bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammation‐Based Prognostic Score Predicts Postoperative Survival of Patients with Interstitial Pneumonia After Undergoing Lung Cancer Resection
Authors: Kobayashi Satoru , Matsumura Yuji , Karube Yoko , Nishihira Morimichi , Inoue Takashi , Araki Osamu , Maeda Sumiko , Chida Masayuki
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), which uses serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels to indicate systemic inflammatory response and nutrition level, has been reported to be a predictor of overall survival in patients with various types of cancer. We evaluated the usefulness of GPS for prediction of survival of patients with both lung cancer and IIPs following a lung resection procedure.

Methods

Patients with IIPs who underwent lung cancer resection from January 2006 through December 2015 were investigated. Routine laboratory measurements, including serum CRP and albumin for determining GPS, were performed before the operation. Univariate and multivariate analyses with a COX proportional hazards regression model were used to identify independent risk factors for overall survival (OS), relapse‐free survival (RFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and other disease‐specific survival (ODSS).

Results

A total of 135 patients underwent lung resection during the study period. Multivariate analysis selected sublobar resection (p = 0.035), UIP pattern (p = 0.025), and GPS of 1–2 (p = 0.042) as predictive factors associated with OS, while GPS of 1–2 (p = 0.039) was shown to be a predictive factor associated with RFS. Multivariate analysis also revealed pTNM (p < 0.001), usual interstitial pneumonia pattern (p = 0.006), and GPS of 2 (p = 0.003) as predictive factors associated with CSS, while univariate analysis indicated pTNM (p = 0.042), GPS of 1 (p = 0.044), and %DLCO (p = 0.038) as predictive factors associated with ODSS.

Conclusion

GPS is an independent prognostic factor of OS and RFS in lung cancer patients with IIPs undergoing a lung resection procedure. Furthermore, a GPS of 2 was found to be associated with CSS following lung cancer resection, while a score of 1 was associated with ODSS.
Reconstruction of brackish-water systems using an ichnological framework
Authors: Shchepetkina A. , Gingras M.K. , Pemberton S.G.
Published: January 2018

This paper provides an overview of the history of ichnology from both Russian and international perspectives. However, the main purpose of the paper is to review how trace fossils can be used to discern the brackish-water sedimentary environments from their open-marine counterparts. A number of modern studies are presented, including: (1) Kouchibouguac Bay, New Brunswick, Canada; (2) Willapa Bay, Washington, USA; (3) Ogeechee River Estuary, Georgia, USA; and (4) Petitcodiac River estuary, New Brunswick, Canada. Cretaceous examples from the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (i.e., McMurray Formation, AB, Canada and Gething Formation, British Columbia, Canada) are provided to test the models derived from the modern estuaries.
An Effective Treatment in the Austere Environment? A Critical Appraisal into the Use of Intra-Articular Local Anesthetic to Facilitate Reduction in Acute Shoulder Dislocation
Authors: Gould Fraser John
Published: January 2018

Acute shoulder dislocation is a common injury in the outdoor environment. The objective of this systematic review of the literature was to determine if intra-articular local anesthetic (IAL) is an effective treatment that could have prehospital application. A methodical search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE databases targeted publications from January 1, 1990 until January 1, 2017. Eligible articles compared IAL with other analgesic techniques in patients 16 years or older experiencing acute glenohumeral dislocation. Reduction success, complications, and patient-reported outcome measures underwent comparison. All identified publications originated from the hospital setting. Procedural success rates ranged widely among randomized control trials comparing IAL with intravenous analgesia and sedation (IAL 48–100%, intravenous analgesia and sedation 44–100%). A pooled risk ratio [RR] favored intravenous analgesia and sedation (RR 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.98), but there was significant inconsistency within the analysis (I2 = 75%). IAL provided lower complication rates (4/170, 2%) than intravenous analgesia and sedation (20/150, 13%) (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04–1.19, I2 = 63%). One trial found a clinically relevant reduction in visual analogue pain scores when comparing IAL against no additional analgesia in the first minute (IAL 21±13 mm; control 49±15 mm; P<0.001) and fifth minute (IAL 10±10 mm; control 40±14 mm, P<0.001) after reduction. The results suggest that IAL is an effective intervention for acute anterior shoulder dislocation that would have a place in the repertoire of the remote physician. Further research might be beneficial in determining the outcomes of performing IAL in the prehospital setting.
Core Content for Wilderness Medicine Training: Development of a Wilderness Medicine Track Within an Emergency Medicine Residency
Authors: Schrading Walter A. , Battaglioli Nicole , Drew Jonathan , McClure Sarah Frances
Published: January 2018

