bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A combination of two antibodies recognizing non‐overlapping epitopes of HER2 induces kinase activity‐dependent internalization of HER2
Authors: Szymanska Monika , Fosdahl Anne M. , Nikolaysen Filip , Pedersen Mikkel W. , Grandal Michael M. , Stang Espen , Bertelsen Vibeke
Published: September 2016

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/ErbB2) is overexpressed in a number of human cancers. HER2 is the preferred heterodimerization partner for other epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members and is considered to be resistant to endocytic down‐regulation, properties which both contribute to the high oncogenic potential of HER2. Antibodies targeting members of the EGFR family are powerful tools in cancer treatment and can function by blocking ligand binding, preventing receptor dimerization, inhibiting receptor activation and/or inducing receptor internalization and degradation. With respect to antibody‐induced endocytosis of HER2, various results are reported, and the effect seems to depend on the HER2 expression level and whether antibodies are given as individual antibodies or as mixtures of two or more. In this study, the effect of a mixture of two monoclonal antibodies against non‐overlapping epitopes of HER2 was investigated with respect to localization and stability of HER2. Individual antibodies had limited effect, but the combination of antibodies induced internalization and degradation of HER2 by multiple endocytic pathways. In addition, HER2 was phosphorylated and ubiquitinated upon incubation with the antibody combination, and the HER2 kinase activity was found to be instrumental in antibody‐induced HER2 down‐regulation.
The role of microRNAs in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Zheng , Shen Jianxiong , Chan Matthew T.V. , Wu William Ka Kei
Published: September 2016

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy with poor prognosis. Despite improvements in its diagnosis and therapy, the prognosis for ICC patients remains poor. An improved understanding of ICC pathogenesis and consequential identification of novel therapeutic targets would improve the prognosis of ICC patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of highly conserved, endogenous, small non‐coding RNA molecules of 18–23 nucleotides in length, which regulate gene expression through complementary base‐pairing with target messenger RNAs and subsequent gene silencing. Several studies have shown deregulated expression of miRNAs in ICC cell lines and tissues, in which these miRNAs play important roles in ICC apoptosis, cell proliferation, invasion, migration and metastasis. In this review, we illustrate the potential role of miRNA in the pathogenesis of ICC and explore the possibilities of using miRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic markers, as well as therapeutic targets in ICC.
A randomized, controlled, multicentre clinical trial of post‐extraction alveolar ridge preservation
Authors: Scheyer Eric Todd , Heard Rick , Janakievski Jim , Mandelaris George , Nevins Marc L. , Pickering Stephen R. , Richardson Christopher R. , Pope Bryan , Toback Gregory , Velásquez Diego , Nagursky Heiner
Published: September 2016

Aim

To compare the effectiveness of two‐ridge preservation treatments.

Materials and Methods

Forty subjects with extraction sockets exhibiting substantial buccal dehiscences were enrolled and randomized across 10 standardized centres. Treatments were demineralized allograft plus reconstituted and cross‐linked collagen membrane (DFDBA + RECXC) or deproteinized bovine bone mineral with collagen plus native, bilayer collagen membrane (DBBMC + NBCM). Socket dimensions were recorded at baseline and 6 months. Wound closure and soft tissue inflammation were followed post‐operatively, and biopsies were retrieved for histomorphometric analysis at 6 months.

Results

Primary endpoint: at 6 months, extraction socket horizontal measures were significantly greater for DBBMC + NBCM (average 1.76 mm greater, p = 0.0256). Secondary and Exploratory endpoints: (1) lingual and buccal vertical bone changes were not significantly different between the two treatment modalities, (2) histomorphometric % new bone and % new bone + graft were not significantly different, but significantly more graft remnants remained for DBBMC; (3) at 1 month, incision line gaps were significantly greater and more incision lines remained open for DFDBA + RECXC; (4) higher inflammation at 1 week tended to correlate with lower ridge preservation results; and (5) deeper socket morphologies with thinner bony walls correlated with better ridge preservation. Thirty‐seven of 40 sites had sufficient ridge dimension for implant placement at 6 months; the remainder were DFDBA + RECXC sites.

Conclusion

DBBMC + NBCM provided better soft tissue healing and ridge preservation for implant placement. Deeper extraction sockets with higher and more intact bony walls responded more favourably to ridge preservation therapy.
Integrative approach revises the frequently misidentified species of Sardinella (Clupeidae) of the Indo‐West Pacific Ocean
Authors: Stern N. , Rinkevich B. , Goren M.
Published: September 2016

