bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Plant Cuticle Is Required for Osmotic Stress Regulation of Abscisic Acid Biosynthesis and Osmotic Stress Tolerance inArabidopsis
Authors: Wang Zhen-Yu , Xiong Liming , Li Wenbo , Zhu Jian-Kang , Zhu Jianhua
Published: May 2011

Osmotic stress activates the biosynthesis of abscisic acid (ABA). One major step in ABA biosynthesis is the carotenoid cleavage catalyzed by a 9-cis epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED). To understand the mechanism for osmotic stress activation of ABA biosynthesis, we screened for Arabidopsis thaliana mutants that failed to induce the NCED3 gene expression in response to osmotic stress treatments. The ced1 (for 9-cis epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase defective 1) mutant isolated in this study showed markedly reduced expression of NCED3 in response to osmotic stress (polyethylene glycol) treatments compared with the wild type. Other ABA biosynthesis genes are also greatly reduced in ced1 under osmotic stress. ced1 mutant plants are very sensitive to even mild osmotic stress. Map-based cloning revealed unexpectedly that CED1 encodes a putative α/β hydrolase domain-containing protein and is allelic to the BODYGUARD gene that was recently shown to be essential for cuticle biogenesis. Further studies discovered that other cutin biosynthesis mutants are also impaired in osmotic stress induction of ABA biosynthesis genes and are sensitive to osmotic stress. Our work demonstrates that the cuticle functions not merely as a physical barrier to minimize water loss but also mediates osmotic stress signaling and tolerance by regulating ABA biosynthesis and signaling.
Radiation-induced melting in coherent X-ray diffractive imaging at the nanoscale
Authors: Ponomarenko O. , Nikulin A. Y. , Moser H. O. , Yang P. , Sakata O.
Published: May 2011

Coherent X-ray diffraction techniques play an increasingly significant role in the imaging of nanoscale structures, ranging from metallic and semiconductor to biological objects. In material science, X-rays are usually considered to be of a low-destructive nature, but under certain conditions they can cause significant radiation damage and heat loading on the samples. The qualitative literature data concerning the tolerance of nanostructured samples to synchrotron radiation in coherent diffraction imaging experiments are scarce. In this work the experimental evidence of a complete destruction of polymer and gold nanosamples by the synchrotron beam is reported in the case of imaging at 1–10 nm spatial resolution. Numerical simulations based on a heat-transfer model demonstrate the high sensitivity of temperature distribution in samples to macroscopic experimental parameters such as the conduction properties of materials, radiation heat transfer and convection. However, for realistic experimental conditions the calculated rates of temperature rise alone cannot explain the melting transitions observed in the nanosamples. Comparison of these results with the literature data allows a specific scenario of the sample destruction in each particular case to be presented, and a strategy for damage reduction to be proposed.
Six-reflection meV-monochromator for synchrotron radiation
Authors: Toellner T. S. , Alatas A. , Said A. H.
Published: May 2011

An in-line monochromatization scheme suitable for 10–40 keV synchrotron radiation is presented based on the use of six crystal reflections that achieves meV and sub-meV bandwidths with high efficiency. The theoretical spectral efficiency surpasses all previous multicrystal designs and approaches that of single room-temperature back-reflecting crystals. This article presents the designs of two such devices along with their theoretical and measured performances.
Clinical significance of serum levels of immune‐associated molecules, uric acid and soluble MHC class I chain‐related molecules A and B, as diagnostic tumor markers for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chung Hye Won , Lim Jong‐Baeck
Published: May 2011

Immune‐associated molecules play important roles in cancer development and progression. The aims of this study were to determine the diagnostic utility of uric acid (UA) and soluble MHC class I chain‐related molecules A (sMICA) and B (sMICB) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) compared with those of cancer antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9), the most commonly available tumor marker for PDAC. We evaluated serum levels of UA, sMICA and sMICB along the carcinogenic process of PDAC obtained from 148 individuals composed of normal (n = 70), chronic pancreatitis (n = 23) and PDAC (n = 55), and compared them with those of CA19‐9. We also evaluated the correlations of these biomarkers with tumor size, resectability or TNM stage, and tested logistic regression to ascertain the potential usability of these markers for the detection of PDAC. We also investigated the correlations among these biomarkers. Serum UA, sMICA and sMICB differed significantly according to groups (Kruskal–Wallis, P < 0.05), and were closely correlated with the development of PDAC. Serum sMICA were correlated with distant metastasis and sMICB were correlated with unresectability. Sensitivity and specificity of sMICA and sMICB were higher than CA19‐9, and a multi‐maker panel using all tested markers (UA, sMICA, sMICB and CA19‐9) demonstrated the best potential for detecting PDAC (94.2% sensitivity at 93.3% specificity). The three tested markers also showed added diagnostic potentials to overcome the limitation of CA19‐9 by differentiation of PDAC from non‐cancerous conditions when CA19‐9 is inappropriate. In conclusion, serum UA, sMICA and sMICB might be useful screening or differential diagnostic biomarkers for PDAC to complement CA19‐9. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1673–1679)
Cocaine‐related attentional bias following trauma cue exposure among cocaine dependent in‐patients with and without post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Tull Matthew T. , McDermott Michael J. , Gratz Kim L. , Coffey Scott F. , Lejuez Carl W.
Published: May 2011

Aims  Although the co‐occurrence of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cocaine dependence is associated with a wide range of negative clinical outcomes, little is known about the mechanisms that underlie this association. This study investigated one potential mechanism—attentional bias to cocaine imagery following trauma cue exposure.

