bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mandibular mesial root canal morphology using micro‐computed tomography in a Brazilian population
Authors: Marceliano‐Alves Marília F. , Lima Carolina Oliveira , Bastos Ligia Gonçalves do Prado Martins Nayre , Bruno Adilia Maria Vieira , Vidaurre Fernanda , Coutinho Thais Machado , Fidel Sandra Rivera , Lopes Ricardo Tadeu
Published: April 2018

To assess the root canal system morphology of mandibular molars by means of micro‐computed tomography, one hundred and four mandibular first molars were investigated and the following were evaluated: Vertucci's classification, the presence of lateral canals and the number of apical foramina. Mesial root canal surface area and volume were obtained by the CTAn and CTvol software. The type of root canal isthmi was classified applying the Hsu & Kim and Fan criteria. The most frequent root canal configuration was Vertucci type IV (46.2%). Lateral canals were observed in all root canal thirds and the average number of apical foramina was 3.15 ± 1.77. Regarding the presence of isthmus, Types I and II were the most prevalent, according to Hsu & Kim and Fan et al. criteria, respectively. Mesial root canals of mandibular molars showed high morphology variability.
Hydrogen Gas Does Not Ameliorate Renal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in a Preclinical Model
Authors: Hosgood Sarah A. , Moore Tom , Qurashi Maria , Adams Tom , Nicholson Michael L.
Published: April 2018

In renal transplantation, ischemia reperfusion injury impairs early graft function and can reduce long term graft survival. Hydrogen has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties that can reduce the effects of ischemic injury. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of hydrogen gas administered during reperfusion in a preclinical model of kidney ischemia reperfusion injury. Porcine kidneys underwent 15 min of warm ischemia followed by 22 h of cold ischemia. They were then reperfused for 6 h with whole autologous blood on an ex vivo reperfusion circuit. Paired kidneys were randomized to control (n = 6) (25% oxygen, 5% carbon dioxide, 70% nitrogen) or hydrogen (n = 6) (2% hydrogen, 25% oxygen, 5% carbon dioxide, 68% nitrogen) groups. Tissue, urine, and blood samples were collected at baseline and hourly throughout the reperfusion period. Baseline measurements were similar across groups. Following perfusion, there was no significant difference between control and hydrogen groups in urine output (693 mL vs. 608 mL, P = 0.86), renal blood flow (105.9 vs. 108 mL/min/100g, P = 0.89), acid‐base homeostasis, or creatinine clearance. There was a significant increase in cytokine levels from baseline to 6 h in both groups (IL‐1β P = 0.002; IL‐6 P = 0.004; IL‐8 P = 0.002). However, there were no significant differences in levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8) between the groups. The administration of hydrogen gas did not improve renal function, reduce oxidative damage, or inflammation during the reperfusion of ischemically damaged kidneys.
In chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with complex karyotype, major structural abnormalities identify a subset of patients with inferior outcome and distinct biological characteristics
Authors: Rigolin Gian Matteo , Saccenti Elena , Guardalben Emanuele , Cavallari Maurizio , Formigaro Luca , Zagatti Barbara , Visentin Andrea , Mauro Francesca R. , Lista Enrico , Bassi Cristian , Lupini Laura , Quaglia Francesca Maria , Urso Antonio , Bardi Maria Antonella , Bonaldi Laura , Volta Eleonora , Tammiso Elisa , Ilari Caterina , Cafforio Luciana , Melandri Aurora , Cavazzini Francesco , Negrini Massimo , Semenzato Gianpietro , Trentin Livio , Foà Robin , Cuneo Antonio
Published: April 2018

Complex karyotype (CK) is a negative prognostic factor in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). However, CK is a heterogeneous cytogenetic category. Unbalanced rearrangements were present in 73·3% of 90 CLL patients with CK (i.e. ≥3 chromosome aberrations in the same clone), and were associated with a shorter overall survival (P = 0·025) and a shorter time to first treatment (P = 0·043) by multivariate analysis. Patients with unbalanced rearrangements presented a distinct mRNA expression profile. In conclusion, CLL patients with unbalanced rearrangements might represent a subset of very high‐risk CLL patients with distinct clinical and biological characteristics.
Factor (F)VIII/VIIa enhances global haemostatic function in the co‐presence of bypassing agents and FVIII among patients with haemophilia A with inhibitor
Authors: Nogami Keiji , Matsumoto Tomoko , Yada Koji , Ogiwara Kenichi , Furukawa Shoko , Shida Yasuaki , Takeyama Masahiro , Shima Midori
Published: April 2018

