A study on the oil-based drilling cutting pyrolysis residue resource utilization by the exploration and development of shale gas

Abstract

Based on the requirement of national energy conservation and environmental protection, attention has been given to building an environment-friendly and resource-saving society. Shale gas oil-based drilling cutting pyrolysis residues (ODPRs) have been used as the main research object to developing new technology which can convert the residues into a harmless and recyclable material. Using the test data of ODPR, we analyze the development prospect in the building material industry and provide a scheme to utilize this particular solid-waste efficiently. Theoretically speaking, the ODPR resource utilization such as admixture of cement, making sintered brick, and non-fired brick, by the exploration and development of Fuling shale gas is feasible.

http://ift.tt/2r9CyTm

Research on nutrient pollution load in Lake Taihu, China

Abstract

The eutrophication of Lake Taihu is the joint result of internal and external pollution. Research on the sources and flux loads of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) has great significance for the control and management of the eutrophication issues facing Lake Taihu. We used hydrologic and water quality surveys of the surrounding rivers, precipitation investigations, and an experimental simulation of suspended sediment to analyze the sources of TN and TP to Lake Taihu and to estimate the flux loads of TN and TP. Our results indicate that (1) surrounding rivers, atmospheric deposition, and sediment suspension were the three main sources of TN and TP, with annual flux loads of 29.6 thousand t and 2.8 thousand t, respectively; (2) for the flux load of TN, influxes from surrounding rivers accounted for 61.1%, while atmospheric deposition contributed 23.5%, with both of these sources varying seasonally. Total nitrogen released from sediments contributed 15.4% of the TN load of Lake Taihu; (3) for TP flux load, surrounding rivers accounted for 42.8% and also showed seasonal variation. Atmospheric deposition and sediment release accounted for 17.9 and 39.3% with no significant seasonal variation. This article quantitatively analyzed the sources and loads of TN and TP and provided a basis for pollution control in Lake Taihu.

http://ift.tt/2ssEgD9

Modified Frailty Index Score and Perioperative Risk in Laryngectomy : The 11 Variables Included in Modified Frailty Index Assessment : History of diabetes Functional status (not independent at baseline) History of pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease History of congestive cardiac failure History of myocardial infarction History of percutaneous coronary intervention, stent placement, or angina History of hypertension (requiring medical treatment) History of peripheral vascular disease or ischemic rest pain History of impaired sensorium History of transient ischemic attack or cerebrovascular accident History of cerebrovascular accident with neurologic deficit

http://orlhealth.blogspot.com/2017/06/modified-frailty-index-score-and.html

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Barking Cough

https://youtu.be/IgZuVo81298?t=33

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Bovine cough

http://orlhealth.blogspot.com/2017/06/hoarse-voice-and-bovine-cough.html

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pLzezVufJ1o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Hyperspectral X-ray transmission imaging................................3D chemical imaging

http://orlhealth.blogspot.com/2017/06/hyperspectral-x-ray-transmission.html

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Technique: Sizing up tumours with Tuba-seq

http://ift.tt/2sdfEho

Network propagation: a universal amplifier of genetic associations

Network propagation is based on the principle that genes underlying similar phenotypes are more likely to interact with each other. It is proving to be a powerful approach for extracting biological information from molecular networks that is relevant to human disease.

http://ift.tt/2tbfeFi

Persistent lesion hyperintensity on brain diffusion-weighted MRI

http://orlhealth.blogspot.com/2017/06/persistent-lesion-hyperintensity-on.html

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and oliguria : haemoglobin =12.7 g/dL, indirect bilirubin =2.0 mg/dL, haptoglobin ≤6 mg/dL, platelet count =121 000/μL and schistocytes on peripheral smear.

http://orlhealth.blogspot.com/2017/06/nausea-vomiting-loss-of-appetite-and.html

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Estimation of distal arm joint angles from EMG and shoulder orientation for transhumeral prostheses

Publication date: Available online 11 June 2017
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): Aadeel Akhtar, Navid Aghasadeghi, Levi Hargrove, Timothy Bretl
In this paper, we quantify the extent to which shoulder orientation, upper-arm electromyography (EMG), and forearm EMG are predictors of distal arm joint angles during reaching in eight subjects without disability as well as three subjects with a unilateral transhumeral amputation and targeted reinnervation. Prior studies have shown that shoulder orientation and upper-arm EMG, taken separately, are predictors of both elbow flexion/extension and forearm pronation/supination. We show that, for eight subjects without disability, shoulder orientation and upper-arm EMG together are a significantly better predictor of both elbow flexion/extension during unilateral (R2=0.72) and mirrored bilateral (R2=0.72) reaches and of forearm pronation/supination during unilateral (R2=0.77) and mirrored bilateral (R2=0.70) reaches. We also show that adding forearm EMG further improves the prediction of forearm pronation/supination during unilateral (R2=0.82) and mirrored bilateral (R2=0.75) reaches. In principle, these results provide the basis for choosing inputs for control of transhumeral prostheses, both by subjects with targeted motor reinnervation (when forearm EMG is available) and by subjects without target motor reinnervation (when forearm EMG is not available). In particular, we confirm that shoulder orientation and upper-arm EMG together best predict elbow flexion/extension (R2=0.72) for three subjects with unilateral transhumeral amputations and targeted motor reinnervation. However, shoulder orientation alone best predicts forearm pronation/supination (R2=0.88) for these subjects, a contradictory result that merits further study.



http://ift.tt/2r9b2Fo

PRELIM II(EDI BOARD)

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Neuroscience Research, Volume 119





http://ift.tt/2sRTqzm

True lab-in-a-syringe technology for bioassays

Publication date: 1 November 2017
Source:Talanta, Volume 174
Author(s): Lenka Hárendarčíková, Daniel Baron, Andrea Šebestová, Jan Rozsypal, Jan Petr
In our work, we introduced a novel concept of the lab-in-a-syringe tests. We solved the problem of detection in already published LIS tests by putting all the reaction and detection pads directly into the syringe barrel. We also used more layers to make the results visible for users. Two detection layouts: (i) with using rounded pads-based detection, and (ii) with using rectangular detection pads, were studied. As the proof of concept, we studied the determination of Ni(II) using dimethylglyoxime as the reagent and blocking of the interference of Fe(II). The calibrations for Ni(II) at the optimal conditions has excellent R² of 0.998 with production costs of 0.2 USD per one test.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2rflLm9

Table of Contents

Publication date: July–August 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 44





http://ift.tt/2rPJR5h

Prevalence and clinical significance of incidental extra-mammary findings in breast magnetic resonance imaging: A retrospective study of 1070 patients

