bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Trends in Aspirin Resistance‐Related Research from 1990 to 2015: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Al‐Jabi Samah W.
Published: July 2017

Aspirin resistance can be defined as the inability of the usual dose of aspirin medication to produce its antithrombotic effect. Patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease are at higher risk of stroke, myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death due to aspirin resistance. The aim of this bibliometric study was to identify and analyse the status and trends of aspirin resistance research production at global level through publications indexed in the Scopus database; this will shed new light on future research trends and help researchers predict dynamic direction of research. Literature search using the Scopus database was conducted to assess publications related to aspirin resistance. The selected publications included the terms related to aspirin resistance in the title, abstract or keywords. The searching was accomplished on 20 March 2016 and can be considered to include all publications up to 31 December 2015. Global cumulative publication output on aspirin resistance consists of 986 papers during 1990–2015. Among the 986 documents, 19 (1.9%) were published before 2000, 567 (57.5%) were published from 2000 to 2009 and 400 (40.6%) were published from 2010 to 2015, with peak of publications on this topic in 2008. The leading country in the field of aspirin resistance was the United States, which had the greatest counts of independent articles (165) and international collaboration articles (44). Turkey was in the second rank with 78 articles, followed by Italy (68), the UK (62) and Poland (60). The total number of citations for all documents was 26,342, and the average citations per document were 26.7. The h‐index for all aspirin resistance publications was 82. This study presents the results of the first bibliometric study (including quantitative and qualitative analysis) of scientific publications in the field of aspirin renitence at global level. Aspirin resistance‐related researches have notably increased in the last years, especially from 2000 to 2015. The United States is the most prolific country, not only in research quantity but also in quality. Furthermore, Turkey and European countries provided more research related to aspirin resistance than other regions such as the developing countries.
Oral Administration of Polaprezinc Attenuates Fluorouracil‐induced Intestinal Mucositis in a Mouse Model
Authors: Liu Zhaoyang , Xie Wenbo , Li Mingru , Teng Nan , Liang Xiao , Zhang Ziqiang , Yang Zhaogang , Wang Xiaobing
Published: July 2017

5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) has broadly been applied to treat colorectal cancer as one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents. However, it frequently causes intestinal mucosal injury and related side effects, such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea, which limit the use of 5‐FU in a clinic setting. Polaprezinc has gradually become known as a mucosal protective agent for the management of gastric ulcer. This study aimed to investigate the prophylactic efficacy of Polaprezinc administered orally against intestinal mucositis induced by 5‐FU in mice on the condition that the antitumour effect could not be compromised. We induced intestinal mucositis in SPF‐grade ICR mice with 5‐FU, and evaluated intestinal damage in the absence or presence of Polaprezinc. We examined the score of diarrhoea and the loss of weight after the 5‐FU treatment and assessed the integrity of villus and the proliferation of small intestine crypt cells by haematoxylin and eosin staining and PCNA immunohistochemical detection. The antitumour effect of 5‐FU on colorectal cancer was assessed with or without Polaprezinc in a xenograft model. The result showed that Polaprezinc significantly reduced the elevated diarrhoea score and the body‐weight loss caused by 5‐FU abolished histological abnormality and crypt cell hypoproliferation in a dose‐dependent manner, without affecting 5‐FU efficacy on colon xenograft tumour in mice. We conclude that Polaprezinc could inhibit 5‐FU‐induced diarrhoea and alleviate the weight loss during 5‐FU chemotherapy, as a possible candidate for treatment and prevention of intestinal mucositis, through protecting intestinal mucosa and improving the quality of life after chemotherapy.
Phase I study of salazosulfapyridine in combination with cisplatin and pemetrexed for advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Otsubo Kohei , Nosaki Kaname , Imamura Chiyo K. , Ogata Hiroaki , Fujita Akitaka , Sakata Shinya , Hirai Fumihiko , Toyokawa Gouji , Iwama Eiji , Harada Taishi , Seto Takashi , Takenoyama Mitsuhiro , Ozeki Takeshi , Mushiroda Taisei , Inada Mieko , Kishimoto Junji , Tsuchihashi Kenji , Suina Kentaro , Nagano Osamu , Saya Hideyuki , Nakanishi Yoichi , Okamoto Isamu
Published: July 2017

Spliced variant isoforms of CD44 (CD44v) are a marker of cancer stem cells in solid tumors. They stabilize the xCT subunit of the transporter system xc(–) and thereby promote synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione. Salazosulfapyridine (SASP) is an inhibitor of xCT and suppresses the proliferation of CD44v‐positive cancer cells. Chemotherapy‐naïve patients with advanced non‐squamous non‐small‐cell lung cancer were enrolled in a dose‐escalation study (standard 3 + 3 design) of SASP in combination with cisplatin and pemetrexed. The primary end‐point was the percentage of patients who experience dose‐limiting toxicity. Fifteen patients were enrolled in the study. Dose‐limiting toxicity was observed in one of six patients at a SASP dose of 1.5 g/day (elevation of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels, each of grade 3), two of five patients at 3 g/day (hypotension or pneumonitis, each of grade 3), and two of three patients at 4.5 g/day (anorexia of grade 3). The maximum tolerated dose was thus 3 g/day, and the recommended dose was 1.5 g/day. The overall response rate was 26.7% and median progression‐free survival was 11.7 months, much longer than that for cisplatin–pemetrexed alone in previous studies. Exposure to SASP varied markedly among individuals according to ABCG2 and NAT2 genotypes. The serum concentration of free CD44v protein was increased after the first cycle of treatment, possibly reflecting death of cancer stem cells. Salazosulfapyridine was thus given safely in combination with cisplatin–pemetrexed, with the addition of SASP tending to prolong progression‐free survival. This trial is registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000017854.
Elevated HbA1c in donor organs from patients without a diagnosis of diabetes portends worse liver allograft survival
Authors: Ezekian Brian , Mulvihill Michael S. , Freischlag Kyle , Yerokun Babatunde A. , Davis Robert P. , Hartwig Matthew G. , Knechtle Stuart J. , Barbas Andrew S.
Published: July 2017

