bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of the mitotic exit network during meiosis
Authors: Attner Michelle A. , Amon Angelika
Published: June 2012

The mitotic exit network (MEN) is an essential GTPase signaling pathway that triggers exit from mitosis in budding yeast. We show here that during meiosis, the MEN is dispensable for exit from meiosis I but contributes to the timely exit from meiosis II. Consistent with a role for the MEN during meiosis II, we find that the signaling pathway is active only during meiosis II. Our analysis further shows that MEN signaling is modulated during meiosis in several key ways. Whereas binding of MEN components to spindle pole bodies (SPBs) is necessary for MEN signaling during mitosis, during meiosis MEN signaling occurs off SPBs and does not require the SPB recruitment factor Nud1. Furthermore, unlike during mitosis, MEN signaling is controlled through the regulated interaction between the MEN kinase Dbf20 and its activating subunit Mob1. Our data lead to the conclusion that a pathway essential for vegetative growth is largely dispensable for the specialized meiotic divisions and provide insights into how cell cycle regulatory pathways are modulated to accommodate different modes of cell division.
DNA polymerization-independent functions of DNA polymerase epsilon in assembly and progression of the replisome in fission yeast
Authors: Handa Tetsuya , Kanke Mai , Takahashi Tatsuro S. , Nakagawa Takuro , Masukata Hisao
Published: June 2012

DNA polymerase epsilon (Pol ε) synthesizes the leading strands, following the CMG (Cdc45, Mcm2-7, and GINS [Go-Ichi-Nii-San]) helicase that translocates on the leading-strand template at eukaryotic replication forks. Although Pol ε is essential for the viability of fission and budding yeasts, the N-terminal polymerase domain of the catalytic subunit, Cdc20/Pol2, is dispensable for viability, leaving the following question: what is the essential role(s) of Pol ε? In this study, we investigated the essential roles of Pol ε using a temperature-sensitive mutant and a recently developed protein-depletion (off-aid) system in fission yeast. In cdc20-ct1 cells carrying mutations in the C-terminal domain of Cdc20, the CMG components, RPA, Pol α, and Pol δ were loaded onto replication origins, but Cdc45 did not translocate from the origins, suggesting that Pol ε is required for CMG helicase progression. In contrast, depletion of Cdc20 abolished the loading of GINS and Cdc45 onto origins, indicating that Pol ε is essential for assembly of the CMG complex. These results demonstrate that Pol ε plays essential roles in both the assembly and progression of CMG helicase.
Ugo Fano. 28 July 1912 — 13 February 2001
Authors: Berry R. Stephen , Inokuti Mitio , Rau A. R. P.
Published: June 2012

Ugo Fano was a lively, challenging and creative physicist, known for his wide-ranging studies in atomic physics, radiological physics and radiation biology, and statistical physics and relaxation. He stimulated and guided a cadre of students, postdoctoral associates, and colleagues whose admiration and affection for him continued, as did their interactions with him, throughout his life.
Genetic evolution of the neuraminidase of influenza A (H3N2) viruses from 1968 to 2009 and its correspondence to haemagglutinin evolution
Authors: Westgeest Kim B. , de Graaf Miranda , Fourment Mathieu , Bestebroer Theo M. , van Beek Ruud , Spronken Monique I. J. , de Jong Jan C. , Rimmelzwaan Guus F. , Russell Colin A. , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Smith Gavin J. D. , Smith Derek J. , Fouchier Ron A. M.
Published: June 2012

Each year, influenza viruses cause epidemics by evading pre-existing humoral immunity through mutations in the major glycoproteins: the haemagglutinin (HA) and the neuraminidase (NA). In 2004, the antigenic evolution of HA of human influenza A (H3N2) viruses was mapped (Smith et al., Science
305, 371–376, 2004) from its introduction in humans in 1968 until 2003. The current study focused on the genetic evolution of NA and compared it with HA using the dataset of Smith and colleagues, updated to the epidemic of the 2009/2010 season. Phylogenetic trees and genetic maps were constructed to visualize the genetic evolution of NA and HA. The results revealed multiple reassortment events over the years. Overall rates of evolutionary change were lower for NA than for HA1 at the nucleotide level. Selection pressures were estimated, revealing an abundance of negatively selected sites and sparse positively selected sites. The differences found between the evolution of NA and HA1 warrant further analysis of the evolution of NA at the phenotypic level, as has been done previously for HA.
Feline infectious peritonitis virus with a large deletion in the 5′-terminal region of the spike gene retains its virulence for cats
Authors: Terada Yutaka , Shiozaki Yuto , Shimoda Hiroshi , Mahmoud Hassan Youssef Abdel Hamid , Noguchi Keita , Nagao Yumiko , Shimojima Masayuki , Iwata Hiroyuki , Mizuno Takuya , Okuda Masaru , Morimoto Masahiro , Hayashi Toshiharu , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Mochizuki Masami , Maeda Ken
Published: June 2012

