bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin protects ADSCs from ROS and enhances their therapeutic potency in a rat model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhu Ping , Liu Jianfeng , Shi Jinxin , Zhou Qian , Liu Jie , Zhang Xianwei , Du Zhiyan , Liu Qiaowei , Guo Yuanyuan
Published: June 2015

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. In the last decade, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) based cell therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. Although great advance have been made using MSCs to treat MI, the low viability of transplanted MSCs severely limits the efficiency of MSCs therapy. Here, we show evidence that ex vivo pre‐treatment with melatonin, an endogenous hormone with newly found anti‐oxidative activity, could improve survival and function of adipose tissue derived MSCs (ADSCs) in vitro as well as in vivo. ADSCs with 5 μM melatonin pre‐treatment for 24 hrs showed increased expression of the antioxidant enzyme catalase and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD‐1), as well as pro‐angiogenic and mitogenic factors like insulin‐like growth factor 1, basic fibroblast growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), epidermal growth factor. Furthermore, melatonin pre‐treatment protected MSCs from reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced apoptosis both directly by promoting anti‐apoptosis kinases like p‐Akt as well as blocking caspase cascade, and indirectly by restoring the ROS impaired cell adhesion. Using a rat model of MI, we found that melatonin pre‐treatment enhanced the viability of engrafted ADSCs, and promoted their therapeutic potency. Hopefully, our results may shed light on the design of more effective therapeutic strategies treating MI by MSCs in clinic.
Synergistic antitumour activity of RAF265 and ZSTK474 on human TT medullary thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Bertazza Loris , Barollo Susi , Radu Claudia Maria , Cavedon Elisabetta , Simioni Paolo , Faggian Diego , Plebani Mario , Pelizzo Maria Rosa , Rubin Beatrice , Boscaro Marco , Pezzani Raffaele , Mian Caterina
Published: June 2015

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is an aggressive malignancy responsible for up to 14% of all thyroid cancer‐related deaths. It is characterized by point mutations in the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto‐oncogene. The activated RET kinase is known to signal via extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), leading to enhanced proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. In the present work, we have investigated the effect of two serine/threonine‐protein kinase B‐Raf (BRAF) inhibitors (RAF265 and SB590885), and a PI3K inhibitor (ZSTK474), on RET‐mediated signalling and proliferation in a MTC cell line (TT cells) harbouring the RETC634W activating mutation. The effects of the inhibitors on VEGFR2, PI3K/Akt and mitogen‐activated protein kinases signalling pathways, cell cycle, apoptosis and calcitonin production were also investigated. Only the RAF265+ ZSTK474 combination synergistically reduced the viability of treated cells. We observed a strong decrease in phosphorylated VEGFR2 for RAF265+ ZSTK474 and a signal reduction in activated Akt for ZSTK474. The activated ERK signal also decreased after RAF265 and RAF265+ ZSTK474 treatments. Alone and in combination with ZSTK474, RAF265 induced a sustained increase in necrosis. Only RAF265, alone and combined with ZSTK474, prompted a significant drop in calcitonin production. Combination therapy using RAF265 and ZSTK47 proved effective in MTC, demonstrating a cytotoxic effect. As the two inhibitors have been successfully tested individually in clinical trials on other human cancers, our preclinical data support the feasibility of their combined use in aggressive MTC.
Urokinase receptor and CXCR4 are regulated by common microRNAs in leukaemia cells
Authors: Alfano Daniela , Gorrasi Anna , Li Santi Anna , Ricci Patrizia , Montuori Nunzia , Selleri Carmine , Ragno Pia
Published: June 2015

The urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) receptor (uPAR) focuses uPA proteolytic activity on the cell membrane, promoting localized degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), and binds vitronectin (VN), mediating cell adhesion to the ECM. uPAR‐bound uPA and VN induce proteolysis‐independent intracellular signalling, regulating cell adhesion, migration, survival and proliferation. uPAR cross‐talks with CXCR4, the receptor for the stroma‐derived factor 1 chemokine. CXCR4 is crucial in the trafficking of hematopoietic stem cells from/to the bone marrow, which involves also uPAR. Both uPAR and CXCR4 are expressed in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), with a lower expression in undifferentiated and myeloid subsets, and higher expression in myelomonocytic and promyelocytic subsets. We hypothesized a microRNA (miR)‐mediated co‐regulation of uPAR and CXCR4 expression, which could allow their cross‐talk at the cell surface. We identified three miRs, miR‐146a, miR‐335 and miR‐622, regulating the expression of both uPAR and CXCR4 in AML cell lines. Indeed, these miRs directly target the 3′untranslated region of both uPAR‐ and CXCR4‐mRNAs; accordingly, uPAR/CXCR4 expression is reduced by their overexpression in AML cells and increased by their specific inhibitors. Overexpression of all three miRs impairs migration, invasion and proliferation of myelomonocytic cells. Interestingly, we observed an inverse relationship between uPAR/CXCR4 expression and miR‐146a and miR‐335 levels in AML blasts, suggesting their possible role in the regulation of uPAR/CXCR4 expression also in vivo.
Automated calculation of ptosis on lateral clinical photographs
Authors: Lee Juhun , Kim Edward , Reece Gregory P. , Crosby Melissa A. , Beahm Elisabeth K. , Markey Mia K.
Published: June 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

The goal is to fully automate the calculation of a breast ptosis measure from clinical photographs through automatic localization of fiducial points relevant to the measure.

