bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical tamoxifen in the therapy of cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: TRINCONI CRISTIANA T. , REIMÃO JULIANA Q. , BONANO VIVIAN I. , ESPADA CAROLINE R. , MIGUEL DANILO C. , YOKOYAMA-YASUNAKA JENICER K. U. , ULIANA SILVIA R. B.
Published: March 2017

The aims of the present work were to test the effect of tamoxifen administered topically and the therapeutic efficacy of tamoxifen and pentavalent antimonial combinations in an experimental model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. BALB/c mice infected with a luciferase expressing line of Leishmania amazonensis were treated with topical tamoxifen in two different formulations (ethanol or oil-free cream) as monotherapy or in co-administration with pentavalent antimonial. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by lesion size and parasite burden, quantified through luminescence, at the end of treatment and 4 weeks later. Topical tamoxifen, formulated in ethanol or as a cream, was shown to be effective. The interaction between tamoxifen and pentavalent antimonial was additive in vitro. Treatment with combined schemes containing tamoxifen and pentavalent antimonial was effective in reducing lesion size and parasite burden. Co-administration of tamoxifen and pentavalent antimonial was superior to monotherapy with antimonial.
Host specificity and basic ecology ofMammomonogamus(Nematoda, Syngamidae) from lowland gorillas and forest elephants in Central African Republic
Authors: ČERVENÁ BARBORA , VALLO PETER , PAFČO BARBORA , JIRKŮ KATEŘINA , JIRKŮ MILOSLAV , PETRŽELKOVÁ KLÁRA JUDITA , TODD ANGELIQUE , TURKALO ANDREA K. , MODRÝ DAVID
Published: March 2017

Syngamid strongylids of the genusMammomonogamusundoubtedly belong among the least known nematodes with apparent zoonotic potential and the real diversity of the genus remains hard to evaluate without extensive molecular data. Eggs ofMammomonogamussp. are frequently found in feces of African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) and western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas. Using sedimentation-based coproscopic techniques, we found the eggs ofMammomonogamusin 19·7% elephant and 54·1% gorilla fecal samples with 8–55 and 1–24 eggs per gram of fecal sediment for elephants and gorillas, respectively. We used a combination of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and analysis of cytochromecoxidase subunit I (cox1) and a partial sequence of 18S rDNA isolated from single eggs to test the hypothesis of possibleMammomonogamusconspecificity in gorillas and elephants. Whereas 18S rDNA sequences were identical in both gorillas and elephants, we distinguished seven different haplotypes within thecox1. Two haplotypes were found in both gorillas and elephants suggesting sharing ofMammomonogamus.Assignment of the parasite toM. loxodontisis proposed. Provided sequences represent the first genomic data onMammomonogamusspp.
Intra- and interspecific genetic diversity of New Zealand hairworms (Nematomorpha)
Authors: TOBIAS ZACHARY J. C. , YADAV ARUN K. , SCHMIDT-RHAESA ANDREAS , POULIN ROBERT
Published: March 2017

Hairworms (Nematomorpha) are a little-known group of parasites, and despite having been represented in the taxonomic literature for over a century, the implementation of molecular genetics in studies of hairworm ecology and evolution lags behind that of other parasitic taxa. In this study, we characterize the genetic diversity of the New Zealand nematomorph fauna and test for genetic structure within the most widespread species found. We provide new mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal sequence data for three previously described species from New Zealand:Gordius paranensis, Parachordodes diblastusandEuchordodes nigromaculatus. We also present genetic data on a previously reported but undescribedGordiussp., as well as data from specimens of a newGordionussp., a genus new for New Zealand. Phylogenetic analyses of CO1 and nuclear rDNA regions correspond with morphological classification based on scanning electron microscopy, and demonstrate paraphyly of the genusGordionusand the potential for cryptic species withinG. paranensis. Population-level analyses ofE. nigromaculatusshowed no genetic differentiation among sampling locations across the study area, in contrast to previously observed patterns in known and likely definitive hosts. Taken together, this raises the possibility that factors such as definitive host specificity, intermediate host movement, and passive dispersal of eggs and larvae may influence host–parasite population co-structure in hairworms.
Galectins expressed differently in genetically susceptible C57BL/6 and resistant BALB/c mice during acute ocularToxoplasma gondiiinfection
Authors: CHEN S.-J. , ZHANG Y.-X. , HUANG S.-G. , LU F.-L.
Published: March 2017

Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) caused byToxoplasma gondiiis a major cause of infectious uveitis, however little is known about its immunopathological mechanism. Susceptible C57BL/6 (B6) and resistant BALB/c mice were intravitreally infected with 500 tachyzoites of the RH strain ofT. gondii. B6 mice showed more severe ocular pathology and higher parasite loads in the eyes. The levels of galectin (Gal)-9 and its receptors (Tim-3 and CD137), interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher in the eyes of B6 mice than those of BALB/c mice; however, the levels of IFN-αand -βwere significantly decreased in the eyes and CLNs of B6 mice but significantly increased in BALB/c mice after infection. After blockage of galectin–receptor interactions byα-lactose, neither ocular immunopathology nor parasite loads were different from those of infected BALB/c mice withoutα-lactose treatment. Although the expressions of Gal-9/receptor were significantly increased in B6 mice and Gal-1 and -3 were upregulated in both strains of mice upon ocularT. gondiiinfection, blockage of galectins did not change the ocular pathogenesis of genetic resistant BALB/c mice. However, IFN-αand -βwere differently expressed in B6 and BALB/c mice, suggesting that type I IFNs may play a protective role in experimental OT.
De S0 à SV: Vers le sujet obligatoire et antéposé en français, les dernières phases d'un changement
Authors: MARCHELLO-NIZIA CHRISTIANE
Published: March 2017

