bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in β‐Glucan Fine Structure, Extractability, and Flour Slurry Viscosity in Oats Due to Genotype and Environment
Authors: Doehlert Douglas C. , Simsek Senay
Published: August 2012

Effects of genotype and environment on (1→3), (1→4)‐β‐d‐glucan (β‐glucan) extractability, flour slurry viscosity, and β‐glucan polymer fine structure in oats were tested. One environment had a severe negative effect on slurry viscosity as evaluated with a rotational viscometer. Environment also had a strong effect on β‐glucan extractability, whereas genotype had no significant effect. Fine structure of β‐glucan was evaluated from the frequencies of oligosaccharides from lichenase hydrolysis of the β‐glucan polymer. Significant differences in degree of polymerization (DP) fragment frequencies were found associated with both genotype and growth environment. The high‐β‐glucan cultivar HiFi had lower DP3 fragment frequency and higher frequencies of DP4 and DP6 fragments than other cultivars with moderate β‐glucan concentration. Drier environments tended to yield lower DP3 fragment frequencies as well. Drier environments and genotypes with more β‐glucan synthetic potential may have provided cellular environments with more competition for substrate for β‐glucan synthesis, which appeared associated with lower DP3 fragment frequency. In a separate experiment, we found that extractable β‐glucan had higher frequencies of DP3 fragments and lower frequency of DP4 fragments. The observed variations deserve consideration for influence on functional properties, such as viscosity or health benefit potential.
Isolation of Whole Esophageal Gland Cells from Plant-Parasitic Nematodes for Transcriptome Analyses and Effector Identification
Authors: Maier Tom R. , Hewezi Tarek , Peng Jiqing , Baum Thomas J.
Published: August 2012

Esophageal glands of plant-parasitic nematodes are highly specialized cells whose gene expression products include secreted effector proteins, which govern nematode parasitism of host plants. Therefore, elucidating the transcriptomes of esophageal glands with the goal of identifying nematode effectors is a promising avenue to understanding nematode parasitism and its evolutionary origins as well as to devising nematode control strategies. We have developed a method to separate and isolate individual esophageal gland cells from multiple species of plant-parasitic nematodes while preserving RNA quality. We have used such isolated gland cells for transcriptome analysis via high-throughput DNA sequencing. This method relies on the differential histochemical staining of the gland cells after homogenization of phytonematode tissues. Total RNA was extracted from whole gland cells isolated from eight different plant-parasitic nematode species. To validate this approach, the isolated RNA from three plant-parasitic nematode species—Globodera rostochiensis, Pratylenchus penetrans, and Radopholus similis—was amplified, gel purified, and used for 454 sequencing. We obtained 456,801 total reads with an average read length of 409 bp. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of homologs of previously known nematode effectors in these libraries, thus validating our approach. These data provide compelling evidence that this technical advance can be used to relatively easily and expediently discover effector repertoires of plant-parasitic nematodes.
A Draft Genome Sequence ofNicotiana benthamianato Enhance Molecular Plant-Microbe Biology Research
Authors: Bombarely Aureliano , Rosli Hernan G. , Vrebalov Julia , Moffett Peter , Mueller Lukas A. , Martin Gregory B.
Published: August 2012

Nicotiana benthamiana is a widely used model plant species for the study of fundamental questions in molecular plant-microbe interactions and other areas of plant biology. This popularity derives from its well-characterized susceptibility to diverse pathogens and, especially, its amenability to virus-induced gene silencing and transient protein expression methods. Here, we report the generation of a 63-fold coverage draft genome sequence of N. benthamiana and its availability on the Sol Genomics Network for both BLAST searches and for downloading to local servers. The estimated genome size of N. benthamiana is 3 Gb (gigabases). The current assembly consists of approximately 141,000 scaffolds, spanning 2.6 Gb with 50% of the genome sequence contained within scaffolds >89 kilobases. Of the approximately 16,000 N. benthamiana unigenes available in GenBank, >90% are represented in the assembly. The usefulness of the sequence was demonstrated by the retrieval of N. benthamiana orthologs for 24 immunity-associated genes from other species including Ago2, Ago7, Bak1, Bik1, Crt1, Fls2, Pto, Prf, Rar1, and mitogen-activated protein kinases. The sequence will also be useful for comparative genomics in the Solanaceae family as shown here by the discovery of microsynteny between N. benthamiana and tomato in the region encompassing the Pto and Prf genes.
Verticillium Wilt of Spineless Safflower Caused by Verticillium dahliae in California
Authors: Koike S. T. , Baameur A. , Maruthachalam K. , Subbarao K. V.
Published: August 2012

