bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhodoluna lacicola gen. nov., sp. nov., a planktonic freshwater bacterium with stream-lined genome
Authors: Hahn Martin W. , Schmidt Johanna , Taipale Sami J. , Doolittle W. Ford , Koll Ulrike
Published: July 2014

A pure culture of an actinobacterium previously described as ‘Candidatus

Rhodoluna lacicola
’ strain MWH-Ta8 was established and deposited in two public culture collections. Strain MWH-Ta8T represents a free-living planktonic freshwater bacterium obtained from hypertrophic Meiliang Bay, Lake Taihu, PR China. The strain was characterized by phylogenetic and taxonomic investigations, as well as by determination of its complete genome sequence. Strain MWH-Ta8T is noticeable due to its unusually low values of cell size (0.05 µm3), genome size (1.43 Mbp), and DNA G+C content (51.5 mol%). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene and RpoB sequences suggested that strain MWH-Ta8T is affiliated with the family

Microbacteriaceae

with

Pontimonas salivibrio

being its closest relative among the currently described species within this family. Strain MWH-Ta8T and the type strain of

Pontimonas salivibrio

shared a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 94.3 %. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain MWH-Ta8T was of type B2β (B10), containing 2,4-diaminobutyric acid as the diamino acid. The predominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 (36.5 %), iso-C16 : 0 (16.5 %), iso-C15 : 0 (15.6 %) and iso-C14 : 0 (8.9 %), and the major (>10 %) menaquinones were MK-11 and MK-12. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and two unknown glycolipids. The combined phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data clearly suggest that strain MWH-Ta8T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family

Microbacteriaceae

, for which the name Rhodoluna lacicola gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is MWH-Ta8T ( = DSM 23834T = LMG 26932T).
Modeling Cellular Information Processing Using a Dynamical Approximation of Cellular mRNA
Authors: Alicea Bradly
Published: July 2014

How does the regulatory machinery of an animal cell ensure its survival during large-scale biochemical and phenotypic transitions? When a cell is strongly perturbed by an environmental stimulus, it can either die or persist with compensatory changes. But what do the dynamics of individual genes look like during this process of adaptation? In a previous technical paper, two approaches (drug treatments and polysome isolation) were used in tandem to demonstrate the effects of perturbation on cellular phenotype. In this paper, we can use these data in tandem with a discrete, first-order feedback model that incorporates leaky components to better characterize adaptive responses of mRNA regulation related to information processing in the cell. By evaluating the dynamic relationship between mRNA associated with transcription (translatome) and mRNA associated with the polysome (transcriptome) at multiple timepoints, hypothetical conditions for decay and aggregation are found and discussed. Our feedback model allows for the approximation of fluctuations and other aspects of cellular information processing, in addition to the derivation of three information processing principles. These results will lead us to a better understanding of how mRNA provides variable information over time to the complex intracellular environment, particularly in the context of large-scale phenotypic change.
A solution to the biodiversity paradox by logical deterministic cellular automata
Authors: Kalmykov Lev V. , Kalmykov Vyacheslav L.
Published: July 2014

The paradox of biological diversity is the key problem of theoretical ecology. The paradox consists in the contradiction between the competitive exclusion principle and the observed biodiversity. This principle was formulated incorrectly because of limitations of the traditional black-box models of interspecific competition. The principle is very important as the basis for understanding evolutionary processes. Our white-box multiscale models are based on logical deterministic individual-based cellular automata. This approach allows to provide an automatic deductive inference on the basis of a system of axioms and to get a direct holistic insight into the studied system. It is one of the most promising methods of artificial intelligence. Here on simplest models we show a mechanism of competitive coexistence which violates the known formulations of the competitive exclusion principle. We reformulate and generalize the competitive exclusion principle and explain why our formulations provide a solution of the biodiversity paradox. In addition, we propose a principle of competitive coexistence.

Graphical abstract
Heterochromatin-associated interactions of Drosophila HP1a with dADD1, HIPP1, and repetitive RNAs
Authors: Alekseyenko Artyom A. , Gorchakov Andrey A. , Zee Barry M. , Fuchs Stephen M. , Kharchenko Peter V. , Kuroda Mitzi I.
Published: July 2014

Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1a) has conserved roles in gene silencing and heterochromatin and is also implicated in transcription, DNA replication, and repair. Here we identify chromatin-associated protein and RNA interactions of HP1a by BioTAP-XL mass spectrometry and sequencing from Drosophila S2 cells, embryos, larvae, and adults. Our results reveal an extensive list of known and novel HP1a-interacting proteins, of which we selected three for validation. A strong novel interactor, dADD1 (Drosophila ADD1) (CG8290), is highly enriched in heterochromatin, harbors an ADD domain similar to human ATRX, displays selective binding to H3K9me2 and H3K9me3, and is a classic genetic suppressor of position-effect variegation. Unexpectedly, a second hit, HIPP1 (HP1 and insulator partner protein-1) (CG3680), is strongly connected to CP190-related complexes localized at putative insulator sequences throughout the genome in addition to its colocalization with HP1a in heterochromatin. A third interactor, the histone methyltransferase MES-4, is also enriched in heterochromatin. In addition to these protein–protein interactions, we found that HP1a selectively associated with a broad set of RNAs transcribed from repetitive regions. We propose that this rich network of previously undiscovered interactions will define how HP1a complexes perform their diverse functions in cells and developing organisms.
Direct control of type IIA topoisomerase activity by a chromosomally encoded regulatory protein
Authors: Vos Seychelle M. , Lyubimov Artem Y. , Hershey David M. , Schoeffler Allyn J. , Sengupta Sugopa , Nagaraja Valakunja , Berger James M.
Published: July 2014

