bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial uncoupling reduces exercise capacity despite several skeletal muscle metabolic adaptations
Authors: Schlagowski A. I. , Singh F. , Charles A. L. , Gali Ramamoorthy T. , Favret F. , Piquard F. , Geny B. , Zoll J.
Published: December 2013

The effects of mitochondrial uncoupling on skeletal muscle mitochondrial adaptation and maximal exercise capacity are unknown. In this study, rats were divided into a control group (CTL, n = 8) and a group treated with 2,4-dinitrophenol, a mitochondrial uncoupler, for 28 days (DNP, 30 mg·kg−1·day−1in drinking water, n = 8). The DNP group had a significantly lower body mass ( P < 0.05) and a higher resting oxygen uptake (V̇o2, P < 0.005). The incremental treadmill test showed that maximal running speed and running economy ( P < 0.01) were impaired but that maximal V̇o2(V̇o2max) was higher in the DNP-treated rats ( P < 0.05). In skinned gastrocnemius fibers, basal respiration (V0) was higher ( P < 0.01) in the DNP-treated animals, whereas the acceptor control ratio (ACR, Vmax/V0) was significantly lower ( P < 0.05), indicating a reduction in OXPHOS efficiency. In skeletal muscle, DNP activated the mitochondrial biogenesis pathway, as indicated by changes in the mRNA expression of PGC1-α and -β, NRF-1 and −2, and TFAM, and increased the mRNA expression of cytochrome oxidase 1 ( P < 0.01). The expression of two mitochondrial proteins (prohibitin and Ndufs 3) was higher after DNP treatment. Mitochondrial fission 1 protein (Fis-1) was increased in the DNP group ( P < 0.01), but mitofusin-1 and -2 were unchanged. Histochemical staining for NADH dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase activity in the gastrocnemius muscle revealed an increase in the proportion of oxidative fibers after DNP treatment. Our study shows that mitochondrial uncoupling induces several skeletal muscle adaptations, highlighting the role of mitochondrial coupling as a critical factor for maximal exercise capacities. These results emphasize the importance of investigating the qualitative aspects of mitochondrial function in addition to the amount of mitochondria.
A Newly Modified Hemoglobin H Inclusion Test as a Secondary Screening for α⁰-Thalassemia in Southeast Asian Populations
Authors: Fucharoen Goonnapa , Yooyen Khomsan , Chaibunruang Attawut , Fucharoen Supan
Published: December 2013

Screening for α⁰-thalassemia is usually associated with a high false-positive rate, leading to an unnecessary PCR workload for accurate diagnosis. We have developed a modified Hb H inclusion test for use as a secondary screening. This test was performed on young red blood cell enriched fractions using dextran sedimentation. The study was performed in 100 subjects positive on initial screening. Confirmatory tests included Hb analysis and a multiplex PCR assay to identify α⁰-thalassemia deletions. A modified Hb H inclusion test was positive in 31 cases, 30 of whom were α⁰-thalassemia carriers (97%). The remaining case (3.0%) was homozygous for α+-thalassemia. The remaining 69 cases with a negative Hb H inclusion test included normal subjects, α+-thalassemia carriers and β-thalassemia carriers. Two of them (2/69, 3.0%) were found to be double heterozygotes for β⁰-thalassemia and α⁰-thalassemia. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the modified Hb H inclusion test for screening of α⁰-thalassemia were 94.0 and 99.0%, respectively. Therefore, we recommend the use of this test in combination with Hb analysis to exclude cases with αβ-thalassemia. This should lead to a significant reduction in the number of cases referred for PCR analysis of α⁰-thalassemia by about 50.0%.
O debate entre o cuidado e a educação: práticas clínicas atuais
Authors: Bernard Pechberty , Veras Viviane
Published: December 2013

Pretende-se mostrar a partir de uma aproximação clínica e psicanalítica a relação entre o terapêutico e o educativo. Estuda-se a dimensão transferencial inerente à psicoterapia de crianças e à formação de docentes e educadores. A coordenação clínica de grupos de educadores revela os efeitos terapêuticos sobre o mundo psíquico dos adultos que atravessam um sofrimento profissional e pessoal. Essa dupla dimensão de cuidado e de experiência de si está presente na própria invenção da psicanálise.
O espaço potencial de criatividade em crianças que experimentam situações de privação
Authors: Maggi Noeli Reck
Published: December 2013

Este texto é resultado de uma pesquisa sobre o uso do espa- ço potencial de criatividade em crianças que vivem situa- ção de privação e de abandono, considerando suas condi- ções de sobrevivência na comunidade a que pertencem. O estudo aponta que as crian ças expressam-se de modo criativo e preservam sua capacidade de reflexão no confronto com as situações do cotidiano, mesmo quando a realidade do seu grupo cultural for desafiadora e com obst áculos a enfrentar. A compreens ão dos elementos empí- ricos investigados na realidade buscou apoio na teoria de Winnicott, especialmente nas relações com o espaço potencial de criatividade.
Intervenção psicanalítica em grupo em uma clínica-escola: considerações teórico-clínicas
Authors: Teixeira Leônia Cavalcante
Published: December 2013

Este artigo discute o campo de atuação do psicanalista em institui ções, tomando como refer ência o trabalho em grupo com crianças em uma clínica-escola. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida a partir do projeto “Oficina terapêutica Conto e Traço”, centrado no atendimento de crian ças em grupo, com base nos pressupostos teórico-clínicos da psicanálise, tendo sido privilegiadas as atividades de contar e desenhar histórias. O estudo deu ênfase à discussão sobre o encaminhamento clínico das queixas e sobre os agenciamentos institucionais que atravessavam a clínica. Concluímos pela importância da interven- ção psicanalítica extra-consult ório em instituições, ressaltando a escuta em grupo como dispositivo de agenciamento de subjetividades.
Considerações acerca da constituição psicanalítica de uma instituição de atendimento, inserção social e educação
Authors: Lerner Rogério
Published: December 2013