Bypassing therapy is essential for the haemostatic management of patients with haemophilia A with inhibitor (PWHA‐inh), but the therapeutic effects are inconsistent. We previously reported that activated prothrombin complex concentrates (aPCC) activated factor (F)VIIIin vitro, and was mediated mainly by the activated FVII (FVIIa) contained in aPCC. We have extended those studies to assess global coagulation in whole blood from 18 PWHA‐inh in the co‐presence of aPCC and FVIII using Ca2+‐triggered rotational thromboelastometry. The clot times (CTs) in the presence of both aPCC (0·05 iu/ml) and recombinant (r)FVIII (1 iu/ml) ex vivo were shortened compared to the aPCC alone (P < 0·01). These enhancing effects of rFVIII were observed, irrespective of recognizing inhibitor epitopes; however, the clot formation time and ‘α’‐angle were not significantly different. In samples from 7 PWHA‐inh post‐infusion of aPCC (70‐80 iu/kg), only the CTs were shortened in the presence of rFVIIIex vivo compared to its absence (P < 0·05), indicating that the enhanced activity centred on the initiation phase of coagulation. Furthermore, experiments in the co‐presence of rFVIIa and rFVIII demonstrated that FVIII accelerated only the CTs. We concluded that FVIII/FVIIa‐related coagulation mechanism enhanced global haemostatic function by the co‐presence of bypassing agents and FVIII in PWHA‐inh.
MLC901 (NeuroAiD II™) for cognition after traumatic brain injury: a pilot randomized clinical trial
Authors: Theadom A. , Barker‐Collo S. , Jones K. M. , Parmar P. , Bhattacharjee R. , Feigin V. L.
Published: April 2018

Background and purpose

Treatments to facilitate recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are urgently needed. We conducted a 9‐month pilot, randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial to examine the safety and potential effects of the herbal supplement MLC901 (NeuroAiD II™) on cognitive functioning following TBI.

Methods

Adults aged 18–65 years at 1–12 months after mild or moderate TBI were randomized to receive MLC901 (0.8 g capsules 3 times daily) or placebo for 6 months. The primary outcome was cognitive functioning as assessed by the CNS Vital Signs online neuropsychological test. Secondary outcomes included the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, the Rivermead Post‐concussion Symptom Questionnaire (neurobehavioral sequelae), Quality of Life after Brain Injury, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (physical disability). Assessments were completed at baseline and at 3‐, 6‐ and 9‐month follow‐up. Linear mixed‐effects models were conducted, with the primary outcome time‐point of 6 months.

Results

A total of 78 participants [mean age 37.5 ± 14.8 years, 39 (50%) female] were included in the analysis. Baseline variables were similar between groups (treatment group, n = 36; control group, n = 42). Linear mixed‐effects models controlling for time, group allocation, repeated measurements, adherence and baseline assessment scores revealed significant improvements in complex attention (P = 0.04, d = 0.6) and executive functioning (P = 0.04, d = 0.4) at 6 months in the MLC901 group compared with controls. There were no significant differences between the groups for neurobehavioral sequelae, mood, fatigue, physical disability or overall quality of life at 6 months. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

MLC901 was safe and well tolerated post‐TBI. This study provided Class I/II evidence that, for patients with mild to moderate TBI, 6 months of MLC901 improved cognitive functioning.
Marine invertebrate migrations trace climate change over 450 million years
Authors: Reddin Carl J. , Kocsis Ádám T. , Kiessling Wolfgang
Published: April 2018

Aim

Poleward migration is a clear response of marine organisms to current global warming but the generality and geographical uniformity of this response are unclear. Marine fossils are expected to record the range shift responses of taxa and ecosystems to past climate change. However, unequal sampling (natural and human) in time and space biases the fossil record, restricting previous studies of ancient migrations to individual taxa and events. We expect that temporal changes in the latitudinal distribution of surviving taxa will reveal range shifts to trace global climate change.

Location

Global.

Time period

Post‐Cambrian Phanerozoic aeon.

Major taxa studied

Well‐fossilized marine benthic invertebrates comprising stony corals, bivalves, gastropods, brachiopods, trilobites and calcifying sponges.

Methods

We track deviations in the latitudinal distribution of range centres of age boundary crossing taxa from the expected distribution, and compare responses across latitudes. We build deviation time series, spanning hundreds of million years, from fossil occurrences and test correlations with seawater temperature estimates derived from stable oxygen isotopes of fossils.

Results

Seawater temperature and latitudinal deviations from sampling are positively correlated over the post‐Cambrian Phanerozoic. Simulations suggest that sampling patterns are highly unlikely to drive this putative signal of range shifts. Systematically accounting for known sampling issues strengthens this correlation, so that climate is capable of explaining nearly a third of the variance in ancient latitudinal range shifts. The relationship is stronger in low latitude taxa than higher latitude taxa, and in warm ages than cool ages.

Main conclusions

Latitudinal range shifts occurred in concert with climate change throughout the post‐Cambrian Phanerozoic. Low latitude taxa show the clearest climate‐migration signal through time, corroborating predictions of their shift in a warming future.
A 5‐year randomized clinical trial comparing minimally with moderately rough implants in patients with severe periodontitis
Authors: Raes Magalie , D'hondt Rutger , Teughels Wim , Coucke Wim , Quirynen Marc
Published: April 2018

Aim

To compare the clinical and microbiological performance of minimally and moderately rough implants in patients with a history of severe periodontitis.

Material and Methods

Forty‐eight minimally (Turned surface [Tur]) and moderately (TiUnite surface [TiU]) rough implants were placed in eighteen patients according to a split‐mouth protocol. Marginal bone loss, probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BoP) were recorded, and microbial samples were analysed by means of quantitative PCR.