On examine les étapes par lesquelles en français le sujet non exprimé (S0) et le sujet postposé au verbe (VS) ont régressé, sans disparaître, jusqu’à l’état moderne, entre le 9e s. et le premier tiers du 17e s. Dès le milieu du 16e s., les taux d'expression et d'antéposition du sujet au verbe sont comparables à ceux du français moderne, la syntaxe du sujet conservant par ailleurs des constructions archaïques. Sur un corpus de dix-sept extraits de textes diversifiés (11e–20e s.), on analyse dans quel ordre et selon quelle chronologie les facteurs corrélés à S0 ou VS depuis l'ancien français ont disparu, à quel moment les traits régressifs S0 et VS sont devenus des traits distinctifs caractérisant des constructions spécifiques, à quel moment et dans quelles constructions se situent les derniers développements de ce changement, et à partir de quelle période se trouvent des textes offrant – et n'offrant que – la syntaxe du sujet moderne.
Do institutions moderate globalization's effect on growth?
Authors: MULLINGS ROBERT
Published: March 2017

The hypothesis that institutional factors affect real economic growth has received support in both the theoretical and empirical literature. Globalization has also, though not unanimously, been found to affect growth outcomes. Bridging the gap between the two strands of the literature, this paper investigates the existence and strength of the interaction between institutional quality and globalization on real economic growth using a panel dataset covering 82 countries and spanning 25 years (1986–2010). Dimensionality reduction techniques are employed to identify key components of ‘institutional quality’: the rule of law, civil liberties and political rights. The empirical results reveal that while ‘institutional quality’ robustly and positively affects growth, the direct effect of economic globalization is not significant and the interaction effects, perhaps as a consequence, are muted over the review period. Direct and interaction effects of institutional quality and economic globalization on growth are, however, observed for the sub-sample of developing countries.
Konservative Therapie der Adipositas
Authors: Biraima-Steinemann Magdalena , Maurer Susanne , Angst Eliane
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Es ist bekannt, dass Adipositas eines der grössten Gesundheitsprobleme weltweit darstellt. Aus meiner Sicht ist Adipositas kein medizinisches, sondern vielmehr ein philosophisches, ökologisches, ökonomisches, soziokulturelles und psychologisches Problem als Konsequenz unseres Wertesystems: «Mehr von Allem ist nicht genug»! Die medizinischen Folgen sind nur Symptom. Somit können Ärzte das Problem Adipositas nicht lösen und sollten weder von der Gesellschaft noch vom Patienten als Gewichtserfüllungsgehilfen instrumentalisiert / missbraucht werden. Aus ärztlicher Sicht ist Ziel der Adipositastherapie somit in aller erster Linie Reduktion der abdominellen Fettverteilung und dann erst des Körpergewichtes, durch ein geändertes Ess-und Bewegungsverhalten in Verbindung mit weiteren förderlichen Lebensgewohnheiten, ergänzt durch gewichtsreduzierende medikamentöse, invasive (Magenballon / EndoBarrier®) und / oder chirurgische Therapiemassnahmen zur Reduktion Adipositas-assoziierter Komorbiditäten und zur Verbesserung der Lebensqualität. Deshalb ist es besonders wichtig, dass aus medizinischer Sicht das Zielgewicht des Patienten in Abhängigkeit der Adipositas-assoziierten Begleiterkrankungen nach dem 4-M-System von Prof. A. M. Sharma (Metabolische, Mechanische, Mentale und Monitäre / Soziale Komorbiditäten) von Anfang an definiert und auch bei jedem Termin kommuniziert wird. Diese Definition und Kommunikation besitzen therapeutischen Charakter. Bei den vielen Studien zur Art und Weise von Ernährung und Bewegung ist Gewicht immer noch eine Resultante von Input reduziert durch Output, ergo weniger Output durch geringere Energiezufuhr und mehr Output (Training mit Pulsfrequenz zwischen 120 – 140 S / min; 30 – 60 min an 5 Tagen der Woche) sind hilfreich. Die Komplexität dieser Bestrebungen ergibt sich aber dadurch, dass der menschliche Stoffwechsel flexibleren Gesetzen unterliegt als beispielsweise ein Otto-Motor und die oben genannten nicht medizinischen Aspekte bis hin zur motivierenden, die Selbstverantwortung des Patienten stützenden und chronisch begleitenden Therapeut-Patienten-Beziehung Schlüsselstellungen haben können.
Superdosen
Authors: Suter Paolo M.
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. In diesem Übersichtsartikel werden die Ursprünge, der mögliche Nutzen und auch Risiken der supra-physiologischen Gabe an Mikronährstoffen diskutiert. Am Beispiel von Vitamin A und Vitamin C werden die präventive Bedeutung und potentielle Gefahren von Superdosing praxisnahe erörtert. Beim genauen Hinsehen ist die Evidenz für Superdosing bei gesunden Menschen für die meisten Nährstoffe leider kaum vorhanden.
Lifestyle-Medikamente: Vergnügen ohne Ende?
Authors: Krähenbühl Stephan
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Lifestyle-Medikamente sind Medikamente, welche ohne medizinische Indikation zur Verbesserung des Aussehens, der körperlichen Leistungsfähigkeit und / oder der Lebensqualität eingenommen werden. Ob für solche Medikamente im Einzelfall eine medizinische Indikation vorliegt oder nicht ist oft schwierig zu entscheiden. Gerade bezüglich Aussehen kann ein gesellschaftlicher Druck für Veränderungen bestehen, welcher negative Folgen auf die Psyche der Betroffenen haben kann. Typische Lifestyle Medikamente sind unter anderem Botulinumtoxin, L-Carnitin, Deoxycholat, Finasterid, Ovulationshemmer, Methylphenidat, Minoxidil, Modafinil, Orlistat und Phosphodiesterase Typ 5-Hemmer. Die medizinisch akzeptierten und die Lifestyle-Indikationen dieser Medikamente werden in der Folge besprochen. Es ist wichtig zu realisieren, dass Lifestyle-Medikamente auch Medikamente sind; neben erwünschten haben sie auch unerwünschte Wirkungen. Beim Auftreten von unerwünschten Wirkungen wird bei fehlender medizinischer Indikation die Gesamtbilanz dieser Medikamente sehr schnell negativ.
p53 loss-of-heterozygosity is a necessary prerequisite for mutant p53 stabilization and gain-of-function in vivo
Authors: Alexandrova Evguenia M , Mirza Safia A , Xu Sulan , Schulz-Heddergott Ramona , Marchenko Natalia D , Moll Ute M
Published: March 2017

