bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curcumin alleviates immune‐complex‐mediated glomerulonephritis in factor‐H‐deficient mice
Authors: Jacob Alexander , Chaves Lee , Eadon Michael T. , Chang Anthony , Quigg Richard J. , Alexander Jessy J.
Published: January 2013

Complement factor H (Cfh) is a key regulator of the complement cascade and protects C57BL/6 mice from immune complex‐mediated complement‐dependent glomerulonephritis. In chronic serum sickness (CSS) there are increased deposits of immune complexes in the glomeruli with inflammation and a scarring phenotype. As cucurmin is an effective anti‐inflammatory agent and reduces complement activation, we hypothesized that it should alleviate renal disease in this setting. To determine the effectiveness of curcumin, an apoferritin‐induced CSS model in Cfh‐deficient (Cfh−/−) mice was used. Curcumin treatment (30 mg/kg) given every day in parallel with apoferritin reduced glomerulonephritis and enhanced kidney function (blood urea nitrogen, 45·4 ± 7·5 versus 35·6 ± 5·1; albuminuria, 50·1 ± 7·1 versus 15·7 ± 7·1; glomerulonephritis, 2·62 + 0·25 versus 2 + 0·3, P < 0·05). In line with reduced IgG deposits in mice with CSS given curcumin, C9 deposits were reduced indicating reduced complement activation. Mice treated with curcumin had a significant reduction in the number of splenic CD19+ B cells and the ratio of CD19 : CD3 cells (P < 0·05) with no change in the T‐cell population. Myeloperoxidase assay showed reduced macrophages in the kidney. However, a significant reduction in the M2 subset of splenic macrophages by apoferritin was prevented by curcumin, suggesting a protective function. Curcumin treatment reduced mRNA expression of inflammatory proteins monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and transforming growth factor‐β and matrix proteins, fibronectin, laminin and collagen. Our results clearly illustrate that curcumin reduces glomerulosclerosis, improves kidney function and could serve as a therapeutic agent during serum sickness.
Recent developments in gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: Towards the era of endoscopic resection of layers deeper than the submucosa
Authors: Abe Nobutsugu , Takeuchi Hirohisa , Ooki Atsuko , Nagao Gen , Masaki Tadahiko , Mori Toshiyuki , Sugiyama Masanori
Published: January 2013

With technical advances in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), several variations of endoscopic procedure derived from ESD and fusion procedures of endoscopy and laparoscopy for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumor and cancer have recently been developed. The former includes endoscopic muscularis dissection (EMD), submucosal endoscopic tumor resection (SET), endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD) and endoscopic full‐thickness resection (EFTR), and the latter includes laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS), laparoscopy‐assisted endoscopic full‐thickness resection (LAEFR), and laparoscopic lymphadenectomy without gastrectomy following ESD. In the present article, recent developments in gastric ESD and advanced procedures derived from ESD are discussed.
Detained adolescent females’ multiple mental health and adjustment problem outcomes in young adulthood
Authors: van der Molen E. , Vermeiren R.R.J.M. , Krabbendam A.A. , Beekman A.T.F. , Doreleijers T.A.H. , Jansen L.M.C.
Published: January 2013

Background:  Although prior studies have shown that detained females are marked by significant adverse circumstances, little is known about their adult outcomes.

Method:  Prospective follow‐up study of 184 (80.4% of original sample of 229) detained adolescent females who were reassessed 4.5 (SD = 0.6) years later in young adulthood (mean age = 20.0, SD = 1.4) on mental health and adjustment outcomes. Associations between these outcomes and detained females’ behavior problems and offense history were examined.

Results:  In the total sample, 59.0% had one or more mental health problems at follow‐up, whereas 96.2% were facing at least one adjustment problem. Subjects with a personality disorder (PD) reported more adjustment problems compared to subjects without PD. Mental health and adjustment problems in young adulthood were predicted by detained adolescent females’ behavior problems and offense history.

Conclusion:  Detained adolescent females suffered from multiple mental health and adjustment problems in young adulthood. Females who developed PD were most impaired. Results of this study underline the compelling need for continued and gender‐specific interventions. The identification of predictors during detention for poor adult outcomes can serve as targets for intervention.
Evidence of exotoxin secretion of Piscirickettsia salmonis, the causative agent of piscirickettsiosis
Authors: Rojas M E , Galleguillos M , Díaz S , Machuca A , Carbonero A , Smith P A
Published: January 2013

Piscirickettsia salmonis is the aetiological agent of piscirickettsiosis, a disease which affects a variety of teleost species and that is particularly severe in salmonid fish. Bacterial‐free supernatants, obtained from cultures of three isolates of Piscirickettsia salmonis, were inoculated in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and in three continuous cell lines in an effort to determine the presence of secretion of extracellular products (ECPs) by this microorganism. Although steatosis was found in some liver samples, no mortalities or clinical signs occurred in the inoculated fish. Clear cytotoxicity was observed after inoculation in the cell lines CHSE‐214 and ASK, derived from salmonid tissues, but not in MDBK, which is of mammalian origin. The degree of cytotoxicity of the ECPs was different among the P. salmonis isolates tested. The isolate that evidenced the highest cytotoxicity in its ECPs exhibited only an intermediate virulence level after challenging fish with bacterial suspensions of the three P. salmonis isolates. Almost complete inhibition of the cytotoxic activity of ECPs was seen after proteinase K treatment, indicating their peptidic nature, and a total preclusion of the cytotoxicity was shown after their incubation at 50 °C for 30 min. Results show that P. salmonis can produce ECPs and at least some of them are thermolabile exotoxins that probably play a role in the pathogenesis of piscirickettsiosis.
Bench‐top validation testing of selected immunological and molecular Renibacterium salmoninarum diagnostic assays by comparison with quantitative bacteriological culture
Authors: Elliott D G , Applegate L J , Murray A L , Purcell M K , McKibben C L
Published: January 2013