Precise control of supercoiling homeostasis is critical to DNA-dependent processes such as gene expression, replication, and damage response. Topoisomerases are central regulators of DNA supercoiling commonly thought to act independently in the recognition and modulation of chromosome superstructure; however, recent evidence has indicated that cells tightly regulate topoisomerase activity to support chromosome dynamics, transcriptional response, and replicative events. How topoisomerase control is executed and linked to the internal status of a cell is poorly understood. To investigate these connections, we determined the structure of Escherichia coli gyrase, a type IIA topoisomerase bound to YacG, a recently identified chromosomally encoded inhibitor protein. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that YacG is frequently associated with coenzyme A (CoA) production enzymes, linking the protein to metabolism and stress. The structure, along with supporting solution studies, shows that YacG represses gyrase by sterically occluding the principal DNA-binding site of the enzyme. Unexpectedly, YacG acts by both engaging two spatially segregated regions associated with small-molecule inhibitor interactions (fluoroquinolone antibiotics and the newly reported antagonist GSK299423) and remodeling the gyrase holoenzyme into an inactive, ATP-trapped configuration. This study establishes a new mechanism for the protein-based control of topoisomerases, an approach that may be used to alter supercoiling levels for responding to changes in cellular state.
Reproduction and mode of delivery in women with vaginismus or localised provoked vestibulodynia: a Swedish register‐based study
Authors: Möller L , Josefsson A , Bladh M , Lilliecreutz C , Sydsjö G
Published: July 2014

Objective

To compare sociodemographics, parity and mode of delivery between women diagnosed with vaginismus or localised provoked vestibulodynia (LPV) to women without a diagnosis before first pregnancy.

Design

Retrospective, population‐based register study.

Setting

Sweden.

Sample

All women born in Sweden 1973–83 who gave birth for the first time or remained nulliparous during the years 2001–09.

Methods

Nationally linked registries were used to identify the study population. Women diagnosed with vaginismus or LPV were compared to all other women. Odds ratios for parity and mode of delivery were calculated using multinominal regression analysis and logistic regression.

Main outcome measures

Parity and mode of delivery.

Results

Women with vaginismus/LPV were more likely to be unmarried (P = 0.001), unemployed (P = 0.012), have a higher educational level (P < 0.001), a lower body mass index (P < 0.001) and use nicotine during pregnancy (P = 0.008). They were less likely to give birth (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.56–0.67). Women with vaginismus/LPV more often delivered by caesarean section (P < 0.001) especially for maternal request (adjusted OR 3.48, 95% CI 2.45–4.39). In women having vaginal delivery, those with vaginismus/LPV were more likely to suffer a perineal laceration (adjusted OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.56–2.25).

Conclusions

Women with vaginismus/LPV are less likely to give birth and those that do are more likely to deliver by caesarean section and have a caesarean section based upon maternal request. Those women delivering vaginally are more likely to suffer perineal laceration. These findings point to the importance of not only addressing sexual function in women with vaginismus/LPV but reproductive function as well.
Limonoid derivatives and its pesticidal activities
Authors: Park Eun Sil , Bae In Kyung , Jeon Hwang Ju , Lee Sung‐Eun
Published: July 2014

Diverse pesticidal activities of anthothecol derived from Khaya anthotheca (Meliaceae) and three limonoids (gedunin, limonin and obacunone) were determined using six phytopathogenic fungi and four insect pests. Anthothecol showed fungicidal activity to Puccinia recondita with control rates of 90, 76 and 53% at concentrations 0.5, 0.25 and 0.1 mg/mL, respectively, while the other limonoids exhibited little inhibitory effect on the fungal survival. The currently used fungicide mancozeb possessed potent fungicidal activity on P. recondite, with 92.3% controlling effect at a concentration of 0.005 mg/mL. Anthothecol exhibited larvicidal activity to Plutella xylostella with 80, 50 and 30% mortality at concentrations of 1.0, 0.5 and 0.25 mg/mL, respectively. Anthothecol showed selective pesticidal activity on P. recondita and P. xylostella. Structural re‐examination of anthothecol was conducted and is reported.
Membrane fatty acid composition and fluidity are involved in the resistance to freezing of Lactobacillus buchneri R1102 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175
Authors: Louesdon Séverine , Charlot‐Rougé Séverine , Tourdot‐Maréchal Raphaëlle , Bouix Marielle , Béal Catherine
Published: July 2014

