bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproduction, egg morphology and development observed in two Australian penicillate millipedes, Lophoturus queenslandicus (Lophoproctidae) and Phryssonotus novaehollandiae (Synxenidae) (Diplopoda)
Authors: Huynh Cuong , Veenstra Anneke A.
Published: August 2016

Lophoproctid and synxenid millipede species observed in this study showed clear differences in their sexual reproduction, including sperm web structure, egg morphology and development compared with species from Polyxenidae. Male Lophoturus queenslandicus (Lophoproctidae) produce a single spermatophore on a sperm web without signal threads due to their lack of silk-producing coxal glands. Females of this species lay fewer eggs and differ in their egg cluster arrangement, which includes nest trichomes for protection. Lophoproctid chorion has a thin protective membrane and the pupoid has fused papillae covering the entire anterior region and an aperture bordered by protective papillate sensilla is present at the apex of the pupoid. Lophoproctid millipedes have a comparatively short intermoult period between stadia. In contrast, male Phryssonotus novaehollandiae (Synxenidae) produce two spermatophores separated by a large gap on their sperm web, with signal threads that are less obvious. Synxenid chorion and pupoid stages were unique; the chorion was tough and thick and the pupoid had anterior projections without an aperture bordered by sensilla, unlike those observed in lophoproctid and polyxenid millipedes. This study extends knowledge of the reproduction of species from three major millipede families from the Suborder Polyxenida (Penicillata: Diplopoda). Additionally, the results indicate that the reproductive strategies of Australian lophoproctid and synxenid species are adapted to their harsh environment.
Rapid hyperosmotic-induced Ca
2+
responses in
Arabidopsis thaliana
exhibit sensory potentiation and involvement of plastidial KEA transporters
Authors: Stephan Aaron B. , Kunz Hans-Henning , Yang Eric , Schroeder Julian I.
Published: August 2016

Significance

How plant roots initially sense osmotic stress in an environment of dynamic water availabilities remains largely unknown. Plants can perceive water limitation imposed by soil salinity or, potentially, by drought in the form of osmotic stress. Rapid osmotic stress-induced intracellular calcium transients provide the opportunity to dissect quantitatively the sensory mechanisms that transmit osmotic stress under environmental and genetic perturbations in plants. We describe a phenomenon whereby prior exposure to osmotic stress increases the sensitivity of the rapid calcium responses to subsequent stress. Further, mutations in plastidial K
+
exchange antiporter (KEA)1/2 and KEA3 transporters were unexpectedly found to reduce the rapid osmotic stress-induced calcium elevation. These findings advance the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the rapid osmotic stress response in plants.
Online purchasing creates opportunities to lower the life cycle carbon footprints of consumer products
Authors: Isley Steven C. , Stern Paul C. , Carmichael Scott P. , Joseph Karun M. , Arent Douglas J.
Published: August 2016

Significance

A major barrier to reducing greenhouse emissions from economic consumption involves information about product supply chains. Consumers who wish to reduce or offset the emissions embodied in goods and services they buy have no economical way to inform such choices. Vendors often can, but rarely do, gather embodied carbon information at little cost and offer it to consumers. They can also bundle carbon offsets for customers, thus facilitating choices. We report on a series of experiments using online interfaces to offer carbon footprint information and offset bundling in four sectors: online retailing, ride sharing, video streaming, and short-term lodging. Results indicate that firms can reduce their supply chains’ carbon footprints while improving customer satisfaction by facilitating consumers’ proenvironmental choices.
Reconstructing the last interglacial at Summit, Greenland: Insights from GISP2
Authors: Yau Audrey M. , Bender Michael L. , Robinson Alexander , Brook Edward J.
Published: August 2016

Significance

This work contributes to the scientific effort focused on developing an accurate assessment of the impact that global warming will have on the Greenland ice sheet. By focusing on the last interglacial, a period warmer than today, we learn about the sensitivity of the ice sheet to climate change. We combine data and model simulations to characterize the Eemian history of the Greenland ice sheet. Our data and insights will be useful for simulating the future of the ice sheet in response to climate change.
Cell autonomous regulation of herpes and influenza virus infection by the circadian clock
Authors: Edgar Rachel S. , Stangherlin Alessandra , Nagy Andras D. , Nicoll Michael P. , Efstathiou Stacey , O’Neill John S. , Reddy Akhilesh B.
Published: August 2016

Significance

The circadian clock coordinates our physiology. Circadian disruption, as occurs during shift work, increases the risk of chronic diseases. For infectious diseases, circadian regulation of systemic immunity seems to underpin “time-of-day” differences in responses to extracellular pathogens. However, circadian rhythms are cell autonomous, and their interaction with intracellular pathogens, such as viruses, is poorly understood. We demonstrate that time of day of virus infection has a major impact on disease progression, in cellular models as well as in animals, highlighting the key role that cellular clocks play in this phenomenon. Clock disruption leads to increased virus replication and dissemination, indicating that severity of acute infections is influenced by circadian timekeeping.
Neurocomputational mechanisms of prosocial learning and links to empathy
Authors: Lockwood Patricia L. , Apps Matthew A. J. , Valton Vincent , Viding Essi , Roiser Jonathan P.
Published: August 2016

