility for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Birth cohort studies show genome-wide DNA methylation changes in children from smoking mothers, but evidence for sex-dependent smoke-induced effects is limited. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system plays an important role in lung development. We hypothesized that prenatal exposure to smoke induces lasting changes in promoter methylation patterns of Igf1 and Igf1r, thus influencing transcriptional activity and contributing to abnormal lung development. We measured and compared mRNA levels along with promoter methylation of Igf1 and Igf1r and their protein concentrations in lung tissue of 30-day-old mice that had been prenatally exposed to cigarette smoke (PSE) or filtered air (control). Body weight at 30 days after birth was measured as global indicator of normal development. Female PSE mice showed lower mRNA levels of Igf1 and its receptor ( Igf1: P = 0.05; Igf1r: P = 0.03). Furthermore, CpG-site-specific methylation changes were detected in Igf1r in a sex-dependent manner and the body weight of female offspring was reduced after prenatal exposure to smoke, while protein concentrations were unaffected. Prenatal exposure to smoke induces a CpG-site-specific loss of Igf1r promoter methylation, which can be associated with body weight. These findings highlight the sex-dependent and potentially detrimental effects of in utero smoke exposure on DNA methylation and Igf1 and Igf1r mRNA levels. The observations support a role for Igf1 and Igf1r in abnormal development.
Impact of thrombosis on pulmonary endothelial injury and repair following sepsis
Authors: Evans Colin E. , Zhao You-Yang
Published: January 2017

The prevailing morbidity and mortality in sepsis are largely due to multiple organ dysfunction (MOD), most commonly lung injury, as well as renal and cardiac dysfunction. Despite recent advances in defining many aspects of the pathogenesis of sepsis-related MOD, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), there are currently no effective pharmacological or cell-based treatments for the disease. Human and animal studies have shown that pulmonary thrombosis is common in sepsis-induced ARDS, and preclinical studies have shown that anticoagulation may improve outcome following sepsis challenge. The potential beneficial effect of anticoagulation on outcome is unconvincing in clinical studies, however, and these discrepancies may arise from the multiple and sometimes opposing actions of thrombosis on the pulmonary endothelium following sepsis. It has been suggested, for example, that mild pulmonary thrombosis prevents escape of bacterial infection into the circulation, while severe thrombosis causes hypoxia and results in pulmonary endothelial damage. Evidence from both human and animal studies has demonstrated the key role of microvascular leakage in determining the outcome of sepsis. In this review, we describe thrombosis-dependent mechanisms that regulate pulmonary endothelial injury and repair following sepsis, including activation of the coagulation cascade by tissue factor and stimulation of vascular repair by hypoxia-inducible factors. Targeting such mechanisms through anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and reparative methods may represent a novel approach for the treatment of septic patients.
Magnetic resonance imaging of disease progression and resolution in a transgenic mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Cleveland Zackary I. , Zhou Yu M. , Akinyi Teckla G. , Dunn R. Scott , Davidson Cynthia R. , Guo Jinbang , Woods Jason C. , Hardie William D.
Published: January 2017

Pulmonary fibrosis contributes to morbidity and mortality in a range of diseases, and there are no approved therapies for reversing its progression. To understand the mechanisms underlying pulmonary fibrosis and assess potential therapies, mouse models are central to basic and translational research. Unfortunately, metrics commonly used to assess murine pulmonary fibrosis require animals to be grouped and euthanized, increasing experimental difficulty and cost. We examined the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to noninvasively assess lung fibrosis progression and resolution in a doxycycline (Dox) regulatable, transgenic mouse model that overexpresses transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) under control of a lung-epithelial-specific promoter. During 7 wk of Dox treatment, fibrotic lesions were readily observed as high-signal tissue. Mean weighted signal and percent signal volume were found to be the most robust MRI-derived measures of fibrosis, and these metrics correlated significantly with pleural thickness, histology scores, and hydroxyproline content ( R = 0.75–0.89). When applied longitudinally, percent high signal volume increased by 1.5% wk−1 ( P < 0.001) and mean weighted signal increased at a rate of 0.0065 wk−1 ( P = 0.0062). Following Dox treatment, lesions partially resolved, with percent high signal volume decreasing by −3.2% wk−1 ( P = 0.0034) and weighted mean signal decreasing at −0.015 wk−1 ( P = 0.0028). Additionally, longitudinal MRI revealed dynamic remodeling in a subset of lesions, a previously unobserved behavior in this model. These results demonstrate MRI can noninvasively assess experimental lung fibrosis progression and resolution and provide unique insights into its pathobiology.
Alterations in the Immune Cell Composition in Premalignant Breast Tissue that Precede Breast Cancer Development
Authors: Degnim Amy C. , Hoskin Tanya L. , Arshad Muhammad , Frost Marlene H. , Winham Stacey J. , Brahmbhatt Rushin A. , Pena Alvaro , Carter Jodi M. , Stallings-Mann Melody L. , Murphy Linda M. , Miller Erin E. , Denison Lori A. , Vachon Celine M. , Knutson Keith L. , Radisky Derek C. , Visscher Daniel W.
Published: January 2017