Missense mutations in TP53 comprise >75% of all p53 alterations in cancer, resulting in highly stabilized mutant p53 proteins that not only lose their tumor-suppressor activity, but often acquire oncogenic gain-of-functions (GOFs). GOF manifests itself in accelerated tumor onset, increased metastasis, increased drug resistance and shortened survival in patients and mice. A known prerequisite for GOF is mutant p53 protein stabilization, which itself is linked to aberrant protein conformation. However, additional determinants for mutant p53 stabilization likely exist. Here we show that in initially heterozygous mouse tumors carrying the hotspot GOF allele R248Q (p53Q/+), another necessary prerequisite for mutant p53 stabilization and GOF in vivo is loss of the remaining wild-type p53 allele, termed loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH). Thus, in mouse tumors with high frequency of p53 LOH (osteosarcomas and fibrosarcomas), we find that mutant p53 protein is stabilized (16/17 cases, 94%) and tumor onset is significantly accelerated compared with p53+/− tumors (GOF). In contrast, in mouse tumors with low frequency of p53 LOH (MMTV-Neu breast carcinomas), mutant p53 protein is not stabilized (16/20 cases, 80%) and GOF is not observed. Of note, human genomic databases (TCGA, METABRIC etc.) show a high degree of p53 LOH in all examined tumor types that carry missense p53 mutations, including sarcomas and breast carcinomas (with and without HER2 amplification). These data – while cautioning that not all genetic mouse models faithfully represent the human situation – demonstrate for the first time that p53 LOH is a critical prerequisite for missense mutant p53 stabilization and GOF in vivo.
Estrogen receptors in granulosa cells govern meiotic resumption of pre-ovulatory oocytes in mammals
Authors: Liu Wei , Xin Qiliang , Wang Xiao , Wang Sheng , Wang Huarong , Zhang Wenqiang , Yang Ye , Zhang Yanhao , Zhang Zhiyuan , Wang Chao , Xu Yang , Duan Enkui , Xia Guoliang
Published: March 2017

In mammals, oocytes are arrested at the diplotene stage of meiosis I until the pre-ovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge triggers meiotic resumption through the signals in follicular granulosa cells. In this study, we show that the estradiol (E2)-estrogen receptors (ERs) system in follicular granulosa cells has a dominant role in controlling oocyte meiotic resumption in mammals. We found that the expression of ERs was controlled by gonadotropins under physiological conditions. E2-ERs system was functional in maintaining oocyte meiotic arrest by regulating the expression of natriuretic peptide C and natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPPC/NPR2), which was achieved through binding to the promoter regions of Nppc and Npr2 genes directly. In ER knockout mice, meiotic arrest was not sustained by E2 in most cumulus–oocyte complexes in vitro and meiosis resumed precociously in pre-ovulatory follicles in vivo. In human granulosa cells, similar conclusions are reached that ER levels were controlled by gonadotropins and E2-ERs regulated the expression of NPPC/NPR2 levels. In addition, our results revealed that the different regulating patterns of follicle-stimulating hormone and LH on ER levels in vivo versus in vitro determined their distinct actions on oocyte maturation. Taken together, these findings suggest a critical role of E2-ERs system during oocyte meiotic progression and may propose a novel approach for oocyte in vitro maturation treatment in clinical practice.
Combined transplantation of human mesenchymal stem cells and human retinal progenitor cells into the subretinal space of RCS rats
Authors: Qu Linghui , Gao Lixiong , Xu Haiwei , Duan Ping , Zeng Yuxiao , Liu Yong , Yin Zheng Qin
Published: March 2017

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is one of hereditary retinal diseases characterized by the loss of photoreceptors. Cell transplantation has been clinically applied to treat RP patients. Human retinal progenitor cells (HRPCs) and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) are the two commonly and practically used stem cells for transplantation. Since combined transplantation could be a promising way to integrate the advantages of both stem cell types, we transplanted HRPCs and HBMSCs into the subretinal space (SRS) of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats. We report that HRPCs/HBMSCs combined transplantation maintains the electroretinogram results much better than HRPCs or HBMSCs single transplantations. The thickness of outer nuclear layer also presented a better outcome in the combined transplantation. Importantly, grafted cells in the combination migrated better, both longitudinally and latitudinally, than single transplantation. The photoreceptor differentiation of grafted cells in the retina of RCS rats receiving combined transplantation also showed a higher ratio than single transplantation. Finally, activation of microglia and the gliosis of Müller cells were more effectively suppressed in combined transplantation, indicating better immunomodulatory and anti-gliosis effects. Taken together, combining the transplantation of HRPCs and HBMSCs is a more effective strategy in stem cell-based therapy for retinal degenerative diseases.
Risk factors of postoperative pancreatic fistula in patients after distal pancreatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Peng Yun-Peng , Zhu Xiao-Le , Yin Ling-Di , Zhu Yi , Wei Ji-Shu , Wu Jun-Li , Miao Yi
Published: March 2017

