bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trichothiodystrophy group A: A first Japanese patient with a novel homozygous nonsense mutation in the GTF2H5 gene
Authors: Moriwaki Shinichi , Saruwatari Hiroshi , Kanzaki Tamotsu , Kanekura Takuro , Minoshima Shinsei
Published: July 2014

Trichothiodystrophy group A (TTD‐A) is one of the three types of photosensitive TTD and is a very rare genodermatosis with deficient post‐ultraviolet (UV) DNA repair. We herein describe the first Japanese case with a novel mutation in the GTF2H5 gene responsible for TTD‐A. A 5‐year‐old male, born as a collodion baby from healthy non‐consanguineous parents, exhibited sun sensitivity, brittle hair, ichthyosis, cataracts and mental/physical retardation. He demonstrated neither neurological abnormalities nor pigmentary changes following sun exposure. The patient's primary fibroblasts were hypersensitive to killing by UV (D0 = 1.5 J/m2), and the post‐UV unscheduled DNA synthesis was 13% of normal. A host cell reactivation complementation analysis showed a decreased DNA capacity without recovery after transfecting any xeroderma pigmentosum genes. We identified a novel homozygous mutation (c.166G>T) in the coding region of the GTF2H5 gene that resulted in a predicted amino acid change: p.E55X. Thus far, only one Japanese case of TTD with a mutation of the XPD gene had been reported. The present case is the first of TTD‐A and the second case of TTD in Japan, suggesting that it is necessary to differentiate TTD from other photosensitive disorders, although the incidence of TTD is very low in Japan compared to that observed in Western countries.
Diagnosing the Securitisation of Immigration at the EU Level: A New Method for Stronger Empirical Claims
Authors: Baele Stéphane J. , Sterck Olivier C.
Published: July 2014

Has immigration been securitised at the EU level? The question has been hotly discussed, but no consensus has been reached. This article claims that two shortcomings – one methodological, one theoretical – in the empirical conduct of securitisation theory (ST) have provoked this lack of consensus. Taking this situation as an opportunity, a quantitative method is introduced that addresses these two shortcomings, thereby helping to reach a stronger claim on the securitisation of immigration at the EU level. By measuring the intensity of the security framing in EU legislation on immigration, the method helps avoid simplistic binary statements of (non-)securitisation and encourages the scholar to acknowledge the complex, multifaceted reality of vast political fields. The results contribute to accrediting the thesis according to which immigration has been securitised at the EU level, but nuances it by demonstrating a significant variation between the various subfields of the policy (e.g. asylum, legal immigration).
Relational Transformation and Agonistic Dialogue in Divided Societies
Authors: Maddison Sarah
Published: July 2014

In societies emerging from conflict and violence, achieving a peaceful political settlement is an important goal. In most situations, however, achieving this goal is not enough to transform underlying conflicts rooted in history and identity. Rather, it is understood that what is needed in such situations is ongoing effort towards the transformation of underlying historical and relational conflict. But while high profile events such as truth commissions often become the public focus of a reconciliation process, in fact much of the effort towards conflict transformation takes place in lower profile dialogue processes. This article theorises a model of agonistic dialogue required for relational conflict transformation in divided and post-violent conflict societies. Described here as ‘sustained, intensive relational work’, this model draws from theories of agonistic democracy to argue for dialogue processes that are focused on engaging across deep differences in ways that can facilitate an enlarged understanding among former enemies.
Comparison of standard triple therapy, sequential therapy and moxifloxacin‐based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection: Patients' compliance and bacterial eradication rates
Authors: Rakici Halil , Akdoğan Remzi Adnan , Bedir Recep , Copur Aysegul , Yilmaz Arif
Published: July 2014

Objective

To compare the patients' compliance with and the efficacy of existing treatments for Helicobacter pylori eradication, including moxifloxacin‐based triple therapy, sequential treatment and the standard treatment.

Methods

Patients with H. pylori infection were randomly assigned to three therapy groups. The triple therapy (MML) group was given moxifloxacin 400 mg/day, metronidazole 500 mg b.i.d. and lansoprazole 30 mg b.i.d. for 10 days. The sequential treatment (AL‐CML) group was administrated amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. and lansoprazole 30 mg b.i.d. for the first 5 days, followed by clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d., metronidazole 500 mg b.i.d. and lansoprazole 30 mg b.i.d. for the second 5 days. The standard treatment (CAL) group received amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. and lansoprazole 30 mg b.i.d. for 14 days. The eradication rates were evaluated by per‐protocol (PP) analysis and intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis.

Results

The eradication rates were 87.1, 85.9 and 85.2% by PP analysis and 87.1, 84.9 and 84.2% by ITT analysis in the MML, AL‐CML and CAL group, respectively, and patients' compliance rates were 98.2, 96.5 and 97.1%, respectively. There were no significant differences in treatment efficacy and compliance rates in the MML, AL‐CML and CAL groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study revealed that standard triple therapy, sequential therapy and moxifloxacin‐based triple therapy are all effective treatment regimens in terms of H. pylori eradication rates and compliance with therapy in Turkey.
Impact of night sleep duration on glycemic and triglyceride levels in Chinese with different glycemic status 不同血糖水平的中国人群的夜晚睡眠时间对血糖和甘油三酯水平的影响
Authors: Zheng Yu , Wang Anping , Pan Changyu , Lu Juming , Dou Jingtao , Lu Zhaohui , Ba Jianming , Wang Baoan , Mu Yiming
Published: July 2014

Background

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between night sleep duration and glycemic and triglyceride (TG) levels among people with different glycemic status.