Purpose: Little is known about the role of the immune system in the earliest stages of breast carcinogenesis. We studied quantitative differences in immune cell types between breast tissues from normal donors and those from women with benign breast disease (BBD).

Experimental Design: A breast tissue matched case–control study was created from donors to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank (KTB) and from women diagnosed with BBD at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) who either subsequently developed cancer (BBD cases) or remained cancer-free (BBD controls). Serial tissue sections underwent immunostaining and digital quantification of cell number per mm2 for CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD20+ B cells, and CD68+ macrophages and quantification of positive pixel measure for CD11c (dendritic cells).

Results: In 94 age-matched triplets, BBD lobules showed greater densities of CD8+ T cells, CD11c+ dendritic cells, CD20+ B cells, and CD68+ macrophages compared with KTB normals. Relative to BBD controls, BBD cases had lower CD20+ cell density (P = 0.04). Nearly 42% of BBD cases had no CD20+ B cells in evaluated lobules compared with 28% of BBD controls (P = 0.02). The absence of CD20+ cells versus the presence in all lobules showed an adjusted OR of 5.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.4–23.1) for subsequent breast cancer risk.

Conclusions: Elevated infiltration of both innate and adaptive immune effectors in BBD tissues suggests an immunogenic microenvironment. The reduced B-cell infiltration in women with later breast cancer suggests a role for B cells in preventing disease progression and as a possible biomarker for breast cancer risk. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3945–52. ©2017 AACR.
The Inhibitory Effects of Ketamine on Human Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels and Action Potential in Rabbit Sinoatrial Node
Authors: Xing Junlian , Zhang Chi , Jiang Wanzhen , Hao Jie , Liu Zhipei , Luo Antao , Zhang Peihua , Fan Xinrong , Ma Jihua
Published: January 2017

Aims: To investigate the effects of ketamine on human hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (hHCN) 1, 2, 4 channel currents expressed in Xenopus oocytes and spontaneous action potentials (APs) of rabbit sinoatrial node (SAN). Methods: The 2-electrode voltage clamp and standard microelectrode techniques were respectively applied to record hHCN channels currents expressed in Xenopus oocytes and APs of SAN separated from rabbit heart. Results: Ketamine (1-625 µmol/L) blocked hHCN1, 2, and 4 currents with IC50 of 67.0, 89.1, and 84.0 µmol/L, respectively, in a concentration-dependent manner. The currents were rapidly blocked by ketamine and partially recovered after washout. The steady-state activation curves of hHCN1, 2, and 4 currents demonstrated a concentration-dependent shift to the left and the rates of activation were significantly decelerated. But ketamine blocked hHCN channels in a voltage-independence and non-use-dependent manner, and did not modify the voltage dependence of activation and reversal potentials. Furthermore, ketamine suppressed phase-4 spontaneous depolarization rate in isolated rabbit SAN and decreased the beat rates in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: Ketamine could inhibit hHCN channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes in a concentration-dependent manner as a close-state blocker and decrease beat rates of isolated rabbit SAN. This study may provide novel insights into other unexplained actions of ketamine.
Mechanisms Linking Interparental Aggression to Child Dental Caries
Authors: Lorber M.F. , Maisson D.J.N. , Slep A.M.S. , Heyman R.E. , Wolff M.S.
Published: January 2017