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a common complication following distal pancreatectomy (DP). However, the risk factors of this complication in patients after DP still remain controversial. The aim of our study is to estimate the association between potential risk factors and POPF. Relevant articles published up to June 21, 2016 were identified via PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library. Studies that examined the risk factors of POPF following DP were enrolled. 20 articles (2070 patients) were finally included in this study. The pooled data suggested that patients with soft pancreas, higher Body Mass Index (BMI), blood transfusion, elevated intraoperative blood loss, and longer operative time had a decreased risk for POPF. However, age, gender, malignant pathology, types of stump closure, octreotide therapy, history of diabetes and chronic pancreatitis, splenectomy, multiorgan resection, main duct ligation, preoperative serum albumin levels, PGA felt wrapping, and extended lymphadenectomy could not be regarded as risk factors for POPF. Our analytic data demonstrated that pancreas texture, BMI, blood transfusion, intraoperative blood loss, and operative time were clinical predictor for POPF. This study may assist surgeons to screen patients with high risk of POPF and select appropriate treatment measures.
Occurrence and functional significance of the transcriptome in bovine (Bos taurus) spermatozoa
Authors: Selvaraju Sellappan , Parthipan Sivashanmugam , Somashekar Lakshminarayana , Kolte Atul P , Krishnan Binsila B. , Arangasamy Arunachalam , Ravindra Janivara Parameshwaraiah
Published: March 2017

Mammalian spermatozoa deliver various classes of RNAs to the oocyte during fertilization, and many of them may regulate fertility. The objective of the present study was to determine the composition and abundance of spermatozoal transcripts in fresh bull semen. The entire transcriptome of the spermatozoa from bulls (n = 3) was sequenced using two different platforms (Ion Proton and Illumina) to identify the maximum number of genes present in the spermatozoa. The bovine spermatozoa contained transcripts for 13,833 genes (transcripts per million, TPM > 10). Both intact and fragmented transcripts were found. These spermatozoal transcripts were associated with various stages of spermatogenesis, spermatozoal function, fertilization, and embryo development. The presence of intact transcripts of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) in the spermatozoa suggest a possible influence of sperm transcripts beyond early embryonic development. The specific regions (exon, intron, and exon-intron) of the particular spermatozoal transcripts might help regulate fertilization. This study demonstrates that the use of two different RNA-seq platforms provides a comprehensive profile of bovine spermatozoal RNA. Spermatozoal RNA profiling may be useful as a non-invasive method to delineate possible causes of male infertility and to predict fertility in a manner that is more effective than the conventional methods.
De novo computational identification of stress-related sequence motifs and microRNA target sites in untranslated regions of a plant translatome
Authors: Munusamy Prabhakaran , Zolotarov Yevgen , Meteignier Louis-Valentin , Moffett Peter , Strömvik Martina V.
Published: March 2017

Gene regulation at the transcriptional and translational level leads to diversity in phenotypes and function in organisms. Regulatory DNA or RNA sequence motifs adjacent to the gene coding sequence act as binding sites for proteins that in turn enable or disable expression of the gene. Whereas the known DNA and RNA binding proteins range in the thousands, only a few motifs have been examined. In this study, we have predicted putative regulatory motifs in groups of untranslated regions from genes regulated at the translational level in Arabidopsis thaliana under normal and stressed conditions. The test group of sequences was divided into random subgroups and subjected to three de novo motif finding algorithms (Seeder, Weeder and MEME). In addition to identifying sequence motifs, using an in silico tool we have predicted microRNA target sites in the 3′ UTRs of the translationally regulated genes, as well as identified upstream open reading frames located in the 5′ UTRs. Our bioinformatics strategy and the knowledge generated contribute to understanding gene regulation during stress, and can be applied to disease and stress resistant plant development.
Paired Synchronous Rhythmic Finger Tapping without an External Timing Cue Shows Greater Speed Increases Relative to Those for Solo Tapping
Authors: Okano Masahiro , Shinya Masahiro , Kudo Kazutoshi
Published: March 2017

In solo synchronization-continuation (SC) tasks, intertap intervals (ITI) are known to drift from the initial tempo. It has been demonstrated that people in paired and group contexts modulate their action timing unconsciously in various situations such as choice reaction tasks, rhythmic body sway, and hand clapping in concerts, which suggests the possibility that ITI drift is also affected by paired context. We conducted solo and paired SC tapping experiments with three tempos (75, 120, and 200 bpm) and examined whether tempo-keeping performance changed according to tempo and/or the number of players. Results indicated that those tapping in the paired conditions were faster, relative to those observed in the solo conditions, for all tempos. For the faster participants, the degree of ITI drift in the solo conditions was strongly correlated with that in the paired conditions. Regression analyses suggested that both faster and slower participants adapted their tap timing to that of their partners. A possible explanation for these results is that the participants reset the phase of their internal clocks according to the faster beat between their own tap and the partners’ tap. Our results indicated that paired context could bias the direction of ITI drift toward decreasing.
The Interaction Effects of Meteorological Factors and Air Pollution on the Development of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Huang Ching-Hui , Lin Heng-Cheng , Tsai Chen-Dao , Huang Hung-Kai , Lian Ie-Bin , Chang Chia-Chu
Published: March 2017