Recipients of liver allografts from diabetic donors have decreased graft survival. However, limited data exist on the effects of donor HbA1c. We hypothesized that allografts from nondiabetic donors with elevated HbA1c would be associated with decreased survival. Liver transplant recipients from the UNOS database from nondiabetic donors were stratified into two groups: euglycemic (HbA1c<6.5) and hyperglycemic (HbA1c≥6.5). Propensity score matching (10:1) was used to adjust for donor and recipient characteristics. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was used to assess survival. Donors of hyperglycemic allografts were older (49 vs 36, P<.001), were more likely to be non‐white, had a higher BMI (29.8 vs 26.2, P<.001), were more likely to engage in heavy cigarette use (1.5% vs 1.3%, P=.004), had higher serum creatinine levels (1.3 vs 1.0, P=.002), and were more likely to be an expanded‐criteria donor (35.8% vs 14.4%, P<.001). After propensity matching to account for these differences, allograft survival was significantly decreased in the recipients of hyperglycemic allografts (P=.049), and patient survival showed a trend toward reduction (P=.082). These findings suggest that HbA1c may be a simple and inexpensive test with potential utility for better organ risk stratification.
Relationship between portopulmonary hypertension and splenectomy: Mayo Clinic experience and review of published works
Authors: Segraves Justin M. , Cartin‐Ceba Rodrigo , Leise Michael D. , Krowka Michael J.
Published: July 2017

Aim

Portopulmonary hypertension is a serious complication of portal hypertension that can lead to right heart failure and death. To our knowledge, an association between portopulmonary hypertension and prior splenectomy has not been described previously. The goals of this study were to describe the frequency of splenectomy in portopulmonary hypertension and compare selected parameters between portopulmonary hypertension subgroups.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with portopulmonary hypertension between 1 January 1988 and 30 June 2015 at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA). We compared age, sex, right ventricle systolic pressure by echocardiography, and right heart catheterization measurements/calculations among subgroups of portopulmonary hypertension patients with splenectomy and/or autoimmune liver disease (autoimmune hepatitis/primary biliary cirrhosis/primary sclerosing cholangitis).

Results

The cohort consisted of 141 patients, of whom 8 (6%) had a history of splenectomy prior to the development of portopulmonary hypertension. Twenty‐seven (19%) portopulmonary hypertension patients had autoimmune liver disease, and 5 of 8 (62.5%) splenectomized portopulmonary hypertension patients had autoimmune liver disease. No significant difference was noted in right heart catheterization measurements/calculations between splenectomized and non‐splenectomized portopulmonary hypertension patients. Right ventricle systolic pressure by echocardiography was significantly higher in those splenectomized.

Conclusions

Prior history of splenectomy in portopulmonary hypertension was 6% in this cohort. The combination of autoimmune liver disease and splenectomy in portopulmonary hypertension was not uncommon. History of splenectomy in patients with portal hypertension and/or autoimmune liver disease may have clinical implications.
MTA‐induced Notch activation enhances the proliferation of human dental pulp cells by inhibiting autophagic flux
Authors: Qiu W. , Sun B. , He F. , Zhang Y.
Published: July 2017

Aim

To determine the roles of autophagy and Notch signalling in mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)‐mediated proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs).

Methodology

hDPCs were separated from human healthy molar teeth using collagenase I/dispase II digestion and then cultured in α‐MEM medium with 15% foetal bovine serum. hDPCs were seeded in 96‐well plates, and cell counting kit assays were carried out to test their viability. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to evaluate ALP, Runx2, Notch1, Hes1 and Hey1 mRNA levels. Notch1, hes1, LC3 and p62 protein levels were quantified by Western blotting. Colocalization of LC3 and Notch1 was measured by immunofluorescence. Two‐tailed Student's t‐tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Autophagic flux was significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited by MTA extracts, causing Notch degradation arrest. This resulted in the promotion of cell proliferation and inhibition of differentiation during the logarithmic phase of cell growth.