No gold standard assay exhibiting error‐free classification of results has been identified for detection of Renibacterium salmoninarum, the causative agent of salmonid bacterial kidney disease. Validation of diagnostic assays for R. salmoninarum has been hindered by its unique characteristics and biology, and difficulties in locating suitable populations of reference test animals. Infection status of fish in test populations is often unknown, and it is commonly assumed that the assay yielding the most positive results has the highest diagnostic accuracy, without consideration of misclassification of results. In this research, quantification of R. salmoninarum in samples by bacteriological culture provided a standardized measure of viable bacteria to evaluate analytical performance characteristics (sensitivity, specificity and repeatability) of non‐culture assays in three matrices (phosphate‐buffered saline, ovarian fluid and kidney tissue). Non‐culture assays included polyclonal enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), direct smear fluorescent antibody technique (FAT), membrane‐filtration FAT, nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) and three real‐time quantitative PCR assays. Injection challenge of specific pathogen‐free Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), with R. salmoninarum was used to estimate diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Results did not identify a single assay demonstrating the highest analytical and diagnostic performance characteristics, but revealed strengths and weaknesses of each test.
Multiple Levels of Social Disadvantage and Links to Obesity in Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Authors: Lee Hedwig , Harris Kathleen M. , Lee Joyce
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

The rise in adolescent obesity has become a public health concern, especially because of its impact on disadvantaged youth. This article examines the role of disadvantage at the family‐, peer‐, school‐, and neighborhood‐level, to determine which contexts are related to obesity in adolescence and young adulthood.

METHODS

We analyzed longitudinal data from Waves I (1994‐1995),II(1996), andIII(2001‐2002) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative population‐based sample of adolescents in grades 7‐12 in 1995 who were followed into young adulthood. We assessed the relationship between obesity in adolescence and young adulthood, and disadvantage (measured by low parent education in adolescence) at the family‐, peer‐, school‐, and neighborhood‐level using multilevel logistic regression.

RESULTS

When all levels of disadvantage were modeled simultaneously, school‐level disadvantage was significantly associated with obesity in adolescence for males and females and family‐level disadvantage was significantly associated with obesity in young adulthood for females.

CONCLUSIONS

Schools may serve as a primary setting for obesity prevention efforts. Because obesity in adolescence tracks into adulthood, it is important to consider prevention efforts at this stage in the life course, in addition to early childhood, particularly among disadvantaged populations.
Testosterone Replacement with 1% Testosterone Gel and Priapism: No Definite Risk Relationship
Authors: Burnett Arthur L. , Kan-Dobrosky Natalia , Miller Michael G.
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the preferred treatment for hypogonadism, information for patients using testosterone includes too frequent or prolonged erections as a potential side effect.

Aim

To assess the frequency and risk of priapism or related adverse events (AEs) in hypogonadal men treated with a 1% testosterone gel.

Methods

Safety and tolerability data for AndroGel 1% were assessed, including three randomized, controlled clinical trials in varying populations of hypogonadal or near hypogonadal men. Study 1 was a Phase 3 trial of AndroGel 1% 5 g, 7.5 g, or 10 g once daily for 6 months (N = 227). Study 2 was a Phase 2 trial of AndroGel 1% 7.5 g once daily titrated as needed vs. placebo for 26 weeks in men with type 2 diabetes (N = 180). Study 3 was a Phase 4 trial of AndroGel 1% 5 g once daily vs. placebo for 12 weeks in men previously unresponsive to sildenafil 100 mg monotherapy and receiving concomitant sildenafil 100 mg (N = 75). Postmarketing AndroGel pharmacovigilance reporting data from 2001 to 2011 was searched for events coded as priapism.

Main Outcome Measures

The incidence of priapism and/or related symptoms reported as urogenital or reproductive system AEs.

Results

In the 283 men exposed to AndroGel 1% over the three trials, mean exposure ranged from 84 days to 149 days. No AEs described as priapism or related symptoms were reported in the three trials. In the postmarketing data, representing 40 million units sold, eight cases described as priapism were reported. Of the six cases with accompanying data, all were judged as possibly related to AndroGel.

