bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of clinical features and lifestyle in Korean senile gluteal dermatosis patients
Authors: Moon Sung Hyuk , Kang Boo Kyoung , Jeong Ki Heon , Shin Min Kyung , Lee Mu‐Hyoung
Published: August 2015

Background

Senile gluteal dermatosis (SGD) is characterized by hyperkeratotic lichenified skin lesions on the superior part and both sides of the anal cleft. These lesions are particularly prevalent in sedentary and elderly patients.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and other clinical characteristics of SGD in elderly Korean individuals.

Methods

A total of 280 subjects aged >60 years identified through the outpatient department at our hospital were included in this study. Basic clinical information was collected, and the subjects were evaluated clinically for gluteal lesions. Skin biopsies were performed in eight of the patients diagnosed with SGD.

Results

Among a total of 280 subjects, 37 were diagnosed with SGD. Their mean age was 70.4 years. The prevalence of SGD was found to increase with age. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between SGD and lower lean body mass, longer period of a sedentary lifestyle, use of a Korean‐style mattress, and diabetes mellitus. Most patients had either mild symptoms or were asymptomatic. Skin biopsies showed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, follicular plugging, and meandering superficial vessel proliferation with mild lymphohistiocytic infiltration. None of the biopsy specimens exhibited amyloid deposition.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that SGD is a common disorder in elderly Korean individuals and is associated with prolonged periods of rest such as those occurring in a highly sedentary lifestyle and with sleeping on a Korean‐style mattress.
Hepatocyte growth factor‐expressing adenovirus upregulates matrix metalloproteinase‐1 expression in keloid fibroblasts
Authors: Jeon Yeo Reum , Ahn Hyo Min , Choi Il Kyu , Yun Chae Ok , Rah Dong Kyun , Lew Dae Hyun , Lee Won Jai
Published: August 2015

Background

Keloids are marked by an overabundance of extracellular matrix. The antifibrotic effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is achieved by increasing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that drive extracellular matrix catabolism. As such, we cultivated an RGD‐modified HGF‐expressing adenovirus (dE1‐RGD/lacZ/HGF) for introduction into keloid fibroblasts (KFs), looking at the subsequent impact on MMP‐1 expression.

Methods

KFs infected with either test virus as experimental group (dE1‐RGD/lacZ/HGF) or its counterpart (dE1‐RGD/lacZ) as control group were examined for HGF protein expression using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Collagen (types I and III) and MMP‐1 mRNA levels were also determined by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, and ELISA was used to monitor MMP‐1 protein expression.

Results

In KFs harboring the test virus, high levels of HGF were induced at a multiplicity of infection ratio of 50 (3260.6 ± 162.7 pg/ml) after 72 hours of incubation. Furthermore, reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and ELISA confirmed that MMP‐1 mRNA and protein expression rose significantly in KFs after transduction by the test virus (P < 0.05). However, mRNA levels of collagen were unaffected by the experimental group.

Conclusion

These results suggest that an HGF‐expressing adenovirus may be therapeutic for keloids by increasing MMP‐1 expression.
The impact of the CYP2D6 gene polymorphism on the risk of pemphigoid
Authors: Rychlik‐Sych Mariola , Barańska Małgorzata , Wojtczak Anna , Skrętkowicz Jadwiga , Żebrowska Agnieszka , Waszczykowska Elżbieta
Published: August 2015

Background

Studies concerning the etiopathogenesis of numerous diseases emphasize the involvement of genetically determined impairments of xenobiotic metabolism. Nowadays, more attention has been drawn to the role of cytochrome P450 and its isoenzymes in the course of dermatological diseases, including pemphigoid, the most frequently occurring autoimmune bullous disease, whose etiopathogenesis has not been completely elucidated.

Aim

The aim of the study was to find out whether there was any relationship between the CYP2D6 gene polymorphism and the development of bullous pemphigoid (BP).

Material and methods

The study included 221 subjects, 71 patients with BP, and 150 healthy volunteers constituting a control group. The identification of CYP2D6 (CYP2D6*1, CYP2D6*3, CYP2D6*4) gene alleles was performed using the polymerase chain reaction–fragment length polymorphism method.

Results

A higher frequency of the CYP2D6*3/CYP2D6*4 genotype was observed in patients with BP (P = 0.0033) than in controls. The relative risk of developing BP expressed with the odds ratio was nearly four times higher in subjects in whom the presence of the CYP2D6*3 allele was detected (odds ratio 3.8; P = 0.0234).