Methods

In all, 18 121 subjects aged ≥40 years were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study, including 4318 with impaired glucose regulation (IGR), 4225 with diabetes, and 9578 with normal glucose regulation (NGR). The IGR + diabetes and NGR groups were divided into three subgroups according to self‐reported night sleep duration as follows: (i) <6 h; (ii) 6–9 h; and (iii) >9 h. The associations of sleep duration with HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2‐h post‐load plasma glucose (PPG), and TG levels were examined.

Results

Long night sleep duration (>9 h) was associated with higher HbA1c, FPG, PPG, and TG levels compared with sleep duration of 6–9 h (P < 0.01 for all) in the IGR + diabetes group, but not in the NGR group. This association was adjusted for potential confounders, including body mass index and depressive symptoms, and remained significant even after adjusting for snoring. A significant interaction between sleep duration and TG or snoring was observed for HbA1c levels, which attenuated the sleep–HbA1c association in the IGR + diabetes group. However, no significant association was observed between short night sleep duration and HbA1c levels.

Conclusions

Long night sleep duration is associated with higher HbA1c, FPG, PPG, and TG levels in IGR and diabetes patients, independent of potential confounders. This may be important in clinical management of IGR and diabetes patients.
Asymmetrasca decedens (Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae), a natural vector of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium’
Authors: Abou‐Jawdah Y. , Abdel Sater A. , Jawhari M. , Sobh H. , Abdul‐Nour H. , Bianco P.A. , Molino Lova M. , Alma A.
Published: July 2014

‘Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium’ is associated with a lethal disease of almond, peach and nectarine named almond witches'‐broom disease (AlmWB). The disease spread rapidly in Lebanon from coastal areas to elevations exceeding 1200 m, killing over 150,000 trees in a span of two decades. The mode of spread suggested the involvement of efficient vector(s) and Asymmetrasca decedens (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) was suspected as it is the most abundant leafhopper species present in Lebanese stone fruit orchards. Living A. decedens specimens were collected from fields heavily infested by AlmWB and used in transmission trials on healthy peach almond hybrid GF‐677 and peach GF‐305 seedlings with an inoculation‐access period of 30 days. PCR analysis supported by sequencing showed that A. decedens is a carrier of the phytoplasma, and that the phytoplasma was detected in insect salivary glands and in some inoculated GF‐677 and GF‐305 seedlings. One year post‐inoculation, ‘Ca. P. phoenicium’ was detected in newly emergent leaves of inoculated seedlings. However, the characteristic symptoms of witches'‐broom were not observed. PCR amplified fragments from phytoplasma‐positive seedlings and from A. decedens samples showed 99.9% nucleotide identity in their 16S RNA region and phylogenetic analysis using a neighbour jointing tree confirmed that the phytoplasmas detected in both insects and inoculated seedlings belonged to 16SrIX‐B (D). The present manuscript is the first known report for a leafhopper vector of ‘Ca. P. phoenicium’ and shows that the incubation period of the disease in plants may be longer than 1 year. The importance of phytosanitary control measures, the adoption of a national strategy and regional cooperation in order to contain the further spread of the disease are discussed.
Does stage tailoring matter in brief alcohol interventions for job‐seekers? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Freyer‐Adam Jennis , Baumann Sophie , Schnuerer Inga , Haberecht Katja , Bischof Gallus , John Ulrich , Gaertner Beate
Published: July 2014

Aims

To investigate whether or not a stage tailored intervention is more effective than a non‐stage tailored intervention of the same intensity in reducing alcohol use among job‐seekers with unhealthy alcohol use, and whether initial motivation to change is a moderator of efficacy.

Design

A three‐group randomized controlled trial with 3‐, 6‐ and 15‐month follow‐ups.

Setting

Three job agencies in Germany.

Participants

A total of 1243 job‐seekers with unhealthy alcohol use were randomized to (i) stage tailored intervention based on the transtheoretical model of change (ST), (ii) non‐stage tailored intervention based on the theory of planned behaviour (NST) and (iii) assessment only (controls). Participants received feedback letters and manuals at baseline and 3 months later.

Measurements

Piecewise latent growth models were calculated measuring change in ‘alcohol use’ from baseline to month 3 (active intervention phase) and from months 3 to 15 (post‐intervention phase, primary outcome). Motivation to change was included as a 4‐point continuous measure.

Findings

All groups reduced alcohol use from months 0 to 3 (controls: mean = −0.866, NST: mean = −0.883, ST: mean = −0.718, Ps ≤ 0.001). Post‐intervention (months 3–15), low‐motivated individuals in the ST group showed a greater reduction than those in the control group (β = 0.135, P = 0.039, Cohen's d = 0.42) and in the NST group (β = 0.180, P = 0.009, Cohen's d = 0.55). In contrast, compared to the ST group (β = 0.030, P = 0.361), alcohol use decreased more strongly with higher initial motivation in the NST group (β = −0.118, P = 0.010).