Methods

Sixty‐eight women (97 clinical photographs) who underwent or were scheduled for breast reconstruction were included. The photographs were divided into a development set (N = 49) and an evaluation set (N = 48). The breast ptosis measure is obtained automatically from distances between three fiducial points: the nipple, the lowest visible point of breast (LVP), and the lateral terminus of the inframammary fold (LT). The nipple is localized using the YIQ colour space to highlight the contrast between the areola and the surrounding breast skin. The areola is localized using its shape, location and high Q component intensity. The breast contour is estimated using Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm on the gradient of the photograph in greyscale. The lowest point of the estimated contour is set as the LVP. To locate the anatomically subtle LT, the location of patient's axilla is used as a reference.

Results

The algorithm's efficacy was evaluated by comparing manual and automated localizations of the fiducial points. The average nipple diameter was used as a cut‐off to define success. The algorithm showed 90, 91 and 83% accuracy for locating the nipple, LVP and LT in the evaluation set, respectively.

Conclusion

This study presents a new automated algorithm that may facilitate the quantification of breast ptosis from lateral views of patients' photographs.
Quality of life and drug compliance: their interrelationship in rheumatic patients
Authors: Hromadkova Lucie , Soukup Tomas , Vlcek Jiri
Published: June 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

In rheumatic disorders, one of the treatment objectives is to improve the patient's quality of life (QoL). Similar to other chronic conditions, drug compliance is poor, but necessary for successful treatment. The relationship between drug compliance and QoL has never been tested. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between drug compliance and QoL in patients with different rheumatic disorders.

Method

A cross‐sectional study was conducted and patients ≥18 years of age with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and systemic scleroderma (SSc) were recruited. Data were collected by questionnaires including the Short Form 36 version 2, Compliance Questionnaire Rheumatology (CQR), Health Assessment Questionnaire and by a general questionnaire that focused on demographic characteristics.

Results

The questionnaires were completed by 289 patients. Of the respondents, 61.6% (178) were treated for RA, 16.3% (47) for SA, 14.2% (41) for SSc and 8% (23) for JIA. The median of CQR score ranged from 66.7 (JIA) to 82.5 (RA), with 51.6% of patients reaching a score <80. QoL was decreased mainly in the physical component, with the lowest rate for patients with SSc. Higher compliance was observed in patients with decreased QoL (physical component), nevertheless, statistical significance of the relationship was reached only in JIA and SA patients.

Conclusion

Doctors caring for rheumatic patients should focus their efforts on strengthening drug compliance in patients with higher QoL where it seems that lower compliance is more likely.
Assessing appropriateness of osteoarthritis care using quality indicators: a systematic review
Authors: Basedow Martin , Esterman Adrian
Published: June 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Quality indicators (QIs) derived from the review of medical records, administrative databases, and patient questionnaires and interviews have been frequently used to assess the quality of osteoarthritis (OA) care. The purpose of this review is to summarize studies that have assessed the quality of OA care using QIs.

Method

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO for English‐language studies indexed by October 2014. Articles were included if they used any QIs for assessing the quality of OA care. We summarized the results of these studies, and with meta‐analysis, generated an overall conclusion about the quality of care as measured by QIs for each treatment domain for OA care.

Results

Fourteen studies assessed as being of high‐quality were included in the review, with the number of QIs ranging from 1 to 21. Four of the 14 studies solely assessed the quality of OA care, while the other studies assessed health care quality for a range of conditions that included OA. The quality of OA care as assessed by a meta‐analysis of QI pass rates across studies was suboptimal for all treatment domains (pass rates: pain and functional status assessment – 48.5%, 95% CI 32.6–64.6%; non‐drug treatment – 36.1%, 95% CI 27.8–44.7%; drug treatment – 37.5%, 95% CI 30.8–44.5%; surgical referral – 78.9%, 95% CI 57.4–94.2%).

Conclusion

Despite efforts made at improving care for patients with OA, the wide divergence between evidence and consensus‐based recommended care and practice has been reaffirmed.
Willingness to Pay for Eco‐Certified Refurbished Products: The Effects of Environmental Attitudes and Knowledge
Authors: Harms Rainer , Linton Jonathan D.
Published: June 2015

Refurbishing products, which are increasingly sold in business‐to‐consumer markets, is a key strategy to reduce waste. Nevertheless, research finds that consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for refurbished products is low. Strategies for a higher WTP are needed in order to grow consumer markets for refurbished products. Eco‐certification of refurbished products may be a key strategy here. Drawing on the consumer WTP literature concerning “green” products, we investigate the impact of independent eco‐certificates. Our analysis is based on a survey of 231 potential customers. The results suggest that, across various product categories, the WTP for products with refurbished components is significantly lower. Adding an eco‐certificate tends to return the WTP toward the virgin product level. We show that consumers with proenvironmental attitudes particularly exhibit green buying behavior. Our findings indicate that eco‐certification is often worthwhile because it enhances the business rationale for producing products with refurbished components.
The Political Dynamics of Sustainable Coffee: Contested Value Regimes and the Transformation of Sustainability
Authors: Levy David , Reinecke Juliane , Manning Stephan
Published: June 2015