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Clinical Imaging
Author(s): Wieland Staab, Jan Menke, Christian Sohns, Susanne Wienbeck, Lukas Bauer, Johannes Tammo Kowallick, Frank Konietschke, Thorsten Derlin, Joachim Lotz, Jan Martin Sohns
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of extra-mammary findings in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Materials and methodsData from 1070 consecutive breast MRI studies was analyzed. MR-BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) was used to classify the risk category.ResultsAccording to MR-BI-RADS, 915 (85.5%) of 1070 women were classified into MR-BI-RADS categories 1–3, and 155 (14.5%) into MR-BI-RADS categories 4–5. MR-BI-RADS categories 4–5 had a 10-times higher risk for major extra-mammary findings (odds ratio 10.1, P<0.01).ConclusionExtra-mammary findings are common and may have important clinical consequences.



http://ift.tt/2rkRjSx

Spinal epidural involvement in Erdheim-Chester disease: 18F-FDG PET/CT findings

Publication date: Available online 11 June 2017
Source:Revista Española de Medicina Nuclear e Imagen Molecular
Author(s): A. Biyi, H. Ennouali, S.N. Oueriagli, S.E. Moussaoui, M. Rabhi, A. Doudouh




http://ift.tt/2ta46IV

Error-prone bypass of O6-methylguanine by DNA polymerase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage PaP1

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:DNA Repair
Author(s): Shiling Gu, Jingyuan Xiong, Ying Shi, Jia You, Zhenyu Zou, Xiaoying Liu, Huidong Zhang
O⁶-Methylguanine (O⁶-MeG) is highly mutagenic and is commonly found in DNA exposed to methylating agents, generally leads to G:C to A:T mutagenesis. To study DNA replication encountering O⁶-MeG by the DNA polymerase (gp90) of P. aeruginosa phage PaP1, we analyzed steady-state and pre-steady-state kinetics of nucleotide incorporation opposite O⁶-MeG by gp90 exo⁻. O⁶-MeG partially inhibited full-length extension by gp90 exo⁻. O⁶-MeG greatly reduces dNTP incorporation efficiency, resulting in 67-fold preferential error-prone incorporation of dTTP than dCTP. Gp90 exo⁻ extends beyond T:O⁶-MeG 2-fold more efficiently than C:O⁶-MeG. Incorporation of dCTP opposite G and incorporation of dCTP or dTTP opposite O⁶-MeG show fast burst phases. The pre-steady-state incorporation efficiency (kpol/Kd,dNTP) is decreased in the order of dCTP:G > dTTP:O⁶-MeG > dCTP:O⁶-MeG. The presence of O⁶-MeG at template does not affect the binding affinity of polymerase to DNA but it weakened their binding in the presence of dCTP and Mg²⁺. Misincorporation of dTTP opposite O⁶-MeG further weakens the binding affinity of polymerase to DNA. The priority of dTTP incorporation opposite O⁶-MeG is originated from the fact that dTTP can induce a faster conformational change step and a faster chemical step than dCTP. This study reveals that gp90 bypasses O⁶-MeG in an error-prone manner and provides further understanding in DNA replication encountering mutagenic alkylation DNA damage for P. aeruginosa phage PaP1.



http://ift.tt/2t9Lx7B

MFHAS1 suppresses TLR4 signaling pathway via induction of PP2A C subunit cytoplasm translocation and inhibition of c-Jun dephosphorylation at Thr239

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 88
Author(s): Qiqing Shi, Bo Xiong, Jing Zhong, Huihui Wang, Duan Ma, Changhong Miao
TLR4, an important Toll-like receptor in innate immunity, can be activated by LPS and induce proinflammatory cytokines to resist invasion of pathogenic microorganism, but excessive inflammation can trigger tissue injury. Many genes negatively regulate TLR4 signaling pathway. Recent studies found that malignant fibrous histiocytoma amplified sequence 1 (MFHAS1) suppressed the expression of cytokine IL6 in Raw264.7 cells stimulated by LPS, but the mechanisms remained unclear. This study investigated the role of MFHAS1 in TLR4 signaling pathway and the possible mechanisms implicated. The results indicated that the expression of MFHAS1 was significantly increased in cells stimulated with LPS. Up-regulation of MFHAS1 effectively suppressed inflammatory cytokine expression in cells exposed to LPS, whereas down-regulation of MFHAS1 markedly increased inflammatory cytokines expression. Co-immunoprecipitation, pull-down and immunofluorescence tests demonstrated that MFHAS1 combined with the B and C subunits of PP2A and induced cytoplasm translocation of the C subunit, leading to decrease dephosphorylation of c-Jun at Thr239 and increase degradation of c-Jun. Reduction of c-Jun protein results in decreased AP-1 activity, which is independent of inhibition of JNK or p38MAPK phosphorylation. Taken together, these results indicate that MFHAS1 suppresses TLR4 signaling pathway through induction of PP2A C subunit cytoplasm translocation and subsequent c-Jun degradation, leading finally to decrease AP-1 activity and cytokines expression.



http://ift.tt/2s0fKXm

Enhancing data visualisation to capture the simulator sickness phenomenon: On the usefulness of radar charts

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 13
Author(s): Romain Chaumillon, Thomas Romeas, Charles Paillard, Delphine Bernardin, Guillaume Giraudet, Jean-François Bouchard, Jocelyn Faubert
The data presented in this article are related to the research article entitled "The use of transdermal scopolamine to solve methodological issues raised by gender differences in susceptibility to simulator sickness" (Chaumillon et al., 2017) [1]. In an outstanding first demonstration, Kennedy et al. [2] showed that the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) is an appropriate tool to suit the purposes of characterizing motion sickness experienced in virtual environments. This questionnaire has since been used in many scientific studies. Recently, Balk et al. [3] suggested that the proposed segregation of SSQ scores into three subclasses of symptoms might limit the accuracy of simulator sickness assessment. These authors performed a factor analysis based on SSQ scores obtained from nine studies on driving simulators. Although their factor analysis resulted in the same three orthogonal classes of symptoms as Kennedy et al. [2], unlike this pioneering study, no items were attributed to more than one factor and five items were not attributed to any class of symptoms. As a result, they claimed that an exploration of each item score should give additional cues on individual profiles. To gain a better characterization of such item-by-item exploration, data utilised in this research are shown using a radar chart visualisation.



http://ift.tt/2t9wIBR

Residual Stress Distribution Analysis of Heat Treated APS TBC Using Image Based Modelling