Significance

Prosocial behaviors are essential for social bonding and cohesion, but the mechanisms that underpin these behaviors are still poorly understood. Using computational modeling and neuroimaging, we show that people can learn to benefit others and that this learning is underpinned by reinforcement learning signals in the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC). However, there is substantial individual variability in people’s ability for prosocial learning. More empathic people learn faster and have more selective responses in the sgACC when benefitting others. Our results thus reveal a computational mechanism driving prosocial learning in humans and why empathy and prosocial behavior may be linked. This framework could help to explain reduced empathy and prosocial behavior in people with disorders of social cognition.
Collective hormonal profiles predict group performance
Authors: Akinola Modupe , Page-Gould Elizabeth , Mehta Pranjal H. , Lu Jackson G.
Published: August 2016

Significance

Past research has focused primarily on demographic and psychological characteristics of group members without taking into consideration the biological make-up of groups. Here we introduce a different construct—a group’s collective hormonal profile—and find that a group’s biological profile predicts its standing across groups and that the particular profile supports a dual-hormone hypothesis. Groups with a collective hormonal profile characterized by high testosterone and low cortisol exhibit the highest performance. The current work provides a neurobiological perspective on factors determining group behavior and performance that are ripe for further exploration.
Earliest land plants created modern levels of atmospheric oxygen
Authors: Lenton Timothy M. , Dahl Tais W. , Daines Stuart J. , Mills Benjamin J. W. , Ozaki Kazumi , Saltzman Matthew R. , Porada Philipp
Published: August 2016

Significance

The rise of atmospheric oxygen over Earth’s history has received much recent interdisciplinary attention. However, the puzzle of when and how atmospheric oxygen reached modern levels remains unresolved. Many recent studies have argued for a major oxygenation event—of uncertain cause—in the Neoproterozoic Era >541 Ma, enabling the rise of animals. Previous modelling work has predicted a late Paleozoic oxygen rise (<380 Ma) due to the rise of forests. Here we show that neither scenario is correct. Instead, the earliest plants, which colonized the land from 470 Ma onward, first increased atmospheric oxygen to present levels by 400 Ma, and this instigated fire-mediated feedbacks that have stabilized high oxygen levels ever since, shaping subsequent evolution.
Temporal metastates are associated with differential patterns of time-resolved connectivity, network topology, and attention
Authors: Shine James M. , Koyejo Oluwasanmi , Poldrack Russell A.
Published: August 2016

Significance

The brain is an inherently dynamic organ; however, the manner in which the brain changes over longitudinal time remains poorly understood. An understanding of these dynamic mechanisms is critical for understanding normal childhood development and aging as well as neurological and psychiatric disease states. Here, we leverage data collected in a single individual over the course of 2 y to investigate changes in brain organization over time. In doing so, we show intermittent fluctuations in brain network configuration that were associated with separable patterns of time-resolved interactions between neural regions. The states also directly relate to alterations in whole-brain information processing and self-reported attention. In addition, the patterns that we observed were replicated in a separate longitudinal dataset.
Key experimental evidence of chromosomal DNA transfer among selected tuberculosis-causing mycobacteria
Authors: Boritsch Eva C. , Khanna Varun , Pawlik Alexandre , Honoré Nadine , Navas Victor H. , Ma Laurence , Bouchier Christiane , Seemann Torsten , Supply Philip , Stinear Timothy P. , Brosch Roland
Published: August 2016

Significance

Whereas most of the more than 130 described mycobacterial species are harmless saprophytes,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the human tuberculosis-causing agent, represents one of the deadliest bacterial pathogens in the history of humankind. To explore the mechanisms behind this spectacular evolutionary trajectory toward pathogenicity, we have experimentally investigated the faculty of different tuberculosis-causing mycobacteria in conducting horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Our studies identified unique chromosomal DNA transfer between strains of the
Mycobacterium canettii
clade, which resemble most closely the putative common ancestor of the
M. tuberculosis
complex. This outstanding feature suggests that during the evolution of
M. tuberculosis
, HGT might have represented the major mechanism for acquisition of genes that helped these mycobacteria to increasingly resist host defenses and become major pathogens.
Crystal structure of an Fe-S cluster-containing fumarate hydratase enzyme from
Leishmania major
reveals a unique protein fold
Authors: Feliciano Patricia R. , Drennan Catherine L. , Nonato M. Cristina
Published: August 2016

Significance

Leishmaniases, Chagas disease, and sleeping sickness are parasitic diseases classified as neglected tropical diseases, affecting approximately one-sixth of the world’s population. Because of the absence of effective medicines to treat these diseases, there is a substantial interest in the identification of new targets for the development of therapeutic strategies to combat neglected tropical diseases. We have determined the crystal structure of a class I fumarate hydratase (FH) from
Leishmania major
, the parasite responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis, and find that the structure is distinct from class II human FH. Thus,
Leishmania
class I FH, which is an essential metabolic enzyme, offers a new perspective for the development of antileishmaniases therapies.
Motor, cognitive, and affective areas of the cerebral cortex influence the adrenal medulla
Authors: Dum Richard P. , Levinthal David J. , Strick Peter L.
Published: August 2016