Em que medida um atendimento realizado em uma institui ção pode ser considerado psicanal ítico? Para responder a essa pergunta, este artigo utiliza elementos teórico-metodoló- gicos da análise institucional de discurso. Aponta-se a heterogeneidade dos discursos (psican álise, educação e inclusão social) que compõem uma institui ção de atendimento a crian ças autistas, o Lugar de Vida. Destacam-se embates institucionais, efeitos da heterogeneidade mencionada, que fazem com que, apesar da constitui ção psicanalítica da institui ção, haja impasses quanto à manutenção de condições de prosseguimento de um trabalho psicanalítico. Conclui-se que a melhor maneira de zelar por tais condições é levar em conta a existência de tais embates - e seus efeitos - em reuni ões clínicas.
Sigmund freud, a educação e as crianças
Authors: Lajonquière Leandro de
Published: December 2013

É possível aplicar a psicanálise à educação nos termos de uma profilaxia das neuroses do ato civilizacional? Nos textos de Freud, essa questão oscila entre o necessário e o contingente, próprio das condições políticas, sociais e religiosas de sua época.
O retorno da "criança-questão": uma leitura do filme Ma vie en rose a partir de Melanie Klein
Authors: Britzman Deborah P.
Published: December 2013

Este artigo analisa a complicada relação entre educação e psicanálise com base no primeiro estudo de caso de Melanie Klein, sobre "Fritz", o estudo de Freud do "Pequeno Hans" e um filme contemporâneo. Todos eles representam dilemas da relação criança-adulto, e o fazem através de surpreendentes questionamentos por parte das crianças sobre a sexualidade e a natureza da existência. Esses textos do arquivo introduzem também a questão de 'o que mais a educação pode significar quando se levam em conta a associação livre e o inconsciente?' Finalmente, o artigo reflete sobre o difícil conhecimento colocado pelo problema de se conhecer a história de alguém por meio da questão do Outro.
Descobrindo o encobrimento da descoberta freudiana: a psicanálise e a "Ego Psychology"
Authors: Baratto Geselda
Published: December 2013

Neste artigo abordaremos o desenvolvimento do conceito de inconsciente, tal como este se encontra elaborado no pensamento de Freud. Procederemos à elaboração das formulações presentes no período relativo aos "Estudos sobre a Histeria", na primeira e na segunda tópica freudiana. Finalmente, abordaremos a particular leitura e interpretação efetuada pela "Ego Psychology" a respeito das formulações freudianas presentes na "segunda tópica".
Um conto de fatos comuns - psicopedagogia analítica e subjetivação
Authors: Rebelo Teresa , Bernateau Isée
Published: December 2013

Este artigo apresenta o caso de Wu-Ying, um adolescente psicótico, através do qual tentamos analisar um dos possíveis caminhos que a elaboração psíquica pode seguir. A escolha de uma área transicional triangular, associando uma professora, uma psico-pedagoga - ambas psicólogas - e uma obra literária, Plume, de Henri Michaux, permitiram a Wu-Ying subjetivar a sua história, graças ao jogo dinâmico de passividade e atividade.
O mestre (im)possível de adolescentes - uma especial posição subjetiva na transmissão
Authors: Gutierra Beatriz Cauduro Cruz
Published: December 2013

Este artigo apresenta as discussões resultantes de nossa dissertação de mestrjdo na qual investigamos os traços marcantes da posição subjetiva dos mestres de adolescentes que conseguem realizar sua tarefa educativa, incluindo-a no campo de uma "missão possível". Através da análise cio referencial psicanalítico de entrevistas com alguns destes professores, pudemos concluir que o "bom professor de adolescentes" apresenta uma especial posição subjetiva em seu ato de transmissão. Especial posição subjetiva que comporta importantes aspectos: a articulação entre lei e desejo; uma relação diferenciada com a "causa adolescente"; o valor subjetivo simbólico atribuído à função de mestre; e a possibilidade de "circulação discursiva" no ato de transmissão.
"Se fazer" tatuar: traço e escrita das bordas corporais
Authors: Costa Ana Maria Medeiros da
Published: December 2013

Este artigo trata de pesquisar a função de registro da tatuagem, passando pelas determinações simbólicas, imaginárias e reais. Toma sua vertente de recorte pulsional, bem como a determinação de uma escrita corporal e a singularidade de um traço ao olhar do outro. Aborda tanto a função genérica, nas diferentes culturas, quanto a característica que assume na adolescência.
Dentro ou fora essa escola, onde está?
Authors: Andrade Fernando Cézar Bezerra de
Published: December 2013

Este artigo discute implicações que o relacionamento entre escola e pais/ comunidade exerce sobre o desenvolvimento moral dos alunos. A partir do referen. cia! teórico da psicopedagogia institucional psicanaliticamente orientada, supõe-se que os pais e a comunidade podem funcionar como terceiro elemento na dinâmica inconsciente da escola. Considerando-se dois modelos de relacionamento (o inclusivo e o excludente), a análise de duas escolas revela que a escola inclusiva - que consegue envolver pais e comunidade e permanece dentro da rede interinstitucional - lida melhor com os conllitos intersubjetivos e oferece um ambiente mais propício para o desenvolvimento da autonomia moral. Com a escola excludente, ocorre o contrário.
Serum Hepcidin Is Associated With Presence of Plaque in Postmenopausal Women of a General Population
Authors: Galesloot Tessel E. , Holewijn Suzanne , Kiemeney Lambertus A.L.M. , de Graaf Jacqueline , Vermeulen Sita H. , Swinkels Dorine W.
Published: December 2013

Objective—

Iron and the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin, major determinant of body iron distribution, are hypothesized to play a role in cardiovascular disease. Here, we assess the associations of hepcidin as well as ferritin, iron, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation (ie, iron parameters) with noninvasive measurements of atherosclerosis in men and women of a population-based cohort.