Wilderness medicine training has become increasingly popular among medical professionals with numerous educational opportunities nationwide. Curricula for fellowship programs and for medical student education have previously been developed and published, but a specific curriculum for wilderness medicine education during emergency medicine (EM) residency has not. The objective of this study is to create a longitudinal wilderness medicine curriculum that can be incorporated into an EM residency program. Interest-specific tracks are becoming increasingly common in EM training. We chose this model to develop our curriculum specific to wilderness medicine. Outlined in the article is a 3-year longitudinal course of study that includes a core didactic curriculum and a plan for graduated level of responsibility. The core content is specifically related to the required EM core content for residency training with additions specific to wilderness medicine for the residents who pursue the track. The wilderness medicine curriculum would give residencies a framework that can be used to foster learning for residents interested in wilderness medicine. It would enhance the coverage of wilderness and environmental core content education for all EM residents in the program. It would provide wilderness-specific education and experience for interested residents, allowing them to align their residency program requirements through a focused area of study and enhancing their curriculum vitae at graduation. Finally, given the popularity of wilderness medicine, the presence of a wilderness medicine track may improve recruitment for the residency program.
The first report ofXenorhabdus indicafromSteinernema pakistanense: co-phylogenetic study suggests co-speciation betweenX. indicaand its steinernematid nematodes
Authors: Bhat A.H. , Chaubey A.K. , Půža V.
Published: January 2018

During a survey in agricultural fields of the sub-humid region of Meerut district, India, two strains of entomopathogenic nematodes, labelled CS31 and CS32, were isolated using theGalleriabaiting technique. Based on morphological and morphometric studies, and molecular data, the nematodes were identified asSteinernema pakistanense, making this finding the first report of this species from India. For the first time, we performed a molecular and biochemical characterization of the bacterial symbiont ofS. pakistanense. Furthermore, a co-phylogenetic analysis of the bacteria from the monophyletic clade containing a symbiont ofS. pakistanense, together with their nematode hosts, was conducted, to test the degree of nematode–bacteria co-speciation. Both isolates were also tested in a laboratory assay for pathogenicity against two major pests,Helicoverpa armigeraandSpodoptera litura. The morphology of the Indian isolates corresponds mainly to the original description, with the only difference being the absence of a mucron in first-generation females and missing epiptygmata in the second generation. The sequences of bacterialrecAandgyrBgenes have shown that the symbiont ofS. pakistanenseis closely related toXenorhabdus indica, which is associated with some other nematodes from the ‘bicornutum’ group. Co-phylogenetic analysis has shown a remarkable congruence between the nematode and bacterial phylogenies, suggesting that, in some lineages within theSteinernema/Xenorhabduscomplex, the nematodes and bacteria have undergone co-speciation. In the virulence assay, both strains caused a 100% mortality of both tested insects after 48 h, even at the lowest doses of 25 infective juveniles per insect, suggesting thatS. pakistanensecould be considered for use in the biocontrol of these organisms in India.
High diversity and low genetic structure of feather mites associated with a phenotypically variable bird host
Authors: Fernández-González Sofía , Pérez-Rodríguez Antón , Proctor Heather C. , De la Hera Iván , Pérez-Tris Javier
Published: January 2018

Obligate symbionts may be genetically structured among host individuals and among phenotypically distinct host populations. Such processes may in turn determine within-host genetic diversity of symbionts, which is relevant for understanding symbiont population dynamics. We analysed the population genetic structure of two species of feather mites (Proctophyllodes sylviaeandTrouessartia bifurcata) in migratory and resident blackcapsSylvia atricapillathat winter sympatrically. Resident and migratory hosts may provide mites with habitats of different qualities, what might promote specialization of mite populations. We found high genetic diversity of within-host populations for both mite species, but no sign of genetic structure of mites between migratory and resident hosts. Our results suggest that, although dispersal mechanisms between hosts during the non-breeding season are unclear, mite populations are not limited by transmission bottlenecks that would reduce genetic diversity among individuals that share a host. Additionally, there is no evidence that host phenotypic divergence (associated with the evolution of migration and residency) has promoted the evolution of host-specialist mite populations. Unrestricted dispersal among host types may allow symbiotic organisms to avoid inbreeding and to persist in the face of habitat heterogeneity in phenotypically diverse host populations.
Risk factors for infectiousness of patients with tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Melsew Y.A. , Doan T.N. , Gambhir M. , Cheng A.C. , McBryde E. , Trauer J.M.
Published: January 2018

We performed a systematic review and meta-analyses of studies assessing tuberculosis (TB) patient-related risk factors for transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Meta-analyses were conducted for sputum smear-positivity, lung cavitation and HIV seropositivity of index patients with both crude and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) pooled using random effect models. Thirty-seven studies were included in the review. We found that demographic characteristics such as age and sex were not significant risk factors, while behaviours such as smoking and alcohol intake were associated with infectiousness although inconsistently. Treatment delay of >28 days was a significant predictor of greater infectiousness. Contacts of sputum smear-positive index patients were found to be more likely to be infected than contacts of sputum smear-negative patients, with a pooled AOR of 2.15 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47–3.17, I2 = 38%). Similarly, contacts of patients with the cavitary disease were around twice as likely to be infected as contacts of patients without cavitation (pooled AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.26–2.84, I2 = 63%). In contrast, HIV seropositive patients were associated with few contact infections than HIV seronegative patients (AOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.26–0.80, I2 = 52%). In conclusion, behavioural and clinical characteristics of TB patients can be used to identify highly infectious patients for targeted interventions.
Socio-demographic inequalities in the clinical characteristics of dengue haemorrhagic fever in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2007–2008
Authors: Pone Sheila Moura , Hökerberg Yara Hahr Marques , Brasil Patricia , Nicolai Cecília Carmen de Araújo , Ferrari Rogério , de Oliveira Raquel de Vasconcellos Carvalhaes
Published: January 2018

