The mammalian tRNA ligase complex mediates splicing of XBP1 mRNA and controls antibody secretion in plasma cells.

Abstract: The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a conserved stress-signaling pathway activated after accumulation of unfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Active UPR signaling leads to unconventional, enzymatic splicing of XBP1 mRNA enabling expression of the transcription factor XBP1s to control ER homeostasis. While IRE1 has been identified as the endoribonuclease required for cleavage of this mRNA, the corresponding ligase in mammalian cells has remained elusive. Here, we report that RTCB, the catalytic subunit of the tRNA ligase complex, and its co-factor archease mediate XBP1 mRNA splicing both in vitro and in vivo. Depletion of RTCB in plasma cells of Rtcb(fl/fl) Cd23-Cre mice prevents XBP1s expression, which normally is strongly induced during plasma cell development. RTCB-depleted plasma cells show reduced and disorganized ER structures as well as severe defects in antibody secretion. Targeting RTCB and/or archease thus represents a promising strategy for the treatment of a growing number of diseases associated with elevated expression of XBP1s.

Jurkin|Jennifer|J|
Henkel|Theresa|T|
Nielsen|Anne Færch|AF|
Minnich|Martina|M|
Popow|Johannes|J|
Kaufmann|Therese|T|
Heindl|Katrin|K|
Hoffmann|Thomas|T|
Busslinger|Meinrad|M|
Martinez|Javier|J|

D000071701:Regulatory Factor X Transcription Factors

antibody secretion
plasma cells
RTCB
archease
XBP1 mRNA splicing


Age and gender differences in the impact of labour-market transitions on subjective health in Germany.

Abstract:
AIMS
Applying a gender- and age group-sensitive approach, we investigated the effect of labour-market transitions (job loss and re-employment) on subjective physical and mental health.

METHODS
A combination of the difference-in-differences approach and propensity score matching controls for selectivity and initial health differences. This allowed us to analyse the causal effect of job loss and re-employment on subjective health. We made use of data from the German Panel Study Labour Market and Social Security and combined survey information with administrative records of the Federal Employment Agency for employed and unemployed men and women 31-60 years of age ( n = 2213). We controlled for labour-market experiences before the time period under study and for labour-market transitions between the interviews. Subjective health was assessed using the SF-12 health questionnaire, enabling us to differentiate between subjective mental and physical health functioning.

RESULTS
We found that physical health was affected mainly in older persons between 45 and 60 years old. Controlling for covariates using propensity score matching, mental health was affected only when living-wage jobs (i.e. jobs that provide sufficient income to achieve a defined minimum standard of living above the social benefit level) are gained or lost. Younger women showed a significant improvement in mental health after re-employment. In contrast, job loss affected only older individuals' mental health, with a particularly negative effect observed for men.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results not only showed that women and men are affected differently by job loss and re-employment, but also that age is an important factor. Older men were affected most severely by job loss, whereas re-employment was found to improve mental health only in women aged 31-44 years. It is therefore important to address the health problems of different socio-demographic groups separately, and to apply active labour-market policies with regard to unemployed men and women with health impairments. Based on our results, we suggest the promotion of employment with income levels above the maximum welfare benefit award.

Health
job loss
re-employment
propensity score matching
unemployment


Characterization and bacteriostatic effects of β-cyclodextrin/quercetin inclusion compound nanofilms prepared by electrospinning.

Abstract: Quercetin has various biological activities, but its poor water solubility and stability limit its applications. In this study, β-cyclodextrin was used as the host and quercetin was encapsulated in its cavity to prepare an inclusion compound. Then, a nanofilm was formed using electrospinning. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) were used to characterize the properties of the inclusion compound nanofilms. SEM images showed that the nanofilm prepared by optimizing the electrospinning process parameters had a good nanofiber structure. XRD, FTIR and TG/DSC characterization of the nanofilm showed that quercetin was encapsulated in the cavity of β-cyclodextrin and was present in the nanofilm. The quercetin was slowly released from the nanofilm and still had good bacteriostatic effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, indicating that the process of embedding and electrospinning did not affect the antibacterial activity of quercetin.

Wang|Zhan|Z| Zou|Wei|W| Liu|Lingyi|L| Wang|Min|M| Li|Fang|F| Shen|Wangyang|W|

Bacteriostatic Quercetin Nanofilm Electrospinning Cyclodextrin


Characterization of Metal-Bound Benzimidazole Derivatives, Effects on Tumor Cells of Lung Cancer.

Abstract: Four new ligands and four new copper (II) coordination compounds were prepared and characterized by chemical, elemental analysis, cytotoxicity, and FTIR spectroscopy (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). The nature of metal-ligand coordination was investigated. The thermal properties of complexes in the solid state were studied using TG-MS techniques (thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry) under dynamic flowing air atmosphere to analyze the principal volatile thermal decomposition and fragmentation products that evolved during thermolysis. The intermediate and final solid thermolysis products were also determined. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide) assay was used to evaluate active metabolic cells as an IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration). The relationship between antitumor activity and the position of nitrogen atoms in the organic ligand has been shown.

benzimidazole derivatives
lung cancer
copper (II) coordination compounds
thermogravimetric analysis


Using newspaper obituaries to "nowcast" daily mortality: Evidence from the Italian COVID-19 hot-spots.

Abstract: Real-time tracking of epidemic helps governments and health authorities make timely data-driven decisions. Official mortality data, whenever reliable and available, is usually published with a substantial delay. We report results of using newspapers obituaries to "nowcast" the mortality levels observed in Italy during the COVID-19 outbreak between February 24, 2020 and April 15, 2020. Mortality levels predicted using obituaries outperform forecasts based on past mortality according to several performance metrics, making obituaries a potentially valid alternative source of information to deal with epidemic surveillance.

COVID-19
Forecasting
Big data
Excess mortality


Impact of Harvesting on a Bioeconomic Predator-Prey Fishery Model Subject to Environmental Toxicant.

Abstract: The present paper studies a predator-prey fishery model which incorporates the independent harvesting strategies and nonlinear impact of an anthropogenic toxicant. Both fish populations are harvested with different harvesting efforts, and the cases for the presence and non-presence of harvesting effort are discussed. The prey fish population is assumed to be infected by the toxicant directly which causes indirect infection to predator fish population through the feeding process. Each equilibrium of the proposed system is examined by analyzing the respective local stability properties. Dynamical behavior and bifurcations are studied with the assistance of threshold conditions influencing the persistence and extinction of both predator and prey. Bionomic equilibrium solutions for three possible cases are investigated with certain restrictions. Optimal harvesting policy is explored by utilizing the Pontryagin's Maximum Principle to optimize the profit while maintaining the sustainability of the marine ecosystem. Bifurcation analysis showed that the harvesting parameters are the key elements causing fishery extinction. Numerical simulations of bionomic and optimal equilibrium solutions showed that the presence of toxicant has a detrimental effect on the fish populations.

Ang|Tau Keong|TK|
Safuan|Hamizah M|HM|
Sidhu|Harvinder S|HS|
Jovanoski|Zlatko|Z|
Towers|Isaac N|IN|

D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources

Harvesting
Toxicant
Bionomic equilibrium
Optimal harvesting policy
Biotechnical productivity
Predator–prey


Native bovine hemoglobin reduces differentiation capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells in vitro.

Abstract: We have tested in vitro effects of hemoglobin from bovine slaughterhouse blood (BHb) on stromal cells of mesodermal origin, with an aim to explore its use as a component of cell culture media. Human peripheral blood mesenchymal stromal cells (PB-MSCs) and three mouse cell lines (ATDC5, MC3T3-E1 and 3T3-L1) were employed to study BHb effects on their growth and migration. The cells multilineage differentiation capacity in the presence of BHb was evaluated after induced differentiation, by histochemical staining and by RT-PCR analysis of the expression of genes specific for chondrogenic, adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. The effects of BHb on the cell proliferation and motility were dependent on both, cell type and BHb concentration (0.1 μM, 1 μM and 10 μM). In the lowest concentration (0.1 µM) BHb showed the least prominent effect on the cell proliferation and migration. In this concentration BHb reduced the differentiation capacity of all tested cells and its effect was dependent of composition of induction medium and the culture period. Obtained data suggest that BHb has the potential to be used as a component of cell culture media through maintaining proliferation and reducing differentiation capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells.

Stančić|Ana Z|AZ|
Drvenica|Ivana T|IT|
Obradović|Hristina N|HN|
Bugarski|Branko M|BM|
Ilić|Vesna Lj|VL|
Bugarski|Diana S|DS|

Bovine
Differentiation capacity
Mesenchymal stromal cells
Migration
Proliferation
Extracellular hemoglobin


Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their effects on puberty.

Abstract: Sexual maturation in humans is characterized by a unique individual variability. Pubertal onset is a highly heritable polygenic trait but it is also affected by environmental factors such as obesity or endocrine disrupting chemicals. The last 30 years have been marked by a constant secular trend toward earlier age at onset of puberty in girls and boys around the world. More recent data, although more disputed, suggest an increased incidence in idiopathic central precocious puberty. Such trends point to a role for environmental factors in pubertal changes. Animal data suggest that the GnRH-neuronal network is highly sensitive to endocrine disruption during development. This review focuses on the most recent data regarding secular trend in pubertal timing as well as potential new epigenetic mechanisms explaining the developmental and transgenerational effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on pubertal timing.

Lopez-Rodriguez|David|D| Franssen|Delphine|D| Heger|Sabine|S| Parent|Anne-Simone|AS|

secular trend
pubertal timing
epigenetics
GnRH
hypothalamus


Perampanel Inhibits Neuroblastoma Cell Proliferation Through Down-regulation of AKT and ERK Pathways.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND/AIM
Activation of AKT serine/ threonine kinase (AKT) predicts poor outcome in neuroblastoma, which highlights the potential of the AKT pathway as a promising target for neuroblastoma treatment. Several studies reported that blockade of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptors (AMPARs) reduces proliferation in glioblastoma or lung cancer by inhibiting AKT and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathways. In this study, we examined the effect of the AMPAR antagonist perampanel on human neuroblastoma cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Cell proliferation, caspase activity, and western blot assays were performed to determine the effect of perampanel on the KP-N-SI9s human neuroblastoma cell line.

RESULTS
Perampanel inhibited cell proliferation without triggering apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells. Down-regulation of AKT protein levels, AKT phosphorylation, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were also observed in neuroblastoma cells with perampanel treatment.

CONCLUSION
Perampanel inhibits neuroblastoma cell proliferation through down-regulation of AKT and ERK pathways and has potential for the treatment of neuroblastoma.