Significance

How does the “mind” (brain) influence the “body” (internal organs)? We identified key areas in the primate cerebral cortex that are linked through multisynaptic connections to the adrenal medulla. The most substantial influence originates from a broad network of motor areas that are involved in all aspects of skeletomotor control from response selection to motor preparation and movement execution. A smaller influence originates from a network in medial prefrontal cortex that is involved in the regulation of cognition and emotion. Thus, cortical areas involved in the control of movement, cognition, and affect are potential sources of central commands to influence sympathetic arousal. These results provide an anatomical basis for psychosomatic illness where mental states can alter organ function.
Airborne methane remote measurements reveal heavy-tail flux distribution in Four Corners region
Authors: Frankenberg Christian , Thorpe Andrew K. , Thompson David R. , Hulley Glynn , Kort Eric Adam , Vance Nick , Borchardt Jakob , Krings Thomas , Gerilowski Konstantin , Sweeney Colm , Conley Stephen , Bue Brian D. , Aubrey Andrew D. , Hook Simon , Green Robert O.
Published: August 2016

Significance

Fugitive methane emissions are thought to often exhibit a heavy-tail distribution (more high-emission sources than expected in a normal distribution), and thus efficient mitigation is possible if we locate the strongest emitters. Here we demonstrate airborne remote measurements of methane plumes at 1- to 3-m ground resolution over the Four Corners region. We identified more than 250 point sources, whose emissions followed a lognormal distribution, a heavy-tail characteristic. The top 10% of emitters explain about half of the total observed point source contribution and ∼1/4 the total basin emissions. This work demonstrates the capability of real-time airborne imaging spectroscopy to perform detection and categorization of methane point sources in extended geographical areas with immediate input for emissions abatement.
Patrolling monocytes promote intravascular neutrophil activation and glomerular injury in the acutely inflamed glomerulus
Authors: Finsterbusch Michaela , Hall Pam , Li Anqi , Devi Sapna , Westhorpe Clare L. V. , Kitching A. Richard , Hickey Michael J.
Published: August 2016

Significance

Nonclassical monocytes patrol the microvascular lumen in numerous organs in behavior thought to represent a form of immune surveillance. However, the mechanisms whereby they promote inflammatory responses are unclear. Here, we show using in vivo imaging that, in the unique microvasculature of the glomerulus in the kidney, monocytes constitutively undergo interactions with intravascular migratory neutrophils. Upon induction of glomerular inflammation, neutrophils that interact with monocytes show increased retention in glomerular capillaries and increased propensity to generate reactive oxygen species, leading to renal injury. These findings of immune cell interactions occurring within the glomerular microvasculature indicate that cell–cell contact between neutrophils and nonclassical monocytes is a previously unrecognized intravascular inflammatory mechanism underpinning glomerular injury.
Mitotic MELK-eIF4B signaling controls protein synthesis and tumor cell survival
Authors: Wang Yubao , Begley Michael , Li Qing , Huang Hai-Tsang , Lako Ana , Eck Michael J. , Gray Nathanael S. , Mitchison Timothy J. , Cantley Lewis C. , Zhao Jean J.
Published: August 2016

Significance

The work identifies the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4B (eIF4B) as a substrate of maternal and embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK), a mitotic kinase known to be essential for aggressive types of malignancy. The MELK–eIF4B axis thus represents a previously unidentified signaling pathway that regulates protein synthesis during mitosis and, consequently, the survival of cancer cells.
Scavenging nucleic acid debris to combat autoimmunity and infectious disease
Authors: Holl Eda K. , Shumansky Kara L. , Borst Luke B. , Burnette Angela D. , Sample Christopher J. , Ramsburg Elizabeth A. , Sullenger Bruce A.
Published: August 2016

Significance

Pathological inflammation resulting from autoimmune, inflammatory, and infectious diseases remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. We explored the utility of nucleic acid-binding polymers to limit pathological activation of the innate immune response by scavenging nucleic acid-containing debris. We evaluated such polymers following local and systemic delivery for treatment of cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus in mice and observed dramatic therapeutic benefit. Remarkably, such treatment does not limit the ability of lupus-prone mice to combat influenza infection. Thus, by selectively targeting activators of the pathogenic immune response rather than the effectors of the innate immune system, nucleic acid scavengers are able to limit pathological inflammation without compromising one’s ability to fight a viral infection.
Genome-wide quantification of rare somatic mutations in normal human tissues using massively parallel sequencing
Authors: Hoang Margaret L. , Kinde Isaac , Tomasetti Cristian , McMahon K. Wyatt , Rosenquist Thomas A. , Grollman Arthur P. , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Vogelstein Bert , Papadopoulos Nickolas
Published: August 2016

Significance

While we age, our body accumulates random somatic mutations. These mutations spontaneously arise from endogenous and exogenous sources, such as DNA replication errors or environmental insults like smoking or sunlight. Direct measurement of rare mutations could help us understand the role of somatic mutations in human aging, normal biology, and disease processes. Here, we develop the bottleneck sequencing system (BotSeqS) as a simple genome-wide sequencing-based method that accurately quantitates nuclear and mitochondrial mutational load in normal human tissues. We demonstrate that mutation prevalence and spectrum vary depending on age, tissue type, DNA repair capacity, and carcinogen exposure. Our results suggest a varied landscape of rare mutations within the human body that has yet to be explored.
Recognition and targeting mechanisms by chaperones in flagellum assembly and operation
Authors: Khanra Nandish , Rossi Paolo , Economou Anastassios , Kalodimos Charalampos G.
Published: August 2016

