bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
53BP1 deficiency combined with telomere dysfunction activates ATR-dependent DNA damage response
Authors: Martínez Paula , Flores Juana M. , Blasco Maria A.
Published: April 2012

TRF1 protects mammalian telomeres from fusion and fragility. Depletion of TRF1 leads to telomere fusions as well as accumulation of γ-H2AX foci and activation of both the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)– and the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related (ATR)–mediated deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage response (DDR) pathways. 53BP1, which is also present at dysfunctional telomeres, is a target of ATM that accumulates at DNA double-strand breaks and favors nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair over ATM-dependent resection and homology-directed repair (homologous recombination [HR]). To address the role of 53BP1 at dysfunctional telomeres, we generated mice lacking TRF1 and 53BP1. 53BP1 deficiency significantly rescued telomere fusions in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking TRF1, but they showed evidence of a switch from the NHEJ- to HR-mediated repair of uncapped telomeres. Concomitantly, double-mutant MEFs showed evidence of hyperactivation of the ATR-dependent DDR. In intact mice, combined 53BP1/TRF1 deficiency in stratified epithelia resulted in earlier onset of DNA damage and increased CHK1 phosphorylation during embryonic development, leading to aggravation of skin phenotypes.
Invariant relations for the Bowen-Series transform
Authors: Pit Vincent
Published: April 2012

Consider the Bowen-Series transform

T
T

associated with an even corners fundamental domain of finite volume for some Fuchsian group

Γ
\Gamma

. We prove a generic invariance result that abstracts Series’ orbit-equivalence theorem to families of relations on the unit circle. Two applications of this result are developed. We first prove that

T
T

satisfies a strong-orbit equivalence property, which allows to identify its hyperbolic periodic orbits with primitive hyperbolic conjugacy classes of

Γ
\Gamma

. Then, we show thanks to the invariance theorem that the eigendistributions for the eigenvalue

1
1

of the transfer operator of

T
T

with spectral parameter

s
∈

C

s \in \mathbb {C}

are in bijection with smooth bounded eigenfunctions for the eigenvalue

s
(
1
−
s
)

s(1-s)

of the hyperbolic Laplacian on the quotient

D

/

Γ

\mathbb {D} / \Gamma

.
Symposium on Models of Path Dependence
Authors: Freeman John R. , Jackson John E.
Published: April 2012

The symposium develops statistical models and methods for the study of path dependence. In this introductory essay, the connections between key areas in the path dependence and statistical literatures are illuminated. And some ways in which familiar time series and regression models embody these ideas are explained. The arguments in the articles in the symposium then are summarized and compared. Finally, directions for additional, statistically grounded research on path dependence are discussed.
Monitoring the progression of metastatic breast cancer on nanoporous silica chips
Authors: Fan Jia , Deng Xiaoyong , Gallagher James W. , Huang Haiyu , Huang Yi , Wen Jianguo , Ferrari Mauro , Shen Haifa , Hu Ye
Published: April 2012

Breast cancer accounted for 15 per cent of total cancer deaths in female patients in 2010. Although significant progress has been made in treating early-stage breast cancer patients, there is still no effective therapy targeting late-stage metastatic breast cancers except for the conventional chemotherapy interventions. Until effective therapy for later-stage cancers emerges, the identification of biomarkers for the early detection of tumour metastasis continues to hold the key to successful management of breast cancer therapy. Our study concentrated on the low molecular weight (LMW) region of the serum protein and the information it contains for identifying biomarkers that could reflect the ongoing physiological state of all tissues. Owing to technical difficulties in harvesting LMW species, studying these proteins/peptides has been challenging until now. In our study, we have recently developed nanoporous chip-based technologies to separate small proteins/peptides from the large proteins in serum. We used nanoporous silica chips, with a highly periodic nanostructure and uniform pore size distribution, to isolate LMW proteins and peptides from the serum of nude mice with MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer lung metastasis. By matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and biostatistical analysis, we were able to identify protein signatures unique to different stages of cancer development. The approach and results reported in this study possess a significant potential for the discovery of proteomic biomarkers that may significantly enhance personalized medicine targeted at metastatic breast cancer.
Designing nanostructured block copolymer surfaces to control protein adhesion
Authors: Schricker Scott R. , Palacio Manuel L. B. , Bhushan Bharat
Published: April 2012

The profile and conformation of proteins that are adsorbed onto a polymeric biomaterial surface have a profound effect on its
in vivo
performance. Cells and tissue recognize the protein layer rather than directly interact with the surface. The chemistry and morphology of a polymer surface will govern the protein behaviour. So, by controlling the polymer surface, the biocompatibility can be regulated. Nanoscale surface features are known to affect the protein behaviour, and in this overview the nanostructure of self-assembled block copolymers will be harnessed to control protein behaviour. The nanostructure of a block copolymer can be controlled by manipulating the chemistry and arrangement of the blocks. Random, A–B and A–B–A block copolymers composed of methyl methacrylate copolymerized with either acrylic acid or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate will be explored. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), the surface morphology of these block copolymers will be characterized. Further, AFM tips functionalized with proteins will measure the adhesion of that particular protein to polymer surfaces. In this manner, the influence of block copolymer morphology on protein adhesion can be measured. AFM tips functionalized with antibodies to fibronectin will determine how the surfaces will affect the conformation of fibronectin, an important parameter in evaluating surface biocompatibility.
Theory, fabrication and applications of microfluidic and nanofluidic biosensors
Authors: Prakash Shaurya , Pinti Marie , Bhushan Bharat
Published: April 2012