This study investigated the interaction effects of meteorological factors and air pollutants on the onset of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Data of ACS patients were obtained from the Taiwan ACS Full Spectrum Registry and comprised 3164 patients with a definite onset date during the period October 2008 and January 2010 at 39 hospitals. Meteorological conditions and air pollutant concentrations at the 39 locations during the 488-day period were obtained. Time-lag Poisson and logistic regression were used to explore their association with ACS incidence. One-day lag atmospheric pressure (AP), humidity, particulate matter (PM2.5, and PM10), and carbon monoxide (CO) all had significant interaction effects with temperature on ACS occurrence. Days on which high temperatures (>26 °C) and low AP (<1009 hPa) occurred the previous day were associated with a greater likelihood of increased incidence of developing ACS. Typhoon Morakot was an example of high temperature with extremely low AP associated with higher ACS incidence than the daily average. Combinations of high concentrations of PM or CO with low temperatures (<21 °C) and high humidity levels with low temperatures were also associated with increased incidence of ACS. Atmospheric pollution and weather factors have synergistic effects on the incidence of ACS.
Cytochrome P450s in human immune cells regulate IL-22 and c-Kit via an AHR feedback loop
Authors: Effner Renate , Hiller Julia , Eyerich Stefanie , Traidl-Hoffmann Claudia , Brockow Knut , Triggiani Massimo , Behrendt Heidrun , Schmidt-Weber Carsten B. , Buters Jeroen T. M.
Published: March 2017

The mechanisms how environmental compounds influence the human immune system are unknown. The environmentally sensitive transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has immune-modulating functions and responds to small molecules. Cytochrome P4501 enzymes (CYP1) act downstream of the AHR and metabolize small molecules. However, it is currently unknown whether CYP1 activity is relevant for immune modulation. We studied the interdependence of CYP1 and AHR in human primary immune cells using pharmacological methods. CYP1 inhibition increased the expression levels of the stem cell factor receptor (c-Kit) and interleukin (IL)-22 but decreased IL-17. Single cell analyses showed that CYP1 inhibition especially promoted CD4+ helper T (Th) cells that co-express c-Kit and IL-22 simultaneously. The addition of an AHR antagonist reversed all these effects. In addition to T cells, we screened other human immune cells for CYP and found cell-specific fingerprints, suggesting that similar mechanisms are present in multiple immune cells. We describe a feedback loop yet unknown in human immune cells where CYP1 inhibition resulted in an altered AHR-dependent immune response. This mechanism relates CYP1-dependent metabolism of environmental small molecules to human immunity.
Observed and simulated submesoscale vertical pump of an anticyclonic eddy in the South China Sea
Authors: Zhong Yisen , Bracco Annalisa , Tian Jiwei , Dong Jihai , Zhao Wei , Zhang Zhiwei
Published: March 2017

Oceanic mesoscale eddies with typical sizes of 30–200 km contain more than half of the kinetic energy of the ocean. With an average lifespan of several months, they are major contributors to the transport of heat, nutrients, plankton, dissolved oxygen and carbon in the ocean. Mesoscale eddies have been observed and studied over the past 50 years, nonetheless our understanding of the details of their structure remains incomplete due to lack of systematic high-resolution measurements. To bridge this gap, a survey of a mesoscale anticyclone was conducted in early 2014 in the South China Sea capturing its structure at submesoscale resolution. By modeling an anticyclone of comparable size and position at three horizontal resolutions the authors verify the resolution requirements for capturing the observed variability in dynamical quantities, and quantify the role of ageostrophic motions on the vertical transport associated with the anticyclone. Results indicate that different submesoscale processes contribute to the vertical transport depending on depth and distance from the eddy center, with frontogenesis playing a key role. Vertical transport by anticyclones cannot be reliably estimated by coarse-resolution or even mesoscale-resolving models, with important implications for global estimates of the eddy-driven vertical pumping of biophysical and chemical tracers.
Spatial control of chirality in supramolecular aggregates
Authors: Castriciano Maria A. , Gentili Denis , Romeo Andrea , Cavallini Massimiliano , Scolaro Luigi Monsù
Published: March 2017

Chirality is one of the most intriguing properties of matter related to a molecule’s lack of mirror symmetry. The transmission of chirality from the molecular level up to the macroscopic scale has major implications in life sciences but it is also relevant for many chemical applications ranging from catalysis to spintronic. These technological applications require an accurate control of morphology, homogeneity and chiral handedness of thin films and nanostructures. We demonstrate a simple approach to specifically transfer chirality to the model supramolecular system of J aggregates of the protonated form of tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)-porphyrin by utilizing a soft lithography technique. This approach successfully allows the fabrication of an ordered distribution of sub-micrometric structures in precise and controllable positions with programmed chirality, providing a fundamental breakthrough toward the exploitation of chiral supramolecular aggregates in technological applications, such as sensors, non-linear optics and spintronic.
Generation of perfect vortex and vector beams based on Pancharatnam-Berry phase elements
Authors: Liu Yachao , Ke Yougang , Zhou Junxiao , Liu Yuanyuan , Luo Hailu , Wen Shuangchun , Fan Dianyuan
Published: March 2017