Approach and Results—

We included 766 participants of the Nijmegen Biomedical Study aged 46 to 67 years for whom serum measurements of hepcidin, iron parameters, and noninvasive measurements of atherosclerosis were available. Noninvasive measurements of atherosclerosis were presence of plaque, ankle-brachial index, and intima-media thickness. We performed multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses using quartiles of hepcidin and iron parameters. Analyses were stratified by sex and adjusted for several demographic, clinical, and biochemical determinants, including traditional risk factors of cardiovascular disease based on the Framingham risk score. Hepcidin and the hepcidin/ferritin ratio, reflecting hepcidin expression relative to iron stores, were significantly associated with the presence of plaque in women (adjusted odds ratios for quartile 4 versus quartile 1 [95% confidence intervals] of 3.07 [1.36–6.90] and 2.31 [1.03–5.18], respectively). The hepcidin/ferritin ratio was significantly and negatively associated with ankle-brachial index at rest in men and women (adjusted β for quartile 4 versus quartile 1 [95% confidence intervals] of −0.03 [−0.07 to 0.00] and −0.04 [−0.06 to −0.01], respectively).

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that the body iron distribution as determined by hepcidin affects the development of atherosclerosis in women.
Apolipoprotein A-I Protection Against Atherosclerosis Is Dependent on Genetic Background
Authors: Sontag Timothy J. , Krishack Paulette A. , Lukens John R. , Bhanvadia Clarissa V. , Getz Godfrey S. , Reardon Catherine A.
Published: December 2013

Objective—

Inbred mouse strains have different susceptibilities to experimental atherosclerosis. The C57BL/6 strain is among the most sensitive and has, therefore, been the most widely used in atherosclerosis studies, whereas many strains are resistant. The FVB/N strain is highly resistant to atherosclerosis on the apolipoprotein E (apoE)– and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor–deficient backgrounds. High-density lipoprotein and its major apoprotein, apoA-I, have been shown to be protective against atherogenesis on the C57BL/6 background. We here examine the influence of genetic background on the atheroprotective nature of apoA-I.

Approach and Results—

ApoE-deficient/apoA-I-deficient mice were generated in the C57BL/6 and FVB/N strains from apoE-deficient mice. After 6 to 10 weeks on a Western-type diet, plasma lipids and atherosclerotic lesion size were assessed. Macrophage recruitment, cholesterol regulation, and blood monocyte levels were examined as potential mechanisms driving lesion size differences. FVB/N knockout mice had higher plasma very-LDL/LDL cholesterol than their C57BL/6 counterparts. ApoA-I deficiency decreased very-LDL/LDL cholesterol in C57BL/6 mice but not in FVB/N mice. FVB/N single and double knockout mice had less lesion than C57BL/6 6 to 10 weeks on diet. ApoA-I deficiency augmented lesion development only in C57BL/6 mice. Macrophage recruitment to thioglycollate-treated peritoneum and diet-induced blood monocyte levels reflected the pattern of lesion development among the 4 genotypes. ApoA-I deficiency increased macrophage cholesterol content only in C57BL/6. FVB/N plasma was a better acceptor for macrophage cholesterol efflux than C57BL/6.

Conclusions—

ApoA-I is atheroprotective only in certain genetic contexts. In the C57BL/6 context, but not FVB/N, apoA-I decreases inflammatory macrophage recruitment and monocytosis, contributors to lesion formation.
Benefit of Pacemaker Therapy in Patients With Presumed Neurally Mediated Syncope and Documented Asystole Is Greater When Tilt Test Is Negative
Authors: Brignole Michele , Donateo Paolo , Tomaino Marco , Massa Riccardo , Iori Matteo , Beiras Xulio , Moya Angel , Kus Teresa , Deharo Jean Claude , Giuli Silvia , Gentili Alessandra , Sutton Richard
Published: December 2013

Background—

In the Third International Study on Syncope of Uncertain Etiology (ISSUE-3), cardiac pacing was effective in reducing recurrence of syncope in patients with presumed neurally mediated syncope (NMS) and documented asystole but syncope still recurred in 25% of them at 2 years. We have investigated the role of tilt testing (TT) in predicting recurrences.

Methods and Results—

In 136 patients enrolled in the ISSUE-3, TT was positive in 76 and negative in 60. An asystolic response predicted a similar asystolic form during implantable loop recorder monitoring, with a positive predictive value of 86%. The corresponding values were 48% in patients with non–asystolic TT and 58% in patients with negative TT (
P
=0.001 versus asystolic TT). Fifty-two patients (26 TT+ and 26 TT–) with asystolic neurally mediated syncope received a pacemaker. Syncope recurred in 8 TT+ and in 1 TT– patients. At 21 months, the estimated product-limit syncope recurrence rates were 55% and 5%, respectively (
P
=0.004). The TT+ recurrence rate was similar to that seen in 45 untreated patients (control group), which was 64% (
P
=0.75). The recurrence rate was similar between 14 patients with asystolic and 12 with non–asystolic responses during TT (
P
=0.53).