Spineless selections of Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) are grown as commercial field grown cutflower crops in coastal California. In 2010, field plantings of spineless safflower in Santa Clara County developed symptoms of a wilt disease. Affected plants were stunted and slow to develop. As plants developed flower buds, lower leaves turned yellow and wilted. As disease developed, lower leaves turned tan and desiccated; in extreme cases, the entire plant wilted and died. Examination of the taproot and stem vascular tissue revealed a tan to light brown, longitudinal, vascular discoloration. Disease distribution was patchy but in some plantings up to 50% of the plants were unharvestable due to loss of quality or plant death. Isolation from symptomatic vascular tissue consistently resulted in the recovery of a fungus with white aerial mycelium, verticillate conidiophores, single-celled, ovoid to ellipsoid, hyaline conidia, and solitary black microsclerotia that were rounded to elongated or irregular in shape. Three single conidial isolates were chosen for species and race identification after DNA extraction using the FastDNASPIN Kit (MP Biomedicals, Solon, OH). Verticillium species-specific PCR amplified a 500-bp amplicon that is specific to Verticillium dahliae from all three isolates. All three isolates also amplified the race 2-specific 270-bp band in PCR. No amplification was observed in race 1-specific PCR. Based on morphological and molecular data, the fungus was identified as V. dahliae (1,3). Pathogenicity of two isolates was tested individually by soil drench inoculations using 10 ml of conidial suspensions (7 × 106 conidia/ml) for each of 10 containerized plants grown in a peat moss mix in 7.6 cm diameter pots. Five safflower selections were inoculated and maintained in a greenhouse. After 6 weeks, as plants began to form flowers, inoculated plants showed lower leaf dieback and plant wilting. Vascular discoloration was observed when plants were dissected. V. dahliae was consistently recovered from symptomatic tissue. Control plants that only received water did not develop symptoms. The experiment was repeated and the results were consistent. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Verticillium wilt of ornamental, spineless safflower. This disease has been reported previously on agronomic safflower grown as an oilseed crop (2). This finding has significance for coastal crop rotation decisions as ornamental safflower is yet another host that could augment V. dahliae soil inoculum levels for crops such as strawberry and vegetables.

References: (1) P. Inderbitzin et al. PLoS One 6: e28341, 2011. (2) J. M. Klisiewicz. Plant Dis. 65:237, 1981. (3) Maruthachalam et al. Phytopathology 100:1222, 2010.
Phylogenetic Relationships Among Global Populations ofPseudomonas syringaepv.actinidiae
Authors: Chapman J. R. , Taylor R. K. , Weir B. S. , Romberg M. K. , Vanneste J. L. , Luck J. , Alexander B. J. R.
Published: August 2012

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, the causal agent of canker in kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) vines, was first detected in Japan in 1984, followed by detections in Korea and Italy in the early 1990s. Isolates causing more severe disease symptoms have recently been detected in several countries with a wide global distribution, including Italy, New Zealand, and China. In order to characterize P. syringae pv. actinidiae populations globally, a representative set of 40 isolates from New Zealand, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Chile were selected for extensive genetic analysis. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of housekeeping, type III effector and phytotoxin genes was used to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships between P. syringae pv. actinidiae isolates worldwide. Four additional isolates, including one from China, for which shotgun sequence of the whole genome was available, were included in phylogenetic analyses. It is shown that at least four P. syringae pv. actinidiae MLSA groups are present globally, and that marker sets with differing evolutionary trajectories (conserved housekeeping and rapidly evolving effector genes) readily differentiate all four groups. The MLSA group designated here as Psa3 is the strain causing secondary symptoms such as formation of cankers, production of exudates, and cane and shoot dieback on some kiwifruit orchards in Italy and New Zealand. It is shown that isolates from Chile also belong to this MLSA group. MLSA group Psa4, detected in isolates collected in New Zealand and Australia, has not been previously described. P. syringae pv. actinidiae has an extensive global distribution yet the isolates causing widespread losses to the kiwifruit industry can all be traced to a single MLSA group, Psa3.
Identification and complete genome characterization of a novel picornavirus in turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
Authors: Boros Ákos , Nemes Csaba , Pankovics Péter , Kapusinszky Beatrix , Delwart Eric , Reuter Gábor
Published: August 2012

Members of the family Picornaviridae are important pathogens of humans and animals, although compared with the thousands of known bird species (>10 000), only a few (n = 11) picornaviruses have been identified from avian sources. This study reports the metagenomic detection and complete genome characterization of a novel turkey picornavirus from faecal samples collected from eight turkey farms in Hungary. Using RT-PCR, both healthy (two of three) and affected (seven of eight) commercial turkeys with enteric and/or stunting syndrome were shown to be shedding viruses in seven (88 %) of the eight farms. The viral genome sequence (turkey/M176/2011/HUN; GenBank accession no. JQ691613) shows a high degree of amino acid sequence identity (96 %) to the partial P3 genome region of a picornavirus reported recently in turkey and chickens from the USA and probably belongs to the same species. In the P1 and P2 regions, turkey/M176/2011/HUN is related most closely to, but distinct from, the kobuviruses and turdivirus 1. Complete genome analysis revealed the presence of characteristic picornaviral amino acid motifs, a potential type II-like 5′ UTR internal ribosome entry site (first identified among avian-origin picornaviruses) and a conserved, 48 nt long ‘barbell-like’ structure found at the 3′ UTR of turkey/M176/2011/HUN and members of the picornavirus genera Avihepatovirus and Kobuvirus. The general presence of turkey picornavirus – a novel picornavirus species – in faecal samples from healthy and affected turkeys in Hungary and in the USA suggests the worldwide occurrence and endemic circulation of this virus in turkey farms. Further studies are needed to investigate the aetiological role and pathogenic potential of this picornavirus in food animals.
First isolation of an Entomobirnavirus from free-living insects
Authors: Marklewitz Marco , Gloza-Rausch Florian , Kurth Andreas , Kümmerer Beate Mareike , Drosten Christian , Junglen Sandra
Published: August 2012