Nozawa|Akifumi|A| Ozeki|Michio|M| Matsuoka|Mikako|M| Nakama|Mina|M| Yasue|Shiho|S| Endo|Saori|S| Kawamoto|Norio|N| Ohnishi|Hidenori|H| Fukao|Toshiyuki|T|

D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases

AMPAR antagonist
AMPA receptor
Pediatric oncology
glutamate receptors
molecular targeted therapy


Influence of extracellular polymeric substances on the heteroaggregation between CeO2 nanoparticles and soil mineral particles.

Abstract: Interaction with soil mineral particles (SMPs) and organic matters can significantly determine the fate of nanoparticles (NPs) in the environment such as waters, sediments, and soils. In this study, the heteroaggregation of CeO2 NPs with different soil minerals (kaolinite, montmorillonite, goethite and hematite) and the influence of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) were studied. The obvious heteroaggregation between CeO2 NPs with different SMPs were demonstrated via co-settling and aggregation kinetics experiments. The variety in the heteroaggregation between CeO2 NPs with different SMPs is mainly induced by the difference in their surface properties, such as surface charge, specific surface areas and surface complexation. The presence of EPS can result in great inhibition on the heteroaggregation between CeO2 NPs with the positive charged goethite by enhancing the electrostatic repulsion between NPs and mineral colloids. However, the influence of EPS on the interaction between CeO2 NPs with negative charged SMPs is more dependent on the steric stabilization. The presence of EPS may promote the migration of CeO2 NPs in environment and then increase their risks to human health and ecosystems. These findings contribute to better understanding interactions between NPs and SMPs and have important implications on predicting the behaviors and risks of NPs in the natural environment.

Heteroaggregation
NPs
EPS
Environmental behavior
Interaction mechanism


ATF3 inhibits the inflammation induced by Mycoplasma pneumonia in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Activating transcription factor-3 (ATF3) is a key regulator of inflammatory responses. We aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of ATF3 on the inflammatory cytokines are induced by Mycoplasma pneumonia (MP).

STUDY DESIGN
RAW264.7 and mouse peritoneal macrophages were exposed to various time with or without MP infection (3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h), and detect the expression of ATF3. Adenovirus-expression of ATF3 (Ad/ATF3) or Ad/βgal was transfected into cells which were exposed to MP for 48 h, RT-PCR and ELISA was used to evaluate the expression and secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. In addition, intravenous administration Ad/ATF3 or Ad/βgal into the mice, the secretion of inflammatory cytokines were detected using ELISA. ChIP assay was used to determine whether ATF3 can bind to the promoter of Early growth response protein 1 (Egr-1). Western blot was used to detect the expression of Egr-1 and Fyn.

RESULTS
ATF3 was increased at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h and the highest expression levels occurs in 6 h, there is no significant differences at 24 and 48 h compared with 0 h or CON group in RAW 264.7. Similar results were seen in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Overexpression of ATF3 resulted in the reduction of inflammatory cytokines. ChIP assay revealed that ATF3 can bind to the promoter of Egr-1. Overexpression of ATF3 inhibited the protein expression of Egr-1 and Fyn; conversely, ATF3-deficiency promoted the expression of Egr-1 and Fyn. Overexpression of Egr-1 reduced the anti-inflammatory action of ATF3.

CONCLUSIONS
ATF3 inhibit the expression and release of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 induced by MP in vitro and in vivo, which is associated with its negative regulation of Egr-1/Fyn signaling pathway.

Wang|Jing|J|0000-0003-1937-649X Cheng|Wei|W| Wang|Zhen|Z| Xin|Lihong|L| Zhang|Wen|W|

D051700:Activating Transcription Factor 3

activating transcription factor-3 (ATF3)


Plant Triterpenoid Crosstalk: The Interaction of Brassinosteroids and Phytoecdysteroids in Lepidium sativum.

Abstract: Plant steroid alcohols, plant sterols, are essential components of cell membranes that perform many functions. Their most prominent function is maintaining membrane semipermeability and regulating its fluidity through their specific interaction with phospholipids and membrane proteins. This work is focused on the study of the interaction of two groups of plant sterols, brassinosteroids (BRs) and phytoecdysteroids (PE). Steroid substances belonging to both groups are important signaling molecules essential for plant growth and development, but while the first group has all the known attributes of plant hormones, the second lacks hormonal function in plants. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine at what concentration level and to what extent substances of this type are able to interact with each other, and thus influence the early growth and development of a plant. It was found that exogenously applied PE 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) significantly reduced the level of endogenous BRs in four-day-old garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seedlings. On the other hand, exogenously applied BRs, 24-epibrassinolide (epiBL), caused the opposite effect. Endogenous 20E was further detected at the picogram level in garden cress seedlings. Thus, this is the first report indicating that this plant species is PE-positive. The level of endogenous 20E in garden cress seedlings can be decreased by exogenous epiBL, but only at a relatively high concentration of 1·10-6 M in a culture medium. The image analysis of garden cress seedlings revealed that the length of shoot is affected neither by exogenous BRs nor PE, whereas the root length varies depending on the type and concentration of steroid applied.

triterpenoids
brassinosteroids
phytoecdysteroids
Lepidium sativum
plant growth


Abstract:
Aims and objectives
To assess the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy in patients with cirrhosis of the liver (LC) in the context of developing country with limited facilities for cell-based therapy and advanced technologies.

Materials and methods
A total of 34 patients received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor at a dose of 30 IU, daily for 2 to 11 days to upregulate the numbers of white blood cells and stem cells. Subsequently, stem cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of LC patients in a closed chamber using a harvesting machine. Variable amounts of autologous stem cells were injected to LC patients for once. The patients were followed for 3 months and various factors related to safety and parameters of efficacy were analyzed in this interim report.

Results
Out of 34 patients available for final analysis, 3 months after the start of stem therapy, 4 patients died within this period. There was no significant alteration in biochemical parameters due to stem cell therapy, and patients also did not develop any features of acute liver failure indicating that short-term safety parameters of stem cell therapy may be acceptable. Stem cell therapy had a dominant effect on ascites of in this cohort. Although 24 of 34 patients had ascites at the start of therapy,ascites were found in 11 patients after one month and only 4 patients had ascites after 3 months. The positive role of stem cell therapy on ascites in LC patients may be attributed, even in part, to increased serum levels of albumin after therapy compared to basal levels (p <0.001).

Conclusion
This first study about stem cell therapy in Bangladesh indicates that cell therapy may be accomplished in general hospitals of developing countries if the proper design and mild to moderate types of invasive approach is utilized. The apparent safety of administered stem cells in LC patients and the observed effect on ascites of LC patients inspire optimism about the installation of new and innovative therapy in Bangladesh. Future studies with phase I/II may with stem cell and others cell may be planned at Bangladesh in patients with LC and other intractable diseases with suitable control arms.How to cite this article: Mahtab MA, Akbar SMF, Begum M, Islam MA, Rahim MA, Noor-E-Alam SM, Alam MA, Khondaker FA, Moben AL, Mohsena M, Khan SI, Huq MZ, Munshi S, Hoque A, Haque SA. Stem Cell Therapy for Cirrhosis of Liver in Bangladesh: Specific Design Compatible for Developing Country. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol, 2018;8(2):121-125.

Al Mahtab|Mamun|M|
Mf Akbar|Sheikh|S|
Begum|Masuda|M|
Islam|Md A|MA|
Rahim|Md A|MA|
M Noor-E-Alam|Sheikh|S|
Alam|Md A|MA|
A Khondaker|Faiz|F|
L Moben|Ahmed|A|
Mohsena|Masuda|M|
Khan|Md Sakirul I|MSI|
Huq|Md Z|MZ|
Munshi|Swati|S|
Hoque|Ashraful|A|
Haque|Sheikh A|SA|

Stem cell
Ascites
Decompensated
Liver cirrhosis


PD-L1 expression is an independent predictor of favorable outcome in patients with localized esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: Background. The outcome of patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) remains poor. The programmed cell-death-protein-1 (PD-1), a co-inhibitory receptor primarily expressed by T-cells, represents a potential new therapeutic target. PD-1, PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), and PD-L2 expression have all been described as prognostic factors in a variety of cancers. Their expression patterns in AEG, however, are poorly understood. We analyzed PD-L1, PD-L2 and PD-1 expression by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and cancer-cells in tumor-biospecimens in AEG-patients. Methods. 168 patients who underwent esophagectomy because of AEG between 1992-2011 were included in this study. PD-L1, PD-L2 and PD-1 expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and correlated with various clinicopathological parameters, disease-free survival (DFS) and long-term overall survival (OS). Results. PD-L1 expression by cancer-cells (cancer-cell-PD-L1+) was found in 43.5% of patients whereas PD-L1 expression by TILs (TILs-PD-L1+) was observed in 69%. PD-L2 expression by cancer-cells and TILs was only found in 3.5% and 1.8%, respectively. Additionally, 77.4% of tumors contained PD-1+-cancer-cells and 81% PD-1+-TILs. Patients with increased expression of PD-1 by cancer-cells and TILs showed significantly reduced OS and DFS, as determined by univariate, but not multivariate analysis. Expression of PD-L1 by cancer-cells was found to be an independent predictor for improved DFS (p = 0.038) and OS (p = 0.042) in multivariate analysis. Conclusions. Cancer cells and TILs displayed PD-L1 expression in around 50% and PD-1 expression in around 80% of tumor-biospecimens obtained from AEG patients. Expression of PD-L1 is an independent predictor of favorable outcome in AEG, whereas PD-1 expression is associated with worse outcome and advanced tumor stage.

Kollmann|Dagmar|D|
Ignatova|Desislava|D|
Jedamzik|Julia|J|
Chang|Yun-Tsan|YT|
Jomrich|Gerd|G|
Baierl|Andreas|A|
Kazakov|Dmitry|D|
Michal|Michal|M|
French|Lars E|LE|
Hoetzenecker|Wolfram|W|
Schatton|Tobias|T|
Asari|Reza|R|
Preusser|Matthias|M|
Gnant|Michael|M|
Guenova|Emmanuella|E|
Schoppmann|Sebastian F|SF|


Cognitive dysfunction in people with eating disorders.

Abstract:
Using central nervous system (CNS) neuroimaging techniques, it was possible to identify structural changes in the brain associated with eating disorders. Due to the occurrence of organic changes, the search for the impact of these changes on the cognitive sphere was undertaken. Research to date suggests that people with eating disorders exhibit cognitive dysfunction. However, these results remain inconsistent.

AIM
The aim of the study was to check whether people with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia) have cognitive deficits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
40 female participants took part in the study. The research group consisted of people with eating disorders, while the control group consisted of healthy people. The study included a diagnostic interview and original diagnostic tools: Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Color Trials Test (CTT), d2, California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), Rey- Osterrieth complex figure (ROCF), and WAIS-R- Digit Span.