Conclusion

The study results may suggest the impact of CYP2D6 gene polymorphism (A2637 deletion) on a higher prevalence of bullous pemphigoid.
Association between genetic variants in NOD2, C13orf31, and CCDC122 genes and leprosy among the Chinese Yi population
Authors: Xiong Jun‐Hao , Mao Chong , Sha Xiao‐Wei , Jin Zheng , Wang Hao , Liu Yang‐Ying , Ning Yong
Published: August 2015

Background

A significant association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in NOD2, C13orf31, and CCDC122 genes and leprosy has been reported in a previous genome‐wide association study of leprosy in the Chinese Han population. However, it remains unknown whether this association exists among the Chinese Yi population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms in NOD2, C13orf31, and CCDC122 genes are associated with leprosy among the Chinese Yi population in China.

Methods

We genotyped rs9302752, rs7194886, rs8057341, and rs3135499 in the NOD2 gene; rs3764147 and rs10507522 in the C13orf31 gene; and rs3088362 and rs9533634 in the CCDC122 gene in a Chinese Yi cohort comprised of 319 patients with leprosy and 355 ethnic‐matched controls. The differences between the patients and healthy controls were analyzed using chi‐squared analysis.

Results

Significant differences of rs3135499 in NOD2, rs3764147 and rs10507522 in C13orf31, and rs3088362 and rs9533634 in CCDC122 were observed between the patients and the healthy control groups in the cohort. The allelic P values and odd ratios were as follows: rs3135499, 1.0 × 10−8 and 2.55; rs3764147, 1.7 × 10−7 and 1.88; rs10507522, 1.16 × 10−5 and 1.95; rs3088362, 8.2 × 10−4 and 1.51; rs9533634, 5.34 × 10−5 and 1.73. No significant differences were found in the distributions of rs9302752, rs7194886, and rs8057341 between the patients and healthy controls.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that genetic variants in the NOD2, C13orf31, and CCDC122 genes are closely associated with leprosy among the Chinese Yi population, which implicates the pathogenic role of NOD2, C13orf31, and CCDC122 genes in a different ethnicity.
Identification and Characterization ofPseudocercosporaSpecies Causing Grapevine Leaf Spot in China
Authors: Liang Chunhao , Jayawardena Ruvishika Shehali , Zhang Wei , Wang Xiuguo , Liu Mei , Liu Li , Zang Chaoqun , Xu Xinran , Hyde Kevin David , Yan Jiye , Li Xinghong , Zhao Kuihua
Published: August 2015

Pseudocercosporais an important plant pathogenic genus causing leaf spots on grapevine leaves and other hosts worldwide. A survey of vineyards in four provinces of China was carried out to identify the causal agent of Pseudocercospora leaf spot. A phylogenetic analysis based on a combination ofLSU,ITSandACTloci, coupled with morphology, showed thatPseudocercospora vitisis the sole causal agent of this leaf spot disease. This study represents the first attempt to identify and characterize the cercosporoid species causing Pseudocercospora leaf spot in China using morphological and molecular approaches.
Reproductive morphology and DNA sequences of the brown alga Platysiphon verticillatus support the new combination Platysiphon glacialis
Authors: Kawai Hiroshi , Hanyuda Takeaki , Yamagishi Takahiro , Kai Atsushi , Lane Chris E. , McDevit Dan , Küpper Frithjof C. , Saunders Gary W.
Published: August 2015

Platysiphon verticillatus, a brown alga endemic to the Arctic, was described based on vegetative specimens collected at Inglefield Bay, West Greenland. The species is distinctive in having a lanceolate blade‐like thallus terminated by a terete portion, both covered with hair‐like assimilatory filaments. Punctaria glacialis was described from Eastern Greenland, and the species differs from other Punctaria species in lacking hairs and plurilocular zoidangia. Unilocular zoidangia were reported, but instead of zoids being released they formed cell walls in situ developing the appearance of plurilocular zoidangia. However, the fate of the zoids, as well as the walled cells was not traced, and the life history of the alga has remained unclear. By comparing DNA sequences (cox1, cox3, and rDNA ITS2) of specimens morphologically referable to Platysiphon verticillatus and Punctaria glacialis collected at Baffin Island, as well as re‐examining morphology and studying crude cultures, we concluded that they are the same taxonomic entity. Furthermore, their cox3 sequence and vegetative morphology agreed with those of the type specimen of Punctaria glacialis. Consequently, we propose Platysiphon glacialis comb. nov. The life cycle could not be completed in culture, but we hypothesize that in situ germination of the unizoids produces reduced gametophytes housed in peripheral tissue of erect sporophytic thalli.
Molecular phylogeny of two unusual brown algae, Phaeostrophion irregulare and Platysiphon glacialis, proposal of the Stschapoviales ord. nov. and Platysiphonaceae fam. nov., and a re‐examination of divergence times for brown algal orders
Authors: Kawai Hiroshi , Hanyuda Takeaki , Draisma Stefano G. A. , Wilce Robert T. , Andersen Robert A.
Published: August 2015