Significance

The flagellum is a highly sophisticated organelle rotated by a motor that confers swarming motility to bacterial cells. Such motility is essential for the full pathogenicity of several virulence bacteria. Several proteins are required for the assembly and operation of the flagellum. Here we report the structural characterization of FliT, a key flagellar chaperone, in the unliganded state and in complex with two substrate flagellar proteins. FliT adopts an autoinhibited structure in order to avoid futile interactions with the export gate in the absence of a substrate. Substrate binding to FliT activates complex targeting to the export gate followed by either the export of the substrate or its assembly to the export apparatus.
Mouse MORC3 is a GHKL ATPase that localizes to H3K4me3 marked chromatin
Authors: Li Sisi , Yen Linda , Pastor William A. , Johnston Jonathan B. , Du Jiamu , Shew Colin J. , Liu Wanlu , Ho Jamie , Stender Bryan , Clark Amander T. , Burlingame Alma L. , Daxinger Lucia , Patel Dinshaw J. , Jacobsen Steven E.
Published: August 2016

Significance

The Microrchidia (MORC) family of ATPases are important regulators of gene silencing in multiple organisms but little is known about their molecular behavior. In this study, we used crystallography and native mass spectrometry to show that MORC3 forms dimers when it binds to nonhydrolyzable ATP analogues. We also determined that the CW zinc finger-like domain of MORC3 can bind euchromatic histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation and that MORC3 localizes to H3K4me3-marked chromatin. The MORC3 crystal structure provides details as to the intermolecular interactions that allow dimerization and the binding to ATP and histones. This work reveals key molecular activities of MORC3 that might apply to other MORC family members in eukaryotic organisms.
Regulation of intracellular heme trafficking revealed by subcellular reporters
Authors: Yuan Xiaojing , Rietzschel Nicole , Kwon Hanna , Walter Nuno Ana Beatriz , Hanna David A. , Phillips John D. , Raven Emma L. , Reddi Amit R. , Hamza Iqbal
Published: August 2016

Significance

The intracellular and extracellular trafficking of heme, a hydrophobic and potentially cytotoxic cofactor in proteins such as hemoglobin, remains an underexplored area. While cellular heme can be derived exogenously or from de novo synthesis, it is unclear if there is differential trafficking of heme from these two sources. To critically examine this possibility, we developed peroxidase-based enzymatic reporters for heme and deployed them in subcellular compartments in mammalian cells and in several tissues in theCaenorhabditiselegansanimal model. Our results show that extracellular and endogenous heme is trafficked to virtually all intracellular compartments via distinct cellular routes and that interorgan heme transport is essential for systemic regulation of heme homeostasis inC. elegans.
Mapping signaling pathway cross-talk in
Drosophila
cells
Authors: Ammeux Noemie , Housden Benjamin E. , Georgiadis Andrew , Hu Yanhui , Perrimon Norbert
Published: August 2016

Significance

A key challenge in understanding cell communication is to characterize the coordinated activity of signaling pathways. A number of studies suggest that signaling pathways can regulate each other by direct control of ligand and receptor expression levels, triggering sequential signaling events in cells. To address the extent of sequential signaling, we profiled the transcriptional responses of ligand and receptor genes to single and combinatorial signaling pathway inductions in cell lines. Our analysis revealed that transcriptional regulation of genes encoding pathway components is a major level of signaling cross-talk, especially in the context of costimulation of signaling pathways.
Highly rearranged mitochondrial genome in
Nycteria
parasites (Haemosporidia) from bats
Authors: Karadjian Gregory , Hassanin Alexandre , Saintpierre Benjamin , Gembu Tungaluna Guy-Crispin , Ariey Frederic , Ayala Francisco J. , Landau Irene , Duval Linda
Published: August 2016

Significance

Understanding the evolutionary history of Haemosporidian parasites would help to understand human malaria evolution. Nevertheless, Haemosporidia parasite diversity in bats remains largely unstudied. In addition, some cases of unsuccessful PCR amplification of cytochrome
b
, the most widely used molecular marker to characterize Haemosporidia parasites, have recently been reported for
Nycteria
parasites infecting Nycteridae bats. Here we used next-generation sequencing to characterize mitochondrial genomes of parasites from the
Nycteria
genus. Our results have revealed an unsuspected mitochondrial genome rearrangement within Haemosporidia.
Comparison of hot corrosion behaviour of FGM and usual TBCs
Authors: Rahnavard M. , Ostad Ahmad Ghorabi M. J. , Rafiee H.
Published: August 2016

In the present paper, hot corrosion behaviour of functionally graded material (FGM) and usual ceria-yttria stabilised zirconia (CYSZ) TBCs, prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying method was evaluated. In addition, coating microstructures were investigated using scanning electron microscope; EDS and X-ray diffraction techniques before and after hot corrosion test. The results showed, due to different corrosion mechanisms, the life of FGM TBC was higher than the usual one. The degradation mechanism of usual TBC was formation of TGO at the bond coat/CYSZ layer interface resulted in delamination, while in FGM coating was the stress induced by phase transformation volume increment occurred in the coating and the thermal stress accompanied by thermal expansion mismatch.
Suppression of abnormal morphology and extracytoplasmic function sigma activity in Bacillus subtilis ugtP mutant cells by expression of heterologous glucolipid synthases from Acholeplasma laidlawii
Authors: Matsuoka Satoshi , Seki Takahiro , Matsumoto Kouji , Hara Hiroshi
Published: August 2016