Drosophila X virus (DXV), the prototypeEntomobirnavirus, is a well-studied RNA virus model. Its origin is unknown, and so is that of the only other entomobirnavirus, Espirito Santo virus (ESV). We isolated an entomobirnavirus tentatively named Culex Y virus (CYV) from hibernatingCulex pipienscomplex mosquitoes in Germany. CYV was detected in three pools consisting of 11 mosquitoes each. Full-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses suggested that CYV and ESV define one sister species to DXV within the genusEntomobirnavirus. In contrast to the laboratory-derived ESV, the ORF5 initiation codon AUG was mutated to1927GUG in all three wild-type CYV isolates. Also in contrast to ESV, replication of CYV was not dependent on other viruses in insect cell culture. CYV could provide a wild-type counterpart in research fields relying on DXV and other cell culture-adapted strains.
β‐Catenin (CTNNB1) mutations and clinicopathological features of mesenteric desmoid‐type fibromatosis
Authors: Huss Sebastian , Nehles Julia , Binot Elke , Wardelmann Eva , Mittler Jens , Kleine Michaela Angelika , Künstlinger Helen , Hartmann Wolfgang , Hohenberger Peter , Merkelbach‐Bruse Sabine , Buettner Reinhard , Schildhaus Hans‐Ulrich
Published: August 2012

Aims and methods:  Desmoid‐type fibromatosis (desmoid) is a fibroblastic tumour that shows locally aggressive growth. Mesenteric desmoid is a rare lesion that shares morphological and biological features with fibromatoses occurring in the abdominal wall or in extraabdominal sites, but differs in terms of gross appearance and clinical presentation. We report on a series of 56 cases of mesenteric desmoids from our consultation files and compare them with cases of non‐mesenteric desmoids and retroperitoneal fibrosis.

Results:  Primary diagnosis of desmoid‐type fibromatosis was correct in 42%, and gastrointestinal stromal tumour was a common misdiagnosis. Nuclear expression of β‐catenin was detected in 91.6% of all desmoids. Mutational analysis of exon 3 of the β‐catenin gene (CTNNB1) revealed that mesenteric desmoids carried mutations significantly more often (51/56, 91.1%) than non‐mesenteric tumours (20/28; 71.4%; P = 0.027). p.T41A occurred significantly more frequently in mesenteric fibromatoses (80.4%) than in abdominal wall and extra‐abdominal fibromatoses (46.4%; P = 0.002). Two novel mutations (p.S45C and p.D32G) were found. In retroperitoneal fibrosis, mutations and nuclear β‐catenin expression were absent. β‐Catenin‐negative desmoids either carried a CTNNB1 mutation or were associated with Gardner syndrome.

Conclusions:  Our study provides evidence that some clinical and genetic features of mesenteric desmoids differ from those of non‐mesenteric fibromatosis, and corroborates the usefulness of mutational analysis, especially in diagnosing β‐catenin‐negative mesenteric desmoids.
The effect of nonsetting calcium hydroxide on root fracture and mechanical properties of radicular dentine: a systematic review
Authors: Yassen G. H. , Platt J. A.
Published: August 2012

The aim of this review was to identify and analyse all studies related to the effect of nonsetting calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] on root fracture and various mechanical properties of radicular dentine. A PubMed search was conducted using the keywords ‘calcium hydroxide’ and ‘dentistry’ combined with MeSH terms ‘tooth fractures’ or ‘mechanical phenomena’ or ‘compressive strength’. The search was expanded by including Embase and Web of Science databases, using the keywords ‘calcium hydroxide’ and ‘root’ and ‘fracture’. The search was supplemented by checking the reference lists from each selected article. Each study had to meet the following criteria to be selected for review: (i) Inclusion of at least one experimental group with root or radicular dentine either filled with or exposed to nonsetting Ca(OH)2; (ii) inclusion of at least one appropriate control group; and (iii) a minimum of five samples per experimental group. Only articles written in English were included. Of the 16 studies selected initially, 12 in vitro studies fulfilled the selection criteria for inclusion in the final review. No clinical studies that directly supported the correlation between Ca(OH)2 intracanal dressing and root fracture were found in the literature. However, the majority of in vitro studies showed reduction in the mechanical properties of radicular dentine after exposure to Ca(OH)2 for 5 weeks or longer. Conversely, the data were inconclusive regarding whether Ca(OH)2 exposure for 1 month or less had a negative effect on the mechanical properties of radicular dentine.
The response of cementoblasts to calcium phosphate resin–based and calcium silicate–based commercial sealers
Authors: Hakki S. S. , Bozkurt B. S. , Ozcopur B. , Gandolfi M. G. , Prati C. , Belli S.
Published: August 2012

Aim

To investigate cell viability and gene expression of cementoblasts (OCCM.30) exposed to extractable components released by resin‐based sealers with different chemical composition Hybrid Root Seal (HRS), SimpliSeal (SS), Real Seal (RS) and AH Plus (AH) and by a MTA‐based sealers Tech Biosealer Endo (TBE).