Results

The amount of bone loss over the 5‐year period tended to be lower along Tur when compared with that of TiU surfaces (1.0 versus 1.7 mm, p = .06). Although the clinical outcomes tended to be better for Tur surfaces, there were no significant differences between both surfaces in mean PPD (Tur: 3.1 versus TiU: 4.2 mm, p = .09) or CAL (Tur: 0.5 versus TiU: 1.7 mm, p = .06). More bone loss and deeper pockets were recorded for partially than for fully edentulous patients. The cumulative survival rate at 5‐year follow‐up was 95.8% for Tur, and 100% for TiU surface implants. No significant differences were found between the surfaces in counts for key pathogens.

Conclusion

In patients with a history of severe periodontitis minimally rough implants showed more favourable clinical parameters after 5 years of loading, when compared with moderately rough implants.
A rare contemporary record of the Critically Endangered Ganges shark Glyphis gangeticus
Authors: Jabado R. W. , Kyne P. M. , Nazareth E. , Sutaria D. N.
Published: April 2018

The first record of the Ganges shark Glyphis gangeticus from anywhere in its range in over a decade is reported from the Arabian Sea. One female specimen was recorded at Sassoon Docks in Mumbai, India in February 2016, measuring 266 cm total length. In light of the Critically Endangered status of this species and its rarity, urgent management actions are needed to determine population size and trends in abundance in combination with fisher education and awareness campaigns.
Significant differences in maternal child‐feeding style between ethnic groups in the UK: the role of deprivation and parenting styles
Authors: Korani M. , Rea D. M. , King P. F. , Brown A. E.
Published: April 2018

Background

Nonresponsive maternal child‐feeding interactions, such as restricting, pressurising and emotional feeding, can affect the ability of a child to self‐regulate intake and increase the risk of becoming overweight. However, despite findings that South Asian and Black children living in theUKare more likely to be overweight,UKresearch has not considered how maternal child‐feeding style might differ between ethnic groups. The present study aimed to explore variations in maternal child‐feeding style between ethnic groups in theUK, taking into account associated factors such as deprivation and parenting style.

Methods

Six hundred and fifty‐nineUKmothers with a child who was aged 5–11 years old completed a questionnaire. Items included ethnicity and demographic data, as well as copies of the Child Feeding Questionnaire, Parental Feeding Styles Questionnaire and Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire.

Results

Significant differences in perceived responsibility (P= 0.002), restriction (P= 0.026), pressure to eat (P= 0.045), instrumental feeding (P= 0.000) and emotional feeding (P= 0.000) were found between the groups. Mothers from South Asian backgrounds reported higher levels of pressure to eat, emotional feeding and indulgent feeding styles, whereas mothers from Chinese backgrounds reported greater perceived responsibility and restriction. Mothers from Black and White British backgrounds were not significantly higher with respect to any behaviour. Maternal child‐feeding style was also associated with deprivation and parenting style, although these did not fully explain the data.

Conclusions

Understanding cultural factors behind maternal child‐feeding style, particularly around pressurising and indulgent feeding behaviours, may play an important part in reducing levels of children who are overweight and obese in theUK.
Binding Leaders to the Community: The Ethics of Bolivia's Organic Grassroots
Authors: Bjork‐James Carwil
Published: April 2018

Las organizaciones más grandes de movimientos sociales en Bolivia—incluyendo sus sindicatos obreros, comunidades rurales, y organizaciones barriales— están unidos por una estructura organizativa jerárquica y una ética compensatoria que subordina a los líderes a las bases de las que emergen. Esta cosmovisión separa un mundo perdurable y legítimo de organización comunitaria (“lo orgánico”) de un mundo corrompido de partidos políticos, dotado de políticos individualistas e independientes que se involucran en prácticas transaccionales y corruptas (“lo político”). La ética orgánica de base, construyéndose a sí misma como heredera tanto del ayllu como de la revolución dirigida por los trabajadores, genera una economía moral profundamente sentida que moviliza la participación masiva y guía el liderazgo. Esta ética valoran los principios éticos de complementariedad, solidaridad, anti individualismo y participación obligatoria, mezclando la vida ética y política. Centrándose en las historias de vida individuales, este artículo explora los límites morales y las expectativas sociales que la ética de base orgánica impone a los líderes, quienes deben demostrar el desinterés y la subordinación a la comunidad en sus acciones políticas. [ayllu, Bolivia, liderazgo, Movimento al Socialismo, política indígena, sindicalismo]
Oxytocin levels in saliva correlate better than plasma levels with concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients in neurocritical care
Authors: Martin J. , Kagerbauer S. M. , Gempt J. , Podtschaske A. , Hapfelmeier A. , Schneider G.
Published: April 2018