Determinations of membrane fatty acid composition and fluidity were used together with acidification activity and viability measurements to characterize the physiological state after freezing of Lactobacillus buchneri R1102 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 cells harvested in the exponential and stationary growth phases. For both strains, lower membrane fluidity was achieved in cells harvested in the stationary growth phase. This change was linked to a lower unsaturated‐to‐saturated fatty acid ratio for both strains and a higher cyclic‐to‐saturated fatty acid ratio for L. buchneri R1102 alone. These membrane properties were linked to survival and to maintenance of acidification activity of the cells after freezing, which differed according to the strain and the growth phase. Survival of B. longum R0175 was increased by 10% in cells with low membrane fluidity and high relative saturated fatty acid contents, without any change in acidification activity. Acidification activity was more degraded (70 min) in L. buchneri R1102 cells displaying low membrane fluidity and high saturated and cyclic fatty acid levels. Finally, this study showed that membrane modifications induced by the growth phase differed among bacterial strains in terms of composition. By lowering membrane fluidity, these modifications could be beneficial for survival of B. longum R0175 during the freezing process but detrimental for maintenance of acidification activity of L. buchneri R1102.
Metabolic engineering of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for poly‐gamma‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) overproduction
Authors: Feng Jun , Gu Yanyan , Sun Yang , Han Lifang , Yang Chao , Zhang Wei , Cao Mingfeng , Song Cunjiang , Gao Weixia , Wang Shufang
Published: July 2014

We constructed a metabolically engineered glutamate‐independent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain with considerable γ‐PGA production. It was carried out by double‐deletion of the cwlO gene and epsA‐O cluster, as well as insertion of the vgb gene in the bacteria chromosome. The final generated strain NK‐PV elicited the highest production of γ‐PGA (5.12 g l−1), which was 63.2% higher than that of the wild‐type NK‐1 strain (3.14 g l−1). The γ‐PGA purity also improved in the NK‐PV strain of 80.4% compared with 76.8% for the control. Experiments on bacterial biofilm formation experiment showed that NK‐1 and NK‐c (ΔcwlO) strains can form biofilm; the epsA‐O deletion NK‐7 and NK‐PV strains could only form an incomplete biofilm.
Angiographic evaluation of the effects of glucose metabolic status on progression of coronary artery lesions in patients with coronary artery disease 血管造影评估糖代谢对于冠心病患者的冠状动脉病变进展的影响
Authors: Wang Hua , Tang Zhaosheng , Li Xu , Hu Bo , Feng Bo
Published: July 2014

Background

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of glucose metabolic status on the progression of coronary artery lesions in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

Two hundred and ninety‐eight CAD patients who underwent coronary angiography were included in the study; follow‐up angiography was performed after 9–15 months. The Gensini score, SYNTAX score, and the number of diseased vessels (at baseline and follow‐up, as well as the change from baseline to follow‐up) were used to determine the severity and progression of coronary artery lesions. The relationship between glucose metabolic status and progression of coronary artery lesions was investigated. Based on results of an oral glucose tolerance test, patients were divided into three groups: normal glucose tolerance (NGT); impaired glucose regulation(IGR); and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Results

Compared with the NGT group, changes (from baseline to follow‐up) in the Gensini score, SYNTAX score, and the number of diseased vessels were significantly higher in the IGR and DM groups. There were no significant differences between the IGR and DM groups. Multivariate regression analysis suggested abnormal glucose metabolism was an independent risk factor for greater changes in the Gensini and SYNTAX scores, as well as for a greater number of diseased vessels.

Conclusions

Greater progression of coronary artery lesions is seen in patients with abnormal glucose metabolism (DM and/or IGR), even when levels of HbA1c are on target.
The allure of multi‐line games in modern slot machines
Authors: Dixon Mike J. , Graydon Candice , Harrigan Kevin A. , Wojtowicz Lisa , Siu Vivian , Fugelsang Jonathan A.
Published: July 2014

Aims

In multi‐line slot machines, players can wager on more than one line per spin. We sought to show that players preferred multi‐line over single‐line games, and that certain game features could cause multi‐line game play to feel more rewarding.

Measurement and Participants

Reward was measured using post‐reinforcement pauses (PRPs) following each outcome (the time between outcome delivery and the next spin). Gamblers (n = 102) played 250 spins on a 20‐line game and 250 spins on a one‐line game (answering questions about game experiences following each session). Playing one‐line, a small credit gain (e.g. 2 cents) was a net win. In the 20‐line game it was a net loss of 18 credits but was still accompanied by ‘winning’ sights and sounds.

Results

Most players (94%) preferred the 20‐line game. PRPs for small credit gains (net losses) in the 20‐line game were equivalent, or larger than in the one‐line game where such gains were wins. The largest increase in PRP size was between the 0 and 2 credit conditions for both games. Thus 20‐line players reacted as though these net losses of 18 credits were rewarding. Players' estimates of the number of true wins were accurate in the one‐line game, but they significantly over‐estimated the number of true wins in the 20‐line game (P < 0.01). Problem gamblers felt more skilful (P < 0.01) and were more absorbed (P < 0.01) by multi‐line than single‐line game play.