To deal with the difficulties of species differentiation and delimitation among the commercially important sardines from the genus Sardinella, an integrative approach was adopted, incorporating traditional taxonomy with four DNA markers (coI, cytb, 16s and nuclear rag2). Combining these methodologies has enabled a thorough re‐description of three of the most common species of Sardinella of the Indo‐west Pacific Ocean: white sardinella Sardinella albella, fringescale sardinella Sardinella fimbriata and the goldstripe sardinella Sardinella gibbosa, as well as a description of a new species, Gon's sardinella Sardinella goni, from the island of Boracay, Philippines. In addition, extensive widespread sampling of S. gibbosa reveals a significant genetic separation between the populations from the western Indian Ocean and the west Pacific Ocean, despite no supporting morphological differentiation. An updated morphological key of the species of Sardinella of the Indo‐west Pacific Ocean is also provided in order to minimize future misidentifications within these economically important taxa. Finally, the genetic and morphological variabilities within and between the investigated species are used to discuss their biogeographical distribution and possible processes of speciation.
Antibacterial activity of roselle calyx extracts, sodium hypochlorite, colloidal silver and acetic acid against multidrug‐resistant salmonella serotypes isolated from coriander
Authors: Rangel‐Vargas Esmeralda , Gutiérrez‐Alcántara Eduardo J. , Gómez‐Aldapa Carlos A. , Falfán‐Cortés Reyna N. , Segovia‐Cruz Jesús A. , Salas‐Rangel Laura P. , Castro‐Rosas Javier
Published: September 2016

Multidrug‐resistant Salmonella serotypes (M‐RSs) were isolated from coriander, and an analysis done of the antibacterial activity of roselle calyx extracts against any of the identified strains. One‐hundred coriander samples were collected from markets. Salmonella was isolated from the coriander samples by culture procedure. Susceptibilities to sixteen antibiotics were determined for the isolated Salmonella strains by standard test. The antibacterial effect of four roselle extracts (water, methanol, acetone and ethyl acetate), sodium hypochlorite, acetic acid and colloidal silver against M‐RS isolates was evaluated on contaminated coriander. Thirty‐one Salmonella strains were isolated from 23% of coriander samples. Identified Salmonella serotypes were typhimurium, typhi and montevideo. All isolated strains exhibited resistance to at least three antibiotics. Roselle extracts caused a greater reduction in concentration of M‐RSs than the sodium hypochlorite, colloidal silver and acetic acid on contaminated coriander. Roselle calyx extracts may be a potentially useful addition to disinfection procedures of coriander.

Practical applications

The colloidal silver solution (Microdyn) and sodium hypochlorite are widely used to disinfect fruit and vegetables in restaurants and home in Mexico. Even, the Health Secretariat of Mexico promotes their use as disinfectants of fruit and vegetables. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces are reported to have an antimicrobial effect on pathogenic bacteria. There is no information about the reduction in the concentration of multidrug‐resistant Salmonella serotypes (M‐RSs) on coriander by typical disinfectant solutions, such as colloidal silver and sodium hypochlorite or roselle calyx extracts. M‐RSs were isolated from coriander purchased in public markets in Mexico and challenged with roselle calyx extracts, sodium hypochlorite, colloidal silver and acetic acid. The roselle extracts caused a greater reduction in the concentration of M‐RSs than sodium hypochlorite, acetic acid and colloidal silver on coriander. Roselle calyx extracts are a potentially useful addition to disinfection procedures of coriander in the field, processing plants, restaurants and homes.
Evaluation of Allium paradoxum (M.B.) G. Don. and Eryngium caucasicum trauve. Extracts on the shelf‐life and quality of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) fillets during refrigerated storage
Authors: Raeisi Sara , Ojagh Seyed Mahdi , Sharifi‐Rad Majid , Sharifi‐Rad Javad , Quek Siew Young
Published: September 2016

The present study examined the effects of Allium paradoxum (M.B.) G. Don. and Eryngium caucasicum Trauve. extracts on the lipid oxidation and quality deterioration indices, microbiological as well as sensory characteristics in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) fillets during storage at 4 °C ± 1. Treatments applied in the study including the following: control (without plant extracts), 2% and 4% (w/v) plant extracts. The addition of plant extracts significantly delayed oxidative deterioration in silver carp fillets during refrigerated storage as shown by the PV, TBARS, Acid Value and TVB‐N data (P < 0.05). The results also showed that natural compounds from A. paradoxum and E. caucasicum extracts resulted in lower bacterial growth in fish fillets during the refrigerated storage period. Comparing to the control samples, the psychrophilic bacterial counts (PTC) and total viable count (TVC) values for the E. caucasicum (2.0%) and E. caucasicum (4.0%), A. paradoxum (2.0%), A. paradoxum (4.0%) treatments were above the acceptability limit (7 log10 colony‐forming unit/g) at the end of 6, 9, 12, 9 and 15th day of storage, respectively. It was observed that addition of A. paradoxum at 4% to fish fillets increased its shelf‐life while the addition of E. caucasicum at 4.0% made a positive effect on sensory quality. These results suggested that A. paradoxum and E. caucasicum extracts have the potential to be used as natural preservatives for shelf‐life extension of fish products.