Methodology

Discs of all materials were prepared and allowed to set in humid conditions at 37° for 48 h. The discs were then incubated for 72 h at 37 °C to obtain material extracts (1/1) in DMEM. The extracts containing the components released by the sealers were filtered and other dilutions (1/2, 1/4) were prepared from the original solution (1/1). Original and diluted solutions were tested on the cementoblasts. Impedance‐based real‐time cell analysis (RTCA) was used to evaluate cell viability, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (QRT‐PCR) was used to examine the expression of mineralization‐related genes (osteocalcin; OCN, Runt‐related transcription factor‐2; Runx2, collagen type 1; COL I, alkaline phosphatase; ALP). For statistical analysis, one‐way analysis of variance (anova) and Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) tests were used.

Results

TBE (1/2), RS (1/2, 1/4), and HRS (1/2, 1/4) significantly decreased cell viability (P < 0.001). AH (1/2, 1/4) and SS (1/2, 1/4) had similar cell viability to the control at 30 h. All tested materials significantly decreased cell viability when compared to the control group except AH (1/2, 1/4) and SS (1/4) at 90 h. All of the tested sealers reduced COL I mRNA expressions when compared to the control. SS was associated with significant increases in OCN and Runx2 mRNA expressions when compared to the control (P < 0.001). Whereas all of the dilutions of TBE, RS and HRS significantly decreased BSP mRNA expressions (P < 0,001), 1/2 and 1/4 dilutions of SS increased BSP mRNA expression (P < 0,001). Except the 1/4 dilutions of AH and SS, all the sealer dilutions significantly reduced ALP mRNA expression in cementoblasts (P < 0,001).

Conclusions

SimpliSeal and AH Plus resulted in more favourable response to cementoblasts because of their regulation potential on the mineralized tissue‐associated protein's mRNA expressions.
Cross‐cultural validity of the Individualised Care Scale – a Rasch model analysis
Authors: Suhonen Riitta , Schmidt Lee A , Katajisto Jouko , Berg Agneta , Idvall Ewa , Kalafati Maria , Land Lucy , Lemonidou Chryssoula , Välimäki Maritta , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to investigate, using Rasch model analysis, the measurement invariance of the item ratings of the Individualised Care Scale.

Background.  Evidence of reliability is needed in cross‐cultural comparative studies. To be used in different cultures and languages, the items must function the same way.

Design.  A methodological and comparative design.

Methods.  Secondary analysis of data, gathered in 2005–2006 from a cross‐cultural survey using the Individualised Care Scale from Finnish, Greek, Swedish and English predischarge hospitalised orthopaedic and trauma patients (n = 1093), was used. The Rasch model, which produces calibrations (item locations and rank) and item fit statistics, was computed using the Winstep program.

Results.  The rank of average Individualised Care Scale item calibrations (−2·26–1·52) followed a generally similar trend (Infit ≤ 1·3), but slight differences in the item rank by country were found and some item misfit was identified within the same items. There was some variation in the order and location of some Individualised Care Scale items for individual countries, but the overall pattern of item calibration was generally corresponding.

Conclusions.  The Rasch model provided information about the appropriateness, sensitivity and item function in different cultures providing more in‐depth information about the psychometric properties of the Individualised Care Scale instrument. Comparison of the four versions of the Individualised Care Scale – patient revealed general correspondence in the item calibration patterns although slight differences in the rank order of the items were found. Some items showed also a slight misfit. Based on these results, the phrasing and targeting of some items should be considered.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The Individualised Care Scale – Patient version can be used in cross‐cultural studies for the measurement of patients’ perceptions of individualised care. Information obtained with the use of the Individualised Care Scale in clinical nursing practice is important, and valid measures are needed in evaluating patients’ assessment of individualised care, one indicator of care quality.
Genetic isolation within the malaria mosquitoAnopheles melas
Authors: Deitz Kevin C. , Athrey Giri , Reddy Michael R. , Overgaard Hans J. , Matias Abrahan , Jawara Musa , della Torre Alessandra , Petrarca Vincenzo , Pinto João , E. Kiszewski Anthony , Kengne Pierre , Costantini Carlo , Caccone Adalgisa , Slotman Michel A.
Published: August 2012

Anopheles melasis a brackish water–breeding member of theAnopheles gambiaecomplex that is distributed along the coast of West Africa and is a major malaria vector within its range. Because little is known about the population structure of this species, we analysed 15 microsatellite markers and 1161 bp of mtDNAin 11A. melaspopulations collected throughout its range. Compared with its sibling speciesA. gambiae,A. melaspopulations have a high level of genetic differentiation between them, representing its patchy distribution due to its fragmented larval habitat that is associated with mangroves and salt marsh grass. Populations clustered into three distinct groups representing Western Africa, Southern Africa and Bioko Island populations that appear to be mostly isolated. Fixed differences in the mtDNAare present between all three clusters, and a Bayesian clustering analysis of the microsatellite data found no evidence for migration from mainland to Bioko Island populations, and little migration was evident between the Southern to the Western cluster. Surprisingly, mtDNAdivergence between the threeA. melasclusters is on par with levels of divergence between other species of theA. gambiaecomplex, and no support for monophyly was observed in a maximum‐likelihood phylogenetic analysis. Finally, an approximate Bayesian analysis of microsatellite data indicates that Bioko IslandA. melaspopulations were connected to the mainland populations in the past, but became isolated, presumably when sea levels rose after the last glaciation period (≥10 000–11 000 bp). This study has exposed species‐level genetic divergence withinA. melasand also has implications for control of this malaria vector.
Functional control of the Candida albicans cell wall by catalytic protein kinase A subunit Tpk1
Authors: Fanning S. , Xu W. , Beaurepaire C. , Suhan J. P. , Nantel A. , Mitchell A. P.
Published: August 2012