Conclusions

Among job‐seekers with high levels of alcohol consumption, an intervention tailored to motivational ‘stage of change’ was more effective than a non‐stage tailored intervention for reducing alcohol use 15 months after baseline assessment in participants with low initial motivation to change.
New insights into polar overdominance in callipyge sheep
Authors: Bidwell C. A. , Waddell J. N. , Taxis T. M. , Yu H. , Tellam R. L. , Neary M. K. , Cockett N. E.
Published: July 2014

The callipyge phenotype in sheep involves substantial postnatal muscle hypertrophy and other changes to carcass composition. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the DLK1–DIO3 imprinted gene cluster alters gene expression of the paternal allele‐specific protein‐coding genes and several maternal allele‐specific long noncoding RNA and microRNA when the mutation is inherited in cis. The inheritance pattern of the callipyge phenotype is polar overdominant because muscle hypertrophy only occurs in heterozygous animals that inherit a normal maternal allele and the callipyge SNP on the paternal allele (+/C). We examined the changes of gene expression of four major transcripts from the DLK1–DIO3 cluster and four myosin isoforms during the development of muscle hypertrophy in the semimembranosus as well as in the supraspinatus that does not undergo hypertrophy. The homozygous (C/C) animals had an intermediate gene expression pattern for the paternal allele‐specific genes and two myosin isoforms, indicating a biological activity that was insufficient to change muscle mass. Transcriptome analysis was conducted by RNA sequencing in the four callipyge genotypes. The data show that homozygous animals (C/C) have lower levels of gene expression at many loci relative to the other three genotypes. A number of the downregulated genes are putative targets of the maternal allele‐specific microRNA with gene ontology, indicating regulatory and cell signaling functions. These results suggest that the trans‐effect of the maternal noncoding RNA and associated miRNA is to stabilize the expression of a number of regulatory genes at a functional, but low level to make the myofibers of homozygous (C/C) lambs less responsive to hypertrophic stimuli of the paternal allele‐specific genes.
Comparative epigenetics: relevance to the regulation of production and health traits in cattle
Authors: Doherty Rachael , Farrelly Cliona O' , Meade Kieran G.
Published: July 2014

With the development of genomic, transcriptomic and bioinformatic tools, recent advances in molecular technologies have significantly impacted bovine bioscience research and are revolutionising animal selection and breeding. Integration of epigenetic information represents yet another challenging molecular frontier. Epigenetics is the study of biochemical modifications to DNA and to histones, the proteins that provide stability to DNA. These epigenetic changes are induced by environmental stimuli; they alter gene expression and are potentially heritable. Epigenetics research holds the key to understanding how environmental factors contribute to phenotypic variation in traits of economic importance in cattle including development, nutrition, behaviour and health. In this review, we discuss the potential applications of epigenetics in bovine research, using breakthroughs in human and murine research to signpost the way.
Association between an alternative promoter polymorphism and sperm deformity rate is due to modulation of the expression of KATNAL1 transcripts in Chinese Holstein bulls
Authors: Zhang X. , Wang C. , Zhang Y. , Ju Z. , Qi C. , Wang X. , Huang J. , Zhang S. , Li J. , Zhong J. , Shi F.
Published: July 2014

Katanin p60 subunit A‐like 1 (KATNAL1) is an ATPase that regulates Sertoli cell microtubule dynamics and sperm retention. We evaluated one novel splice variant and characterized the promoter and a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the bovine KATNAL1 gene to explore its expression pattern, possible regulatory mechanism and relationship with semen traits in Chinese Holstein bulls. A novel splice variant, KATNAL1 transcript variant 2 (KATNAL1‐TV2) of the retained 68 bp in intron 2, was identified by RT‐PCR and compared with KATNAL1 transcript variant 1 (KATNAL1‐TV1, NM 001192918.1) in various tissues. Bioinformatics analyses predicted that KATNAL1 transcription was regulated by two promoters: P1 in KATNAL1‐TV1 and P2 in KATNAL1‐TV2. Results of qRT‐PCR revealed that KATNAL1‐TV1 had higher expression than did KATNAL1‐TV2 in testes of adult bulls (P < 0.05). Promoter luciferase activity analysis suggested that the core sequences of P1 and P2 were mapped to the region of c.‐575˜c.‐180 and c.163‐40˜c.333+59 respectively. One novel SNP (c.163‐210T>C, ss836312085) located in intron 1 was found using sequence alignment. The SNP in P2 resulted in the presence of the DeltaE binding site, improving its basal promoter activity (P < 0.05); and we observed a greater sperm deformity rate in bulls with the genotype CC than in those with the genotype TT (P < 0.05), which indicated that different genotypes were associated with the bovine semen traits. Bioinformatics analysis of the KATNAL1 protein sequence predicted that the loss of the MIT domain in the KATNAL1‐TV2 transcript resulted in protein dysfunction. These findings help us to understand that a functional SNP in P2 and subsequent triggering of expression diversity of KATNAL1 transcripts are likely to play an important role with regard to semen traits in bull breeding programs.
Moral disengagement moderates the predicted effect of trait self‐control on self‐reported aggression
Authors: Li Jian‐Bin , Nie Yan‐Gang , Boardley Ian D. , Situ Qiao‐Min , Dou Kai
Published: July 2014