Perfect vortex beams are the orbital angular momentum (OAM)-carrying beams with fixed annular intensities, which provide a better source of OAM than traditional Laguerre-Gaussian beams. However, ordinary schemes to obtain the perfect vortex beams are usually bulky and unstable. We demonstrate here a novel generation scheme by designing planar Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase elements to replace all the elements required. Different from the conventional approaches based on reflective or refractive elements, PB phase elements can dramatically reduce the occupying volume of system. Moreover, the PB phase element scheme is easily developed to produce the perfect vector beams. Therefore, our scheme may provide prominent vortex and vector sources for integrated optical communication and micromanipulation systems.
In vivo longitudinal visualization of bone marrow engraftment process in mouse calvaria using two-photon microscopy
Authors: Le Viet-Hoan , Lee Seunghun , Lee Seungwon , Wang Taejun , Hyuk Jang Won , Yoon Yeoreum , Kwon Soonjae , Kim Hyekang , Lee Seung-Woo , Hean Kim Ki
Published: March 2017

Intravital microscopy of mouse calvarial bone marrow (BM) is a powerful method for studying hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the BM microenvironment at the cellular level. However, the current method used to access the mouse calvaria allows for only a few imaging times in the same mouse because of scar formation and inflammation induced by multiple surgeries. Longitudinal imaging of the BM may help better understand its microenvironment. In this study, a mouse calvarial window model was developed for longitudinal imaging that involves attaching a cover glass window onto the mouse calvaria and sealing the surrounding exposed area with cyanoacrylate glue and dental cement. The model was used for the longitudinal two-photon microscopy (TPM) imaging of the BM engraftment process. The same BM cavity sites were imaged multiple times over 4 weeks after BM transplantation (BMT). Temporal changes in the BM microenvironment, such as the reconstitution of transplanted BM cells and the recovery of vasculature, were observed and analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Longitudinal intravital microscopy using the mouse calvarial window model was successfully demonstrated and may be useful for further BM studies.
Flunarizine suppresses endothelial Angiopoietin-2 in a calcium - dependent fashion in sepsis
Authors: Retzlaff Jennifer , Thamm Kristina , Ghosh Chandra C. , Ziegler Wolfgang , Haller Hermann , Parikh Samir M. , David Sascha
Published: March 2017

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to an infection leading to systemic inflammation and endothelial barrier breakdown. The vascular-destabilizing factor Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt-2) has been implicated in these processes in humans. Here we screened in an unbiased approach FDA-approved compounds with respect to Angpt-2 suppression in endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro. We identified Flunarizine – a well-known anti-migraine calcium channel (CC) blocker – being able to diminish intracellular Angpt-2 protein in a time- and dose-dependent fashion thereby indirectly reducing the released protein. Moreover, Flunarizine protected ECs from TNFα-induced increase in Angpt-2 transcription and vascular barrier breakdown. Mechanistically, we could exclude canonical Tie2 signalling being responsible but found that three structurally distinct T-type - but not L-type - CC blockers can suppress Angpt-2. Most importantly, experimental increase in intracellular calcium abolished Flunarizine’s effect. Flunarizine was also able to block the injurious increase of Angpt-2 in murine endotoxemia in vivo. This resulted in reduced pulmonary adhesion molecule expression (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) and tissue infiltration of inflammatory cells (Gr-1). Our finding could have therapeutic implications as side effects of Flunarizine are low and specific sepsis therapeutics that target the dysregulated host response are highly desirable.
Non-invasive Assessment of Cerebral Blood Flow and Oxygen Metabolism in Neonates during Hypothermic Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Feasibility and Clinical Implications
Authors: Ferradal Silvina L. , Yuki Koichi , Vyas Rutvi , Ha Christopher G. , Yi Francesca , Stopp Christian , Wypij David , Cheng Henry H. , Newburger Jane W. , Kaza Aditya K. , Franceschini Maria A. , Kussman Barry D. , Grant P. Ellen
Published: March 2017

The neonatal brain is extremely vulnerable to injury during periods of hypoxia and/or ischemia. Risk of brain injury is increased during neonatal cardiac surgery, where pre-existing hemodynamic instability and metabolic abnormalities are combined with long periods of low cerebral blood flow and/or circulatory arrest. Our understanding of events associated with cerebral hypoxia-ischemia during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) remains limited, largely due to inadequate tools to quantify cerebral oxygen delivery and consumption non-invasively and in real-time. This pilot study aims to evaluate cerebral blood flow (CBF) and oxygen metabolism (CMRO2) intraoperatively in neonates by combining two novel non-invasive optical techniques: frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy (FD-NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). CBF and CMRO2 were quantified before, during and after deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in nine neonates. Our results show significantly decreased CBF and CMRO2 during hypothermic CPB. More interestingly, a change of coupling between both variables is observed during deep hypothermic CPB in all subjects. Our results are consistent with previous studies using invasive techniques, supporting the concept of FD-NIRS/DCS as a promising technology to monitor cerebral physiology in neonates providing the potential for individual optimization of surgical management.
Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis induces macrophage miR-294 and miR-721 expression and modulates infection by targeting NOS2 and L-arginine metabolism
Authors: Muxel Sandra Marcia , Laranjeira-Silva Maria Fernanda , Zampieri Ricardo Andrade , Floeter-Winter Lucile Maria
Published: March 2017