In the converging fields of neuroendocrinology and behavioural neuroscience, the interaction between peripheral secretion and the central release of oxytocin in humans has not yet been comprehensively assessed. Because the human brain is not directly accessible and the collection of human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) usually requires invasive procedures, easier accessible compartments such as blood or saliva have attracted increasing attention. In the present study, we prospectively determined oxytocin concentrations in the 3 compartments comprising the plasma, CSF and saliva of 50 critically ill patients with neurological and neurosurgical diseases. All samples per patient were collected concomitantly. Oxytocin was measured by a highly sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay. The strength of correlation was assessed by the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Correlation analyses revealed modest to strong correlations for oxytocin between the saliva and CSF compartments, whereas predominantly weak correlations were found between the CSF and plasma, as well as between the plasma and saliva compartments. In conclusion, we have demonstrated modest to strong correlations between the saliva and CSF compartments suggesting that saliva oxytocin may help to assess CSF oxytocin levels. By contrast, plasma oxytocin failed to correspond well with CSF oxytocin levels because predominantly weak correlations were found between the CSF and plasma, as well as between the plasma and saliva compartments, which are unlikely to have any biological relevance. Further research is needed to clarify to what extent saliva oxytocin may serve as a biomarker reflecting brain oxytocin activity.
Debt Tolerance, Gender, and the Great Recession
Authors: George Erin E. , Hansen Mary Eschelbach , Routzahn Julie Lyn
Published: April 2018

We pool four Surveys of Consumer Finances to measure the extent to which tolerance of debt is influenced by macroeconomic events (the Great Recession and events in early adulthood), personal experiences of negative economic shocks (unemployment and difficulty making payments), and gender. Recent personal experience is the best predictor of debt tolerance. Unemployment and difficulty paying bills increase tolerance of debt to meet living expenses by 20%–30%. A woman who has one of these negative experiences is substantially less likely than a man to approve of debt used to buy luxuries. While neither recent macroeconomic events nor macroeconomic conditions in young adulthood affect debt tolerance, there is some evidence of a gendered response to the Great Recession. As women observed the negative effects of the mortgage crisis and the Great Recession on other women, it reinforced their belief that it is okay for people like them to use credit to bridge gaps in income.
Explaining accommodation and resistance to demands for independence referendums in the UK and Spain
Authors: Cetrà Daniel , Harvey Malcolm
Published: April 2018

This article examines why the UK Government accepted the 2014 Scottish independence referendum while the Spanish Government opposes a similar referendum in Catalonia. Adopting a most similar research design, we argue that the variation is best explained by perceived political opportunities by the two ruling parties. These are embedded in different conceptions of the state and constitutional designs, mostly mononational in Spain and mostly plurinational in the UK but multiple and contested in both cases. In Spain, vote‐seeking calculations incentivise the Popular Party to oppose a referendum, while its mononational conception of the state and the Spanish constitutional design provide a further constraint and a discursive justification for their position. In the UK, David Cameron's accommodating position was based on the view that the Scottish referendum was low risk – as support for independence was minimal – with a high reward: the annihilation of the independence demand. The Conservatives have recently adopted a more restrictive position because seeming political advantage has changed. The findings suggest that independence referendums will continue to be rare events.
New insights into the cellular mechanisms of plant growth at elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations
Authors: Gamage Dananjali , Thompson Michael , Sutherland Mark , Hirotsu Naoki , Makino Amane , Seneweera Saman
Published: April 2018

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) significantly influences plant growth, development, and biomass. Increased photosynthesis rate, together with lower stomatal conductance, has been identified as the key factors that stimulate plant growth at elevated [CO2] (e[CO2]). However, variations in photosynthesis and stomatal conductance alone cannot fully explain the dynamic changes in plant growth. Stimulation of photosynthesis at e[CO2] is always associated with post‐photosynthetic secondary metabolic processes that include carbon and nitrogen metabolism, cell cycle functions, and hormonal regulation. Most studies have focused on photosynthesis and stomatal conductance in response to e[CO2], despite the emerging evidence of e[CO2]'s role in moderating secondary metabolism in plants. In this review, we briefly discuss the effects of e[CO2] on photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and then focus on the changes in other cellular mechanisms and growth processes at e[CO2] in relation to plant growth and development. Finally, knowledge gaps in understanding plant growth responses to e[CO2] have been identified with the aim of improving crop productivity under a CO2 rich atmosphere.
TOTAL ANTHOCYANIN CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF PIGMENTED BLACK RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L. JAPONICA) SUBJECTED TO SOAKING AND BOILING
Authors: A., Noorlaila, , N., Nur Suhadah, , A., Noriham, , H. Nor Hasanah,
Published: April 2018

Pigmented rice contains high value of anthocyanin and antioxidant activity. However, the different process for black rice might affect the concentration of these phytochemicals. Therefore, the present study focused on the effect of soaking and cooking on the total anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of pigmented black rice. The raw black rice was subjected to two treatments. First, black rice was soaked for 3 hours. Second, black rice was soaked and cooked for 15, 25 and 35 minutes. The study revealed that the second treatment (soaking and cooking) caused a significant (p<0.05) decreased in antioxidant activities and total anthocyanin content as compared to soaking. Highest losses in total anthocyanin and antioxidant activity in cooked black rice were as follows: 35 minutes > 25 min >15 min cooking. β- Carotene degradation rate was also highest in 35 minutes cooked black rice.
ANTIDANDRUFF POTENTIAL OF Kaempheria galanga ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS FOR HAIR CREAM FORMULATION
Authors: Parjo Nur Bainun , Mohamed Zulkifli Razauden , Md Salleh Madihah , Tencomnao Tewin
Published: April 2018