Practical Applications

The exploration of naturally occurring antimicrobials in food preservation receives increasing attention because of consumer awareness of natural food products. Biopreservatives are useful in extending the foods shelf‐life, reducing or eliminating pathogenic bacteria and increasing the overall quality of food products. In this work, we evaluated the effects of two natural extracts, from Allium paradoxum and Eryngium caucasicum, on the fish product quality, such as rancidity indices, microbiological and sensory qualities during refrigerated storage. To our knowledge, the application of A. paradoxum and E. caucasicum extracts in shelf‐life extension of fish product has not been studied previously. The present study showed that both E. caucasicum, A. paradoxum extracts, regarding to their antioxidant and antibacterial properties, could efficiently retard microbial growth, delay chemical deterioration, maintain or improve sensory attributes and extend the shelf‐life of the silver carp fillets during refrigerated storage.
Linking football team performance to fans' work engagement and job performance: Test of a spillover model
Authors: Gkorezis Panagiotis , Bellou Victoria , Xanthopoulou Despoina , Bakker Arnold B. , Tsiftsis Angelos
Published: September 2016

The weekly performance of one's favourite football team is a crucial affective event. However, little is known about the potential spillover effects that such events may have on fans' work‐related attitudes and behaviours. Using a 4‐week diary study among 41 public sector employees (N = 164 observations), who were also football fans, we investigated the association of satisfaction with football team performance with work engagement and job performance. On the basis of affective events theory, we hypothesized that satisfaction with the team's Sunday performance would spill over to work engagement and job performance on Monday, through its relation with employees' positive and negative affects on Monday morning. Furthermore, we expected that fans' identification with their team would moderate the relationship between satisfaction with team performance and affect. Multilevel analyses showed that negative (but not positive) affect mediated the relationship between satisfaction with football team performance and work engagement, which, in turn, related to job performance. Identification with the team did not moderate the satisfaction with football team performance–affect relationship. The findings illustrate the pivotal role of football fans' reactions in determining their affect, attitudes, and behaviours also in the work domain.

Practitioner points

Negative events in the sports domain are likely to spill over to work and have unfavourable effects on employees' daily work engagement and performance. Thus, organizations need to pay attention to how leisure time activities determine work‐related well‐being and job behaviours.

Employees, who are football fans, should make sure to reattach to work on Monday morning in order to prevent negative football events from affecting their work in an unfavourable manner.

Managers should recognize employees' negative affect resulting from dissatisfaction with the performance of their favourite football team and demonstrate transformational and supportive behaviours to reduce negative work outcomes.
Twentieth century treeline ecotone advance in the Sudetes Mountains (Central Europe) was induced by agricultural land abandonment rather than climate change
Authors: Treml Václav , Šenfeldr Martin , Chuman Tomáš , Ponocná Tereza , Demková Katarína
Published: September 2016

Questions

What was the main trigger of treeline ecotone advance – rising temperature or agricultural land abandonment? Were the triggering factors of tree expansion homogeneous or did they differ between upper and lower parts of the treeline ecotone?

Location

Sudetes Mts., Central Europe (50° N, 15‐17° E).

Methods

Data were gathered from the treeline ecotone formed by Picea abies at elevations ranging from 1250 to 1490 m. The study area experienced a 1 °C temperature increase over the last 100 yr and termination of cattle grazing and grass mowing in the first half of the 20th century. At 38 plots situated at lower (‘timberline’) and middle or upper (‘treeline’ and ‘outpost treeline’) parts of the treeline ecotone, the age structure of all seed origin P. abies was determined. Changes in tree cover and number of trees over the last 60–70 yr were assessed from aerial imagery. The history of agricultural land use for each plot was compiled. Finally, changes in tree establishment were modelled using climatic variables and land‐use intensity.

Results

We found that tree establishment at treeline had occurred with a 30–40‐yr lag after the main establishment peak at timberline. Whereas all treeline plots showed gradual increases in tree cover, timberline tree cover first increased, with some plots then undergoing thinning. Enhanced tree establishment was dependent mainly upon agricultural land abandonment. The effect of land‐use changes was more important in the lower than in the upper part of the treeline ecotone. Increasing summer temperatures had a negative influence on seedling establishment in the last few decades.

Conclusions

Treeline ecotone densification was attributable to agricultural land abandonment across the entire treeline ecotone with the most important effect at timberline. More recently, seedling establishment has been limited by the effects of drought and/or absence of suitable microsites. We documented that one or two establishment pulses over 120 yr, together with enhanced growth since the 1980s, were able to trigger treeline ecotone advance.
Effects of Vitamin E with Different Levels or Sources of Dietary Lipid on the Growth and Expression of Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptotic Genes in the Head Kidney of Olive Flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Kim Myoung‐Sug , Hur Deok‐Hwe , Lee Sang‐Min , Jeoung Eunhee , Jeong Hyun Do , Hong Suhee
Published: September 2016