Conclusion

MTA extract promoted the proliferation of hDPCs in part by activating Notch signalling through inhibition of autophagic flux during the early stage and, thus, might potentially induce rapid restoration of injured pulps.
Evidenced‐based clinical practice guideline for prostate cancer (summary: Japanese Urological Association, 2016 edition)
Authors: Kakehi Yoshiyuki , Sugimoto Mikio , Taoka Rikiya ,   the committee for establishment of the evidenced‐based clinical practice guideline for prostate cancer of the Japanese Urological Association
Published: July 2017

These guidelines cover a wide range of topics from prostate cancer epidemiology to palliative care. Questions arising in daily clinical practice have been extracted and formulated as clinical questions. In the 4 years since the previous edition, there have been major changes – for example, robot‐assisted prostatectomy has rapidly come into widespread use, and new hormones and anticancer drugs have been developed for castration‐resistant prostate cancer. In response to these developments, the number of fields included in this guideline was increased from 11 in the 2012 edition to 16, and the number of clinical questions was increased from 63 to 70. The number of papers identified in searches of the existing literature increased from 4662 in the first edition, published in 2006, to 10 490 in the 2012 edition. The number of references has reached 29 448 just during this review period, indicating the exponential increase in research on the topic of prostate cancer. Clinical answers have been prepared based on the latest evidence. Recommendation grades for the clinical answers were determined by radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists in addition to urologists in order to reflect the recent advances and diversity of prostate cancer treatment. Here, we present a short English version of the original guideline, and overview its key clinical issues.
Mechanically inspired laser scribing of thin brittle materials
Authors: Collins Adam R. , Fitzpatrick Maureen A. , Trollat Jean‐Loup , Olenick Kathy , Olenick John , O'Connor Gerard M.
Published: July 2017

Laser processing of thin flexible ceramics and glasses is challenging due to the incurred brittleness and unfavorable thermal and optical properties of such materials. We describe an alternative laser cutting method which utilizes surface stress raisers to cleave brittle substrates along a defined path. An ultrashort laser source is used to precisely pattern a plurality of aligned elliptical recesses on the material surface. The apex of an ellipse concentrates applied tensile stresses. Depending on the elliptical dimensions, the achievable stress concentration factor can be up to 50. The orientation of the ellipses defines a preferred scribing path. The technique was successfully applied to thin flexible yttria stabilized zirconia ceramic and borosilicate glass substrates. The form and properties of the material play an important role during the fracture process. Polycrystalline ceramics were found to accurately auto cleave along the path due to stresses produced during the laser ablation. The resulting fractured surface is of higher quality and strength than surfaces cut using full body laser cutting techniques, while the crystalline phase is preserved. The optical setup is simple, low cost, and compatible with roll‐to‐roll manufacturing.
Effects of photodynamic therapy in periodontal treatment: A randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Segarra‐Vidal Marta , Guerra‐Ojeda Sol , Vallés Lilian Soraya , López‐Roldán Andrés , Mauricio María Dolores , Aldasoro Martín , Alpiste‐Illueca Francisco , Vila Jose María
Published: July 2017

Aim

To evaluate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Materials and methods

A randomized, single‐blind, controlled, parallel‐group clinical trial was performed. Sixty patients were enrolled: 20 healthy controls and 40 patients with periodontitis. The 40 patients were randomized for scaling and root planing (SRP) or SRP + PDT. Periodontal (plaque index, probing depth, clinical recession, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing and gingival crevicular fluid volume, corresponding to 381 versus 428 critical sites), microbiological (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia and Campylobacter rectus presence, 18 versus 19 samples) and biochemical (interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappaB ligand (RANK‐L) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels, 18 versus 19 samples) parameters were recorded.

Results

Within each group, significant improvements were found for clinical parameters, though without significant differences between groups. RANK‐L was significantly decreased at week 13 in the SRP + PDT group compared with the SRP group. SRP + PDT, but not SRP alone, significantly reduced the abundance of A. actinomycetemcomitans.

Conclusions

Except for a significant decrease in the pathogenic burden of A. actinomycetemcomitans, coadjuvant PDT resulted in no additional improvement compared with SRP alone in patients diagnosed with moderate‐to‐advanced chronic periodontitis.
Dietary intake habits and the prevalence of nocturia in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Furukawa Shinya , Sakai Takenori , Niiya Tetsuji , Miyaoka Hiroaki , Miyake Teruki , Yamamoto Shin , Maruyama Koutatsu , Tanaka Keiko , Ueda Teruhisa , Senba Hidenori , Torisu Masamoto , Minami Hisaka , Tanigawa Takeshi , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi , Miyake Yoshihiro
Published: July 2017

Aims/Introduction

No reports have been published on the association between dietary intake habits and nocturia in the diabetes population. We therefore evaluated this issue among Japanese patients with diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

Study participants in the present study were 785 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Self‐administered questionnaires were used to assess each type of dietary intake habit. Vegetable intake habit was assessed by the following question: “Do you have vegetables or seaweed every day?” We used the following two outcomes: (i) nocturia: ≥2 voids per night; and (ii) severe nocturia: ≥3 voids per night. Adjustment was made for age, sex, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, drinking, exercise habit, stroke, ischemic artery disease, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy.

Results

The prevalence of nocturia, severe nocturia, and vegetable intake habit was 39.9%, 14.4% and 67.3%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, vegetable intake habit was independently inversely associated with nocturia and severe nocturia: the adjusted odds ratios were 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48–0.94) and 0.46 (95% CI 0.30–0.71), respectively. Among male patients, vegetable intake habit was independently inversely associated with severe nocturia, but not nocturia: the adjusted OR was 0.51 (95% CI 0.29–0.88). Among female patients, vegetable intake habit was independently inversely associated with nocturia and severe nocturia: the adjusted ORs were 0.44 (95% CI 0.24–0.79) and 0.34 (95% CI 0.15–0.78), respectively.