The evaluation of Kaempferia galanga, Citrus hystrix and Cinnamomum zeylanicum ethanolic extracts on antifungal activities and zone of inhibition were conducted. The yield for K. galanga, C. hystrix and C. zeylanicum were 0.4, 0.7 and 0.43 % of raw dried samples respectively. All the extracts demonstrated 5 mg/mL MIC with C. zeylanicum, K. galanga and C. hystrix average holozones diameter of 14.5 + 3.8, 12.0 + 1.8 and 12.0 + 0.8 mm after 3 days of incubation respectively with no effect on negative control. On the other hand, Zinc Pyrithione being more potent than imidazaole as a positive control with inhibition of 32.8 + 2.2 and 21.8 + 3.4 respectively. Based on the findings, the anti-fungal hair cream containing K. galanga ethanolic extract was formulated into oil-in-water cream and the physicochemical properties were evaluated. The cream demonstrated desirable characteristic with no separation between oil and water after vigorously shaken at 14,600 rpm for half an hour. Furthermore the viscosity and pH were 543.7 + 19.2 and 5.46 + 0.01 respectively.  In conclusion, K galanga ethanolic extract has a potential to be used as an anti-fungal oil in water cream formulation.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Specialized Versus Multi-Sport Young Athletes: A Qualitative Evaluation
Authors: Patel Trisha , Jayanthi Neeru
Published: April 2018

Single sport specialization has been associated with injury risk and burnout. However, there is no known previous qualitative research regarding health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of single sport and multi-sport young athletes and their parents. In order to better understand the perceptions of these potential risks of youth sports specialization, a qualitative parent-child study of specialized young athletes was performed. Thirty-six families (50 young athletes and 42 parents) participated in this study by completing an interview about their sports participation. Twenty-seven of these families completed the PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) questionnaire, assessing quality of life. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) scores were high in all young athlete and parent categories with no significant differences (p = .96) in quality of life between single (specialized) and multi-sport young athletes and their respective parents (p = .17). Qualitative analysis of interviews highlighted the positive perception of sports and parents’ concern regarding sports specialization. Thus, although no quality of life differences were found based on sport specialization, the highly positive quality of life scores suggest a benefit of sports despite specialization.
A hierarchy of affinities between cytokine receptors and the common gamma chain leads to pathway cross-talk
Authors: Gonnord Pauline , Angermann Bastian R. , Sadtler Kaitlyn , Gombos Erin , Chappert Pascal , Meier-Schellersheim Martin , Varma Rajat
Published: April 2018

Limiting amounts of the common receptor subunit γ
c
result in asymmetric cross-talk among cytokines.
Certhrax Is an Antivirulence Factor for the Anthrax-Like Organism Bacillus cereus Strain G9241
Authors: Seldina Yuliya I. , Petro Courtney D. , Servetas Stephanie L. , Vergis James M. , Ventura Christy L. , Merrell D. Scott , O'Brien Alison D.
Published: April 2018

Bacillus cereus
G9241 caused a life-threatening anthrax-like lung infection in a previously healthy human. This strain harbors two large virulence plasmids, pBCXO1 and pBC210, that are absent from typical
B. cereus
isolates. The pBCXO1 plasmid is nearly identical to pXO1 from
Bacillus anthracis
and carries genes (
pagA1
,
lef
, and
cya
) for anthrax toxin components (protective antigen [called PA1 in G9241], lethal factor [LF], and edema factor [EF], respectively). The plasmid also has an intact hyaluronic acid capsule locus. The pBC210 plasmid has a tetrasaccharide capsule locus, a gene for a PA1 homolog called PA2 (
pagA2
), and a gene (
cer
) for Certhrax, an ADP-ribosyltransferase toxin that inactivates vinculin. LF, EF, and Certhrax require PA for entry into cells. In this study, we asked what role PA1, PA2, LF, and Certhrax play in the pathogenicity of G9241. To answer this, we generated isogenic deletion mutations in the targeted toxin gene components and then assessed the strains for virulence in highly G9241-susceptible (A/J) and moderately G9241-sensitive (C57BL/6) mice. We found that full virulence of G9241 required PA1 and LF, while PA2 contributed minimally to pathogenesis of G9241 but could not functionally replace PA1 as a toxin-binding subunit
in vivo
. Surprisingly, we discovered that Certhrax attenuated the virulence of G9241; i.e., a Δ
cer
Δ
lef
mutant strain was more virulent than a Δ
lef
mutant strain following subcutaneous inoculation of A/J mice. Moreover, the enzymatic activity of Certhrax contributed to this phenotype. We concluded that Certhrax acts as an antivirulence factor in the anthrax-like organism
B. cereus
G9241.
Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty: dissection plane with viscoelastic and air can be different
Authors: Ross Andrew R , Said Dalia G , El-Amin Abdalla , Altaan Saif , Cabrerizo Javier , Nubile Mario , Hogan Emily , Mastropasqua Leonardo , Dua Harminder Singh
Published: April 2018

Aims

To investigate and define the nature of big bubbles (BB) formed by injection of viscoelastic in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

Methods

Intrastromal injections of 0.1 and 0.3 mL of sodium hyaluronate 1.2% and 0.6% were made into sclera-corneal discs (n = 32) at superficial (anterior-third), midstromal (middle-third) and deep (posterior-third) levels to simulate deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. Postinjection optical coherence tomograms (OCT) were obtained with the needle in situ. The samples were sectioned and examined histologically. Twelve control samples were injected with air.