Publication date: Available online 11 June 2017
Source:Data in Brief
Author(s): Chun Li, Xun Zhang, Ying Chen, James Carr, Simon Jacques, Julia Behnsen, Marco di Michiel, Ping Xiao, Robert Cernik
We carried out a residual stress distribution analysis in a APS TBC throughout the depth of the coatings. The samples were heat treated at 1150°C for 190h and the data analysis used image based modelling based on the real 3D images measured by Computed Tomography (CT). The stress distribution in several 2D slices from the 3D model is included in this paper as well as the stress distribution along several paths shown on the slices. Our analysis can explain the occurrence of the "jump" features near the interface between the top coat and the bond coat. These features in the residual stress distribution trend were measured (as a function of depth) by high-energy synchrotron XRD (as shown in our related research article entitled 'Understanding the Residual Stress Distribution through the Thickness of Atmosphere Plasma Sprayed (APS) Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) by high energy Synchrotron XRD; Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Image Based Modelling') [1].



http://ift.tt/2sbNWS5

Experiments on deformation behaviour of functionally graded NiTi structures

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Data in Brief
Author(s): Bashir S. Shariat, Qinglin Meng, Abdus S. Mahmud, Zhigang Wu, Reza Bakhtiari, Junsong Zhang, Fakhrodin Motazedian, Hong Yang, Gerard Rio, Tae-hyun Nam, Yinong Liu
Functionally graded NiTi structures benefit from the combination of the smart properties of NiTi and those of functionally graded structures. This article provides experimental data for thermomechanical deformation behaviour of microstructurally graded, compositionally graded and geometrically graded NiTi alloy components, related to the research article entitled "Functionally graded shape memory alloys: design, fabrication and experimental evaluation" (Shariat et al., 2017) [1]. Stress-strain variation of microstructurally graded NiTi wires is presented at different heat treatment conditions and testing temperatures. The complex 4-way shape memory behaviour of a compositionally graded NiTi strip during one complete thermal cycle is demonstrated. The effects of geometrical design on pseudoelastic behaviour of geometrically graded NiTi plates over tensile loading cycles are presented on the stress-strain diagrams.



http://ift.tt/2t9THge

Automatic segmentation of the lumen region in intravascular images of the coronary artery

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Medical Image Analysis
Author(s): Danilo Samuel Jodas, Aledir Silveira Pereira, João Manuel R.S. Tavares
Image assessment of the arterial system plays an important role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. The segmentation of the lumen and media-adventitia in intravascular (IVUS) images of the coronary artery is the first step towards the evaluation of the morphology of the vessel under analysis and the identification of possible atherosclerotic lesions. In this study, a fully automatic method for the segmentation of the lumen in IVUS images of the coronary artery is presented. The proposed method relies on the K-means algorithm and the mean roundness to identify the region corresponding to the potential lumen. An approach to identify and eliminate side branches on bifurcations is also proposed to delimit the area with the potential lumen regions. Additionally, an active contour model is applied to refine the contour of the lumen region. In order to evaluate the segmentation accuracy, the results of the proposed method were compared against manual delineations made by two experts in 326 IVUS images of the coronary artery. The average values of the Jaccard measure, Hausdorff distance, percentage of area difference and Dice coefficient were 0.88 ± 0.06, 0.29 ± 0.17 mm, 0.09 ± 0.07 and 0.94 ± 0.04, respectively, in 324 IVUS images successfully segmented. Additionally, a comparison with the studies found in the literature showed that the proposed method is slight better than the majority of the related methods that have been proposed. Hence, the new automatic segmentation method is shown to be effective in detecting the lumen in IVUS images without using complex solutions and user interaction.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2rfaoKU

Decreased expression of the ATM gene linked to poor prognosis for gastric cancer of different nationalities in Xinjiang

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Pathology - Research and Practice
Author(s): Mei Han, Lanying Ma, Yanli Qu, Yong Tang
ObjectiveTo explore the clinicopathological significance of ATM gene in the occurrence and prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) from different nationalities in Xinjiang.MethodThe expression of ATM in 385 patients with GC (including 98 Uygurs, 231 Hans and 56 Kazaks) and its corresponding adjacent tissues were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry assay to, analyze its correlations with clinicopathological features and prognosis of GC.ResultsThe ATM expression in GC tissues was significantly decreased when compared to that in adjacent normal tissues of Uygur, Han and Kazak patients in Xinjiang, while Uygurs and Kazaks were much lower than Hans in the ATM expression of GC tissues (all P <0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that Uygur and Kazak patients with ATM-negative tumors had a markedly lower survival rate than patients in Hans (P=0.028), and GC patients with ATM negative expression presented more unfavorable overall survival rate than those with positive expression among the three different nationalities (all P <0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that nationality, ATM expression, TNM staging, depth of invasion, and lymph node metastasis were independent factors affecting the prognosis of GC patients in Xinjiang (all P < 0.05).ConclusionATM was downregulated in GC patients in Xinjiang, especially for Uygurs and Kazaks, which suggested ATM to be an independent indicator of prognosis for GC therapy.



http://ift.tt/2sbtOQ0

An Atypical Presentation of Paget’s Disease of the Breast without Nipple Involvement: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Pathology - Research and Practice
Author(s): Justine S. Broecker, Charles W. Sewell, Bahig M. Shehata, Bahar Memis, Nazmi V. Adsay, Toncred M. Styblo
We present a case of a 63 year-old Caucasian female who developed a right breast skin lesion discrete from the nipple that was subsequently diagnosed as Paget's Disease of the breast (PDB). Imaging did not reveal an underlying breast cancer or involvement of the nipple. The patient underwent a segmental mastectomy preserving the nipple and final pathology demonstrated residual Paget's disease of the skin and did not reveal any additional underlying breast carcinoma. To our knowledge, this case represents the first reported diagnosed case of isolated PDB without nipple involvement.



http://ift.tt/2t9AvPR

Combined primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma with aggressive biological behavior (adverse clinical course): A case report

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Pathology - Research and Practice
Author(s): Yukihiko Okumura, Kenichi Kohashi, Huanlin Wang, Masaki Kato, Yoshihiko Maehara, Yoshihiro Ogawa, Yoshinao Oda
Combined primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PHNEC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very rare malignant hepatic tumor. Its prognosis and histological features are uncertain. Here we report the case of such a tumor in a 70-year-old male Japanese patient with adverse prognosis. The patient underwent a right hepatic lobectomy for a tumor mass that measured 11×10cm in diameter located in the right lobe of the liver, treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (PTPE) therapy five weeks before the operation. Histologically, the hepatic tumor was composed of predominantly HCC and admixed with a small part of neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). The NEC component was distributed as a collision-type tumor separated by fibrous bands from HCC and the combined-type tumor, focally intermingling with HCC. One month after the surgery, metastasis to abdominal lymph nodes and the lumbar vertebra was detected. Although the additional treatments of systematic chemotherapy and radiation therapy were performed, the patient died 3 months after the initial surgery.