Biosensors are a broad array of devices that detect the type and amount of a biological species or biomolecule. Several different types of biosensors have been developed that rely on changes to mechanical, chemical or electrical properties of the transduction or sensing element to induce a measurable signal. Often, a biosensor will integrate several functions or unit operations such as sample extraction, manipulation and detection on a single platform. This review begins with an overview of the current state-of-the-art biosensor field. Next, the review delves into a special class of biosensors that rely on microfluidics and nanofluidics by presenting the underlying theory, fabrication and several examples and applications of microfluidic and nanofluidic sensors.
Measurement of slip length on superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Maali A. , Bhushan B.
Published: April 2012

In this paper, a review of different techniques used to measure the slip length on superhydrophobic surfaces with large slip length is presented. First, we present the theoretical models used to calculate the effective slip length on superhydrophobic surfaces in different configurations of liquid flow. Then, we present the different techniques used to measure the slip past these superhydrophobic surfaces: rheometry, particle image velocimetry, pressure drop, surface force apparatus and atomic force microscopy.
Mutant p53 cooperates with ETS2 to promote etoposide resistance
Authors: Do Phi M. , Varanasi Lakshman , Fan Songqing , Li Chunyang , Kubacka Iwona , Newman Virginia , Chauhan Krishna , Daniels Silvano Rakeem , Boccetta Maurizio , Garrett Michael R. , Li Runzhao , Martinez Luis A.
Published: April 2012

Mutant p53 (mtp53) promotes chemotherapy resistance through multiple mechanisms, including disabling proapoptotic proteins and regulating gene expression. Comparison of genome wide analysis of mtp53 binding revealed that the ETS-binding site motif (EBS) is prevalent within predicted mtp53-binding sites. We demonstrate that mtp53 regulates gene expression through EBS in promoters and that ETS2 mediates the interaction with this motif. Importantly, we identified TDP2, a 5′-tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase involved in the repair of DNA damage caused by etoposide, as a transcriptional target of mtp53. We demonstrate that suppression of TDP2 sensitizes mtp53-expressing cells to etoposide and that mtp53 and TDP2 are frequently overexpressed in human lung cancer; thus, our analysis identifies a potentially “druggable” component of mtp53's gain-of-function activity.
In vivo Polycomb kinetics and mitotic chromatin binding distinguish stem cells from differentiated cells
Authors: Fonseca João Pedro , Steffen Philipp A. , Müller Stefan , Lu James , Sawicka Anna , Seiser Christian , Ringrose Leonie
Published: April 2012

Epigenetic memory mediated by Polycomb group (PcG) proteins must be maintained during cell division, but must also be flexible to allow cell fate transitions. Here we quantify dynamic chromatin-binding properties of PH::GFP and PC::GFP in living Drosophila in two cell types that undergo defined differentiation and mitosis events. Quantitative fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis demonstrates that PcG binding has a higher plasticity in stem cells than in more determined cells and identifies a fraction of PcG proteins that binds mitotic chromatin with up to 300-fold longer residence times than in interphase. Mathematical modeling examines which parameters best distinguish stem cells from differentiated cells. We identify phosphorylation of histone H3 at Ser 28 as a potential mechanism governing the extent and rate of mitotic PC dissociation in different lineages. We propose that regulation of the kinetic properties of PcG–chromatin binding is an essential factor in the choice between stability and flexibility in the establishment of cell identities.
The ubiquitin ligase mLin41 temporally promotes neural progenitor cell maintenance through FGF signaling
Authors: Chen Jianfu , Lai Fan , Niswander Lee
Published: April 2012

How self-renewal versus differentiation of neural progenitor cells is temporally controlled during early development remains ill-defined. We show that mouse Lin41 (mLin41) is highly expressed in neural progenitor cells and its expression declines during neural differentiation. Loss of mLin41 function in mice causes reduced proliferation and premature differentiation of embryonic neural progenitor cells. mLin41 was recently implicated as the E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates degradation of Argonaute 2 (AGO2), a key effector of the microRNA pathway. However, our mechanistic studies of neural progenitor cells indicate mLin41 is not required for AGO2 ubiquitination or stability. Instead, mLin41-deficient neural progenitors exhibit hyposensitivity for fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling. We show that mLin41 promotes FGF signaling by directly binding to and enhancing the stability of Shc SH2-binding protein 1 (SHCBP1) and that SHCBP1 is an important component of FGF signaling in neural progenitor cells. Thus, mLin41 acts as a temporal regulator to promote neural progenitor cell maintenance, not via the regulation of AGO2 stability, but through FGF signaling.
Emerging insights into the molecular and cellular basis of glioblastoma
Authors: Dunn Gavin P. , Rinne Mikael L. , Wykosky Jill , Genovese Giannicola , Quayle Steven N. , Dunn Ian F. , Agarwalla Pankaj K. , Chheda Milan G. , Campos Benito , Wang Alan , Brennan Cameron , Ligon Keith L. , Furnari Frank , Cavenee Webster K. , Depinho Ronald A. , Chin Lynda , Hahn William C.
Published: April 2012