Conclusions

We found an inverse association between vegetable intake habit and nocturia in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Recovery and immune priming modulate the evolutionary trajectory of infection‐induced reproductive strategies
Authors: Luu H. , Tate A. T.
Published: July 2017

In response to parasite exposure, organisms from a variety of taxa undergo a shift in reproductive investment that may trade off with other life‐history traits including survival and immunity. By suppressing reproduction in favour of somatic and immunological maintenance, hosts can enhance the probability of survival and recovery from infection. By plastically enhancing reproduction through terminal investment, on the other hand, hosts under the threat of disease‐induced mortality could enhance their lifetime reproductive fitness through reproduction rather than survival. However, we know little about the evolution of these strategies, particularly when hosts can recover and even bequeath protection to their offspring. In this study, we develop a stochastic agent‐based model that competes somatic maintenance and terminal investment strategies as they trade off differentially with lifespan, parasite resistance, recovery and transgenerational immune priming. Our results suggest that a trade‐off between reproduction and recovery can drive directional selection for either terminal investment or somatic maintenance, depending on the cost of reproduction to lifespan. However, some conditions, such as low virulence with a high cost of reproduction to lifespan, can favour diversifying selection for the coexistence of both strategies. The introduction of transgenerational priming into the model favours terminal investment when all strategies are equally likely to produce primed offspring, but favours somatic maintenance if it confers even a slight priming advantage over terminal investment. Our results suggest that both immune priming and recovery may modulate the evolution of reproductive shift diversity and magnitude upon exposure to parasites.
A genomic investigation of ecological differentiation between free‐living and Drosophila‐associated bacteria
Authors: Winans Nathan J. , Walter Alec , Chouaia Bessem , Chaston John M. , Douglas Angela E. , Newell Peter D.
Published: July 2017

Various bacterial taxa have been identified both in association with animals and in the external environment, but the extent to which related bacteria from the two habitat types are ecologically and evolutionarily distinct is largely unknown. This study investigated the scale and pattern of genetic differentiation between bacteria of the family Acetobacteraceae isolated from the guts of Drosophila fruit flies, plant material and industrial fermentations. Genome‐scale analysis of the phylogenetic relationships and predicted functions was conducted on 44 Acetobacteraceae isolates, including newly sequenced genomes from 18 isolates from wild and laboratory Drosophila. Isolates from the external environment and Drosophila could not be assigned to distinct phylogenetic groups, nor are their genomes enriched for any different sets of genes or category of predicted gene functions. In contrast, analysis of bacteria from laboratory Drosophila showed they were genetically distinct in their universal capacity to degrade uric acid (a major nitrogenous waste product of Drosophila) and absence of flagellar motility, while these traits vary among wild Drosophila isolates. Analysis of the competitive fitness of Acetobacter discordant for these traits revealed a significant fitness deficit for bacteria that cannot degrade uric acid in culture with Drosophila. We propose that, for wild populations, frequent cycling of Acetobacter between Drosophila and the external environment prevents genetic differentiation by maintaining selection for traits adaptive in both the gut and external habitats. However, laboratory isolates bear the signs of adaptation to persistent association with the Drosophila host under tightly defined environmental conditions.
An apple CIPK protein kinase targets a novel residue of AREB transcription factor for ABA‐dependent phosphorylation
Authors: Ma Qi‐Jun , Sun Mei‐Hong , Lu Jing , Liu Ya‐Jing , You Chun‐Xiang , Hao Yu‐Jin
Published: July 2017

Phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) regulates many important processes in plants. It is a major molecule facilitating signal transduction during the abiotic stress response. In this study, an ABA‐inducible transcription factor gene, MdAREB2, was identified in apple. Transgenic analysis was performed to characterize its function in ABA sensitivity. Overexpression of the MdAREB2 gene increased ABA sensitivity in the transgenic apple compared with the wild‐type (WT) control. In addition, it was found that the protein MdAREB2 was phosphorylated at a novel site Thr411 in response to ABA. A yeast two‐hybridization screen of an apple cDNA library demonstrated that a protein kinase, MdCIPK22, interacted with MdAREB2. Their interaction was further verified with Pull Down and Co‐IP assays. A series of transgenic analyses in apple calli and plantlets showed that MdCIPK22 was required for ABA‐induced phosphorylation at Thr411 of the MdAREB2 protein and enhanced its stability and transcriptional activity. Finally, it was found that MdCIPK22 increased ABA sensitivity in an MdAREB2‐dependent manner. Our findings indicate a novel phosphorylation site in CIPK‐AREB regulatory module for the ABA signalling pathway, which would be helpful for researchers to identify the functions of uncharacterized homologs in the future.
Bordered pits in xylem of vesselless angiosperms and their possible misinterpretation as perforation plates
Authors: Zhang Ya , Klepsch Matthias , Jansen Steven
Published: July 2017