In 2007–2008, the city of Rio de Janeiro underwent an epidemiological change, with increases in the incidence in children and in severe forms of dengue. To describe the clinical profile and spatial distribution of dengue we performed an ecological study based on dengue surveillance data using the Brazilian classification (2005): dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue with complications. χ2 test was used to describe the clinical and socio-demographic variables (P < 0.05). Spatial distribution of incidence and case-fatality was explored with thematic maps, Moran and Geary indices (P < 0.05). Of the total of 151 527 dengue cases, 38 808 met the inclusion criteria; 42.4% <18 years; 22.9% dengue with complications and 2.7% DHF. Case-fatality was higher in infants (1.4%) and in DHF (7.7%). Bleeding was more frequent in adolescents and adults while plasma leakage was more common in preschoolers and schoolchildren. The highest incidence was found in the West Zone of the city, in a different area from that of the worst case-fatality (P < 0.05). Although the incidence of DHF was higher in schoolchildren, infants showed higher case-fatality. The area with the highest case-fatality did not present the highest incidence, which suggests problems in the organization of health services.
Design and placement of synthetic sex pheromone traps for cacao mirids in Ghana
Authors: Sarfo J.E. , Campbell C.A.M. , Hall D.R.
Published: January 2018

Cacao mirids (Sahlbergella singularis,Distantiella theobromaandBryocoropsis laticollis) were captured in pheromone traps releasing a 2:1 blend of the sex pheromone components of the two first named species in a series of five experiments on cacao (Theobroma cacao) plantations in Ghana. A total of 835 cacao mirids were caught, all male, 95% of which wereS. singularis, 3%D. theobromaand 2%B. laticollis.Two sticky trap and two water trap designs made from locally available materials were as effective for capturingS. singularisand total mirids as the best sticky trap from previously reported studies. Coating the outer surface of a large water trap with sticker increased the catch 4.4×, and 2.7× for a cylindrical sticky trap. Sticker on the outside of the water trap also increased the inside catch ofS. singularisby 76% and total mirids by 71%. The numbers ofS. singularisandD. theobromatrapped increased with increasing trap elevation and were highest around canopy level. Those traps caught an average 12× more mirids than traps at 1.8 m, the height recommended currently. Therefore, large water traps coated with sticker and aligned with the cacao canopy should raise the current capture rates of pheromone traps for cacao mirids about 50×, which may be sufficient for effective pest management by mass trapping without synthetic insecticides.
Evolutionary loss and replacement of Buchnera, the obligate endosymbiont of aphids
Authors: Chong Rebecca A , Moran Nancy A
Published: January 2018

Symbiotic interactions between organisms create new ecological niches. For example, many insects survive on plant-sap with the aid of maternally transmitted bacterial symbionts that provision essential nutrients lacking in this diet. Symbiotic partners often enter a long-term relationship in which the co-evolutionary fate of lineages is interdependent. Obligate symbionts that are strictly maternally transmitted experience genetic drift and genome degradation, compromising symbiont function and reducing host fitness unless hosts can compensate for these deficits. One evolutionary solution is the acquisition of a novel symbiont with a functionally intact genome. Whereas almost all aphids host the anciently acquired bacterial endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola (Gammaproteobacteria), Geopemphigus species have lost Buchnera and instead contain a maternally transmitted symbiont closely related to several known insect symbionts from the bacterial phylum Bacteroidetes. A complete genome sequence shows the symbiont has lost many ancestral genes, resulting in a genome size intermediate between that of free-living and symbiotic Bacteroidetes. The Geopemphigus symbiont retains biosynthetic pathways for amino acids and vitamins, as in Buchnera and other insect symbionts. This case of evolutionary replacement of Buchnera provides an opportunity to further understand the evolution and functional genomics of symbiosis.
Suppression of interdiffusion-induced voiding in oxidation of copper nanowires with twin-modified surface
Authors: Huang Chun-Lung , Weng Wei-Lun , Liao Chien-Neng , Tu K. N.
Published: January 2018