The global coffee sector has seen a transformation towards more ‘sustainable’ forms of production, and, simultaneously, the continued dominance of mainstream coffee firms and practices. We examine this paradox by conceptualizing the underlying process of political corporate social responsibility (PCSR) as a series of long‐term, multi‐dimensional interactions between civil society and corporate actors, drawing from the neo‐Gramscian concepts of hegemony and passive revolution. A longitudinal study of the evolution of coffee sustainability standards suggests that PCSR can be understood as a process of challenging and defending value regimes, within which viable configurations of economic models, normative‐cultural values, and governance structures are aligned and stabilized. Specifically, we show how dynamics of moves and accommodations between challengers and corporate actors shape the practice and meaning of ‘sustainable’ coffee. The results contribute to understanding the political dynamics of CSR as a dialectic process of ‘revolution/restoration’, or passive revolution, whereby value regimes assimilate and adapt to potentially disruptive challenges, transforming sustainability practices and discourse.
Shwachman–Diamond syndrome (SDS) in a preterm neonate
Authors: Saito‐Benz Maria , Miller Helen Elizabeth , Berry Mary Judith
Published: June 2015

A preterm neonate at 29‐week gestational age was born with intrauterine growth restriction, severe pancytopaenia and gross skeletal dysplasia. Antenatal screening bloods, TORCH/parvovirus tests and karyotype were unremarkable. Postnatally, he had normal microarray comparative genomic hybridization and serum B12/folate levels, and human immunodeficiency virus and cytomegalovirus polymerase chain reaction and antoimmune screening were negative. Targeted gene testing for Shwachman–Diamond syndrome (SDS) revealed the pathognomic mutation (c.183_184delTAinsCT). His postnatal clinical course was complicated by: (i) Ventilator dependency because of a combination of a pathologically compliant chest wall and preterm‐associated chronic lung disease. (ii) Progressive bone marrow failure, resulting in transfusion dependence and profound neutropenia associated with recurrent sepsis. (iii) Gastrointestinal failure and TPN dependency. (iv) Poor postnatal growth with weight/length/head circumference all <3rd centile. (v) Prognostication was complicated by the lack of published literature on the presentation of SDS in a preterm infant. However, because of inexorable progression of multiorgan failure, intensive care was withdrawn on day 54 of life. SDS is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterised by haematological abnormalities, skeletal dysplasia and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction. Neonatal presentation is thought to be extremely rare. However, with the availability of genetic testing, it has now become clear that because of overlap in clinical presentation, term‐born infants with skeletal dysplasia and severe respiratory distress may initially be misdiagnosed as asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy. This case report highlights the complexities of preterm birth complicating clinical manifestations of SDS.
Psychosocial needs of parents and children accessing hospital outpatient paediatric services in New Zealand
Authors: Case Rosalind Jane Leamy , Barber Carrie Cornsweet , Starkey Nicola Jayne
Published: June 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the psychological and psychosocial service needs of parents and children in a New Zealand hospital paediatric outpatient clinic.

Method

Parents (n = 152), children and adolescents aged 0–16 years with a range of illness types and severities completed self‐reports of depression, anxiety, stress and quality of life, and rated their child's emotional, behavioural and social problems. Paediatricians rated children's health, medical adherence and the families' need for psychosocial support.

Results

One hundred fifty‐two parents completed the questionnaire. Parents' stress levels were significantly higher than those in a normative population. Children's levels of emotional, behavioural and social problems were significantly elevated. Paediatricians perceived that a large proportion of families could benefit from psychosocial intervention, and the majority of families were interested in paediatric psychological services.

Conclusions

Parents and children coping with mild or short‐term childhood illnesses may experience significantly elevated levels of psychological distress and dysfunction, as do those with chronic or life‐threatening illnesses. While families report high levels of interest in receiving paediatric psychology services, the majority has not received psychological support.
Biodiversity of Klebsormidium (Streptophyta) from alpine biological soil crusts (Alps, Tyrol, Austria, and Italy)
Authors: Mikhailyuk Tatiana , Glaser Karin , Holzinger Andreas , Karsten Ulf
Published: June 2015