An increasing number of studies reveal that self‐control is an important preventative factor for aggression. However, the involvement of potential explanatory variables has received less research attention. Drawing upon the feedback‐loop model of self‐control, the current research assumed that the preventing effect of trait self‐control on aggression may be moderated by moral disengagement. Self‐reported measures of trait self‐control, moral disengagement and aggression were administered to 946 Chinese university students. Results show that trait self‐control had a negative effect on physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility, whereas moral disengagement positively predicted each of these constructs. Of particular importance was a significant interaction between trait self‐control and moral disengagement for verbal aggression and hostility. Specifically, the preventing effect of trait self‐control on these two types of aggression was more pronounced in individuals with low rather than high moral disengagement. In conclusion, low conditional endorsement of transgressive acts and having high trait self‐control are both important individual‐difference variables that explain reduced aggression.
Anti‐Müllerian hormone in premenopausal women following treatment of uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Hallqvist Everhov Åsa , Bergmark Karin , Smedby Karin E. , Lindén Hirschberg Angelica , Flöter Rådestad Angelique
Published: July 2014

In this longitudinal study we prospectively enrolled 32 premenopausal women (ages 23–44 years) with stage I–III uterine cervical cancer undergoing surgery and/or chemoradiation. Serum levels of anti‐Müllerian hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone and estradiol were examined at baseline and 1 year after treatment. As expected, serum anti‐Müllerian hormone was undetectable after salpingo‐oophorectomy or chemoradiation. After radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy with ovarian preservation serum anti‐Müllerian hormone declined from a mean value of 2.0 ± 1.4 μg/L to 1.1 ± 0.8 μg/L (p = 0.01), representing a 45% reduction, whereas there was no significant change in serum levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone and estradiol. This implies that ovarian function may be affected not only by castrating treatment but also by radical hysterectomy with ovarian preservation. The risk of premature menopause and the potential need of hormone replacement therapy among these women may be overlooked since they no longer menstruate.
Effect of different levels of dietary sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) peel extract on humoral immune system responses in broiler chickens
Authors: Pourhossein Zohreh , Qotbi Ali Ahmad Alaw , Seidavi Alireza , Laudadio Vito , Centoducati Gerardo , Tufarelli Vincenzo
Published: July 2014

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) peel extract (SOPE) on humoral immune system responses in broiler chickens. Three hundred 1‐day broilers (Ross‐308) were randomly allocated to treatments varying in supplemental SOPE added in the drinking water. The experimental groups consisted of three treatments fed for 42 days as follows: a control treatment without feed extract, a treatment containing 1000 ppm of SOPE and a treatment containing 1250 ppm of SOPE. All treatments were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Broilers were vaccinated with Newcastle disease virus (NDV), avian influenza (AI), infectious bursal disease (IBD) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) vaccines. Antibody titer response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was higher in the group fed 1250 ppm of SOPE (P < 0.05) as well as for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM. Similarly, antibody titer responses to all vaccines were constantly elevated (P < 0.05) by SOPE enrichment in a dose‐dependent manner. Relative weights of spleen and bursa of Fabricius were unaffected by treatments. Dietary SOPE supplementation may improve the immune response and diseases resistance, indicating that it can constitute a useful additive in broiler feeding. Thus, supplying SOPE in rations may help to improve relative immune response in broiler chickens.
‘I didn't used to have much friends’: exploring the friendship concepts and capabilities of a boy with autism and severe learning disabilities
Authors: Potter Carol
Published: July 2014

Accessible summary

This paper looks at the friendships of Ben, (not his real name), a 10‐year‐old boy with autism and learning disabilities, in his mainstream school.

Ben was able to name his friends and showed that he understood some important things about friendship.

Adults in the school said that Ben was very keen to have friends and that some of his friendships had lasted for over a year.

The study focused on the importance of listening to children with autism and learning disabilities and on the need to highlight their social strengths.

Whilst progress has been made in understanding the friendships of children with autism, research on the friendships of children with additional learning disabilities remains extremely limited. In this research, a qualitative case study approach provided a rich description of the friendship concepts and capabilities of Ben, a 10‐year‐old boy with autism and severe learning disabilities within the context of a mainstream primary classroom in the United Kingdom. An innovative activity‐based strategy was used to gain Ben's own perspectives in relation to friendship. Findings revealed that Ben exhibited a strong desire to have friends, believed himself to have some, demonstrated some understanding in respect of degrees of friendship and displayed a commitment to friendships over relatively long periods of time. Methodological, developmental and capacity perspectives informed the discussion, with a case being made both for a greater focus on the friendship capabilities of children with autism and learning disabilities and their more direct inclusion in the research process.
Treatment with LPS plus INF‐γ induces the expression and function of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, modulating NIH3T3 cell proliferation: participation of NOS and COX
Authors: Español A J , Maddaleno M O , Lombardi M G , Cella M , Martínez Pulido P , Sales M E
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose

LPS and IFN‐γ are potent stimuli of inflammation, a process in which fibroblasts are frequently involved. We analysed the effect of treatment with LPS plus IFN‐γ on the expression and function of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in NIH3T3 fibroblasts with regards to proliferation of these cells. We also investigated the participation of NOS and COX, and the role of NF‐κB in this process.