Conclusions

Multi‐line games appear to be more appealing to gaming machine (‘slots’) players than single‐line games. These games may be particularly absorbing for those with gambling problems.
Assessing DNA methylation levels in animals: choosing the right tool for the job
Authors: Couldrey Christine , Cave Vanessa
Published: July 2014

Selection of agricultural animals for improved performance based on genetics has seen significant progress made over the past few decades. Further improvements are likely by combining genetic selection with epigenetic selection or manipulation. However, before this can be undertaken, an understanding of epigenetic mechanisms is required, and this can be obtained only by precise and accurate analysis of epigenetic patterns. Even when one only considers a single epigenetic modification such as DNA methylation, the last 10 years have seen a wide array of technologies developed. For scientists whose primary training is in a field other than epigenetics, the choices can be confusing, and it can be challenging to determine which technology is best for the task at hand. There are many factors to take into consideration before beginning analysis of DNA methylation in animals. It is crucial that the most appropriate tools are selected to ensure that the best possible results are achieved. This review provides an overview of the most common methods of analysing DNA methylation in animals, when they are appropriate, what resolution of information they can provide and what their limitations are.
Tuberculosis cervical lymphadenopathy mimics lateral neck metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Kim Seok‐Mo , Jun Hak Hoon , Chang Ho‐Jin , Chun Ki Won , Kim Bup‐Woo , Lee Yong Sang , Chang Hang‐Seok , Park Cheong Soo
Published: July 2014

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) lymphadenitis is a frequent cause of lymphadenopathy in areas in which TB is endemic. Cervical lymphadenopathy in TB can mimic lateral neck metastasis (LNM) from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). This study evaluated the clinicopathological features of patients with PTC and TB lateral neck lymphadenopathy.

Methods

Of the 9098 thyroid cancer patients who underwent thyroid cancer surgery at the Thyroid Cancer Center of Gangnam Severance Hospital between January 2009 and April 2013, 28 had PTC and showed TB lymphadenopathy of the lateral neck node. The clinicopathological features of these 28 patients were evaluated.

Results

Preoperatively, all 28 patients were diagnosed with PTC and showed cervical lymphadenopathy. All had radiological characteristics suspicious of metastasis in lateral neck nodes. Based upon the results from intraoperative frozen sections, lymph node dissection (LND) was not performed on 19 patients. Seven of eight patients who underwent LND had metastasis combined with tuberculous lymphadenopathy, with the remaining patient negative for LNM.

Conclusions

Intraoperative sampling and frozen sectioning of lymph nodes suspicious of metastasis can help avoid unnecessary LND for tuberculous lymphadenopathy.
Bipolar I disorder and major depressive disorder show similar brain activation during depression
Authors: Cerullo Michael A , Eliassen James C , Smith Christopher T , Fleck David E , Nelson Erik B , Strawn Jeffrey R , Lamy Martine , DelBello Melissa P , Adler Caleb M , Strakowski Stephen M
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Despite different treatments and courses of illness, depressive symptoms appear similar in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar I disorder (BP‐I). This similarity of depressive symptoms suggests significant overlap in brain pathways underlying neurovegetative, mood, and cognitive symptoms of depression. These shared brain regions might be expected to exhibit similar activation in individuals with MDD and BP‐I during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods

fMRI was used to compare regional brain activation in participants with BP‐I (n = 25) and MDD (n = 25) during a depressive episode as well as 25 healthy comparison (HC) participants. During the scans, participants performed an attentional task that incorporated emotional pictures.

Results

During the viewing of emotional images, subjects with BP‐I showed decreased activation in the middle occipital gyrus, lingual gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus compared to both subjects with MDD and HC participants. During attentional processing, participants with MDD had increased activation in the parahippocampus, parietal lobe, and postcentral gyrus. However, among these regions, only the postcentral gyrus also showed differences between MDD and HC participants.

Conclusions

No differences in cortico‐limbic regions were found between participants with BP‐I and MDD during depression. Instead, the major differences occurred in primary and secondary visual processing regions, with decreased activation in these regions in BP‐I compared to major depression. These differences were driven by abnormal decreases in activation seen in the participants with BP‐I. Posterior activation changes are a common finding in studies across mood states in participants with BP‐I.
Knowledge, Beliefs, and Decisions of Pregnant Australian Women Concerning Donation and Storage of Umbilical Cord Blood: A Population‐Based Survey
Authors: Jordens Christopher F. C. , Kerridge Ian H. , Stewart Cameron L. , O'Brien Tracey A. , Samuel Gabrielle , Porter Maree , O'Connor Michelle A. C. , Nassar Natasha
Published: July 2014

Background

Many women giving birth in Australian hospitals can choose to donate their child's umbilical cord blood to a public cord blood bank or pay to store it privately. We conducted a survey to determine the proportion and characteristics of pregnant women who are aware of umbilical cord blood (UCB) banking and who have considered and decided about this option. The survey also sought to ascertain information sources, knowledge, and beliefs about UCB banking, and the effect of basic information about UCB on decisions.

Methods

Researchers and hospital maternity staff distributed a survey with basic information about UCB banking to 1,873 women of at least 24 weeks' gestation who were attending antenatal classes and hospital clinics in 14 public and private maternity hospitals in New South Wales.

Results

Most respondents (70.7%) were aware of UCB banking. Their main information sources were leaflets from hospital clinics, print media, antenatal classes, TV, radio, friends, and relatives. Knowledge about UCB banking was patchy, and respondents overestimated the likelihood their child would need or benefit from UCB. Women who were undecided about UCB banking were younger, less educated, or from ethnic or rural backgrounds. After providing basic information about UCB banking, the proportion of respondents who indicated they had decided whether or not to donate or store UCB more than doubled from 30.0 to 67.7 percent.