Glioblastoma is both the most common and lethal primary malignant brain tumor. Extensive multiplatform genomic characterization has provided a higher-resolution picture of the molecular alterations underlying this disease. These studies provide the emerging view that “glioblastoma” represents several histologically similar yet molecularly heterogeneous diseases, which influences taxonomic classification systems, prognosis, and therapeutic decisions.
A complex Polycomb issue: the two faces of EZH2 in cancer
Authors: Hock Hanno
Published: April 2012

In the April 1, 2012, issue of Genes & Development, Simon and colleagues (pp. 651–656) demonstrated that the disruption of Ezh2 in mice is sufficient to cause T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Moreover, in concert with concurrent studies, the authors revealed that similar mechanisms are involved in human T-ALL. These data contrast with previous findings showing that increased EZH2 activity promotes cancer.
The Challenge and Challenging of Childhood Studies? Learning from Disability Studies and Research with Disabled Children
Authors: Tisdall E. Kay M.
Published: April 2012

Childhood studies have argued for the social construction of childhood, respecting children and childhood in the present, and recognising children's agency and rights. Such perspectives have parallels to, and challenges for, disability studies. This article considers such parallels and challenges, leading to a (re)consideration of research claims to represent children's ‘voices’ and the current promotion of children's participation as researchers. It concludes how research with disabled children encourages due account of multiple communication methods to access, analyse and present research, and being more reflexive about assumptions of competency, expertise and agency in the roles of researcher and research participant.
Theorising the Lives of Disabled Children: How Can Disability Theory Help?
Authors: Watson Nick
Published: April 2012

The emergence of both disability studies and the new social studies of childhood has seen a new approach in the study of disability in childhood. The focus has shifted from an exploration of impairment to one that prioritises the social with disabled children themselves placed at the centre of the research. This article concentrates on disability studies and examines its influence on the research agenda and its impact on childhood research on disability. It also critically examines recent developments in disability theory and their usefulness for providing an understanding of the lives of disabled children. The article finishes with recommendations for future research in the area.
Everyday Segregation Amongst Disabled Children and Their Peers: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study in Norway
Authors: Ytterhus Borgunn
Published: April 2012

This article is based on a qualitative longitudinal study of children's changing peer relationships through childhood, with particular emphasis on experiences of disabled children. Initial observation of face‐to‐face‐encounters among children in school made us aware of social inclusion and exclusion mechanisms relating to informal interaction rules negotiated and practiced by children. Through qualitative longitudinal fieldwork, these rules were identified, and our understanding of them developed, as changing social structures during childhood. Children not able to identify the nuances, signs and symbols in these rules become marginalised. Intellectually impaired children struggle to grasp the nuances without support, and their challenges increase with age. As the young people reached teenage years, children with mobility difficulties were more successful in adapting to the ways interaction rules developed. Their practical problems relating to time and space decreased over the course of their childhood.
Working on Well‐Being: Researchers’ Experiences of a Participative Approach to Understanding the Subjective Well‐Being of Disabled Young People
Authors: Beresford Bryony
Published: April 2012

This paper reports the experiences of working with a group of disabled young people over a 12‐month period, during which perspectives of subjective well‐being were explored. Methodological experiences, and particularly strategies which facilitated accessing young people's views, are described. The paper then moves on to focusing on the challenges and dilemmas of taking a participative approach. These experiences are contextualised within wider debates on participative approaches in social research.
Novice performance of ultrasound‐guided needle advancement: standard 38‐mm transducer vs 25‐mm hockey stick transducer*
Authors: Davies T. , Townsley P. , Jlala H. , Dowling M. , Bedforth N. , Hardman J. G. , McCahon R. A.
Published: April 2012

The optimal method to develop expertise in ultrasound‐guided regional anaesthesia is unknown. Studies of laryngoscopic expertise in novices demonstrate that the choice of laryngoscope affects performance. In this study, we aimed to compare the effect of two different linear array transducers (38‐mm standard vs 25‐mm hockey stick) on novice performance of ultrasound‐guided needle advancement. Following randomisation, participants watched a video model of expert performance of ultrasound‐guided needle advancement. Recruits performed the modelled task on a turkey breast model. The median (IQR [range]) composite error score was statistically significantly larger for participants in the hockey stick transducer group compared with the standard transducer group; 10.0 (7.3–14.3 [2.5–29.0]) vs 7.5 (4.5–10.0 [2.0–28.0]) respectively, (p = 0.01). This study has demonstrated that performance of ultrasound‐guided needle advancement by novice operators after simple video instruction is better (as assessed using a composite error score) with a standard 38‐mm transducer than with a 25‐mm hockey stick transducer.
Review of patient safety incidents reported from critical care units in North‐West England in 2009 and 2010
Authors: Thomas A. N. , Taylor R. J.
Published: April 2012