Leishmania (Leishmania)amazonensisis an intracellular protozoan parasite responsible for the cutaneous leishmaniasis. The parasite replicates inside mammalian macrophage to establish infection. Host-pathogen interactions result in microRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of host genes involved in inflammatory immune response. We analyzed macrophage miRNA profiles duringL. (L.)amazonensisinfection. The regulation of macrophage miRNA expression by the parasite correlates with/depends on parasite arginase activity during infection.L. (L.)amazonensis (La-WT) presented significant miRNA profile alteration (27%) compared toL. (L.)amazonensisarginase knockout (La-arg−) (~40%) in relation to uninfected-macrophages. We observed that 78% of the altered miRNAs were up-regulated inLa-WT infection, while only 32% were up-regulated inLa-arg−-infected macrophages. In contrast toLa-WT, the lack ofL. (L.)amazonensisarginase led to the inhibition of miR-294 and miR-721 expression. The expression of miR-294 and miR-721 was recovered to levels similar toLa-WT inLa-arg−addback mutant. The inhibition of miR-294/Nos2 and miR721/Nos2interactions increased NOS2 expression and NO production, and reducedL. (L.)amazonensisinfectivity, confirmingNos2as target of these miRNAs. The role of miR-294 and miR-721 in the regulation of NOS2 expression duringLeishmaniareplication in infected macrophages pointing these miRNAs as potential new targets for drug development.
Historical range, extirpation and prospects for reintroduction of saigas in China
Authors: Cui Shaopeng , Milner-Gulland E. J. , Singh Navinder J. , Chu Hongjun , Li Chunwang , Chen Jing , Jiang Zhigang
Published: March 2017

An assessment of historical distribution patterns and potential reintroduction sites is important for reducing the risk of reintroduction failure of endangered species. The saiga antelope, Saiga tatarica, was extirpated in the mid-20th century in China. A captive population was established in the Wuwei Endangered Wildlife Breeding Centre (WEWBC) in the 1980s. Reintroduction is planned, but so far, no action has been taken. In this study, we delineated the historical distribution and potential reintroduction areas of saigas in China, using a literature review, interviews and predictive modelling. Results suggest that most of the seasonally suitable areas are non-overlapping, and China may have been a peripheral part of the main saiga range. WEWBC is not an ideal reintroduction site due to its low habitat suitability. Furthermore, we infer that two different movement patterns existed historically (regular migration and nomadic wandering). Our results demonstrate the challenges of restoring a free-ranging, self-sustaining saiga population in China. We recommend the setting up of additional breeding centres in protected areas within the potential saiga range in Xinjiang, and the development of a national action plan to provide a framework for the future recovery of the species.
TASK channels contribute to neuroprotective action of inhalational anesthetics
Authors: Yao Chengye , Li Yu , Shu Shaofang , Yao Shanglong , Lynch Carl , Bayliss Douglas A. , Chen Xiangdong
Published: March 2017

Postconditioning with inhalational anesthetics can reduce ischemia-reperfusion brain injury, although the cellular mechanisms for this effect have not been determined. The current study was designed to test if TASK channels contribute to their neuroprotective actions. Whole cell recordings were used to examine effects of volatile anesthetic on TASK currents in cortical neurons and to verify loss of anesthetic-activated TASK currents from TASK−/− mice. A transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model was used to establish brain ischemia-reperfusion injury. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that TASK mRNA was reduced by >90% in cortex and hippocampus of TASK−/− mice. The TASK−/− mice showed a much larger region of infarction than C57BL/6 J mice after tMCAO challenge. Isoflurane or sevoflurane administered after the ischemic insult reduced brain infarct percentage and neurological deficit scores in C57BL/6 J mice, these effect were reduced in TASK−/− mice. Whole cell recordings revealed that the isoflurane-activated background potassium current observed in cortical pyramidal neurons from wild type mice was conspicuously reduced in TASK−/− mice. Our studies demonstrate that TASK channels can limit ischemia-reperfusion damage in the cortex, and postconditioning with volatile anesthetics provides neuroprotective actions that depend, in part, on activation of TASK currents in cortical neurons.
Characterization of Chinese Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus with Novel Insertions and Deletions in Genome
Authors: Fan Baochao , Jiao Dian , Zhao Xiaona , Pang Fengjiao , Xiao Qi , Yu Zhengyu , Mao Aihua , Guo Rongli , Yuan Wanzhe , Zhao Pandeng , He Kongwang , Li Bin
Published: March 2017

Outbreaks of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) have caused great economic losses to the global pig industry. PEDV strains with variants in the spike (S) gene have been reported in several countries. To better understand the molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of PEDV field isolates, in this study, we characterised the complete genome sequence of a novel PEDV variant JSCZ1601 from a outbreak in China in 2016. The PEDV isolate was 28,033 nucleotides (nt) in length without the polyadenylated sequences. Phylogenetic analysis based on the full-length genome sequence of JSCZ1601 grouped it with the pandemic variants determined post-2010 into group 2 (G2). However, the S gene of JSCZ1601 formed a new subgroup separated from the subgroups containing the other G2 strains. Comparative analysis of the amino acids encoded by the S genes revealed the N-terminal of the deduced JSCZ1601 S protein had a novel two-amino-acid deletion (N58 and S59) compared with all identified genogroups. Further, compared with the reference strains, a ‘G’ insertion was detected in the 5′ terminal of the 5′UTR of the JSCZ1601. The animal experiment revealed that this strain was high pathogenic to neonatal pigs. Taken together, a PEDV strain with the new molecular characterizations and phylogenies was found in mainland China. It is necessary to strengthen the monitoring of PEDV variations.
Mitochondrial genomes of the hoverflies Episyrphus balteatus and Eupeodes corollae (Diptera: Syrphidae), with a phylogenetic analysis of Muscomorpha
Authors: Pu De-qiang , Liu Hong-ling , Gong Yi-yun , Ji Pei-cheng , Li Yue-jian , Mou Fang-sheng , Wei Shu-jun
Published: March 2017