Cavitation and hollow structures can be introduced in nanomaterials via the Kirkendall effect in an alloying or reaction system. By introducing dense nanoscale twins into copper nanowires (CuNWs), we change the surface structure and prohibit void formation in oxidation of the nanowires. The nanotwinned CuNW exhibits faceted surfaces of very few atomic steps as well as a very low vacancy generation rate at copper/oxide interfaces. Together they lower the oxidation rate and eliminate void formation at the copper/oxide interface. We propose that the slow reaction rate together with the highly effective vacancy absorption at interfaces leads to a lattice shift in the oxidation reaction. Our findings suggest that the nanoscale Kirkendall effect can be manipulated by controlling the internal and surface crystal defects of nanomaterials.
Impaired DNA damage response signaling by FUS-NLS mutations leads to neurodegeneration and FUS aggregate formation
Authors: Naumann Marcel , Pal Arun , Goswami Anand , Lojewski Xenia , Japtok Julia , Vehlow Anne , Naujock Maximilian , Günther René , Jin Mengmeng , Stanslowsky Nancy , Reinhardt Peter , Sterneckert Jared , Frickenhaus Marie , Pan-Montojo Francisco , Storkebaum Erik , Poser Ina , Freischmidt Axel , Weishaupt Jochen H. , Holzmann Karlheinz , Troost Dirk , Ludolph Albert C. , Boeckers Tobias M. , Liebau Stefan , Petri Susanne , Cordes Nils , Hyman Anthony A. , Wegner Florian , Grill Stephan W. , Weis Joachim , Storch Alexander , Hermann Andreas
Published: January 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most frequent motor neuron disease. Cytoplasmic fused in sarcoma (FUS) aggregates are pathological hallmarks of FUS-ALS. Proper shuttling between the nucleus and cytoplasm is essential for physiological cell function. However, the initial event in the pathophysiology of FUS-ALS remains enigmatic. Using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSCs)-derived motor neurons (MNs), we show that impairment of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-dependent DNA damage response (DDR) signaling due to mutations in the FUS nuclear localization sequence (NLS) induces additional cytoplasmic FUS mislocalization which in turn results in neurodegeneration and FUS aggregate formation. Our work suggests that a key pathophysiologic event in ALS is upstream of aggregate formation. Targeting DDR signaling could lead to novel therapeutic routes for ameliorating ALS.
Growth of magnetic nanowires along freely selectable 〈hkl〉 crystal directions
Authors: Tao Y. , Degen C. L.
Published: January 2018

The production of nanowire materials, uniformly oriented along any arbitrarily chosen crystal orientation, is an important, yet unsolved, problem in material science. Here, we present a generalizable solution to this problem. The solution is based on the technique of glancing angle deposition combined with a rapid switching of the deposition direction between crystal symmetry positions. Using iron–cobalt as an example, we showcase the simplicity and capabilities of the process in one-step fabrications of 〈100〉, 〈110〉, 〈111〉, 〈210〉, 〈310〉, 〈320〉, and 〈321〉-oriented nanowires, three-dimensional nanowire spirals, core–shell heterostructures, and axial hybrids. Our results provide a new capability for tailoring the properties of nanowires, and should be generalizable to any material that can be grown as a single-crystal biaxial film.
Fungal networks shape dynamics of bacterial dispersal and community assembly in cheese rind microbiomes
Authors: Zhang Yuanchen , Kastman Erik K. , Guasto Jeffrey S. , Wolfe Benjamin E.
Published: January 2018

Most studies of bacterial motility have examined small-scale (micrometer–centimeter) cell dispersal in monocultures. However, bacteria live in multispecies communities, where interactions with other microbes may inhibit or facilitate dispersal. Here, we demonstrate that motile bacteria in cheese rind microbiomes use physical networks created by filamentous fungi for dispersal, and that these interactions can shape microbial community structure.Serratia proteamaculansand other motile cheese rind bacteria disperse on fungal networks by swimming in the liquid layers formed on fungal hyphae. RNA-sequencing, transposon mutagenesis, and comparative genomics identify potential genetic mechanisms, including flagella-mediated motility, that control bacterial dispersal on hyphae. By manipulating fungal networks in experimental communities, we demonstrate that fungal-mediated bacterial dispersal can shift cheese rind microbiome composition by promoting the growth of motile over non-motile community members. Our single-cell to whole-community systems approach highlights the interactive dynamics of bacterial motility in multispecies microbiomes.
The role of titanium in the initiation of localized corrosion of stainless steel 444
Authors: Gateman Samantha Michelle , Stephens Lisa Irene , Perry Samuel Charles , Lacasse Robert , Schulz Robert , Mauzeroll Janine
Published: January 2018

Titanium has been added to ferritic stainless steels to combat the detrimental effects of intergranular corrosion. While this has proven to be a successful strategy, we have found that the resulting Ti-rich inclusions present on the surface play a significant role in the initiation of other forms of localized corrosion. Herein, we report the effect of these inclusions on the localized corrosion of a stainless steel using macro and micro electrochemical techniques. Through the use of scanning electrochemical microscopy, we observe the microgalvanic couple formed between the conductive inclusions and passivated metal matrix. The difference in local reactivity across the material’s surface was quantified using a 3D finite element model specifically built to respect the geometry of the corrosion-initiating features. Combined with electron microscopy and micro elemental analysis, localization of other alloying elements has been reported to provide new insight on their significance in localized corrosion resistance.
Pessimism and fearfulness in dairy calves
Authors: Lecorps Benjamin , Weary Daniel M. , von Keyserlingk Marina A. G.
Published: January 2018

Animals that experience situations likely to induce negative emotions show changes in judgment associated with pessimism. Few studies have focused on whether animals express stable differences in pessimism and whether these differences are related to personality traits. The first aim of this study was to explore if dairy calves are consistent over time in making judgments under ambiguous situations. Our second aim was to determine whether individual differences in judgment bias are related to conventional personality traits assessed using four standardized tests (Open field, Novel object, Human reactivity and Social motivation test). We subjected animals to two sessions of judgment bias and personality trait tests at 25 and 50 d of age. Individual differences in judgment bias were consistent over time with some animals persistently making more pessimistic choices compared to others. Two main dimensions of personality (Fearfulness and Sociability), obtained through principal component analysis, were also highly consistent over time. Pessimism was related to fearfulness, with more fearful calves making more pessimistic judgments. We conclude that dairy calves differ in the way they perceive and react to ambiguity and that this relates to individual differences in fearfulness.
Insights into the molecular mechanism of dehalogenation catalyzed by D-2-haloacid dehalogenase from crystal structures
Authors: Wang Yayue , Feng Yanbin , Cao Xupeng , Liu Yinghui , Xue Song
Published: January 2018