We categorised and established the rates of patient safety incidents reported during 2009 and 2010 from critical care units in 12 hospital trusts in North‐West England. We identified a total of 4219 incidents reported during 127 467 calendar days of critical care with a median (IQR [range]) of 31 (26–45 [20–57]) incidents per 1000 days per trust. A median (IQR [range]) of 10 (7–13 [3.5–27]) incidents per 1000 days were associated with harm. Pressure sores were the most common cause of harm, with a median (IQR [range]) of 3.9 (1.0–6.6 [0–20.4]) incidents per 1000 days. Only 89 (2.1%) incidents described more than temporary harm, of which 12 were airway related incidents. Five incidents described the use of inappropriate arterial flush solutions. It is possible to compare rates of incident reporting in different trusts over time to determine if different methods of care are associated with different reporting rates. The wide range of reported pressure sore rates suggests that their incidence could be reduced.
Evaluation of a new analyser for rapid measurement of blood propofol concentration during cardiac surgery
Authors: Cowley N. J. , Laitenberger P. , Liu B. , Jarvis J. , Clutton‐Brock T. H.
Published: April 2012

We report laboratory and clinical evaluations of a blood propofol concentration analyser. Laboratory experiments used volunteer blood spiked with known propofol concentrations over the clinically relevant concentrations from 0.5 to 16 μg.ml−1 to assess linearity and the influence of haematocrit and concurrent drug administration. Analyser concentrations demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 = 0.999). Blood spiked with commonly used drugs showed no significant variation compared to unspiked controls. Propofol measurements were largely independent of haemoglobin concentration. A 6% decay in propofol concentration was observed at the highest prepared concentration. Clinical performance of the analyser was assessed using 80 arterial blood samples from 72 patients receiving propofol infusions during cardiac surgery. Samples were processed using the propofol analyser, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) used as a gold‐standard comparator. These data demonstrated excellent agreement between the propofol analyser and HPLC with a bias of 0.13 μg.ml−1 and precision of −0.16 to 0.42 μg.ml−1.
A comparison of the Pentax Airway Scope™ with the Airtraq™ in an infant manikin
Authors: Tampo A. , Suzuki A. , Sako S. , Kunisawa T. , Iwasaki H. , Fujita S.
Published: April 2012

We compared the Pentax Airway ScopeTM with the AirtraqTM optical laryngoscope in an infant manikin. Twenty‐three anaesthetists randomly performed tracheal intubation: at rest, (a) with the Airway Scope and (b) with the Airtraq; and during chest compressions, (c) with the Airway Scope and (d) with the Airtraq. The success rate, modified Cormack and Lehane classification for glottic view, time taken to view the glottis, and time to place the tracheal tube were recorded. There was no difference in intubation success rate or quality of glottic view between the two devices. The median (IQR [range]) time taken to obtain a view of the glottis was 4.5 (3.7–6.4 [1.8–14.0]) s using the Airway Scope compared with 7.1 (5.5–9.6 [3.3–12.0]) s using the Airtraq (p = 0.001), and to successful placement of the tracheal tube was 8.3 (6.8–9.4 [3.7–20.7]) s using the Airway Scope compared with 11.2 (10.4–13.8 [4.9–23.7]) s using the Airtraq (p = 0.001). During chest compressions, the median (IQR [range]) time taken to view the glottis was 5.1 (4.0–7.2 [2.0–12.4]) s using the Airway Scope compared with 7.5 (5.0–13.2 [4.2–26.4]) s using the Airtraq (p = 0.006), and to successful placement of the tracheal tube was 9.5 (6.6–13.7 [4.5–16.2]) s using the Airway Scope compared with 11.7 (9.1–18.1 [6.2–37.4]) s using the Airtraq (p = 0.022). We conclude that both devices provided good quality views of the glottis and successful tracheal intubation in an infant manikin both at rest and during external chest compressions. Use of the Airway Scope resulted in a shorter time to view the glottis and perform successful tracheal intubation compared with the Airtraq.
Is ‘starting on time’ useful (or useless) as a surrogate measure for ‘surgical theatre efficiency’?*
Authors: Pandit J. J. , Abbott T. , Pandit M. , Kapila A. , Abraham R.
Published: April 2012

We analysed more than 7000 theatre lists from two similar UK hospitals, to assess whether start times and finish times were correlated. We also analysed gap times (the time between patients when no anaesthesia or surgery occurs), to see whether these affected theatre efficiency. Operating list start and finish times were poorly correlated at both hospitals (r2 = 0.077 and 0.043), and cancellation rates did not increase with late starts (remaining within 2% and 10% respectively at the two hospitals). Start time did not predict finish time (receiver operating curve areas 0.517 and 0.558, respectively), and did not influence theatre efficiency (∼80–84% at either hospital). Median gap times constituted just 7% of scheduled list time and did not influence theatre efficiency below cumulative gap times of less than 15% scheduled list time. Lists with no gaps still exhibited extremely variable finish times and efficiency. We conclude that resources expended in trying to achieve prompt start times in isolation, or in reducing gap times to under ∼15% of scheduled list time, will not improve theatre productivity. Instead, the primary focus should be towards quantitative improvements in list scheduling.
Detection of quantitative trait loci for resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infections in Creole goats
Authors: de la Chevrotière C. , C. Bishop S. , Arquet R. , Bambou J. C. , Schibler L. , Amigues Y. , Moreno C. , Mandonnet N.
Published: April 2012