RESULTS
On the basis of the conducted study, the occurrence of deficits in some aspects of executive functions (planning, cognitive flexibility) and memory (verbal, visual-spatial) in people with eating disorders was demonstrated. It has not been shown that people with eating disorders would experience difficulties in searching the material, however, more errors in the d2 test were observed, which may indicate difficulties with shifting and maintaining attention. The study showed that the duration of the disease affects some aspects of cognitive functioning in people with eating disorders.

D000856:Anorexia Nervosa
D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction
D056344:Executive Function
D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D009483:Neuropsychological Tests

eating disorders
executive function
cognitive functions


Co-expression of EtMic2 protein and chicken interleukin-18 for DNA vaccine against chicken coccidiosis.

Abstract: In the present study, a naked EtMIC2 DNA vaccine, a ChIL-18 expression vector and a EtMIC2 and ChIL-18 co-expression DNA vaccine were constructed and their protective efficacies against homologous challenge were compared and evaluated by examining the body weight gain, oocyst shedding, cecal lesion, ACI as well as specific anti-EtMic2 antibody level, the proliferation ability and percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ of splenocytes. The results showed the naked EtMIC2 DNA vaccine could increase the weight gain and decrease the oocyst shedding, but could not alleviate the cecal lesion of immunized chickens compared to unimmunized chickens. Chickens immunized with the co-expression vector pVAX1-MIC2-IL-18 exhibited much improved immune protection against challenge compared to chickens immunized with naked EtMIC2 DNA vaccine, or with naked EtMIC2 DNA vaccine and ChIL-18 expression vector applied separately. These results suggest that the co-expression of ChIL-18 with EtMic2 together could significantly improve the immune protection of the EtMic2 protein.

Shi|Wenyan|W| Liu|Qing|Q| Zhang|Jie|J| Sun|Jingjing|J| Jiang|Xiyue|X| Geng|Jing|J| Wang|Fangkun|F| Xiao|Yihong|Y| Li|Hongmei|H| Zhao|Xiaomin|X|


Nanomosaic of Topological Dirac States on the Surface of Pb5Bi24Se41 Observed by Nano-ARPES.

Abstract: We have performed scanning angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with a nanometer-sized beam spot (nano-ARPES) on the cleaved surface of Pb5Bi24Se41, which is a member of the (PbSe)5(Bi2Se3)3 m homologous series (PSBS) with m = 4 consisting of alternate stacking of the topologically trivial insulator PbSe bilayer and four quintuple layers (QLs) of the topological insulator Bi2Se3. This allows us to visualize a mosaic of topological Dirac states at a nanometer scale coming from the variable thickness of the Bi2Se3 nanoislands (1-3 QLs) that remain on top of the PbSe layer after cleaving the PSBS crystal, because the local band structure of topological origin changes drastically with the thickness of the Bi2Se3 nanoislands. A comparison of the local band structure with that in ultrathin Bi2Se3 films on Si(111) gives us further insights into the nature of the observed topological states. This result demonstrates that nano-ARPES is a very useful tool for characterizing topological heterostructures.

Nakayama|Kosuke|K|0000-0003-2462-2253
Souma|Seigo|S|
Trang|Chi Xuan|CX|
Takane|Daichi|D|
Chen|Chaoyu|C|
Avila|Jose|J|
Takahashi|Takashi|T|
Sasaki|Satoshi|S|
Segawa|Kouji|K|
Asensio|Maria Carmen|MC|
Ando|Yoichi|Y|0000-0002-3553-3355
Sato|Takafumi|T|0000-0002-4544-5463

Nano-ARPES
band structure
topological heterostructure
quantum confinement
ultrathin film


Clinical outcomes of mitral valve intervention in patients with mitral annular calcification: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Mitral valve (MV) disease with mitral annular calcification (MAC) poses a surgical challenge and the clinical outcomes of MV surgery as well as transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) remain relatively unexplored. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of MAC on clinical outcomes following MV surgery and TMVR.

METHODS
We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases until February 2019 for studies comparing clinical outcomes of MV surgery or TMVR in patients with and without MAC. Data were extracted by two independent investigators. Outcomes were perioperative and midterm complications and mortality.

RESULTS
Seven observational studies enrolling 2902 patients were included. MAC patients were older, more likely to be female with greater chronic lung disease and kidney failure. Perioperative mortality was similar between patients with and without MAC undergoing MV surgery (risk ratio [RR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50-2.65; P = .74). MAC was associated with a higher risk of bleeding, permanent pacemaker implantation, and periprosthetic leak. Midterm mortality was greater in MAC patients undergoing MV surgery (incident rate ratio [IRR], 1.32; 95% CI, 1.05-1.67; P = .02). MAC patients undergoing TMVR had higher perioperative (RR, 4.65; 95% CI, 2.93-7.38; P < .01) and 1-year (RR, 5.44; 95% CI, 3.49-8.49; P < .01) mortality, decreased procedural success, greater left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and need for conversion to surgery when compared with patients undergoing TMVR for dysfunction of a bioprosthetic valve or annuloplasty ring.

CONCLUSION
MV procedures in patients with MAC are associated with higher mortality and morbidity. This is largely driven by the high-risk patient profile associated with MAC. TMVR holds promise but has important limitations and should be reserved for select patients.

D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation

mitral annular calcification
meta-analysis
transcatheter mitral valve replacement
mitral valve surgery
valve repair/replacement


Designer Probiotics: Paving the Way to Living Therapeutics.

Abstract: Enhancing the functional repertoire of probiotics is a promising approach to cope with the inexorable rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and the rather slow development of new antibiotics. Probiotics that deliver novel therapeutics efficiently and with site specificity are emerging living therapeutics that may transform existing paradigms of disease diagnosis and prevention.

biotherapeutics
mucosal vaccines
recombinant probiotics


Revisiting the 'sterilising cure' terminology: a call for more patient-centred perspectives on HIV cure-related research.

Abstract: The literature on HIV therapeutics research is rife with terminology associating 'sterilisation' with HIV cure. We find connotations of the word 'sterilising' problematic for the HIV cure research field. In this viewpoint, we review associations of sterilising with concepts of disinfection or cleansing, as well as coerced sterilisation. We discuss emerging findings from socio-behavioural research that show aversion from people living with HIV towards the 'sterilising cure' nomenclature. We call for more collaborations with people with HIV as partners to help define what would be a more acceptable terminology for describing an HIV cure.

Newton|Luke|L| Necochea|Raúl|R| Palm|David|D| Taylor|Jeff|J| Barr|Liz|L| Patel|Hursch|H| Nathan|Anshula|A| Gerrard|Jo|J| Sylla|Laurie|L| Brown|Brandon|B| Dubé|Karine|K|

sterilising cure
terminology
HIV cure research
patient centredness


Use of the Leadless Pacemaker to Provide Empiric Pacing Support for a Young Patient with Prior Ablation of a Mid-septal Accessory Pathway Resulting in Damage to the Compact AV Node.

Abstract: The leadless cardiac pacemaker was selected to provide empiric pacing support in this patient with a manifest mid-septal accessory pathway who had undergone a previous ablation resulting in injury to the compact atrioventricular node. Although this patient's accessory pathway currently demonstrates stable antegrade conduction properties, diminished and complete resolution of manifest pre-excitation has been well described in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Because of the patient's young age, an increased risk is present for long-term complications inherent with traditional transvenous pacing. The Nanostim leadless pacemaker (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) was implanted into the right ventricular myocardium without complication. Pacing performance has remained stable, and the patient has been free of device-related adverse events at 19 months after implant.

Tanaka-Esposito|Christine C|CC|
Cantillon|Daniel J|DJ|

leadless pacemaker
Ablation
anteroseptal accessory pathway


Maternal Resveratrol Treatment Re-Programs and Maternal High-Fat Diet-Induced Retroperitoneal Adiposity in Male Offspring.

Abstract: Obesity during pregnancy increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, diabetes, asthma, and cognitive impairments, affecting the offspring. It is important to reduce the negative effects of obesity and high-fat (HF) diet during pregnancy. We employed a rat model of maternal HF diet to evaluate the possible de-programming effects of resveratrol in rodent male offspring with maternal HF diet/obesity. Male rat offspring were randomized into four groups: maternal control diet/postnatal control diet, maternal HF diet/postnatal control diet, maternal control diet plus maternal resveratrol treatment/postnatal control diet, and maternal HF diet plus maternal resveratrol treatment/postnatal control diet. Maternal HF diet during pregnancy plus lactation resulted in retroperitoneal adiposity in the male offspring. Maternal resveratrol treatment re-programmed maternal HF exposure-induced visceral adiposity. Offspring that received prenatal HF diet showed higher leptin/soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) ratio than offspring that received prenatal control diet. Maternal resveratrol treatment ameliorated maternal HF exposure-induced increase in leptin/sOB-R ratio and altered the expression of genes for crucial fatty acid synthesis enzymes in the offspring. Thus, maternal resveratrol administration reduces retroperitoneal adiposity in rat offspring exposed to prenatal HF diet/obesity and could be used to ameliorate negative effects of maternal HF diet in the offspring.

D039382:Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena

D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects

resveratrol
prenatal
leptin
adipose tissue
high-fat diet


A Multivariate Analysis of Metal Concentrations in Two Fish Species of the Nyl River System, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Abstract: Increased toxicity due to high metal concentrations may hinder the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems in sustaining life. The non-biodegradable nature of metals may result in bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms. Due to ecological and social aspects it is imperative for monitoring schemes to identify possible impacts to the systems integrity. This paper discusses accumulation patterns of seven metals (Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr and Zn) in tissues of two fish species, namely Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis mossambicus at two selected sites, the first located upstream of Modimolle (NRS1), and the second located downstream of the town (NRS2). Gills, liver, muscle and skin tissues were analysed for metal concentrations using standard microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry techniques. Statistical results indicated higher concentrations of metals at NRS2 in comparison to NRS1, indicating that Modimolle plays a potential role in introducing metals into the aquatic system.

Metals
Bioaccumulation
Clarias gariepinus
Oreochromis mossambicus
Discriminant function analysis
Ramsar


Associations of Polygenetic Variants at the 11q23 Locus and Their Interactions with Macronutrient Intake for the Risk of 3GO, a Combination of Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Dyslipidemia.