Design  Male and female cocaine‐dependent in‐patients with and without PTSD were exposed to both a neutral and personalized trauma script on separate days, followed by a visual dot‐probe task. A 2 (PTSD versus non‐PTSD) × 2 (neutral versus trauma script) × 2 (male versus female) design was used to examine hypotheses.

Setting  Participants were recruited from a residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment center.

Participants  Participants were 60 trauma‐exposed cocaine dependent in‐patients, 30 with current PTSD and 30 without a history of PTSD.

Measurements  Attentional bias was assessed using a visual dot‐probe task depicting cocaine‐related imagery following both a neutral script and personalized trauma script.

Findings  Following neutral script exposure, PTSD (versus non‐PTSD) participants exhibited an attentional bias away from cocaine imagery. This effect was reversed following trauma script exposure, with PTSD participants exhibiting a greater attentional bias towards the location of cocaine imagery than non‐PTSD participants. Severity of subjective distress following trauma script exposure predicted level of attentional bias among PTSD participants.

Conclusions  Cocaine appears to serve an emotion‐regulating function among post‐traumatic stress disorder patients and may be a potential target for brief post‐traumatic stress disorder–substance use disorder interventions that can facilitate residential substance use disorder treatment retention.
Maintenance Rituximab is associated with improved clinical outcome in rituximab naïve patients with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinaemia who respond to a rituximab‐containing regimen
Authors: Treon Steven P. , Hanzis Christina , Manning Robert J. , Ioakimidis Leukothea , Patterson Christopher J. , Hunter Zachary R. , Sheehy Patricia , Turnbull Barry
Published: May 2011

This study examined the outcome of 248 Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia (WM) rituximab‐naïve patients who responded to a rituximab‐containing regimen. Eighty‐six patients (35%) subsequently received maintenance rituximab (M‐Rituximab). No differences in baseline characteristics, and post‐induction categorical responses between cohorts were observed. The median rituximab infusions during induction was 6 for both cohorts; and 8 over a 2‐year period for patients receiving M‐Rituximab. Categorical responses improved in 16/162 (10%) of observed, and 36/86 (41·8%) of M‐Rituximab patients respectively, following induction therapy (P < 0·0001). Both progression‐free (56·3 vs. 28·6 months; P = 0·0001) and overall survival (Not reached versus 116 months; P = 0·0095) were longer in patients who received M‐Rituximab. Improved progression‐free survival was evident despite previous treatment status, induction with rituximab alone or in combination therapy (P ≤ 0·0001). Best serum IgM response was lower (P < 0·0001), and haematocrit higher (P = 0·001) for patients receiving M‐Rituximab. Among patients receiving M‐Rituximab, an increased number of infectious events were observed, but were mainly ≤grade 2 (P = 0·008). The findings of this observational study suggest improved clinical outcomes following M‐Rituximab in WM patients who respond to induction with a rituximab‐containing regimen. Prospective studies aimed at clarifying the role of M‐Rituximab therapy in WM patients are needed to confirm these findings.
Repeat measurements of glycated haemoglobin A1c and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide: divergent behaviour in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Neuhold Stephanie , Resl Michael , Huelsmann Martin , Strunk Guido , Adlbrecht Christopher , Rath Claus , Prager Rudolf , Luger Anton , Clodi Martin , Pacher Richard
Published: May 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (12): 1292–1298

Background  Patients with diabetes mellitus have a substantially increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, the absolute risk greatly varies not only among patients, but the risk profile for an individual patient may also change over time. We investigated the prognostic role of repetitive measurements of Glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in patients with longstanding diabetes.

Materials and methods  For this prospective, observational study data from 544 consecutive patients were collected between 2005 and 2008. HbA1c and NT‐proBNP were measured at baseline and after 1 year. The median observation period was 40 months. Endpoints were all‐cause mortality, cardiac, cardiovascular and all‐cause hospitalizations.

Results  N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide concentrations significantly increased from 230 ± 385 to 280 ± 449 pg mL−1 (P < 0·001); during the same time, HbA1c significantly decreased from 7·6 ± 1·5 to 7·3 ± 1·2 (P < 0·001). NT‐proBNP was the best baseline predictor in a Cox regression model consisting of NT‐proBNP, HbA1c, age, gender and duration of diabetes for all endpoints (P < 0·001). NT‐proBNP at follow‐up was the best predictor for the remaining period (P < 0·001, all endpoints). HbA1c at baseline and follow‐up was predictive for all‐cause hospitalizations (P = 0·005 both). In a third model that investigated the plasticity of both markers, changes in HbA1c concentration had no predictive value, but a change of NT‐proBNP concentration was highly predictive (P = 0·025 all‐cause mortality, P < 0·001 all other endpoints).