Conclusions—

Cardiac pacing was effective in neurally mediated syncope patients with documented asystolic episodes in whom TT was negative; conversely, there was insufficient evidence of efficacy from this data set in patients with a positive TT even when spontaneous asystole was documented. Present observations are unexpected and need to be confirmed by other studies.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01463358.
A new species of Eugenia (Myrtaceae) from South America
Authors: Mazine Fiorella , FARIA JAIR EUSTÁQUIO QUINTINO DE
Published: December 2013

Eugenia densiracemosa, a new species from central Brazil to French Guiana, is described, illustrated and compared to the related Eugenia egensis, from which it is set apart by the longer inflorescences, longer rachis (1.2–6.0 cm long), with 9–25 pairs of flowers, while in E. egensis the inflorescences are smaller, with rachis 0.1–0.6 cm long, and a smaller number of flowers (1–4 pairs of flowers in each inflorescence).
Notes on Early Land Plants Today. 44. Comments on sexuality in Solenostoma (Solenostomataceae, Marchantiophyta) and on some newly described taxa
Authors: VÁŇA Jíri , Söderström Lars , Hagborg Anders , Von Konrat Matt
Published: December 2013

The sexuality of Solenostoma species is discussed and it is concluded that Solenostoma sanguinolentum is heteroicous. This and other morphological differences from Solenostoma marcescens are discussed and they are considered to belong to the same species. Heteroicity probably also occurs in Solenostoma micranthum and possibly in other Solenostoma species. Solenostoma rossicum and Solenostoma pyriflorum subsp. purpureum are new synonyms to Solenostoma sphaerocarpum. Solenostoma ochotense is a new synonym to Solenostoma hokkaidense. Solenostoma costaricanum is a new synonym to Solenostoma amoenum. Plectocolea subbalfourii is a new synonym to Solenostoma balfourii. Solenostoma rubrum var. underwoodii is a new synonym to Solenostoma rubrum. Plectocolea yunnanensis is a new synonym to Solenostoma sikkimense. Solenostoma inundatum var. grandirete is a new synonym to Solenostoma orbiculatum. Solenostoma kurilense and Solenostoma ovalifolia are new combinations and Solenostoma philippinense a new species.
Maria Iracema Bezerra Loiola (2013) A new species of Erythroxylum (Erythroxylaceae) from the Brazilian semiarid region. Phytotaxa 150(1): 61–64.
Authors: Loiola Maria Iracema Bezerra
Published: December 2013

The illustration presented in this paper does not correspond to Erythroxylum angelicae, but the other new species being described from Brazil. The correct figure is shown as below.
Review of the genus Dolichosciara Tuomikoski (Diptera, Sciaridae) from China
Authors: WU HONG , SHI KAI , HUANG JUNHAO , ZHANG SUJIONG
Published: December 2013

The genus Dolichosciara from China is reviewed and 17 species are recognized. Among them, eight new species, D. sparsula sp. nov., D. gracilenta sp. nov., D. oxyacantha sp. nov., D. scrobiculata sp. nov., D. tumidula sp. nov., D. rectospinosa sp. nov., D. multisetosa sp. nov. and D. qingliangfengana sp. nov. are described and seven species, D. ninae (Antonova, 1977), D. megumiae (Sasakawa, 1994), D. orcina (Tuomikoski, 1960), D. semiferruginea (Menzel, 1995), D. hippai Komarova & Vilkamaa, 2006, D. subornata (Mohrig & Menzel, 1994) and D. ornata (Winnertz, 1867) are reported for the first time from China. In addition, geographical distribution of 17 Chinese species are provided, as well as a key to all these Chinese species. This study raises the number of the species of Chinese Dolichosciara from 2 to 17.
Endogean and cavernicolous Coleoptera of the Balkans. XII. New species of Paramaurops Jeannel, 1948 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from Macedonia
Authors: HLAVÁČ PETER
Published: December 2013

The new species of the tribe Amauropini, Paramaurops vonickai n. sp. is described from Macedonia.
Revision of the Siobla formosana group (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae)
Authors: NIU GENGYUN , WEI MEICAI
Published: December 2013

14 species of the Siobla formosana species-group are revised. Three new species: Siobla jiangi Niu & Wei, sp. nov., S. parallela Niu & Wei, sp. nov., S. weiweii Niu & Wei, sp. nov. are described. Siobla rufipes Malaise, 1945 is a new synonym of S. atra Malaise, 1945. The males formerly assigned to S. atra belong to S. semipicta Malaise, 1945. The previously unknown female of Siobla rufopropodea Wei, 1998 is described. Lectotypes are designated for Siobla rufipes Malaise, 1945, Siobla atra Malaise, 1945 and Siobla semipicta Malaise, 1945. The previously described species are illustrated and partly redescribed. A key to species of the group is given. Distribution records of each species of the group except S. takeuchii are given.
First record of the bee genus Homalictus Cockerell for China with description of a new species (Hymenoptera: Halictidae: Halictini)
Authors: NIU ZE-QING , OREMEK PIA , ZHU CHAO-DONG
Published: December 2013

This paper reports the first record of the genus Homalictus from China. We describe and illustrate H. (H.) nabanensis sp. n. collected from the Naban River Watershed National Nature Reserve, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China. The type specimens are deposited in Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Revision of the Old World genera Panthea Hübner, [1820] 1816 and Pantheana Hreblay, 1998 with description two new species from China (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae: Pantheinae). Revision of Pantheinae, contribution IX
Authors: Behounek G. , HAN H. L. , Kononenko V. S.
Published: December 2013