This study has assessed the effects of vitamin E (−E, +LE, +HE; 0, 100, 1000 mg/kg, respectively) in fish diets containing high levels (HL; 10%) of fish oil (FO) or mixed vegetable oils (VO) on the growth and inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptotic gene expression in the head kidney of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Consequently, the highest weight gain was achieved in the FO group and the lowest in the HL‐VO + LE group. The gene expression levels of each group were compared to the 5% FO group. The 5% VO group showed higher expression levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and scinderin‐like (ScinL) genes. Although lysozyme gene expression was higher in the HL‐VO + LE group, the other gene expression levels of the HL‐FO/VO + LE groups were not different from those of the FO group. The HL‐FO/VO−E/+HE groups showed a higher TNFα gene expression, but the cytochrome oxidase subunit III gene expression was higher in the HL‐FO−E and HL‐VO + HE groups. Lysozyme gene expression was higher in the HL‐FO−E and HL‐VO−E/+HE groups. IL‐6 and ScinL gene expression were higher in the HL‐VO‐E and HL‐VO + HE groups, respectively. In conclusion, mixed VO and too high or too low vitamin E levels in fish diets may affect inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptotic gene expression in the head kidney of olive flounder.
Diet composition of two common mole‐rat populations in arid and mesic environments in South Africa as determined by stable isotope analysis
Authors: Robb G. N. , Harrison A. , Woodborne S. , Bennett N. C.
Published: September 2016

The common mole‐rat Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus is a small, subterranean mammal found in southern Africa which lives in social colonies. They harvest their food resources from below ground by extending their burrow systems, and are considered to be geophyte (bulbs, tubers and corms) specialists. This study examines differences in diet composition between populations of common mole‐rats inhabiting arid and mesic areas, by using stable isotope analysis to investigate dietary niches and estimate their reliance on different food resources. We sampled three tissue types, blood, claws and fur, to provide dietary information over different time periods (weeks to months). In addition, we collected and analysed potential food sources adjacent to burrows. We found that the diets of common mole‐rats in both the arid and mesic areas were composed predominantly of geophytes. However, mole‐rats in the arid area had a wider dietary niche, with a larger range in both δ15N and δ13C values which was consistent across all tissue types. Mole‐rats in arid areas also showed a greater reliance on alternative food sources, such as clover and grass, in addition to geophytes comprising 59–69% of the diet in the arid area, compared to 91–92% of the diet in the mesic area. We suggest that the lower geophyte density in the arid area led to a greater reliance on other food resources by the mole‐rats, and that this decrease in diet specialization could be an adaptation to surviving in more arid areas. We demonstrate that stable isotope analyses can be used to examine interpopulation dietary differences within the same species living in contrasting environments.
The modular nature of the β‐barrel assembly machinery, illustrated in Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Stubenrauch Christopher , Grinter Rhys , Lithgow Trevor
Published: September 2016

Diderm bacteria have an outer membrane that provides defense against environmental factors including antibiotics. Understanding the process of outer membrane biogenesis is, therefore, of critical importance in order to envisage new treatments of these bacterial pathogens. Borrelia burgdorferi is the pathogen responsible for Lyme disease. Its outer membrane contains integral, β‐barrel proteins as well as swathes of externally exposed lipoproteins. Previous work has demonstrated that the β‐barrel assembly machine (BAM complex) in B. burgdorferi and other Spirochetes shares several similarities with the BAM complex in other bacterial lineages, such as the Proteobacteria that includes Escherichia coli. However, Iqbal et al. () have identified the inner membrane protein TamB as a subunit of the BAM complex in Spirochetes. This latest study highlights the modular nature of the BAM complex, and suggests that in some bacterial lineages the BAM complex and translocation and assembly module (the TAM) function as a single unit.
Support program for women suffering grief after termination of pregnancy: A pilot study
Authors: Sriarporn Punpilai , Turale Sue , Lordee Nuananong , Liamtrirat Sawanee , Hanpra Wasana , Kanthino Authid
Published: September 2016

In this study, we preliminarily examined the effects of the Informational and Emotional Support Program for Women after Pregnancy Termination in 30 Thai women. A literature review and House's theory of social support informed the program content, which consisted of the following elements: (i) an evaluation of grief; (ii) an analysis of the problems and needs of each woman; (iii) informational and emotional support tailored to individual problems and needs; (iv) telephone support; and (v) an exit phone interview. The Grief Questionnaire for Women after Pregnancy Termination was used to measure changes in the grief levels of participants. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the contingency coefficient. At the completion of the study, the participants' average grief score had decreased from the prior grief score and was in the moderate to low range. These preliminary findings indicate that the support program can be effective in real‐life situations in Thailand to assist women who are grieving after the termination of pregnancy. Our findings highlight the need for nursing and emotional support to be provided to help Thai women after the TOP.
Regional differences in soil pH niche among dry grassland plants in Eurasia
Authors: Wagner Viktoria , Chytrý Milan , Zelený David , von Wehrden Henrik , Brinkert Annika , Danihelka Jiří , Hölzel Norbert , Jansen Florian , Kamp Johannes , Lustyk Pavel , Merunková Kristina , Palpurina Salza , Preislerová Zdenka , Wesche Karsten
Published: September 2016