http://ift.tt/2sbF4vH

Nuclear β-catenin positivity as a predictive marker of long-term survival in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Pathology - Research and Practice
Author(s): Bence Nagy, László Tóth, Péter Molnár, Gábor Méhes, László Thurzó, Róbert Póka, Zoltán Hernádi




http://ift.tt/2t9mQs7

A polymethoxyflavone mixture extracted from orange peels, mainly containing nobiletin, 3,3’,4’,5,6,7,8-heptamethoxyflavone and tangeretin, suppresses melanogenesis through the acidification of cell organelles, including melanosomes

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Journal of Dermatological Science
Author(s): Norihiro Yoshizaki, Ron Hashizume, Hitoshi Masaki
BackgroundSkin color is determined by melanin contents and its distribution. Melanin is synthesized in melanosomes of melanocytes, catalyzed by tyrosinase, melanogenic enzymes. Regarding the process of melanin synthesis, melanosomal pH is considered to play an important role, because it has been reported to differ between Caucasian and Black melanocytes.ObjectiveAlthough polymethoxyflavone (PMF) has many beneficial effects, it has not been reported which PMF suppresses melanogenesis. In this study, we identified the mechanism underlying the effect of PMF on melanogenesisMethodsWe determined the effects of a PMF mixture extracted from orange peels on melanogenesis, on tyrosinase expression, on the localization of tyrosinase and on the acidification of organelles, including melanosomes, in HM3KO human melanoma cells.Results treatmentwith the PMF mixture elicited the suppression of melanogenesis, the degradation of tyrosinase in lysosomes and the mislocalization of tyrosinase associated with the acidification of intracellular organelles, including melanosomes. The neutralization of cell organelle pH by ammonium chloride restored melanogenesis and the correct localization of tyrosinase to melanosomes, which had been suppressed by the PMF mixture.ConclusionThese results suggest that the PMF mixture suppresses the localization of tyrosinase to melanosomes and consequently inhibits melanogenesis due to the acidification of cell organelles, including melanosomes.



http://ift.tt/2sbuIMz

Induction of skin-pathogenic Th22 cells by epicutaneous allergen exposure

Publication date: Available online 9 June 2017
Source:Journal of Dermatological Science
Author(s): Ivana Glocova, Jürgen Brück, Julia Geisel, Eva Müller-Hermelink, Katja Widmaier, Amir. S. Yazdi, Martin Röcken, Kamran Ghoreschi
BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease with dysfunction of the skin barrier, an abnormal immune response and frequent allergies to environmental antigens like food antigens. Clinical observations suggest that certain diets can influence the course of AD.ObjectiveHere we compared the phenotype of food allergen-specific T cells activated through skin or gut allergen exposure to transfer skin inflammation into naïve recipients upon epicutaenous allergen challenge.MethodsOvalbumin (OVA) TCR-transgenic mice were treated epicutaneously with OVA or were fed OVA. CD4⁺ T cells from skin lymph nodes or mesenteric lymph nodes were transferred into naïve BALB/c mice, which were challenged with OVA epicutaneously. Skin inflammation was determined by histological parameters. In addition, we analyzed the phenotype of the immune response in lymphoid tissues and in skin tissue.ResultsTCR-transgenic T cells activated through epicutaneous or oral OVA exposure both migrate to skin lymph nodes after adoptive transfer and epicutaenous OVA exposure. AD-like skin inflammation could only be induced by the transfer of epicutaneously primed OVA T cells. Analysis of the immune phenotype demonstrated an IL-22/IL-17A-dominated immune phenotype of skin-pathogenic T cells.ConclusionIL-22 seems to be the critical cytokine for the development of AD and is induced in this model by epicutaneous sensitization with OVA.



http://ift.tt/2t9baFE

PLACK syndrome resulting from a new homozygous insertion mutation in CAST

Publication date: Available online 9 June 2017
Source:Journal of Dermatological Science
Author(s): Azzam Alkhalifah, Christine Chiaverini, Pascal Del Giudice, Chavalit Supsrisunjai, Chao-Kai Hsu, Lu Liu, Alexandra Charlesworth, John A. McGrath, Jean-Philippe Lacour




http://ift.tt/2sbc6fA

Keratinocytes as sensors and central players in the immune defense against Staphylococcus aureus in the skin

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Journal of Dermatological Science
Author(s): Katharina Bitschar, Christiane Wolz, Bernhard Krismer, Andreas Peschel, Birgit Schittek
Healthy human skin provides an effective mechanical as well as immunologic barrier against pathogenic microorganisms with keratinocytes as the main cell type in the epidermis actively participating and orchestrating the innate immune response of the skin. As constituent of the outermost layer encountering potential pathogens they have to sense signals from the environment and must be able to initiate a differential immune response to harmless commensals and harmful pathogens. Staphylococci are among the most abundant colonizers of the skin: Whereas Staphylococcus epidermidis is part of the skin microbiota and ubiquitously colonizes human skin, Staphylococcus aureus is only rarely found on healthy human skin, but frequently colonizes the skin of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. This review highlights recent advances in understanding how keratinocytes as sessile innate immune cells orchestrate an effective defense against S. aureus in healthy skin and the mechanisms leading to an impaired keratinocyte function in AD patients.



http://ift.tt/2t901Vd

Diagnostic accuracy of a two-item Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-2)

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 74
Author(s): Quyen Q. Tiet, Yani E. Leyva, Rudolf H. Moos, Brandy Smith
ObjectiveDrug use is prevalent and costly to society, but individuals with drug use disorders (DUDs) are under-diagnosed and under-treated, particularly in primary care (PC) settings. Drug screening instruments have been developed to identify patients with DUDs and facilitate treatment. The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) is one of the most well-known drug screening instruments. However, similar to many such instruments, it is too long for routine use in busy PC settings. This study developed and validated a briefer and more practical DAST for busy PC settings.MethodWe recruited 1300 PC patients in two Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinics. Participants responded to a structured diagnostic interview. We randomly selected half of the sample to develop and the other half to validate the new instrument. We employed signal detection techniques to select the best DAST items to identify DUDs (based on the MINI) and negative consequences of drug use (measured by the Inventory of Drug Use Consequences). Performance indicators were calculated.ResultsThe two-item DAST (DAST-2) was 97% sensitive and 91% specific for DUDs in the development sample and 95% sensitive and 89% specific in the validation sample. It was highly sensitive and specific for DUD and negative consequences of drug use in subgroups of patients, including gender, age, race/ethnicity, marital status, educational level, and posttraumatic stress disorder status.ConclusionsThe DAST-2 is an appropriate drug screening instrument for routine use in PC settings in the VA and may be applicable in broader range of PC clinics.