Results

With superficial injections (n=8) only intrastromal accumulation of viscoelastic was noted. With midstromal injections (n=10) intrastromal accumulation of viscoelastic (n=6) and intrastromal big bubbles (IBB) (n=4) with substantial and variable stromal tissue in the walls were noted. No type 1, type 2 or mixed BB were noted. With deep injections (n=14), type 1 BB (n=4), IBB (n=4) and mixed BB (n=6) were obtained.

There was no difference in the results with the two different concentrations of viscoelastic used. With air injection (n=12), 10 type 1 and 1 type 2 BB and 1 mixed BB were obtained. No IBB was noted.

Conclusions

BB obtained by injection of viscoelastic and air can be different. The former tends to occur at the site of injection, especially with midstromal injections, takes the form of tissue separation by stretch and tearing and does not cleave in a consistent plane like air. Surgeons should be aware of IBB created by viscodissection and not confuse it for a type1 BB. Intraoperative OCT should help identify IBB.
Longitudinal study of occupational noise exposure and joint effects with job strain and risk for coronary heart disease and stroke in Swedish men
Authors: Eriksson Helena Pernilla , Andersson Eva , Schiöler Linus , Söderberg Mia , Sjöström Mattias , Rosengren Annika , Torén Kjell
Published: April 2018

Objectives

The aims were to investigate whether occupational noise increased the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke and to elucidate interactions with stressful working conditions in a cohort of Swedish men.

Design

This is a prospective cohort study on CHD and stroke in Swedish men followed until death, hospital discharge or until 75 years of age, using Swedish national registers on cause of death and hospital discharges. Baseline data on occupation from 1974 to 1977 were used for classification of levels of occupational noise and job demand-control. Cox regression was used to analyse HRs for CHD and stroke.

Setting

Swedish men born in 1915–1925.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

CHD and stroke.

Participants

The participants of the study were men from the Primary Prevention Study, a random sample of 10 000 men born in 1915–1925 in Gothenburg. Subjects with CHD or stroke at baseline or were not employed were excluded. The remaining subjects with complete baseline data on occupation, weight, height, hypertension, diabetes, serum cholesterol and smoking constituted the study sample (5753 men).

Results

There was an increased risk for CHD in relation to noise levels 75–85 dB(A) and >85 dB(A) compared with <75 dB(A) (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.31, and HR 1.27, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.63, respectively). Exposure to noise peaks also increased the risk for CHD (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.38). Among those with high strain (high demands and low control) combined with noise >75 dB(A), the risk for CHD further increased (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.73). There was no significantly increased risk for stroke in any noise category.

Conclusions

Exposure to occupational noise was associated with an increased risk for CHD and the risk further increased among those with concomitant exposure to high strain. None of the analysed variables were related to increased risk for stroke.
Enhanced Parameter-Free Diversity Discriminant Preserving Projections for Face Recognition
Authors: Liang Xingzhu , Lin Yu’e
Published: April 2018

The manifold-based learning methods have recently drawn more and more attention in dimension reduction. In this paper, a novel manifold-based learning method named enhanced parameter-free diversity discriminant preserving projections (EPFDDPP) is presented, which effectively avoids the neighborhood parameter selection and characterizes the manifold structure well. EPFDDPP redefines the weighted matrices, the discriminating similarity matrix and the discriminating diversity matrix, respectively. The weighted matrices are computed by the cosine angle distance between two data points and take special consideration of both the local information and the class label information, which are parameterless and favorable for face recognition. After characterizing the discriminating similarity scatter matrix and the discriminating diversity scatter matrix, the novel feature extraction criterion is derived based on maximum margin criterion. Experimental results on the Wine data set, Olivetti Research Laboratory (ORL); AR (face database created by Aleix Martinez and Robert Benavente); and Pose, Illumination, and Expression (PIE) face databases show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Forming a structure of the CoNiFe alloys by X-ray irradiation
Authors: Valko Natalia , Kasperovich Andrey , Koltunowicz Tomasz N.
Published: April 2018

The experimental data of electrodeposition kinetics researches and structure formation of ternary CoNiFe alloys deposited onto low-carbon steel 08kp in the presence of X-rays are presented. Relations of deposit rate, current efficiencies, element and phase compositions of CoNiFe coatings formed from sulfate baths with respect to cathode current densities (0.5–3[Formula: see text]A/dm[Formula: see text], electrolyte composition and irradiation were obtained. It is shown that, the CoNiFe coatings deposited by the electrochemical method involving exposure of the X-rays are characterized by more perfect morphology surfaces with less developed surface geometry than reference coatings. The effect of the X-ray irradiation on the electrodeposition of CoNiFe coatings promotes formatting of alloys with increased electropositive component and modified phase composition.
Polysulfone biomimetic membrane for CO2 capture
Authors: Nogalska Adrianna , Ammendola Mario , Portugal Carla A. M. , Tylkowski Bartosz , Crespo Joao G. , Garcia – Valls Ricard
Published: April 2018