Soil pH is a key predictor of plant species occurrence owing to its effect on the availability of nutrients and phytotoxic metals. Although regional differences in realized soil pH niche (‘niche shifts’) have been reported since the 19th century, no study has disentangled how they are influenced by spatial differences in substrate availability, macroclimate, and competitors. We linked plot‐level data on species occurrence and measured soil pH from dry grasslands in eight regions across Eurasia (n = 999 plots), spanning a geographic gradient of 6862 km. We calculated regional shifts in niche optimum (Dopt) and width (Dwidth) for 73 Species × Region 1 × Region 2 combinations (SRRs; 38 study species) using extended Huisman–Olff–Fresco models. Next, we used commonality analysis to partition the contribution of substrate availability, precipitation, and species traits indicative of competitive ability to variation in regional niche shifts. Shifts in optimum were rare (5% of SRRs with Dopt ≥ 1 pH units) but many species did not show optima within regions. By contrast, shifts in niche width were common (22% of SRRs with Dwidth ≥1 pH units) and there were pronounced interspecific differences. Whereas none of the three predictors significantly explained shifts in niche optimum, common and unique effects of substrate availability and precipitation accounted for 85% of variation in niche width. Our results suggest that substrate availability and precipitation could be the driving factors behind species regional shifts in niche width. Studies that address additional factors, such as other edaphic niches, and their variability at the regional and micro‐scale will improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying species distributions.
Biostratigraphic and detrital zircon age constraints on the basement of the Himalayan Foreland Basin: Implications for a Proterozoic link to the Lesser Himalaya and cratonic India
Authors: Xiao Shuhai , Tang Qing , Hughes Nigel C. , McKenzie N. Ryan , Myrow Paul M.
Published: September 2016

The Himalayan Foreland Basin in the Ganga Valley is key to assessing the pre‐collision relationship between cratonic India and the Himalaya – the world's largest mountain chain. The subsurface Ganga Supergroup, representing the sedimentary basement of the Ganga Valley, has been interpreted as a northern extension of the Proterozoic Vindhyan Supergroup in cratonic India. This interpretation is contentious because the depositional age of the Ganga Supergroup is not resolved: whereas the lower Ganga Supergroup is widely regarded as Proterozoic, the upper Ganga Supergroup has been variously inferred to include Neoproterozoic, lower Palaeozoic, or Cretaceous strata. Here, we integrate biostratigraphic and detrital zircon data from drill cores to show that the entire Ganga Supergroup is likely Proterozoic and can be correlated with Proterozoic successions on the northern Indian craton and in the Lesser Himalaya. This helps redefine the first‐order stratigraphic architecture and indicates broad depositional continuity along the northern Indian margin during the Proterozoic.
Independent and combined effects of maternal smoking and solid fuel on infant and child mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Akinyemi Joshua O. , Adedini Sunday A. , Wandera Stephen O. , Odimegwu Clifford O.
Published: September 2016

Objective

To estimate the independent and combined risks of infant and child mortality associated with maternal smoking and use of solid fuel in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Methods

Pooled weighted data on 143 602 under‐five children in the most recent demographic and health surveys for 15 sub‐Saharan African countries were analysed. The synthetic cohort life table technique and Cox proportional hazard models were employed to investigate the effect of maternal smoking and solid cooking fuel on infant (age 0–11 months) and child (age 12–59 months) mortality. Socio‐economic and other confounding variables were included as controls.

Results

The distribution of the main explanatory variable in households was as follows: smoking + solid fuel – 4.6%; smoking + non‐solid fuel – 0.22%; no smoking + solid fuel – 86.9%; and no smoking + non‐solid fuel – 8.2%. The highest infant mortality rate was recorded among children exposed to maternal smoking + solid fuel (72 per 1000 live births); the child mortality rate was estimated to be 54 per 1000 for this group. In full multivariate models, the risk of infant death was 71% higher among those exposed to maternal smoking + solid fuel (HR = 1.71, CI: 1.29–2.28). For ages 12 to 59 months, the risk of death was 99% higher (HR = 1.99, CI: 1.28–3.08).

Conclusions

Combined exposures to cigarette smoke and solid fuel increase the risks of infant and child mortality. Mothers of under‐five children need to be educated about the danger of smoking while innovative approaches are needed to reduce the mortality risks associated with solid cooking fuel.
IDL6‐HAE/HSL2 impacts pectin degradation and resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 in Arabidopsis leaves
Authors: Wang Xin , Hou Shuguo , Wu Qiqi , Lin Minyan , Acharya Biswa R. , Wu Daoji , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2016