D-2-haloacid dehalogenases (D-DEXs) catalyse the hydrolytic dehalogenation of D-2-haloacids, releasing halide ions and producing the corresponding 2-hydroxyacids. A structure-guided elucidation of the catalytic mechanism of this dehalogenation reaction has not been reported yet. Here, we report the catalytic mechanism of a D-DEX, HadD AJ1 from Pseudomonas putida AJ1/23, which was elucidated by X-ray crystallographic analysis and the H218O incorporation experiment. HadD AJ1 is an α-helical hydrolase that forms a homotetramer with its monomer including two structurally axisymmetric repeats. The product-bound complex structure was trapped with L-lactic acid in the active site, which is framed by the structurally related helices between two repeats. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed the importance of the residues lining the binding pocket in stabilizing the enzyme-substrate complex. Asp205 acts as a key catalytic residue and is responsible for activating a water molecule along with Asn131. Then, the hydroxyl group of the water molecule directly attacks the C2 atom of the substrate to release the halogen ion instead of forming an enzyme-substrate ester intermediate as observed in L-2-haloacid dehalogenases. The newly revealed structural and mechanistic information on D-DEX may inspire structure-based mutagenesis to engineer highly efficient haloacid dehalogenases.
Attentional and physiological processing of food images in functional dyspepsia patients: A pilot study
Authors: Lee In-Seon , Preissl Hubert , Giel Katrin , Schag Kathrin , Enck Paul
Published: January 2018

The food-related behavior of functional dyspepsia has been attracting more interest of late. This pilot study aims to provide evidence of the physiological, emotional, and attentional aspects of food processing in functional dyspepsia patients. The study was performed in 15 functional dyspepsia patients and 17 healthy controls after a standard breakfast. We measured autonomic nervous system activity using skin conductance response and heart rate variability, emotional response using facial electromyography, and visual attention using eyetracking during the visual stimuli of food/non-food images. In comparison to healthy controls, functional dyspepsia patients showed a greater craving for food, a decreased intake of food, more dyspeptic symptoms, lower pleasantness rating of food images (particularly of high fat), decreased low frequency/high frequency ratio of heart rate variability, and suppressed total processing time of food images. There were no significant differences of skin conductance response and facial electromyography data between groups. The results suggest that high level cognitive functions rather than autonomic and emotional mechanisms are more liable to function differently in functional dyspepsia patients. Abnormal dietary behavior, reduced subjective rating of pleasantness and visual attention to food should be considered as important pathophysiological characteristics in functional dyspepsia.
High-temperature operation of electrical injection type-II (GaIn)As/Ga(AsSb)/(GaIn)As “W”-quantum well lasers emitting at 1.3 µm
Authors: Fuchs C. , Brüggemann A. , Weseloh M. J. , Berger C. , Möller C. , Reinhard S. , Hader J. , Moloney J. V. , Bäumner A. , Koch S. W. , Stolz W.
Published: January 2018

Electrical injection lasers emitting in the 1.3 μm wavelength regime based on (GaIn)As/Ga(AsSb)/(GaIn)As type-II double “W”-quantum well heterostructures grown on GaAs substrate are demonstrated. The structure is designed by applying a fully microscopic theory and fabricated using metal organic vapor phase epitaxy. Temperature-dependent electroluminescence measurements as well as broad-area edge-emitting laser studies are carried out in order to characterize the resulting devices. Laser emission based on the fundamental type-II transition is demonstrated for a 975 μm long laser bar in the temperature range between 10 °C and 100 °C. The device exhibits a differential efficiency of 41 % and a threshold current density of 1.0 kA/cm2 at room temperature. Temperature-dependent laser studies reveal characteristic temperatures of T0 = (132 ± 3) K over the whole temperature range and T1 = (159 ± 13) K between 10 °C and 70 °C and T1 = (40 ± 1) K between 80 °C and 100 °C.
Pancreatic gene expression during recovery after pancreatitis reveals unique transcriptome profiles
Authors: Boggs Kristy , Wang Ting , Orabi Abrahim I. , Mukherjee Amitava , Eisses John F. , Sun Tao , Wen Li , Javed Tanveer A. , Esni Farzad , Chen Wei , Husain Sohail Z.
Published: January 2018