Abstract: 3GO is a condition in which hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia co-occur, and these conditions are related to each other and genetic and environmental factors. We hypothesized that common genetic variants and their interactions with lifestyles influenced 3GO risk. We aimed to explore common genetic variants to affect 3GO risk and their haplotype interaction with lifestyles in a city hospital-based cohort in 58,701 Koreans > 40 years. 3GO was defined as SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and DBP ≥ 90 mmHg for hypertension, fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL for hyperglycemia, and LDL ≥ 160 mg/dL or HDL ≤ 40 mg/dL, or triglyceride ≥ 200 mg/dL for dyslipidemia. Haplotypes were generated by genetic variants selected from genome-wide association study ((GWAS) an observational study of the genetic variation of the whole genome in different individuals, used to see if any variation is related to traits) after adjusting for age, sex, area of residence, and body mass index (BMI). Nutrient intakes were assessed using food frequency questionnaires. Interactions between haplotype and lifestyles and 3GO risk were investigated. Parameters related to metabolic syndrome were significantly different in the 0GO, 1-2GO, and 3GO groups, that is, groups of individuals with none, one to two, or all three of the components of 3GO. At the 11q23 locus, KCNQ1_rs2237892, ZPR1_rs2075291, APOA5_rs662799, APOA1_rs5072, and SIK3_rs151139277, influenced 3GO risk, and the minor alleles of their haplotype had a 3GO risk 3.23 times higher than the major alleles. For subjects with a high energy intake, the 3GO risk of the minor alleles was significantly higher than that of the major alleles (OR = 3.230, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.062~5.061, p < 0.001). BMI, HbA1c, SBP, and serum concentrations of glucose, HDL, and triglyceride were significantly higher for the minor allele than the major alleles (p < 0.001). The haplotype interacted with the intakes of protein (p = 0.033), digestible carbohydrate (p = 0.012), fat (p = 0.008), and undigestible carbohydrates (p = 0.015) to increase 3GO risk. An interaction was also observed between smoking and the haplotype (p = 0.007). The minor allele effects on 3GO incidence were higher in the high digestible carbohydrate intake and smoking groups. By contrast, the minor allele impacts on 3GO frequencies were much higher in the low intake of undigestible carbohydrates, protein, and fat. In conclusion, people who carry a minor allele of the 11q23 locus haplotype should avoid smoking and replace digestible carbohydrate intake with consuming high-quality protein, healthy fat, and undigestible carbohydrates.

3GO
hypertension
hyperglycemia
dyslipidemia
haplotype
undigested carbohydrates
dietary fiber


Huaier Extract Inhibits Breast Cancer Progression Through a LncRNA-H19/MiR-675-5p Pathway.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Increasing evidence indicates that Huaier extract has promising therapeutic effects against cancer. However, the mechanisms that underlie its anti-tumor effects remain unclear. In recent years, various studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in the regulation of cancer development and progression. Here, we explored the role of lncRNAs in Huaier-induced tumor suppression.

METHODS
Microarray profiling was performed to identify the candidate lncRNAs affected by Huaier extract. Quantitative realtime PCR (qPCR) was used to evaluate the transfection efficiency and the influence of Huaier extract on H19 expression. The effect of Huaier extract on the cell viability was examined by MTT. Moreover, the rates of apoptotic cells were detected using flow-cytometric analysis. Western blot analysis was applied to show the protein levels of CBL.

RESULTS
Microarray data derived from Huaier-treated breast cancer cells identified H19 as a potential target. Huaier extract reduced the expression of H19. The over-expression of H19 inhibited the cytotoxic effects of Huaier extract; in contrast, reduced H19 expression enhanced the function of Huaier extract. MiR-675-5p was identified as a mature product of H19. Moreover, Huaier extract reduced the miR-675-5p expression. Upregulating miR-675-5p reversed the inhibitory effects of Huaier extract, whereas downregulating miR-675-5p sensitized breast cancer cells to the effect of Huaier extract. In addition, Huaier extract increased the expression of CBL protein, a direct target of miR-675-5p.

CONCLUSION
Collectively, the data demonstrate that Huaier extract reduces viability and induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells via H19-miR-675-5p-CBL axis regulation.

Wang|Jijun|J| Wang|Xiaolong|X| Chen|Tong|T| Jiang|Liyu|L| Yang|Qifeng|Q|

D000070416:Antagomirs
D017209:Apoptosis
D001943:Breast Neoplasms
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor
D049109:Cell Proliferation
D045424:Complex Mixtures
D018450:Disease Progression
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D061986:MCF-7 Cells
D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional
D035683:MicroRNAs
D050721:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-cbl
D034622:RNA Interference
D062085:RNA, Long Noncoding
D034741:RNA, Small Interfering
D015398:Signal Transduction
D055454:Trametes


Updated prevalence, predictors and treatment outcomes for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is an under-recognised and difficult to treat disease. This occurs in the context of limited clinical research and inconsistent diagnostic criteria.

METHOD
Retrospective data was collected on 275 patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT at an Australian tertiary hospital between 2007 and 2017. The prevalence of BOS, defined by 2014 National Institute of Health criteria, as well as predictors for BOS and mortality were determined. Treatment outcomes, using serial spirometry, were compared between patients who received early versus late immunosuppression for BOS.

RESULTS
The prevalence of BOS was 9.1%. Myeloablative conditioning (OR: 2.7, 95%CI: 1.13-6.50, p = 0.03) and extra-pulmonary chronic graft-versus-host disease (OR 2.62, 95% CI: 1.04-6.60, p = 0.04) were associated with BOS. There was reduced median survival in the BOS group compared with the non-BOS group, but this was not statistically significant (4.1years (IQR: 2.8, 6.8) versus 4.6years (IQR: 2.4, 7.8), respectively, p = 0.33). The vast majority (87.5%) of BOS patients failed to attain improvement in FEV1 at 12 months, regardless of treatment strategy. Patients who underwent a late immunosuppression strategy had worse mean FEV1 decline compared to those who received early immunosuppression (-36.3% versus -1.6%, respectively, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION
BOS is a common and progressive disease following HSCT and is largely refractory to current treatment strategies. Compared to late immunosuppression, early augmentation of immunosuppression may slow lung function deterioration in the short term. However, further research is urgently needed to identify effective prevention and treatment strategies for BOS.

Pham|Jonathan|J| Rangaswamy|Jhanavi|J| Avery|Sharon|S| Borg|Brigitte|B| Martin|Catherine|C| Munsif|Maitri|M| Lin|Tiffany|T| Dabscheck|Eli|E|

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation


Design, synthesis and in vitro anti-mycobacterial activities of homonuclear and heteronuclear bis-isatin derivatives.

Abstract: A series of novel homonuclear and heteronuclear bis-isatin derivatives tethered through ethylene were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro anti-mycobacterial activities against MTB H37Rv and MDR-TB. All hybrids exhibited potential anti-mycobacterial activities against MTB H37Rv and MDR-TB with MIC ranging from 16 to 256 μg/mL. In particular, the heteronuclear bis-isatin 4i (MIC: 25 and 16 μg/mL) was most active against MTB H37Rv and MDR-TB strains, and could act as a lead for further optimization.

Xu|Yan|Y| Guan|Jianguo|J| Xu|Zhi|Z| Zhao|Shijia|S|

D000995:Antitubercular Agents
D015195:Drug Design
D005030:Ethylenes
D007510:Isatin
D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests
D015394:Molecular Structure
D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis
D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship

Anti-mycobacterial
Homonuclear
Heteronuclear
Dimer
Isatin
Structure-activity relationship


RNA polymerase II promoter-proximal pausing in mammalian long non-coding genes.

Abstract: Mammalian genomes encode a large number of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that greatly exceed mRNA genes. While the physiological and pathological roles of ncRNAs have been increasingly understood, the mechanisms of regulation of ncRNA expression are less clear. Here, our genomic study has shown that a significant number of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs, >1000 nucleotides) harbor RNA polymerase II (Pol II) engaged with the transcriptional start site. A pausing and transcriptional elongation factor for protein-coding genes, tripartite motif-containing 28 (TRIM28) regulates the transcription of a subset of lncRNAs in mammalian cells. In addition, the majority of lncRNAs in human and murine cells regulated by Pol II promoter-proximal pausing appear to function in stimulus-inducible biological pathways. Our findings suggest an important role of Pol II pausing for the transcription of mammalian lncRNA genes.

Bunch|Heeyoun|H|
Lawney|Brian P|BP|
Burkholder|Adam|A|
Ma|Duanduan|D|
Zheng|Xiaofeng|X|
Motola|Shmulik|S|
Fargo|David C|DC|
Levine|Stuart S|SS|
Wang|Yaoyu E|YE|
Hu|Guang|G|

D000076183:Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 28


Giant Cell-Rich Solitary Fibrous Tumor in the Nasopharynx: Case Report and Literature Review.

Abstract: Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) can occur in several locations outside the pleura, but rarely in the sinonasal tract, and particularly not in the nasopharynx. Herein, we describe an unusual case of giant cell-rich SFT (GCRSFT) occurring in the nasopharynx. A 64-year-old man experienced dizziness and headache for more than 10 years with no obvious cause. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a 3.9 cm × 2 cm tumor on the posterior lateral wall of the left nasopharynx, and angiography revealed a hypervascular tumor fed by branches of the left carotid artery. Hence, preoperative embolization was performed, and then the tumor was endoscopically resected. The symptoms were relieved after the resection, and postoperative head CT and video laryngoscopy showed that the tumor was completely resected. We next characterized the specific pathological characteristics of the resected tumor. Histologically, the tumor was characterized by varying cellular proliferation of cytologically bland spindle cells within a collagenous stroma, with prominent interspersed branching vessels. Mitotic activity was low (2/50HPF), and there was no evidence of pleomorphism or tumor necrosis. Moreover, multinucleated giant cells with deep nuclear staining and distributed in pseudovascular spaces were found within the tumor. We ruled out the possibility that our case was giant cell fibroblastoma (GCF) by immunohistochemical analysis, showing that the tumor cells were positive for CD34, CD99, STAT6, and BCL-2, and that the Ki-67 labeling index was 3%, indicating that our case was SFT and not GCF. The patient's condition is generally good after a 14-month follow-up. This report serves to broaden the morphologic spectrum of GCRSFT and will help clinicians and pathologists better understand this entity to prevent misdiagnosis.

giant cell-rich solitary fibrous tumor
nasopharynx
differential diagnosis


Probiotic supplementation in sports and physical exercise: Does it present any ergogenic effect?

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Probiotics are live microorganisms that promote health benefits to the host. Evidence indicates that some probiotic strains play an immunomodulatory role and reduce the incidence of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in athletes and in physical activity practitioners. For this reason, probiotic supplementation could indirectly improve exercise performance. However, recent studies have observed direct ergogenic effects of probiotics, but the mechanisms of action are poorly elucidated.

OBJECTIVE
In this study, we aim to synthesize available knowledge on the effect of probiotics on physical exercise, identify the mechanisms of action by which probiotics could improve performance directly and indirectly, and verify whether probiotics have any ergogenic effect.

METHODS
The study was performed in the PubMed database in February 2017, without limitation as to the publication period. The keyword combinations used were: 'Probiotics' and 'Sports' ( n = 17 articles), 'Probiotics' and 'Exercise' ( n = 26 articles) and 'Probiotics' and 'Athletes' ( n = 11 articles).

RESULTS
Of the 16 studies evaluated, only six applied performance tests, of which only two demonstrated that probiotic supplementation increases performance, but one of them was performed with mice.