The Old World species of the genus Panthea Hübner [1820] 1816 are revised. The article contains the description of two new species Panthea fuscogrisea sp. n. and Panthea florianii sp. n. from continental China and re-description of two species P. roberti Joannis 1928 and P. grisea Wileman, 1919 with illustration of male and female genitalia. Diphthera hoenei Draudt, 1950 (syn. n.) is synonymised with P. roberti Joannis 1928. The species Panthea ronnyi Thony, 1996 is excluded from the genus Panthea. Lectotypes for Diphthera hoenei and Panthea roberti are designated. The genus includes five species in the Old World, distributed mainly in Sino-Himalayan subregion of the Palaearctic. A checklist of species of the genus Panthea is presented. The little-known genus Pantheana Hreblay, 1998 with the sole species Pantheana yangzisherpana Hreblay, 1998 is reviewed. The imagines, male and female genitalia of all Old World species of Panthea and Pantheana are illustrated.
Calappid and leucosiid crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) from Kerala, India, with the description of a new species of Mursia Desmarest, 1823, from the Arabian Sea and redescription of M. bicristimana Alcock & Anderson, 1894
Authors: KUMAR BIJU A. , KUMAR M. SUSHIL , GALIL BELLA S.
Published: December 2013

Eleven species of calappid and leucosiid crabs were identified from by-catch landed by trawlers at four fishing ports in Kerala, India that were surveyed in 2007 and supplemented by material obtained in January 2013. Four species are reported for the first time from India, six are new records for Kerala. The status of Mursia bicristimana Alcock & Anderson, 1894, is clarified and the species redescribed. A new species of Mursia is described from the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea.
Contrasting Relationship between Tropical Western North Pacific Convection and Rainfall over East Asia during Indian Ocean Warm and Cold Summers
Authors: Song Jie , Li Chongyin
Published: December 2013

Using daily data, this study compares the subseasonal seesaw relationship between anomalous tropical western North Pacific (WNP) convection and anomalous rainfall over subtropical East Asia during boreal summers (June–August) in which the Indian Ocean (IO) sea surface temperature is either warmer or colder than normal. It is found that the precipitation anomalies over central-eastern China (25°–35°N, 110°–120°E) associated with the anomalous tropical WNP convection activities during the IO cold summers are weaker and less evident compared to that in the IO warm summers, indicating the seesaw relationship in the IO cold summers becomes obscure. This contrasting seesaw relationship between the IO warm and cold summers is attributed to different patterns of anomalous moisture transportation and vertical motion over central-eastern China. The anomalous circulations associated with the anomalous tropical WNP convection [the Pacific–Japan (PJ) pattern] during the IO warm and cold summers show that, relative to the IO warm summers, the Japan action center of the PJ pattern has an evident northwestward displacement in the IO cold summers. It is argued that this northwestward displacement of the Japan action center plays a key role in the formation of the distinct seesaw relationship through modifying the anomalous moisture transportation and vertical motion.
Identification of two putative reference genes from grapevine suitable for gene expression analysis in berry and related tissues derived from RNA-Seq data
Authors: González-Agüero Mauricio , García-Rojas Miguel , Di Genova Alex , Correa José , Maass Alejandro , Orellana Ariel , Hinrichsen Patricio
Published: December 2013

Background

Data normalization is a key step in gene expression analysis by qPCR. Endogenous control genes are used to estimate variations and experimental errors occurring during sample preparation and expression measurements. However, the transcription level of the most commonly used reference genes can vary considerably in samples obtained from different individuals, tissues, developmental stages and under variable physiological conditions, resulting in a misinterpretation of the performance of the target gene(s). This issue has been scarcely approached in woody species such as grapevine.

Results

A statistical criterion was applied to select a sub-set of 19 candidate reference genes from a total of 242 non-differentially expressed (NDE) genes derived from a RNA-Seq experiment comprising ca. 500 million reads obtained from 14 table-grape genotypes sampled at four phenological stages. From the 19 candidate reference genes, VvAIG1 (AvrRpt2-induced gene) and VvTCPB (T-complex 1 beta-like protein) were found to be the most stable ones after comparing the complete set of genotypes and phenological stages studied. This result was further validated by qPCR and geNorm analyses.

Conclusions

Based on the evidence presented in this work, we propose to use the grapevine genes VvAIG1 or VvTCPB or both as a reference tool to normalize RNA expression in qPCR assays or other quantitative method intended to measure gene expression in berries and other tissues of this fruit crop, sampled at different developmental stages and physiological conditions.
A phylogenomic approach to bacterial subspecies classification: proof of concept in Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Tan Joon Liang , Khang Tsung Fei , Ngeow Yun Fong , Choo Siew Woh
Published: December 2013

Background

Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing mycobacterium that is often associated with human infections. The taxonomy of this species has undergone several revisions and is still being debated. In this study, we sequenced the genomes of 12 M. abscessus strains and used phylogenomic analysis to perform subspecies classification.

Results

A data mining approach was used to rank and select informative genes based on the relative entropy metric for the construction of a phylogenetic tree. The resulting tree topology was similar to that generated using the concatenation of five classical housekeeping genes: rpoB, hsp65, secA, recA and sodA. Additional support for the reliability of the subspecies classification came from the analysis of erm41 and ITS gene sequences, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)-based classification and strain clustering demonstrated by a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) assay and a multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA). We subsequently found that the concatenation of a minimal set of three median-ranked genes: DNA polymerase III subunit alpha (polC), 4-hydroxy-2-ketovalerate aldolase (Hoa) and cell division protein FtsZ (ftsZ), is sufficient to recover the same tree topology. PCR assays designed specifically for these genes showed that all three genes could be amplified in the reference strain of M. abscessus ATCC 19977T.