Forty Klebsormidium strains isolated from soil crusts of mountain regions (Alps, 600–3,000 m elevation) were analyzed. The molecular phylogeny (internal transcribed spacer rDNA sequences) showed that these strains belong to clades B/C, D, E, and F. Seven main (K. flaccidum, K. elegans, K. crenulatum, K. dissectum, K. nitens, K. subtile, and K. fluitans) and four transitional morphotypes (K. cf. flaccidum, K. cf. nitens, K. cf. subtile, and K. cf. fluitans) were identified. Most strains belong to clade E, which includes isolates that prefer humid conditions. One representative of the xerophytic lineage (clade F) as well as few isolates characteristic of temperate conditions (clades B/C, D) were found. Most strains of clade E were isolated from low/middle elevations (<1,800 m above sea level; a.s.l.) in the pine‐forest zone. Strains of clades B/C, D, and F occurred sporadically at higher elevations (1,548–2,843 m a.s.l.), mostly under xerophytic conditions of alpine meadows. Comparison of the alpine Klebsormidium assemblage with data from other biogeographic regions indicated similarity with soil crusts/biofilms from terrestrial habitats in mixed forest in Western Europe, North America, and Asia, as well as walls of buildings in Western European cities. The alpine assemblage differed substantially from crusts from granite outcrops and sand dunes in Eastern Europe (Ukraine), and fundamentally from soil crusts in South African drylands. Epitypification of the known species K. flaccidum, K. crenulatum, K. subtile, K. nitens, K. dissectum, K. fluitans, K. mucosum, and K. elegans is proposed to establish taxonomic names and type material as an aid for practical studies on these algae, as well as for unambiguous identification of alpine strains. New combination Klebsormidium subtile (Kützing) Mikhailyuk, Glaser, Holzinger et Karsten comb. nov. is made.
Effective number of breeders provides a link between interannual variation in stream flow and individual reproductive contribution in a stream salmonid
Authors: Whiteley Andrew R. , Coombs Jason A. , Cembrola Matthew , O'Donnell Matthew J. , Hudy Mark , Nislow Keith H. , Letcher Benjamin H.
Published: June 2015

The effective number of breeders that give rise to a cohort (Nb) is a promising metric for genetic monitoring of species with overlapping generations; however, more work is needed to understand factors that contribute to variation in this measure in natural populations. We tested hypotheses related to interannual variation in Nb in two long‐term studies of brook trout populations. We found no supporting evidence for our initial hypothesis that reflects (defined as the number of adults in a population at the time of reproduction). was stable relative to and did not follow trends in abundance (one stream negative, the other positive). We used stream flow estimates to test the alternative hypothesis that environmental factors constrain Nb. We observed an intermediate optimum autumn stream flow for both (R2 = 0.73, P = 0.02) and full‐sibling family evenness (R2 = 0.77, P = 0.01) in one population and a negative correlation between autumn stream flow and full‐sib family evenness in the other population (r = −0.95, P = 0.02). Evidence for greater reproductive skew at the lowest and highest autumn flow was consistent with suboptimal conditions at flow extremes. A series of additional tests provided no supporting evidence for a related hypothesis that density‐dependent reproductive success was responsible for the lack of relationship between Nb and NC (so‐called genetic compensation). This work provides evidence that Nb is a useful metric of population‐specific individual reproductive contribution for genetic monitoring across populations and the link we provide between stream flow and Nb could be used to help predict population resilience to environmental change.
The CrdRS two‐component system in Helicobacter pylori responds to nitrosative stress
Authors: Hung Chiu‐Lien , Cheng Hsin‐Hung , Hsieh Wan‐Chen , Tsai Zing Tsung‐Yeh , Tsai Huai‐Kuang , Chu Chia‐Han , Hsieh Wen‐Ping , Chen Yi‐Fan , Tsou Yu , Lai Chih‐Ho , Wang Wen‐Ching
Published: June 2015

Helicobacter pylori inhabits the gastric mucosa where it senses and responds to various stresses via a two‐component systems (TCSs) that enable its persistent colonization. The aim of this study was to investigate whether any of the three paired TCSs (ArsRS, FleRS and CrdRS) in H. pylori respond to nitrosative stress. The results showed that the expression of crdS was significantly increased upon exposure to nitric oxide (NO). crdS‐knockout (ΔcrdS) and crdR/crdS‐knockout (ΔcrdRS) H. pylori, but not arsS‐knockout (ΔarsS) or fleS‐knockout (ΔfleS) H. pylori, showed a significant loss of viability upon exposure to NO compared with wild‐type strain. Knockin crdS (ΔcrdS‐in) significantly restored viability in the presence of NO. Global transcriptional profiling analysis of wild‐type and ΔcrdS H. pylori in the presence or absence of NO showed that 101 genes were differentially expressed, including copper resistance determinant A (crdA), transport, binding and envelope proteins. The CrdR binding motifs were investigated by competitive electrophoretic mobility shift assay, which revealed that the two AC‐rich regions in the crdA promoter region are required for binding. These results demonstrate that CrdR–crdA interaction enables H. pylori to survive under nitrosative stress.
Succinate dehydrogenase (mitochondrial complex II) is a source of reactive oxygen species in plants and regulates development and stress responses
Authors: Jardim‐Messeder Douglas , Caverzan Andréia , Rauber Rafael , de Souza Ferreira Eduardo , Margis‐Pinheiro Márcia , Galina Antonio
Published: June 2015

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are signaling molecules that regulate plant development and responses to stresses. Mitochondria are the source of most ROS in heterotrophic cells, and mitochondrial complex I and complex III are regarded as the main sites of ROS production in plant mitochondria. Recent studies have demonstrated that succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) also contributes to mitochondrial ROS production. However, the ability of SDH to generate ROS in plants is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of SDH in mitochondrial ROS production.

Our results demonstrated that SDH is a direct source of ROS in Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, and the induction of ROS production by specific SDH inhibitors impaired plant growth. In addition, this effect was accompanied by the down‐regulation of cell cycle genes and the up‐regulation of stress‐related genes.

However, the partial inhibition of SDH by a competitive inhibitor decreased ROS production, which was associated with increased shoot and root growth, and prevented the down‐regulation of cell cycle genes and the induction of stress‐related genes by noncompetitive inhibitors.