This study aimed to identify regions of the genome affecting resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in a Creole goat population naturally exposed to a mixed nematode infection (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Oesophagostomum columbianum) by grazing on irrigated pasture. A genome‐wide quantitative trait loci (QTL) scan was performed on 383 offspring from 12 half‐sib families. A total of 101 microsatellite markers were genotyped. Traits analysed were faecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), eosinophil count and bodyweight (BW) at 7 and 11 months of age. Levels of activity of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and activity of immunoglobulin E (IgE) anti‐Haemonchus contortus L3 crude extracts and adult excretion/secretion products (ESPs) were also analysed. Using interval mapping, this study identified 13 QTL for parasite resistance. Two QTL linked with FEC were found on chromosomes 22 and 26. Three QTL were detected on chromosomes 7, 8 and 14 for eosinophil counts. Three QTL linked with PCV were identified on chromosomes 5, 9 and 21. A QTL for BW at 7 months of age was found on chromosome 6. Lastly, two QTL detected on chromosomes 3 and 10 were associated with IgE anti‐L3, and IgE anti‐ESP was linked with two QTL on chromosomes 1 and 26. This study is the first to have identified regions of the genome linked with nematode resistance in a goat population using a genome scan. These results provide useful tools for the understanding of parasite resistance in small ruminants.
COX/PGE2 axis critically regulates effects of LPS on eosinophilia‐associated cytokine production in nasal polyps
Authors: Higaki T. , Okano M. , Fujiwara T. , Makihara S. , Kariya S. , Noda Y. , Haruna T. , Nishizaki K.
Published: April 2012

Background

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has shown heterogeneous effects on eosinophilic inflammation in airways. However, little is known about how LPS regulates pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, a major form of eosinophilic inflammation in the upper airway.

Objective

We sought to investigate the effect of LPS on cytokine production by dispersed nasal polyp cells (DNPCs).

Methods

Either diclofenac‐treated or untreated DNPCs were cultured with or without staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in the presence or absence of LPS, after which the levels of IL‐5, IL‐13, IL‐17A and IFN‐γ within the supernatant were measured. The effects of PGE2 on LPS‐induced responses by diclofenac‐treated DNPCs were also examined. LPS‐induced PGE2 production and mRNA expression of COX‐1, COX‐2 and microsomal PGE2 synthase‐1 (m‐PGES‐1) were measured.

Results

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B induced IL‐5, IL‐13, IL‐17A and IFN‐γ production by DNPCs. Pre‐treatment with LPS prior to SEB stimulation inhibited production of these cytokines. After stimulation with LPS, PGE2 production and expression of COX‐2 and m‐PGES‐1 mRNA by DNPCs increased significantly. In the presence of diclofenac, the suppressive effects of LPS were eliminated. LPS pre‐treatment enhanced SEB‐induced IL‐5, IL‐13 and IL‐17A production in diclofenac‐treated DNPCs, while addition of PGE2 inhibited IL‐5, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ production. LPS alone induced IL‐5, IL‐13 and IFN‐ γ production by diclofenac‐treated DNPCs, while the addition of EP2 and EP4 receptor‐selective agonists, as well as PGE2 itself, inhibited IL‐5 and IL‐13 production.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These results suggest that the regulatory effects of LPS on eosinophilic airway inflammation are controlled via the COX‐2/PGE2 axis. For clinical implications, indiscreet use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs should be avoided in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
A retrospective cohort study of cancer incidence among patients treated with radiosynoviorthesis
Authors: INFANTE‐RIVARD C. , RIVARD G.‐E. , DEROME F. , CUSSON A. , WINIKOFF R. , CHARTRAND R. , GUAY J.‐P.
Published: April 2012

Summary.  Radiosynoviorthesis (RS) is an intra‐articular injection of a radioactive colloid for the treatment of synovitis administered most often to patients with rheumatoid arthritis or haemophilia. Although highly cost‐effective in comparison with surgical or arthroscopic synovectomy, the risk of cancer associated with this treatment is not well known. We evaluated the incidence of cancer in a group of patients treated with RS. A cohort of 2412 adult patients with a variety of underlying conditions (mainly rheumatoid arthritis) and treated with at least one RS between January 1976 and December 2001, was recruited from two centres in Montréal. Cancer incidence and mortality data for cohort members over that time period were obtained from regulatory agencies using linkage. Background rates for all and specific types of cancer were obtained for the provincial (Québec) and national (Canada) population according to age, gender and calendar period categories. Category‐specific rates in the cohort were compared with rates in similar categories from the general population generating standardized incidence ratios (SIR). The effects of specific isotope doses and of number of RS treatments were analysed using a Cox‐regression model. No increase in the risk of cancer was observed (SIR 0.96; 95% confidence interval 0.82–1.12). There was no dose–response relationship with the amount of radioisotope administered or number of RS treatments. The study provides some indication for the safety of the procedure but homogenous diagnostic groups of younger patients (such as haemophilic patients) receiving RS will need more evaluation.
Information needs associated with changes to sexual well‐being after breast cancer
Authors: Ussher Jane M. , Perz Janette , Gilbert Emilee
Published: April 2012

ussher j.m., perz j. & gilbert e. (2012) Information needs associated with changes to sexual wellbeing after breast cancer. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(2), 327–337. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06010.x

Aims.  This article is the report of a study of sexual information needs, experiences of obtaining such information, and patient communication about sexuality with health professionals, after breast cancer.