Vesselless wood represents a rare phenomenon within the angiosperms, characterizing Amborellaceae, Trochodendraceae and Winteraceae. Anatomical observations of bordered pits and their pit membranes based on light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) are required to understand functional questions surrounding vesselless angiosperms and the potential occurrence of cryptic vessels. Interconduit pit membranes in 11 vesselless species showed a similar ultrastructure as mesophytic vessel‐bearing angiosperms, with a mean thickness of 245 nm (± 53, SD; n = six species). Shrunken, damaged and aspirated pit membranes, which were 52% thinner than pit membranes in fresh samples (n = four species), occurred in all dried‐and‐rehydrated samples, and in fresh latewood of Tetracentron sinense and Trochodendron aralioides. SEM demonstrated that shrunken pit membranes showed artificially enlarged, > 100 nm wide pores. Moreover, perfusion experiments with stem segments of Drimys winteri showed that 20 and 50 nm colloidal gold particles only passed through 2 cm long dried‐and‐rehydrated segments, but not through similar sized fresh ones. These results indicate that pit membrane shrinkage is irreversible and associated with a considerable increase in pore size. Moreover, our findings suggest that pit membrane damage, which may occur in planta, could explain earlier records of vessels in vesselless angiosperms.
Airborne signals from Trichoderma fungi stimulate iron uptake responses in roots resulting in priming of jasmonic acid‐dependent defences in shoots of Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Martínez‐Medina Ainhoa , Van Wees Saskia C.M. , Pieterse Corné M.J.
Published: July 2017

Root colonization by Trichoderma fungi can trigger induced systemic resistance (ISR). In Arabidopsis, Trichoderma‐ISR relies on the transcription factor MYB72, which plays a dual role in the onset of ISR and the activation of Fe uptake responses. Volatile compounds (VCs) from rhizobacteria are important elicitors of MYB72 in Arabidopsis roots. Here, we investigated the mode of action of VCs from Trichoderma fungi in the onset of ISR and Fe uptake responses. VCs from Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma harzianum were applied in an in vitro split‐plate system with Arabidopsis or tomato seedlings. Locally, Trichoderma‐VCs triggered MYB72 expression and molecular, physiological and morphological Fe uptake mechanisms in Arabidopsis roots. In leaves, Trichoderma‐VCs primed jasmonic acid‐dependent defences, leading to an enhanced resistance against Botrytis cinerea. By using Arabidopsis micrografts of VCs‐exposed rootstocks and non‐exposed scions, we demonstrated that perception of Trichoderma‐VCs by the roots leads to a systemic signal that primes shoots for enhanced defences. Trichoderma‐VCs also elicited Fe deficiency responses and shoot immunity in tomato, suggesting that this phenomenon is expressed in different plant species. Our results indicate that Trichoderma‐VCs trigger locally a readjustment of Fe homeostasis in roots, which links to systemic elicitation of ISR by priming of jasmonic acid‐dependent defences.
An autopsy case of non‐traumatic fat embolism syndrome
Authors: Sakashita Mai , Sakashita Shingo , Sakata Akiko , Uesugi Noriko , Ishige Kazunori , Hyodo Ichinosuke , Noguchi Masayuki
Published: July 2017

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) occurs after long bone fractures and the symptoms appear 24–72 h after the initial trauma. Fat emboli can affect both the pulmonary and systemic circulation. Apart from the most common type of FES that originates from bone fracture, non‐traumatic FES has been also reported. We have experienced an autopsy case of non‐traumatic FES. An 81‐year‐old man with hepatocellular carcinoma associated with alcoholic liver cirrhosis suddenly lost consciousness before transcatheter arterial chemoembolization treatment for his disease and died 5 h after the episode. At autopsy, numerous fat droplets were detected in the alveolar capillaries of the lung and glomerular capillaries of the kidney. Lipid analysis of lung autopsy specimens by thin‐layer chromatography showed that the emboli were composed mainly of tristearin. Free fatty acids (FFA) has been considered to be the main component of fat emboli and can be a cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, in the present case, the lung specimen contained tristearin and ARDS did not occur. This is the first report of non‐traumatic FES in which lipid analysis of human autopsy specimens has been conducted.
Effects of prior mental effort on picture processing: An ERP investigation
Authors: Garrison Katie E. , Crowell Adrienne L. , Finley Anna J. , Schmeichel Brandon J.
Published: July 2017

The current study examined the aftereffects of mental effort on the processing of picture stimuli using neural measures. Ninety‐seven healthy young adults were randomly assigned to exercise more versus less mental effort on a writing task. Then participants viewed positive, negative, and neutral affective images while P1, N1, P2, N2, P3, and late positive potential (LPP) magnitudes to the images were assessed. We found that performing the more (versus less) effortful writing task caused more negative N2 amplitudes to all images. In addition, and consistent with past research, emotional (versus neutral) images elicited more positive amplitudes on the N2, P3, and LPP components. Thus, prior mental effort appeared to reduce early attentional engagement with visual stimuli but did not diminish later attention modulation by emotional content. These findings suggest novel implications for understanding the behavioral aftereffects of mental effort and self‐control.
The Effect of Exfoliated Graphite on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Dynamically Vulcanized Polystyrene/Styrene Butadiene Rubber Composites
Authors: Mousa Ahmad , Heinrich Gert , Wagenknecht Udo , Arabeyat Omar
Published: July 2017