It is well known that pancreatic recovery after a single episode of injury such as an isolated bout of pancreatitis occurs rapidly. It is unclear, however, what changes are inflicted in such conditions to the molecular landscape of the pancreas. In the caerulein hyperstimulation model of pancreatitis, the murine pancreas has the ability to recover within one week based on histological appearance. In this study, we sought to characterize by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) the transcriptional profile of the recovering pancreas up to two weeks post-injury. We found that one week after injury there were 319 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared with baseline and that after two weeks there were 53 DEGs. Forty (12.5%) of the DEGs persisted from week one to week two, and another 13 DEGs newly emerged in the second week. Amongst the top up-regulated DEGs were several trypsinogen genes (trypsinogen 4, 5, 12, 15, and 16). To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of the transcriptome during pancreatic recovery by deep sequencing, and it reveals on a molecular basis that there is an ongoing recovery of the pancreas even after apparent histological resolution. The findings also raise the possibility of an emerging novel transcriptome upon pancreatic recovery.
Transalveolar sinus floor lift without bone grafting in atrophic maxilla: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Mingdong , Liu Ruimin , Bai Shuting , Wang Min , Xia Haibin , Chen Jiang
Published: January 2018

We performed a meta-analysis aimed to assess the clinical results after transalveolar sinus floor lift without bone grafting in the atrophic maxilla. A systematic electronic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and The Cochrane Library, followed by a manual search. Two reviewers independently extracted study data and conducted quality assessments. Ten non-controlled studies including 1484 implants and eight controlled studies (5 RCTs and 3 prospective studies) including 817 implants (451 implants in the non-graft group) were enrolled in this study. The survival rate of implants via the graft-free method was 98% (95%CI 96% to 100%). There was no significant difference in the survival rate between the non-graft group and the graft group (RR: 1.02; p = 0.18). No statistically significant difference in marginal bone loss was detected between the groups at 12 months (0.57, p = 0.07) or 36 months (0.05, p = 0.61). The endo-sinus bone gain in the non-graft group was significantly lower than in the graft group at 12 months (−1.10, p = 0.0001) and 36 months (−0.74, p = 0.02). Hence, the available evidence suggests that predictable results could be acquired through transalveolar sinus floor lift without bone grafting, while there may be a trend toward more endo-sinus bone gain with bone grafts.
Publisher Correction: EFHD2 promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and correlates with postsurgical recurrence of stage I lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fan Chi-Chen , Cheng Wei-Chung , Huang Yu-Chuen , Sher Yuh-Pyng , Liou Nia-Jhen , Chien Yu-Chuan , Lin Pei-Shan , Lin Pei-Syuan , Chen Chung-Hsuan , Chang Wei-Chao
Published: January 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
A Necessary and Sufficient Criterion for the Separability of Quantum State
Authors: Li Jun-Li , Qiao Cong-Feng
Published: January 2018

Quantum entanglement has been regarded as one of the key physical resources in quantum information sciences. However, the determination of whether a mixed state is entangled or not is generally a hard issue, even for the bipartite system. In this work we propose an operational necessary and sufficient criterion for the separability of an arbitrary bipartite mixed state, by virtue of the multiplicative Horn’s problem. The work follows the work initiated by Horodecki et al. and uses the Bloch vector representation introduced to the separability problem by J. De Vicente. In our criterion, a complete and finite set of inequalities to determine the separability of compound system is obtained, which may be viewed as trade-off relations between the quantumness of subsystems. We apply the obtained result to explicit examples, e.g. the separable decomposition of arbitrary dimension Werner state and isotropic state.
Author Correction: Short-Course, High-Dose Rifampicin Achieves Wolbachia Depletion Predictive of Curative Outcomes in Preclinical Models of Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis
Authors: Aljayyoussi Ghaith , Tyrer Hayley E. , Ford Louise , Sjoberg Hanna , Pionnier Nicolas , Waterhouse David , Davies Jill , Gamble Joanne , Metuge Haelly , Cook Darren A. N. , Steven Andrew , Sharma Raman , Guimaraes Ana F. , Clare Rachel H. , Cassidy Andrew , Johnston Kelly L. , Myhill Laura , Hayward Laura , Wanji Samuel , Turner Joseph D. , Taylor Mark J. , Ward Stephen A.
Published: January 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Individual Variation in Social Behaviours of Male Lab-reared Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) is Non-heritable and Weakly Associated with V1aR Density
Authors: Vogel Andrea R. , Patisaul Heather B. , Arambula Sheryl E. , Tiezzi Francesco , McGraw Lisa A.
Published: January 2018

The genetic and environmental factors that contribute to pair bonding behaviour remain poorly understood. Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) often, but not always, form stable pair bonds and present an ideal model species for investigating the genetic and environmental factors that influence monogamy. Here, we assessed variation in partner preference, a measure of pair bonding, and related social behaviours in a population of laboratory-reared prairie voles under controlled environmental conditions. We evaluated to what extent variation in these behaviours correlate with vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR) expression in the ventral pallidum (VP) and retrosplenial cortex (RSC), and estimated the heritability of these behaviours and V1aR expression. We found substantial variation in partner preference and measures of aggression, paternal care, and anxiety-like behaviours, but no correlation between these traits. We also found variation in V1aR density in the VP and RSC can account for behavioural components of paternal care and aggression, but not in partner preference. Heritability estimates of variation in partner preference were low, yet heritability estimates for V1aR expression were high, indicating that the extensive variation in partner preference observed within this population is due largely to environmental plasticity.
Drylands soil bacterial community is affected by land use change and different irrigation practices in the Mezquital Valley, Mexico
Authors: Lüneberg Kathia , Schneider Dominik , Siebe Christina , Daniel Rolf
Published: January 2018