CONCLUSIONS
According to the studies evaluated, probiotic supplementation does not present ergogenic effect, however, considering the small number of studies, this subject should be better investigated.

Coqueiro|Audrey Yule|AY|
de Oliveira Garcia|Amanda Beatriz|AB|
Rogero|Marcelo Macedo|MM|
Tirapegui|Julio|J|

D064133:Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena

Probiotics
sports
exercise
athletes
performance-enhancing substances


Primary Cutaneous Lymphoma-Associated Pseudoepitheliomatous Hyperplasia Masquerading as Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Young Adult.

Abstract: Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a T-cell malignancy with atypical CD30 positive lymphocytes. Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia is an uncommon finding in primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and may mimic squamous cell carcinoma as pseudomalignancy. Careful attention of a pathologist to correct diagnosis of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and its underlying causes will help physicians to avoid inappropriate management. Here, we present a 22-year-old man referred to our hospital with a solitary nodule persistent on his forearm which was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma in the first biopsy. The lesion recurred after two months and histopathologic and immunohistochemistry examination revealed anaplastic large cell lymphoma with florid pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia which masquerading as well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Diagnosis of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia must guide the pathologist to search for underlying causes, such as primary cutaneous lymphoma. Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia may mimic squamous cell carcinoma and this can result in inappropriate diagnosis and management.

Ansari|Mahsa|M|
Azmoodeh Ardalan|Farid|F|
Najafi|Masoumeh|M|
Goodarzi|Azadeh|A|
Ghanadan|Alireza|A|

Squamous cell carcinoma
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Immunocytochemistry


The Neural Mechanisms Underlying Processing Speed Deficits in Individuals Who Have Sustained a Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study.

Abstract: Our objective was to determine differences in brain activation during a processing-speed task in individuals with SCI compared to a group of age-matched healthy controls and to a group of older healthy controls. Ten individuals with cervical SCI (C3-C5), 10 age-matched healthy controls and 10 older healthy controls participated in a cross-sectional study in which performance on neuropsychological tests of processing speed and brain activation were the main outcome measures. The brain areas used by the individuals with SCI during the processing-speed task differed significantly from the age-matched healthy controls, but were similar to the older control cohort, and included activation in frontal, parietal and hippocampal areas. This suggests that individuals with SCI may compensate for processing-speed deficits by relying on brain regions that classically support control cognitive processes such as executive control and memory.

Wylie|Glenn R|GR|
Chiaravalloti|Nancy D|ND|
Weber|Erica|E|
Genova|Helen M|HM|
Dyson-Hudson|Trevor A|TA|
Wecht|Jill M|JM|

D003071:Cognition
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies
D006801:Humans
D009483:Neuropsychological Tests
D010865:Pilot Projects
D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries

Processing speed
Spinal cord injury
Cognition
Cognitive deficits
fMRI


Epidemiology of psoriasis and palmoplantar pustulosis: a nationwide study using the Japanese national claims database.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective was to estimate the national prevalence of psoriasis and palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) in Japan. Secondary objectives were to determine (1) whether psoriasis and PPP disease activity varies by season, and (2) whether disease severity is associated with concurrent diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension.

SETTINGS
Patients with a psoriasis or PPP diagnosis code between April 2010 and March 2011 were identified using a Japanese national database.

PARTICIPANTS
565 903 patients with psoriasis or PPP were identified. No patient was excluded.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES
National prevalence was calculated using census data. We estimated the difference in the proportion of patients who used healthcare services, as a proxy for disease activity, between the hot and cold seasons and the difference in the standardised prevalence of comorbidities between severe and mild disease. The measures were estimated separately for the two broad disease categories of psoriasis and PPP but not in all patients as planned because the two disease categories had major differences.

RESULTS
The national prevalence of psoriasis and PPP was 0.34% (95% CI 0.34% to 0.34%) and 0.12% (0.12% to 0.12%), respectively. The difference in the proportion of patients who used healthcare services in the hot compared to the cold season was -0.3% (-0.5% to -0.1%) for psoriasis and 10.0% (9.8% to 10.3%) for PPP. The difference in the standardised prevalence between severe and mild psoriasis was 3.1% (2.7% to 3.4%), 3.2% (2.8% to 3.6%) and 5.1% (4.7% to 5.6%) for concurrent diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension, respectively. No significant difference in the prevalence of comorbidity was observed for PPP.

CONCLUSIONS
The national prevalence, seasonal variation in disease activity and prevalence of comorbidities in Japanese patients with psoriasis and PPP estimated in this descriptive study may be used as basic information for future studies.

Kubota|Kiyoshi|K| Kamijima|Yukari|Y| Sato|Tsugumichi|T| Ooba|Nobuhiro|N| Koide|Daisuke|D| Iizuka|Hajime|H| Nakagawa|Hidemi|H|


Protein kinase A-dependent insulinotropic effect of selected flavonoids.

Abstract: In the present study, we have estimated the binding affinities of nine flavonoids with cAMP sensing protein kinase A (PKA) by molecular docking. Furthermore, their potential roles in stimulating insulin secretion in a PKA-dependent manner were evaluated in isolated islets using H-89, a PKA inhibitor. Among selected flavonoids, i.e. eriodictyol, kaempferol, hesperetin, naringin, apigenin, hesperidin, quercetin, naringenin and rutin, we found that eriodictyol, kaempferol, and naringenin speculated the best binding interactions with crucial residues in PKA binding pocket. Glucose-dependent insulin secretion was inhibited by eriodictyol, kaempferol and naringenin of 92%, 87%, and 89%, respectively in isolated islets co-incubated with H-89. In contrast, quercetin also got binding with PKA; however, showed no significant PKA-dependent insulinotropic activity in vitro. Rutin showed the least docking interactions with PKA, reflects well in vitro by exhibiting a PKA-independent mode of action. Naringin, hesperetin, hesperidin, and apigenin showed favourable docking affinities with PKA but not with the hot spot residues. Although naringin and hesperetin mimic well in vitro by showing PKA-independent mode of action, hesperidin and apigenin were still exhibited the PKA-dependent effect. The present work suggests that few of the selected flavonoids have strong potential to be used as alternative insulin secretagogues in diabetic treatment.

Hameed|Abdul|A|
Ashraf|Sajda|S|
Israr Khan|M|M|
Hafizur|Rahman M|RM|
Ul-Haq|Zaheer|Z|

D017868:Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases

Flavonoid
Protein kinase A
Molecular docking
Insulin secretion
Mice islet


Longitudinal prospective associations between psychological symptoms and heavy episodic drinking from adolescence to midlife.

Abstract:
AIM
This study examined whether development of psychological symptoms (PS) differed between persons with different longitudinal profiles of heavy episodic drinking (HED) from adolescence to midlife. In addition, the reciprocal associations between PS and HED were studied.

METHODS
Participants of a Finnish cohort study in 1983 at age 16 ( N = 2194) were followed up at ages 22 ( N = 1656), 32 ( N = 1471), and 42 ( N = 1334). HED was assessed with frequency of intoxication (16-22 years) and having six or more drinks in a session (32-42 years). Using latent class analysis, the participants were allocated to steady high, increased, moderate, and steady low groups according to their longitudinal profiles of HED. The PS scale (16-42 years) covered five mental complaints. The latent growth curve of PS was estimated in the HED groups for comparisons. In addition, the prospective associations between symptoms and HED were examined using cross-lagged autoregressive models.

RESULTS
PS grew from 16 to 32 years, but declined after that, with women having higher level of PS than men. PS trajectory followed a path at highest and lowest level in the steady high and steady low HED groups, respectively. Symptoms predicted later HED, but the association in the opposite direction was not found.

CONCLUSIONS
The more the HED trajectory indicated frequent HED, the higher was the level of PS throughout the follow-up. Results support the self-medication hypothesis, suggesting that alcohol is used to ease the burden of PS. More attention should be paid to alcohol use of people with mental symptoms in health services.

psychological symptoms
heavy episodic drinking
alcohol
life course
mental health


IPMK and β-catenin mediate PLC-β1-dependent signaling in myogenic differentiation.

Abstract: In previous studies, we have reported that phospholipase C (PLC)-β1 plays a crucial role in myogenic differentiation and we determined the importance of its catalytic activity for the initiation of this process. Here we define the effectors that take part to its signaling pathway. We show that the Inositol Polyphosphate Multikinase (IPMK) is able to promote myogenic differentiation since its overexpression determines the up-regulation of several myogenic markers. Moreover, we demonstrate that IPMK activates the same cyclin D3 promoter region targeted by PLC-β1 and that IPMK-induced promoter activation relies upon c-jun binding to the promoter, as we have shown previously for PLC-β1. Furthermore, our data shows that IPMK overexpression causes an increase in β-catenin translocation and accumulation to the nuclei of differentiating myoblasts resulting in higher MyoD activation. Finally, we describe that PLC-β1 overexpression determines too an increase in β-catenin translocation and that PLC-β1, IPMK and β-catenin are mediators of the same signaling pathway since their overexpression results in cyclin D3 and myosin heavy chain (MYH) induction.

Ramazzotti|Giulia|G|
Billi|Anna Maria|AM|
Manzoli|Lucia|L|
Mazzetti|Cristina|C|
Ruggeri|Alessandra|A|
Erneux|Christophe|C|
Kim|Seyun|S|
Suh|Pann-Ghill|PG|
Cocco|Lucio|L|
Faenza|Irene|I|

D017853:Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor)

IPMK
β-catenin
myogenic differentiation
inositol phosphates
phospholipase C-β1


Translator Exposure APIs: Open Access to Data on Airborne Pollutant Exposures, Roadway Exposures, and Socio-Environmental Exposures and Use Case Application.

Abstract: Environmental exposures have profound effects on health and disease. While public repositories exist for a variety of exposures data, these are generally difficult to access, navigate, and interpret. We describe the research, development, and application of three open application programming interfaces (APIs) that support access to usable, nationwide, exposures data from three public repositories: airborne pollutant estimates from the US Environmental Protection Agency; roadway data from the US Department of Transportation; and socio-environmental exposures from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey. Three open APIs were successfully developed, deployed, and tested using random latitude/longitude values and time periods as input parameters. After confirming the accuracy of the data, we used the APIs to extract exposures data on 2550 participants from a cohort within the Environmental Polymorphisms Registry (EPR) at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and we successfully linked the exposure estimates with participant-level data derived from the EPR. We then conducted an exploratory, proof-of-concept analysis of the integrated data for a subset of participants with self-reported asthma and largely replicated our prior findings on the impact of select exposures and demographic factors on asthma exacerbations. Together, the three open exposures APIs provide a valuable resource, with application across environmental and public health fields.