http://ift.tt/2rk38Zg

A rural/urban comparison of privacy and confidentiality concerns associated with providing sensitive location information in epidemiologic research involving persons who use drugs

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 74
Author(s): Abby E. Rudolph, April M. Young, Jennifer R. Havens
BackgroundAnalyses that link contextual factors with individual-level data can improve our understanding of the "risk environment"; however, the accuracy of information provided by participants about locations where illegal/stigmatized behaviors occur may be influenced by privacy/confidentiality concerns that may vary by setting and/or data collection approach.MethodsWe recruited thirty-five persons who use drugs from a rural Appalachian town and a Mid-Atlantic city to participate in in-depth interviews. Through thematic analyses, we identified and compared privacy/confidentiality concerns associated with two survey methods that (1) collect self-reported addresses/cross-streets and (2) use an interactive web-based map to find/confirm locations in rural and urban settings.ResultsConcerns differed more by setting than between methods. For example, (1) rural participants valued interviewer rapport and protections provided by the Certificate of Confidentiality more; (2) locations considered to be sensitive differed in rural (i.e., others' homes) and urban (i.e., where drugs were used) settings; and (3) urban participants were more likely to view providing cross-streets as an acceptable alternative to providing exact addresses for sensitive locations and to prefer the web-based map approach.ConclusionRural-urban differences in privacy/confidentiality concerns reflect contextual differences (i.e., where drugs are used/purchased, population density, and prior drug-related arrests). Strategies to alleviate concerns include: (1) obtain a Certificate of Confidentiality, (2) collect geographic data at the scale necessary for proposed analyses, and (3) permit participants to provide intersections/landmarks in close proximity to actual locations rather than exact addresses or to skip questions where providing an intersection/landmark would not obfuscate the actual address.



http://ift.tt/2rOCtHu

Elements and inorganic ions as source tracers in recent Greenland snow

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 164
Author(s): Alexandra M. Lai, Martin M. Shafer, Jack E. Dibb, Chris M. Polashenski, James J. Schauer
Atmospheric transport of aerosols leads to deposition of impurities in snow, even in areas of the Arctic as remote as Greenland. Major ions (e.g. Na⁺, Ca²⁺, NH4⁺, K⁺, SO4²⁻) are frequently used as tracers for common aerosol sources (e.g. sea spray, dust, biomass burning, anthropogenic emissions). Trace element data can supplement tracer ion data by providing additional information about sources. Although many studies have considered either trace elements or major ions, few have reported both. This study determined total and water-soluble concentrations of 31 elements (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Dy, Eu, Fe, Gd, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Nb, Nd, Pb, Pr, S, Sb, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ti, V, U, Y, Zn) in shallow snow pits at 22 sampling sites in Greenland, along a transect from Summit Station to sites in the northwest. Black carbon (BC) and inorganic ions were measured in colocated samples. Sodium, which is typically used as a tracer of sea spray, did not appear to have any non-marine sources. The rare earth elements, alkaline earth elements (Mg, Ca, Sr), and other crustal elements (Fe, Si, Ti, V) were not enriched above crustal abundances relative to Al, indicating that these elements are primarily dust sourced. Calculated ratios of non-sea salt Ca (nssCa) to estimated dust mass affirm the use of nssCa as a dust tracer, but suggest up to 50% uncertainty in that estimate in the absence of other crustal element data. Crustal enrichment factors indicated that As, Cd, Pb, non-sea-salt S, Sb, Sn, and Zn were enriched in these samples, likely by anthropogenic sources. Principal component analysis indicated more than one crustal factor, and a variety of factors related to anthropogenically enriched elements. Analysis of trace elements alongside major tracer ions does not change interpretation of ion-based source attribution for sources that are well-characterized by ions, but is valuable for assessing uncertainty in source attribution and identifying sources not represented by major ions.



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Characterization and Targeting of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor alpha (PDGFRA) in Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Neoplasia, Volume 19, Issue 7
Author(s): Madhura Joglekar-Javadekar, Steven Van Laere, Michael Bourne, Manal Moalwi, Pascal Finetti, Peter B. Vermeulen, Daniel Birnbaum, Luc Y. Dirix, Naoto Ueno, Monique Carter, Justin Rains, Abhijit Ramachandran, Francois Bertucci, Kenneth L. van Golen
PURPOSE: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is arguably the deadliest form of breast cancer due to its rapid onset and highly invasive nature. IBC carries 5- and 10-year disease-free survival rates of ~45% and <20%, respectively. Multiple studies demonstrate that in comparison with conventional breast cancer, IBC has a unique molecular identity. Here, we have identified platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) as being uniquely expressed and active in IBC patient tumor cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Here we focus on characterizing and targeting PDGFRA in IBC. Using gene expression, we analyzed IBC patient samples and compared them with non-IBC patient samples. Further, using IBC cells in culture, we determined the effect of small molecules inhibitors in both in vitro and in vivo assays. RESULTS: In IBC patients, we show more frequent PDGFRA activation signature than non-IBC samples. In addition, the PDGFRA activation signature is associated with shorter metastasis-free survival in both uni- and multivariate analyses. We also demonstrate that IBC cells express active PDGFRA. Finally, we show that PDGFRA targeting by crenolanib (CP-868-596), but not imatinib (STI571), two small molecule inhibitors, interferes with IBC cell growth and emboli formation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that PDGFRA may be a promising target for therapy in IBC.



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Cross-talk of MicroRNA and hydrogen sulfide: A novel therapeutic approach for bone diseases

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 92
Author(s): Yuankun Zhai, Suresh C. Tyagi, Neetu Tyagi
Bone homeostasis requires a balance between the bone formation of osteoblasts and bone resorption of osteoclasts to maintain ideal bone mass and bone quality. An imbalance in bone remodeling processes results in bone metabolic disorders such as osteoporosis. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gasotransmitter, has attracted the focus of many researchers due to its multiple physiological functions. It has been implicated in anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, angiogenic, cytoprotective, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. H2S has also been shown to exert osteoprotective activity through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which H2S mitigates bone diseases are not completely understood. Experimental evidence suggests that H2S may regulate signaling pathways by directly influencing a gene in the cascade or interacting with some other gasotransmitter (carbon monoxide or nitric oxide) or both. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs which regulate gene expression by targeting, binding and suppressing mRNAs; thus controlling cell fate. Certainly, bone remodeling is also regulated by miRNAs expression and has been reported in many studies. MicroRNAs also regulate H2S biosynthesis. The inter-regulation of microRNAs and H2S opens a new possibility for exploring the H2S-microRNA crosstalk in bone diseases. However, the relationship between miRNAs, bone development, and H2S is still not well explained. This review focuses on miRNAs and their roles in regulating bone remodeling and possible mechanisms behind H2S mediated bone loss inhibition, H2S-miRNAs crosstalk in relation to the pathophysiology of bone remodeling, and future perspectives for miRNA-H2S as a therapeutic agent for bone diseases.