In this study, the Japanese strain of type I feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), C3663, was found to have a large deletion of 735 bp within the gene encoding the spike (S) protein, with a deduced loss of 245 aa of the N-terminal region of the S protein. This deletion is similar to that observed in porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCoV) when compared to transmissible gastroenteritis virus, which correlates with reduced virulence. By analogy to PRCoV, we expected that the pathogenicity of C3663 may be attenuated in cats. However, two of four cats inoculated with C3663 died of FIP, and a third C3663-inoculated cat showed FIP lesions at 91 days after challenge. These results indicate that the 5′-terminal region of the S gene is not essential for the development of FIP.
Bmi1 facilitates primitive endoderm formation by stabilizing Gata6 during early mouse development
Authors: Lavial Fabrice , Bessonnard Sylvain , Ohnishi Yusuke , Tsumura Akiko , Chandrashekran Anil , Fenwick Mark A. , Tomaz Rute A. , Hosokawa Hiroyuki , Nakayama Toshinori , Chambers Ian , Hiiragi Takashi , Chazaud Claire , Azuara Véronique
Published: June 2012

The transcription factors Nanog and Gata6 are critical to specify the epiblast versus primitive endoderm (PrE) lineages. However, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate the protein stability and activity of these factors in the developing embryo. Here we uncover an early developmental function for the Polycomb group member Bmi1 in supporting PrE lineage formation through Gata6 protein stabilization. We show that Bmi1 is enriched in the extraembryonic (endoderm [XEN] and trophectodermal stem [TS]) compartment and repressed by Nanog in pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells. In vivo, Bmi1 overlaps with the nascent Gata6 and Nanog protein from the eight-cell stage onward before it preferentially cosegregates with Gata6 in PrE progenitors. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that Bmi1 interacts with Gata6 in a Ring finger-dependent manner to confer protection against Gata6 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. A direct role for Bmi1 in cell fate allocation is established by loss-of-function experiments in chimeric embryoid bodies. We thus propose a novel regulatory pathway by which Bmi1 action on Gata6 stability could alter the balance between Gata6 and Nanog protein levels to introduce a bias toward a PrE identity in a cell-autonomous manner.
Silencing Nicotiana attenuata Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases, CDPK4 and CDPK5, Strongly Up-Regulates Wound- and Herbivory-Induced Jasmonic Acid Accumulations
Authors: Yang Da-Hai , Hettenhausen Christian , Baldwin Ian T. , Wu Jianqiang
Published: June 2012

The plant hormone jasmonic acid (JA) plays a pivotal role in plant-insect interactions. Herbivore attack usually elicits dramatic increases in JA concentrations, which in turn activate the accumulation of metabolites that function as defenses against herbivores. Although almost all enzymes involved in the biosynthesis pathway of JA have been identified and characterized, the mechanism by which plants regulate JA biosynthesis remains unclear. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are plant-specific proteins that sense changes in [Ca2+] to activate downstream responses. We created transgenic Nicotiana attenuata plants, in which two CDPKs, NaCDPK4 and NaCDPK5, were simultaneously silenced (IRcdpk4/5 plants). IRcdpk4/5 plants were stunted and aborted most of their flower primordia. Importantly, after wounding or simulated herbivory, IRcdpk4/5 plants accumulated exceptionally high JA levels. When NaCDPK4 and NaCDPK5 were silenced individually, neither stunted growth nor high JA levels were observed, suggesting that NaCDPK4 and NaCDPK5 have redundant roles. Attack from Manduca sexta larvae on IRcdpk4/5 plants induced high levels of defense metabolites that slowed M. sexta growth. We found that NaCDPK4 and NaCDPK5 affect plant resistance against insects in a JA- and JA-signaling-dependent manner. Furthermore, IRcdpk4/5 plants showed overactivation of salicylic-acid-induced protein kinase, a mitogen-activated protein kinase involved in various stress responses, and genetic analysis indicated that the increased salicylic-acid-induced protein kinase activity in IRcdpk4/5 plants was a consequence of the exceptionally high JA levels and was dependent on CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1. This work reveals the critical roles of CDPKs in modulating JA homeostasis and highlights the complex duet between JA and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling.
SEMI-ROLLED LEAF1 Encodes a Putative Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Protein and Modulates Rice Leaf Rolling by Regulating the Formation of Bulliform Cells
Authors: Xiang Jing-Jing , Zhang Guang-Heng , Qian Qian , Xue Hong-Wei
Published: June 2012

Leaf rolling is an important agronomic trait in rice (Oryza sativa) breeding and moderate leaf rolling maintains the erectness of leaves and minimizes shadowing between leaves, leading to improved photosynthetic efficiency and grain yields. Although a few rolled-leaf mutants have been identified and some genes controlling leaf rolling have been isolated, the molecular mechanisms of leaf rolling still need to be elucidated. Here we report the isolation and characterization of SEMI-ROLLED LEAF1 (SRL1), a gene involved in the regulation of leaf rolling. Mutants srl1-1 (point mutation) and srl1-2 (transferred DNA insertion) exhibit adaxially rolled leaves due to the increased numbers of bulliform cells at the adaxial cell layers, which could be rescued by complementary expression of SRL1. SRL1 is expressed in various tissues and is expressed at low levels in bulliform cells. SRL1 protein is located at the plasma membrane and predicted to be a putative glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein. Moreover, analysis of the gene expression profile of cells that will become epidermal cells in wild type but probably bulliform cells in srl1-1 by laser-captured microdissection revealed that the expression of genes encoding vacuolar H+-ATPase (subunits A, B, C, and D) and H+-pyrophosphatase, which are increased during the formation of bulliform cells, were up-regulated in srl1-1. These results provide the transcript profile of rice leaf cells that will become bulliform cells and demonstrate that SRL1 regulates leaf rolling through inhibiting the formation of bulliform cells by negatively regulating the expression of genes encoding vacuolar H+-ATPase subunits and H+-pyrophosphatase, which will help to understand the mechanism regulating leaf rolling.
The CopRS Two-Component System Is Responsible for Resistance to Copper in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Giner-Lamia Joaquín , López-Maury Luis , Reyes José C. , Florencio Francisco J.
Published: June 2012