D014484:United States Environmental Protection Agency

airborne pollutants
roadway exposure
application programming interfaces
environmental health
asthma
demographic factors
asthma exacerbations
public health
open data
socio-economic factors


MagiCMicroRna: a web implementation of AgiMicroRna using shiny.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
MicroRNA expression can be quantified using sequencing techniques or commercial microRNA-expression arrays. Recently, the AgiMicroRna R-package was published that enabled systematic preprocessing and statistical analysis for Agilent microRNA arrays. Here we describe MagiCMicroRna, which is a user-friendly web interface for this package, together with a new filtering approach.

RESULTS
We used MagiCMicroRna to normalize and filter an Agilent miRNA microarray dataset of cancerous and normal tissues from 14 different patients. With the standard filtering procedure, 250 out of 817 microRNAs remained, whereas the new group-specific filtering approach resulted in broader datasets for further analysis in most groups (>279 microRNAs remaining).

CONCLUSIONS
The user-friendly web interface of MagiCMicroRna enables researchers to normalize and filter Agilent microarrays by the click of one button. Furthermore, MagiCMicroRna provides flexibility in choosing the filtering method. The new group-specific filtering approach lead to an increased number and additional tissue-specific microRNAs remaining for subsequent analysis compared to the standard procedure. The MagiCMicroRna web interface and source code can be downloaded from https://bitbucket.org/mutgx/magicmicrorna.git.

Coonen|Maarten Lj|MLj|
Theunissen|Daniel Hj|DH|
Kleinjans|Jos Cs|JC|
Jennen|Danyel Gj|DG|

MicroRNA
Agilent
Web interface
Data analysis
Microarray analysis


Ionogels of pseudogemini supra-amphiphiles in ethylammonium nitrate: Structures and properties.

Abstract: Thermoreversible ionogels formed by pseudogemini surfactants were prepared in protic ionic liquid, ethylammonium nitrate (EAN). Gemini-type supra-amphiphiles were formed by single-chain surfactants and bola-type molecules in a 2:1M ratio. The structures of aggregates including polymorphous lamellar structures and fibrous networks constituted by multilayer lamellae were determined by optical microscopy observations, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The mechanism of molecular arrangement in aggregates was proposed. Transformation temperatures of samples which are closely related to the stability of well-ordered molecules in aggregates, as well as the rheological properties of ionogels were investigated systematically. The work affords a new way to construct ionogel by using the supramolecular self-assembly of pseudogemini-type molecules, and brings new ideas for the future construction of ionogels.

Wang|Xiaolin|X| Zhang|Zhuo|Z| Cao|Yixue|Y| Hao|Jingcheng|J|

Ionogels
Ethylammonium nitrate
Structures
Pseudogemini surfactants
Supramolecular self-assembly


Blunt cerebrovascular injury in pediatric trauma: a national database study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
The incidence of blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) has not been well characterized in the pediatric population. The goal of this study was to describe the incidence, patient characteristics, and risk factors for pediatric patients with cerebrovascular injuries.

METHODS
The authors collected data from the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID), a nationally representative database of pediatric admissions, for years 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012.

RESULTS
Among an estimated 646,549 admissions for blunt trauma, 2150 were associated with BCVI, an overall incidence of 0.33%. The incidence of BCVI nearly doubled from 0.24% in 2000 to 0.49% in 2012. Patients 4 to 13 years of age were less likely to have BCVI than those in the youngest (0-3 years) and oldest age groups comprising adolescents (14-17 years) and young adults (18-20 years). BCVIs were associated with cervical (adjusted OR [aOR] 4.6, 95% CI 3.8-5.5), skull base (aOR 3.0, 95% CI 2.5-3.6), clavicular (aOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8), and facial (aOR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.5) fractures, as well as intracranial hemorrhage (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 2.2-3.2) and traumatic brain injury (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.7-2.3). Mechanism of injury was also independently associated with BCVI: motor vehicle collision (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.2) and struck pedestrian (aOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.9). Among pediatric patients with BCVI, 37.4% had cerebral ischemic infarction with an in-hospital mortality of 12.7%, and patients with stroke had 20% mortality.

CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of pediatric BCVI is increasing, likely due to increased use of screening, but remains lower than that in the adult population. Risk factors include the presence of cervical, facial, clavicular, and skull base fractures, similar to that of the adult population. Diagnosed BCVI is associated with a relatively high incidence of stroke with increased morbidity and mortality. The use of adult screening criteria is likely reasonable given the similarity in the risk factors identified in this study. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of treatment with antiplatelet agents or anticoagulation.

Harris|Dominic A|DA|
Sorte|Danielle E|DE|
Lam|Sandi K|SK|
Carlson|Andrew P|AP|

HCUP = Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project

NIS = National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample


Health specific traits beyond the Five Factor Model, cognitive processes and trait expression: replies to Watson (2012), Matthews (2012) and Haslam, Jetten, Reynolds, and Reicher (2012).

Abstract: In this article we reply to the issues raised by the three commentaries on Ferguson's (2012) article. Watson argues that the four traits identified by Ferguson (2012) - health anxiety, alexithymia, empathy and Type D - do not lie outside the Five Factor Model (FFM). We present factor analytic data showing that health anxiety forms a separate factor from positive and negative affectivity, alexithymia forms a factor outside the FFM and while emotional empathy loads with agreeableness, cognitive empathy forms a separate factor outside the FFM. Across these analyses there was no evidence for a general factor of personality. We also show that health anxiety, empathic facets and alexithymia show incremental validity over FFM traits. However, the evidence that Type D lies outside the FFM is less clear. Matthews (2012) argues that traits have a more distributed influence on cognitions and that attention is not part of Ferguson's framework. We agree; but Ferguson's original statement concerned where traits have their maximal effect. Finally, Haslam et al. suggest that traits should be viewed from a dynamic interactionist perspective. This is in fact what Ferguson (2012) suggested and we go on to highlight that traits can also influence group processes.

Ferguson|Eamonn|E|
Ward|Jane W|JW|
Skatova|Anya|A|
Cassaday|Helen J|HJ|
Bibby|Peter A|PA|
Lawrence|Claire|C|

health
empathy
personality
determinism
factor analysis


Treatment of large acetabular defects: a surgical technique utilizing impaction grafting into a metallic mesh.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Revision total hip arthroplasty in cases with severe acetabular bone loss is challenging. In the presence of combined cavitary and segmental defects without superior acetabular coverage, reconstructions with a structural acetabular allograft protected by a cage or a custom-made triflange cage have been the treatment of choice. The current paper describes an impaction grafting into a mesh for uncontained defects in revision total hip arthroplasty.

DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE
After restoring containment with a mesh fixed with small fragment screws, defects were restored using impaction grafting combined with a cemented all-polyethylene cup.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Fourteen consecutive acetabular impaction graftings were performed by two surgeons. All patients had a type 3B defect according to the Paprosky classification.

RESULTS
No re-revisions or radiographic failure was detected in the early follow-up period.

CONCLUSION
Impaction grafting into a mesh is an interesting treatment option to restore bone in combined cavitary and segmental defects.

Buckup|Johannes|J|
Salinas|Emiliano Alvarez|EA|
Valle|Alejandro Gonzalez Della|AG|
Boettner|Friedrich|F|

impaction grafting
metal mesh
revision total hip arthroplasty
acetabular bone loss
allograft


Effect of prior calcium hydroxide intracanal placement on sealing ability of MTA plugs.

Abstract: This study sought to investigate how pretreatment intracanal placement of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) affected the sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plugs in simulated open apices. Maxillary central incisor teeth were cleaned and shaped in an identical manner. After root-end resection, samples were divided randomly into 2 control (n = 5) and 2 experimental groups (n = 35). The specimens in Group 1 were pretreated using a Ca(OH)2 medicament, while the samples of Group 2 received no medicament. One week later, a 5 mm apical plug of MTA was applied into the canals. The remaining portions of the canals were obturated with gutta percha. Group 1 had a significantly higher frequency of apical leakage than Group 2 (P < 0.05).

Adel|Mamak|M|
Majd|Nima Moradi|NM|
Samani|Yasaman|Y|

calcium hydroxide
sealing ability
MTA
mineral trioxide aggregate
apical barrier
dye penetration test


Recognition of a Key Anchor Residue by a Conserved Hydrophobic Pocket Ensures Subunit Interface Integrity in DNA Clamps.

Abstract: Sliding clamp proteins encircle duplex DNA and are involved in processive DNA replication and the DNA damage response. Clamp proteins are ring-shaped oligomers (dimers or trimers) and are loaded onto DNA by an ATP-dependent clamp loader complex that ruptures the interface between two adjacent subunits. Here we measured the solution dynamics of the human clamp protein, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, by monitoring the change in the fluorescence of a site-specifically labeled. To unravel the origins of clamp subunit interface stability, we carried out comprehensive comparative analysis of the interfaces of seven sliding clamps. We used computational modeling (molecular dynamic simulations and MM/GBSA binding energy decomposition analyses) to identify conserved networks of hydrophobic residues critical for clamp stability and ring-opening dynamics. The hydrophobic network is shared among clamp proteins and exhibits a "key in a keyhole" pattern where a bulky aromatic residue from one clamp subunit is anchored into a hydrophobic pocket of the opposing subunit. Bioinformatics and dynamic network analyses showed that this oligomeric latch is conserved across DNA sliding clamps from all domains of life and dictates the dynamics of clamp opening and closing.

Perumal|Senthil K|SK|
Xu|Xiaojun|X|
Yan|Chunli|C|
Ivanov|Ivaylo|I|
Benkovic|Stephen J|SJ|

D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions

D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen

DNA damage response
proliferating cell nuclear antigen
molecular dynamics
binding energy
replication factor C


Retinal microvascular changes and risk of stroke: the Singapore Malay Eye Study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
To examine the relationship between retinal microvascular measures and incident stroke in an Asian Malay population.

METHODS
We conducted a prospective, population-based cohort study of Asian Malay persons 40 to 80 years at baseline. Retinal microvascular signs were assessed from baseline retinal photographs including quantitative retinal microvascular parameters (caliber, branching angle, tortuosity, and fractal dimension) and qualitative retinopathy signs. Incident stroke cases were identified during the follow-up period. Cox proportional-hazards regression and incremental usefulness analysis (calibration, discrimination, and reclassification) were performed.

RESULTS
A total of 3189 participants were free of prevalent stroke at baseline. During the follow-up (median, 4.41 years), 51 (1.93%) participants had an incident stroke event. In Cox proportional-hazards models adjusting for established stroke predictors (age, sex, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, glycosylated hemoglobin, and antihypertensive medication), retinopathy (hazard ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-3.72) and larger retinal venular caliber (hazard ratio, 3.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-8.26, comparing fourth versus first quartiles) were associated with risk of stroke. Compared with the model with only established risk factors, the addition of retinal measures improved the prediction of stroke (C-Statistic 0.826 versus 0.792; P=0.017) and correctly reclassified 5.9% of participants with incident stroke and 3.4% of participants with no incident stroke.