The cyclic AMP protein kinase A pathway governs numerous biological features of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. The catalytic protein kinase A subunits, Tpk1 (orf19.4892) and Tpk2 (orf19.2277), have divergent roles, and most studies indicate a more pronounced role for Tpk2. Here we dissect two Tpk1‐responsive properties: adherence and cell wall integrity. Homozygous tpk1/tpk1 mutants are hyperadherent, and a Tpk1 defect enables biofilm formation in the absence of Bcr1, a transcriptional regulator of biofilm adhesins. A quantitative gene expression‐based assay reveals that tpk1/tpk1 and bcr1/bcr1 genotypes show mixed epistasis, as expected if Tpk1 and Bcr1 act mainly in distinct pathways. Overexpression of individual Tpk1‐repressed genes indicates that cell surface proteins Als1, Als2, Als4, Csh1 and Csp37 contribute to Tpk1‐regulated adherence. Tpk1 is also required for cell wall integrity, but has no role in the gene expression response to cell wall inhibition by caspofungin. Interestingly, increased expression of the adhesin gene ALS2 confers a cell wall defect, as manifested in hypersensitivity to the cell wall inhibitor caspofungin and a shallow cell wall structure. Our findings indicate that Tpk1 governs C. albicans cell wall properties through repression of select cell surface protein genes.
International reference reagents to standardise blood group genotyping: evaluation of candidate preparations in an international collaborative study
Authors: Boyle J. , Thorpe S. J. , Hawkins J. R. , Lockie C. , Fox B. , Matejtschuk P. , Halls C. , Metcalfe P. , Rigsby P. , Armstrong‐Fisher S. , Varzi A. M. , Urbaniak S. , Daniels G.
Published: August 2012

Background and Objectives  The aim of the study was to evaluate, in an international collaboration, four lyophilised genomic DNA preparations, selected from genotyped and phenotyped donors by the study organisers, for their suitability to standardise and control blood group genotyping procedures for common ancestral Caucasian and Black African alleles.

Materials and Methods  Twenty‐nine laboratories performed ‘blind’ testing of replicated ampoules of the candidate reference reagents, RBC1 (10/232), RBC4 (10/236), RBC5 (10/238) and RBC12 (10/234), using a range of genotyping procedures, most commonly classical PCR using allele or sequence specific primers.

Results  The majority of laboratories reported blood group genotypes in accordance with those determined by the study organisers and the serological phenotypes. Despite an overall high level of accuracy in genotyping, the identified errors and inconsistencies, and the limited genotyping capabilities of many laboratories, confirmed the need for validated reference materials to control test procedures.

Conclusions  The establishment of RBC1, RBC4, RBC5 and RBC12 as World Health Organization Reference Reagents will facilitate international standardisation of blood group genotyping and ensure that such tests are sufficiently sensitive and specific.
Australian consumer perspectives on dialysis: First national census
Authors: LUDLOW MARIE J , LAUDER LYDIA A , MATHEW TIMOTHY H , HAWLEY CARMEL M , FORTNUM DEBBIE
Published: August 2012

Aim:  The percentage of people in Australia who undertake home dialysis has steadily decreased over the past 40 years and varies within Australia. Consumer factors related to this decline have not previously been determined.

Methods:  A 78‐question survey was developed and piloted in 2008 and 2009. Survey forms were distributed to all adult routine dialysis patients in all Australian states and territories (except Northern Territory) between 2009 and 2010. Of 9223 distributed surveys, 3250 were completed and returned.

Results:  49% of respondents indicated they had no choice in the type of dialysis and 48% had no choice in dialysis location. Respondents were twice as likely to receive information about haemodialysis (85%) than APD (39%) or CAPD (41%). The provision of education regarding home modalities differed significantly between states, and decreased with increasing patient age. Additional nursing support and reimbursement of expenses increased the proportion of those willing to commence dialysis at home, from 13% to 34%. State differences in the willingness to consider home dialysis, the degree of choice in dialysis location, the desire to change current dialysis type and/or location, and the provision of information about dialysis were identified.

Conclusion:  The delivery of pre‐dialysis education is variable, and does not support all options of dialysis for all individuals. State variances indicate that local policy and health professional teams significantly influence the operation of dialysis programs.
Insulin aspart has a shorter duration of action than human insulin over a wide dose‐range
Authors: Nosek L. , Roggen K. , Heinemann L. , Gottschalk C. , Kaiser M. , Arnolds S. , Heise T.
Published: August 2012

Aims

Regular human insulin (RHI) at high doses shows prolongation of its duration of action potentially leading to late postprandial hypoglycaemia. This study compared late metabolic activity (4–12 and 6–12 h post‐dosing) and duration of action (time to reach late half‐maximal activity) over a range of doses between insulin aspart (IAsp) and RHI.