Conclusions  N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and HbA1c concentrations significantly diverged over a 1‐year period. NT‐proBNP was the most potent predictor of outcome at baseline and follow‐up, and changes in NT‐proBNP concentrations were linked to an altered risk profile, unlike changes in HbA1c levels.
Oesophageal sensation in response to high PCO2 and acidic solutions in nonerosive reflux disease
Authors: Hershcovici Tiberiu , Poh Choo H. , Fass Ofer Z. , Ashpole Nicole , Akiba Yasutada , Guillén‐Rodríguez Jose M. , Kaunitz Jonathan D. , Fass Ronnie
Published: May 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011

Background  Heartburn is commonly associated with the presence of acid in the oesophageal lumen. However, in patients with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), the mechanism by which acid traverses the mucosa is not clear. We hypothesized that the luminal acid signal traverses the oesophageal epithelium in the form of the highly permeant gas CO2, which then is reconverted to H+ in the submucosa.

Materials and methods  Ten patients with heartburn, normal upper endoscopy and increased oesophageal acid exposure (NERD patients) and 10 healthy subjects were enrolled. Perceptual responses to intraoesophageal acid (0·1 N HCl solution) and a high PCO2 solution were determined using a randomized cross over design. Stimulus–response functions to perfusions were quantified by three parameters: lag time to symptom perception, intensity rating and perfusion sensitivity score.

Results  In NERD patients, the difference in lag time to typical symptom perception, intensity rating and perfusion sensitivity score between high PCO2 and acid perfusions was statistically significant (P = 0·02, 0·01 and 0·02, respectively). However, the difference in the same perfusion parameters between acid and high PCO2 perfusions was nonsignificant in healthy controls. When NERD and controls were compared, the difference between the different perfusion variables was nonsignificant (adjusted to age).

Conclusions  In NERD subjects, acid perfusion reliably evoked heartburn symptoms of greater intensity than in healthy controls. Nevertheless, a high PCO2 perfusion failed to produce symptoms in either group.
Reliability and validity of a Chinese version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory‐Short Form (MFSI‐SF‐C)
Authors: Pien Li‐Chung , Chu Hsin , Chen Wen‐Chun , Chang Yu‐Shiun , Liao Yuan‐Mei , Chen Chiung‐Hua , Chou Kuei‐Ru
Published: May 2011

Aim and objectives.  To examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory‐Short Form (MFSI‐SF‐C) for use in Chinese‐speaking countries.

Background.  The assessment of fatigue is a challenging task for most researchers because culture may influence perceptions of meaning of fatigue. The lack of examination of the psychometric properties of the fatigue measures across studies limits the scientific rigour for generating additional research on the concept of ‘fatigue.’

Design.  A cross‐sectional study.

Methods.  The study recruited 107 cancer inpatients from two medical centres in Taiwan. The MFSI‐SF‐C was examined using a two step process: (1) Translation and back‐translation of the instrument; and (2) Examination of internal consistency reliability, test‐retest reliability, content validity and construct validity.

Results.  The results showed that the Cronbach’s α of MFSI‐SF‐C total scale and subscales ranged between 0·83–0·92. The content validity index was 0·93. The difference between the fatigue of cancer patients and the comparison group of healthy people in the community was significant. The results demonstrated good convergent validity when comparing fatigue with depression and quality of life. Factor analysis confirmed the four dimensions of fatigue: physical, emotional, mental and vigour. It showed moderate intercorrelation between subscales and high factor loadings also helped to clarify the psychometric meaning.

Conclusions.  The reliability and validity information presented in this article support the use of the Chinese version of the MFSI‐SF as a research instrument for measuring fatigue in Chinese populations. This study also provides evidence that the MFSI‐SF possesses robust psychometric properties.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The MFSI‐SF‐C is an effective and comprehensive tool for measuring fatigue in Chinese patients with cancer.
A pain education programme to improve patient satisfaction with cancer pain management: a randomised control trial
Authors: Chou Pi‐Ling , Lin Chia‐Chin
Published: May 2011

Aim.  The purpose of this study was (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of a pain education programme to increase the satisfaction of patients with cancer with regard to pain management and (2) to examine how patient satisfaction with pain management mediates the barriers to using analgesics and analgesic adherence.

Background.  The patients' satisfaction with pain management is not merely an indicator, it is actually a contributor to medication adherence. However, very few studies investigate methods for improving patient satisfaction with pain management.

Design.  This study used an experimental and longitudinal design.

Methods.  A total of 61 patient–family pairs (n = 122) were randomly assigned to either experimental or control groups. The instruments included the American Pain Society outcome questionnaire, the Barriers Questionnaire‐Taiwan form, self‐reporting evaluations of analgesic adherence and the Pain Education Booklet. The experimental group (n = 31) participated in a pain education programme, while those in the control group (n = 30) did not. The two groups were compared using generalised estimation equations after the second and fourth weeks. A Sobel test was used to examine the mediating relationships among patient satisfaction with pain management, barriers to using analgesics and analgesic adherence.