The molecular phylogeny of brown algae was examined using concatenated DNA sequences of seven chloroplast and mitochondrial genes (atpB, psaA, psaB, psbA, psbC, rbcL, and cox1). The study was carried out mostly from unialgal cultures; we included Phaeostrophion irregulare and Platysiphon glacialis because their ordinal taxonomic positions were unclear. Overall, the molecular phylogeny agreed with previously published studies, however, Platysiphon clustered with Halosiphon and Stschapovia and was paraphyletic with the Tilopteridales. Platysiphon resembled Stschapovia in showing remarkable morphological changes between young and mature thalli. Platysiphon, Halosiphon and Stschapovia also shared parenchymatous, terete, erect thalli with assimilatory filaments in whorls or on the distal end. Based on these results, we proposed a new order Stschapoviales and a new family Platysiphonaceae. We proposed to include Phaeostrophion in the Sphacelariales, and we emended the order to include this foliose member. Finally, using basal taxa not included in earlier studies, the origin and divergence times for brown algae were re‐investigated. Results showed that the Phaeophyceae branched from Schizocladiophyceae ~260 Ma during the Permian Period. The early diverging brown algae had isomorphic life histories, whereas the derived taxa with heteromorphic life histories evolved 155–110 Ma when they branched from the basal taxa. Based on these results, we propose that the development of heteromorphic life histories and their success in the temperate and cold‐water regions was induced by the development of the remarkable seasonality caused by the breakup of Pangaea. Most brown algal orders had diverged by roughly 60 Ma, around the last mass extinction event during the Cretaceous Period, and therefore a drastic climate change might have triggered the divergence of brown algae.
The diversity of algal phospholipase D homologs revealed by biocomputational analysis
Authors: Beligni María Verónica , Bagnato Carolina , Prados María Belén , Bondino Hernán , Laxalt Ana María , Munnik Teun , Ten Have Arjen
Published: August 2015

Phospholipase D (PLD) participates in the formation of phosphatidic acid, a precursor in glycerolipid biosynthesis and a second messenger. PLDs are part of a superfamily of proteins that hydrolyze phosphodiesters and share a catalytic motif, HxKxxxxD, and hence a mechanism of action. Although HKD‐PLDs have been thoroughly characterized in plants, animals and bacteria, very little is known about these enzymes in algae. To fill this gap in knowledge, we performed a biocomputational analysis by means of HMMER iterative profiling, using most eukaryotic algae genomes available. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that algae exhibit very few eukaryotic‐type PLDs but possess, instead, many bacteria‐like PLDs. Among algae eukaryotic‐type PLDs, we identified C2‐PLDs and PXPH‐like PLDs. In addition, the dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense features several proteins phylogenetically related to oomycete PLDs. Our phylogenetic analysis also showed that algae bacteria‐like PLDs (proteins with putative PLD activity) fall into five clades, three of which are novel lineages in eukaryotes, composed almost entirely of algae. Specifically, Clade II is almost exclusive to diatoms, whereas Clade I and IV are mainly represented by proteins from prasinophytes. The other two clades are composed of mitochondrial PLDs (Clade V or Mito‐PLDs), previously found in mammals, and a subfamily of potentially secreted proteins (Clade III or SP‐PLDs), which includes a homolog formerly characterized in rice. In addition, our phylogenetic analysis shows that algae have non‐PLD members within the bacteria‐like HKD superfamily with putative cardiolipin synthase and phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylglycerophosphate synthase activities. Altogether, our results show that eukaryotic algae possess a moderate number of PLDs that belong to very diverse phylogenetic groups.
Effort Elicitation, Wage Differentials and Income Distribution in A Wage‐Led Growth Regime
Authors: Jair da Silveira Jaylson , Tadeu Lima Gilberto
Published: August 2015