Methods

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of subcutaneous IAsp and RHI (6, 12 and 24 (I)U) were compared in 16 healthy subjects in this double‐blind, randomized, six‐way crossover glucose clamp study.

Results

With increasing doses of both insulins, metabolic activity, insulin exposure, maximum metabolic effect and maximum serum insulin concentration increased linearly. Late metabolic activity was lower for IAsp than RHI at all doses, reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05) for 12 and 24 (I)U. Likewise, IAsp had a shorter duration of action at all doses (p < 0.01) and reached time to 80% of total metabolic activity earlier at doses of 12 and 24 (I)U (p < 0.05). IAsp, compared with RHI, showed a higher maximum metabolic effect at 12 and 24 (I)U (p < 0.0001) and a stronger early metabolic activity for all three doses (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

IAsp showed a shorter duration of action and, particularly with doses of 12 and 24 (I)U, less late metabolic activity than RHI. These properties might contribute to the lower incidence of hypoglycaemia observed with IAsp versus RHI in clinical trials as lower late metabolic activity should decrease the risk of late postprandial hypoglycaemia.
Studies in rodents with the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor vildagliptin to evaluate possible drug‐induced pancreatic histological changes that are predictive of pancreatitis and cancer development in man
Authors: Busch S. J. , Hoffmann P. , Sahota P. , Johnson R. , Kothny W. , Meyer F. , Foley J. E.
Published: August 2012

Aim

The present report summarizes rodent studies with vildagliptin, relevant to predicting pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer in man.

Methods

As part of the regulatory development program for vildagliptin, a rodent toxicity program included two 104‐week rodent (mouse and rat) carcinogenicity studies that were conducted according to guidelines assigned in Food and Drug Administration's Draft Guidance for Industry.

Results

Vildagliptin exposure in animals was evaluated for its effects on endocrine and exocrine pancreas. Two‐year carcinogenicity studies were conducted in rats at oral doses up to 900 mg/kg (approximately 200 times the human exposure at the maximum recommended dose) and in mice at oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg (up to 240 times the human exposure at the maximum recommended dose). The results from these studies show the expected preservation and growth of the endocrine β‐cells with no significant findings in the exocrine acinar pancreas. There was no evidence of inflammatory infiltrates characteristic of pancreatitis, no palpable mass detection based on gross examination or any microscopic findings indicative of pancreatic islet cell (endocrine), acinar cell (exocrine) or ductal (exocrine) neoplasia in rat or mouse.

Conclusions

Evaluation of vildagliptin in 2‐year preclinical carcinogenicity studies in both rats and mice indicates that while vildagliptin results in pharmacological benefits to the endocrine pancreas, this was not associated with any evidence of pancreatitis, pancreatic islet cell, acinar cell or ductal neoplasia. These data predict no increased risk of pancreatic cancer in man.
Malignant transformation of a putative eyelid papilloma to squamous cell carcinoma in a dog
Authors: Wiggans K. Tomo , Hoover Clare E. , Ehrhart E. J. , Wobeser Bruce K. , Cohen Loren B. , Gionfriddo Juliet R.
Published: August 2012

A 6‐year‐old female spayed Chihuahua was presented for the evaluation of generalized pigmented cutaneous masses, one of which was present on the lower right eyelid. The dog was not on immunosuppressive medications and did not have historical or laboratory evidence of underlying endocrine disease, including hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction of a cutaneous biopsy from the left antebrachium containing representative lesions confirmed viral papillomatosis. Additionally, histopathology of the antebrachial mass revealed regions of epithelial dysplasia suggestive of possible early transformation to malignancy. Over the course of 5 months, the mass on the right lower eyelid progressed to encompass and efface the majority of the eyelid margin. Additionally, the eyelid tumor had changed from an ovoid, brown pigmented mass to an irregular, flesh‐colored mass. At the dog’s last recheck examination, a corneal ulcer had developed beneath the irregular dorsal margin of the tumor. Histopathology of the eyelid mass was consistent with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and was positive for the presence of papillomavirus using polymerase chain reaction. This report describes the transformation of a putative viral eyelid papilloma into a malignant SCC in an adult dog.
Outpatient urological procedures in antibiotic‐naive patients with bladder cancer with asymptomatic bacteriuria
Authors: Herr Harry W.
Published: August 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Urine culture and antibiotics are usually given before outpatient urological procedures, namely cystoscopy or intravesical BCG therapy. Injudicious use of antibiotics promotes multidrug bacterial resistance.

Pretreatment antibacterial therapy may not be necessary before outpatient urological procedures in patients with bladder cancer. Such strategy facilitates timely intervention and avoids antibiotic resistance.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the frequency of infectious complications after intravesical BCG therapy or cystoscopy in antibiotic‐naive patients with bladder tumours who have asymptomatic bacteriuria.

The aim was to avoid antibiotics in infected patients undergoing these common outpatient urological procedures.

METHODS

A total of 354 patients received induction BCG therapy and another 663 patients underwent cystoscopy after submitting a voided urine sample for culture. They received no antibiotics before or after the procedure.

Significant bacteriuria was defined as >104 or >105 colony‐forming units per millilitre with a single organism.

The patients were followed for 3 months for onset of febrile UTI, defined as dysuria and fever >38 °C requiring antibiotics.