Conclusions

Safety data from the clinical trials for AndroGel 1% did not report any cases of priapism, and its incidence in the postmarketing pharmacovigilance data is extremely low, indicating a minimal risk of inducing priapism.
Fungal host specificity is not a bottleneck for the germination of Pyroleae species (Ericaceae) in a Bavarian forest
Authors: Hynson Nicole A. , Weiß Michael , Preiss Katja , Gebauer Gerhard , Treseder Kathleen K.
Published: January 2013

Plants that produce dust seeds can recruit fungi to meet their earliest requirements for carbon and other nutrients. This germination strategy, termed initial mycoheterotrophy, has been well investigated among the orchid family, but there are numerous other plant lineages that have independently evolved mycoheterotrophic germination strategies. One of these lineages is the tribe Pyroleae (Ericaceae). While the fungi associated with mature plants in Pyroleae have been fairly well documented, their mycobionts at the germination and seedling stages are largely unknown. Here, we use an in situ seed baiting experiment along with molecular fingerprinting techniques and phylogenetic tests to identify the fungi associated with seedlings of two Pyroleae species, Pyrola chlorantha and Orthilia secunda. Our results indicate that similar to adult plants, Pyroleae seedlings can associate with a suite of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Some seedlings harboured single mycobionts, while others may have been inhabited by multiple fungi. The dominant seedling mycobiont of both Pyroleae species was a fungus of unknown trophic status in the order Sebacinales. This taxon was also the only one shared among seedlings of both investigated Pyroleae species. We discuss these results juxtaposed to orchids and one additional Pyrola species in the context of ontogenetic shifts in fungal host specificity for mycoheterotrophic nutrition.
Rubisco is a small fraction of total protein in marine phytoplankton
Authors: Losh Jenna L. , Young Jodi N. , Morel François M. M.
Published: January 2013

Ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (Rubisco) concentrations were quantified as a proportion of total protein in eight species of microalgae. This enzyme has been assumed to be a major fraction of total protein in phytoplankton, as has been demonstrated in plants, potentially constituting a large sink for cellular nitrogen.

Representative microalgae were grown in batch and continuous cultures under nutrient‐replete, nitrogen (N)‐limited, or phosphorus (P)‐limited conditions with varying CO2. Quantitative Western blots were performed using commercially available global antibodies and protein standards. Field incubations with natural populations of organisms from the coast of California were conducted under both nutrient‐replete and N‐limited conditions with varying CO2.

In all experiments, Rubisco represented < 6% of total protein. In nutrient‐replete exponentially growing batch cultures, concentrations ranged from 2% to 6%, while in nutrient‐limited laboratory and field cultures, concentrations were < 2.5%. Rubisco generally decreased with increasing CO2 and with decreasing growth rates.

Based on a calculation of maximum Rubisco activity, these results suggest that phytoplankton contain the minimum concentration of enzyme necessary to support observed growth rates. Unlike in plants, Rubisco does not account for a major fraction of cellular N in phytoplankton.
Mapping the Connections between Politics and Morality: The Multiple Sociopolitical Orientations Involved in Moral Intuition
Authors: Federico Christopher M. , Weber Christopher R. , Ergun Damla , Hunt Corrie
Published: January 2013

According to moral foundations theory (Haidt & Joseph, 2004), five foundations are central to moral intuition. The two individualizing foundations—harm/care and fairness/reciprocity—hinge on the rights of the individual, whereas the three binding foundations—in‐group/loyalty, authority/respect, and purity/sanctity—focus on communal bonds. Recent work suggests that reliance on the various foundations varies as a function of sociopolitical orientation: liberals consistently rely on the individualizing foundations, whereas conservatives rely on both the individualizing and binding foundations. In an effort to further explore the relationship between sociopolitical orientation and morality, we argue that only certain types of sociopolitical attitudes and beliefs should relate to each cluster of foundations. Drawing on dual‐process models of social and political attitudes, we demonstrate that the individualizing foundations are aligned with attitudes and beliefs relevant to preferences for equality versus inequality (i.e., SDO and competitive‐jungle beliefs), whereas the binding foundations are aligned with attitudes and beliefs relevant to preferences for openness versus social conformity (i.e., RWA and dangerous‐world beliefs). We conclude by discussing the consequences of these findings for our understanding of the relationship between sociopolitical and moral orientations.
A Dual Process Model of Attitudes towards Immigration: Person × Residential Area Effects in a National Sample
Authors: Sibley Chris G. , Duckitt John , Bergh Robin , Osborne Danny , Perry Ryan , Asbrock Frank , Robertson Andrew , Armstrong Gavin , Wilson Marc Stewart , Barlow Fiona Kate
Published: January 2013

This research took a person × situation approach to predicting prejudice by looking at how social worldviews interact with real‐world environmental factors to predict how people respond to immigrants within their local area. Taking a Dual Process Motivational approach, we hypothesized that a higher proportion of immigrants in the local community would be associated with negative attitudes toward immigration for respondents high in dangerous world beliefs. Conversely, we hypothesized that living in a highly affluent (as opposed to socioeconomically deprived) community would be associated with negative attitudes toward immigration for respondents high in competitive world beliefs. Both hypotheses were supported using regional information derived from national census data combined with representative survey data from a large telephone sample conducted in New Zealand (N = 6,489). These findings support the proposition that individual differences interact with specific features of the environment to predict people's levels of prejudice in distinct ways.
Self‐Harm Focus Leads to Greater Collective Guilt: The Case of the U.S.‐Iraq Conflict
Authors: Sullivan Daniel , Landau Mark J. , Branscombe Nyla R. , Rothschild Zachary K. , Cronin Tracey J.
Published: January 2013