Glucolipids in Bacillus subtilis are synthesized by UgtP processively transferring glucose from UDP-glucose to diacylglycerol. Here we conclude that the abnormal morphology of a ugtP mutant is caused by lack of glucolipids, since the same morphology arises after abolition of glucolipid production by disruption of pgcA and gtaB, which are involved in UDP-glucose synthesis. Conversely, expression of a monoglucosyldiacylglycerol (MGlcDG) produced by 1,2-diacylglycerol 3-glucosyltransferase from Acholeplasma laidlawii (alMGS) almost completely suppressed the ugtP disruptant phenotype. Activation of extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigmas (SigM, SigV, and SigX) in the ugtP mutant was decreased by alMGS expression, and was suppressed to low levels by MgSO4 addition. When alMGS and alDGS (A. laidlawii 1,2-diacylglycerol-3-glucose (1-2)-glucosyltransferase producing diglucosyldiacylglycerol (DGlcDG)) were simultaneously expressed, SigX activation was repressed to wild type level. These observations suggest that MGlcDG molecules are required for maintenance of B. subtilis cell shape and regulation of ECF sigmas, and DGlcDG regulates SigX activity.
Metabolic demand and muscle damage induced by eccentric cycling of knee extensor and flexor muscles
Authors: Peñailillo Luis , Guzmán Nicolás , Cangas José , Reyes Alvaro , Zbinden‐Foncea Hermann
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to examine the metabolic demand and extent of muscle damage of eccentric cycling targeting knee flexor (FLEX) and knee extensor (EXT) muscles. Methods: Eight sedentary men (23.3 ± 0.7 y) underwent two eccentric cycling sessions (EXT and FLEX) of 30 min each, at 60% of the maximum power output. Oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR) and rated perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during cycling. Countermovement and squat jumps (CMJ and SJ), muscle flexibility, muscle soreness and pain pressure threshold (PPT) of knee extensor and flexor muscles were measured before, immediately after and 1–4 days after cycling. Results: FLEX showed greater VO2 (+23%), HR (+14%) and RPE (+18%) than EXT. CMJ and SJ performance decreased similarly after cycling. Muscle soreness increased more after EXT than FLEX and PPT decreased in knee extensor muscles after EXT and decreased in knee flexor muscles after FLEX. Greater loss of muscle flexibility in knee flexor muscles after FLEX was observed. Conclusion: Eccentric cycling of knee flexor muscles is metabolically more demanding than that of knee extensors, however muscle damage induced is similar. Knee flexors experienced greater loss of muscle flexibility possibly due to increased muscle stiffness following eccentric contractions.
Observation of a helium ion energy threshold for retention in tungsten exposed to hydrogen/helium mixture plasma
Authors: Thompson M. , Deslandes A. , Morgan T.W. , Elliman R.G. , De Temmerman G. , Kluth P. , Riley D. , Corr C.S.
Published: August 2016

Helium retention is measured in tungsten samples exposed to mixed H/He plasma in the Magnum-PSI linear plasma device. It is observed that there is very little He retention below helium ion impact energies of

9.0
±
1.4

eV, indicating the existence of a potential barrier which must be overcome for implantation to occur. The helium retention in samples exposed to plasma at temperatures  >1000 K is strongly correlated with nano-bubble formation measured using grazing incidence small-angle x-ray scattering. The diameters of nano-bubbles were not found to increase with increasing helium concentration, indicating that additional helium must be accommodated by increasing the bubble concentration or an increase in bubble pressure. For some samples pre-irradiation with heavy ions of 2.0 MeV energy is investigated to simulate the effects of neutron damage. It is observed that nano-bubble sizes are comparable between samples pre-irradiated with heavy-ions, and those without heavy-ion pre-irradiation.
Multiple Xanthomonas euvesicatoria Type III Effectors Inhibit flg22-Triggered Immunity
Authors: Popov Georgy , Fraiture Malou , Brunner Frederic , Sessa Guido
Published: August 2016