CONCLUSIONS
Retinal microvascular changes are related to an increased risk of stroke in Asian Malay, consistent with data from white populations. Retinal imaging improves the discrimination and stratification of stroke risk beyond that of established risk factors by a significant but small margin.

Cheung|Carol Yim-lui|CY|
Tay|Wan Ting|WT|
Ikram|M Kamran|MK|
Ong|Yi Ting|YT|
De Silva|Deidre A|DA|
Chow|Khuan Yew|KY|
Wong|Tien Yin|TY|

stroke
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
epidemiology
retinal vascular imaging


n-Butanol derived from biochemical and chemical routes: A review.

Abstract: Traditionally, bio-butanol is produced with the ABE (Acetone Butanol Ethanol) process using Clostridium species to ferment sugars from biomass. However, the route is associated with some disadvantages such as low butanol yield and by-product formation (acetone and ethanol). On the other hand, butanol can be directly produced from ethanol through aldol condensation over metal oxides/ hydroxyapatite catalysts. This paper suggests that the chemical conversion route is more preferable than the ABE process, because the reaction proceeds more quickly compared to the fermentation route and fewer steps are required to get to the product.

Bio-butanol
ABE fermentation
Chemical synthesis


Myiasis in domestic cats: a global review.

Abstract: Myiasis is an infestation caused by larvae of Diptera in humans and other vertebrates. In domestic cats, Felis silvestris catus L. (Carnivora: Felidae), four dipteran families have been reported as agents of obligatory and facultative myiasis: Oestridae, Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae and Muscidae. Among agents of obligatory myiasis, the most frequent genus is Cuterebra Clark (Oestridae) and the most frequent species is Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) (Calliphoridae). Among the agents of facultative myiasis, the most frequent species is Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Calliphoridae). A survey of myiasis in cats reported in literature shows that the cases are distributed worldwide and linked to the geographical range of the dipteran species. Factors favouring the occurrence of myiasis in cats are prowling in infested areas, poor hygiene conditions due to diseases and/or neglect, and wounds inflicted during territorial or reproductive competition. The aim of the review is to provide an extended survey of literature on myiasis in cats, as general information and possible development of guidelines for veterinarians, entomologists and other researchers interested in the field.

Pezzi|Marco|M|
Bonacci|Teresa|T|
Leis|Marilena|M|
Mamolini|Elisabetta|E|
Marchetti|Maria Gabriella|MG|
Krčmar|Stjepan|S|
Chicca|Milvia|M|
Del Zingaro|Carlo Nicola Francesco|CNF|
Faucheux|Michel J|MJ|
Scapoli|Chiara|C|

Myiasis
Domestic cat
Oestridae
Calliphoridae
Sarcophagidae
Muscidae
Literature review


Cyclization of a 1,4-diborabutadiene ligand with both atoms of CO.

Abstract: A 1,4-dibora-1,3-butadiene iron complex was successfully synthesized through the stoichiometric reaction of an iron bis(borylene) complex with diphenylacetylene. This complex was treated with CO and PMe3 , which led to the formation of an unusual six-membered B2 C3 O ylidic ring bound to both the PMe3 group and zerovalent iron center. The reaction is a very rare example of the incorporation of both atoms of CO into a ring system.

Braunschweig|Holger|H|
Ye|Qing|Q|
Celik|Mehmet Ali|MA|
Dewhurst|Rian D|RD|
Radacki|Krzysztof|K|

iron
boracycles
boron
carbon monoxide
cyclization reactions


tRNA elbow modifications affect the tRNA pseudouridine synthase TruB and the methyltransferase TrmA.

Abstract: tRNAs constitute the most highly modified class of RNA. Every tRNA contains a unique set of modifications, and Ψ55, m5U54, and m7G46 are frequently found within the elbow of the tRNA structure. Despite the abundance of tRNA modifications, we are only beginning to understand the orchestration of modification enzymes during tRNA maturation. Here, we investigated whether pre-existing modifications impact the binding affinity or catalysis by tRNA elbow modification enzymes. Specifically, we focused on the Escherichia coli enzymes TruB, TrmA, and TrmB which generate Ψ55, m5U54, and m7G46, respectively. tRNAs containing a single modification were prepared, and the binding and activity preferences of purified E. coli TrmA, TruB, and TrmB were examined in vitro. TruB preferentially binds and modifies unmodified tRNA. TrmA prefers to modify unmodified tRNA, but binds most tightly to tRNA that already contains Ψ55. In contrast, binding and modification by TrmB is insensitive to the tRNA modification status. Our results suggest that TrmA and TruB are likely to act on mostly unmodified tRNA precursors during the early stages of tRNA maturation whereas TrmB presumably acts on later tRNA intermediates that are already partially modified. In conclusion, we uncover the mechanistic basis for the preferred modification order in the E. coli tRNA elbow region.

D004926:Escherichia coli
D019751:Intramolecular Transferases
D011560:Pseudouridine
D012343:RNA, Transfer
D012359:tRNA Methyltransferases

tRNA
pseudouridine
modification order
RNA modification
methylation


Auditory and visual modulation of temporal lobe neurons in voice-sensitive and association cortices.

Abstract: Effective interactions between conspecific individuals can depend upon the receiver forming a coherent multisensory representation of communication signals, such as merging voice and face content. Neuroimaging studies have identified face- or voice-sensitive areas (Belin et al., 2000; Petkov et al., 2008; Tsao et al., 2008), some of which have been proposed as candidate regions for face and voice integration (von Kriegstein et al., 2005). However, it was unclear how multisensory influences occur at the neuronal level within voice- or face-sensitive regions, especially compared with classically defined multisensory regions in temporal association cortex (Stein and Stanford, 2008). Here, we characterize auditory (voice) and visual (face) influences on neuronal responses in a right-hemisphere voice-sensitive region in the anterior supratemporal plane (STP) of Rhesus macaques. These results were compared with those in the neighboring superior temporal sulcus (STS). Within the STP, our results show auditory sensitivity to several vocal features, which was not evident in STS units. We also newly identify a functionally distinct neuronal subpopulation in the STP that appears to carry the area's sensitivity to voice identity related features. Audiovisual interactions were prominent in both the STP and STS. However, visual influences modulated the responses of STS neurons with greater specificity and were more often associated with congruent voice-face stimulus pairings than STP neurons. Together, the results reveal the neuronal processes subserving voice-sensitive fMRI activity patterns in primates, generate hypotheses for testing in the visual modality, and clarify the position of voice-sensitive areas within the unisensory and multisensory processing hierarchies.

Perrodin|Catherine|C|
Kayser|Christoph|C|
Logothetis|Nikos K|NK|
Petkov|Christopher I|CI|

D000161:Acoustic Stimulation
D000818:Animals
D001307:Auditory Perception
D001931:Brain Mapping
D008253:Macaca mulatta
D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging
D008297:Male
D009474:Neurons
D010775:Photic Stimulation
D013702:Temporal Lobe
D014796:Visual Perception

multisensory voice face audiovisual primate congruency


Genetic Divergence of Two Sitobion avenae Biotypes on Barley and Wheat in China.

Abstract: Host plant affinity and geographic distance can play critical roles in the genetic divergence of insect herbivores and evolution of insect biotypes, but their relative importance in the divergence of insect populations is still poorly understood. We used microsatellite markers to test the effects of host plant species and geographic distance on divergence of two biotypes of the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius). We found that clones of S. avenae from western provinces (i.e., Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai and Shaanxi) had significantly higher genetic diversity than those from eastern provinces (i.e., Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Zhejiang and Jiangsu), suggesting their differentiation between both areas. Based on genetic diversity and distance estimates, biotype 1 clones of eastern provinces showed high genetic divergence from those of western provinces in many cases. Western clones of S. avenae also showed higher genetic divergence among themselves than eastern clones. The Mantel test identified a significant isolation-by-distance (IBD) effect among different geographic populations of S. avenae, providing additional evidence for a critical role of geography in the genetic structure of both S. avenae biotypes. Genetic differentiation (i.e., FST) between the two biotypes was low in all provinces except Shaanxi. Surprisingly, in our analyses of molecular variance, non-significant genetic differentiation between both biotypes or between barley and wheat clones of S. avenae was identified, showing little contribution of host-plant associated differentiation to the divergence of both biotypes in this aphid. Thus, it is highly likely that the divergence of the two S. avenae biotypes involved more geographic isolation and selection of some form than host plant affinity. Our study can provide insights into understanding of genetic structure of insect populations and the divergence of insect biotypes.

Wang|Da|D| Shi|Xiaoqin|X| Liu|Deguang|D| Yang|Yujing|Y| Shang|Zheming|Z|

geographic populations
genetic structure
genetic differentiation
biotype development
genotype
host-associated differentiation


A "Dual-acceptor Channel" Membraneless Gas-diffusion Unit for Simultaneous Determination of Ethanol and Acetaldehyde in Liquors Using Reverse Flow Injection.

Abstract: A new design of membraneless gas-diffusion unit with dual acceptor channels for separation, collection and simultaneous determination of two volatile analytes in liquid sample is presented. The unit is comprised of three parallel channels in a closed module. A sample is aspirated into the central channel and two kinds of reagents are introduced into the other two channels. Two analytes are isolated from the sample matrix by diffusion into head-space and absorbed into the specific reagents. Non-absorbed vapor is released by opening the programmable controlled lid. The unit was applied to liquors for measurement of ethanol and acetaldehyde using reverse flow injection. Dichromate and nitroprusside were exploited as reagents for colorimetric detection of ethanol and acetaldehyde, respectively. Good linearity ranges (r2 >0.99) with high precision (RSD <2%) and high accuracy (recovery: 90 - 105%) were achieved. The results were compared to the results by GC-FID and no significant difference was observed by paired t-test (95% confidence).

Choengchan|Nathawut|N| Poontong|Bangerdsuk|B| Mathaweesansurn|Arjnarong|A| Maneerat|Noppadol|N| Motomizu|Shoji|S| Ratanawimarnwong|Nuanlaor|N| Nacapricha|Duangjai|D|

dual-acceptor channel
Membraneless gas-diffusion unit
simultaneous determination
ethanol
acetaldehyde
liquor
reverse flow injection


Higher dietary vitamin C intake is associated with a lower risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A longitudinal cohort study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Vitamin C as natural antioxidant may help to increase the body's antioxidant capacity. The study is aimed to determine whether vitamin C intake during pregnancy is associated with lower risk of GDM.

METHODS
Women with singleton pregnancy and without any history of diabetes were drawn from the ongoing Tongji Maternal and Child Health Cohort (TMCHC). Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were conducted during weeks 24-28 of gestation to screen for GDM. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake during mid pregnancy. Use of multivitamins and specific supplements of vitamin C was assessed by questionnaires. Odds ratios (ORs) of GDM risk were calculated by logistic regression models, adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS
344 (11.4%) of the 3009 women were diagnosed with GDM. Dietary vitamin C intake was inversely associated with the risk of GDM. Women with above adequate dietary vitamin C intake (more than 200 mg/day) experienced lower odds of GDM (OR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49-0.95) than those with adequate intake (115-200 mg/day). There was no association between the total consumption of vitamin C and the risk of GDM (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 0.71-1.53).