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Beyond proteome diversity: alternative splicing as a regulator of neuronal transcript dynamics

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 45
Author(s): Oriane Mauger, Peter Scheiffele
Brain development and function are governed by tightly controlled gene expression programs. Transcriptional repertoires in neurons are highly specific to developmental stage, neuronal cell type and can undergo rapid changes upon neuronal stimulation. Dedicated molecular mechanisms are required to achieve such fine-tuned regulation. In addition to transcriptional programs, post-transcriptional processes and notably alternative splicing substantially contribute to the elaboration of neuronal gene expression. While alternative splicing has been viewed primarily as a means for expanding proteome diversity, it emerges to also be a major regulator of transcript levels and dynamics. In this review we will describe some of the principal alternative splicing-linked mechanisms that control neuronal transcriptomes and discuss their implications for the central nervous system.



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Editorial overview: Neurobiology of sleep 2017

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology
Author(s): Thomas S Kilduff, Yang Dan




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Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on dentin collagen

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Dental Materials
Author(s): P. Mehtälä, D.H. Pashley, L. Tjäderhane
ObjectivesInfiltration of adhesive on dentin matrix depends on interaction of surface and adhesive. Interaction depends on dentin wettability, which can be enhanced either by increasing dentin surface energy or lowering the surface energy of adhesive. The objective was to examine the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on demineralized dentin wettability and dentin organic matrix expansion.MethodsAcid-etched human dentin was used for sessile drop contact angle measurement to test surface wetting on 1–5% DMSO-treated demineralized dentin surface, and linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) to measure expansion/shrinkage of dentinal matrix. DMSO-water binary liquids were examined for surface tension changes through concentrations from 0 to 100% DMSO. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests were used to test the differences in dentin wettability, expansion and shrinkage, and Spearman test to test the correlation between DMSO concentration and water surface tension. The level of significance was p<0.05.ResultsPretreatment with 1–5% DMSO caused statistically significant concentration-dependent increase in wetting: the immediate contact angles decreased by 11.8% and 46.6% and 60s contact angles by 9.5% and 47.4% with 1% and 5% DMSO, respectively. DMSO-water mixtures concentration-dependently expanded demineralized dentin samples less than pure water, except with high (≥80%) DMSO concentrations which expanded demineralized dentin more than water. Drying times of LVDT samples increased significantly with the use of DMSO.SignificanceIncreased dentin wettability may explain the previously demonstrated increase in adhesive penetration with DMSO-treated dentin, and together with the expansion of collagen matrix after drying may also explain previously observed increase in dentin adhesive bonding.

Graphical abstract

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Mechanisms of Connectome Development

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Marcus Kaiser
At the centenary of D'Arcy Thompson's seminal work 'On Growth and Form', pioneering the description of principles of morphological changes during development and evolution, recent experimental advances allow us to study change in anatomical brain networks. Here, we outline potential principles for connectome development. We will describe recent results on how spatial and temporal factors shape connectome development in health and disease. Understanding the developmental origins of brain diseases in individuals will be crucial for deciding on personalized treatment options. We argue that longitudinal studies, experimentally derived parameters for connection formation, and biologically realistic computational models are needed to better understand the link between brain network development, network structure, and network function.



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Comparison of the effect of sensory-level and conventional motor-level neuromuscular electrical stimulation on quadriceps strength after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized single-blind trial

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Yosuke Yoshida, Koki Ikuno, Koji Shomoto
ObjectiveTo compare sensory-level neuromuscular electrical stimulation (sNMES) and conventional motor- level neuromuscular electrical stimulation (mNMSE ) in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).DesignA prospective randomized single-blind trial.SettingA hospital total arthroplasty center: inpatients.ParticipantsPatients with osteoarthritis (N=66, 85% women, mean age 73.5±6.3y) were randomized to receive either sNMES applied to the quadriceps (the sNMES group), mNMES (the mNMES group), or no stimulation (the Control group) in addition to a standard rehabilitation program.InterventionsEach type of NMES was applied in 45 minute sessions, 5days/week, for 2 weeks.Main Outcome MeasuresData for the quadriceps maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), the leg skeletal muscle mass determined using multiple frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, the Timed Up and Go test, the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), the visual analogue scale, and the range-of-motion of the knee were measured preoperative and at 2 and 4 weeks after TKA.ResultsThe mNMES (P = 0.001) and sNMES groups (P = 0.028) achieved better MVIC results than the Control group. The mNMES (P = 0.003) and sNMES groups (P = 0.046) achieved better 2MWT results than the Control group. Some patients in the mNMES group dropped out of the experiment due to discomfort.ConclusionThe mNMES significantly improved the muscle strength and functional performance more than the standard program alone. The mNMES was uncomfortable for some patients. The sNMES was comfortable and improved muscle strength and functional performance more than the standard program alone.



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Relationship between head-turn gait speed and lateral balance function in community-dwelling older adults

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Harshvardhan Singh, Ozell Sanders, Sandy McCombe Waller, Woei-Nan Bair, Brock Beamer, Robert A. Creath, Mark W. Rogers
ObjectiveTo determine and compare gait speed during head-forward and side-to-side head-turn walking in individuals with lower versus greater lateral balance.DesignCross-sectional studySettingUniversity research laboratoryParticipantsNinety-three older adults (42 men and 51 women) aged 73 ± 6.08 years who could walk independently participated in this study.Main Outcome Measures1) 'balance tolerance limit' (BTL), defined as the lowest perturbation intensity where a multistep balance recovery pattern was first evoked in response to randomized lateral waist-pull perturbations of standing balance to the left and right sides, at six different intensities (range from level two: 4.5 cm displacement at 180cm/s² acceleration to level seven: 22.5 cm displacement at 900cm/s² acceleration), 2) gait speed, 3) balance, and 4) mobility using an instrumented gait mat, Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) and Activities-Specific Confidence (ABC) scale, respectively.ResultsIndividuals with low versus high BTL had slower self-selected head-forward gait speed (HFGS) and head-turn gait speed (HTGS) (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively); the magnitude of difference was greater in HTGS than HFGS (Cohen's d = 1.0 versus 0.6). HTGS best predicted BTL. BTL was moderately and positively related (p = 0.003) to the ABC and negatively related (p = 0.017) to TUG.ConclusionsHTGS is affected to a greater extent than HFGS in older individuals with poorer lateral balance and at greater risk of falls. Moreover, HTGS can be used to assess the interactions of limitations in lateral balance function and gait speed in relation to fall risk in older adults.