Conclusions

Basic information for parents about UCB banking can affect planned decisions about UCB banking. Information should be accurate and balanced, should counter misconceptions, and should target specific groups.
A transgenic zebrafish model expressing KIT‐D816V recapitulates features of aggressive systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Balci Tugce B. , Prykhozhij Sergey V. , Teh Evelyn M. , Da'as Sahar I. , McBride Eileen , Liwski Robert , Chute Ian C. , Leger Daniel , Lewis Stephen M. , Berman Jason N.
Published: July 2014

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a rare myeloproliferative disease without curative therapy. Despite clinical variability, the majority of patients harbour a KIT‐D816V mutation, but efforts to inhibit mutant KIT with tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been unsatisfactory, indicating a need for new preclinical approaches to identify alternative targets and novel therapies in this disease. Murine models to date have been limited and do not fully recapitulate the most aggressive forms of SM. We describe the generation of a transgenic zebrafish model expressing the human KIT‐D816V mutation. Adult fish demonstrate a myeloproliferative disease phenotype, including features of aggressive SM in haematopoeitic tissues and high expression levels of endopeptidases, consistent with SM patients. Transgenic embryos demonstrate a cell‐cycle phenotype with corresponding expression changes in genes associated with DNA maintenance and repair, such as reduced dnmt1. In addition, epcam was consistently downregulated in both transgenic adults and embryos. Decreased embryonic epcam expression was associated with reduced neuromast numbers, providing a robust in vivo phenotypic readout for chemical screening in KIT‐D816V‐induced disease. This study represents the first zebrafish model of a mast cell disease with an aggressive adult phenotype and embryonic markers that could be exploited to screen for novel agents in SM.
Early adopters or laggards? Attitudes toward and use of social media among urologists
Authors: Fuoco Michael , Leveridge Michael J.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To understand the attitudes and practices of urologists regarding social media use. Social media services have become ubiquitous, but their role in the context of medical practice is underappreciated.

Subjects and Methods

A survey was sent to all active members of the Canadian Urological Association by e‐mail and surface mail. Likert scales were used to assess engagement in social media, as well as attitudes toward physician responsibilities, privacy concerns and patient interaction online.

Results

Of 504 surveys delivered, 229 were completed (45.4%). Urologists reported frequent or daily personal and professional social media use in 26% and 8% of cases, respectively. There were no differences between paper (n = 103) or online (n = 126; P > 0.05) submissions. Among frequent social media users, YouTube™ (86%), Facebook™ (76%), and Twitter™ (41%) were most commonly used; 12% post content or links frequently to these sites. The most common perceived roles of social media in health care were for inter‐professional communication (67%) or as a simple information repository (59%); online patient interaction was endorsed by 14% of urologists. Fewer than 19% had read published guidelines for online patient interaction, and ≤64% were unaware of their existence. In all, 94.6% agreed that physicians need to exercise caution personal social media posting, although 57% felt that medical regulatory bodies should ‘stay out of [their] personal social media activities’, especially those in practice <10 years (P = 0.001). In all, 56% agreed that social media integration in medical practice will be ‘impossible’ due to privacy and boundary issues; 73% felt that online interaction with patients would become unavoidable in the future, especially those in practice >20 years (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Practicing urologists engage infrequently in social media activities, and are almost universal in avoiding social media for professional use. Most feel that social media is best kept to exchanges between colleagues. Emerging data suggest an increasing involvement is likely in the continuing professional development space.
Measurement of NO in biological samples
Authors: Csonka C , Páli T , Bencsik P , Görbe A , Ferdinandy P , Csont T
Published: July 2014

Although the physiological regulatory function of the gasotransmitter NO (a diatomic free radical) was discovered decades ago, NO is still in the frontline research in biomedicine. NO has been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes; therefore, pharmacological modulation of NO levels in various tissues may have significant therapeutic value. NO is generated by NOS in most of cell types and by non‐enzymatic reactions. Measurement of NO is technically difficult due to its rapid chemical reactions with a wide range of molecules, such as, for example, free radicals, metals, thiols, etc. Therefore, there are still several contradictory findings on the role of NO in different biological processes. In this review, we briefly discuss the major techniques suitable for measurement of NO (electron paramagnetic resonance, electrochemistry, fluorometry) and its derivatives in biological samples (nitrite/nitrate, NOS, cGMP, nitrosothiols) and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method. We conclude that to obtain a meaningful insight into the role of NO and NO modulator compounds in physiological or pathological processes, concomitant assessment of NO synthesis, NO content, as well as molecular targets and reaction products of NO is recommended.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of the Gasotransmitters. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-6
Endothelin‐converting enzyme 2 differentially regulates opioid receptor activity
Authors: Gupta A , Fujita W , Gomes I , Bobeck E , Devi L A
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose

Opioid receptor function is modulated by post‐activation events such as receptor endocytosis, recycling and/or degradation. While it is generally understood that the peptide ligand gets co‐endocytosed with the receptor, relatively few studies have investigated the role of the endocytosed peptide and peptide processing enzymes in regulating receptor function. In this study, we focused on endothelin‐converting enzyme 2 (ECE2), a member of the neprilysin family of metallopeptidases that exhibits an acidic pH optimum, localizes to an intracellular compartment and selectively processes neuropeptides including opioid peptides in vitro, and examined its role in modulating μ receptor recycling and resensitization.