Photosynthetic organisms need copper for cytochrome oxidase and for plastocyanin in the fundamental processes of respiration and photosynthesis. However, excess of free copper is detrimental inside the cells and therefore organisms have developed homeostatic mechanisms to tightly regulate its acquisition, sequestration, and efflux. Herein we show that the CopRS two-component system (also known as Hik31-Rre34) is essential for copper resistance in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. It regulates expression of a putative heavy-metal efflux-resistance nodulation and division type copper efflux system (encoded by copBAC) as well as its own expression (in the copMRS operon) in response to the presence of copper in the media. Mutants in this two-component system or the efflux system render cells more sensitive to the presence of copper in the media and accumulate more intracellular copper than the wild type. Furthermore, CopS periplasmic domain is able to bind copper, suggesting that CopS could be able to detect copper directly. Both operons (copMRS and copBAC) are also induced by the photosynthetic inhibitor 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone but this induction requires the presence of copper in the media. The reduced response of two mutant strains to copper, one lacking plastocyanin and a second one impaired in copper transport to the thylakoid, due to the absence of the PI-type ATPases PacS and CtaA, suggests that CopS can detect intracellular copper. In addition, a tagged version of CopS with a triple HA epitope localizes to both the plasma and the thylakoid membranes, suggesting that CopS could be involved in copper detection in both the periplasm and the thylakoid lumen.
Tectono‐sedimentary evolution of the western Corinth rift (Central Greece)
Authors: Ford Mary , Rohais Sebastian , Williams Edward A. , Bourlange Sylvain , Jousselin David , Backert Nicolas , Malartre Fabrice
Published: June 2012

The Corinth rift (Greece) is one of the world's most active rifts. The early Plio‐Pleistocene rift is preserved in the northern Peloponnese peninsula, south of the active Corinth rift. Although chronostratigraphic resolution is limited, new structural, stratigraphic and sedimentological data for an area >400 km2 record early rift evolution in three phases separated by distinct episodes of extension rate acceleration and northward fault migration associated with major erosion. Minimum total N–S extension is estimated at 6.4–7.7 km. The earliest asymmetrical, broad rift accommodated slow extension (0.6–1 mm a−1) over >3 Myrs and closed to the west. North‐dipping faults with throws of 1000–2200 m defined narrow blocks (4–7 km) with little footwall relief. A N‐NE flowing antecedent river system infilled significant inherited relief (Lower group). In the earliest Pleistocene, significant fluvial incision coincided with a 15 km northward rift margin migration. Extension rates increased to 2–2.5 mm a−1. The antecedent rivers then built giant Gilbert‐type fan deltas (Middle group) north into a deepening lacustrine/marine basin. N‐dipping, basin margin faults accommodated throws <1500 m. Delta architecture records initiation, growth and death of this fault system over ca. 800 ka. In the Middle Pleistocene, the rift margin again migrated 5 km north. Extension rate increased to 3.4–4.8 mm a−1. This transition may correspond to an unconformity in offshore lithostratigraphy. Middle group deltas were uplifted and incised as new hangingwall deltas built into the Gulf (Upper group). A final increase to present‐day extension rates (11–16 mm a−1) probably occurred in the Holocene. Fault and fault block dimensions did not change significantly with time suggesting control by crustal rheological layering. Extension rate acceleration may be due to strain softening or to regional tectonic factors.
Study of the acid‐base properties of a peat soil and its humin and humic acid fractions
Authors: López R. , Gondar D. , Antelo J. , Fiol S. , Arce F.
Published: June 2012

For accurate interpretation of cation binding to natural organic matter, the proton binding behaviour of both solid and dissolved natural organic matter must first be established. In the present study, potentiometric titrations of samples of humin and humic acid extracted from a peat soil were performed at different ionic strengths. Humic acid (HA) samples in solution (dissolved humic acid, DHA) and in suspension (aggregated humic acid, AHA) were titrated. The corresponding charge curves were analysed with the NICA‐Donnan model and the results were compared with those previously obtained for the peat soil. Good reproduction of the DHA charge curves was obtained, and in the case of the AHA, the exact forms of the charge curves were not reproduced at pH < 6 because of the conformational changes and dissolution of the sample that took place throughout the titration. The peat and humin displayed similar proton binding behaviour, which was different to that of the humic acid. With the Donnan approach, the value of parameter b, that relates the Donnan volume to the ionic strength, was the same for peat and humin and less than that of the humic acid, for both the dissolved samples and those in suspension, indicating that the effect of ionic strength on the charge is greater in the peat and humin than in the HA. The ratio between the contents of phenolic groups and of carboxylic groups was greater in peat and humin than in humic acid. The model used revealed that the acid‐base behaviour of the peat is closer to that of the humin than to that of the humic acid.
Salinity decreases dissolved organic carbon in the rhizosphere and increases trace element phyto‐accumulation
Authors: Ondrasek G. , Rengel Z. , Romic D. , Savic R.
Published: June 2012