In conclusion, SDH plays an important role in ROS production, being a direct source of ROS in plant mitochondria and regulating plant development and stress responses.
Molecular characterization of Oryza sativa WRKY6, which binds to W‐box‐like element 1 of the Oryza sativa pathogenesis‐related (PR) 10a promoter and confers reduced susceptibility to pathogens
Authors: Choi Changhyun , Hwang Seon‐Hee , Fang Il Ran , Kwon Soon Il , Park Sang Ryeol , Ahn Ilpyung , Kim Jung Bong , Hwang Duk‐Ju
Published: June 2015

WRKY proteins are transcription factors (TFs) that regulate the expression of defense‐related genes. The salicylic acid (SA)‐inducible Oryza sativa WRKY6 (OsWRKY6) was identified as a positive regulator of Oryza sativa pathogenesis‐related 10a (OsPR10a) by transient expression assays. A physical interaction between OsWRKY6 and W‐box‐like element 1 (WLE1), which positively regulates OsPR10a/probenazole induced protein 1 expression, was verified in vitro.

Several pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes were constitutively activated, including OsPR10a, and transgenic rice (Oryza sativa) plants overexpressing (ox) OsWRKY6 exhibited enhanced disease resistance to pathogens. By contrast, PR gene induction was compromised in transgenic OsWRKY6‐RNAi lines, suggesting that OsWRKY6 is a positive regulator of defense responses. OsWRKY6‐ox lines displayed leaf lesions, and increased OsWRKY6 levels caused cell death.

Salicylic acid (SA) concentrations were higher in OsWRKY6‐ox lines than in wild‐type (WT) plants, and transcript levels of Oryza sativa isochorismate synthase 1 (OsICS1), which encodes a major enzyme involved in SA biosynthesis, were higher in OsWRKY6‐ox lines than in WT. OsWRKY6 directly bound to the OsICS1 promoter in vivo. This indicates that OsWRKY6 can directly regulate OsICS1 expression and thereby increase SA concentrations. OsWRKY6 autoregulates its own expression. OsWRKY6 protein degradation is possibly regulated by ubiquitination.

Our results suggest that OsWRKY6 positively regulates defense responses through activation of OsICS1 expression and OsWRKY6 stabilization.
BAM 1 and RECEPTOR‐LIKE PROTEIN KINASE 2 constitute a signaling pathway and modulate CLE peptide‐triggered growth inhibition in Arabidopsis root
Authors: Shimizu Noriko , Ishida Takashi , Yamada Masashi , Shigenobu Shuji , Tabata Ryo , Kinoshita Atsuko , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Hasebe Mitsuyasu , Mitsumasu Kanako , Sawa Shinichiro
Published: June 2015

Ligand receptor‐based signaling is a means of cell‐to‐cell communication for coordinating developmental and physiological processes in multicellular organisms. In plants, cell‐producing meristems utilize this signaling to regulate their activities and ensure for proper development. Shoot and root systems share common requirements for carrying out this process; however, its molecular basis is largely unclear. It has been suggested that synthetic CLV3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (CLE) peptide shrinks the root meristem through the actions of CLAVATA2 (CLV2) and the RECEPTOR‐LIKE PROTEIN KINASE 2 (RPK2) pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Our genetic screening for mutations that resist CLE peptide signaling in roots determined that BAM1, which is a member of the leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinase (LRR‐RLK) family, is also involved in this pathway.

BAM1 is preferentially expressed in the root tip, including the quiescent center and its surrounding stem cells. Our genetic analysis revealed that BAM1 functions together with RPK2. Using coimmunoprecipitation assay, we showed that BAM1 is capable of forming heteromeric complexes with RPK2.

These findings suggest that the BAM1 and RPK2 receptors constitute a signaling pathway that modulates cell proliferation in the root meristem and that related molecules are employed in root and shoot meristems.
Autoantibodies in movement and psychiatric disorders: updated concepts in detection methods, pathogenicity, and CNS entry
Authors: Sinmaz Nese , Amatoury Mazen , Merheb Vera , Ramanathan Sudarshini , Dale Russell C. , Brilot Fabienne
Published: June 2015

In recent years, autoantibodies to proteins or receptors expressed on the surface of neurons have been detected in movement and psychiatric disorders. These autoantibodies can assist in better recognition of clinical syndromes and offer novel treatment opportunities via immunotherapies, potentially leading to improved patient outcome. In this review, we describe several autoimmune syndromes associated with movement and psychiatric disorders, including anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis, basal ganglia encephalitis, Sydenham chorea, and autoantibody‐associated psychosis and schizophrenia. However, rather than focusing on clinical aspects of these diseases, as they have been reviewed in detail elsewhere, we mainly focus on the scientific aspects of the different methodologies for detecting antibodies, with an emphasis on the current gold standard in the field, the cell‐based assay, and on issues related to the use of live versus permeabilized cells. We also reflect on the implications associated with the choice of patient serum and cerebrospinal fluid for antibody testing, on the mechanism of antibody entry into the central nervous system through the blood–brain barrier, and the essential issue of antibody pathogenicity.
Differential CO2 effect on primary carbon metabolism of flag leaves in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.)
Authors: Aranjuelo Iker , Erice Gorka , Sanz‐Sáez Alvaro , Abadie Cyril , Gilard Françoise , Gil‐Quintana Erena , Avice Jean‐Christophe , Staudinger Christiana , Wienkoop Stefanie , Araus Jose L. , Bourguignon Jacques , Irigoyen Juan J. , Tcherkez Guillaume
Published: June 2015