Collective guilt from harm one's group has caused an out‐group is often undermined because people minimize or legitimize the harm done (i.e., they generate exonerating cognitions). When a group action has harmed both the in‐group and an out‐group, focusing people on “self‐harm”—ways in which the in‐group has harmed itself—may elicit more collective guilt because self‐harm is less likely to be exonerated. In Study 1, American participants who focused on how the invasion of Iraq had harmed the United States expressed greater collective guilt over harm inflicted on the people of Iraq than those who focused on Iraqi suffering. Study 2 showed that this effect is due to reductions in exonerating cognitions among people focused on self‐harm. We consider the implications of these findings for intergroup reconciliation, particularly in situations where two groups have been involved in open conflict.
Suicide Risk by Military Occupation in the DoD Active Component Population
Authors: Trofimovich Lily , Reger Mark A. , Luxton David D. , Oetjen‐Gerdes Lynne A.
Published: January 2013

Suicide risk based on occupational cohorts within the U.S. military was investigated. Rates of suicide based on military occupational categories were computed for the Department of Defense (DoD) active component population between 2001 and 2010. The combined infantry, gun crews, and seamanship specialist group was at increased risk of suicide compared to the overall military population even when adjusted for gender, age, and deployment history. The results provide useful information that can help inform the DoD's suicide prevention mission. Data limitations and recommended areas for future research are discussed.
Development of buffer methods and evaluation of pedotransfer functions to estimate pH buffer capacity of highly weathered soils
Authors: Wong M. T. F. , Webb M. J. , Wittwer K.
Published: January 2013

The pH buffer capacity of a soil (pHBC) determines the amount of lime required to raise the pH of the soil layer from its initial acid condition to an optimal pH for plant growth and the time available under current net acid addition rate (NAAR) until the soil layer acidifies to a critical pH leading to likely production losses. Accurate values of pHBC can also be used to calculate NAAR from observed changes in soil pH. In spite of its importance, there is a critical shortage of pHBC data, likely due to the long period of time needed for its direct measurement. This work aimed to develop quick, simple and reliable methods of pHBC measurement and to test these methods against a slow (7‐day) titration used as benchmark. The method developed here calculates pHBC directly from the pH buffer capacity of the buffer solution and the increase in soil pH and corresponding decrease in pH of the buffer solution following mixing and equilibration. The pHBC values calculated using Adams and Evans or modified Woodruff buffers were in accord with those measured by slow titration. Buffer methods are easily deployed in commercial and research laboratories as well as in the field. The advantage of using buffer solutions to calculate pHBC instead of lime requirement is the broad application of this soil property. The pHBC of a soil is an intrinsic property that would not be expected to need remeasurement over periods of less than decades. Recurring lime requirement can be calculated from the soil's pHBC, initial and target pH values. A large proportion of the variability in pHBC was explained by the soil organic carbon content. This relationship between pHBC and soil organic carbon content allowed us to develop local pedotransfer functions to estimate pHBC for different regions of Australia.
HLA‐G 2012 conference: the 15‐year milestone update
Authors: Loustau M. , Wiendl H. , Ferrone S. , Carosella E. D.
Published: January 2013

The non‐classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I molecule HLA‐G is best known for its tolerogenic function at the maternal–fetal interface, where it protects the fetus from destruction by the immune system of its mother. Yet, HLA‐G has been the topic of intense investigations and its functions reach much further than originally believed. International conferences on HLA‐G have taken place every 3 years since 1998, and the Sixth International Conference on HLA‐G, that took place in Paris in July 2012. It counted 180 attendees from 28 countries, 35 speakers in plenary sessions, and 63 presentations of research in symposia and poster sessions, bringing new insight in HLA‐G research. Here we summarize the major advances on the function and nature of HLA‐G molecule that were reported, with particular interest on the findings in new mechanisms of action through regulatory cells, its relevance in cancer as well as in the molecular structure and functions of HLA‐G, which are key for its clinical application.
Variable Stiffness Legs for Robust, Efficient, and Stable Dynamic Running
Authors: Galloway Kevin C. , Clark Jonathan E. , Koditschek Daniel E.
Published: January 2013

Humans and animals adapt their leg impedance during running for both internal (e.g., loading) and external (e.g., surface) changes. To date, the mechanical complexity of designing usefully robust tunable passive compliance into legs has precluded their implementation on practical running robots. This work describes the design of novel, structure-controlled stiffness legs for a hexapedal running robot to enable runtime modification of leg stiffness in a small, lightweight, and rugged package. As part of this investigation, we also study the effect of varying leg stiffness on the performance of a dynamical running robot.
To Favor Survival Under Food Shortage, the Brain Disables Costly Memory
Authors: Plaçais Pierre-Yves , Preat Thomas
Published: January 2013

Hunger and Memory

During starvation, are all brain functions slowed down, or are specific functions disabled to save energy?
Plaçais and Preat
(p.
440
) investigated how the brain of
Drosophila
deals with severe resource limitation. The brain cut selected expenses to reduce the threat to survival and switched off the formation of aversive long-term memory that depends on costly protein synthesis. However,

Hirano
et al.

(p.
443
) focused on mild food-deprivation, which actually enhanced long-term memory formation. Presumably, improved memory should enhance survival when competing for limited food. After longer food deprivation, enhancement of aversive long-term memory decreased, while that of appetitive long-term memory remained high: Presumably, as starvation nears, it becomes more important to pursue food at all costs, and so appetitive memory takes precedence over aversive memories.
Tunable Signal Processing Through Modular Control of Transcription Factor Translocation
Authors: Hao Nan , Budnik Bogdan A. , Gunawardena Jeremy , O'Shea Erin K.
Published: January 2013

Transcription Factor as Computer

Cellular signaling pathways can serve to process information so that cells respond appropriately to various environmental stimuli.