Dryland agriculture nourishes one third of global population, although crop irrigation is often mandatory. As freshwater sources are scarce, treated and untreated wastewater is increasingly used for irrigation. Here, we investigated how the transformation of semiarid shrubland into rainfed farming or irrigated agriculture with freshwater, dam-stored or untreated wastewater affects the total (DNA-based) and active (RNA-based) soil bacterial community composition, diversity, and functionality. To do this we collected soil samples during the dry and rainy seasons and isolated DNA and RNA. Soil moisture, sodium content and pH were the strongest drivers of the bacterial community composition. We found lineage-specific adaptations to drought and sodium content in specific land use systems. Predicted functionality profiles revealed gene abundances involved in nitrogen, carbon and phosphorous cycles differed among land use systems and season. Freshwater irrigated bacterial community is taxonomically and functionally susceptible to seasonal environmental changes, while wastewater irrigated ones are taxonomically susceptible but functionally resistant to them. Additionally, we identified potentially harmful human and phytopathogens. The analyses of 16 S rRNA genes, its transcripts and deduced functional profiles provided extensive understanding of the short-term and long-term responses of bacterial communities associated to land use, seasonality, and water quality used for irrigation in drylands.
Sequential transfection of RUNX2/SP7 and ATF4 coated onto dexamethasone-loaded nanospheres enhances osteogenesis
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Park Ji Sun , Yi Se Won , Oh Hyun Jyung , Kim Jae-Hwan , Park Keun-Hong
Published: January 2018

The timing of gene transfection greatly influences stem cell differentiation. Sequential transfection is crucial for regulation of cell behavior. When transfected several days after differentiation initiation, genes expressed at the late stage of differentiation can regulate cell behaviors and functions. To determine the optimal timing of key gene delivery, we sequentially transfected human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). This method can easily control osteogenesis of stem cells. hMSCs were first transfected with RUNX2 and SP7 using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles to induce osteogenesis, and then with ATF4 after 5, 7, and 14 days. Prior to transfecting hMSCs with all three genes, each gene was individually transfected and its expression was monitored. Transfection of these genes was confirmed by RT-PCR, Western blotting, and confocal microscopy. The pDNAs entered the nuclei of hMSCs, and RUNX2 and SP7 proteins were translated and triggered osteogenesis. Second, the ATF4 gene was delivered when cells were at the pre-osteoblasts stage. To induce the osteogenesis of hMSCs, the optimal timing of ATF4 gene delivery was 14 days after RUNX2/SP7 transfection. Experiments in 2- and 3-dimensional culture systems confirmed that transfection of ATF4 at 14 days after RUNX2/SP7 promoted osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs.
Gut Microbiota-Derived Short Chain Fatty Acids Induce Circadian Clock Entrainment in Mouse Peripheral Tissue
Authors: Tahara Yu , Yamazaki Mayu , Sukigara Haruna , Motohashi Hiroaki , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Miyakawa Hiroki , Haraguchi Atsushi , Ikeda Yuko , Fukuda Shinji , Shibata Shigenobu
Published: January 2018

Microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and organic acids produced by the fermentation of non-digestible fibre can communicate from the microbiome to host tissues and modulate homeostasis in mammals. The microbiome has circadian rhythmicity and helps the host circadian clock function. We investigated the effect of SCFA or fibre-containing diets on circadian clock phase adjustment in mouse peripheral tissues (liver, kidney, and submandibular gland). Initially, caecal SCFA concentrations, particularly acetate and butyrate, induced significant day-night differences at high concentrations during the active period, which were correlated with lower caecal pH. By monitoring luciferase activity correlated with the clock gene Period2 in vivo, we found that oral administration of mixed SCFA (acetate, butyrate, and propionate) and an organic acid (lactate), or single administration of each SCFA or lactate for three days, caused phase changes in the peripheral clocks with stimulation timing dependency. However, this effect was not detected in cultured fibroblasts or cultured liver slices with SCFA applied to the culture medium, suggesting SCFA-induced indirect modulation of circadian clocks in vivo. Finally, cellobiose-containing diets facilitated SCFA production and refeeding-induced peripheral clock entrainment. SCFA oral gavage and prebiotic supplementation can facilitate peripheral clock adjustment, suggesting prebiotics as novel therapeutic candidates for misalignment.
Abnormal behaviours relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders in Kirrel3-knockout mice
Authors: Hisaoka Tomoko , Komori Tadasuke , Kitamura Toshio , Morikawa Yoshihiro
Published: January 2018