Soil degradation processes, such as organic matter (OM) depletion, accompanied by metal contamination and salinization are becoming a serious threat to crop production and human food security. A glasshouse study was conducted to assess a factorial combination of salinity (0, 20, 40 and 60 mm NaCl) and cadmium (Cd) (0.3, 2.5 and 5.4 mg Cd kg−1) in organic soil (>90% OM) and their influence on dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the rhizosphere and phyto‐accumulation in radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. sativus). A 34‐day exposure to increasing NaCl salinity significantly decreased DOC concentration in the radish rhizosphere solution and increased trace element (copper, Cu; zinc, Zn; and Cd) concentrations in the rhizosphere as well as in leaf/fruit tissues of radish. Soil contamination by Cd progressively raised concentrations in soil solution, but markedly reduced total concentration of Cu and Zn in the rhizosphere and leaves of radish. The NICA‐Donnan chemical speciation/distribution modelling confirmed the predominance of dissolved organic reactive surfaces (from fulvic acid for example) in Cu and Cd chemisorption/complexation processes over the whole range of applied NaCl and Cd treatments. In contrast, Zn speciation was dominated by an organically‐complexed pool at low salinity (0–20 mm NaCl), and free Zn2+ was the most important species at increased salinity (≥40 mm NaCl). In conclusion, because of the diminished pool of DOC under excessive salinity, the biogeochemistry of Cu, Zn and Cd in the rhizosphere can be affected in a way that would enhance solubility and phyto‐accumulation of these trace metals in food crops.
Down‐regulation of the microRNA processing enzyme Dicer is a prognostic factor in human colorectal cancer
Authors: Faggad Areeg , Kasajima Atsuko , Weichert Wilko , Stenzinger Albrecht , Elwali Nasr Eldin , Dietel Manfred , Denkert Carsten
Published: June 2012

Faggad A, Kasajima A, Weichert W, Stenzinger A, Elwali N E, Dietel M & Denkert C  (2012) Histopathology 61, 552–561

Down‐regulation of the microRNA processing enzyme Dicer is a prognostic factor in human colorectal cancer

Aims:  MicroRNA deregulation is a key feature of cancer; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying deregulation are unknown. Dicer is a central enzyme in microRNA processing essential for production of mature microRNAs which, in turn, regulate gene expression post‐transcription. The aim was to investigate whether Dicer expression in colorectal cancer correlates with conventional clinicopathological parameters and patient survival.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemical staining for Dicer was performed on tissue microarrays of 331 samples from patients with primary colorectal carcinoma. A subset (19.6%) of colorectal carcinomas was negative for Dicer. Dicer protein expression was associated significantly and inversely with disease (WHO) stage (P = 0.029), tumour grade (P = 0.001), tumour stage (P = 0.022) and nodal metastasis (P = 0.004). Negative expression of Dicer correlated significantly with shortened overall survival (P = 0.007) and was independent of other prognostic factors in multivariate analysis (Cox regression: P = 0.035, hazard ratio=1.6; 95% confidence interval 1.034–2.513). Additionally, in univariate analysis, an association of Dicer expression with survival was observed in subsets of patients without metastasis (P = 0.026), older patients (P = 0.005) and patients with advanced tumour stage (P = 0.022).

Conclusion:  Dicer deregulation is linked significantly to adverse disease state and decreased overall survival in colorectal cancer. Our data suggest that reduced Dicer expression might contribute to tumour progression in colorectal cancer.
Peripheral T cell and natural killer (NK) T cell lymphomas: a clinicopathological study from a single Australian centre
Authors: McKelvie Penelope A , Thompson Philip A , Tam Constantine S
Published: June 2012

McKelvie P A, Thompson P A & Tam C S  (2012) Histopathology 61, 212–233

Peripheral T cell and natural killer (NK) T cell lymphomas: a clinicopathological study from a single Australian centre

Aims:  Using pathological and clinical review, to identify all cases diagnosed as peripheral T cell and natural killer (NK) T cell lymphoma over 10 years from one metropolitan Australian hospital.

Methods and results:  Subtyping was performed using World Health Organization (WHO) 2008 criteria and a comprehensive immunohistochemical panel. Clinical data including follow‐up were obtained. There were 47 cases, including 11 peripheral T cell lymphomas, not otherwise specified (NOS), nine extranodal NK T cell lymphomas, nasal type (eight nasal), eight primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphomas, seven angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphomas, three anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphomas, four ALK‐negative anaplastic large cell lymphomas, three enteropathic T cell lymphomas and two subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T cell lymphomas. Follow‐up of 46 of 47 cases (median time 45 months) revealed that 50% (23 of 46) of patients died. Five‐year survival rates were: peripheral T cell lymphoma, NOS 39%; angioimmunoblastic T cell, 43%; nasal NK T 67%; ALK‐negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma 67% (at 2 years); ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma 33%; subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T cell lymphomas 100%; primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma 86%; and enteropathic T cell lymphoma 33% (at 1 year). One patient with Lennert lymphoma suffered four late cutaneous relapses.