Hao
et al.

(p.
460
) show that a single yeast transcription factor that is activated in response to stress—Msn2—can act as a signal processor. In an experimental setup in which the amplitude and duration of signaling in the cells could be tightly controlled, sites of phosphorylation on Msn2 that determine its transport into or out of the nucleus allowed it to have different dynamic responses depending upon the amplitude of the signal detected. The transcription factor could either track with the incoming signal, filter (ignore) it, or integrate it. Understanding such properties may be useful in designing behavior of biological control systems.
A Radically Configurable Six-State Compound
Authors: Barnes Jonathan C. , Fahrenbach Albert C. , Cao Dennis , Dyar Scott M. , Frasconi Marco , Giesener Marc A. , Benítez Diego , Tkatchouk Ekaterina , Chernyashevskyy Oleksandr , Shin Weon Ho , Li Hao , Sampath Srinivasan , Stern Charlotte L. , Sarjeant Amy A. , Hartlieb Karel J. , Liu Zhichang , Carmieli Raanan , Botros Youssry Y. , Choi Jang Wook , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Ketterson John B. , Wasielewski Michael R. , Goddard William A. , Stoddart J. Fraser
Published: January 2013

Radically Organic

Metals such as manganese are relatively stable over a wide range of oxidation states. In contrast, purely organic compounds are rarely susceptible to incremental addition or removal of electrons without accompanying fragmentation or coupling reactions.

Barnes
et al.

(p.
429
; see the Perspective by

Benniston

) report a catenane (a compound comprising interlocked rings) in which the topological structure stabilizes six different states that successively differ by the presence or absence of one or two electrons in the framework. The hepta-oxidized state proved remarkably resilient to oxygen exposure.
Proton Structure from the Measurement of 2S-2P Transition Frequencies of Muonic Hydrogen
Authors: Antognini Aldo , Nez François , Schuhmann Karsten , Amaro Fernando D. , Biraben François , Cardoso João M. R. , Covita Daniel S. , Dax Andreas , Dhawan Satish , Diepold Marc , Fernandes Luis M. P. , Giesen Adolf , Gouvea Andrea L. , Graf Thomas , Hänsch Theodor W. , Indelicato Paul , Julien Lucile , Kao Cheng-Yang , Knowles Paul , Kottmann Franz , Le Bigot Eric-Olivier , Liu Yi-Wei , Lopes José A. M. , Ludhova Livia , Monteiro Cristina M. B. , Mulhauser Françoise , Nebel Tobias , Rabinowitz Paul , dos Santos Joaquim M. F. , Schaller Lukas A. , Schwob Catherine , Taqqu David , Veloso João F. C. A. , Vogelsang Jan , Pohl Randolf
Published: January 2013

Proton Still Too Small

Despite a proton's tiny size, it is possible to measure its radius based on its charge or magnetization distributions. Traditional measurements of proton radius were based on the scattering between protons and electrons. Recently, a precision measurement of a line in the spectrum of muonium—an atom consisting of a proton and a muon, instead of an electron—revealed a radius inconsistent with that deduced from scattering studies.

Antognini
et al.

(p.
417
; see the Perspective by

Margolis

) examined a different spectral line of muonium, with results less dependent on theoretical analyses, yet still inconsistent with the scattering result; in fact, the discrepancy increased.
Deconstructing Dimensionality
Authors: Schwartz Martin A. , Chen Christopher S.
Published: January 2013

How do cells sense a three-dimensional environment?
Performance of the Elecsys Rubella IgG Assay in the Diagnostic Laboratory Setting for Assessment of Immune Status
Authors: Enders Martin , Bartelt Uwe , Knotek Frank , Bunn Kristina , Strobel Sirpa , Dietz Klaus , Enders Gisela
Published: January 2013

Rubella in early pregnancy bears a high risk for congenital defects (e.g., cataracts, hearing loss, and heart disease) and for long-term sequelae in the newborn. Despite implementation of vaccination programs in many regions, the threat of devastating consequences from congenital rubella virus infection remains and careful screening of maternal immune status before and during pregnancy helps to reduce the risk. This study compared the performance of the Elecsys Rubella IgG assay with that of other assays routinely used for screening. Samples from 1,090 women undergoing routine antenatal care were tested using the Elecsys and Enzygnost Rubella IgG assays and the hemagglutination inhibition test. Samples with hemagglutination inhibition titers of <32 (n= 148) were additionally tested using the Vidas, AxSYM, Liaison, and Architect Rubella IgG assays. Agreement of qualitative results from the Elecsys, Enzygnost, and hemagglutination inhibition assays was good in all samples. All assays showed 100.0% specificity. In samples with hemagglutination inhibition titers of <32, the Elecsys, AxSYM, and Enzygnost assays showed higher sensitivity (>90.0%) than the other immunoassays (78.6 to 82.4%). The Elecsys assay reported significantly higher rubella virus IgG levels than the other immunoassays across the whole set of 1,090 samples, with the largest bias and deviation from limits of agreement in Bland-Altman analysis. In conclusion, the Elecsys assay is highly sensitive and specific with regard to qualitative results and suitable for routine automated screening. However, given the considerable variation between quantitative results from different immunoassays, testing methods should be documented and the same assay used throughout an individual's antenatal follow-up wherever possible.
Comparison of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay with a Multiplex Luminex Assay for Influenza Virus Detection
Authors: Munro Sandra B. , Kuypers Jane , Jerome Keith R.
Published: January 2013