Research has garnered support for a systemic view of factors affecting child dental caries that accounts for the influence of social factors such as the family environment. Our previous work has demonstrated the association between mother-to-father emotional aggression and child caries. The present study builds on these results by evaluating pathways that might explain this relation. Families (n = 135) completed a multimethod assessment of mother-to-father emotional aggression, child caries, and several hypothesized mediators (i.e., child cariogenic snack and drink intake, child internalizing behaviors, child salivary cortisol and α-amylase reactivity, parental laxness, child oral hygiene maintenance, and parental socialization of child oral hygiene maintenance). Mediation analyses partially supported the role of the child's diet as a mechanism linking mother-to-father emotional aggression and child caries. However, children's neglect of oral hygiene, parental laxness, and child emotional and biological disturbances failed to stand as conduits for this association. Future investigations should expand upon these results to better establish the causal links that could only be suggested by the present cross-sectional findings.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Transitional Zone after Ileal Pouch Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis: Systematic Review and Treatment Perspectives
Authors: Pellino Gianluca , Kontovounisios Christos , Tait Diana , Nicholls John , Tekkis Paris P.
Published: January 2017

Background: Few cases of pouch-related cancers have been reported in ulcerative colitis (UC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is very rare. Method: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify all unequivocal cases of pouch-related SCC in UC patients. Results: Eight cases of SCC developing after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) have been observed since 1978. Two arose from the pouch mucosa and 6 from below. The pooled cumulative incidence of SCC is below 0.06% after IPAA. Many patients had neoplasia on the preoperative specimen, but squamous metaplasia of the pouch or anorectal mucosa may have an important role in SCC. These patients are rarely offered chemoradiation therapy and the outcome is poor. Selected patients with SCC located close to the pouch outlet can be treated with chemoradiation prior to consideration of surgery and salvage their pouch. A chemoradiation regimen is suggested to avoid pouch excision in these patients. Conclusions: SCC is rare after pouch surgery but associated with extremely poor survival. Very low SCC can be managed with chemoradiation treatment, preserving the pouch and avoiding surgery, even in older patients. The role of pouch metaplasia, surveillance frequency, and treatment modalities after IPAA need further studying.
Inflammasome Activation by ATP Enhances Citrobacter rodentium Clearance through ROS Generation
Authors: Bording-Jorgensen Michael , Alipour Misagh , Wine Eytan , Danesh Ghazal
Published: January 2017

Background: Nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) is an important cytosolic sensor of cellular stress and infection. Once activated, NLRP3 forms a multiprotein complex (inflammasome) that triggers the maturation and secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. We aimed to define the consequences of NLRP3 induction, utilizing exogenous adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as an inflammasome activator, to determine if inflammasome activation increases macrophage killing of Citrobacter rodentium and define mechanisms. Methods: Bacterial survival was measured using a gentamicin protection assay. Inflammasome activation or inhibition in mouse J774A.1 macrophages were assessed by measuring IL-1β; cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by ELISA and DCFDA, respectively. Results: Activation of the inflammasome increased bacterial killing by macrophages and its inhibition attenuated this effect with no impact on phagocytosis or cell death. Furthermore, inflammasome activation suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines during infection, possibly due to more effective bacterial killing. While the infection increased ROS production, this effect was reduced by inflammasome inhibitors, indicating that ROS is inflammasome-dependent. ROS inhibitors increased bacterial survival in the presence of ATP, suggesting that inflammasome-induced bacterial killing is mediated, at least in part, by ROS activity. Conclusion: Improving inflammasome activity during infection may increase bacterial clearance by macrophages and reduce subsequent microbe-induced inflammation.
Ibrutinib Is Effective in the Treatment of Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Galinier Aliénor , Delwail Vincent , Puyade Mathieu
Published: January 2017

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare but life-threatening complication. To date, there are no relevant data for treatment of AIHA in MCL. Ibrutinib, which has been approved for relapse/refractory MCL, is an immunomodulatory drug inhibiting Th2 activation and consequently the production of autoantibodies. We report a case of MCL with AIHA in which this form of anaemia was not controlled with the usual chemotherapy. Ibrutinib was used when MCL with AIHA relapsed, and it allowed rapid remission of AIHA and rapid discontinuation of steroid therapy.
Attenuation of Low Ambient Temperature-Induced Myocardial Hypertrophy by Atorvastatin via Promoting Bcl-2 Expression
Authors: Liang Jing , Yin Kun , Cao Xuefeng , Han Zhenbo , Huang Qi , Zhang Lai , Ma Wenya , Ding Fengzhi , Bi Chongwei , Feng Dan , Pan Zhenwei , Liu Yu
Published: January 2017