Constant increase of greenhouse gas emission by human activity causes a climate change, with carbon dioxide as the main contributor. In nature, CO2 fixation takes place in leaves where carbonic anhydrase (CA) catalyzes the hydration reaction. Inspired by this photosynthesis process, we come with a polysulfone biomimetic membrane containing CA for CO2 capture. Two immobilization approaches were investigated: physical and chemical. For this reason, we prepared a blank polysulfone membrane to physically adsorb the enzyme on its surface, and a membrane with dispersed ferritic nanoparticles -NH2 terminated used for covalent binding of the enzyme. The scope of this study is to evaluate the influence of the immobilization type on the enzyme activity. The obtained nanoparticles and membranes were characterized by TEM, WAXD, EDX, SEM and CA, respectively. The attached amount was determined by ICP, whereas the activity and CO2 solubility were estimated experimentally. Studies showed that the enzyme is attached more efficiently by the physical adsorption. Nevertheless, covalent binding favors its activity by stabilizing the structure.
RNA-Based dCas9–VP64 System Improves the Viability of Cryopreserved Mammalian Cells
Authors: Hu Yong , Li Lei , Yu Yin , Huang Haishui , Uygun Basak E. , Yarmush Martin L.
Published: April 2018

Regenerative therapies require availability of an abundant healthy cell source which can be achieved by efficient cryopreservation techniques. Here, we established a novel approach for improved cell cryopreservation using an mRNA-based dCas9-VP64 gene activation system for transient, yet highly efficient expression of epigenetic related genes in mammalian cells for repression of metabolic activity. Before freezing, mammalian cells were treated by dCas9-VP64-modified mRNA and guide RNAs for upregulation of histone deacetylase (HDAC), DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and transcriptional co-repressor Sin3A genes. Cell viability, karyotype, pluripotency, and other cell specific functions were analyzed during post-thaw culture. Using conventional cryopreservation protocols, we found improvement of viability in dCas9-VP64 pretreated cells ([Formula: see text]) compared to untreated cells. Combined with dCas9-VP64 system, a reduced amount of cryoprotectant (5% DMSO) did not negatively affect the post-thaw viability. Co-delivering chemically modified dCas9-VP64 mRNA with gRNAs is an efficient gene delivery method compared to DNA-based strategies, without the associated safety concerns. This approach is a simple, yet effective way to accelerate a wide array of cellular research and translational medical applications.
Photon-Assisted Spin-Dependent Tunneling in a Magnetic-Field Tunable Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor Structure with a Nonmagnetic Barrier
Authors: Li Chun-Lei , Xu Yan , Guo Yong
Published: April 2018

Using the Floquet theory and effective-mass approximation theory, we have investigated the terahertz (THz) photon-assisted transport through a magnetic-field tunable diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) structure with a nonmagnetic barrier under multi-physical fields, including an external magnetic field, an electric field and a THz field. It is found that a THz field and an electric field can greatly affect the transmission coefficient and current density as well as the corresponding polarizations. As a result, some asymmetric ‘Fano’ type transmission resonance appear at some specific energy. With the applied bias increasing, some quasi platforms of the polarization began to take shape. Furthermore, the transmission coefficient suppression or augmentation can be clearly seen from the variation tendency of current density. It is noteworthy that the amplitude of current–density polarization becomes larger under a THz field and a small magnetic field. These remarkable properties of spin polarization might be beneficial to the design of spin filtering devices.
Illumina MiSeq Sequencing for Preliminary Analysis of Microbiome Causing Primary Endodontic Infections in Egypt
Authors: Tawfik Sally Ali , Azab Marwa Mohamed , Ahmed Ali Abdellah Abdelrahman , Fayyad Dalia Mukhtar
Published: April 2018

The use of high throughput next generation technologies has allowed more comprehensive analysis than traditional Sanger sequencing. The specific aim of this study was to investigate the microbial diversity of primary endodontic infections using Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform in Egyptian patients. Samples were collected from 19 patients in Suez Canal University Hospital (Endodontic Department) using sterile # 15K file and paper points. DNA was extracted using Mo Bio power soil DNA isolation extraction kit followed by PCR amplification and agarose gel electrophoresis. The microbiome was characterized on the basis of the V3 and V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene by using paired-end sequencing on Illumina MiSeq device. MOTHUR software was used in sequence filtration and analysis of sequenced data. A total of 1858 operational taxonomic units at 97% similarity were assigned to 26 phyla, 245 families, and 705 genera. Four main phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Synergistetes were predominant in all samples. At genus level,Prevotella,Bacillus,Porphyromonas,Streptococcus, andBacteroideswere the most abundant. Illumina MiSeq platform sequencing can be used to investigate oral microbiome composition of endodontic infections. Elucidating the ecology of endodontic infections is a necessary step in developing effective intracanal antimicrobials.
Aerobic Training Prevents Heatstrokes in Calsequestrin‐1 Knockout Mice by Reducing Oxidative Stress
Authors: Guarnier Flávia Alessandra , Michelucci Antonio , Serano Matteo , Pietrangelo Laura , Pecorai Claudia , Boncompagni Simona , Protasi Feliciano
Published: April 2018