Conclusion

This study provides proof of concept that whole-genome sequence-based data mining approach can provide confirmatory evidence of the phylogenetic informativeness of existing markers, as well as lead to the discovery of a more economical and informative set of markers that produces similar subspecies classification in M. abscessus. The systematic procedure used in this study to choose the informative minimal set of gene markers can potentially be applied to species or subspecies classification of other bacteria.
An investigation into IgE-facilitated allergen recognition and presentation by human dendritic cells
Authors: Sharquie Inas K , Al-Ghouleh Abeer , Fitton Patricia , Clark Mike R , Armour Kathryn L , Sewell Herb F , Shakib Farouk , Ghaemmaghami Amir M
Published: December 2013

Background

Allergen recognition by dendritic cells (DCs) is a key event in the allergic cascade leading to production of IgE antibodies. C-type lectins, such as the mannose receptor and DC-SIGN, were recently shown to play an important role in the uptake of the house dust mite glycoallergen Der p 1 by DCs. In addition to mannose receptor (MR) and DC-SIGN the high and low affinity IgE receptors, namely FcϵRI and FcϵRII (CD23), respectively, have been shown to be involved in allergen uptake and presentation by DCs.

Objectives

This study aims at understanding the extent to which IgE- and IgG-facilitated Der p 1 uptake by DCs influence T cell polarisation and in particular potential bias in favour of Th2. We have addressed this issue by using two chimaeric monoclonal antibodies produced in our laboratory and directed against a previously defined epitope on Der p 1, namely human IgE 2C7 and IgG1 2C7.

Results

Flow cytometry was used to establish the expression patterns of IgE (FcϵRI and FcϵRII) and IgG (FcγRI) receptors in relation to MR on DCs. The impact of FcϵRI, FcϵRII, FcγRI and mannose receptor mediated allergen uptake on Th1/Th2 cell differentiation was investigated using DC/T cell co-culture experiments. Myeloid DCs showed high levels of FcϵRI and FcγRI expression, but low levels of CD23 and MR, and this has therefore enabled us to assess the role of IgE and IgG-facilitated allergen presentation in T cell polarisation with minimal interference by CD23 and MR. Our data demonstrate that DCs that have taken up Der p 1 via surface IgE support a Th2 response. However, no such effect was demonstrable via surface IgG.

Conclusions

IgE bound to its high affinity receptor plays an important role in Der p 1 uptake and processing by peripheral blood DCs and in Th2 polarisation of T cells.
Ups and downs of a transcriptional landscape shape iron deficiency associated chlorosis of the maize inbreds B73 and Mo17
Authors: Urbany Claude , Benke Andreas , Marsian Johanna , Huettel Bruno , Reinhardt Richard , Stich Benjamin
Published: December 2013

Background

Improving nutrient homeostasis is a major challenge of a sustainable maize cultivation, and cornerstone to ensure food supply for a growing world population. Although, iron constitutes an important nutrient, iron availability is limited. In this respect, iron deficiency associated chlorosis causes severe yield losses every year. Natural variation of the latter trait has yet not been addressed in maize and was therefore studied in the present analysis.

Results

In this study, we i) report about the contrasting chlorosis phenotypes of the inbreds B73 and Mo17 at 10 and 300 μM iron regime, ii) identified over 400 significantly regulated transcripts (FDR < 0.05) within both inbreds at these growth conditions by deep RNA-Sequencing, iii) linked the gained knowledge with QTL information about iron deficiency related traits within the maize intermated B73 by Mo17 (IBM) population, and iv) highlighted contributing molecular pathways. In this respect, several genes within methionine salvage pathway and phytosiderophore synthesis were found to present constitutively high expression in Mo17, even under sufficient iron supply. Moreover, the same expression pattern could be observed for two putative bHLH transcription factors. In addition, a number of differentially expressed genes showed a co-localisation with QTL confidence intervals for iron deficiency related traits within the IBM population.

Conclusions

Our study highlights differential iron deficiency associated chlorosis between B73 and Mo17 and represents a valuable resource for differentially expressed genes upon iron limitation and chlorosis response. Besides identifying two putative bHLH transcription factors, we propose that methionine salvage pathway and sterol metabolism amongst others; underlie the contrasting iron deficiency related chlorosis phenotype of both inbreds. Altogether, this study emphasizes a contribution of selected genes and pathways on natural trait variation within the IBM population.
Characterization of phosphorus-regulated miR399 and miR827 and their isomirs in barley under phosphorus-sufficient and phosphorus-deficient conditions
Authors: Hackenberg Michael , Shi Bu-Jun , Gustafson Perry , Langridge Peter
Published: December 2013

Background

miR399 and miR827 are both involved in conserved phosphorus (P) deficiency signalling pathways. miR399 targets the PHO2 gene encoding E2 enzyme that negatively regulates phosphate uptake and root-to-shoot allocation, while miR827 targets SPX-domain-containing genes that negatively regulate other P-responsive genes. However, the response of miR399 and miR827 to P conditions in barley has not been investigated.