Motivated by the empirical evidence on endogenous labor effort and wage differentials, this paper explores implications for distribution and growth of firms using different strategies to elicit effort from workers. The frequency distribution of effort‐elicitation strategies across firms is governed by a replicator dynamic that generates wage differential as a long‐run equilibrium. Although firms willing to elicit more effort have to compensate workers with a higher wage rate, a larger proportion of firms adopting such strategy will not necessarily produce a higher wage share and thereby a higher growth rate. The intuition is that, depending on the accompanying rise in labor productivity, the wage share may not vary positively with the proportion of firms paying higher wages.
Programmed cell removal biomarkers calreticulin and CD47 implicated in oral lichen planus
Authors: Allon I , Vered H , Hirshberg A
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To investigate the expression of the programmed cell removal markers, calreticulin (CRT) and CD47, known to be involved in various autoimmune diseases, in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP), and to investigate the association with clinical behavior.

Materials and methods

Biopsies of 78 patients with OLP were included. The clinical data were collected from patients' charts. The expression of CRT and CD47 was immunomorphometrically analyzed in the epithelial (CRTep, CD47ep) and inflammatory cells (CRTinf, CD47inf), and the results were correlated with the clinical presentation.

Results

The epithelial and inflammatory cells expressed CRT (2.83 ± 6.62 and 5.13 ± 3.72) and CD47 (7.92 ± 4.6 and 10.7 ± 7.16). The expressions of CD47ep and CD47inf were associated (R = 0.64, P < 0.0005) with one another. The expressions of CRTinf and CD47ep were higher in atrophic erosive forms (A/ELP) than in the keratotic form of patients with OLP (6.46 ± 0.76 and 9.38 ± 0.87 vs 4.2 ± 0.61 and 6.84 ± 0.91, respectively, P = 0.002 and P = 0.021). The expression of CRTep was associated with more localized lesions (P < 0.009) and more abundant in males (P = 0.049), and the expression of CRTinf was associated with the presence of skin lesions and symptoms (P < 0.034 and P = 0.047, respectively). Only in A/ELP patients, the expression of CRTep was associated with high expression of CD47ep (R = 0.6, P = 0.004), where both CD47ep and CD47inf were associated with lower age of the patients (R = −0.48, P = 0.03 and R = −0.54, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

The pattern of expression of CRT and CD47 in OLP suggests a general programmed cell removal response in OLP. Symptomatic patients may benefit from CRT/CD47 targeted therapy in the future.
Microarray‐based IgE detection in tears of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Leonardi Andrea , Borghesan Franco , Faggian Diego , Plebani Mario
Published: August 2015

Background

A specific allergen sensitization can be demonstrated in approximately half of the vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) patients by conventional allergic tests. The measurement of specific IgE in tears using a multiplex allergen microarray may offer advantages to identify local sensitization to a specific allergen.

Methods

In spring–summer 2011, serum and tears samples were collected from 10 active VKC patients (three females, seven males) and 10 age‐matched normal subjects. Skin prick test, symptoms score and full ophthalmological examination were performed. Specific serum and tear IgE were assayed using ImmunoCAP ISAC, a microarray containing 103 components derived from 47 allergens.

Results

Normal subjects resulted negative for the presence of specific IgE both in serum and in tears. Of the 10 VKC patients, six resulted positive to specific IgE in serum and/or tears. In three of these six patients, specific IgE was found positive only in tears. Cross‐reactivity between specific markers was found in three patients. Grass, tree, mites, animal but also food allergen‐specific IgE were found in tears. Conjunctival provocation test performed out of season confirmed the specific local conjunctival reactivity.

Conclusions

Multiple specific IgE measurements with single protein allergens using a microarray technique in tear samples are a useful, simple and non‐invasive diagnostic tool. ImmunoCAP ISAC detects allergen sensitization at component level and adds important information by defining both cross‐ and co‐sensitization to a large variety of allergen molecules. The presence of specific IgE only in tears of VKC patients reinforces the concept of possible local sensitization.
Dust mite avoidance for the primary prevention of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bremmer Samuel F. , Simpson Eric L.
Published: August 2015

Background

Dust mite sensitization plays a controversial role in the development of atopic dermatitis. Despite a lack of evidence for its efficacy, dust mite avoidance is commonly recommended for the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis. We aimed to evaluate whether dust mite avoidance strategies reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis in high‐risk infants compared to randomized controls.

Methods

Studies were obtained by searching MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and The Global Resource of Eczema Trials databases. We included randomized, controlled trials of high‐risk infants treated with a dust mite avoidance intervention and assessed for atopic dermatitis. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers using predefined criteria.