Plant cell walls undergo dynamic structural and chemical changes during plant development and growth. Floral organ abscission and lateral root emergence are both accompanied by cell‐wall remodeling, which involves the INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION (IDA)‐derived peptide and its receptors, HAESA (HAE) and HAESA‐LIKE2 (HSL2). Plant cell walls also act as barriers against pathogenic invaders. Thus, the cell‐wall remodeling during plant development could have an influence on plant resistance to phytopathogens. Here, we identified IDA‐like 6 (IDL6), a gene that is prominently expressed in Arabidopsis leaves. IDL6 expression in Arabidopsis leaves is significantly upregulated when the plant is suffering from attacks of the bacterial Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000. IDL6 overexpression and knockdown lines respectively decrease and increase the Arabidopsis resistance to Pst DC3000, indicating that the gene promotes the Arabidopsis susceptibility to Pst DC3000. Moreover, IDL6 promotes the expression of a polygalacturonase (PG) gene, ADPG2, and increases PG activity in Arabidopsis leaves, which in turn reduces leaf pectin content and leaf robustness. ADPG2 overexpression restrains Arabidopsis resistance to Pst DC3000, whereas ADPG2 loss‐of‐function mutants increase the resistance to the bacterium. Pst DC3000 infection elevates the ADPG2 expression partially through HAE and HSL2. Taken together, our results suggest that IDL6‐HAE/HSL2 facilitates the ingress of Pst DC3000 by promoting pectin degradation in Arabidopsis leaves, and Pst DC3000 might enhance its infection by manipulating the IDL6‐HAE/HSL2‐ADPG2 signaling pathway.
Extended microbiological characterization of Göttingen minipigs: porcine cytomegalovirus and other viruses
Authors: Morozov Vladimir A. , Plotzki Elena , Rotem Avi , Barkai Uriel , Denner Joachim
Published: September 2016

Background

To prevent transmission of zoonotic microorganisms from pig transplants to human recipients when performing xenotransplantation using pig cells, tissues, or organs, donor pigs have to be carefully characterized. Göttingen minipigs (GöMP) are often used for various biomedical investigations and are well characterized concerning the presence of numerous bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Recently, we studied the prevalence and expression of porcine endogenous retroviruses and the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in GöMP. Here, we studied the presence of the porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) and porcine lymphotropic herpesviruses (PLHV) and extended testing for hepatitis E virus (HEV).

Methods

PCR, nested PCR, real‐time PCR, real‐time RT‐PCR, and Western blot analyses were used to estimate the prevalence of PCMV, PLHV‐1, PLHV‐2, PLHV‐3, and HEV.

Results

Using different PCR methods, and different source materials, PCMV was found in 10 of 26 adult GöMP, which had been derived originally by cesarean section and kept under specified pathogen‐free conditions. Only highly sensitive methods gave positive results, not methods of lower sensitivity. The virus load in all positive animals was low (<100–200 copies per mL). PLHV‐1, PLHV‐2, and PLHV‐3 were not detected by PCR; however, an anti‐PLHV immune response was found in one of 10 animals tested by Western blot analyses. HEV was detected by RT‐PCR in two of nine tested animals, but no anti‐HEV immune response was observed.

Conclusion

Using highly sensitive methods, PCMV, HEV, and PLHV were found in some GöMP, suggesting that these viruses may be introduced through the placenta. The results show that highly sensitive methods are required to characterize pigs to be used for xenotransplantation to prevent virus transmission.
Intermittent hypoxia in obese Zucker rats: cardiometabolic and inflammatory effects
Authors: Briançon‐Marjollet Anne , Monneret Denis , Henri Marion , Joyeux‐Faure Marie , Totoson Perle , Cachot Sandrine , Faure Patrice , Godin‐Ribuot Diane
Published: September 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

This study addresses the relative impact of obesity and intermittent hypoxia in the pathophysiological process of obstructive sleep apnoea by investigating the metabolic, inflammatory and cardiovascular consequences of intermittent hypoxia in lean and obese Zucker rats.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We found that obesity and intermittent hypoxia have mainly distinct consequences on the investigated inflammatory and cardiometabolic parameters in Zucker rats. This suggests that, for a given severity of sleep apnea, the association of obesity and obstructive sleep apnoea may not necessarily be deleterious.

Obstructive sleep apnoea is associated with obesity with a high prevalence, and both co‐morbidities are independent cardiovascular risk factors. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) is thought to be the main factor responsible for the obstructive sleep apnoea‐related cardiometabolic alterations. The aim of this study was to assess the respective impact of obesity and IH on the inflammatory and cardiometabolic state in rats. Lean and obese Zucker rats were exposed to normoxia or chronic IH, and we assessed metabolic and inflammatory parameters, such as plasma lipids and glucose, serum leptin and adiponectin, liver cytokines, nuclear factor‐κB activity and cardiac endothelin‐1 levels. Myocardial infarct size was also evaluated following in vitro ischaemia–reperfusion. Circulating lipids, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), leptin and adiponectin levels were higher in obese versus lean rats. Chronic IH did not have a significant impact on metabolic parameters in lean rats. In obese rats, IH increased glycaemia and HOMA‐IR. Liver interleukin‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐α levels were elevated in lean rats exposed to IH; obesity prevented the increase in interleukin‐6 but not in tumour necrosis factor‐α. Finally, IH exposure enhanced myocardial sensitivity to infarction in both lean and obese rats and increased cardiac endothelin‐1 in lean but not obese rats. In conclusion, this study shows that the dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance induced by obesity of genetic origin does not enhance the deleterious cardiovascular response to IH and may even partly protect against IH‐induced inflammation.
Inspiratory modulation of sympathetic activity is increased in female rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Souza George Miguel P. R. , Bonagamba Leni G. H. , Amorim Mateus R. , Moraes Davi J. A. , Machado Benedito H.
Published: September 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of the study?