In the nervous system, Kirrel3 is involved in neuronal migration, axonal fasciculation, and synapse formation. Recently, genetic links have been reported between mutations in the KIRREL3 gene and increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. To elucidate the causal relationship between KIRREL3 deficiency and behavioural abnormalities relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders, we generated global Kirrel3-knockout (Kirrel3−/−) mice and investigated the detailed behavioural phenotypes. In the three-chambered social approach test, Kirrel3−/−mice displayed a significant preference for a mouse over a non-social object but no significant preference for a stranger mouse over a familiar mouse. Ultrasonic communications, including pup-to-mother calls, male-female courtship vocalisation and resident responses to intruder, were significantly impaired in Kirrel3−/−mice. Significant increases in locomotor activity and repetitive rearing were also observed in Kirrel3−/−mice. Furthermore, the performance of Kirrel3−/−mice in the rotarod test was significantly better than that of wild-type mice. In the acoustic startle test, Kirrel3−/−mice were significantly hypersensitive to acoustic stimuli. Anxiety-related behaviours and spatial or fear memory acquisition were normal in Kirrel3−/−mice. These findings suggest that Kirrel3−/−mice exhibit autistic-like behaviours, including social and communicative deficits, repetitive behaviours, and sensory abnormalities, as well as hyperactivity.
Functional metagenomics identifies novel genes ABCTPP, TMSRP1 and TLSRP1 among human gut enterotypes
Authors: Verma Manoj Kumar , Ahmed Vasim , Gupta Shashank , Kumar Jitendra , Pandey Rajesh , Mandhan Vibha , Chauhan Nar Singh
Published: January 2018

Every niche in the biosphere is touched by the seemingly endless capacity of microbes to transform the world around them by adapting swiftly and flexibly to the environmental changes, likewise the gastrointestinal tract is no exception. The ability to cope with rapid changes in external osmolarity is an important aspect of gut microbes for their survival and colonization. Identification of these survival mechanisms is a pivotal step towards understanding genomic suitability of a symbiont for successful human gut colonization. Here we highlight our recent work applying functional metagenomics to study human gut microbiome to identify candidate genes responsible for the salt stress tolerance. A plasmid borne metagenomic library of Bacteroidetes enriched human fecal metagenomic DNA led to identification of unique salt osmotolerance clones SR6 and SR7. Subsequent gene analysis combined with functional studies revealed that TLSRP1 within pSR7 and TMSRP1 and ABCTPP of pSR6 are the active loci responsible for osmotolerance through an energy dependent mechanism. Our study elucidates the novel genetic machinery involved in bestowing osmotolerance in Prevotella and Bacteroidetes, the predominant microbial groups in a North Indian population. This study unravels an alternative method for imparting ionic stress tolerance, which may be prevalent in the human gut microbiome.
Discovery of novel bacterial topoisomerase I inhibitors by use of in silico docking and in vitro assays
Authors: Sandhaus Shayna , Chapagain Prem P. , Tse-Dinh Yuk-Ching
Published: January 2018

Topoisomerases are important targets for antibacterial and anticancer therapies. Bacterial topoisomerase I remains to be exploited for antibiotics that can be used in the clinic. Inhibitors of bacterial topoisomerase I may provide leads for novel antibacterial drugs against pathogens resistant to current antibiotics. TB is the leading infectious cause of death worldwide, and new TB drugs against an alternative target are urgently needed to overcome multi-drug resistance.Mycobacterium tuberculosistopoisomerase I (MtbTopI) has been validated genetically and chemically as a TB drug target. Here we conductedin silicoscreening targeting an active site pocket of MtbTopI. The top hits were assayed for inhibition of MtbTopI activity. The shared structural motif found in the active hits was utilized in a second round ofin silicoscreening andin vitroassays, yielding selective inhibitors of MtbTopI with IC50s as low as 2 µM. Growth inhibition ofMycobacterium smegmatisby these compounds in combination with an efflux pump inhibitor was diminished by the overexpression of recombinant MtbTopI. This work demonstrates thatin silicoscreening can be utilized to discover new bacterial topoisomerase I inhibitors, and identifies a novel structural motif which could be explored further for finding selective bacterial topoisomerase I inhibitors.
A systematic review and meta-analysis: Association between MGMT hypermethylation and the clinicopathological characteristics of non-small-cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Chen Lin , Wang Yong , Liu Fen , Xu Liyao , Peng Feifei , Zhao Ning , Fu Biqi , Zhu Zijie , Shi Yu , Liu Jiansheng , Wu Renrui , Wang Chen , Yao Shengmin , Li Yong
Published: January 2018

The relationship between O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation and clinicopathological characteristics of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) has remained controversial and unclear. Therefore, in this study we have undertaken a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant studies to quantitatively investigate this association. We identified 30 eligible studies investigating 2714 NSCLC patients. The relationship between MGMT hypermethylation and NSCLC was identified based on 20 studies, including 1539 NSCLC patient tissue and 1052 normal and adjacent tissue samples (OR = 4.60, 95% CI = 3.46~6.11,p < 0.00001). MGMT methylation varied with ethnicity (caucasian: OR = 4.56, 95% CI = 2.63~7.92,p < 0.00001; asian: OR = 5.18, 95% CI = 2.03~13.22,p = 0.0006) and control style (autologous: OR = 4.44, 95% CI = 3.32~5.92,p < 0.00001; heterogeneous: OR = 9.05, 95% CI = 1.79~45.71,p = 0.008). In addition, MGMT methylation was observed to be specifically associated with NSCLC clinical stage, and not with age, sex, smoking, pathological types, and differentiation status. Also MGMT methylation did not impact NSCLC patients survival (HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.77~2.28,p = 0.31). Our study provided clear evidence about the association of MGMT hypermethylation with increased risk of NSCLC.