Experimental Approach

The effect of ECE2 inhibition on hydrolysis of the endocytosed peptide was examined using thin‐layer chromatography and on μ opioid receptor trafficking using either elisa or microscopy. The effect of ECE2 inhibition on receptor signalling was measured using a cAMP assay and, in vivo, on antinociception induced by intrathecally administered opioids by the tail‐flick assay.

Key Results

The highly selective ECE2 inhibitor, S136492, significantly impaired μ receptor recycling and signalling by only those ligands that are ECE2 substrates and this was seen both in heterologous cells and in cells endogenously co‐expressing μ receptors with ECE2. We also found that ECE2 inhibition attenuated antinociception mediated only by opioid peptides that are ECE2 substrates.

Conclusions and Implications

These results suggest that ECE2, by selectively processing endogenous opioid peptides in the endocytic compartment, plays a role in modulating opioid receptor activity.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
Non‐irritant concentrations and amounts of active ingredient in drug patch tests
Authors: Brajon Delphine , Menetre Sophie , Waton Julie , Poreaux Claire , Barbaud Annick
Published: July 2014

Background

Drug patch tests (DPTs) with medicaments suspected of causing an allergic reaction represent a method of diagnostic testing that is low risk;DPTs can reproduce delayed hypersensitivity to drugs, and entail only a moderate re‐exposure of patients to potential offending drugs. We assessed the non‐irritating concentrations ofDPTs and determined the amounts of active ingredient (AI) contained in the drugs used in the tests.

Objectives

The objectives were to assess the non‐irritating concentration of DPTs and determine the amounts of active ingredient (AI) contained in the drugs used in the tests.

Methods

From a retrospective, single‐centre study of all patients investigated during a 6‐year period with a drug eruption, each potentially responsible drug was tested with the commercially available preparation diluted to 30% in water, petrolatum, or alcohol. Data collection was performed with a customized computer database. For each type ofDPTstudied, the numbers of positive and negative test results were recorded. The amount ofAIcontained in theDPT(as a percentage) was then calculated after weighing of each tablet.

Results

Of the 5558DPTs studied, all were non‐irritant. The average concentration ofAIwas 9.8%; 25% ofDPTs had anAIconcentration of < 2%, and 25% had anAIconcentration of > 16%. TheAIconcentration ranged from 0.05% (digoxin) to 30% (paracetamol lyophilisate).

Conclusion

These data provide thresholds for the non‐irritating concentration ofAIof 68 different drugs, and thresholds for the non‐irritating dilution for 82 drugs, and will help to standardizeDPTmethods.
Modified H‐pouch as an alternative to the J‐pouch for anorectal reconstruction
Authors: Farinella E. , Buggenhout A. , Van de Stadt J.
Published: July 2014

Aim

A modification is described of the J‐pouch to facilitate ileoanal anastomosis in the presence of an anal or anovaginal fistula.

Method

The bowel is divided at the level of the apex of the J‐pouch, the distal limb is advanced to project beyond the proximal limb by 3–5 cm. The pouch is constructed by a side‐to‐side anastomosis to form the H‐pouch with a distal ileal segment, which is passed through the anal canal to form an ileoanal anastomosis.

Results

The modification allows the treatment of anal and rectal disorders not resolvable by a usual J‐pouch construction, as in cases where a rectal resection is needed for concomitant fistulation or destruction of the anal mucosa. The functional results are similar to those of the J‐pouch, with no added postoperative morbidity. This technique helps to avoid permanent stoma in selected cases.

Conclusion

The modified pouch is relatively simple to perform and can help the surgeon to address complex anorectal disorders.
Anatomical vertebral artery hypoplasia and insufficiency impairs dynamic blood flow regulation
Authors: Sato Kohei , Yoneya Marina , Otsuki Aki , Sadamoto Tomoko , Ogoh Shigehiko
Published: July 2014

Recent studies have suggested that vertebral artery (VA) hypoplasia is a predisposing factor for posterior cerebral stroke. We examined whether anatomical vertebrobasilar ischemia, i.e., unilateral VA hypoplasia and insufficiency, impairs dynamic blood flow regulation. Twenty‐eight female subjects were divided into three groups by defined criteria: (i) unilateral VA hypoplasia (n = 8), (ii) VA insufficiency (n = 6), and (iii) control (n = 14). Hypoplastic VA criterion was VA blood flow of 40 ml min−1, whereas VA insufficiency criterion was net (left + right) VA blood flow of 100 ml min−1 or less. We evaluated left, right, and net VA blood flows by ultrasonography during hypercapnia, normocapnia, and hypocapnia to evaluate VA CO2 reactivity. The unilateral VA hypoplasia group showed lower CO2 reactivity at hypoplastic VA than at non‐hypoplastic VA (2·65 ± 0·58 versus 3·00 ± 0·48% per mmHg, P = 0·027) and net VA CO2 reactivity was preserved (Unilateral VA hypoplasia, 2·95 ± 0·48 versus Control, 2·93 ± 0·42% per mmHg, P = 0·992). However, the VA insufficiency group showed a lower net VA CO2 reactivity compared to the control (2·29 ± 0·55 versus 2·93 ± 0·42% per mmHg, P = 0·032) and the unilateral VA hypoplasia (P = 0·046). VA hypoplasia reduced CO2 reactivity, although non‐hypoplastic VA may compensate this regulatory limitation. In subjects with VA insufficiency, lowered CO2 reactivity at the both VA could not preserve normal net VA CO2 reactivity. These findings provide a possible physiological mechanism for the increased risk of posterior cerebral stroke in subjects with VA hypoplasia and insufficiency.
Chronic opioid analgesic usage post‐kidney transplantation and clinical outcomes
Authors: Kulshrestha Satyarth , Barrantes Fidel , Samaniego Milagros , Luan Fu L.
Published: July 2014