Xanthomonas euvesicatoria is the causal agent of bacterial spot disease in pepper and tomato. X. euvesicatoria bacteria interfere with plant cellular processes by injecting effector proteins into host cells through the type III secretion (T3S) system. About 35 T3S effectors have been identified in X. euvesicatoria 85-10, and a few of them were implicated in suppression of pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). We used an Arabidopsis thaliana pathogen-free protoplast–based assay to identify X. euvesicatoria 85-10 effectors that interfere with PTI signaling induced by the bacterial peptide flg22. Of 33 tested effectors, 17 inhibited activation of a PTI-inducible promoter. Among them, nine effectors also interfered with activation of an abscisic acid–inducible promoter. However, effectors that inhibited flg22-induced signaling did not affect phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases acting downstream of flg22 perception. Further investigation of selected effectors revealed that XopAJ, XopE2, and XopF2 inhibited activation of a PTI-inducible promoter by the bacterial peptide elf18 in Arabidopsis protoplasts and by flg22 in tomato protoplasts. The effectors XopF2, XopE2, XopAP, XopAE, XopH, and XopAJ inhibited flg22-induced callose deposition in planta and enhanced disease symptoms caused by attenuated Pseudomonas syringae bacteria. Finally, selected effectors were found to localize to various plant subcellular compartments. These results indicate that X. euvesicatoria bacteria utilize multiple T3S effectors to suppress flg22-induced signaling acting downstream or in parallel to MAP kinase cascades and suggest they act through different molecular mechanisms.
Surveys of Health Professions Trainees: Prevalence, Response Rates, and Predictive Factors to Guide Researchers
Authors: Phillips Andrew W. , Friedman Benjamin T. , Utrankar Amol , Ta Andrew Q. , Reddy Shalini T. , Durning Steven J.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To establish a baseline overall response rate for surveys of health professions trainees, determine strategies associated with improved response rates, and evaluate for the presence of nonresponse bias.

Method

The authors performed a comprehensive analysis of all articles published in Academic Medicine, Medical Education, and Advances in Health Sciences Education in 2013, recording response rates. Additionally, they reviewed nonresponse bias analyses and factors suggested in other fields to affect response rate including survey delivery method, prenotification, and incentives.

Results

The search yielded 732 total articles; of these, 356 were research articles, and of these, 185 (52.0%) used at least one survey. Of these, 66 articles (35.6%) met inclusion criteria and yielded 73 unique surveys. Of the 73 surveys used, investigators reported a response rate for 63.0% of them; response rates ranged from 26.6% to 100%, mean (standard deviation) 71.3% (19.5%). Investigators reported using incentives for only 16.4% of the 73 surveys. The only survey methodology factor significantly associated with response rate was single- vs. multi-institutional surveys (respectively, 74.6% [21.2%] vs. 62.0% [12.8%], P = .022). Notably, statistical power for all analyses was limited. No articles evaluated for nonresponse bias.

Conclusions

Approximately half of the articles evaluated used a survey as part of their methods. Limited data are available to establish a baseline response rate among health professions trainees and inform researchers which strategies are associated with higher response rates. Journals publishing survey-based health professions education research should improve reporting of response rate, nonresponse bias, and other survey factors.
Developing Core Competencies for the Prevention and Management of Prescription Drug Misuse: A Medical Education Collaboration in Massachusetts
Authors: Antman Karen H. , Berman Harris A. , Flotte Terence R. , Flier Jeffrey , Dimitri Dennis M. , Bharel Monica
Published: August 2016

Drug overdose has become the leading cause of injury death in the United States. More than half of those deaths involve prescription drugs, specifically opioids. A key component of addressing this national epidemic is improving prescriber practices.

A review of the curricula at the four medical schools in Massachusetts revealed that, although they taught components of addiction medicine, no uniform standard existed to ensure that all students were taught prevention and management strategies for prescription drug misuse. To fill this gap, the governor and the secretary of health and human services invited the deans of the state’s four medical schools to convene to develop a common educational strategy for teaching safe and effective opioid-prescribing practices. With leadership from the Department of Public Health and Massachusetts Medical Society, the deans formed the Medical Education Working Group in 2015. This group reviewed the relevant literature and current standards for treating substance use disorders and defined 10 core competencies for the prevention and management of prescription drug misuse.

The medical schools have incorporated these competencies into their curricula and have committed to assessing students’ competence in these areas. The members of the Medical Education Working Group have agreed to continue to work together on key next steps, including connecting these competencies to those for residents, equipping interprofessional teams to address prescription drug misuse, and developing materials in pain management and opioid misuse for practicing physicians. This first-in-the-nation partnership has yielded cross-institutional competencies that aim to address a public health emergency in real time.
Antibodies in juvenile-onset myositis
Authors: Tansley Sarah L.
Published: August 2016

Purpose of review

Juvenile-onset myositis is a highly heterogeneous disease. Myositis-specific and associated autoantibodies provide a potential means of subdividing patients into clinically homogenous subgroups. Given the increasing availability of autoantibody testing, this review explores the phenotypes associated with different autoantibodies in juvenile-onset myositis and the potential clinical utility of autoantibody testing.

Recent findings

Autoantibodies can be identified in 60–70% of children with myositis and the recent discovery of novel myositis-associated autoantibodies in adult patients suggests this may increase in the near future. Detailed phenotype descriptions are now known for several autoantibodies commonly identified in juvenile-onset disease. Whilst there is insufficient evidence to recommend a differential treatment approach based on autoantibody status, it is becoming increasingly clear that some autoantibody subgroups are often treatment resistant and may benefit from a more aggressive approach.