We describe the development of a multiplex reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) with Luminex microarray hybridization for detection of influenza virus subtypes (FLULUM). Performance of FLULUM was evaluated by comparing it to our real-time RT-PCR influenza virus assay on samples collected during two influenza seasons. Both assays targeted the matrix genes of influenza virus A (FluA M) and influenza virus B (FluB M) and the hemagglutinin genes of seasonal H3N2 (H3) and H1N1 (H1) and 2009 pandemic H1N1 (2009 H1). We evaluated FLULUM on both the Luminex LX200 and the Luminex MagPix instruments. Compared to real-time PCR, FLULUM tested on 259 specimens submitted in the 2010-2011 season showed sensitivities of 97.3% for FluA M, 90.5% for 2009 H1, 96.9% for H3, and 88.9% for FluB M. No specimens were positive for seasonal H1. FLULUM tested on 806 specimens submitted in the 2011-2012 season showed a sensitivity of 100% for FluA M, 89.9% for 2009 H1, 96.4% for H3, and 95.6% for FluB M. No cross-reactivity was observed for other respiratory viruses. Analytical sensitivity was assessed by testing dilutions of specimens with high viral loads. The limits of detection of FLULUM were comparable to those of the real-time PCR assay for FluA M, FluB M, and H3. The limits of detection for seasonal H1 and 2009 H1 were 10-fold higher for the FLULUM assay compared to real-time PCR. The FLULUM is an economic assay with high clinical sensitivity and specificity. It is particularly suited to high-volume detection of influenza viruses.
The HIV-1 gp120 Major Variable Regions Modulate Cold Inactivation
Authors: Medjahed Halima , Pacheco Beatriz , Désormeaux Anik , Sodroski Joseph , Finzi Andrés
Published: January 2013

HIV-1 entry involves the viral envelope glycoproteins (Env gps) and receptors on the target cell. Receptor binding channels the intrinsic high potential energy of Env into the force required to fuse the membranes of virus and target cell. For some HIV-1 strains, prolonged incubation on ice decreases Env potential energy and results in functional inactivation. By characterizing chimeras between two primary clade C HIV-1 strains that differ in sensitivities to cold, soluble CD4, and neutralizing antibodies, we found that these properties were largely determined by discrete elements within the gp120 variable regions V1V2 and V3.
Diversity of Ubiquitin and ISG15 Specificity among Nairoviruses' Viral Ovarian Tumor Domain Proteases
Authors: Capodagli Glenn C. , Deaton Michelle K. , Baker Erica A. , Lumpkin Ryan J. , Pegan Scott D.
Published: January 2013

Nairoviruses are responsible for numerous diseases that affect both humans and animal. Recent work has implicated the viral ovarian tumor domain (vOTU) as a possible nairovirus virulence factor due to its ability to edit ubiquitin (Ub) bound to cellular proteins and, at least in the case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), to cleave the Ub-like protein interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), a protein involved in the regulation of host immunity. The prospective roles of vOTUs in immune evasion have generated several questions concerning whether vOTUs act through a preserved specificity for Ub- and ISG15-conjugated proteins and where that specificity may originate. To gain insight into the substrate specificity of vOTUs, enzymological studies were conducted on vOTUs from Dugbe, CCHFV, and Erve nairoviruses. These studies revealed that vOTUs originating from different nairoviruses display a significant divergence in their preference toward Ub and ISG15. In addition, a recently identified vOTU from turnip yellow mosaic tymovirus was evaluated to elucidate any possible similarities between vOTUs originating from different viral families. Although possessing a similar preference for certain polymeric Ub moieties, its activity toward Ub in general was significantly less then those of nairoviruses. Lastly, the X-ray crystallographic structure of the vOTU from the Dugbe nairovirus was obtained in complex with Ub to reveal structural commonalities of vOTUs originating from nairoviruses. The structure suggests that divergences between nairovirus vOTUs specificity originate at the primary structural level. Comparison of this structure to that originating from CCHFV identified key residues that infer the substrate specificity of vOTUs.
Bound state solutions of the Manning–Rosen potential
Authors: Falaye B.J. , Oyewumi K.J. , Ibrahim T.T. , Punyasena M.A. , Onate C.A.
Published: January 2013

Using the asymptotic iteration method (AIM), we have obtained analytical approximations to the ℓ-wave solutions of the Schrödinger equation with the Manning–Rosen potential. The energy eigenvalues equation and the corresponding wavefunctions have been obtained explicitly. Three different Pekeris-type approximation schemes have been used to deal with the centrifugal term. To show the accuracy of our results, we have calculated the eigenvalues numerically for arbitrary quantum numbers n and ℓ for some diatomic molecules (HCl, CH, LiH, and CO). It is found that the results are in good agreement with other results found in the literature. A straightforward extension to the s-wave case and Hulthén potential case are also presented.
A novel murine model of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) induced by immunization with a spermine binding protein (p25) peptide
Authors: Altuntas Cengiz Z. , Daneshgari Firouz , Veizi Elias , Izgi Kenan , Bicer Fuat , Ozer Ahmet , Grimberg Kerry O. , Bakhautdin Bakytzhan , Sakalar Cagri , Tasdemir Cemal , Tuohy Vincent K.
Published: January 2013