Results.  The experimental group showed a significant improvement in the level of satisfaction they felt for physicians and nurses regarding pain management. For those in the experimental group, satisfaction with pain management was a significant mediator between barriers to using analgesics and analgesic adherence.

Conclusions.  This research provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of a pain education programme for patients and their family members in increasing patient satisfaction with regard to the management of cancer pain.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is important for health providers to consider patient satisfaction when attempting to improve adherence to pain management regimes in a clinical setting.
Comparison of symptom response following advice for a diet low in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) versus standard dietary advice in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Staudacher H. M. , Whelan K. , Irving P. M. , Lomer M. C. E.
Published: May 2011

Background:  Emerging evidence indicates that the consumption of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) may result in symptoms in some patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The present study aimed to determine whether a low FODMAP diet is effective for symptom control in patients with IBS and to compare its effects with those of standard dietary advice based on the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

Methods:  Consecutive patients with IBS who attended a follow‐up dietetic outpatient visit for dietary management of their symptoms were included. Questionnaires were completed for patients who received standard (n = 39) or low FODMAP dietary advice (n = 43). Data were recorded on symptom change and comparisons were made between groups.

Results:  In total, more patients in the low FODMAP group reported satisfaction with their symptom response (76%) compared to the standard group (54%, P = 0.038). Composite symptom score data showed better overall symptom response in the low FODMAP group (86%) compared to the standard group (49%, P < 0.001). Significantly more patients in the low FODMAP group compared to the standard group reported improvements in bloating (low FODMAP 82% versus standard 49%, P = 0.002), abdominal pain (low FODMAP 85% versus standard 61%, P = 0.023) and flatulence (low FODMAP 87% versus standard 50%, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:  A low FODMAP diet appears to be more effective than standard dietary advice for symptom control in IBS.
Translocator Protein (18 kDa) as a Target for Novel Anxiolytics with a Favourable Side‐Effect Profile
Authors: Nothdurfter C. , Rammes G. , Baghai T. C. , Schüle C. , Schumacher M. , Papadopoulos V. , Rupprecht R.
Published: May 2011

Anxiety disorders are frequent and highly disabling diseases with considerable socio‐economic impact. In the treatment of anxiety disorders, benzodiazepines (BZDs) as direct modulators of the GABAA receptor are used as emergency medication because of their rapid onset of action. However, BZDs act also as sedatives and rather quickly induce tolerance and abuse liability associated with withdrawal symptoms. Antidepressants with anxiolytic properties are also applied as first line long‐term treatment of anxiety disorders. However, the onset of action of antidepressants takes several weeks. Obviously, novel pharmacological approaches are needed that combine a rapid anxiolytic efficacy with the lack of tolerance induction, abuse liability and withdrawal symptoms. Neurosteroids are potent allosteric modulators of GABAA receptor function. The translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) plays an important role for the synthesis of neurosteroids by promoting the transport of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is the rate‐limiting step in neurosteroidogenesis. Etifoxine not only exerts anxiolytic effects as a TSPO ligand by enhancing neurosteroidogenesis, but also acts as a weak direct GABAA receptor enhancer. The TSPO ligand XBD173 enhances GABAergic neurotransmission via the promotion of neurosteroidogenesis without direct effects at the GABAA receptor. XBD173 counteracts pharmacologically‐induced panic in rodents in the absence of sedation and tolerance development. Also in humans, XBD173 displays antipanic activity and does not cause sedation and withdrawal symptoms after 7 days of treatment. XBD173 therefore appears to be a promising candidate for fast‐acting anxiolytic drugs with less severe side‐effects than BZDs. In this review, we focus on the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders and TSPO ligands as a novel pharmacological approach in the treatment of these disorders.
Feasibility of pedometers for adults with schizophrenia: pilot study
Authors: KANE I. , LEE H. , SEREIKA S. , BRAR J.
Published: May 2011

Accessible summary

The use of the pedometer to monitor walking as an adjunctive intervention to antipsychotic medications for individuals with schizophrenia may be feasible.

Automatic devices or technological tools such as pedometers can provide the most reliable and consistent data on physical activity in this population.

Exercise fitness and body appearance were the primary motives for subject in this study.

The purpose of this prospective and observational design study was to assess the feasibility of using a pedometer and step log to explore level of physical activity (PA) and to assess motivation to be physically active in adults with schizophrenia. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data of 7 male and 5 female subjects. Pedometer data indicated that subjects walked an average of 4731.03 (±3318.19) steps and 5002.58 (±3041.03) during the first week and second week of the study, respectively. A minimum 30‐min walk was recorded on an average of 3.67 (±1.82) days (week one) and 4.5 (±1.88) days (week two). Step logs, inconsistently maintained by subjects, were not able to be analysed. Examination of the Motives for Physical Activity Measure‐Revised (MPAM‐R) at baseline indicates that exercise fitness and body appearance were subjects' primary motives for PA participation. Study findings indicate that it is feasible to use a pedometer to monitor the level of PA. However, maintenance of a concurrent step log requires further consideration to determine realistic outcomes. Extrinsically focused motivations for PA in this study sample may predict low PA adherence.
RNAi knock‐downs support roles for the mucin‐like (AeIMUC1) gene and short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) gene in Aedes aegypti susceptibility to Plasmodium gallinaceum
Authors: BEROIS M. , ROMERO‐SEVERSON J. , SEVERSON D. W.
Published: May 2011