C sink/source balance and N assimilation have been identified as target processes conditioning crop responsiveness to elevated CO2. However, little is known about phenology‐driven modifications of C and N primary metabolism at elevated CO2 in cereals such as wheat. Here, we examined the differential effect of elevated CO2 at two development stages (onset of flowering, onset of grain filling) in durum wheat (Triticum durum, var. Sula) using physiological measurements (photosynthesis, isotopes), metabolomics, proteomics and 15N labelling. Our results show that growth at elevated CO2 was accompanied by photosynthetic acclimation through a lower internal (mesophyll) conductance but no significant effect on Rubisco content, maximal carboxylation or electron transfer. Growth at elevated CO2 altered photosynthate export and tended to accelerate leaf N remobilization, which was visible for several proteins and amino acids, as well as lysine degradation metabolism. However, grain biomass produced at elevated CO2 was larger and less N rich, suggesting that nitrogen use efficiency rather than photosynthesis is an important target for improvement, even in good CO2‐responsive cultivars.
Responses of two semiarid conifer tree species to reduced precipitation and warming reveal new perspectives for stomatal regulation
Authors: Garcia‐Forner NúRIA , Adams Henry D. , Sevanto Sanna , Collins Adam D. , Dickman Lee T. , Hudson Patrick J. , Zeppel Melanie J.B. , Jenkins Michael W. , Powers Heath , Martínez‐Vilalta Jordi , Mcdowell Nate G.
Published: June 2015

Relatively anisohydric species are predicted to be more predisposed to hydraulic failure than relatively isohydric species, as they operate with narrower hydraulic safety margins. We subjected co‐occurring anisohydric Juniperus monosperma and isohydric Pinus edulis trees to warming, reduced precipitation, or both, and measured their gas exchange and hydraulic responses. We found that reductions in stomatal conductance and assimilation by heat and drought were more frequent during relatively moist periods, but these effects were not exacerbated in the combined heat and drought treatment. Counter to expectations, both species exhibited similar gs temporal dynamics in response to drought. Further, whereas P. edulis exhibited chronic embolism, J. monosperma showed very little embolism due to its conservative stomatal regulation and maintenance of xylem water potential above the embolism entry point. This tight stomatal control and low levels of embolism experienced by juniper refuted the notion that very low water potentials during drought are associated with loose stomatal control and with the hypothesis that anisohydric species are more prone to hydraulic failure than isohydric species. Because direct association of stomatal behaviour with embolism resistance can be misleading, we advocate consideration of stomatal behaviour relative to embolism resistance for classifying species drought response strategies.
SlDREB2, a tomato dehydration‐responsive element‐binding 2 transcription factor, mediates salt stress tolerance in tomato and Arabidopsis
Authors: Hichri Imène , Muhovski Yordan , Clippe André , Žižková Eva , Dobrev Petre I. , Motyka Vaclav , Lutts Stanley
Published: June 2015

To counter environmental cues, cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has evolved adaptive mechanisms requiring regulation of downstream genes. The dehydration‐responsive element‐binding protein 2 (DREB2) transcription factors regulate abiotic stresses responses in plants. Herein, we isolated a novel DREB2‐type regulator involved in salinity response, named SlDREB2. Spatio‐temporal expression profile together with investigation of its promoter activity indicated that SlDREB2 is expressed during early stages of seedling establishment and in various vegetative and reproductive organs of adult plants. SlDREB2 is up‐regulated in roots and young leaves following exposure to NaCl, but is also induced by KCl and drought. Its overexpression in WT Arabidopsis and atdreb2a mutants improved seed germination and plant growth in presence of different osmotica. In tomato, SlDREB2 affected vegetative and reproductive organs development and the intronic sequence present in the 5′ UTR drives its expression. Physiological, biochemical and transcriptomic analyses showed that SlDREB2 enhanced plant tolerance to salinity by improvement of K+/Na+ ratio, and proline and polyamines biosynthesis. Exogenous hormonal treatments (abscisic acid, auxin and cytokinins) and analysis of WT and 35S::SlDREB2 tomatoes hormonal contents highlighted SlDREB2 involvement in abscisic acid biosynthesis/signalling. Altogether, our results provide an overview of SlDREB2 mode of action during early salt stress response.
Power, Conflict, and Community: How Gendered Views of Political Power Influence Women's Political Ambition
Authors: Schneider Monica C. , Holman Mirya R. , Diekman Amanda B. , McAndrew Thomas
Published: June 2015

We provide a novel approach to understanding the political ambition gap between men and women by examining perceptions of the role of politician. Across three studies, we find that political careers are viewed as fulfilling power‐related goals, such as self‐promotion and competition. We connect these goals to a tolerance for interpersonal conflict and both of these factors to political ambition. Women's lack of interest in conflict and power‐related activities mediates the relationship between gender and political ambition. In an experiment, we show that framing a political career as fulfilling communal goals—and not power‐related goals—reduces the ambition gap.
Identity Conflict or Compatibility: A Comparison of Muslim Minorities in Five European Cities
Authors: Fleischmann Fenella , Phalet Karen
Published: June 2015