Experimental Approach

NIH3T3 cells were treated with LPS (10 ng·mL−1) plus IFN‐γ (0.5 ng·mL−1) for 72 h (iNIH3T3 cells). Cell proliferation was evaluated with MTT and protein expression by Western blot analysis. NOS and COX activities were measured by the Griess method and radioimmunoassay respectively.

Key Results

The cholinoceptor agonist carbachol was more effective at stimulating proliferation in iNIH3T3 than in NIH3T3 cells, probably due to the de novo induction of M3 and M5 muscarinic receptors independently of NF‐κB activation. iNIH3T3 cells produced higher amounts of NO and PGE2 than NIH3T3 cells, concomitantly with an up‐regulation of NOS1 and COX‐2, and with the de novo induction of NOS2/3 in inflamed cells. We also found a positive feedback between NOS and COX that could potentiate inflammation.

Conclusions and Implications

Inflammation induced the expression of muscarinic receptors and, therefore,stimulated carbachol‐induced proliferation of fibroblasts. Inflammation also up‐regulated the expression of NOS and COX‐2, thus potentiating the effect of carbachol on NO and PGE2 production. A positive crosstalk between NOS and COX triggered by carbachol in inflamed cells points to muscarinic receptors as potential therapeutic targets in inflammation.
Beyond sex allocation: the role of mating systems in sexual selection in parasitoid wasps
Authors: Boulton Rebecca A. , Collins Laura A. , Shuker David M.
Published: July 2014

Despite the diverse array of mating systems and life histories which characterise the parasitic Hymenoptera, sexual selection and sexual conflict in this taxon have been somewhat overlooked. For instance, parasitoid mating systems have typically been studied in terms of how mating structure affects sex allocation. In the past decade, however, some studies have sought to address sexual selection in the parasitoid wasps more explicitly and found that, despite the lack of obvious secondary sexual traits, sexual selection has the potential to shape a range of aspects of parasitoid reproductive behaviour and ecology. Moreover, various characteristics fundamental to the parasitoid way of life may provide innovative new ways to investigate different processes of sexual selection. The overall aim of this review therefore is to re‐examine parasitoid biology with sexual selection in mind, for both parasitoid biologists and also researchers interested in sexual selection and the evolution of mating systems more generally. We will consider aspects of particular relevance that have already been well studied including local mating structure, sex allocation and sperm depletion. We go on to review what we already know about sexual selection in the parasitoid wasps and highlight areas which may prove fruitful for further investigation. In particular, sperm depletion and the costs of inbreeding under chromosomal sex determination provide novel opportunities for testing the role of direct and indirect benefits for the evolution of mate choice.
Risk factors for eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Philpott H. , Nandurkar S. , Royce S. G. , Thien F. , Gibson P. R.
Published: July 2014

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic antigen driven disease, whereby food and/or aeroallergens result in inflammation and luminal narrowing, and the clinical symptoms of dysphagia and food bolus obstruction events (FBOE). Established risk factors are male gender, Caucasian race and atopy. Increased risk amongst family members, and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a gene coding thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) on the pseudoautosomal region of the X and Y chromosomes supports a genetic predisposition. Environmental factors including the timing and nature of food and aeroallergen exposure to the developing immune system may be important, whilst esophageal barrier function integrity and the influence of microbiota are worthy of future research.
Contact allergy to epoxy hardeners
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Suuronen Katri , Kuuliala Outi , Henriks‐Eckerman Maj‐Len , Jolanki Riitta
Published: July 2014

Background

Diglycidylether of bisphenol A resin is the most important sensitizer in epoxy systems, but a minority of patients develop concomitant or solitary contact allergy to epoxy hardeners. At the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, several in‐house test substances of epoxy hardeners have been tested in a special epoxy compound patch test series.

Objectives

To analyse the frequency and clinical relevance of allergic reactions to different epoxy hardeners.

Methods

Test files (January 1991 to March 2013) were screened for contact allergy to different epoxy hardeners, and the clinical records of patients with allergic reactions were analysed for occupation, concomitant allergic reactions, and exposure.

Results

The most commonly positive epoxy hardeners were m‐xylylenediamine (n = 24), 2,4,6‐tris‐(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol (tris‐DMP; n = 14), isophorone‐diamine (n = 12), and diethylenetriamine (n = 9). Trimethylhexamethylenediamine (n = 7), tetraethylenepentamine (n = 4), and triethylenetetramine (n = 2) elicited some reactions, although most patients were found to have no specific exposure. Allergic reactions to hexamethylenetetramine, dimethylaminopropylamine and ethylenediamine dihydrochloride were not related to epoxy products.