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Trends in rehabilitation services use in Chinese children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities: 2007- 2013

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Ping He, Chao Guo, Yanan Luo, Xu Wen, JM Ian Salas, Gong Chen, Xiaoying Zheng
ObjectiveTo investigate trends in rehabilitation services use in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and to explore factors potentially contributing to the trends.DesignA population-based study using a multistage, randomized, cluster sampling process to ascertain participants in 2006, and a sub-sample was selected for follow-up surveys from 2007 to 2013.Setting31 provinces of China.ParticipantsChildren aged 0-17 years with intellectual disabilities were followed up for 7 years, with a total of 5,432 samples.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresThe outcome variable was whether individuals received at least one of rehabilitation services (occupational, physical, and speech or communication therapy) in the past 12 months.ResultsOverall, the utilization rates of rehabilitation services significantly increased from 14.4% in 2007 to 37.1% in 2013; and the trends were also significant in children aged 0-10 and 11-17 years, in males and females, and in rural participants. From 2007 to 2013, rehabilitation services utilization increased at an annual rate of 22.39% (95% CI: 18.11%, 26.82%) in the total sample. The rise was only significant in rural rather than urban individuals, resulting in the urban-rural gap in rehabilitation services use being narrowed. However, the minorities and those without health insurance still received fewer rehabilitation services than their respective counterparts.ConclusionsThere were upward trends in rehabilitation services use in participants over time, and the urban-rural gap was narrowed. However, there were still socioeconomic differences, in the form of ethnicity and health insurance, on rehabilitation services use among children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities.



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Effect of friction spot welding (FSpW) on the surface corrosion behavior of overlapping AA6181-T4/Ti-6Al-4V joints

Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): G.S. Vacchi, A.H. Plaine, R. Silva, V.L. Sordi, U.F.H. Suhuddin, N.G. Alcântara, S.E. Kuri, C.A.D. Rovere
The microstructural, mechanical and corrosion behavior of the surface of an AA6181-T4 aluminum alloy overlap welded onto Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy by friction spot welding (FSpW) was analyzed based on optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microhardness and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. The results indicated that the FSpW process modified the microstructure of the AA6181-T4 aluminum alloy, as indicated mainly by the size, type and quantity of precipitates in various welding regions. The microhardness tests showed similar hardness values in the stir zone (SZ) and base metal (BM), which was ascribed to the breakdown and homogenization of precipitates in the SZ. On the other hand, the heat affected zone (HAZ) showed the lowest hardness, which was attributed to the coalescence of Mg2Si precipitates caused by the thermal cycle of the welding process. The potentiodynamic polarization tests indicated that the SZ showed the highest pitting potential due to the refined microstructure in this zone. SEM images recorded after potentiodynamic polarization testing indicated that preferential sites for pitting nucleation were regions adjacent to the Al (Fe, Si, Mn, Mg) precipitates, and the mildest corrosive attack was found in the SZ.

Graphical abstract

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Trim Labiaplasty

Summary: A labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the length of redundant labia minora. The trim, also known as edge excision, linear, and amputation labiaplasty, is a technique commonly used. Complications associated with a trim labiaplasty include overresection and scalloped labia edges. This video features an operative technique that aims to reduce labia minora to an appropriate final length with smooth, unscalloped edges.

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Minimal Pain Local Anesthetic Injection with Blunt Tipped Cannula for Wide Awake Upper Blepharoplasty

No abstract available

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Engaging Undergraduates in Research: Designing and Developing a One-Semester, Course-Based Research Project

Publication date: Available online 11 June 2017
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Michelle Battista Hesse, Carolyn Schubert




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Shield effect of polyaniline between zinc active material and aqueous electrolyte in zinc-air batteries

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Applied Surface Science, Volume 422
Author(s): Yong Nam Jo, Suk Hyun Kang, K. Prasanna, Seung Wook Eom, Chang Woo Lee
The self-discharge behavior of zinc-air batteries is a critical issue that is induced by corrosion and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of zinc anodes. Polyaniline (PANI) coatings help control the HER and the corrosion reaction. Herein, PANI is synthesized with different amounts of HCl (20, 50, 100ml). Among these, the PANI synthesized using 20ml of HCl (20PANI@Zn) is the most effective for reducing the self-discharge behavior because it provides more amount of coating layer on the surfaces of the zinc particles compared to other prepared materials. This layer prevents direct contact between zinc and the aqueous electrolyte and minimize HER. The 20PANI@Zn shows 85% corrosion inhibition efficiency against pure zinc and results in 97.81% capacity retention after 24h storage against no-storage condition at ambient temperature.

Graphical abstract

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Geochemical landscapes as drivers of trace and toxic element profiles in wild red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Publication date: 1 December 2017
Source:Science of The Total Environment, Volumes 601–602
Author(s): Andrew S. French, David Shaw, Stuart W. Gibb, Mark A. Taggart
Tissue concentrations of essential trace and toxic elements in red deer (Cervus elaphus) are associated with the plants, soil and water they ingest. As such, variation in tissue concentrations is associated with variation in local geochemistry and bioavailability of elements. Physiological factors such as liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) infection, breeding status, and in-tissue element interactions may also affect tissue concentrations, though their effects in red deer are not well understood. The primary objective of this study was therefore to survey wild red deer liver element concentrations across a range of geographically distinct populations during the Scottish red deer stalking season; and, in so doing, establishes element reference ranges while also exploring geographic and temporal variation and physiological factors. Livers were sampled from carcasses intended for human consumption on nine hunting estates during two seasons (2012–13, 2013–14). Samples were digested and analysed by ICP-OES for essential trace elements (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, Zn) and for Cd. Data (n=787) were modelled against cull location, date, and F. hepatica diagnosis. Interactions between elements within liver, and differences in element profiles between estates, were explored by principal component analysis. Our results revealed marked geographic variation in Cd, Cu and Se, where up to four-fold differences in median element concentrations occurred between estates, and, in males, Mn, Mo and Zn declined as the breeding season approached. In both sexes, within-liver associations (Cd-Cu-Se and Mn-Mo-Zn) were found. In females, liver Zn was greater on average in individuals that were not infected with F. hepatica. This study is the first to quantify geographic variation in Scottish red deer liver element concentrations; the drivers of which remain to be explored (and may be management related), and, the consequence of which may affect sub-clinical health.