Conclusions:  This first Australian clinicopathological series of peripheral T cell and NK T cell lymphoma shows epidemiological and survival data similar to those for Europe and North America.
Effects of ozone and chlorine postharvest treatments on quality of fresh‐cut red bell peppers
Authors: Horvitz Sandra , Cantalejo María J.
Published: June 2012

The effects of chlorine (200 μL L−1), ozonated water (1 μL L−1) and gaseous ozone (0.7 μL L−1) on physicochemical attributes and microbial quality of minimally processed red bell peppers were studied. In all the experiments, O2 continuously decreased and CO2 concentration increased, the pH augmented and a significant softening was observed in all the fruits. By day 14, L* values decreased in all the fruits, with the greatest changes found in the chlorinated samples (approximately 12 units). Peppers treated with the aqueous solutions showed greater changes in the quality attributes with increasing washing times and especially when chlorine was used. The exposure for three min to gaseous O3 reduced the mesophiles, psychrotrophes and fungal populations of the fresh‐cut peppers in 2.5, 3.3 and 1.8 log units, respectively. Combined with modified atmosphere, this could be an appropriate method to maintain the quality and extend the storage period of minimally processed red bell peppers.
In vitro bioaccessibility of coenzyme Q10 in enriched yoghurts
Authors: Ercan Pınar , El Sedef Nehir
Published: June 2012

In this study, the aim was to determine the bioaccessibilities of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in yoghurt samples produced using enriched skim milk with different coenzyme Q10 preparations. First, emulsified coenzyme Q10, γ‐cyclodextrin/coenzyme Q10 complex and nanoparticle coenzyme Q10 were prepared with the reference coenzyme Q10 standard. These coenzyme Q10 preparations were added into the milk to produce coenzyme Q10 enriched yoghurt samples. Nanoparticle coenzyme Q10 was obtained as in spherical shape with 176.00 ± 50.62 nm diameter. Coenzyme Q10 bioaccessibility was found as 50.59 ± 1.88% in control yoghurt. The yoghurt enriched nanoparticle coenzyme Q10 had the highest coenzyme Q10 bioaccessibility (73.81 ± 1.61%) among the produced yoghurts (P < 0.01). Coenzyme Q10 bioaccessibilities were also found as 63.75 ± 0.91% and 46.83 ± 1.27% in yoghurts enriched with emulsified coenzyme Q10, and γ‐cyclodextrin/coenzyme Q10 complex, respectively.
Physicochemical properties of acetylated starches from some Indian kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars
Authors: Wani Idrees A. , Sogi Dalbir S. , Gill Balmeet S.
Published: June 2012

Starches separated from four kidney bean cultivars were modified by acetylation to reduce retrogradation and increase gel stability and compared with respective native starches (data of native starch reported by Wani et al., 2010). Acetylation was carried out by treating starches with 0.04 and 0.08 g of acetic anhydride per gram of starch dry weight basis (dwb) at 25 °C and pH between 8.0 and 8.5. The extent of acetylation increased proportionally with the concentration of acetic anhydride used. The pasting curves of 10.7% starch determined by Rapid Visco Analyzer at 160 rpm showed that acetylation decreased the setback viscosity values by 0.64–34.58% and pasting temperature by 4.4–9.2 °C when compared with the native starch. Differential scanning calorimetry observations also revealed significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in gelatinisation temperature of acetylated starches than the corresponding native starches. Hardness of starch gels varied between 14.3 and 44.0 g, which was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower than the corresponding native starch gels.
Prevalence of frailty‐related risk factors in older adults seen by community nurses
Authors: Ballard Julianne , Mooney Mary , Dempsey Orla
Published: June 2012

ballard j., mooney m. & dempsey o. (2013) Prevalence of frailty‐related risk factors in older adults seen by community nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(3), 675–684. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06054.x

Aims.  To describe the frequency of four frailty‐related risk factors in a cohort of older adults visited by community nurses in Dublin, Ireland.

Background.  The Irish public health nursing service allows for both professional and self referral. Risk factors examined were suspected cognitive impairment, nutritional and fall risk, and activities of daily living dependence.

Design.  Retrospective cross‐sectional clinical audit.

Methods.  The study incorporated a retrospective clinical audit of files (N = 120) obtained from community nursing visits over 9 months in 2009–2010. A chi‐square analysis tested for association between each risk factor and oldest age, living alone, professional referral to the nursing service, and presence of formal home support.

Results.  Findings revealed a cohort prevalence of suspected cognitive impairment at 16·4%. Risk of malnutrition and risk of a fall were 20·2% and 30·8%, respectively. The cohort was dependent in activities of daily living at a rate of 23·5%. Participants dependent in activities of daily living were less likely to live alone and were more likely to have referred themselves to community nursing. Associations between the four frailty‐related risk factors and receiving formal home support were not significant.

Conclusion.  This study results suggest that dependency in activities of daily living (an outcome of frailty) is strongly associated with a decreased likelihood of living alone and increased likelihood of referring oneself to community nursing services. Further research is necessary to examine how frailty screening in the referral process may enhance identification of older adults’ community nursing needs in Dublin, Ireland.
The mid‐Holocene vegetation of the Mediterranean region and southern Europe, and comparison with the present day
Authors: Collins Pamela M. , Davis Basil A. S. , Kaplan Jed O.
Published: June 2012

Aim  To contribute to the intense debate surrounding the relative influence of climate and humans on Mediterranean‐region land cover over the past 6000 years, we assess the Holocene biogeography and vegetation history of southern Europe by means of an extensive pollen record dataset.

Location  The Mediterranean biogeographical zone and neighbouring parts of Iberia, the Alps and Anatolia, between 30° N, 48° N, 10° W and 45° E.

Methods  We compiled a southern European pollen record dataset using available pollen databases (124 sites) and other sources (74 sites), with improved spatial coverage and dating control compared with earlier studies. We used only those sites that had pollen data for both 0 ka and 6 ka. We reconstructed mid‐Holocene and present‐day biomes, arboreal pollen percentages and distribution and relative abundance of 11 key woody taxa, with anomaly maps.