Background.  Changes to sexuality after breast cancer can significantly affect quality of life. However, information needs associated with such changes are little understood, resulting in the absence of a knowledge base to guide information provision aimed at preventing or ameliorating distress.

Design.  This study employs a mixed method analysis, integrating qualitative and quantitative responses to an online survey.

Method.  Participants were 1965 individuals with breast cancer (98·8% female) drawn from the membership of a national Australian breast cancer organization. The data were collected over 2 weeks in December 2010.

Results.  Eighty‐five per cent of participants reported changes to sexual well‐being after breast cancer, with 68% wanting information on such changes, primarily in a written form. Information on physical changes, sexual response, relationship issues, psychological consequences, and body image or identity, were rated as very important by a substantial proportion of participants. Only 41% had obtained such information; however, 65% had spoken about sexual changes, to partner (76%), G.P. (49%), friend/relative (47%), oncologist (39%), or breast‐care nurse (21%). Ratings of satisfaction with the discussion were highest for breast‐care nurses (60%) and lowest for oncologists (34%).

Conclusion.  These findings provide clinicians and cancer organizations with specific suggestions about sexual information needs after breast cancer and the modalities which are preferred, to prevent and ameliorate distress.
Psychometric testing of the Chinese evidence‐based practice scales
Authors: Wang Shu‐Chen , Lee Ling Ling , Wang Wan‐Hsian , Sung Huei‐Chuan , Chang Hui‐Kuan , Hsu Mei‐Yu , Chang Shu‐Chuan , Tai Chia‐Huei
Published: April 2012

wang s.‐c., lee l.l., wang w.‐h., sung h.‐c., chang h.‐k., hsu m.‐y., chang s.‐c. & tai c.‐h. (2012) Psychometric testing of the Chinese evidence‐based practice scales.Journal of Advanced Nursing68(11), 2570–2577.

Aim. This article is a report of the psychometric testing of the Chinese version of Evidence‐Based Practice Implementation and Beliefs, and Barriers to, and Facilitators of Research Utilization scales.

Background. Investigations into the effect of evidence‐based practice on clinical care could be facilitated by instruments for measuring the levels of evidence‐based practice implementation; the strength of beliefs in evidence‐based practice; the barriers to, and the facilitators of research utilization. An English version of the scales measuring the above constructs has been tested whereas the Chinese one has not.

Design. Instrument development.

Methods. Psychometric analyses of the four evidence‐based scales were conducted on a sample of 361 nurses from a medical centre in Taiwan. Both the internal consistency and squared multiple correlation coefficients were used to examine reliability. The validity testing for the four scales was estimated by examining their construct and concurrent validity. Data were collected between December 2008–January 2009.

Findings. Internal consistencies exist for the Chinese Evidence‐Based Practice Implementation, Beliefs, and Barriers to, and Facilitator of Research Utilization scales (≥0·85); some were greater than 0·9, which may indicate redundancy in items. Construct validity of the four scales was supported by hypotheses testing. Concurrent validity of the four scales was supported by known‐group analysis, in which experienced nursing researchers had higher scores compared with clinical nurses.

Conclusion. These scales may have value in discrimination between implementation of EBP and perception of barriers to, and facilitators of research utilization among nurses with different education levels, research experiences or working years in clinical setting.
Portion size estimation aids for Asian foods
Authors: Thoradeniya T. , de Silva A. , Arambepola C. , Atukorala S. , Lanerolle P.
Published: April 2012

Background:  Portion size estimation is fundamental to the accuracy of dietary recall, as well as interventions in obesity. Data on portion size estimation aids (PSEA) for Asian foods are limited. PSEA for Asian foods were developed and their accuracy and precision were tested for inclusion in a food atlas.

Methods:  Sixteen food items were selected to represent all food groups. Small and life size photographs were developed, and line diagrams were drawn. These, together with household utensils, were tested among a random sample of 80 schoolchildren (aged 10–16 years). A total of 3180 estimations were made: 876 for small photographs (n = 11 foods), 558 for life size photographs (n = 7 foods), 1271 for line diagrams (n = 16 foods) and 475 for household utensils (n = 6 foods).

Results:  Line diagrams had a high percentage (63.9%) of correct estimations and a low percentage of over estimations (18.0%) and under estimations (18.1%), whereas household utensils performed poorly with 0.6% correct estimations. Greater accuracy and precision were obtained for amorphous foods with small photographs and for non‐amorphous foods with line diagrams. The combination of small photographs (for vegetables) and line diagrams (for other foods) achieved a high correlation (r = 0.959, P ≤ 0.001), percentage correct estimations (68.3%) and low under estimations (19.9%) and over estimations (11.8%). Food texture, but not age or sex, was associated with correct estimations in all of the PSEA, except household utensils.