Results

In this study, we investigated the expression profiles of miR399 and miR827 in barley (Hordeum vulagre L.) under P-deficient and P-sufficient conditions. We identified 10 members of the miR399 family and one miR827 gene in barley, all of which were significantly up-regulated under deficient P. In addition, we found many isomirs of the miR399 family and miR827, most of which were also significantly up-regulated under deficient P. Several isomirs of miR399 members were found to be able to cleave their predicted targets in vivo. Surprisingly, a few small RNAs (sRNAs) derived from the single-stranded loops of the hairpin structures of MIR399b and MIR399e-1 were also found to be able to cleave their predicted targets in vivo. Many antisense sRNAs of miR399 and a few for miR827 were also detected, but they did not seem to be regulated by P. Intriguingly, the lowest expressed member, hvu-miR399k, had four-fold more antisense sRNAs than sense sRNAs, and furthermore under P sufficiency, the antisense sRNAs are more frequent than the sense sRNAs. We identified a potential regulatory network among miR399, its target HvPHO2 and target mimics HvIPS1 and HvIPS2 in barley under P-deficient and P-sufficient conditions.

Conclusions

Our data provide an important insight into the mechanistic regulation and function of miR399, miR827 and their isomirs in barley under different P conditions.
Establishment of a bortezomib-resistant Chinese human multiple myeloma cell line: MMLAL
Authors: Wong Kwan Yeung , Wan Thomas SK , So Chi Chiu , Chim Chor Sang
Published: December 2013

Background

A new human myeloma cell line, MMLAL, was established from the myelomatous pleural effusion of a 73-year-old Chinese patient suffering from symptomatic International stage III IgG/lambda myeloma. After a brief period of complete remission, he developed aggressive systemic relapse complicated by malignant pleural effusion with exclusive plasma cell infiltration. His disease remained chemo-refractory, and died six months after relapse.

Methods

Purified mononuclear cells from the pleural effusion of the patient were cultured in the presence of IL-6. Continually growing cells were characterized by morphological, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and TP53 mutation analyses. Cell proliferation was measured and compared with other myeloma cell lines by cell counting at day 3, 6, 9, and 12. Drug resistance against bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor approved as a frontline chemotherapy for eligible myeloma patients, was evaluated and compared with other myeloma cell lines by MTT assay.

Results

Immunophenotypic analysis of the myeloma cells confirmed strong expression of plasma cell markers CD38 and CD138 but not T-cell or natural killer-cell marker CD56. Cytogenetic analysis of the myeloma cells showed a hypodiploid composite karyotype including loss of chromosome 13 and 17 or deletion of the short arm of chromosome 17, i.e. del(17p), in the form of isochromosome 17q10. FISH confirmed a hypodiploid karyotype with TP53 deletion but absence of t(4;14). Sequencing analysis of the TP53 gene indicated absence of mutation. Cell counting revealed that the maximum viable cell density was about 2.5 X 106 cells/ml. Upon bortezomib treatment, MTT assay reported an IC50 of 72.17nM, suggesting a strong bortezomib resistance.

Conclusion

A hypodiploid with loss of chromosome 13 and loss or del(17p) human myeloma cell line, MMLAL, was established from the pleural effusion of a Chinese myeloma patient.
Smad3 is required for the survival of proliferative intermediate progenitor cells in the dentate gyrus of adult mice
Authors: Tapia-González Silvia , Muñoz Mª Dolores , Cuartero Mª Isabel , Sánchez-Capelo Amelia
Published: December 2013

Background

New neurons are continuously being generated in the adult hippocampus, a phenomenon that is regulated by external stimuli, such as learning, memory, exercise, environment or stress. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying neuron production and how they are integrated into existing circuits under such physiological conditions remain unclear. Indeed, the intracellular modulators that transduce the extracellular signals are not yet fully understood.

Results

We show that Smad3, an intracellular molecule involved in the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling cascade, is strongly expressed by granule cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) of adult mice, although the loss of Smad3 in null mutant mice does not affect their survival. Smad3 is also expressed by adult progenitor cells in the subgranular zone (SGZ) and more specifically, it is first expressed by Type 2 cells (intermediate progenitor cells). Its expression persists through the distinct cell stages towards that of the mature neuron. Interestingly, proliferative intermediate progenitor cells die in Smad3 deficiency, which is associated with a large decrease in the production of newborn neurons in Smad3 deficient mice. Smad3 signaling appears to influence adult neurogenesis fulfilling distinct roles in the rostral and mid-caudal regions of the DG. In rostral areas, Smad3 deficiency increases proliferation and promotes the cell cycle exit of undifferentiated progenitor cells. By contrast, Smad3 deficiency impairs the survival of newborn neurons in the mid-caudal region of the DG at early proliferative stages, activating apoptosis of intermediate progenitor cells. Furthermore, long-term potentiation (LTP) after high frequency stimulation (HFS) to the medial perforant path (MPP) was abolished in the DG of Smad3-deficient mice.

Conclusions

These data show that endogenous Smad3 signaling is central to neurogenesis and LTP induction in the adult DG, these being two forms of hippocampal brain plasticity related to learning and memory that decline with aging and as a result of neurological disorders.
The Mann algorithm in a complete geodesic space with curvature bounded above
Authors: Kimura Yasunori , Saejung Satit , Yotkaew Pongsakorn
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this paper is to prove two Δ-convergence theorems of the Mann algorithm to a common fixed point for a countable family of mappings in the case of a complete geodesic space with curvature bounded above by a positive number. The first one for nonexpansive mappings improves the recent result of He et al. (Nonlinear Anal. 75:445-452, 2012). The last one is proved for quasi-nonexpansive mappings and applied to the problem of finding a common fixed point of a countable family of quasi-nonexpansive mappings.