The pathophysiology of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is poorly understood. Inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms may play a role. We developed a murine model of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) that mimics the human phenotype of CP/CPPS. Eight-week-old mice were immunized subcutaneously with prostate-specific peptides in an emulsion of complete Freund's adjuvant. Mice were euthanized 10 days after immunization, and lymph node cells were isolated and assessed for recall proliferation to each peptide. P25 99–118 was the most immunogenic peptide. T-cell and B-cell immunity and serum levels of C-reactive protein and nitrate/nitrite levels were evaluated over a 9-wk period. Morphometric studies of prostate, 24-h micturition frequencies, and urine volume per void were evaluated. Tactile referred hyperalgesia was measured using von Frey filaments to the pelvic region. The unpaired Student's t-test was used to analyze differences between EAP and control groups. Prostates from p25 99–118-immunized mice demonstrated elevated gene expression levels of TNF-α, IL-17A, IFN-γ, and IL-1β, not observed in control mice. Compared with controls, p25 99–118-immunized mice had significantly higher micturition frequency and decreased urine output per void, and they demonstrated elevated pelvic pain response. p25 99–118 immunization of male SWXJ mice induced prostate-specific autoimmunity characterized by prostate-confined inflammation, increased micturition frequency, and pelvic pain. This autoimmune prostatitis model provides a useful tool for exploring the pathophysiology and new treatments.
Response to desmopressin is strongly dependent on F8 gene mutation type in mild and moderate haemophilia A
Authors: Stoof Sara , Sanders Yvonne , Petrij Fred , Cnossen Marjon , de Maat Moniek , Leebeek Frank , Kruip Marieke
Published: January 2013

Desmopressin causes two- to six-fold increase of factor VIII (FVIII) in mild or moderate haemophilia A patients. However, responses are variable and little is known whether this is associated with F8 gene mutation. The study objective was to assess the relationship between F8 gene mutation and desmopressin response in haemophilia A patients. Desmopressin response (absolute and relative) was determined in 97 hemophilia A patients. Four amino acid changes (Arg2169His, Pro149Arg, Asn637Ser, and Arg612Cys) and a number of other mutations leading to an aberrant FVIII protein or FVIII deficiency were analysed. Patients with Arg2169His showed significantly lower FVIII levels before and after desmopressin compared to all other mutations (p<0.001). Pro149Arg amino acid change showed significantly lower FVIII levels 1 hour after desmopressin compared to all other mutations (p<0.005). An absolute response with FVIII ≥0.50 IU/ml after 1 hour was observed in 41% (9 of 22) of patients with Arg2169His; however, this was not sustainable after 6 hours in any of these subjects. No patients with Pro149Arg mutation (n=6) showed an absolute response with FVIII _0.50 IU/ml. Patients with other mutations showed significantly more complete and partial responses. Relative responses did not differ between mutations. Our study shows that haemophilia A patients with amino acid change Arg2169His or Pro149Arg have a decreased desmopressin response with regard to FVIII levels as compared to other mutations. Our results indicate that response to desmopressin is dependent on the F8 gene mutation type, despite the fact that multiple factors influence the desmopressin response, even within families.
A Friend’s First Words in Job 4:2
Authors: Pinker Aron
Published: January 2013

Abstract

This paper will argue that at least Eliphaz’s opening words are within the norms of friendly and polite discourse that can be expected in the described circumstances. Unlike the prevailing view, it is being proposed that the referents in 2:4 are Job’s friends. This thesis rests on a slightly different reading of v. 4:2a (תְּלָאָה אֵלֶיךָ דַּבֵּר ?הֲנֶהַס, “Should we be silent? Speaking to you is a hardship”), and understanding v. 2:4b as being concerned with controlling the potential offensiveness of the words uttered, rather than with holding back the welled-up words.
Convict Criminology at the Crossroads
Authors: Newbold Greg , Ross Jeffrey Ian
Published: January 2013

This research note critiques both the past and current status of Convict Criminology. It notes the subtle changes that have occurred within this approach to the study of corrections and the criminal justice system and some of the controversies that have emerged. It discusses these issues and makes recommendations about Convict Criminology’s future direction.
Mobile Technologies and Youthful Exploration: Stimulus or Inhibitor?
Authors: Leyshon Michael , DiGiovanna Sean , Holcomb Briavel
Published: January 2013

In this paper, an examination is made of how young people locate themselves in the world through using GPS-enabled mobile phones. Three research themes are explored. First, how GPS mobile phones encourage young people to explore new territory by providing both spatial information and a ‘lifeline’ to security. Secondly, how parental surveillance encourages or discourages exploration. Finally, how the accessibility of spatial data reduces the need to try new routes or memorise landscape features. In so doing, two myths of mobile phone use are challenged: that the revolution in mobile technology has caused the ‘death of distance’ and created a borderless world through space–time compression and that mobile technologies atomise quotidian life into a series of impersonal mediated encounters. The research, conducted in New Jersey, USA, and Cornwall, UK, shows that mobile phones appear to give young people more confidence in exploring new places, but also distract them from observing their surroundings.
Why Justice?
Authors: Mamo Laura , Fishman Jennifer R.
Published: January 2013