The mosquito midgut represents the first barrier encountered by the Plasmodium parasite (Haemosporida: Plasmodiidae) when it is ingested in blood from an infected vertebrate. Previous studies identified the Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) mucin‐like (AeIMUC1) and short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) genes as midgut‐expressed candidate genes influencing susceptibility to infection by Plasmodium gallinaceum (Brumpt). We used RNA inference (RNAi) by double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) injections to examine ookinete survival to the oocyst stage following individual gene knock‐downs. Double‐stranded RNA gene knock‐downs were performed 3 days prior to P. gallinaceum infection and oocyst development was evaluated at 7 days post‐infection. Mean numbers of parasites developing to the oocyst stage were significantly reduced by 52.3% in dsAeIMUC1‐injected females and by 36.5% in dsSDR‐injected females compared with females injected with a dsβ‐gal control. The prevalence of infection was significantly reduced in dsAeIMUC1‐ and dsSDR‐injected females compared with females injected with dsβ‐gal; these reductions resulted in a two‐ and three‐fold increase in the number of uninfected individuals, respectively. Overall, these results suggest that both AeIMUC1 and SDR play a role in Ae. aegypti vector competence to P. gallinaceum.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Lactobacillus casei Administration in a Mouse Model of Gliadin‐Sensitive Enteropathy
Authors: D’Arienzo R. , Stefanile R. , Maurano F. , Mazzarella G. , Ricca E. , Troncone R. , Auricchio S , Rossi M.
Published: May 2011

Coeliac disease (CD) is a very common food‐sensitive enteropathy, which is triggered by gluten ingestion and is mediated by CD4+ T cells. In addition, alterations in the intestinal microbiota that is normally involved in the homeostasis of GALT (gut‐associated lymphoid tissue) seem to play a role in CD. In accordance with these findings, we previously reported that Lactobacillus casei can induce a strong enhancement of the T cell‐mediated response to gliadin without inducing enteropathy. In this study, we analysed the effects of L. casei administration in a mouse model of gliadin‐induced villous damage that was recently developed and involves the inhibition of cyclo‐oxygenase (COX) activities in gliadin‐sensitized HLA‐DQ8 transgenic mice. To address the issue, we assessed the weight loss, the intestinal cytokine pattern, the density of CD25+ cells and morphometry of the gut mucosa. We confirmed that COX inhibition in sensitized mice caused villus blunting, dysregulated expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and reduced gliadin‐specific IL‐2 production. Notably, the administration of probiotic strain induced a complete recovery of villus blunting. This finding was associated with a delay in weight decrease and a recovery of basal TNF‐α levels, whereas the numbers of CD25+ cells and the levels of IL‐2 remained unchanged. In conclusion, our data suggest that the administration of L. casei can be effective in rescuing the normal mucosal architecture and GALT homeostasis in a mouse model of gliadin‐induced enteropathy.
The Arabidopsis SOC1‐like genes AGL42, AGL71 and AGL72 promote flowering in the shoot apical and axillary meristems
Authors: Dorca‐Fornell Carmen , Gregis Veronica , Grandi Valentina , Coupland George , Colombo Lucia , Kater Martin M.
Published: May 2011

The floral transition is the switch from vegetative development to flowering. Proper timing of the floral transition is regulated by different pathways and is critical for the reproductive success of plants. Some of the flowering pathways are controlled by environmental signals such as photoperiod and vernalization, others by autonomous signals such as the developmental state of the plant and hormones, particularly gibberellin. SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CO 1 (SOC1) acts in Arabidopsis as an integrative centre of these pathways, promoting the floral transition. In this work, we show that AGAMOUS‐LIKE 42 (AGL42), AGAMOUS‐LIKE 71 (AGL71) and AGAMOUS‐LIKE 72 (AGL72), which encode MADS‐box transcription factors phylogenetically closely related to SOC1, are also involved in the floral transition. They promote flowering at the shoot apical and axillary meristems and seem to act through a gibberellin‐dependent pathway. Furthermore SOC1 directly controls the expression of AGL42, AGL71 and AGL72 to balance the expression level of these SOC1‐like genes. Our data reveal roles for AGL42, AGL71 and AGL72 in the floral transition, demonstrate their genetic interactions with SOC1 and suggest that their roles differ in the apical and axillary meristems.
Cofactome analyses reveal enhanced flux of carbon into oil for potential biofuel production
Authors: Hayden Daniel M. , Rolletschek Hardy , Borisjuk Ljudmilla , Corwin Jason , Kliebenstein Daniel J. , Grimberg Asa , Stymne Sten , Dehesh Katayoon
Published: May 2011