Conclusions

Tris‐DMP is an important sensitizer in epoxy hardeners, and should be included in the patch test series of epoxy chemicals.
Interstudy repeatability of left and right ventricular volume estimations by serial‐gated tomographic radionuclide angiographies using a cadmium‐zinc‐telluride detector gamma camera
Authors: Jensen Maria M. , Haase Christine , Zerahn Bo
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with 99MTc‐HSA equilibrium radionuclide angiography (RA) is frequently used for assessing cardiac function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interstudy repeatability of left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular volume and ejection fraction estimations, using a cadmium‐zinc‐telluride (CZT) SPECT camera.

Materials and methods

Forty‐six patients were scanned twice, interrupted by repositioning. Each acquisition was analysed twice by two experienced technologists. Interstudy and interobserver variations were calculated as the coefficient of variation (CV) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) for limits of agreement (LOA) between each sequence of analyses for each of the two acquisitions.

Results

The Interstudy variations and 95% CI for LVEF, LV end systolic (LVESV) and end diastolic (LVEDV) volumes were 4·6% (−5·4 to 6·4), 9·3% (−6·90 to 5·20) and 7·0% (−13·9 to 11·1), respectively. For the right ventricle, the corresponding values were 11·9% (−9·40 to 10·8), 9·8% (−14·9 to 10·8) and 8·1% (−20·7 to 16·3).

Discussion

The CZT detector camera has excellent reproducibility with regard to interstudy variation when assessing LV volumes and EF. Interstudy variation is considerably higher for RV volumes and EF, indicating a lack of consistency in tracing the boarders of the right ventricle.
Living‐donor liver transplantation for congenital biliary atresia with porto‐pulmonary hypertension and moderate or severe pulmonary arterial hypertension: Kyoto University experience
Authors: Ogawa Eri , Hori Tomohide , Doi Hiraku , Segawa Hajime , Uemoto Shinji
Published: July 2014

Porto‐pulmonary hypertension with moderate or severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is viewed as a contraindication to liver transplantation (LT) because of associated poor outcomes; however, patients with biliary atresia (BA) are generally good candidates for LT. Ten patients with moderate/severe PAH underwent living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT) at our institution; eight of these patients had BA and were the focus of this study. Preoperative therapies, including prostaglandin (PG)I2, were introduced. When mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) after treatment was <40 mmHg or initial mPAP without therapy was <35 mmHg, we performed an acute volume challenge test to evaluate right ventricular function. LDLT was performed when mPAP after anesthetic induction was confirmed at ≤35 mmHg. Six patients had favorable responses to preoperative treatment and catheter testing, but two patients showed poor responses. The two patients with poor responses had poor clinical courses with unstable mPAP after LDLT. The other six patients had successful courses with well‐controlled mPAP, and PGI2 was withdrawn or weaned following LDLT. Survival did not significantly differ between the eight BA recipients with moderate/severe PAH and 77 age‐matched BA recipients without PAH from the same time period. LDLT has major benefits for BA patients with well‐controlled PAH.
Re‐emergence of the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) as a reference species for evo‐devo
Authors: Cordero Gerardo Antonio
Published: July 2014

Evolutionary developmental biology requires integration of knowledge from multiple levels of organization. Information at the genome level is quickly outpacing crucial descriptive information on developmental processes at the cell, tissue, and organ levels. Unprecedented progress in genomics has enabled the rise of so‐called non‐traditional reference species. However, a substantial, though overlooked, amount of phenotypic information has long been available for species such as the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), which recently became the first turtle to feature a fully sequenced and annotated nuclear genome. In this commentary, I highlight research on the comparative embryology of Chrysemys during the twentieth century and briefly discuss future directions for research on this re‐emerging species for evo‐devo.
The relationship between tree biodiversity and biomass dynamics changes with tropical forest succession
Authors: Lasky Jesse R. , Uriarte María , Boukili Vanessa K. , Erickson David L. , John Kress W. , Chazdon Robin L.
Published: July 2014

Theory predicts shifts in the magnitude and direction of biodiversity effects on ecosystem function (BEF) over succession, but this theory remains largely untested. We studied the relationship between aboveground tree biomass dynamics (Δbiomass) and multiple dimensions of biodiversity over 8–16 years in eight successional rainforests. We tested whether successional changes in diversity–Δbiomass correlations reflect predictions of niche theories. Diversity–Δbiomass correlations were positive early but weak later in succession, suggesting saturation of niche space with increasing diversity. Early in succession, phylogenetic diversity and functional diversity in two leaf traits exhibited the strongest positive correlations with Δbiomass, indicating complementarity or positive selection effects. In mid‐successional stands, high biodiversity was associated with greater mortality‐driven biomass loss, i.e. negative selection effects, suggesting successional niche trade‐offs and loss of fast‐growing pioneer species. Our results demonstrate that BEF relationships are dynamic across succession, thus successional context is essential to understanding BEF in a given system.
More than memory impairment in voltage‐gated potassium channel complex encephalopathy
Authors: Bettcher B. M. , Gelfand J. M. , Irani S. R. , Neuhaus J. , Forner S. , Hess C. P. , Geschwind M. D.
Published: July 2014

Background and purpose

Autoimmune encephalopathies (AEs) are a heterogeneous group of neurological disorders that affect cognition. Although memory difficulties are commonly endorsed, few reports of AEs inclusively assess all cognitive domains in detail. Our aim was to perform an unbiased cognitive evaluation of AE patients with voltage‐gated potassium channel complex antibodies (VGKCC‐Abs) in order to delineate cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Methods

Serial VGKCC‐Ab AE subjects (n = 12) were assessed with a comprehensive evaluation of memory, executive functions, visuospatial skills and language. Clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (n = 10/12) was evaluated. Five subjects had serial cognitive testing available, permitting descriptive analysis of change.