Conclusions:  Accuracy and precision of a combination PSEA is convincing, enabling inclusion into an Asian food atlas for dietary assessment and intervention.
Arabidopsis SMALL AUXIN UP RNA63 promotes hypocotyl and stamen filament elongation
Authors: Chae Keun , Isaacs Cameron G. , Reeves Paul H. , Maloney Gregory S. , Muday Gloria K. , Nagpal Punita , Reed Jason W.
Published: April 2012

Auxin regulates plant growth and development in part by activating gene expression. Arabidopsis thaliana SMALL AUXIN UP RNAs (SAURs) are a family of early auxin‐responsive genes with unknown functionality. Here, we show that transgenic plant lines expressing artificial microRNA constructs (aMIR‐SAUR‐A or ‐B) that target a SAUR subfamily (SAUR61–SAUR68 and SAUR75) had slightly reduced hypocotyl and stamen filament elongation. In contrast, transgenic plants expressing SAUR63:GFP or SAUR63:GUS fusions had long hypocotyls, petals and stamen filaments, suggesting that these protein fusions caused a gain of function. SAUR63:GFP and SAUR63:GUS seedlings also accumulated a higher level of basipetally transported auxin in the hypocotyl than did wild‐type seedlings, and had wavy hypocotyls and twisted inflorescence stems. Mutations in auxin efflux carriers could partially suppress some SAUR63:GUS phenotypes. In contrast, SAUR63:HA plants had wild‐type elongation and auxin transport. SAUR63:GFP protein had a longer half‐life than SAUR63:HA. Fluorescence imaging and microsomal fractionation studies revealed that SAUR63:GFP was localized mainly in the plasma membrane, whereas SAUR63:HA was present in both soluble and membrane fractions. Low light conditions increased SAUR63:HA protein turnover rate. These results indicate that membrane‐associated Arabidopsis SAUR63 promotes auxin‐stimulated organ elongation.
A conserved domain in the N‐terminus is important for LEAFY dimerization and function in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Siriwardana Nirodhini S. , Lamb Rebecca S.
Published: April 2012

The floral meristem identity gene LEAFY (LFY) of Arabidopsis thaliana is essential for the formation of fertile flowers and has roles in the control of several aspects of floral development, which include phyllotaxy and organ number and identity. This gene encodes a land plant‐specific transcription factor and regulates expression of a number of genes that include other floral meristem identity genes and floral homeotic genes. Although the LFY DNA‐binding domain has a structure that resembles that of helix–turn–helix proteins, LFY and its orthologs represent a novel family of transcription factors that are characterized by a conserved N‐terminus domain of unknown function and a C‐terminus DNA‐binding domain. Many transcription factors act as dimers. These dimers are essential for the biological activity of the proteins. We demonstrate that LFY forms homodimers or oligomers in solution. This association is mediated through the N‐terminus conserved region of the LFY protein. Although mutant LFY proteins that cannot dimerize in solution can bind DNA, the binding is weaker than that of wild type LFY protein. LFY–LFY interactions mediated by the N‐terminus domain are essential for the biological activity of this protein, as mutations that abolish the ability to self‐associate cannot complement an lfy null allele. Our data indicate: (i) that LFY, and probably its orthologs in other plants, must act in complexes that contain at least two LFY molecules; and (ii) that the N‐terminus is essential for stabilization of LFY complexes. This situation is integral to the ability of LFY to regulate gene expression.
Epigenetic alteration of the dopamine transporter gene in alcohol‐dependent patients is associated with age
Authors: Nieratschker Vanessa , Grosshans Martin , Frank Josef , Strohmaier Jana , von der Goltz Christoph , El‐Maarri Osman , Witt Stephanie H. , Cichon Sven , Nöthen Markus M. , Kiefer Falk , Rietschel Marcella
Published: April 2012

Chronic alcohol abuse and dependence are associated with dysfunctional dopaminergic neurotransmission in mesocorticolimbic circuits. Genetic and environmental factors have been shown to modulate susceptibility to alcohol dependence, and both may act through epigenetic mechanisms that can modulate gene expression, e.g. DNA methylation at CpG sites. Recent studies have suggested that DNA methylation patterns may change over time. However, few data are available concerning the rate of these changes in specific genes. A recent study found that hypermethylation of the promoter of the dopamine transporter (DAT) gene was positively correlated with alcohol dependence and negatively correlated with alcohol craving. The aim of the present study was to replicate these findings in a larger sample of alcohol‐dependent patients and population‐based controls matched for age and sex. No difference in methylation level was observed between patients and controls, and no difference in methylation level was observed before and after alcohol withdrawal in patients. However, patients with more severe craving showed a trend towards lower DAT methylation levels (P = 0.07), which is consistent with previous findings. Furthermore, in our overall sample, DAT methylation levels increased with age. Interestingly, a separate analysis of patients suggested that this finding was mainly driven by the patient group. Although the present data do not clarify whether chronic alcohol abuse is responsible for this phenomenon or merely enhances an ageing‐specific process, our findings suggest that hypermethylation in alcohol‐dependent patients is a consequence, rather than a cause, of the disorder.
A Comparison of Plant Temperatures as Measured by Thermal Imaging and Infrared Thermometry
Authors: Hackl H. , Baresel J. P. , Mistele B. , Hu Y. , Schmidhalter U.
Published: April 2012