MSC:49J53.
A nonlocal multi-point multi-term fractional boundary value problem with Riemann-Liouville type integral boundary conditions involving two indices
Authors: Alsaedi Ahmed , Ntouyas Sotiris K , Agarwal Ravi P , Ahmad Bashir
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we study the existence of solutions for fractional differential equations of arbitrary order with multi-point multi-term Riemann-Liouville type integral boundary conditions involving two indices. The Riemann-Liouville type integral boundary conditions considered in the problem address a more general situation in contrast to the case of a single index. Our results are based on standard fixed point theorems. Some illustrative examples are also presented.

MSC:26A33, 34A08.
An improved multiple-locus variable-number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) for the fish pathogen Francisella noatunensis using capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Duodu Samuel , Wan Xihe , Tandstad Nora Martinussen , Larsson Pär , Myrtennäs Kerstin , Sjödin Andreas , Forsman Mats , Colquhoun Duncan J
Published: December 2013

Background

Francisellosis, caused by the bacterium Francisella noatunensis subsp. noatunensis, remains a serious threat to Atlantic cod (Gadhus morhua) farming in Norway and potentially in other countries. As outbreak strains appear clonal in population structure, access to highly discriminatory typing tools is critical for understanding the epidemiology of francisellosis infections in aquaculture. In this study, a simplified multiple-locus variable-number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) targeting five highly polymorphic variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci in a single multiplex PCR was developed to rapidly discriminate between outbreak strains.

Results

The assay resulted in identification of at least 13 different allelic profiles or subpopulations among 91 F. noatunensis isolates from farmed cod in Norway. The VNTR loci appear relatively stable, with isolates originating from individual outbreaks showing identical MLVA profiles following repeated passage. MLVA displayed greater discriminatory power than pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Both MLVA and PFGE show good epidemiological concordance by their abilities to separate outbreak strains from epidemiologically unrelated isolates.

Conclusions

The MLVA method presented here is robust, easy to perform and provides a good alternative to other typing systems for F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis and epidemiological study of francisellosis in cod.
Carbon catabolite repression correlates with the maintenance of near invariant molecular crowding in proliferating E. coli cells
Authors: Zhou Yi , Vazquez Alexei , Wise Aaron , Warita Tomoko , Warita Katsuhiko , Bar-Joseph Ziv , Oltvai Zoltán N
Published: December 2013

Background

Carbon catabolite repression (CCR) is critical for optimal bacterial growth, and in bacterial (and yeast) cells it leads to their selective consumption of a single substrate from a complex environment. However, the root cause(s) for the development of this regulatory mechanism is unknown. Previously, a flux balance model (FBAwMC) of Escherichia coli metabolism that takes into account the crowded intracellular milieu of the bacterial cell correctly predicted selective glucose uptake in a medium containing five different carbon sources, suggesting that CCR may be an adaptive mechanism that ensures optimal bacterial metabolic network activity for growth.

Results

Here, we show that slowly growing E. coli cells do not display CCR in a mixed substrate culture and gradual activation of CCR correlates with an increasing rate of E. coli cell growth and proliferation. In contrast, CCR mutant cells do not achieve fast growth in mixed substrate culture, and display differences in their cell volume and density compared to wild-type cells. Analyses of transcriptome data from wt E. coli cells indicate the expected regulation of substrate uptake and metabolic pathway utilization upon growth rate change. We also find that forced transient increase of intracellular crowding or transient perturbation of CCR delay cell growth, the latter leading to associated cell density-and volume alterations.

Conclusions

CCR is activated at an increased bacterial cell growth rate when it is required for optimal cell growth while intracellular macromolecular density is maintained within a narrow physiological range. In addition to CCR, there are likely to be other regulatory mechanisms of cell metabolism that have evolved to ensure optimal cell growth in the context of the fundamental biophysical constraint imposed by intracellular molecular crowding.
Changes of peripheral TGF-β1 depend on monocytes-derived macrophages in Huntington disease
Authors: Di Pardo Alba , Alberti Silvia , Maglione Vittorio , Amico Enrico , Cortes Etty P , Elifani Francesca , Battaglia Giuseppe , Busceti Carla L , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Vonsattel JeanPaul G , Squitieri Ferdinando
Published: December 2013

Background

Huntington Disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder resulting from the expansion of polyglutamine stretch in the huntingtin protein (Htt). Mutant HTT (mHtt) leads to progressive impairment of several molecular pathways that have been linked to disease pathogenesis. Defects in the production of a number of neurotrophic factors have been described as important determinants contributing to the development of HD. We have previously demonstrated that production of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is also deregulated in HD. Peripheral levels of TGF-β1 were markedly reduced early in the disease and returned to normal levels with disease severity. However, the cause and the biochemical origin of such abnormalities are still unclear.

Results

We report here that the abnormal production of peripheral TGF-β1 depends on the changes in the percentage of TGF-β1-producing macrophages along disease course. Variation in the number of TGF-β1-producing macrophages resulted from differential activation state of the same cells, which displayed phenotypic and functional heterogeneity throughout the clinical course of HD. We further demonstrated that, similar to the periphery, the number of TGF-β1-immunoreactive cells in human post-mortem brain with HD, varied with neuropathological changes.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that reduced bioavailability of TGF-β1 in the serum of HD subjects is attributable to the variation of the number of TGF-β1-producing macrophages. Macrophages display a differential ability to produce TGF-β1, which reflects diversity in cells polarization throughout the disease course. Besides elucidating the biochemical origin of TGF-β1 fluctuations in HD, our study highlights an interesting parallelism between periphery and central compartment and underlines the potential of TGF-β1 as a possible indicator suitable for prediction of disease onset in HD.