CONCLUSION
This data suggests that higher dietary consumption of vitamin C during pregnancy is independently associated with lower odds of GDM. Above 200 mg/day of dietary vitamin C intake may help reduce the odds of GDM. However, no such association between total vitamin C intake and the risk of GDM was found. Hence, sufficient vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C should be recommended to protect pregnant women from developing gestational diabetes.

Liu|Chaoqun|C| Zhong|Chunrong|C| Chen|Renjuan|R| Zhou|Xuezhen|X| Wu|Jiangyue|J| Han|Juan|J| Li|Xiating|X| Zhang|Yu|Y| Gao|Qin|Q| Xiao|Mei|M| Hu|Xingwen|X| Xiong|Guoping|G| Han|Weizhen|W| Yang|Xuefeng|X| Hao|Liping|L| Yang|Nianhong|N|

Vitamin C
Gestational diabetes mellitus
Chinese women
Clinical nutrition
Dietary supplements


E2F1 impairs all-trans retinoic acid-induced osteogenic differentiation of osteosarcoma via promoting ubiquitination-mediated degradation of RARα.

Abstract: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a widely used differentiation drug that can effectively induce osteogenic differentiation of osteosarcoma cells, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive, which limits the clinical application for ATRA in osteosarcoma patients. In this study, we identified E2F1 as a novel regulator involved in ATRA-induced osteogenic differentiation of osteosarcoma cells. We observed that osteosarcoma cells are coupled with individual differences in the expression levels of E2F1 in patients, and E2F1 impairs ATRA-induced differentiation of osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, remarkable anti-proliferative and differentiation-inducing effects of ATRA treatment are only observed in E2F1 low to negative expressed primary osteosarcoma cultures. These results strongly suggested that E2F1 may serve as a potent indicator for the effectiveness of ATRA treatment in osteosarcoma. Interestingly, E2F1 is found to downregulate retinoic acid receptor α (RARα), a key factor determines the effectiveness of ATRA. E2F1 specifically binds to RARα and promotes its ubiquitination-mediated degradation; as a consequence, RARα-mediated differentiation is inhibited in osteosarcoma. Therefore, our studies present E2F1 as a potent biomarker, as well as a therapeutic target for ATRA-based differentiation therapeutics, and raise the hope of using differentiation-based approaches for osteosarcoma patients.

Zhang|Lei|L| Zhou|Qian|Q| Zhang|Ning|N| Li|Weixu|W| Ying|Meidan|M| Ding|Wanjing|W| Yang|Bo|B| He|Qiaojun|Q|

E2F1
osteogenic differentiation
osteosarcoma
RARα
all-trans retinoic acid
ATRA


Lipid-Lowering Pharmaceutical Clofibrate Inhibits Human Sweet Taste.

Abstract: T1R2-T1R3 is a heteromeric receptor that binds sugars, high potency sweeteners, and sweet taste blockers. In rodents, T1R2-T1R3 is largely responsible for transducing sweet taste perception. T1R2-T1R3 is also expressed in non-taste tissues, and a growing body of evidence suggests that it helps regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. It was previously shown that clofibric acid, a blood lipid-lowering drug, binds T1R2-T1R3 and inhibits its activity in vitro The purpose of this study was to determine whether clofibric acid inhibits sweetness perception in humans and is, therefore, a T1R2-T1R3 antagonist in vivo Fourteen participants rated the sweetness intensity of 4 sweeteners (sucrose, sucralose, Na cyclamate, acesulfame K) across a broad range of concentrations. Each sweetener was prepared in solution neat and in mixture with either clofibric acid or lactisole. Clofibric acid inhibited sweetness of every sweetener. Consistent with competitive binding, inhibition by clofibric acid was diminished with increasing sweetener concentration. This study provides in vivo evidence that the lipid-lowering drug clofibric acid inhibits sweetness perception and is, therefore, a T1R carbohydrate receptor inhibitor. Our results are consistent with previous in vitro findings. Given that T1R2-T1R3 may in part regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, future studies should investigate the metabolic effects of T1R inhibition.

human
sweet
taste
sugars
sweeteners
cholesterol
fibrates
lipid lowering
sweetness inhibition


Ocular Toxocariasis: Beyond Typical Patterns through the New Imaging Technologies.

Abstract: To report five cases of ocular Toxocariasis (OT) in which ultrawide-field (UWF) imaging was helpful in diagnosis and assessment. OT is an underdiagnosed condition triggered by the ocular invasion of Toxocara larvae. Typical features are peripheral granuloma or endophthalmitis.Methods: A retrospective case series of 10 outpatients were studied by complete ophthalmologic examination and complementary tests. UWF retinal imaging, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) were retrospectively analyzed. Five patients with suspected OT were included.Results: UWF imaging and FAF was able to detect all retinal lesions in a single rapid capture. Two patients showed positive serology for Toxocara. An image suggesting the larva in the vitreous cavity was shown in one patient. Antihelmintic 15 treatment along with steroids was prescribed in two patients.Conclusion: UWF imaging and SDOCT provide a more efficient approach and follow-up in OT, raising final standards of care.

Hernanz|I|I|
Moll-Udina|A|A|
Llorenç|Belles V|BV|
Adan|Civera A|CA|

ocular toxocariasis
toxocara
Uveitis
advantages
wide field


Clinical characteristics of bacteremia caused by hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae at a tertiary hospital.

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the predictive factors of bacteremia due to hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP), as well as the mortality. The medical records of 114 patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremia who were divided into the hvKP (n = 24) and non-hvKP (n = 90) groups and were retrospectively reviewed. The male-to-female ratio, age, and underlying disease did not differ between the 2 groups. Mortality was higher among patients in the hvKP bacteremia group than in the non-hvKP bacteremia group (29.2% vs 6.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that the independent predictors associated with hvKP bacteremia were abscess (P = 0.01) and no antibiotic exposure (P = 0.02); thus, early assessment of these conditions is important. For patients with a history of abscess and no antibiotic exposure, it is necessary to administer treatment while keeping the risk of hvKP in mind.

Namikawa|Hiroki|H| Yamada|Koichi|K| Sakiyama|Arata|A| Imoto|Waki|W| Yamairi|Kazushi|K| Shibata|Wataru|W| Yoshii|Naoko|N| Niki|Makoto|M| Nakaie|Kiyotaka|K| Oinuma|Ken-Ichi|KI| Tsubouchi|Taishi|T| Niki|Mamiko|M| Tochino|Yoshihiro|Y| Takemoto|Yasuhiko|Y| Kaneko|Yukihiro|Y| Shuto|Taichi|T| Kakeya|Hiroshi|H|

Bacteremia
Hypermucoviscous
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Mortality
Abscess
Antibiotic exposure


Research into a Multi-Variate Surveillance Data Fusion Processing Algorithm.

Abstract: Targeted information sources include radar and ADS (Automatic Dependent Surveillance) for civil ATM (Air Traffic Management) systems, and the new navigation system based on satellites has the capability of global coverage. In order to solve the surveillance problem in mid-and-high altitude airspace and approaching airspace, this paper proposes a filter-based covariance matrix weighting method, measurement variance weighting method, and measurement-first weighted fusion method weighting integration algorithm to improve the efficiency of data integration calculation under fixed accuracy. Besides this, this paper focuses on the technology of the integration of a multi-radar surveillance system and automated related surveillance system in the ATM system and analyzes the constructional method of a multigeneration surveillance data integration system, as well as establishing the targeted model of sensors and the target track and designing the logical structure of multi-radar and ADS data integration.

radar
ADS
data integration
wave filtering


Potentiated Response of ERK/MAPK Signaling is Associated with Prolonged Withdrawal from Cocaine Behavioral Sensitization.

Abstract: Among the neuroadaptations underlying the expression of cocaine-induced behaviors are modifications in glutamate-mediated signaling and synaptic plasticity via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) within the nucleus accumbens (NAc). We hypothesized that exposure to cocaine leads to alterations in MAPK signaling in NAc neurons, which facilitates changes in the glutamatergic system and thus behavioral changes. We have previously shown that following withdrawal from cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization (BS), an increase in glutamate receptor expression and elevated MAPK signaling was evident. Here, we set out to determine the time course and behavioral consequences of inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or NMDA receptors following withdrawal from BS. We found that inhibiting ERK by microinjection of U0126 into the NAc at 1 or 6 days following withdrawal from BS did not affect the expression of BS when challenged with cocaine at 14 days. However, inhibition of ERK 1 day before the cocaine challenge abolished the expression of BS. We also inhibited NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in the NAc by microinjection of ifenprodil into the NAc following withdrawal from BS, which had no effect on the expression of BS. However, microinjection of ifenprodil to the NAc 1 day before challenge attenuated the expression of BS similar to ERK inhibition. These results suggest that following a prolonged period of withdrawal, NR2B-containing NMDA receptors and ERK activity play a critical role in the expression of cocaine behavioral sensitization.

ERK
Cocaine
Behavioral sensitization
NMDA
Ifenprodil
NR2B


Effect of honey on mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 following acute toxoplasmosis in mice.

Abstract: This study analyzed the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in mice experimentally infected with T. gondii undergoing honey treatment. Thirty male mice were divided in groups: pre-treatment/infected (1), infected/non-treated (2), infected/treated (3), non-infected/treated (4) and control (5). Honey was applied for groups 1, 3, 4 by gavage and the mice in group 1-3 were infected by T. gondii tissue cysts. The parasite load and the level of mRNA expression of the aforementioned cytokines in the brains of mice were assessed by qPCR. The mean number of T. gondii tachyzoite in 1mg brain tissue was 32, 73 and 59 in groups one, two and three, respectively. The mRNA expression of TNF-α increased in group 1, 2 and 3, about 49.1%, 307.3% and 63.2%, respectively but it was down-regulated by 53% in group 4. The mRNA expression of IL-1β and IL-6 was also up-regulated in all groups except group 2. The mRNA level of TNF-α was reduced by 2.7-fold and 1.18-fold in pre-treated/infected (group 1) and infected/treated (group 3) compared with infected/non-treated (group 2). The mRNA level of IL-1β and IL-6 were increased in these groups. The current study demonstrated that honey can stimulate or suppress the mRNA expression of some pro-inflammatory cytokines in mice brains. Furthermore, honey suppresses the TNF-α mRNA expression in the presence of T. gondii infection but it stimulates the IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression. Treatment of the mice with honey reduces parasite multiplication in the brain.

Kalantari|Narges|N| Ghasemi|Masomeh|M| Bayani|Masomeh|M| Ghaffari|Salman|S|