The validation of nonspecialised methods for myositis-specific autoantibody detection should lead to more widely available testing. In juvenile-onset disease, this will provide detailed prognostic information and in the future may also influence approach.
The Stainless Steel Wire-based Method of Sogawa Effectively Corrects Severe Ingrown Nails
Authors: Sano Hitomi , Oki Koichiro , Sogawa Hideo , Ogawa Rei
Published: August 2016

Ingrown nails are defined as inflammation of the lateral nail fold that is caused by penetration by the nail plate and associates with pain and/or infection. The pain associated with ingrown nail hampers walking, raises the risk of falls, and decreases the quality of life. The Sogawa method is a novel conservative medical treatment for ingrown nails that is based on stainless steel wire. It was first reported in 2012 by Sogawa, and we have found that it is very effective for ingrown nails, especially in difficult cases. Here, we show the beneficial effects of the Sogawa method in 2 extremely difficult cases where ingrown nails had recurred after partial nail ablation. We found the Sogawa method to be a quick and easy technique that rapidly improves the pain associated with ingrown nails and later produces properly configured nails. Our experience suggests that it is suitable for severe ingrown nails, such as too short ingrown nails and ingrown nails that have strong inflammation and granulation tissue formation. This is significant because it is difficult to treat such cases with conventional conservative methods, which means that the only remaining therapeutic option is surgery. Thus, the Sogawa method is a novel and highly effective ingrown nail treatment that obviates the need for invasive surgical treatment.
Pediatric Arm Reconstruction after Shot-gun Injury Using Peroneal Free-flap and Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap: Late Follow-up
Authors: Olvera-Caballero Carlos , Ortiz-Dominguez Abel
Published: August 2016

A 15-year-old patient harmed himself upon firing a shotgun that he was carrying when he slipped and fell, causing a destructive wound in the right arm with a medial entry hole and a posterolateral exit hole. The biceps, coracobrachialis, triceps, deltoids, skin cover, and humerus were injured; however, the blood vessels and major nerves of the area were surprisingly not affected. The residual skin muscle defect after debridements was 16 × 5 cm medially and posteriorly, and the bone loss was 7 cm. The wound was reconstructed during a single surgery with a free fibula flap and a pedicled flap of latissimus dorsi. Ten years after surgery, the patient presents neither functional deficit of the injured limb (shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand) nor sequelae in the donor areas; he performs his daily activities without any limitations. This case confirms that the use of free bone flaps and pedicled muscle flaps in pediatric patients can provide excellent long-term results.
Indications of Free Grafts in Mandibular Reconstruction, after Removing Benign Tumors: Treatment Algorithm
Authors: Fariña Rodrigo , Alister Juan Pablo , Uribe Francisca , Olate Sergio , Arriagada Alvaro
Published: August 2016

Background:

Mandibular reconstruction has been the subject of much debate and research in the fields of maxillofacial surgery and head and neck surgery.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective observational study was undertaken with 14 patients diagnosed with benign tumorous pathologies and who underwent immediate mandibular resection and reconstruction at the Hospital del Salvador Maxillofacial Surgery Unit and Dr. Rodrigo Fariña’s private clinic between the years 2002 and 2012. We propose a treatment algorithm, which is previous teeth extractions in area that will be removed.

Results:

Fourteen patients underwent surgery, and a total of 40 dental implants were installed in 6 men and 8 women, the mean age of 33.5 (age range, 14–58 y). Reconstruction with iliac crest bone graft, and rehabilitation following this protocol (average of reconstruction was 8.7 cm), was successful with no complications at all in 12 patients. One patient had a minor complication, and the graft was partially reabsorbed because of communication of the graft with the oral cavity. This complication did not impede rehabilitation with dental implants. Another patient suffered the total loss of the graft due to infection because of dehiscence of oral mucosa and great communication with the mouth. Another iliac crest free graft reconstruction was undertaken 6 months later.

Conclusions:

The scientific evidence suggests that mandibular reconstruction using free grafts following the removal of benign tumors is a biologically sustainable alternative. The critical factor to improve the prognosis of free grafts reconstruction in benign tumors is to have good quality soft tissue and avoid communication with the oral cavity. For this, it is vital to do dental extractions before removing the tumor.
Targeted implementation of the Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program through an assessment of safety culture to minimize central line-associated bloodstream infections
Authors: Richter Jason P. , McAlearney Ann Scheck
Published: August 2016

Background:

Approximately 250,000 central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) occur annually in the United States, with 30,000 related deaths. CLABSIs are largely preventable, and the Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program (CUSP) is a proven sustainable model that can be used to reduce CLABSIs. CUSP is a resource intensive program that, although widely used, has not been universally adopted.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to identify the significant factors of safety culture prior to CUSP implementation associated with a reduction or elimination of CLABSIs. By identifying these factors, hospitals can target CUSP to those units expected to have the greatest odds of reducing CLABSIs.

Methodology/Approach:

Using logistic and negative binomial regressions, we analyzed 649 hospital units that completed the national On the CUSP: Stop BSI study between May 2009 and June 2012. Hospital units provided CLABSI rates and staff survey responses on perceptions of factors of safety culture prior to CUSP implementation and CLABSI rates for six quarters thereafter.

Findings:

We found that hospital units reduced infection rates in the six quarters following CUSP implementation from 1.95 to 1.04 CLABSIs per 1,000 central line days. Most of the improvement occurred within the first two quarters following implementation. Hospitals with a stronger preimplementation safety culture had lower CLABSI rates at conclusion of the study. We found communication openness, staffing, organizational learning, and teamwork to be significantly associated with zero or reduced CLABSI rates.