Calsequestrin‐1 knockout (CASQ1‐null) mice suffer lethal episodes when exposed to strenuous exercise and environmental heat, crises known as exertional/environmental heatstroke (EHS). We previously demonstrated that administration of exogenous antioxidants (N‐acetylcysteine and trolox) reduces CASQ1‐null mortality during exposure to heat. As aerobic training is known to boost endogenous antioxidant protection, we subjected CASQ1‐null mice to treadmill running for 2 months at 60% of their maximal speed for 1 h, 5 times/week. When exposed to heat stress protocol (41°C/1 h), the mortality rate of CASQ1‐null mice was significantly reduced compared to untrained animals (86% versus 16%). Protection from heatstrokes was accompanied by a reduced increase in core temperature during the stress protocol and by an increased threshold of response to caffeine of isolated extensor digitorum longus muscles during in vitro contracture test. At cellular and molecular levels, aerobic training (i) improved mitochondrial function while reducing their damage and (ii) lowered calpain activity and lipid peroxidation in membranes isolated from sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Based on this evidence, we hypothesize that the protective effect of aerobic training is essentially mediated by a reduction in oxidative stress during exposure of CASQ1‐null mice to adverse environmental conditions.
Antiskin Inflammatory Activity of Black Ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) through Antioxidative Activity
Authors: Lee Myung-hee , Han Ah-Ram , Jang Mi , Choi Hyo-Kyoung , Lee Sung-Young , Kim Kyung-Tack , Lim Tae-Gyu
Published: April 2018

Kaempferia parviflora (Krachaidum (KD)) is a traditional herbal medicine and has properties that are beneficial for human health. In the current study, we sought to investigate the anti‐inflammatory properties of KD extract (KPE). In mouse skin tissue, UV light representing solar wavelengths (sUV) increased COX‐2 expression, while treatment with KPE reduced this effect. The anti‐inflammatory activity of KPE was confirmed in in vitro models. MAPK signaling pathways were activated by sUV irradiation, and this was also repressed in the presence of KPE treatment. It is assumed that the anti‐inflammatory activity of KPE is caused by the antioxidative effect. Furthermore, we confirmed the critical role of oxidative stress in sUV‐induced COX‐2 expression. We analyzed the polyphenol composition of KPE. Of the polyphenols identified, gallic acid, apigenin, and tangeretin were identified as the major polyphenols (at 9.31 ± 1.27, 2.37 ± 0.14, and 2.15 ± 0.19 μg/mg dry weight, resp.). Collectively, these findings show that in the presence of sUV irradiation, KD has anti‐inflammatory properties and antioxidative effects in the skin.
Predictive Factors of Early Recurrence in Patients with Distal Cholangiocarcinoma after Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Abe Yuta , Egawa Tomohisa , Kitago Minoru , Itano Osamu , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: April 2018

Aim. To determine the factors associated with early recurrence in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).Patients and Methods. Sixty-one patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma were enrolled. The clinical data and histopathological findings were collected retrospectively.Results. Patients were divided into two groups as follows: 16 patients (26%) with early recurrence and 45 patients (74%) with late recurrence or no recurrence. In a univariate analysis, lymph node metastases (P=0.0016), lymphatic invasion (P<0.0001), pancreatic invasion (P=0.0006), and perineural invasion (P=0.0004) were significantly different between the two groups. In a multivariate analysis, a higher incidence of lymphatic invasion was the only independent risk factor for early recurrence (odds ratio: 5.772, 95% confidence interval: 1.123–29.682,P=0.036). Moreover, the disease-free survival and overall survival of patients with a higher incidence of lymphatic invasion were significantly worse compared with those of patients with a lower incidence of lymphatic invasion (P<0.001).Conclusions. Our study showed that a higher incidence of lymphatic invasion was a significant predictor of early recurrence in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma. Therefore, lymphatic invasion might be useful in determining the optimal adjuvant therapy in the early postoperative stage for distal cholangiocarcinoma.
Simulation of Land Surface Climate over China with RegCM4.5: Verification and Analysis
Authors: Yang Minghao , Zuo Ruiting , Wang Liqiong , Chen Xiong
Published: April 2018

The ability of RegCM4.5 using land surface scheme CLM4.5 to simulate the physical variables related to land surface state was investigated. The NCEP-NCAR reanalysis data for the period 1964–2003 were used to drive RegCM4.5 to simulate the land surface temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, latent heat flux, and surface evaporation. Based on observations and reanalysis data, a few land surface variables were analyzed over China. The results showed that some seasonal features of land surface temperature in summer and winter as well as its magnitude could be simulated well. The simulation of precipitation was sensitive to region and season. The model could, to a certain degree, simulate the seasonal migration of rainband in East China. The overall spatial distribution of the simulated soil moisture was better in winter than in summer. The simulation of latent heat flux was also better in winter. In summer, the latent heat flux bias mainly arose from surface evaporation bias in Northwest China, and it primarily arose from vegetation evapotranspiration bias in South China. In addition, the large latent heat flux bias in South China during summer was probably due to less precipitation generated in the model and poor representation of vegetation cover in this region.