Exfoliated graphite (EG) was prepared from commercially available natural graphite flakes (NGF), through strong acid treatment followed by thermal shock at 950 °C. The EG sheets were characterized with respect to their thermal stability via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Raman spectra. Their morphology and particle size were evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and particle size analyzer. The potential of EG as reinforcement on the mechanical and thermal properties of the dynamically vulcanized polystyrene/styrene butadiene rubber (PS/SBR) composites was evaluated. The influence of EG on the electrical properties of the composites was measured as well.
A Model for Calculating Hyperelastic Material Properties Under Thermal Aging
Authors: Korba Ahmed G. , Kumar Abhishek , Sun Guoqin , Barkey Mark E.
Published: July 2017

Understanding the degradation of material properties and stress–strain behavior of rubberlike materials that have been exposed to elevated temperature is essential for rubber components design and life time prediction. The complexity of the relationship between hyperelastic materials, crosslinking density (CLD), and chemical composition presents a difficult problem for the accurate prediction of mechanical properties under thermal aging. In this paper, a new and relatively simple mathematical formulation is presented to expresses the change in material properties of hyperelastic materials under thermal aging. The proposed formulation has been applied to a natural rubber (NR). Testing was performed on more than 130 specimens that were thermally aged then subjected uniaxial tension and hardness tests. The aging temperatures ranged from 76.7 °C to 115.5 °C, and the aging times ranged from 0 to 600 h. Based on the recorded experimental data, the NR mechanical properties under thermal aging showed a similar behavior to the rate of change of the CLD with aging time and temperature. Three mechanical properties have been chosen to be studied in this paper: the ultimate tensile strength, the fracture stretch value, and the secant modulus at 11.0% strain. The proposed mathematical formulation is a phenomenological equation that relates the material properties with the change in CLD based on a form of Arrhenius equation. The proposed equation showed promising results compared to the experimental data with an acceptable error margin of less than 10% in most of the cases studied.
Testing for voter rigging in small polling stations
Authors: Jimenez Raúl , Hidalgo Manuel , Klimek Peter
Published: July 2017

We develop a statistical method for testing whether election results show irregularities that are consistent with voter rigging.
Ferroelectric polarization induces electronic nonlinearity in ion-doped conducting polymers
Authors: Fabiano Simone , Sani Negar , Kawahara Jun , Kergoat Loïg , Nissa Josefin , Engquist Isak , Crispin Xavier , Berggren Magnus
Published: July 2017

Ferroelectric-coated counter electrodes control the electrochemistry of conducting polymers.
A selective electrocatalyst–based direct methanol fuel cell operated at high concentrations of methanol
Authors: Feng Yan , Liu Hui , Yang Jun
Published: July 2017

We demonstrate the use of selective electrocatalysts to run a direct methanol fuel cell at high concentrations of methanol.
The Two Cryptochrome/Photolyase Family Proteins Fulfill Distinct Roles in DNA Photorepair and Regulation of Conidiation in the Gray Mold Fungus Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Cohrs Kim C. , Schumacher Julia
Published: July 2017

The plant-pathogenic leotiomycete
Botrytis cinerea
is known for the strict regulation of its asexual differentiation programs by environmental light conditions. Sclerotia are formed in constant darkness; black/near-UV (NUV) light induces conidiation; and blue light represses both differentiation programs. Sensing of black/NUV light is attributed to proteins of the cryptochrome/photolyase family (CPF). To elucidate the molecular basis of the photoinduction of conidiation, we functionally characterized the two CPF proteins encoded in the genome of
B. cinerea
as putative positive-acting components.
B. cinerea
CRY1 (BcCRY1), a cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) photolyase, acts as the major enzyme of light-driven DNA repair (photoreactivation) and has no obvious role in signaling. In contrast, BcCRY2, belonging to the cry-DASH proteins, is dispensable for photorepair but performs regulatory functions by repressing conidiation in white and especially black/NUV light. The transcription of
bccry1
and
bccry2
is induced by light in a White Collar complex (WCC)-dependent manner, but neither light nor the WCC is essential for the repression of conidiation through BcCRY2 when
bccry2
is constitutively expressed. Further, BcCRY2 affects the transcript levels of both WCC-induced and WCC-repressed genes, suggesting a signaling function downstream of the WCC. Since both CPF proteins are dispensable for photoinduction by black/NUV light, the origin of this effect remains elusive and may be connected to a yet unknown UV-light-responsive system.

IMPORTANCE
Botrytis cinerea
is an economically important plant pathogen that causes gray mold diseases in a wide variety of plant species, including high-value crops and ornamental flowers. The spread of disease in the field relies on the formation of conidia, a process that is regulated by different light qualities. While this feature has been known for a long time, we are just starting to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. Conidiation in
B. cinerea
is induced by black/near-UV light, whose sensing is attributed to the action of cryptochrome/photolyase family (CPF) proteins. Here we report on the distinct functions of two CPF proteins in the photoresponse of
B. cinerea
. While BcCRY1 acts as the major photolyase in photoprotection, BcCRY2 acts as a cryptochrome with a signaling function in regulating photomorphogenesis (repression of conidiation).
Reduced Mutation Rate and Increased Transformability of Transposon-Free Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1-ISx
Authors: Suárez Gabriel A. , Renda Brian A. , Dasgupta Aurko , Barrick Jeffrey E.
Published: July 2017