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria (total n = 3040). Studies were largely unblinded but otherwise of reasonable quality. Three trials utilizing a dust mite avoidance approach but not additional interventions were combined in a meta‐analysis. Dust mite avoidance provided no benefit in the prevention of atopic dermatitis (relative risk (RR) = 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.78–1.49, I2 = 73%).

Conclusions

Dust mite avoidance strategies alone or in combination with additional allergen avoidance modalities do not decrease the risk of developing atopic dermatitis and, given the current state of the evidence, should not be recommended for this purpose. The utility of dust mite avoidance for the treatment of atopic dermatitis or for the prevention and treatment of asthma or seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis are outside the scope of this review.
Cutting stems before relaxing xylem tension induces artefacts in Vitis coignetiae, as evidenced by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ogasa Mayumi Y. , Utsumi Yasuhiro , Miki Naoko H. , Yazaki Kenichi , Fukuda Kenji
Published: August 2015

It was recently reported that cutting artefacts occur in some species when branches under tension are cut, even under water. We used non‐destructive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the change in xylem water distribution at the cellular level in Vitis coignetiae standing stems before and after relaxing tension. Less than 3% of vessels were cavitated when stems under tension were cut under water at a position shorter than the maximum vessel length (MVL) from the MRI point, in three of four plants. The vessel contents remained at their original status, and cutting artefact vessel cavitation declined to <1% when stems were cut at a position farther than the MVL from the MRI point. Water infiltration into the originally cavitated vessels after cutting the stem, i.e. vessel refilling, was found in <1% of vessels independent of cutting position on three of nine plants. The results indicate that both vessel cavitation and refilling occur in xylem tissue under tension following stem cutting, but its frequency is quite small, and artefacts can be minimized altogether if the distance between the monitoring position and the cutting point is longer than the MVL.
Tissue plasminogen activator treatment of bilateral pulmonary emboli in a pediatric patient supported with a ventricular assist device
Authors: Godown Justin , Dodd Debra A. , Doyle Thomas P. , Smith Andrew H. , Janssen Dana , Mettler Bret A.
Published: August 2015

Bleeding and thrombosis are well‐known potential complications of VAD support. We present a pediatric patient who developed massive bilateral pulmonary emboli while on BiVAD support that was successfully treated with intravenous tPA and bridged to heart transplant.
Administration of naloxone in combination with recombinant Plasmodium vivax AMA‐1 in BALB/c mice induces mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses
Authors: Someabozorg M. A. , Mirkazemi S. , Mehrizi A. A. , Shokri F. , Djadid N. D. , Zakeri S.
Published: August 2015

Naloxone (NLX) has the ability to shift the immune response to a Th1 profile. Therefore, the adjuvant efficacy of NLX with recombinant P. vivax apical membrane antigen‐1(rPvAMA‐1) in BALB/c mice was evaluated. Mice were immunized subcutaneously with purified rPvAMA‐1 formulated with NLX (doses of 5 mg/kg body weight) alone or in combination with IFA. A significant increase in anti‐PvAMA‐1 IgG antibody after the second boost (mean OD490 = 2·08 and 2·17, in groups received, rPvAMA‐1/NLX and rPvAMA‐1/NLX/IFA, respectively) was detected. IgG1 and IgG2b were the predominant isotypes in all immunized mouse groups. In immunized mice with rPvAMA‐1/NLX (mean: 1036 pg/mL) and with rPvAMA‐1/NLX/IFA (mean: 1024 pg/mL), IFN‐γ was elicited in response to rPvAMA‐1 after the second boost. No detectable IL‐4 secretion was determined in all tested groups. In conclusion, the administration of NLX alone or NLX/IFA with rPvAMA‐1 in BALB/c mice, which induced mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses, was comparable with that of the same recombinant antigen with CFA/IFA adjuvant. The results indicate that NLX alone may possibly not be considered as a potent Th1 adjuvant in PvAMA‐1‐based vaccine. However, in order to modulate immune responses from mixed Th1/Th2 to strong and protective Th1 response, further study is warranted on combination of NLX with other adjuvants such as CpG motifs or MPL in proper vaccine formulation. Additionally, dose–response study is necessary to determine the effect of different doses of antigen combined with NLX (at various doses) in Balb/c mice.
Managing dual business models in emerging markets: an ambidexterity perspective
Authors: Winterhalter Stephan , Zeschky Marco B. , Gassmann Oliver
Published: August 2015