To identify the underlying molecular basis of carbon partitioning between starch and oil we conducted 454 pyrosequencing, followed by custom microarrays to profile gene expression throughout endosperm development, of two closely related oat cultivars that differ in oil content at the expense of starch as determined by several approaches including non‐invasive magnetic resonance imaging. Comparative transcriptome analysis in conjunction with metabolic profiling displays a close coordination between energy metabolism and carbon partitioning pathways, with increased demands for energy and reducing equivalents in kernels with a higher oil content. These studies further expand the repertoire of networks regulating carbon partitioning to those involved in metabolism of cofactors, suggesting that an elevated supply of cofactors, here called cofactomes, contribute to the allocation of higher carbon pools for production of oils and storage proteins. These data highlight a close association between cofactomes and carbon partitioning, thereby providing a biotechnological target for conversion of starch to oil.
CBP60g and SARD1 play partially redundant critical roles in salicylic acid signaling
Authors: Wang Lin , Tsuda Kenichi , Truman William , Sato Masanao , Nguyen Le V. , Katagiri Fumiaki , Glazebrook Jane
Published: May 2011

Arabidopsis thaliana calmodulin binding protein 60g (CBP60g) contributes to production of salicylic acid (SA) in response to recognition of microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) such as flg22, a fragment of bacterial flagellin. Calmodulin binding is required for the function of CBP60g in limiting growth of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola (Pma) ES4326 and activation of SA synthesis. Here, we describe a closely related protein, SARD1. Unlike CBP60g, SARD1 does not bind calmodulin. Growth of Pma ES4326 is enhanced in sard1 mutants. In cbp60g sard1 double mutants, growth of Pma ES4326 is greatly enhanced, and SA levels and expression of PR‐1 and SID2 are dramatically reduced. Expression profiling placed the CBP60g/SARD1 node between the PAD4/EDS1 and SA nodes in the defense signaling network, and indicated that CBP60g and SARD1 affect defense responses in addition to SA production. A DNA motif bound by CBP60g and SARD1, GAAATTT, was significantly over‐represented in promoters of CBP60g/SARD1‐dependent genes, suggesting that expression of these genes is modulated by CBP60g/SARD1 binding. Gene expression patterns showed a stronger effect of cbp60g mutations soon after activation of a defense response, and a stronger effect of sard1 mutations at later times. The results are consistent with a model in which CBP60g and SARD1 comprise a partially redundant protein pair that is required for activation of SA production as well as other defense responses, with CBP60g playing a more important role early during the defense response, and SARD1 to playing a more important role later.
Functionally defective germline variant of sialic acid acetylesterase (Met89Val) is not associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus and Graves' disease in a Polish population
Authors: Szymański K. , Skórka A. , Szypowska A. , Bednarczuk T. , Płoski R.
Published: May 2011

Recently, rare genotypes encoding defective variants of sialic acid acetylesterase (SIAE), such as homozygous Met89Val substitution, were strongly associated [odds ratio (OR) = 8] with a panel of autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Our purpose was to replicate this finding in T1DM and explore whether Met89Val predisposes to Graves' diseases (GD). We studied 561 GD patients, 379 T1DM patients and 1822 controls. The prevalence of Met89Val homozygosity was similar among patients (GD: 0.4%, n = 2; T1DM: 0.3%, n = 1) and controls (0.4%, n = 7) yielding OR of 0.93 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19–4.48, P = 0.9] and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.08–5.59, P = 0.71) for GD and T1DM, respectively. We conclude that further studies are needed before the proposed strong effect of defective SIAE variants on susceptibility to autoimmunity can be universally accepted.
Sequence‐characterized amplified region and simple sequence repeat markers for identifying the major quantitative trait locus responsible for seedling resistance to downy mildew in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis)
Authors: Yu Shuancang , Zhang Fenglan , Zhao Xiuyun , Yu Yangjun , Zhang Deshuang
Published: May 2011

With 1 figure and 2 tables

Downy mildew caused by the oomycete Hyaloperonospora parasitica Constant. (Pers. Ex Fr.) is a serious threat to Brassicaceae family. Previously, a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for seedling resistance (BrDW) and its flanking markers, K14‐1030 and phosphoglucomutase, were identified in the Chinese cabbage. In order to establish the marker‐assisted selection (MAS) technique, K14‐1030 was successfully converted into a sequence‐characterized amplified region marker SCK14‐825, and a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) with sequence homology to K14‐1030 was identified. On the basis of the homologous and the linked BAC sequences, two microsatellite simple sequence repeat markers, kbrb058m10‐1 and kbrb006c05‐2, were designed and mapped on the confidence intervals of BrDW. These three markers could explain the QTL effect to a considerable extent and yield relatively high selection accuracy, which would be helpful in MAS for breeding downy mildew‐resistant Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis varieties.
Diagnostic pitfall in the diagnosis of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma arising in the central nervous system
Authors: Lin Lisa , Varikatt Winny , Dexter Mark , Ng Thomas
Published: May 2011

Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a rare aggressive neoplasm typically affecting the bones of young adults. It may also arise in somatic soft tissue, the CNS and other organs. It has a characteristic biphasic histological pattern composed of highly undifferentiated small round cells and islands of well‐differentiated hyaline cartilage. We report a case of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma arising from the right tentorium cerebelli in a 21‐year‐old woman with symptoms relating to mass effect. Histological examination demonstrated a purely small round cell appearance in a specimen obtained during partial resection at an outside institution, leading to an erroneous diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). The diagnosis of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma was made only after tissue obtained during a definitive complete macroscopic removal involving the regional tentorium cerebelli, transverse and sigmoid dural venous sinuses which showed a prominent cartilaginous component. We discuss the features of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma arising in the CNS, the important differential diagnoses of small round‐cell tumors within the CNS, and the differentiating features of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma from Ewing sarcoma/PNET, medulloblastoma, hemangiopericytoma, monophasic synovial sarcoma and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumour.
Jordanian acute coronary syndrome patients' learning needs: Implications for cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs
Authors: Eshah Nidal F.
Published: May 2011

The identification of patients' learning needs is an essential step for nurses in order to facilitate the recovery of acute coronary syndrome survivors. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the actual learning needs of these patients and to explore the differences in learning needs on the basis of sociodemographic and clinical variables. Descriptive comparative design was used, and patients' learning needs data were collected through the Patient Learning Needs Scale. The results showed that patients need a high amount of information after this syndrome. The 10 most needed educational topics belonged to the medications and treatment and activities of daily living categories. Older patients and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds requested less information than others did. In conclusion, topics perceived by patients as important and sociodemographic variables should be considered in preparing and providing cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs. Furthermore, these programs should be redesigned considering patients' actual learning needs rather than the expected needs, and they should incorporate medications, treatment and activities of daily living, complications and symptoms, illness‐related concerns, and support in the community.
Improving student supervision in a Norwegian intensive care unit: A qualitative study
Authors: Hansen Britt Sætre , Gundersen Evy Margrethe , Bjørnå Gunhild Bakkalia
Published: May 2011

The purpose of the study was to investigate intensive and critical care nurses' experiences of an empowerment program in the context of their role as student supervisors. Multistage focus group interviews were carried out and qualitative content analysis was performed in several steps. The overall results highlighted the need for strategies aimed at ensuring quality. The emerging themes were time, leadership and shared responsibility. Enough time promoted motivation, learning and reflection. Obligations to the student limited their leisure time and family life, and imposed some limitations during working hours. Leadership was perceived as crucial and leaders should act as strategic managers of development. The balance between “shared responsibility” and one supervisor in charge of one student was highlighted. There is a need to strengthen and improve the system of student supervision. There is a need to allocate time for learning and reflection. Who is responsible for the students must be clearly defined in the hospital, the university and in the intensive care unit, and it must be communicated.
The development of multisensory speech perception continues into the late childhood years
Authors: Ross Lars A. , Molholm Sophie , Blanco Daniella , Gomez‐Ramirez Manuel , Saint‐Amour Dave , Foxe John J.
Published: May 2011

Observing a speaker’s articulations substantially improves the intelligibility of spoken speech, especially under noisy listening conditions. This multisensory integration of speech inputs is crucial to effective communication. Appropriate development of this ability has major implications for children in classroom and social settings, and deficits in it have been linked to a number of neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism. It is clear from structural imaging studies that there is a prolonged maturational course within regions of the perisylvian cortex that persists into late childhood, and these regions have been firmly established as being crucial to speech and language functions. Given this protracted maturational timeframe, we reasoned that multisensory speech processing might well show a similarly protracted developmental course. Previous work in adults has shown that audiovisual enhancement in word recognition is most apparent within a restricted range of signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs). Here, we investigated when these properties emerge during childhood by testing multisensory speech recognition abilities in typically developing children aged between 5 and 14 years, and comparing them with those of adults. By parametrically varying SNRs, we found that children benefited significantly less from observing visual articulations, displaying considerably less audiovisual enhancement. The findings suggest that improvement in the ability to recognize speech‐in‐noise and in audiovisual integration during speech perception continues quite late into the childhood years. The implication is that a considerable amount of multisensory learning remains to be achieved during the later schooling years, and that explicit efforts to accommodate this learning may well be warranted.
Activation of alpha‐2 noradrenergic receptors is critical for the generation of fictive eupnea and fictive gasping inspiratory activities in mammals in vitro
Authors: Viemari Jean‐Charles , Garcia III Alfredo J. , Doi Atsushi , Ramirez Jan‐Marino
Published: May 2011