The genomes of most bacteria contain mobile DNA elements that can contribute to undesirable genetic instability in engineered cells. In particular, transposable insertion sequence (IS) elements can rapidly inactivate genes that are important for a designed function. We deleted all six copies of IS
1236
from the genome of the naturally transformable bacterium
Acinetobacter baylyi
ADP1. The natural competence of ADP1 made it possible to rapidly repair deleterious point mutations that arose during strain construction. In the resulting ADP1-ISx strain, the rates of mutations inactivating a reporter gene were reduced by 7- to 21-fold. This reduction was higher than expected from the incidence of new IS
1236
insertions found during a 300-day mutation accumulation experiment with wild-type ADP1 that was used to estimate spontaneous mutation rates in the strain. The extra improvement appears to be due in part to eliminating large deletions caused by IS
1236
activity, as the point mutation rate was unchanged in ADP1-ISx. Deletion of an error-prone polymerase (
dinP
) and a DNA damage response regulator (

umuD
Ab

[the
umuD
gene of
A. baylyi
]) from the ADP1-ISx genome did not further reduce mutation rates. Surprisingly, ADP1-ISx exhibited increased transformability. This improvement may be due to less autolysis and aggregation of the engineered cells than of the wild type. Thus, deleting IS elements from the ADP1 genome led to a greater than expected increase in evolutionary reliability and unexpectedly enhanced other key strain properties, as has been observed for other clean-genome bacterial strains. ADP1-ISx is an improved chassis for metabolic engineering and other applications.

IMPORTANCE
Acinetobacter baylyi
ADP1 has been proposed as a next-generation bacterial host for synthetic biology and genome engineering due to its ability to efficiently take up DNA from its environment during normal growth. We deleted transposable elements that are capable of copying themselves, inserting into other genes, and thereby inactivating them from the ADP1 genome. The resulting “clean-genome” ADP1-ISx strain exhibited larger reductions in the rates of inactivating mutations than expected from spontaneous mutation rates measured via whole-genome sequencing of lineages evolved under relaxed selection. Surprisingly, we also found that IS element activity reduces transformability and is a major cause of cell aggregation and death in wild-type ADP1 grown under normal laboratory conditions. More generally, our results demonstrate that domesticating a bacterial genome by removing mobile DNA elements that have accumulated during evolution in the wild can have unanticipated benefits.
A Third Type of Resistance to Cydia pomonella Granulovirus in Codling Moths Shows a Mixed Z-Linked and Autosomal Inheritance Pattern
Authors: Sauer A. J. , Schulze-Bopp S. , Fritsch E. , Undorf-Spahn K. , Jehle J. A.
Published: July 2017

Different isolates of Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV) are used worldwide to control codling moth larvae (
Cydia pomonella
) in pome fruit production. Two types of dominantly inherited field resistance of
C. pomonella
to CpGV have been recently identified: Z-chromosomal type I resistance and autosomal type II resistance. In the present study, a CpGV-resistant
C. pomonella
field population (termed SA-GO) from northeastern Germany was investigated. SA-GO individuals showed cross-resistance to CpGV isolates of genome group A (CpGV-M) and genome group E (CpGV-S), whereas genome group B (CpGV-E2) was still infective. Crossing experiments between individuals of SA-GO and the susceptible
C. pomonella
strain CpS indicated the presence of a dominant autosomal inheritance factor. By single-pair inbreeding of SA-GO individuals for two generations, the genetically more homogenous strain CpRGO was generated. Resistance testing of CpRGO neonates with different CpGV isolates revealed that isolate CpGV-E2 and isolates CpGV-I07 and -I12 were resistance breaking. When progeny of hybrid crosses and backcrosses between individuals of resistant strain CpRGO and susceptible strain CpS were infected with CpGV-M and CpGV-S, resistance to CpGV-S appeared to be autosomal and dominant for larval survivorship but recessive when success of pupation of the hybrids was considered. Inheritance of resistance to CpGV-M, however, is proposed to be both autosomal and Z linked, since Z linkage of resistance was needed for pupation. Hence, we propose a further type III resistance to CpGV in
C. pomonella
, which differs from type I and type II resistance in its mode of inheritance and response to CpGV isolates from different genome groups.

IMPORTANCE
The baculovirus Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV) is registered and applied as a biocontrol agent in nearly all pome fruit-growing countries worldwide to control codling moth caterpillars in an environmentally friendly manner. It is therefore the most widely used commercial baculovirus biocontrol agent. Since 2005, field resistance of codling moth to CpGV products has been observed in more than 40 field plantations in Europe, threatening organic and integrated apple production. Knowledge of the inheritance and mechanism(s) of resistance is indispensable for the understanding of host response to baculovirus infection on the population level and the coevolutionary arms race between virus and host, as well as for the development of appropriate resistance management strategies. Here, we report a codling moth field population with a new type of resistance, which appears to follow a highly complex inheritance in regard to different CpGV isolates.
A Human Gut Commensal Ferments Cranberry Carbohydrates To Produce Formate
Authors: Özcan Ezgi , Sun Jiadong , Rowley David C. , Sela David A.
Published: July 2017