Chronic opioid usage (COU) is common among patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) qualified for kidney transplantation and associated with inferior post‐transplant outcomes. The magnitude of COU after kidney transplantation and its impact on transplant outcomes remain unknown. We performed a single‐center retrospective study aimed to describe the prevalence of COU during the first year, to identify the predictors of COU and to determine the impact of COU on post‐transplant outcomes including the rates of hospitalization and acute rejection during the first year, as well as long‐term patient and graft survival. Among 1045 kidney transplant patients, 119 (11.4%) had required continued outpatient prescription of opioid analgesics during the first year after kidney transplantation, mostly for non‐surgery‐related pain (85%). A positive history of COU prior to transplantation was the strongest predictor of COU in the first year post‐transplantation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.31, p < 0.001). Patients with COU had more often hospital admission during the first year (AOR 2.48, p = 0.001, for 1 or 2 admissions, and AOR 6.03, p < 0.001 for ≥3 admissions), but similar rate of acute rejection (19.3% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.31). During long‐term follow‐up, however, the patient and/or death‐censored kidney survival was not different. COU early post‐kidney transplantation, when clinically indicated and properly supervised, does not appear to affect the risk of death and death‐censored graft failure.
IQ is an independent predictor of glycated haemoglobin level in young and middle‐aged adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Yano T. , Miki T. , Itoh T. , Ohnishi H. , Asari M. , Chihiro S. , Yamamoto A. , Aotsuka K. , Kawakami N. , Ichikawa J. , Hirota Y. , Miura T.
Published: July 2014

Aims

Here we examined whether intellectual disability is independently associated with hyperglycaemia.

Methods

We recruited 233 consecutive young and middle‐aged adults with intellectual disability. After exclusion of subjects on medication for metabolic diseases or with severe intellectual disability (IQ < 35), 121 subjects were divided by IQ into a group with moderate intellectual disability (35≤IQ≤50), a mild intellectual disability group (51≤IQ≤70) and a borderline group (IQ > 70).

Results

HbA1c level was higher in subjects with moderate intellectual disability (42 ± 9 mmol/mol; 6.0 ± 0.8%) than those in the borderline group (36 ± 4 mmol/mol; 5.5 ± 0.3%) and mild intellectual disability group (37 ± 5 mmol/mol; 5.5 ± 0.5%) groups. HbA1c level was correlated with age, BMI, blood pressure, serum triglycerides and IQ in simple linear regression analysis. Multiple regression analysis indicated that IQ, age, BMI and diastolic blood pressure were independent explanatory factors of HbA1c level.

Conclusions

An unfavourable effect of intellectual disability on lifestyle and untoward effect of hyperglycaemia on cognitive function may underlie the association of low IQ with hyperglycaemia.
COST EFFECTIVENESS OF OPEN ACCESS PUBLICATIONS
Authors: WEST JEVIN D. , BERGSTROM THEODORE , BERGSTROM CARL T.
Published: July 2014

Open access publishing has been proposed as one possible solution to the serials crisis—the rapidly growing subscription prices in scholarly journal publishing. However, open access publishing can present economic pitfalls as well, such as excessive article processing charges. We discuss the decision that an author faces when choosing to submit to an open access journal. We develop an interactive tool to help authors compare among alternative open access venues and thereby get the most for their article processing charges. (JEL I2, C1, A1)
LEGISLATIVE TURNOVER, FISCAL POLICY, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM U.S. STATE LEGISLATURES
Authors: Uppal Yogesh , Glazer Amihai
Published: July 2014

Increased turnover among legislators can make them short‐sighted, affecting fiscal policy and economic growth. We exploit the exogenous variation in legislative turnover induced by term limit laws and by redistricting in the 50 U.S. states, finding that increased turnover increases capital spending by state governments, which may be designed to constrain future governments. The changes may cause long‐run distortions in the economy, reducing long‐term economic growth.(JELH72, H73, H76)
Global mismatch between species richness and vulnerability of reef fish assemblages
Authors: Parravicini Valeriano , Villéger Sébastien , McClanahan Tim R. , Arias‐González Jesus Ernesto , Bellwood David R. , Belmaker Jonathan , Chabanet Pascale , Floeter Sergio R. , Friedlander Alan M. , Guilhaumon François , Vigliola Laurent , Kulbicki Michel , Mouillot David
Published: July 2014