The hoverflies Episyrphus balteatus and Eupeodes corollae (Diptera: Muscomorpha: Syrphidae) are important natural aphid predators. We obtained mitochondrial genome sequences from these two species using methods of PCR amplification and sequencing. The complete Episyrphus mitochondrial genome is 16,175 bp long while the incomplete one of Eupeodes is 15,326 bp long. All 37 typical mitochondrial genes are present in both species and arranged in ancestral positions and directions. The two mitochondrial genomes showed a biased A/T usage versus G/C. The cox1, cox2, cox3, cob and nad1 showed relatively low level of nucleotide diversity among protein-coding genes, while the trnM was the most conserved one without any nucleotide variation in stem regions within Muscomorpha. Phylogenetic relationships among the major lineages of Muscomorpha were reconstructed using a complete set of mitochondrial genes. Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses generated congruent topologies. Our results supported the monophyly of five species within the Syrphidae (Syrphoidea). The Platypezoidea was sister to all other species of Muscomorpha in our phylogeny. Our study demonstrated the power of the complete mitochondrial gene set for phylogenetic analysis in Muscomorpha.
Novel Programmable Shape Memory Polystyrene Film: A Thermally Induced Beam-power Splitter
Authors: Li Peng , Han Yu , Wang Wenxin , Liu Yanju , Jin Peng , Leng Jinsong
Published: March 2017

Micro/nanophotonic structures that are capable of optical wave-front shaping are implemented in optical waveguides and passive optical devices to alter the phase of the light propagating through them. The beam division directions and beam power distribution depend on the design of the micro/nanostructures. The ultimate potential of advanced micro/nanophotonic structures is limited by their structurally rigid, functional singleness and not tunable against external impact. Here, we propose a thermally induced optical beam-power splitter concept based on a shape memory polystyrene film with programmable micropatterns. The smooth film exhibits excellent transparency with a transmittance of 95% in the visible spectrum and optical stability during a continuous heating process up to 90 °C. By patterning double sided shape memory polystyrene film into erasable and switchable micro-groove gratings, the transmission light switches from one designed light divided directions and beam-power distribution to another because of the optical diffraction effect of the shape changing micro gratings during the whole thermal activated recovery process. The experimental and theoretical results demonstrate a proof-of-principle of the beam-power splitter. Our results can be adapted to further extend the applications of micro/nanophotonic devices and implement new features in the nanophotonics.
The role of weak interactions in controlling the mode of interpenetration in hybrid ultramicroporous materials
Authors: Bajpai Alankriti , Lusi Matteo , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: March 2017

The aromatic core in dipyridyl linker ligands is found to impact the mode of 2-fold interpenetration in hybrid ultramicroporous materials formed by pillared square grid networks.
Advanced optoacoustic methods for multiscale imaging of in vivo dynamics
Authors: Deán-Ben X. L. , Gottschalk S. , Mc Larney B. , Shoham S. , Razansky D.
Published: March 2017

Multiscale optoacoustic imaging – from single cells to whole organisms, from sub-millisecond biological dynamics to longitudinal studies with unprecedented image quality.
High-temperature structural phase transition coupled with dielectric switching in an organic–inorganic hybrid crystal: [NH3(CH2)2Br]3CdBr5
Authors: Chen Hai-Peng , Wang Zhong-Xia , Chen Cheng , Lu Yang , Yin Zi , Sun Xiao-Fen , Fu Da-Wei
Published: March 2017

Molecular bistable switches (electrical switches “ON” and “OFF”) represent a class of highly desirable intelligent materials due to their sensitive switchable responses, simple and environmentally friendly processing, light weight, and mechanical flexibility.
A comparison of the chemical, optical and electrocatalytic properties of water-oxidation catalysts for use in integrated solar-fuel generators
Authors: Sun Ke , Moreno-Hernandez Ivan A. , Schmidt William C. , Zhou Xinghao , Crompton J. Chance , Liu Rui , Saadi Fadl H. , Chen Yikai , Papadantonakis Kimberly M. , Lewis Nathan S.
Published: March 2017

Thein situoptical properties and electrocatalytic performance of representative water-oxidation catalyst have been considered.
How sociopolitical factors affected the implementation of Cape Town's vacuum sewer
Authors: Taing Lina
Published: March 2017

This paper discusses various institutional and social conflicts that detrimentally affected the implementation of a vacuum sewer in South Africa.
Supramolecular photocatalysts constructed with a photosensitizer unit with two tridentate ligands for CO2 reduction
Authors: Tamaki Yusuke , Ishitani Osamu
Published: March 2017

New supramolecular photocatalysts comprising an asymmetric bis-tridentate Ru(ii) complex that functions as a photosensitizer and a Ru(ii) carbonyl complex as the catalyst were designed. The complexes photocatalyzed the reduction of CO2 to CO or formic acid with high selectivity. The product distribution depended on the catalyst unit. CO and formic acid were the main products when using [Ru(BL)(Clbpy)(CO)]2+ (BL = bridging ligand, Clbpy = 4,4′-dichloro-2,2′-bipyridine) and Ru(BL)(CO)2Cl2 catalysts, respectively.
Development and characterization of a multi-electrode cold atmospheric pressure DBD plasma jet aiming plasma application
Authors: Sahu Bibhuti Bhusan , Jin Su Bong , Han Jeon Geon
Published: March 2017

A novel APP jet was developed and extensively characterized using optical and electrical diagnostics to establish its capability for applications.