There are sex differences in the respiratory network and in the regulation of arterial blood pressure. Female rats develop hypertension after chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). In this context, we evaluated the respiratory‐related mechanism underlying the development of hypertension in CIH‐exposed female rats.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Female rats exposed to CIH develop changes in the respiratory pattern related to inspiration and sympathetic overactivity phase locked to the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle, which is different from CIH‐exposed male rats. These data suggest a specific respiratory mechanism for sympathetic overactivity in hypertensive CIH‐exposed female rats.

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) induces sympathetic overactivity and hypertension in male rats. Enhanced respiratory modulation of sympathetic activity in juvenile male rats exposed to CIH occurs in the expiratory phase of the respiratory cycle, characterizing changes in respiratory–sympathetic coupling. Different from other experimental models of hypertension, CIH induces an increase in arterial pressure in adult female rats similar to that observed in male rats. However, the mechanisms underlying the hypertensive phenotype in CIH‐exposed female rats remain to be elucidated. Moreover, several lines of evidence have documented sex differences in respiratory network activity in response to hypoxia. Considering that CIH‐exposed male rats present an increase in the respiratory modulation of sympathetic activity and there are sex differences in the respiratory network, we hypothesized that CIH‐exposed female rats develop an increase in the respiratory modulation of sympathetic activity different from CIH‐exposed male rats. In this study, we investigated sympathetic and respiratory activities in juvenile female rats exposed to CIH using an in situ working heart–brainstem preparation. The CIH‐exposed female rats developed changes in the respiratory pattern and changes in the respiratory–sympathetic coupling marked by sympathetic overactivity phase locked to inspiration, which was different from male rats exposed to CIH. This study revealed a specific respiratory‐related mechanism for sympathetic overactivity linked to inspiration that explains, at least in part, the hypertensive phenotype in female rats exposed to CIH.
A Force Measurement System for Training of Arthroscopic Tissue Manipulation Skills on Cadaveric Specimen
Authors: Horeman T. , Tuijthof G. J. M. , Wulms P. B. , Kerkhoffs G. M. M. J. , Gerards R. M. , Karahan M.
Published: September 2016

To improve arthroscopic skills, the preferred means of training is cadaveric tissue, because this gives the most realistic scenario. A drawback of cadaveric training is that objective performance tracking and accompanied feedback cannot be provided due to the absence of a suitable system. The main criteria were that the system should be compatible with any cadaveric joint, be used with any type of instrument, easy to set up, and measure two critical parameters that reflect the task efficiency (task time) and safety (forces due to instrument–tissue interaction). This resulted in the development of a force measurement system which consists of a custom-made universal vice, a custom-designed six degree-of-freedom (DOF) force measurement table (FMT) coupled to a computer equipped with customized software to record the time and forces in all directions. The FMT was calibrated and able to measure forces in the range of 0–750 N, with an accuracy of 0.1 N. During two cadaveric training courses, measurements were performed with the FMT. It was observed that the acquired force data could discriminate between novices and experts or reflect a certain phase of a navigation task performed in a cadaveric cow and human knee. A distinct phase highlighted from the force measurements is the insufficient joint stressing of novices during navigation. This results in too small a joint space for inspection and forces the novices to readjust the stressing. As forces cannot be seen, the FMT can contribute to more efficient training by providing explicit cues on the exerted loads during training. This enables a more precise supervision of the trainees.
A Validated Open-Source Multisolver Fourth-Generation Composite Femur Model
Authors: MacLeod Alisdair R. , Rose Hannah , Gill Harinderjit S.
Published: September 2016

Synthetic biomechanical test specimens are frequently used for preclinical evaluation of implant performance, often in combination with numerical modeling, such as finite-element (FE) analysis. Commercial and freely available FE packages are widely used with three FE packages in particular gaining popularity: abaqus (Dassault Systèmes, Johnston, RI), ansys (ANSYS, Inc., Canonsburg, PA), and febio (University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT). To the best of our knowledge, no study has yet made a comparison of these three commonly used solvers. Additionally, despite the femur being the most extensively studied bone in the body, no freely available validated model exists. The primary aim of the study was primarily to conduct a comparison of mesh convergence and strain prediction between the three solvers (abaqus, ansys, and febio) and to provide validated open-source models of a fourth-generation composite femur for use with all the three FE packages. Second, we evaluated the geometric variability around the femoral neck region of the composite femurs. Experimental testing was conducted using fourth-generation Sawbones® composite femurs instrumented with strain gauges at four locations. A generic FE model and four specimen-specific FE models were created from CT scans. The study found that the three solvers produced excellent agreement, with strain predictions being within an average of 3.0% for all the solvers (r2 > 0.99) and 1.4% for the two commercial codes. The average of the root mean squared error against the experimental results was 134.5% (r2 = 0.29) for the generic model and 13.8% (r2 = 0.96) for the specimen-specific models. It was found that composite femurs had variations in cortical thickness around the neck of the femur of up to 48.4%. For the first time, an experimentally validated, finite-element model of the femur is presented for use in three solvers. This model is freely available online along with all the supporting validation data.
The development of a whole-head human finite-element model for simulation of the transmission of bone-conducted sound
Authors: Chang You , Kim Namkeun , Stenfelt Stefan
Published: September 2016