Background/Aims: It is well documented that myocardial hypertrophy is associated with low ambient temperature. Atorvastatin (Atv) has been shown to protect against atherosclerosis, cardiac fibrosis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, etc. In this study, we aim to determine whether atorvastatin is effective in the treatment of myocardial hypertrophy induced by cold exposure and to shed light on underlying mechanism. Methods: The mice aged 4-week were randomized to Control (Ctl) group (raised at room temperature), Cold group (raised at 3-5ºC) and Atv treatment group (raised at 3-5ºC followed by 10mg/kg/day Atv infusion). Echocardiography (ECG), HE, TUNEL and Masson’s trichrome staining, and Transmission electronic microscopy were performed to analyze cardiac function, myocardial hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, apoptosis and cardiomyocyte ultrastructure, respectively. Western blot was carried out to determine the involvement of MAPK and apoptosis pathways. Results: Exposure of mice to low temperature induced myocardial hypertrophic growth characterized by the elevation of heart/body weight index and heart weight /tibia length index, compared with control mice. Atv treatment attenuated cardiac hypertrophy induced by cold exposure; Atv also attenuated the increase of cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes and cardiac collagen content fraction in mice exposed to cold. ECG showed that the decline of cardiac functions including the elevated left ventricular systolic/diastolic internal dimension (LVIDs/d) and fractional shortening (FS) in mice with cold exposure was also inhibited by Atv treatment. Transmission electronic microscopy uncovered that Atv attenuated mitochondrial injury induced by cold exposure in mice. In addition, systolic blood pressure was gradually increased in mice exposed to cold temperature, and Atv treatment significantly inhibited the elevation of blood pressure in cold-treated mice. Mechanistically, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal was not altered in mice exposed to cold, and Atv did not affect MAPK signal in cold-treated mice. But Atv mitigated the reduction of Bcl-2/Bax level in heart of cold-treated mice. Conclusion: Atv attenuated myocardial hypertrophy induced by cold exposure through inhibiting the downregulation of Bcl-2 in heart. It may provide a novel strategy for low temperature-induced myocardial hypertrophy treatment.
MicroRNA-141 Targets Sirt1 and Inhibits Autophagy to Reduce HBV Replication
Authors: Yang Ying , Liu Yanning , Xue Jihua , Yang Zhenggang , Shi Yu , Shi Yixian , Lou Guohua , Wu Shanshan , Qi Jinjin , Liu Weixia , Chen Zhi
Published: January 2017

Background/Aims: About 400 million individuals are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus, at high risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent studies have demonstrated an interaction between hepatitis B virus replication and autophagy activity of hepatocytes. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of miR-141 in regulating autophagy and hepatitis B virus replication. Methods: The expression of HBV-DNA, miR-141 and Sirt1 mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The expression of HBsAg and HBeAg was determined by ELISA. Western blotting was performed to detect protein expression. The LC3 puncta was determined by immunofluorescence. To test whether miR-141 directly regulate the expression level of Sirt1 mRNA, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed. Results: In vitro studies showed that miR-141 mimic inhibited the autophagic response, hepatitis B virus and the expression of Sirt1 in hepatocytes. And transfection with miR-141 inhibitor enhanced autophagic response and Sirt1 expression. The autophagy induced by overexpression of Sirt1 was inhibited by miR-141 mimic. In addition, miR-141 mimic also decreased the expression of Sirt1 mRNA. Sirt1 was predicted as a potential miR-141 target by bioinformatic analysis of its 3'-UTR, and confirmed by luciferase reporter assays which analyzing the interaction of miR-141 with the wild- type or the mutated Sirt1 3’-UTR. Conclusion: We have therefore demonstrated a role of miR-141 in regulating autophagy-mediated hepatitis B virus inhibition by targeting Sirt1, and may provide potential targets for drug development.
Effects of Antimalarial Tafenoquine on Blood Platelet Activity and Survival
Authors: Cao Hang , Bissinger Rosi , Umbach Anja T. , Bhuyan Abdulla Al Mamun , Lang Florian , Gawaz Meinrad
Published: January 2017