Commensal bifidobacteria colonize the human gastrointestinal tract and catabolize glycans that are impervious to host digestion. Accordingly,
Bifidobacterium longum
typically secretes acetate and lactate as fermentative end products. This study tested the hypothesis that
B. longum
utilizes cranberry-derived xyloglucans in a strain-dependent manner. Interestingly, the
B. longum
strain that efficiently utilizes cranberry xyloglucans secretes 2.0 to 2.5 mol of acetate-lactate. The 1.5 acetate:lactate ratio theoretical yield obtained in hexose fermentations shifts during xyloglucan metabolism. Accordingly, this metabolic shift is characterized by increased acetate and formate production at the expense of lactate. α-
l
-Arabinofuranosidase, an arabinan endo-1,5-α-
l
-arabinosidase, and a β-xylosidase with a carbohydrate substrate-binding protein and carbohydrate ABC transporter membrane proteins are upregulated (>2-fold change), which suggests carbon flux through this catabolic pathway. Finally, syntrophic interactions occurred with strains that utilize carbohydrate products derived from initial degradation from heterologous bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
This was a study of bacterial metabolism of complex cranberry carbohydrates termed xyloglucans that are likely not digested prior to reaching the colon. This is significant, as bifidobacteria interact with this dietary compound to potentially impact human host health through energy and metabolite production by utilizing these substrates. Specific bacterial strains utilize cranberry xyloglucans as a nutritive source, indicating unknown mechanisms that are not universal in bifidobacteria. In addition, xyloglucan metabolism proceeds by using an alternative pathway that could lead to further research to investigate mechanisms underlying this interaction. Finally, we observed cross-feeding between bacteria in which one strain degrades the cranberry xyloglucan to make it available to a second strain. Similar nutritive strategies are known to occur within the gut. In aggregate, this study may lead to novel foods or supplements used to impact human health through rational manipulation of the human microbiome.
Epidemiology of time loss groin injuries in a men’s professional football league: a 2-year prospective study of 17 clubs and 606 players
Authors: Mosler Andrea B , Weir Adam , Eirale Cristiano , Farooq Abdulaziz , Thorborg Kristian , Whiteley Rod J , Hӧlmich Per , Crossley Kay M
Published: July 2017

Background/Aim

Groin injury epidemiology has not previously been examined in an entire professional football league. We recorded and characterised time loss groin injuries sustained in the Qatar Stars League.

Methods

Male players were observed prospectively from July 2013 to June 2015. Time loss injuries, individual training and match play exposure were recorded by club doctors using standardised surveillance methods. Groin injury incidence per 1000 playing hours was calculated, and descriptive statistics used to determine the prevalence and characteristics of groin injuries. The Doha agreement classification system was used to categorise all groin injuries.

Results

606 footballers from 17 clubs were included, with 206/1145 (18%) time loss groin injuries sustained by 150 players, at an incidence of 1.0/1000 hours (95% CI 0.9 to 1.1). At a club level, 21% (IQR 10%–28%) of players experienced groin injuries each season and 6.6 (IQR 2.9–9.1) injuries were sustained per club per season. Of the 206 injuries, 16% were minimal (1–3 days), 25% mild (4–7 days), 41% moderate (8–28 days) and 18% severe (>28 days), with a median absence of 10 days/injury (IQR 5–22 days). The median days lost due to groin injury per club was 85 days per season (IQR 35–215 days). Adductor-related groin pain was the most common entity (68%) followed by iliopsoas (12%) and pubic-related (9%) groin pain.

Conclusion

Groin pain caused time loss for one in five players each season. Adductor-related groin pain comprised 2/3 of all groin injuries. Improving treatment outcomes and preventing adductor-related groin pain has the potential to improve player availability in professional football.
The effect of free diabetes care on metabolic control and on health-related quality of life among youths with type 1 diabetes in Cameroon
Authors: Lontchi-Yimagou Eric , Mapa-Tassou Clarisse , Dehayem Mesmin Y , Essi Marie-José , Saji Jude , Takogue Remy , Sobngwi Eugène , Mbanya Jean Claude
Published: July 2017

Objective

To assess the effect of free diabetes care on metabolic control and on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of youths living with type 1 diabetes in Cameroon.

Research design and methods

We conducted a clinical audit of a multicenter prospective cohort, performed in three of the nine clinics of the ‘Changing Diabetes in Children’ (CDiC) project in Cameroon. We collected data on demography, glycemic control, diabetes acute complications, and patients’ HRQoL at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up.

Results

One hundred and four patients (51 female) were included. The mean age was 16±2 years (min–max: 9–18), the mean duration of diabetes was 5±3 years, and the mean HbA1C level was 11.4%±2.7%. A significant reduction in HbA1c (11.4%±2.7% vs 8.7±2.4%), episodes of severe hypoglycemia (27/104 vs 15/104), and episodes of ketoacidosis (31/104 vs 7/104) were observed after 1 year (p<0.05). We did not observe any significant difference in the total HRQoL score (p=0.66). However, we observed a significant decrease in diabetes-associated symptoms (p<0.05). Age, level of education, duration of diabetes, glycemic control, and the presence or absence of diabetes complications did not significantly affect the total HRQoL score.

Conclusions

One year after free diabetes care offered through the CDiC project, a significant improvement was observed in glycemic control and acute complications of diabetes, but not in the total score of HRQoL of youths living with type 1 diabetes enrolled in the project.