Practice Implications:

CUSP appears to have a greater impact on CLABSI rates when implemented by units with a strong existing safety culture. Targeted implementation allows hospitals to optimize success, maximize scarce resources, and alleviate some of the CUSP program’s cost concerns if CUSP cannot be implemented in all units. To enhance the impact of CUSP, hospitals should improve safety culture prior to implementation in units that poorly exhibit it.
BILATERAL CHOROIDAL EXCAVATION IN JUVENILE LOCALIZED SCLERODERMA
Authors: Franklin Mackenzie L. , Day Shelley
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

To describe a case of bilateral choroidal excavation in a patient with juvenile localized scleroderma.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

An asymptomatic 12-year-old boy with localized scleroderma presented for examination and was found to have bilateral areas of choroidal excavation temporal to the fovea.

Conclusion:

Previous reports of ocular complications of localized scleroderma have primarily described adnexal and anterior segment changes. This is the second report of choroidal changes in a patient with localized scleroderma, and the first in a pediatric patient.
Off-Label Prescription of Psychopharmacological Drugs in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Authors: Braüner Julie Vestergaard , Johansen Lily Manzello , Roesbjerg Troels , Pagsberg Anne Katrine
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to describe the frequency of off-label prescriptions of psychopharmacological drugs in a child and adolescent psychiatric setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted on November 1, 2014, including all inpatients and outpatients at the Mental Health Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Capital Region of Denmark, aged 0 to 17 years receiving medical treatment with antidepressants, antipsychotic agents, benzodiazepines, melatonin and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication. We included a total of 5555 prescriptions representing 2932 patients. The main findings were that 32.3% of all prescriptions were off-label, and 41.6% of subjects received at least 1 off-label prescription. The most frequent off-label category was low age, 72.2%, meaning that the drug was not approved for the age group of the patient. The off-label rates for each drug class were as follows: melatonin, 100%; antipsychotic agents, 95.6%; benzodiazepines, 72.5%; antidepressants, 51.1%; and ADHD medication, 2.7%. Prescription of 2 or more psychopharmacological drugs per patient was common (31.5%). The group of subjects with 4 or more prescriptions (n = 36) was characterized by a higher frequency of inpatients, older age, and a different distribution of diagnoses. This study found a frequent use of off-label prescriptions when treating children and adolescents with psychopharmacological drugs other than ADHD medication. In addition, prescription of more than 1 psychotropic drug is common. These findings support the need for extending the evidence base for psychopharmacologic treatment in children and adolescents.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Depressive Symptoms, and Cognitive Performance in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Mazereeuw Graham , Herrmann Nathan , Oh Paul I. , Ma David W.L. , Wang Cheng Tao , Kiss Alexander , Lanctôt Krista L.
Published: August 2016

This trial investigated the efficacy of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) treatment for improving depressive symptoms and cognitive performance in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) participating in cardiac rehabilitation. Patients with CAD aged 45 to 80 years were randomized to receive either 1.9-g/d n-3 PUFA treatment or placebo for 12 weeks. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D, primary outcome) and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria were used to identify a depressive episode at baseline. Cognitive performance was measured using a standardized battery for vascular cognitive impairment. In 92 patients (age, 61.7 ± 8.7 y; 76% male, 40% depressed; HAM-D, 6.9 ± 5.9; BDI-II, 12.3 ± 10.9; n = 45 n-3 PUFA, n = 47 placebo), depression decreased (HAM-D, F
3,91 = 2.71 and P = 0.049; BDI-II, F
3,91 = 6.24 and P < 0.01), and cognitive performance improved (attention/processing speed, F
1,91 = 5.57, P = 0.02; executive function, F
1,91 = 14.64, P < 0.01; visuospatial memory, F
1,91 = 4.01, P = 0.04) over cardiac rehabilitation. Omega-3 PUFA treatment increased plasma eicosapentaenoic acid (F
1,29 = 33.29, P < 0.01) and docosahexaenoic acid (F
1,29 = 15.29, P < 0.01) concentrations but did not reduce HAM-D (F
3,91 = 1.59, P = 0.20) or BDI-II (F
3,91 = 0.46, P = 0.50) scores compared with placebo. Treatment did not improve cognitive performance; however, n-3 PUFAs significantly increased verbal memory compared with placebo in a subgroup of nondepressed patients (F
1,54 = 4.16, P = 0.04). This trial suggests that n-3 PUFAs do not improve depressive and associated cognitive symptoms in those with CAD. The possible benefits of n-3 PUFAs for verbal memory may warrant investigation in well-powered studies.
Hallucinations Experienced by Visually Impaired: Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Authors: Pang Linda
Published: August 2016

Charles Bonnet Syndrome is a condition where visual hallucinations occur as a result of damage along the visual pathway. Patients with Charles Bonnet Syndrome maintain partial or full insight that the hallucinations are not real, absence of psychological conditions, and absence of hallucinations affecting other sensory modalities, while maintaining intact intellectual functioning. Charles Bonnet Syndrome has been well documented in neurologic, geriatric medicine, and psychiatric literature, but there is lack of information in optometric and ophthalmologic literature. Therefore, increased awareness of signs and symptoms associated with Charles Bonnet Syndrome is required among practicing clinicians. This review of the literature will also identify other etiologies of visual hallucinations, pathophysiology of Charles Bonnet Syndrome, and effective management strategies.