Results  Northern temperate forest biomes extended further south at the mid‐Holocene than at present, but not as far as earlier studies suggested. Sclerophyllous vegetation occurred along the Mediterranean coast throughout the region at 6 ka. Arboreal pollen percentages were up to 50% higher than at present. At 6 ka, Olea, Fagus and Juniperus had smaller distributions and/or abundances; Abies, Cedrus and both deciduous and evergreen Quercus had larger distributions and/or abundances; Phillyrea, Pistacia and Cistus showed minimal difference; and Pinus showed a cosmopolitan distribution with variable abundance.

Main conclusions  Temporal difference analysis is more meaningful when only sites containing samples for all time slices are analysed. During the mid‐Holocene, southern Europe was more heavily forested with temperate vegetation than it is at present, but drought‐tolerant xeric vegetation was still widespread along the southern margins of the region. Although human land use may have caused the degradation of land between the mid‐Holocene and the present, the mere presence of xeric vegetation in the Mediterranean region does not require human impact. This challenges the commonly held belief that modern Mediterranean vegetation represents a ‘degraded’ state.
Tolerability and efficacy of anti‐HBV nucleos(t)ide analogues in HBV‐DNA‐positive cirrhotic patients with HBV/HCV dual infection
Authors: Coppola N. , Stanzione M. , Messina V. , Pisaturo M. , De Pascalis S. , Macera M. , Tonziello G. , Fiore M. , Sagnelli C. , Pasquale G. , Sagnelli E.
Published: June 2012

Summary.  We evaluated tolerability and virological and clinical impact of anti‐Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) nucleos(t)ide analogues in cirrhotic patients with HBV/Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) coinfection. The virological and clinical course of 24 consecutive HBsAg/HBV‐DNA/anti‐HCV‐positive patients with cirrhosis was compared with that of 24 HBsAg/HBV‐DNA‐positive, anti‐HCV‐negative cirrhotic patients, pair‐matched for age (±5 years), sex, HBeAg/anti‐HBe status and Child‐Pugh class. Patients in both groups were previously untreated with oral antiviral agents at enrolment and were treated for at least 24 months (range 24–54). At the 12th and 18th month of treatment, HBV‐DNA was negative in 21 (87.5%) and 23 (95.8%) patients with hepatitis B and C and in 20 (83.3%) and 22 (91.6%) in patients with isolated HBV; all patients in both groups were HBV‐DNA‐negative at month 24 and at subsequent observations. Treatment was well tolerated by all patients in both groups. At the last observation (for co‐infected patients, median 44 months and range 24–54; for mono‐infected patients, median 40 months and range 24–54), a deterioration in Child class was observed in eight (47%) of 17 patients in patients with both HBV and HCV who were HCV‐RNA‐positive at baseline, but in none of seven HCV‐RNA‐negative patients in the same group, and in one patient (4.2%) in the mono‐infected patients. Reactivation of HCV infection was relatively infrequent (12.5% of cases) and never associated with a clinical deterioration. Treatment with nucleotides in HBsAg/HBV‐DNA/anti‐HCV‐positive patients with cirrhosis showed a favourable virological effect in all cases, but a favourable clinical result only in the HCV‐RNA‐negative at baseline.
Getting under—and through—the skin: ecological genomics of chytridiomycosis infection in frogs
Authors: BARREIRO L. B. , TUNG J.
Published: June 2012

Amphibian species around the world are currently becoming endangered or lost at a rate that outstrips other vertebrates—victims of a combination of habitat loss, climate change and susceptibility to emerging infectious disease (Stuart et al. 2004). One of the most devastating such diseases is caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which infects hundreds of amphibian species on multiple continents. While Bd itself has been characterized for some time, we still know little about the mechanisms that make it so deadly. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Rosenblum et al. describe a genomic approach to this question, reporting the results of a genome‐wide analysis of the transcriptional response to Bd in the liver, skin and spleen of mountain yellow‐legged frogs (Rana mucosa and R. sierrae: Fig. 1) (Rosenblum et al. 2012). Their results indicate that the skin is not only the first, but likely the most important, line of defence in these animals. Strikingly, they describe a surprisingly modest immune response to infection in Rana, a result that may help explain variable Bd susceptibility across populations and species.

 The frog and the fungus. Left, the mountain yellow‐legged frog, one of hundreds of worldwide amphibian species in decline. Right, the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), in part responsible for loss of these frogs. In Rana mucosa and R. sierrae, infection by Bd leads to a massive loss of skin integrity and frequently death. Photo credit: (left panel) Roland A. Knapp, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Lab; (right panel) Erica B. Rosenblum, University of Idaho.