A whole head finite element model for simulation of bone conducted (BC) sound transmission was developed. The geometry and structures were identified from cryosectional images of a female human head and eight different components were included in the model: cerebrospinal fluid, brain, three layers of bone, soft tissue, eye, and cartilage. The skull bone was modeled as a sandwich structure with an inner and outer layer of cortical bone and soft spongy bone (diploë) in between. The behavior of the finite element model was validated against experimental data of mechanical point impedance, vibration of the cochlear promontories, and transcranial BC sound transmission. The experimental data were obtained in both cadaver heads and live humans. The simulations showed multiple low-frequency resonances where the first was caused by rotation of the head and the second was close in frequency to average resonances obtained in cadaver heads. At higher frequencies, the simulation results of the impedance were within one standard deviation of the average experimental data. The acceleration response at the cochlear promontory was overall lower for the simulations compared with experiments but the overall tendencies were similar. Even if the current model cannot predict results in a specific individual, it can be used for understanding the characteristic of BC sound transmission in general.
Intracranial hydatid cyst: imaging findings of a rare disease
Authors: Taslakian Bedros , Darwish Houssein
Published: September 2016

Hydatid disease (echinococcosis) is a worldwide zoonosis produced by the larval stage of theEchinococcustapeworm. The disease is endemic in many parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, South America and central and south Europe. Intracranial hydatid disease is considered a rare disease and may be sometimes very difficult to diagnose based on the clinical and laboratory findings. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the condition and the imaging findings even in the non-endemic parts of the world. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who presented with headache and vomiting for a few months. The mass was totally excised, with no postoperative complications. We present MR spectroscopy (MRS) findings in this operatively proven case of hydatid cyst of the brain. We discuss imaging findings, in particular the findings on MRS, which is rarely reported in the literature.
Identifying local stress increase using a relative apparent stress ratio for populations of mining-induced seismic events
Authors: Brown Laura , Hudyma Martin
Published: September 2016

Large-magnitude mining-induced seismic events can occur as a result of local rock mass stress increase. High apparent stress events can be used as a proxy to identify increases in local rock mass stress conditions. This paper proposes a relative apparent stress ratio (ASR) for quantifying apparent stress of a seismic population. Variations in ASR are analysed over time with reference to seismic hazard inferred from the magnitude of seismic events. The proposed ratio is examined through examples of seismic populations from a single deep Canadian mine.
A new laboratory apparatus for measuring leakage through geomembrane holes beneath mine tailings
Authors: Brachman R.W.I. , Joshi P. , Rowe R.K.
Published: September 2016

The design and performance of a new laboratory apparatus for measuring leakage through geomembrane holes beneath mine tailings is presented. Finite element seepage analysis shows a negligible effect of the lateral boundary on leakage through the geomembrane hole and that the laboratory apparatus provides an excellent idealization of the deep burial conditions expected in the field. Results from four experiments are then reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new apparatus and gain insight on the effect of having a low permeable layer on top of the geomembrane on leakage, as may be expected for containment applications involving mine tailings. Two of the experiments simulated having fine grained tailings above the geomembrane (containing a 10 mm diameter hole) in a deep tailings storage facility with applied vertical and pore pressures of 3000 and 1500 kPa. Leakage through the hole with low permeable layer on top of the geomembrane was found to be two to four times smaller than the leakage from two other experiments with a very high permeable layer above the geomembrane (i.e., much more like a solid waste landfill configuration).
Revisiting the histological patterns of storage tissues: beyond the limits of gall-inducing taxa
Authors: Ferreira Bruno G. , Álvarez Rafael , Avritzer Sofia C. , Isaias Rosy M.S.
Published: September 2016

Gall-inducing Aphididae may feed directly on phloem, whereas Eriophyidae and Nematoda feed on cells lining the gall chambers. We assume that a variation in structural complexity will occur within galls induced by each taxon, and that the complexity of the galls could be related to the types of storage tissue they have. Histological, histometric, and histochemical analyses were used to compare six gall systems with different levels of complexity. Such levels are not taxon-related, even though eriophyid galls are usually simpler than nematode and aphid galls. The histological features of galls allowed the classification of storage tissues into three types: typical nutritive tissues (TNT), common storage tissues (CST), and nutritive-like tissues (NLT). The TNT and NLT have cells with dense cytoplasm and a prominent nucleus. The CST cells are vacuolated, and may store starch and other energy-rich molecules, as do the NLT cells. In contrast to NLT or CST, the TNT serves as a direct food source for gall inducers, and it is present in nematode and some eriophyid galls. NLTs may be present in some aphid galls, but are not the direct feeding site. The CST occurs on galls of all three inducing taxa.