Results

Subjects demonstrated mild to moderate impairment in memory (mean Z = −1.9) and executive functions (mean Z = −1.5), with variable impairments in language and sparing of visuospatial skills. MRI findings showed T2 hyperintensities in medial temporal lobe (10/10) and basal ganglia (2/10). Serial cognitive examination revealed heterogeneity in cognitive function; whereas most patients improved in one or more domains, residual impairments were observed in some patients.

Conclusions

This study augments previous neuropsychological analyses in VGKCC‐Ab AE by identifying not only memory and executive function deficits but also language impairments, with preservation of visuospatial functioning. The study further highlights the importance of domain‐specific testing to parse out the complex cognitive phenotypes of VGKCC‐Ab AE.
Sex and Weapons: Contrasting Sexual Dimorphisms in Weaponry and Aggression in Snapping Shrimp
Authors: Hughes Melissa , Williamson Tucker , Hollowell Kathleen , Vickery Rachel
Published: July 2014

Sexual dimorphisms in weaponry and aggression are common in species in which one sex (usually males) competes for access to mates or resources necessary for reproduction – sexually dimorphic weaponry and aggression, in other words, are frequently the result of intrasexual selection. In snapping shrimp, the major chela (snapping claw) can be a deadly weapon, and males of many species have larger chelae than females, a pattern readily interpreted as resulting from intrasexual selection. Thus, males might be expected to show more sex‐specific aggression than females, and be more aggressive overall. We tested these predictions in two species of snapping shrimp in a territorial defense context. Neither of these predictions was supported: in both species, females, but not males, engaged in sex‐specific aggression and females were more aggressive than males overall. These contrasting sexual dimorphisms – larger weaponry in males but higher aggression in females – highlight the importance of considering the function of weaponry and aggression in contexts other than direct competitions over mates. In addition, species differences in the degree of sexual dimorphism in chela size were due to differences in female, not male, chela size, and the species with greater sexual dimorphism in weaponry was significantly less aggressive overall; also, while paired and solitary males did not differ in residual chela size, for the species with greater sexual dimorphism, females carrying embryos had smaller residual chela sizes. These results suggest that understanding the sexual dimorphisms in weaponry and aggression in snapping shrimp requires understanding the relative costs and benefits of both in females as well as males.
Increased survival of experimentally evolved antimicrobial peptide‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an animal host
Authors: Dobson Adam J. , Purves Joanne , Rolff Jens
Published: July 2014

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been proposed as new class of antimicrobial drugs, following the increasing prevalence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Synthetic AMPs are functional analogues of highly evolutionarily conserved immune effectors in animals and plants, produced in response to microbial infection. Therefore, the proposed therapeutic use of AMPs bears the risk of ‘arming the enemy’: bacteria that evolve resistance to AMPs may be cross‐resistant to immune effectors (AMPs) in their hosts. We used a panel of populations of Staphylococcus aureus that were experimentally selected for resistance to a suite of individual AMPs and antibiotics to investigate the ‘arming the enemy’ hypothesis. We tested whether the selected strains showed higher survival in an insect model (Tenebrio molitor) and cross‐resistance against other antimicrobials in vitro. A population selected for resistance to the antimicrobial peptide iseganan showed increased in vivo survival, but was not more virulent. We suggest that increased survival of AMP‐resistant bacteria almost certainly poses problems to immune‐compromised hosts.
GHIP in Streptococcus pneumoniae is involved in antibacterial resistance and elicits a strong innate immune response through TLR2 and JNK/p38MAPK
Authors: Dong Jie , Wang Jian , He Yujuan , Li Chenwei , Zhou Aie , Cui Jin , Xu Wenchun , Zhong Liang , Yin Yibing , Zhang Xuemei , Wang Hong
Published: July 2014

Interaction between pneumococcal virulence factors and innate immune receptors triggers host responses via specific signaling pathways after infection. By generating a deficient mutant, we show here that, compared with the wild‐type parent strain, glycosyl hydrolase 25 relating to invasion protein (GHIP) mutant strain was impaired in rapid dissemination into vessels and caused less severe inflammation in mice lungs. Further study demonstrated that the lack of this protein in Streptococcus pneumoniae caused an increased susceptibility to whole blood or neutrophils, while this impairment could be recovered by supplementing recombinant GHIP (rGHIP). Additionally, secreted GHIP could be detected in culture medium, and purified protein was able to induce the release of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 from peritoneal macrophages. Further investigations revealed that the induction of interleukin 6 by this virulence factor depended on the phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase and Toll‐like receptor 2. Taken together, GHIP, a novel pneumococcal virulence factor, appeared to play a critical role in bacterial survival and the induction of host innate immune response during pneumococcal infection.
An evaluation of the bottom trawl surveys in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem
Authors: Axelsen Bjørn Erik , Johnsen Espen
Published: July 2014