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Intestinal microbiota composition in fishes is influenced by host ecology and environment
Authors: WONG SANDI , RAWLS JOHN F.
Published: June 2012

The digestive tracts of vertebrates are colonized by complex assemblages of micro‐organisms, collectively called the gut microbiota. Recent studies have revealed important contributions of gut microbiota to vertebrate health and disease, stimulating intense interest in understanding how gut microbial communities are assembled and how they impact host fitness (Sekirov et al. 2010). Although all vertebrates harbour a gut microbiota, current information on microbiota composition and function has been derived primarily from mammals. Comparisons of different mammalian species have revealed intriguing associations between gut microbiota composition and host diet, anatomy and phylogeny (Ley et al. 2008b). However, mammals constitute <10% of all vertebrate species, and it remains unclear whether similar associations exist in more diverse and ancient vertebrate lineages such as fish. In this issue, Sullam et al. (2012) make an important contribution toward identifying factors determining gut microbiota composition in fishes. The authors conducted a detailed meta‐analysis of 25 bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequence libraries derived from the intestines of different fish species. To provide a broader context for their analysis, they compared these data sets to a large collection of 16S rRNA gene sequence data sets from diverse free‐living and host‐associated bacterial communities. Their results suggest that variation in gut microbiota composition in fishes is strongly correlated with species habitat salinity, trophic level and possibly taxonomy. Comparison of data sets from fish intestines and other environments revealed that fish gut microbiota compositions are often similar to those of other animals and contain relatively few free‐living environmental bacteria. These results suggest that the gut microbiota composition of fishes is not a simple reflection of the micro‐organisms in their local habitat but may result from host‐specific selective pressures within the gut (Bevins & Salzman 2011).
Exploring symbiont management in lichens
Authors: GRUBE MARTIN , SPRIBILLE TOBY
Published: June 2012

Lichens are unique among fungal symbioses in that their mycelial structures are compact and exposed to the light as thallus structures. The myriad intersections of unique fungal species with photosynthetic partner organisms (green algae in 90% of lichens) produce a wide variety of diverse shapes and colours of the fully synthesized lichen thallus when growing in nature. This characteristic complex morphology is, however, not achieved in the fungal axenic state. Even under ideal environmental conditions, the lichen life cycle faces considerable odds: first, meiotic spores are only produced on well‐established thalli and often only after achieving considerable age in a stable environment, and second, even then in vivo resynthesis requires the presence of compatible algal strains where fungal spores germinate. Many lichen species have evolved a way around the resynthesis bottleneck by producing asexual propagules for joint propagation of symbionts. These different dispersal strategies ostensibly shape the population genetic structure of lichen symbioses, but the relative contributions of vertical (joint) and horizontal (independent) symbiont transmission have long eluded lichen evolutionary biologists. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Dal Grande et al. (2012) close in on this question with the lung lichen, Lobaria pulmonaria, a flagship species in the conservation of old growth forests. By capitalizing on available microsatellite markers for both fungal and algal symbionts, they show that while vertical transmission is the predominant mode of reproduction, horizontal transmission is demonstrable and actively shapes population genetic structure. The resulting mixed propagation system is a highly successful balance of safe recruitment of symbiotic clones and endless possibilities for fungal recombination and symbiont shuffling.
Adaptation of Drosophila to a novel laboratory environment reveals temporally heterogeneous trajectories of selected alleles
Authors: OROZCO‐terWENGEL PABLO , KAPUN MARTIN , NOLTE VIOLA , KOFLER ROBERT , FLATT THOMAS , SCHLÖTTERER CHRISTIAN
Published: June 2012

The genomic basis of adaptation to novel environments is a fundamental problem in evolutionary biology that has gained additional importance in the light of the recent global change discussion. Here, we combined laboratory natural selection (experimental evolution) in Drosophila melanogaster with genome‐wide next generation sequencing of DNA pools (Pool‐Seq) to identify alleles that are favourable in a novel laboratory environment and traced their trajectories during the adaptive process. Already after 15 generations, we identified a pronounced genomic response to selection, with almost 5000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP; genome‐wide false discovery rates < 0.005%) deviating from neutral expectation. Importantly, the evolutionary trajectories of the selected alleles were heterogeneous, with the alleles falling into two distinct classes: (i) alleles that continuously rise in frequency; and (ii) alleles that at first increase rapidly but whose frequencies then reach a plateau. Our data thus suggest that the genomic response to selection can involve a large number of selected SNPs that show unexpectedly complex evolutionary trajectories, possibly due to nonadditive effects.
Midday stomatal conductance is more related to stem rather than leaf water status in subtropical deciduous and evergreen broadleaf trees
Authors: ZHANG YONG‐JIANG , MEINZER FREDERICK C. , QI JIN‐HUA , GOLDSTEIN GUILLERMO , CAO KUN‐FANG
Published: June 2012

Midday depressions in stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthesis are common in plants. The aim of this study was to understand the hydraulic determinants of midday gs, the coordination between leaf and stem hydraulics and whether regulation of midday gs differed between deciduous and evergreen broadleaf tree species in a subtropical cloud forest of Southwest (SW) China. We investigated leaf and stem hydraulics, midday leaf and stem water potentials, as well as midday gs of co‐occurring deciduous and evergreen tree species. Midday gs was correlated positively with midday stem water potential across both groups of species, but not with midday leaf water potential. Species with higher stem hydraulic conductivity and greater daily reliance on stem hydraulic capacitance were able to maintain higher stem water potential and higher gs at midday. Deciduous species exhibited significantly higher stem hydraulic conductivity, greater reliance on stem capacitance, higher stem water potential and gs at midday than evergreen species. Our results suggest that midday gs is more associated with midday stem than with leaf water status, and that the functional significance of stomatal regulation in these broadleaf tree species is probably for preventing stem xylem dysfunction.
Production of mud‐grade carbonates by marine fish: Crystalline products and their sedimentary significance
Authors: SALTER MICHAEL A. , PERRY CHRISTOPHER T. , WILSON ROD W.
Published: June 2012