Background/Aims: The 8-aminoquinoline tafenoquine has been shown to be effective against Plasmodia, Leishmania and Trypanosoma. The substance is at least in part effective by triggering apoptosis of the parasites. Moreover, tafenoquine has been shown to trigger eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. The effect of tafenoquine on eryptosis is in part due to stimulation of Ca2+ entry and oxidative stress. Ca2+ entry is a critical event in the activation of blood platelets by thrombin and collagen related peptide (CRP). The present study explored, whether tafenoquine influences Ca2+ entry, activation and apoptosis of blood platelets. Methods: Platelets isolated from wild-type mice were exposed for 30 minutes to tafenoquine (2.5 µg/ml) without or with an additional treatment with thrombin (0.01 U/ml) or CRP (2 µg/ml or 5 µg/ml). Flow cytometry was employed to estimate cytosolic Ca2+-activity ([Ca2+]i) from Fluo-3 fluorescence, platelet degranulation from P-selectin abundance, integrin activation from αIIbβ3 integrin abundance, phosphatidylserine abundance from annexin-V-binding, relative platelet volume from forward scatter, reactive oxygen species (ROS) from DCF fluorescence, caspase 3 activity with an active caspase-3 Staining kit, and aggregation utilizing staining with CD9-APC and CD9-PE. Results: Both, thrombin (0.01 U/ml) and CRP (2 µg/ml or 5 µg/ml), significantly increased [Ca2+]i, P-selectin abundance, active αIIbβ3 integrin, and annexin-V-binding, and both significantly decreased platelet volume, activated caspase 3 and stimulated aggregation. Administration of tafenoquine (2.5 µg/ml, 30 min) significantly decreased [Ca2+]i both, in the absence and presence of thrombin and CRP. Tafenoquine significantly blunted the effect of thrombin and CRP on [Ca2+]i, P-selectin abundance, and active αIIbβ3 integrin, but significantly increased ROS and annexin-V-binding, significantly augmented the effect of thrombin on caspase 3 activity and platelet volume and significantly enhanced platelet aggregation. Conclusions: Tafenoquine counteracts thrombin and CRP induced increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity and platelet activation, but enhances platelet apoptosis and platelet aggregation.
A Case of Gastric Cancer with Situs Inversus Totalis
Authors: Suh Byoung Jo
Published: January 2017

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital anomaly that refers to a completely reversed location of the abdominal and thoracic organs. We report the case of 50-year-old man with gastric cancer and SIT who was diagnosed during a screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy. A chest X-ray, abdominopelvic computed tomography, and 18F-fluoro2-deoxyglucose-D-glucose-positron emission tomography scans revealed SIT. We performed a radical subtotal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection. Advanced surgical skill is required to perform a precise lymphadenectomy in a patient with SIT by visualizing the exact mirror image of the anatomy during the operation. The patient had an uneventful intra- and postoperative course and was followed up at the outpatient department without any evidence of recurrence. In conclusion, surgery in a patient with gastric cancer and SIT can be safely performed by paying attention to the inverted anatomic structures during the operation.
Fiber Disruption of Betung Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) by Combined Fungal and Microwave Pretreatment
Authors: Fatriasari Widya , Syafii Wasrin , Wistara Nyoman , Syamsu Khaswar , Prasetya Bambang , Anita S Heris , Risanto Lucky
Published: January 2017