RESULTS

Ninety BCG‐treated patients (25%) and 114 cystoscopy patients (17%) had bacteriuria.

After BCG therapy, two patients with infected urine (2.2%) and three with sterile cultures (1.1%) had febrile UTIs (P= 0.17).

After cystoscopy, four infected patients (3.5%) and five uninfected patients (1%) had febrile UTIs (P= 0.08).

All UTIs resolved within 24 h with oral antibiotics, and none of the patients was admitted for bacterial sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibacterial prophylaxis before intravesical BCG therapy or outpatient cystoscopy does not appear to be necessary in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Such strategy avoids overuse of antibiotics, reducing drug‐resistant bacterial infections.
Expression and electrophysiological characteristics of P2X3 receptors in interstitial cells of Cajal in rats with partial bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Li Yuxin , Xue Li , Miao Qing , Mao Fengfeng , Yao Liping , Yuan Jianlin , Qin Weijun , Zhao Yufeng , Sun Hang , Liu Fei , Wang He
Published: August 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

In the urinary bladder, histological studies suggest a network of functionally connected interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are located between the urothelium and sensory nerve endings, which might transfer signals directly between them. Purinergic P2X3 receptors may play roles in the micturition reflex pathway, and its expression profiles in ICCs could be altered in urinary bladder dysfunction.

The present experiments showed a novel time‐dependent P2X3 receptor up‐regulation in ICCs in an experimental rat model of partial bladder outlet obstruction.

Objective

To investigate the expression and electrophysiological characteristics of purinergic P2X3 receptors in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) at different time points after partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) in rats.

Materials and Methods

In all, 48 female Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: 4, 6 and 8 week PBOO groups and sham‐operated controls. At 4 weeks after surgery, cystometry was performed to investigate bladder function in vivo. Subsequently, the rats were humanely killed at 4, 6 or 8 weeks and the bladders were harvested for measurements.

P2X3 expression in ICCs of bladder was investigated by immunofluorescent staining.

The level of P2X3 mRNA was detected by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Inward currents in corresponding ICCs after PBOO were investigated electrophysiologically.

Results

Cystometrography showed a valid increase in maximum detrusor pressure in rats subjected to PBOO. The bladder weight in the PBOO group was significantly higher than that in the control group.

In contrast to sham rats, there was a significant increase in the intensity of P2X3 staining in the ICCs in all PBOO groups. C‐kit labelled isolated ICCs were strongly stained with the P2X3 antibody.

RT‐PCR showed that the expression of P2X3 mRNA was significantly up‐regulated at 4, 6 and 8 weeks in the ICCs from the PBOO rats.

In the ICCs, the mean peak amplitude of inward currents was significantly increased in the PBOO groups compared with the control group.

Conclusions

The expression of P2X3 receptors showed a time dependent up‐regulation in the ICCs of the bladder in rats with PBOO.

PBOO induced the potentiation of P2X3 receptors function, as evidenced by α, β‐methylene ATP‐enhanced inward currents in the ICCs of the rat bladder.
Is there a direct antimicrobial effect of botulinum neurotoxin type A?
Authors: Wöllner Jens , Schmidig Kathrin , Gregorini Flavia , Kessler Thomas M. , Zbinden Reinhard , Mehnert Ulrich
Published: August 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Several studies describe a reduction of symptomatic urinary tract infections in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity after intradetrusor injections of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A). It was, however, unclear if a direct antibacterial effect of BoNT/A plays a role in this clinical observation.

This is the first study to investigate a potential antibacterial effect of two frequently used BoNT/A formulations (i.e. Botox® and Dysport®), providing evidence that BoNT/A does not exert an antibacterial effect on lower urinary tract pathogens.

OBJECTIVE

To determine a potential direct antimicrobial effect of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study was carried out using onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox®) and abobotulinumtoxin A (Dypsort®) in agar diffusion and broth microdilution assays with various clinical urinary tract isolates (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella oxytoca and Bacillus subtilis).

Inhibition zones (mm) of bacteria around a disc containing 20 µL saline with 4 IU of Botox® were measured in the agar diffusion assay.

Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs, IU/mL) of both toxins for all bacteria were determined in the broth microdilution assay after overnight incubation at 35 °C.

RESULTS

There was no inhibition zone in the agar diffusion assays with any bacterial strain.

The microdilution test using Botox® and Dysport® showed bacterial growth in all dilutions, i.e. MICs > 20 and >100 IU/mL for Botox® and Dysport®, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

BoNT/A has no direct antimicrobial effect.

The reduced frequency of symptomatic urinary tract infections (sUTIs) in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) after BoNT/A intradetrusor injections seems to be caused by different indirect mechanisms, which are still not completely understood.
Are single nucleotide polymorphisms in the oxytocin and vasopressin 1A/1B receptor genes likely candidates for variation in ejaculatory function?
Authors: Jern Patrick , Westberg Lars , Johansson Ada , Jonsson Lina , Corander Jukka , Sandnabba N. Kenneth , Santtila Pekka
Published: August 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

There is also evidence that the etiology of premature ejaculation is partially genetic. So far, all molecular genetic studies of premature ejaculation have focused on serotonergic and dopaminergic genes. Serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission aside, studies on both animals and humans have shown that both oxytocin and vasopressin are also involved in ejaculatory function.