Drawing on large‐scale comparative surveys across nine sociopolitical contexts, we address the question when and why ethno‐religious and city or national identities of European‐born Muslims are in conflict. We argue that the sociopolitical context makes the difference between identity compatibility or conflict and that conflict arises from perceived discrimination and related negative feelings towards the national majority. Using multigroup structural equation modelling, we examine how Turkish and Moroccan Muslims in five European cities combine their civic membership of the city and country of residence—as common identities shared with the national majority—with distinct ethnic and religious identities. In all sociopolitical contexts, participants combined significant city and national identities with strong ethnic and religious identifications. Yet, identification patterns varied between contexts from conflict (negatively correlated minority and civic identities) over compartmentalization (zero correlations) to compatibility (positive correlations). Muslims who perceived more personal discrimination were more committed to their ethnic and religious identities while simultaneously dis‐identifying from their country and city. Across cities, discrimination experiences and negative majority‐group evaluations explained away identity conflict.
Comprehensive phenotypic analysis of rice (Oryza sativa) response to salinity stress
Authors: Pires Inês S. , Negrão Sónia , Oliveira M. Margarida , Purugganan Michael D.
Published: June 2015

Increase in soil salinity levels is becoming a major cause of crop yield losses worldwide. Rice (Oryza sativa) is the most salt‐sensitive cereal crop, and many studies have focused on rice salinity tolerance, but a global understanding of this crop's response to salinity is still lacking. We systematically analyzed phenotypic data previously collected for 56 rice genotypes to assess the extent to which rice uses three known salinity tolerance mechanisms: shoot‐ion independent tolerance (or osmotic tolerance), ion exclusion, and tissue tolerance. In general, our analyses of different phenotypic traits agree with results of previous rice salinity tolerance studies. However, we also established that the three salinity tolerance mechanisms mentioned earlier appear among rice genotypes and that none of them is predominant. Against the pervasive view in the literature that the K+/Na+ ratio is the most important trait in salinity tolerance, we found that the K+ concentration was not significantly affected by salt stress in rice, which puts in question the importance of K+/Na+ when analyzing rice salt stress response. Not only do our results contribute to improve our global understanding of salt stress response in an important crop, but we also use our results together with an extensive literature research to highlight some issues commonly observed in salinity stress tolerance studies and to propose solutions for future experiments.
Oral, radiographical, and clinical findings in Weaver syndrome: a case report
Authors: Miller Karina , Abukabbos Halima , Mugayar Leda
Published: June 2015

Weaver syndrome is a rare condition characterized by accelerated growth, advanced osseous maturation, and distinct craniofacial features that can occur in both males and females. Etiology is unknown and no definitive oral characteristics have been established. The objective of this case report is to describe the oral and radiographic findings of a 14‐year‐old male with Weaver syndrome. A comprehensive dental examination was performed under general anesthesia. The clinical findings were: severe generalized heavy plaque with subgingival calculus, gingival edema, malocclusion and maxillary atresia, mild micrognathia of the mandible, enlarged tongue, and bifid uvula. Clinical and radiographic caries were not found. Out of over 40 possible cases of Weaver syndrome previously reported in the literature, only two were related to the oral cavity. Bifida uvula was not mentioned until now as clinical findings associated with the syndrome. Autism, macroglossia, and cleft palate were seldom mentioned. The oral manifestations in Weaver syndrome are not yet well known. Future studies will be required to improve the subject matter.
Alpine Skiing With total knee ArthroPlasty (ASWAP): study design and intervention
Authors: Kösters A. , Pötzelsberger B. , Dela F. , Dorn U. , Hofstaedter T. , Fink C. , Müller E.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to monitor the long‐term effects of skiing on health‐related parameters and implant related factors like loosening and wear in patients with total knee arthroplasty. This paper describes the overall study design, general demographics, and physiological demand of the intervention phase. A control group design consisting of an intervention group (n = 14; age: 70.4 ± 4.5 years) and a control group (n = 17; age: 71.5 ± 5.1 years) was utilized in this study. Parameters of interest were measured during pre‐, post‐, and retention test sessions. During the 12 weeks of intervention, an average of 25.5 days of guided skiing was conducted by each patient. Daily heart rate (HR) profiles and global positioning system data throughout the ski day were recorded. The intervention group completed an average of 3393 vertical meters of downhill skiing, with a total skiing distance of 33.6 km/day. Average skiing speed was 8.2 m/s. In the skiing phase, the average physiological load was 75.9 ± 6.6% of HRmax. Further effects of the 12‐week skiing intervention on the tested parameters will be reported in the following papers of this supplementum.
Spatial Linkages and Export Processing Location in China
Authors: Ma Alyson C. , Van Assche Ari
Published: June 2015

This paper provides empirical evidence that spatial linkages matter for the localisation of global value chain activities. Relying on processing trade data for Chinese provinces during the period 1997–2008, we investigate whether a Chinese province's proximity to international suppliers and international buyers within an industry chain affects its attractiveness as an export processing location. We find that the upstream and downstream spatial linkages both have a strong and independent explanatory power. We also explore what factors explain the influence of these spatial linkages.
Epigenetic and molecular signatures of cord blood CD34+ cells treated with histone deacetylase inhibitors
Authors: Gajzer D. , Ross J. , Winder L. , Navada S. , Zhang W. , Silverman L. , Chaurasia P.
Published: June 2015

Background and Objectives

Epigenetic modifications tightly regulate the gene expression and cellular function of haematopoietic stem cells. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) alter the gene expression profile of cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells by controlling the genes involved in chromatin modification, thereby influencing the self‐renewal, maintenance and expansion of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs).