Combined fungal and microwave pretreatment is an attractive method to alter carbohydrate and lignin structure of lignocellulosic materials for improving hydrolysis process in order to convert these lignocellulosic materials to bioethanol. This study was conducted to obtain the information on the characteristic changes of cellulose and lignin after combined biologicaland microwave pretreatment of Betung Bamboo. Based on our previous research, incubation for 30 days both for 5 and 10% liquid-inoculum loading of white rot fungi, Trametes versicolor, was chosen as the fungal pretreatment prior to microwave pretreatment at 30% power level for 5, 10 and 12.5 minutes. The evaluation of characteristic changes after combined pretreatment was performed using the analysis of FT-IR spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction and SEM.FTIR spectra demonstrated that the combined pretreatment only affected the decrease of intensity bands of FTIR spectra with increasing microwave irradiation time, without any changes in the functional groups.This band intensity decrease occured on unconjugated bonds of carbohydrate peaked at 1736 (C=0 in xylan), 1373 (C-H deformation in cellulose and hemicellulose), 1165 (C-O-C vibration in cellulose and hemicellulose), and 895 (C-H deformation or C-O-C stretching at Î²-glicosidic linkage characteristic in cellulose) cm-1. The pretreatment decreased the hydrogen bond stretching of cellulose and the linkage between lignin and carbohydrate. This decrease of hydrogen bond was associated with crystallinity of bamboo cellulose,ilustrated by occurring structural changes.Â  Syringil propane units were more soluble than guiacyl moieties.Â  The crystallinity of cellulose tended to increase slightly due to the cleavage of the amorphous fraction. SEM images illustrated that the pretreatment disrupted the fiber structure while the longer microwave irradiation, the greater fiber degradation level. Prolonging microwave irradiation on 5% inoculum loading decreased lignin degrading ability. Crystalline allomorph of 5% inoculum loading for 10 minutes showed that IÎ² (triclinic) structure of cellulose has transformed into monoclinic (IÎ±) structure.Key words: betung bamboo, combined biological andmicrowave pretreatment, cellulose and lignin changes, FTIR, SEM, XRD
Effect of Substrate Moisture Content and Invasive Grass Competition on Native Fig (Ficus fistulosa) Seedling Recruitment in Limestone Quarries
Authors: Satyanti Annisa
Published: January 2017

Challenges for restoration of degraded habitats on quarried limestone present in many countries including Indonesia. Ficus fistulosa as native species was chosen as a study species in the study of quarry restoration, as this species was shown in the previous study to have high importance value in Ciampea limestone forest in Bogor, West Java. To identify the effect of substrate moisture and competition from exotic Pennisetum grass to limestone restoration using native Ficus, we set up an experiment in the green house. Ficus above and belowground biomass were reduced because of the presence of Pennisetum grass and was affected by substrate moisture. Ficus biomass growth apparently was not favoured by higher irrigation. However, lower rate of irrigation led to the lower biomass of grass, meaning a lower competition from grass. On the other hand, it was apparent that the interaction of substrate moisture and presence of competition from grass reduced Ficus aboveground as well as belowground biomass. Furthermore, competition with grass was significantly reduced seedlingâ€™s leaf and length. Nevertheless, the interaction effect of substrate moisture and competition did not lead to the reduction of Ficus seedlingâ€™s leaf and length. Â Â
Biomass and Carbon Stock Estimation Inventory of Indonesian Bananas (Musa spp.) and Its Potential Role for Land Rehabilitation
Authors: Danarto Setyawan Agung , Hapsari Lia
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTBananas (Musa spp.) are widely cultivated in Indonesia. They are extensively grown in backyards, homegardens, intercropped with short term crops and also in agroforestry system. Potential role of bananas to absorb and store Carbon related to climate change mitigation is rarely studied. An inventory of biomass and C-stock estimation on banana accessions has been conducted in Musa germplasm plots - Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Pasuruan. 42individual banana accessions has been estimated its biomass and C-stock comprises of 5 wild types and 37 cultivars. Biomass estimated using non-destructive method ie. allometric equation for banana by measuring its mature stage pseudostem diameter at breast height (dbh).Â  C-stockwas estimated by crossing its biomass to averaged value of banana C-stock 0,46.The results showed that the biomass and C-stock estimation level were in positive correlations with its plants pseudostem dbH. The conclusions of these research that Kepok Bung cultivar has the highest level of estimated biomass and Carbon stock about 15, 02 kg/plant and 6, 92 kg C/plant and then cultivars with range averaged C-stock between 3,5 â€“ 3,9 kg C/plant (higher level) are Tlekung, Baflo, and Cici. Musa balbisiana species contributes higher level of biomass andÂ  C-stock estimationÂ  than Musa acuminata species.Keywords: Banana, biomass, carbon stock (C-stock), estimation, Musa, non- destructive, Purwodadi Botanic GardenÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â