Demersal fish, shrimp and cephalopod assemblages on the continental shelves and slopes off Angola, Namibia and the southern and western coasts of South Africa have been monitored in terms of fisheries‐independent trawl surveys since the 1980s. The time series have provided vital input to stock assessments and are widely used in studies of ecology and biodiversity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the technical specifications of the vessels and trawls used, to examine effects of modifications on catching efficiency, and to assess implications of these modifications over time. We find that the demersal trawl data collected in South Africa are not comparable with those of Namibia and Angola, and that the time series of Angola and Namibia contain inherent differences in terms of catchability of bottom dwellers. The introduction of smaller bobbins gear on the RV Dr. Fridtjof Nansen in 1994 increased the catchability of bottom‐dwelling species, and catch rates of monkfish and sole were higher in surveys with commercial vessels than the RV Dr. Fridtjof Nansen. We recommend that temporal trends are interpreted with caution and that time series for the three countries are viewed in isolation.
Runoff and the longitudinal distribution of macroinvertebrates in a glacier‐fed stream: implications for the effects of global warming
Authors: Jacobsen Dean , Cauvy‐Fraunie Sophie , Andino Patricio , Espinosa Rodrigo , Cueva Daniela , Dangles Olivier
Published: July 2014

The downstream pattern in benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages along glacier‐fed streams is a result of decreasing glacial influence on environmental conditions. However, meltwater run‐off shows temporal variation, reflected in differences in, for example, temperature, conductivity and turbidity. Consequently, depending on their run‐off patterns, comparable environmental conditions may occur at different distances along glacier‐fed streams. Our aim was to assess whether short‐term variations in glacial run‐off were reflected by changes in longitudinal distribution patterns of macroinvertebrates along a glacier‐fed stream in theEcuadorianAndes.

We measured environmental parameters, obtained continuous gauging data, measured macroinvertebrate drift rate with an hourly resolution during glacial floods and sampled benthic macroinvertebratesc. 3‐monthly for 30 months at three sites at varying distances (0.1–4.3 km) from the glacier. For each sampling date, we fitted logarithmic equations to plots of taxon richness versus distance from the glacier, calculated similarity in assemblage composition between sites and calculated weighted averages of mid‐points of taxon distributions. These data were analysed in relation to mean maximum flow over the 45 days prior to sampling.

Mean conductivity and temperature increased while turbidity decreased downstream. During glacial afternoon floods, conductivity decreased while temperature and turbidity increased. High flow moved maximal taxon richness downstream (reduced the slopes from logarithmic fits), while low flow made assemblages more downstream like (higher similarity with downstream assemblages). No significant relationships were found between weighted average distributions and flow. Drift rate (ind. h−1) increased by an order of magnitude at the onset of afternoon floods, and the taxa that contributed most to total drift were those whose benthic densities were most reduced by increases in flow.

Our study provides hints as to how biological distribution patterns in glacier‐fed streams might be affected by more permanent changes in run‐off caused by glacial shrinkage. This study predicts a multidirectional shift in altitudinal/longitudinal species ranges, with a potential downward shift in species ranges as a consequence of global change.
Assessing students' wellbeing in a spatial dimension
Authors: Fleuret Sébastien , Prugneau Jérôme
Published: July 2014

This paper examines the issues related to the double‐sided dimension of wellbeing: subjective and objective. In the theoretical framework developed by Fleuret and Atkinson (2007, The New Zealand Geographer 63 106–29), spaces of wellbeing are shaped by four dimensions (spaces of security, spaces of capability, therapeutic spaces and integrative spaces). In the case of the student population in Angers, we observe a major imbalance: the component that really stands out is capability, which is quite logical because students are a population in a transition between youth and adulthood. The results reveal that the student population has a specific relation to space due to a transitory presence in the university town, with, as a consequence, a simultaneous embedding in different places. This could explain why the students do not perceive the characteristics of place to be a major influence on their wellbeing; instead it is the perception they have of their wellbeing that influences their perception of place.
Professional Skills in International Financial Surveillance: Assessing Change in IMF Policy Teams
Authors: Seabrooke Leonard , Nilsson Emelie Rebecca
Published: July 2014

In 2006, the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) lauded Iceland's capacity to “withstand extreme, but plausible, shocks,” which was clearly an error in judgment. After the international financial crisis hit, IMF officials bemoaned the lack of professional market skills in FSAP teams. Importing these skills was difficult given IMF staff freezes, but postcrisis FSAP continued with heightened legitimacy inside and outside the IMF. This article provides an assessment of FSAP teams, focusing on the hiring of external experts and their professional skills. We use an Optimal Matching analysis of work roles in career histories to identify differences in policy teams and external experts' attributes. The article also draws on interviews with FSAP team members from 2008 to 2013. We demonstrate that changes in professional skills and team composition are a consequence of demands for professional insulation, institutional legitimation, and a view of professionalism as transnational organizational competence.