This special issue of Science, Technology, & Human Values assembles papers that consider relations among science, ethics, and justice. The papers are drawn from a 2011 National Science Foundation-sponsored workshop that brought together interdisciplinary scholars to consider, incorporate, and attend to the meanings, uses, and social consequences of ethical questions and justice ideals in technoscientific projects. The papers included in this special issue examine key areas that emerged from this workshop, including public participation, the production of knowledge, what counts as consent, ownership of biomaterials, and others. Together, the papers raise questions about new directions and articulations of power, justice, and inequalities in science and technology studies.
Six-month-old infants match other-race faces with a non-native language
Authors: Uttley Lesley , de Boisferon Anne Hillairet , Dupierrix Eve , Lee Kang , Quinn Paul C. , Slater Alan M. , Pascalis Olivier
Published: January 2013

Early in life, infants possess an effective face-processing system which becomes specialized according to the faces present in the environment. Infants are also exposed to the voices and sounds of caregivers. Previous studies have found that face–voice associations become progressively more tuned to the types of association most prevalent in the environment. The present study investigated whether 6-month-old infants associate own-race faces with their native language and faces from a different race with a non-native language. Infants were presented with pictures of own- and other-race faces simultaneously, with a native or non-native language in a habituation paradigm. Results indicate that 6-month-olds are able to match other-race faces to a non-native language.
Ultrastructural Pathology and Interorganelle Cross Talk in Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Cheville Norman F.
Published: January 2013

Mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLD), and Golgi vesicles use cross talk to control hepatocyte metabolism, growth, and stress. Interpretation of ultrastructural change requires knowledge of how cross talk pathways function, how differential activation of hepatocellular signals influences organelle structure, and how organelles position themselves to become central hubs for stress responses. Mitochondria, by coupling energy production to pathways for protection, form critical platforms for innate signaling. Mitochondrial outer and inner membranes activate channels and signals to translocate peptides that drive oxidative phosphorylation, β-oxidation of fatty acids, and calcium ion (Ca2+) flux. In cell stress, mitochondrial signals initiate fusion and fission, reactive oxygen species (ROS) control, autophagy, apoptosis, and senescence. Specialized tethering proteins tie mitochondria to ER to support translocation of metabolites. For Ca2+ translocation, ER pores are connected to mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channels, and for mitochondrial fission, unique membrane proteins pull ER to mitochondria. In toxic injury, cytosolic cytokines translocate to alter metabolism. Toxic effects on ER lipid synthesis lead to Golgi vesicle reduplication and transport of perilipin and other protein cargos into CLDs. How cellular proteostasis, oxidative homeostasis, and ion balance are maintained depend upon the effectiveness of mitochondrial ROS defense responses, unfolded protein responses in mitochondria and ER, and other organelle defenses.
Weight change by baseline BMI from three-year observational data: findings from the Worldwide Schizophrenia Outpatient Health Outcomes Database
Authors: Bushe Chris J , Slooff Cees J , Haddad Peter M , Karagianis Jamie L
Published: January 2013

The aim was to explore weight and body mass index (BMI) changes by baseline BMI in patients completing three years of monotherapy with various first- and second-generation antipsychotics in a large cohort in a post hoc analysis of three-year observational data.

Data were analyzed by antipsychotic and three baseline BMI bands: underweight/normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m2), overweight (25–30 kg/m2) and obese (>30 kg/m2).

Baseline BMI was associated with subsequent weight change irrespective of the antipsychotic given. Specifically, a smaller proportion of patients gained ≥7% baseline bodyweight, and a greater proportion of patients lost ≥7% baseline bodyweight with increasing baseline BMI. For olanzapine (the antipsychotic associated with highest mean weight gain in the total drug cohort), the percentage of patients gaining ≥7% baseline weight was 45% (95% CI: 43–48) in the underweight/normal weight BMI cohort and 20% (95% CI: 15–27) in the obese BMI cohort; 7% (95% CI: 6–8) of the underweight/normal cohort and 19% (95% CI: 13–27) of the obese cohort lost ≥7% baseline weight.

BMI has an association with the likelihood of weight gain or loss and should be considered in analyses of antipsychotic weight change.
Dissociative disorder induced by clarithromycin combined with rabeprazole in a patient with gastritis
Authors: Feng Zhixian , Huang Jinwen , Xu Yi , Zhang Minming , Hu Shaohua
Published: January 2013

Clarithromycin and rabeprazole are both valued for their safety profile. Very few cases of adverse side-effects related to these drugs, when given individually, have been reported; serious side-effects of clarithromycin in combination with rabeprazole have never been reported. The present case reports on a 51-year-old woman with gastritis who received clarithromycin combined with rabeprazole for Helicobacter pylori infection. After taking 500 mg clarithromycin and 10 mg rabeprazole orally she displayed acute psychotic symptoms of dissociative disorder, including: impairment of orientation and attention; the feeling of dreaming; disintegration of thinking; stereotyped speech; flattened emotion; amnesia. Routine blood investigations, computed tomography scans and electroencephalography showed no abnormalities. All symptoms disappeared without antipsychotic treatment ∼48 h after she had taken the two drugs. Combining clarithromycin with rabeprazole might increase the risk of neurotoxicity, particularly in susceptible individuals. This should be a concern in clinical practice.