The temperature of leaves and canopies of plants has long been recognised to be an indicator of plant water stress and can be assessed by thermometry or thermography. Considerable research has been carried out with each of these techniques individually; however, a comparable assessment has not been done to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, we compared the potential of high‐resolution thermography and infrared (IR) thermometry to discriminate among stress treatments (control, drought, salt and combined salt and drought) and cultivar effects in large container‐based experiments that mimicked field conditions. Differences among treatments and between cultivars, with differences varying between 1–9 and 0–2 °C, respectively, were in dense crop stands comparably well ascertained by IR thermometry and thermography. Both methods allowed discriminating differences in salt tolerance. Interestingly, enough similar results were observed for processed, by unmixing the soil influence, and unprocessed thermal images at soil coverage higher than 60 %. Using thermography and IR thermometry, highly significant and close relationships were established between canopy temperature and leaf water potential. Overall, in this study, the more simplistic technique based on IR thermometry performed in dense crop stands similarly well as the more sophisticated method provided by thermography.
Simultaneous Detection of Three Viroid Species Infecting Hops in China by Multiplex RT‐PCR
Authors: Lu Wenxia , Zhang Zhixiang , Xu Pinsan , Liu Shengxue , Wang Hongqing , Jiang Dongmei , Li Shifang
Published: April 2012

We have developed a multiplex RT‐PCR protocol for the simultaneous detection of three viroids in three different genera that infect hops: Hop latent viroid (HLVd; Cocadviroid), Hop stunt viroid (HSVd; Hostuviroid) and Apple fruit crinkle viroid (AFCVd; Apscaviroid). The method was validated by testing 175 hop samples collected from the Xinjiang autonomous region of China. All samples were found to be positive for HLVd but negative for AFCVd, confirming the widespread or even ubiquitous infection of HLVd and the low incidence of AFCVd in hops in China. In addition, HSVd was detected in 22.86% of the samples tested. This rapid and reliable multiplex RT‐PCR assay provides an effective method for detection of three important viroid species in large‐scale surveys for disease management in hops.
Detection and Identification of Elm Yellows Group Phytoplasma (16SrV) Associated with Alfalfa Witches’ Broom Disease
Authors: Li Zheng‐Nan , Zhang Lei , Man Jian‐Yun , Wu Yun‐Feng
Published: April 2012

In July, 2011, alfalfa plants were observed in Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China with typical witches’ broom symptoms. The presence of phytoplasma was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and a nested PCR, which amplified a 1.2‐kb fragment using universal primer pairs P1/P6 followed by R16F2n/R2. Sequence, phylogeny and RFLP analyses showed that the alfalfa witches’ broom disease was associated with a phytoplasma of group 16SrV, subgroup V‐B. This is the first record of the 16SrV phytoplasma group infecting alfalfa plants.
Temperature and Leaf Wetness Effects on Infection of Sugarcane by Puccinia melanocephala
Authors: Barrera Wilmer , Hoy Jeffrey , Li Bin
Published: April 2012

Brown rust epidemics in sugarcane, caused by Puccinia melanocephala, vary in severity between seasons. To improve the understanding of disease epidemiology, the effects of leaf wetness, temperature and their interaction on infection of sugarcane by the pathogen were studied under controlled conditions. Disease severity was low at 15 and 31°C regardless of leaf wetness duration. No infection occurred with a 4‐h leaf wetness period. Increasing leaf wetness duration from 7 to 13 h lowered the temperature required for disease onset from 21 to 17°C. More infection occurred with 13 compared to 10 h of leaf wetness at 17°C, and severity decreased for all leaf wetness periods at 29 compared to 27°C. Postinfection suboptimal low and high temperatures increased the time required for lesion development and high temperatures decreased maximum disease severity. The observed effects of leaf wetness and temperature on infection by P. melanocephala could help explain the initiation, rate of increase and decline of brown rust epidemics in the field.
New unicellular red alga, Bulboplastis apyrenoidosa gen. et sp. nov. (Rhodellophyceae, Rhodophyta) from the mangroves of Japan: Phylogenetic and ultrastructural observations
Authors: Kushibiki Asuka , Yokoyama Akiko , Iwataki Mitsunori , Yokoyama Jun , West John A. , Hara Yoshiaki
Published: April 2012

A novel unicellular red alga collected from a mangrove area on Iriomote Island in southwest Japan is described as Bulboplastis apyrenoidosa gen. et sp. nov. The cells are spherical, mean 11.2 µm in diameter, and surrounded by a thick mucilaginous sheath. The grayish‐green chloroplast has many lobes extending throughout the cell and lacks a pyrenoid. This chloroplast type is similar to Glaucosphaera vacuolata, but differs from other unicellular red algae. Plastoglobuli clusters occur beneath the chloroplast envelope but only at the cell periphery. A peripheral encircling thylakoid is absent. Golgi bodies surround the central nucleus, which is an arrangement shared with all members of the Dixoniellales. The subcellular features of some mitotic phases are quite similar to those of other unicellular red algae. A pair of ring‐shaped structures located within electron‐dense material can be seen in cells undergoing telophase. The size of the polar rings ranged within those reported from the Dixoniellales. A phylogenetic analysis based on small subunit rDNA indicates that B. apyrenoidosa is a member of the Dixoniellales and a sister lineage to Neorhodellaand Dixoniella.