Materials and Methods

The class I and II HDACIs, valproic acid and scriptaid, were utilized to expand CB‐CD34+ cells ex vivo. The gene profiling was performed on HSPC using Illumina microarray, GeneGO MetaCore™ and Ingenuity pathway analyses. The molecular analyses were performed using Q‐PCR and Western blotting.

Results

Each HDACI treatment of CB‐CD34+ cells created unique epigenetic and molecular signatures that governed chromatin modification required for cellular and functional behaviour of stem cells. GeneGO MetaCore™ and Ingenuity pathway analyses established the molecular understanding of epigenetically regulated HSPCs in the presence of scriptaid and VPA that revealed different network(s) of potential regulators during erythropoiesis. VPA induced transcriptional activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) and an increase in the intracellular signalling of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) required during stress erythropoiesis. Canonical Wnt signalling and many epigenetically regulated chromatin remodellers were significantly influenced so as to establish maintenance and regulation of HSPC.

Conclusion

Treatment with Individual HDACIs has demonstrated significantly unique epigenetic and molecular signatures of CB‐HSPC. This study identifies potential key regulators of HSPC and gives insights into the clinically important processes of HSPC expansion and haematopoietic lineage development for transplantation purposes.
High probability of healing without amputation of plantar forefoot ulcers in patients with diabetes
Authors: Örneholm Hedvig , Apelqvist Jan , Larsson Jan , Eneroth Magnus
Published: June 2015

Diabetic foot ulcer is an important entity which in many cases is the first serious complication in diabetes. Although a plantar forefoot location is common, there are few studies on larger cohorts and in such studies there is often a combination of various types of ulcer and ulcer locations. The purpose of this study is to discern the outcome of plantar forefoot ulcers and their specific characteristics in a large cohort. All patients (n = 770), presenting with a plantar forefoot ulcer at a multidisciplinary diabetes foot clinic from January 1, 1983 to December 31, 2012 were considered for the study. Seven hundred one patients (median age 67 [22–95]) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were followed according to a preset protocol until final outcome (healing or death). Severe peripheral vascular disease was present in 26% of the patients and 14% had evidence of deep infection upon arrival at the foot clinic. Fifty‐five percent (385/701) of the patients healed without foot surgery, 25% (173/701) healed after major debridement, 9% (60/701) healed after minor or major amputation and 12% (83/701) died unhealed. Median healing time was 17 weeks. An ulcer classified as Wagner grade 1 or 2 at inclusion and independent living were factors associated with a higher healing rate. Seventy‐nine percent of 701 patients with diabetes and a plantar forefoot ulcer treated at a multidisciplinary diabetes foot clinic healed without amputation. For one third some form of foot surgery was needed to achieve healing.
Application of Real-Time Field Data to Optimize Drilling Hydraulics Using Neural Network Approach
Authors: Wang Yanfang , Salehi Saeed
Published: June 2015

Real-time drilling optimization improves drilling performance by providing early warnings in operation Mud hydraulics is a key aspect of drilling that can be optimized by access to real-time data. Different from the investigated references, reliable prediction of pump pressure provides an early warning of circulation problems, washout, lost circulation, underground blowout, and kicks. This will help the driller to make necessary corrections to mitigate potential problems. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict hydraulics was implemented through the fitting tool of matlab. Following the determination of the optimum model, the sensitivity analysis of input parameters on the created model was investigated by using forward regression method. Next, the remaining data from the selected well samples was applied for simulation to verify the quality of the developed model. The novelty is this paper is validation of computer models with actual field data collected from an operator in LA. The simulation result was promising as compared with collected field data. This model can accurately predict pump pressure versus depth in analogous formations. The result of this work shows the potential of the approach developed in this work based on NN models for predicting real-time drilling hydraulics.
On the Anthropogenic Heat Fluxes Using an Air Conditioning Evaporative Cooling Parameterization for Mesoscale Urban Canopy Models
Authors: Gutiérrez Estatio , González Jorge E. , Martilli Alberto , Bornstein Robert
Published: June 2015

An air conditioning evaporative cooling parameterization was implemented in a building effect parameterization/building energy model (BEP + BEM) to calculate the magnitude of the anthropogenic sensible and latent heat fluxes from buildings released to the atmosphere. The new heat flux formulation was tested in New York City (NYC) for the summer of 2010. Evaporative cooling technology diminishes between 80% and 90% of the anthropogenic sensible heat from air conditioning systems by transforming it into latent heat in commercial (COMM) areas over NYC. Average 2-m air temperature is reduced by 0.8 °C, while relative humidity is increased by 3% when cooling towers (CTs) are introduced. Additionally, CTs introduce stable atmospheric conditions in the urban canopy layer reducing turbulence production particularly during dry days.