Recent work has established that marine teleost (bony) fish represent a prolific source of mud grade, mainly high‐Mg calcite, carbonate sediment by means of primary precipitation within the intestine. Previously documented crystalline products display a diverse array of morphologies, many unique in shallow tropical marine settings, and have a wide range of magnesium contents (from 18 to 39 mol% MgCO3). This study utilizes scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and liquid ion chromatography to provide a more extensive and expansive morphological, mineralogical and chemical characterization of the crystalline forms produced by a wider range of piscine functional groups (covering 21 different fish species common in The Bahamas). Several crystal morphologies not previously described in fish‐derived carbonates are documented, and chemical composition is found to be more variable than previously reported: in addition to high‐Mg calcites with >18 mol% MgCO3, high‐Mg calcites with lower MgCO3contents and low‐Mg calcites are identified. From the expanded species range, MgCO3content in fish‐derived carbonates ranges fromca0˙5 to > 40 mol%, and particle length is in the range 0˙1 to >50 μm (typically <2 μm for individual crystals). Amorphous Mg‐carbonates (with detectable CaCO3of <2 mol%) are also found to varying extent in the precipitates of many species. Dominant mineralogy and MgCO3content varies with producing species and crystal morphology (itself a species‐dependent variable). Given the very small grain size and often high MgCO3contents of these carbonates, interesting questions arise about their preservation potential. Thus, the extent to which carbonates produced by different species may follow different post‐excretion preservation pathways is considered.
Health research in Africa: getting priorities right
Authors: Olesen Ole F. , Iqbal Parker M.
Published: June 2012

Le profil des maladies en Afrique subsaharienne change et de nombreux pays sont confrontés à une nouvelle et croissante menace par des maladies non transmissibles. La plupart des prédictions du changement du profil des maladies en Afrique subsaharienne ont été jusqu’à présent fondées sur des extrapolations simples de l’histoire des pays industrialisés du Nord. Cette revue présente une vision plus large et décrit comment l’interaction entre les maladies infectieuses et non infectieuses, des facteurs génétiques spécifiques et une distribution déséquilibrée des ressources pour la recherche en santé, peuvent alimenter une nouvelle crise sanitaire non nécessaire dans de grandes parties de l’Afrique. Pour éviter cela, la perception traditionnelle de la santé humaine et le bien‐être en Afrique devrait changer drastiquement. Cependant, plus de 90% du financement de la recherche en santé en Afrique subsaharienne reste consacré au VIH/SIDA, au paludisme et à la tuberculose. Qu’est‐ce qui n’a pas marché dans l’établissement des priorités et comment pouvons‐nous changer cela?
Out‐of‐pocket costs for paediatric admissions in district hospitals in Kenya
Authors: Barasa Edwine W. , Ayieko Philip , Cleary Susan , English Mike
Published: June 2012

Objective  To describe out‐of‐pocket costs of inpatient care for children under 5 years of age in district hospitals in Kenya.

Methods  A total of 256 caretakers of admitted children were interviewed in 2‐week surveys conducted in eight hospitals in four provinces in Kenya. Caretakers were asked to report care seeking behaviour and expenditure related to accessing inpatient care. Family socio‐economic status was assessed through reported expenditure in the previous month.

Results  Seventy eight percent of caretakers were required to pay user charges to access inpatient care for children. User charges (mean, US$ 8.1; 95% CI, 6.4–9.7) were 59% of total out‐of‐pocket costs, while transport costs (mean, US$ 4.9; 95% CI, 3.9–6.0) and medicine costs (mean, US$ 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–1.0) were 36% and 5%, respectively. The mean total out‐of‐pocket cost per paediatric admission was US$ 14.1 (95% CI, 11.9–16.2). Out‐of‐pocket expenditures on health were catastrophic for 25.4% (95% CI, 18.4–33.3) of caretakers interviewed. Out‐of‐pocket expenditures were regressive, with a greater burden being experienced by households with lower socio‐economic status.

Conclusion  Despite a policy of user fee exemption for children under 5 years of age in Kenya, our findings show that high unofficial user fees are still charged in district hospitals. Financing mechanisms that will offer financial risk protection to children seeking care need to be developed to remove barriers to child survival.
Researching accessible and affordable treatment for common dermatological problems in developing countries. An Ethiopian experience
Authors: Shimelis Nigusse Doni , Asticcioli Sara , Baraldo Matteo , Tirillini Bruno , Lulekal Ermias , Murgia Vitalia
Published: June 2012

Background  Skin diseases are very common in rural and urban areas of Ethiopia, and traditional preparations of plant origin might represent the only alternative to synthetic drugs. Improving knowledge of traditional medicines and assessing their safety and effectiveness is necessary.

Methods  We conducted a two‐arm, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial assessing the efficacy of some cosmetic herbal preparations for common dermatologic problems: a 3% thyme essential oil antifungal cream and a 10% chamomile extract cream for eczema‐like lesions.

Results  Ten subjects (66.5%) treated with the 3% thyme active cream were completely healed vs. four subjects (28.5%) from the placebo group (P = 0.040). A large number of subjects treated with the chamomile cream were healed or improved, but no significant differences were found between active cream and placebo. A high rate of treatment acceptance was registered in both groups, no adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions  A 3% thyme essential oil cream could represent a cheap and easily available opportunity to treat and heal mild to moderate cases of fungal infections; a common emollient cream could be a very effective intervention when treating mild to moderate cases of pityriasis alba and eczema‐like lesions. Further research is needed.