Biogenic amines are not just ‘modulators’, they are often essential for the execution of behaviors. Here, we explored the role of biogenic amines acting on the pre‐Bötzinger complex (pre‐BötC), an area located in the ventrolateral medulla which is critical for the generation of different forms of breathing. Isolated in transverse slices from mice, this region continues to spontaneously generate rhythmic activities that resemble normal (eupneic) inspiratory activity in normoxia and gasping in hypoxia. We refer to these as ‘fictive eupneic’ and ‘fictive gasping’ activity. When exposed to hypoxia, the pre‐BötC transitions from a network state relying on calcium‐activated nonspecific cation currents (ICAN) and persistent sodium currents (INap) to one that primarily depends on the INap current. Here we show that in inspiratory neurons INap‐dependent bursting, blocked by riluzole, but not ICAN‐dependent bursting, required endogenously released norepinephrine acting on alpha2‐noradrenergic receptors (α2‐NR). At the network level, fictive eupneic activity persisted while fictive gasping ceased following the blockade of α2‐NR. Blockade of α2‐NR eliminated fictive gasping even in slice preparations as well as in inspiratory island preparations. Blockade of fictive gasping by α2‐NR antagonists was prevented by activation of 5‐hydroxytryptamine type 2A receptors (5‐HT2A). Our data suggest that gasping depends on the converging aminergic activation of 5‐HT2AR and α2‐NR acting on riluzole‐sensitive mechanisms that have been shown to be crucial for gasping.
Sacral nerve modulation for defaecation and micturition disorders in patients with spina bifida
Authors: Lansen‐Koch S. M. P. , Govaert B. , Oerlemans D. , Melenhorst J. , Vles H. , Cornips E. , Weil E. H. J. , van Heurn E. , Baeten C. G. M. I. , van Gemert W. G.
Published: May 2011

Aim  Sacral nerve modulation is a well accepted method for the treatment of defaecation disorders and voiding dysfunction. Results of sacral nerve modulation in patients with spinal cord lesions are not well assessed, but preliminary results look poor. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of sacral nerve modulation for defaecation disorders and voiding dysfunction in patients with spina bifida.

Method  Consecutive patients with spina bifida suffering from a myelomeningocele and combined faecal and urinary functional disorders that were eligible for peripheral nerve evaluation (PNE) were studied. A permanent sacral nerve modulation implantation was performed after successful PNE.

Results  Ten patients (four female) were included in this study with a median age of 26.4 (range 11.1–41.0) years. In two the PNE was not possible. The median faecal incontinence days (6.0 vs 3.5) and episodes (8.5 vs 3.5) per 21 days decreased significantly during the 3‐week period of PNE (P = 0.033). Only 3/10 (30%) patients had a more than 50% improvement and proceeded to a permanent sacral nerve modulation implantation. In one patient it was not possible to perform the permanent implant.

Conclusion  Preliminary results of sacral nerve modulation in a subgroup of spina bifida patients with combined faecal and urinary functional disorders look promising, but long‐term results in larger patient groups need to be studied.
Lower circulating levels of complement split proteins C3a and C4a in maternal plasma of women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lappas M.
Published: May 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 906–911 (2011)

Aim  The aim of this study was to determine the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus on maternal circulating levels of C3a, C4a and C5a.

Methods  Anaphylatoxin C3a, C4a and C5a levels were measured in maternal and cord plasma from 42 women with normal glucose tolerance and 40 women with gestational diabetes at the time of term elective Caesarean section. Maternal plasma C3a, C4a and C5a concentrations were determined by enzyme‐linked immunoassay.

Results  Maternal C3a and C4a concentrations were significantly lower in women with gestational diabetes compared with women with normal glucose tolerance at the time of term delivery (P < 0.05, Student’s t‐test). There was, however, no difference in maternal circulating C5a levels between the two groups. Additionally, there was no difference in C3a, C4a and C5a levels in cord plasma obtained from women with normal glucose tolerance and those with gesational diabetes. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between maternal and cord complement split levels.

Conclusions  Gestational diabetes is characterized by lower levels of C3a and C4a in the maternal circulation at the time of term Caesarean delivery.
International equity valuation: the relative importance of country and industry factors versus company‐specific financial reporting information
Authors: Foster George , Kasznik Ron , Sidhu Baljit K.
Published: May 2011

The relative importance of country‐ and industry‐specified factors vis‐à‐vis company‐specific financial statement–based information in explaining equity valuation multiples in an international setting is examined. Both country‐specific effects via previously identified variables and an indicator variable approach are analysed. While company‐specific factors are predominant in explaining cross‐sectional differences in valuation, country and industry factors have sizable incremental explanatory power over them; the latter are not independent, so their relative importance is influenced by how we adjust for this commonality. Using country indicators provides larger incremental explanatory power than using country‐specific factors, suggesting that previously identified factors may be measured with sizeable error or omitted factors are important.
Voting for the Radical Right in Swedish Municipalities: Social Marginality and Ethnic Competition?
Authors: Rydgren Jens , Ruth Patrick
Published: May 2011

Sweden is no longer a negative, exceptional case regarding the presence of radical right‐wing populist parties. The Sweden Democrats has continually grown stronger, and in 2010 they won seats in the Swedish parliament. However, their electoral support varies considerably across Sweden. This study analyses their electoral support in 290 Swedish municipalities in order to explain this variance. Support is found for the social marginality hypothesis: electoral support for the Sweden Democrats tends to be negatively correlated with the average level of education and with the Gross Regional Product per capita, and positively correlated with the unemployment rate. The ethnic competition hypothesis, that there is a positive correlation between the proportion of immigrants and electoral support of the Sweden Democrats, is also supported.