The present study is, to our knowledge, the first to investigate effects of polymorphisms in oxytocin and vasopressin receptor genes on ejaculatory function. Although a large sample (1517 men) was available for the present study, we could not detect any clear‐cut effects of any gene varant on ejaculatory function. We detected a heterozygote effect of one polymorphism (rs75775) in the oxytocin receptor gene. Rare variants of the vasopressin receptor 1A gene may theoretically have a stronger impact on ejaculatory function, but would need a very large sample in order to be established. Based on our results, we conclude that the oxytocin and vasopressin receptor genes are unlikely targets for successful pharmacogenetic interventions.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to the oxytocin, and arginine vasopressin 1A and 1B receptor genes and ejaculatory function.

To investigate these associations in a large, population‐based sample.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 1517 male twins and non‐twin brothers of twins aged 18–45 years (mean = 26.43; sd= 4.87) provided questionnaire data regarding ejaculatory function and relevant covariates and saliva samples for genotyping.

A Bayesian linear mixed‐effects model, which appropriately controls for between‐subjects dependence, was used to estimate genotype associations.

We corrected for multiple testing using a linkage disequilibrium correlation measure.

RESULTS

We found a heterozygote effect on one SNP in the oxytocin receptor gene (rs75775), so that individuals heterozygous for this SNP had significantly elevated risk for premature ejaculation symptoms compared with carriers of either homozygote.

Several SNPs in the arginine vasopressin receptor genes had rare or very rare genotypes. This study may be underpowered to detect potential effects of rare genotypic variants in arginine vasopressin receptor genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results regarding the oxytocin receptor polymorphisms support previous studies that indicate a complex relationship between oxytocin and ejaculatory function.

Oxytocin receptor genes are, for example, unlikely suitable targets for pharmacogenetic intervention studies.

Rare variants in arginine vasopressin receptor genes may have significant effects on premature ejaculation, but would need larger sample sizes or case–control designs to be detected.
Speech, Gender and Power: Beyond Testimony
Authors: Jackson Cecile
Published: August 2012

This article aims to unsettle some taken‐for‐granted ideas about speech and power, to argue against taking testimony ‘at face value’ without reflecting also on silence, on the forms and techniques of talk, on embodied communication, and on the complex ways in which interests are expressed and animated. It argues that treating direct testimony in public political institutions as a metric of gender inequality may be another example of the distortions that follow from an uncritical adoption of an unmarked male template of speech as universal standard. The article aims thereby to improve the way development researchers ‘hear’, and how practitioners think about ‘participation’.
REASONING WITH TOPOLOGICAL AND DIRECTIONAL SPATIAL INFORMATION
Authors: Li Sanjiang , Cohn Anthony G.
Published: August 2012

Current research on qualitative spatial representation and reasoning mainly focuses on one single aspect of space. In real‐world applications, however, multiple spatial aspects are often involved simultaneously. This paper investigates problems arising in reasoning with combined topological and directional information. We use the RCC8 algebra and the rectangle algebra (RA) for expressing topological and directional information, respectively. We give examples to show that the bipath‐consistency algorithm Bipath‐Consistency is incomplete for solving even basic RCC8 and RA constraints. If topological constraints are taken from some maximal tractable subclasses of RCC8, and directional constraints are taken from a subalgebra, termed DIR49, of RA, then we show that Bipath‐Consistency is able to separate topological constraints from directional ones. This means, given a set of hybrid topological and directional constraints from the above subclasses of RCC8 and RA, we can transfer the joint satisfaction problem in polynomial time to two independent satisfaction problems in RCC8 and RA. For general RA constraints, we give a method to compute solutions that satisfy all topological constraints and approximately satisfy each RA constraint to any prescribed precision.
Moving Frames and Conservation Laws for Euclidean Invariant Lagrangians
Authors: Gonçalves T. M. N. , Mansfield E. L.
Published: August 2012

In recent work, the authors show the mathematical structure behind both the Euler–Lagrange system and the set of conservation laws, in terms of the differential invariants of the group action and a moving frame. In this paper, the authors demonstrate that the knowledge of this structure allows to find the first integrals of the Euler–Lagrange equations, and subsequently, to solve by quadratures, variational problems that are invariant under the special Euclidean groups SE(2) and SE(3).
The lure of aggregates and the pitfalls of the patriarchal perspective: a critique of the high wage economy interpretation of the British industrial revolution
Authors: Humphries Jane
Published: August 2012

The new meta‐narrative of the industrial revolution contends that Britain was a high wage economy and that this itself caused industrialization. Contemporary inventions, although derived from scientific discoveries shared with mainland Europe, could only be profitable in the context of Britain's factor prices. Therefore, important inventions were only developed in Britain where they enabled access to a growth path that transcended trajectories associated with more labour‐intensive production methods. The criticism presented here concerns perspective and methodology. The account of the high wage economy is misleading because it focuses on men and male wages, underestimates the relative caloric needs of women and children, and bases its view of living standards on an ahistorical and false household economy. A more accurate picture of the structure and functioning of working‐class households provides an alternative explanation of inventive and innovative activity in terms of the availability of cheap and amenable female and child labour and thereby offers a broader interpretation of the industrial revolution.