Graphical abstract

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Metal accumulation in soils derived from volcano-sedimentary rocks, Rio Itapicuru Greenstone Belt, northeastern Brazil

Publication date: 1 December 2017
Source:Science of The Total Environment, Volumes 601–602
Author(s): Laíse Milena Ribeiro dos Santos, Thomas Vincent Gloaguen, Francisco de Souza Fadigas, Joselisa Maria Chaves, Tamires Moraes Oliveira Martins
Many countries and some Brazilian regions have defined the guideline values for metals in soils. However, the local geological features may be so heterogeneous that global or even regional guideline values cannot be applied. The Greenstone Belts are worldwide geological formations of vast extension, containing mineralization of various metals (e.g., Au, Cr, Ni, and Ag). Natural concentrations of soils must be known to correctly assess the impact of mining. We studied the soils of the Rio Itapicuru Greenstone Belt (RIGB), of Paleoproterozoic age, sampling at 24 sites (0–0.20m) in the areas not or minimally human impacted, equally distributed in the three units of the RIGB: Volcanic Mafic Unit (VMU), Volcanic Felsic Unit (VFU), and Volcano-clastic Sedimentary Unit (SU). The natural pseudo-total concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe, and Mn were obtained by acid digestion (EPA3050b) both in the soil and the particle-size fractions (sand and clay+silt). The concentrations of metals in RIGB soils, especially Cr and Ni, are generally higher than those reported for other regions of Brazil or other countries. Even the sedimentary soils have relatively high metal values, naturally contaminated by the VMU of the RIGB; a potential impact on Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary rocks located near the study region is highly expected. Metals are concentrated (80%) in the fine particle-size fraction, implying an easy availability through surface transport (wind and runoff). We introduced a new index, called the Fe-independent accumulation factor – AF-Fe, which reveals that 90–98% of the dynamics of the trace metals is associated with the iron geochemical cycle. We primarily conclude that determining the guideline values for different soil classes in variable geological/geochemical environment and under semiarid climate is meaningless: the concentration of metals in soils is clearly more related to the source material than to the pedogenesis processes.

Graphical abstract

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Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF) acts as an activator of estrogen receptor signaling in breast cancer cells and the effect can be abrogated by 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Johan Lundqvist, Tove Kirkegaard, Anne-Vibeke Laenkholm, Anne Katrine Duun-Henriksen, Martin Bak, David Feldman, Anne E. Lykkesfeldt
A majority of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancers are growth stimulated by estrogens. The ability to inhibit the ER signaling pathway is therefore of critical importance in the current treatment of ER+ breast cancers. It has been reported that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 down-regulates the expression of the CYP19A1 gene, encoding the aromatase enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of estradiol. Furthermore, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 has also been reported to down-regulate the expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα), the main mediator of ER signaling.This study reports a novel transcription factor critical to 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-mediated regulation of estrogenic signaling in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We have investigated the molecular mechanisms for the 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-mediated down-regulation of CYP19A1 and ERα gene expression in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells and found that Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF) plays a key role by binding to the promoters of CYP19A1 and ERα. Although sometimes reported as an inhibitor of gene expression, we found that WSTF acts as an activator of the promoter activity of both CYP19A1 and ERα. Silencing of WSTF by siRNA transfection resulted in decreased aromatase-dependent cell growth as well as decreased ER signaling in the cells. When cells were treated with 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, WSTF was dissociated from the promoters and the promoter activities of CYP19A1 and ERα were decreased. We have measured the expression of WSTF in ER-positive tumor-samples from breast cancer patients and found that WSTF is expressed in the majority of the investigated samples and that the expression is higher in cancer tissue than in normal tissue. However, we were not able to show any significant association between the WSTF expression in the tumor and the disease free and overall survival in this patient group who have received adjuvant tamoxifen treatment, nor between the WSTF expression and the expression of ERα, progesterone receptor or HER2. The major conclusions of this study are that WSTF acts as an activator of ER signaling in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, that this action can be inhibited by 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and that the expression of WSTF is higher in breast cancer tissue than in normal tissue. WSTF may by a new target for treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell growth.



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Comparative proteomic analysis provides insight into the biological role of protein phosphatase inhibitor-2 from Arabidopsis

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Nagib Ahsan, Mingjie Chen, Fernanda Salvato, Rashaun S. Wilson, R. Shyama Prasad Rao, Jay J. Thelen
Protein phosphatase inhibitor-2 (PPI-2) is a conserved eukaryotic effector protein that inhibits type one protein phosphatases (TOPP). A transfer-DNA knockdown of AtPPI-2 resulted in stunted growth in both vegetative and reproductive phases of Arabidopsis development. At the cellular level, AtPPI-2 knockdown had 35 to 40% smaller cells in developing roots and leaves. This developmental phenotype was rescued by transgenic expression of the AtPPI-2 cDNA behind a constitutive promoter. Comparative proteomics of developing leaves of wild type (WT) and AtPPI-2 mutant revealed reduced levels of proteins associated with chloroplast development, ribosome biogenesis, transport, and cell cycle regulation processes. Decreased abundance of several ribosomal proteins, a DEAD box RNA helicase family protein (AtRH3), Clp protease (ClpP3) and proteins associated with cell division suggests a bottleneck in chloroplast ribosomal biogenesis and cell cycle regulation in AtPPI-2 mutant plants. In contrast, eight out of nine Arabidopsis TOPP isoforms were increased at the transcript level in AtPPI-2 leaves compared to WT. A protein-protein interaction network revealed that >75% of the differentially accumulated proteins have at least secondary and/or tertiary connections with AtPPI-2. Collectively, these data reveal a potential basis for the growth defects of AtPPI-2 and support the presumed role of AtPPI-2 as a master regulator for TOPPs, which regulate diverse growth and developmental processes.Biological significanceComparative label-free proteomics was used to characterize an AtPPI-2T-DNA knockdown mutant. The complex, reduced growth phenotype supports the notion that AtPPI-2 is a global regulator of TOPPs, and possibly other proteins. Comparative proteomics revealed a range of differences in protein abundance from various cellular processes such as chloroplast development, ribosome biogenesis, and transporter activity in the AtPPI-2 mutant relative to WT Arabidopsis. Collectively the results of proteomic analysis and the protein-protein network suggest that AtPPI-2 is involved in a wide range of biological processes either directly or indirectly including plastid biogenesis, translational mechanisms, and cell cycle regulation. The proposed protein interaction network comprises a testable model underlying changes in protein abundance in the AtPPI-2 mutant, and provides a better framework for future studies.

Graphical abstract

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