The impact of anthropogenic activity on ecosystems has highlighted the need to move beyond the biogeographical delineation of species richness patterns to understanding the vulnerability of species assemblages, including the functional components that are linked to the processes they support. We developed a decision theory framework to quantitatively assess the global taxonomic and functional vulnerability of fish assemblages on tropical reefs using a combination of sensitivity to species loss, exposure to threats and extent of protection. Fish assemblages with high taxonomic and functional sensitivity are often exposed to threats but are largely missed by the global network of marine protected areas. We found that areas of high species richness spatially mismatch areas of high taxonomic and functional vulnerability. Nevertheless, there is strong spatial match between taxonomic and functional vulnerabilities suggesting a potential win–win conservation‐ecosystem service strategy if more protection is set in these locations.
Crystal structures of apparent saccharide sensors from histidine kinase receptors prevalent in a human gut symbiont
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Liu Qun , Hendrickson Wayne A.
Published: July 2014

The adult human gut is a complicated ecosystem in which host–bacterium symbiosis plays an important role. Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is a predominant member of the gut microflora, providing the human digestive tract with a large number of glycolytic enzymes. Expression of many of these enzymes appears to be controlled by histidine kinase receptors that are fused into unusual hybrid two‐component systems that share homologous periplasmic sensor domains. These sensor domains belong to the third most populated (HK3) family based on a previous unpublished bioinformatics analysis of predicted histidine kinase sensors. Here, we present the crystal structures of two sensor domains representative of the HK3 family. Each sensor is folded into three domains: two‐seven‐bladed β‐propeller domains and one β‐sandwich domain. Both sensors form dimers in crystals, and one sensor appears to be physiologically relevant. The folding characteristics in the individual domains, the domain organization, and the oligomeric architecture are all unique to HK3 sensors. Sequence analysis of the HK3 sensors indicates that these sensor domains are shared among other signaling molecules, implying combinatorial molecular evolution.

Database

The structural data for the crystallographic results for HK3 BT4673S and HK3 BT3049S have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 3OTT and 3V9F, respectively.

Structured digital abstract

HK3BT3049S and HK3BT3049S bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)

HK3BT3049S and HK3BT3049S bind by molecular sieving (View interaction)

HK3BT3049S and HK3BT3049S bind by cosedimentation through density gradient (View interaction)

HK3BT4673s and HK3BT4673s bind by cosedimentation through density gradient (View interaction)

HK3BT4673s and HK3BT4673s bind by molecular sieving (View interaction)
Experiences of UK health‐care services for people with Multiple Sclerosis: a systematic narrative review
Authors: Methley Abigail M. , Chew‐Graham Carolyn , Campbell Stephen , Cheraghi‐Sohi Sudeh
Published: July 2014

Background

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, degenerative condition with an estimated UK prevalence of 100 000. Contact with health‐care services is frequent and long‐term; however, little research has investigated the experiences of health care for MS in the UK.

Objective

The aim of this systematic narrative review was to critically review qualitative studies reporting patients' experiences of health‐care services in the UK.

Search strategy

EMBASE, CINAHL, Medline, psychINFO and MS Society databases were searched with no date restrictions using search terms denoting ‘Multiple Sclerosis’, ‘health‐care services’, ‘patient’, ‘experience’ and ‘qualitative research’. Snowballing and hand searching of journals were used.

Inclusion criteria

Studies were included if they used qualitative methods of data collection and analysis to investigate adult patient's experiences of health‐care services for MS in the UK.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data were extracted independently and analysed jointly by two reviewers. Studies were appraised for the quality of evidence described using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme's qualitative tool. Due to the breadth of areas covered, the data were too heterogeneous for a synthesis and are presented as a narrative review.

Main results and discussion

Five studies were included. Studies primarily investigated diagnosis or palliative care. Themes of importance were the emotional experience of health care, continuity of care and access to services, and support from health‐care professionals. Studies were mainly poor quality and focussed on a homogenous sample.

Conclusions

This study provides the first review of the UK evidence base of experiences of health care for MS. Future research should investigate experiences of care after diagnosis in a more varied sample of participants.
Sulfide Glass‐Ceramic Electrolytes for All‐Solid‐State Lithium and Sodium Batteries
Authors: Tatsumisago Masahiro , Hayashi Akitoshi
Published: July 2014

Sulfide glass‐ceramic electrolytes with Li+ or Na+ ion conduction have been developed in last decade. High‐temperature phases of Li7P3S11 and cubic Na3PS4 are precipitated from mother glasses, and the obtained glass‐ceramics show higher conductivity than the mother glasses. It is difficult to synthesize those high‐temperature phases by conventional solid‐state reaction, and glass electrolytes are thus important as a precursor for forming high‐temperature phases. The highest conductivities at 25°C of 1.1 × 10−2 S/cm for Li+ ion conductor (Li7P3S11) and 7.4 × 10−4 S/cm for Na+ ion conductor (Na3.06P0.94Si0.06S4) are achieved in sulfide glass‐ceramic electrolytes. All‐solid‐state batteries with sulfide glass‐ceramic electrolytes were fabricated by cold press at room temperature. Sulfide electrolytes have favorable mechanical properties to form favorable solid–solid contacts in solid‐state batteries by pressing without heat treatment. All‐solid‐state Li‐In/S and Na‐Sn/TiS2 cells using sulfide glass‐ceramic electrolytes operate as secondary batteries and exhibit good cycle performance at room temperature.