Research on dual business models has highlighted the challenge for firms when they compete with different business models in a market. Drawing from ambidexterity literature, we investigate the question of how firms integrate or separate business models at the level of value chain activities, which constitute the core operational activities within each business model. We employ a qualitative research approach based on 11 case studies of Western firms that implemented a low‐cost business model in parallel to their premium business model in emerging markets. We find that firms may become ambidextrous in their business models by means of domain separation. In doing so, firms may separate value chain activities to address different additional customer segments in emerging markets. This study contributes to the emerging topic of dual business models and provides the ground for future research on ambidexterity in a global context.
Idea selection in suggestion systems: a thematic similarity perspective
Authors: Froehlich Julia K. , Hoegl Martin , Gibbert Michael
Published: August 2015

The literature on the fuzzy front‐end of innovation, and in particular on suggestion systems, has focused mainly on organizational aspects and individual characteristics of submitters. We take a different approach and focus on the idea itself. To differentiate different ideas, we build on recent research in cognition that distinguishes two types of similarities: feature‐based, taxonomic similarity, and context‐based, thematic similarity. We operationalize the type of similarity in terms of idea character (‘thematicness’) and idea presentation (scenario and experiential proximity) with idea evaluation. Data were obtained from the suggestion system of the research and development department of a multinational manufacturer of consumer goods. We identify significant, positive relationships for all characteristics with idea evaluations. We discuss our findings in the context of bounded creativity approaches, derive theoretical and practical implications, and recommend avenues for future research.
Resident Macrophages and Lymphocytes in the Canine Endometrium
Authors: Pires MA , Payan‐Carreira R
Published: August 2015

Content

Resident immune cells play a major role in endometrial immunity and in tissue homoeostasis. This study aimed to analyse the distribution of macrophages, B and T lymphocytes (respectively, Mø, B‐Lym and T‐Lym) in the canine endometrium throughout the oestrous cycle and in late involution (at the proestrus stage post‐parturition). An immunohistochemistry technique was used on samples from 50 post‐pubertal healthy female dogs, of which five in late post‐partum. The distribution of resident immune cells was analysed in three endometrial layers (superficial, intermediate and basal areas). Mø, B‐Lym and T‐Lym were demonstrated to reside in the endometrium in all the stages of the canine cycle; their numbers being considerably higher during late involution. T‐Lym were scattered in the stroma or amidst the glandular epithelium, constituting the predominant immune cell population in anestrus and proestrus, but decreased in number at all other stages. Endometrial B‐Lym remained fairly constant during the canine cycle, although its numbers were higher in late involution. Mø counts were higher during anestrus compared to the other stages, the cells being displaced into the superficial endometrial layer. Mø demonstrated the highest level in late involution samples, forming small aggregates below the surface epithelium. The number of immune cells was not normally distributed, suggesting the influence of individual factors, such as age or parity, not explored herein due to limited sample availability. Still, this study provides important information for the interpretation of endometrial biopsies in dogs and for the understanding of the increased susceptibility to uterine infection during dioestrus found in the bitch.
Patients’ experience of a nurse‐led lifestyle clinic at a Swedish health centre
Authors: Nymberg Peter , Drevenhorn Eva
Published: August 2015

Background

In Sweden, 56% of the population aged 16–84 have an unhealthy lifestyle. The primary health care (PHC) has been instructed to offer citizens health promotion and disease‐preventive actions. Very few studies have been conducted about how individuals experience interventions from the PHC intended to help them to change lifestyle.

Aim

The purpose of the study was to explore patients’ experiences of visiting a nurse‐led lifestyle clinic.

Methods

Patients (n = 137), who participated in a screening test at a lifestyle clinic, were invited to focus group interviews. Of these, 14 patients agreed to participate. The data were analysed using content analysis.

Results

The patients felt that the visit to the lifestyle clinic gave insight into their habits and diminished their fear of not being healthy. Primary health care was seen as a safe provider in this matter. Disappointment was occasioned by the unfulfilled expectations of blood tests, lack of follow‐up visit and inconsistencies of approach during the visit to the lifestyle clinic. Personal chemistry was perceived to be crucial for how the encounter with the public health nurse evolved.

Conclusion

Lifestyle clinics can give patients opportunity to change lifestyle and also to confirm the good habits. It may also be important to have follow‐up visits to give the patients’ support when changing lifestyle. Nurses counselling patients about lifestyle changes need to have recurrent training in Motivational Interviewing.
Assessing Regional Risks From Pandemic Influenza: A Scenario Analysis
Authors: Verikios George , Sullivan Maura , Stojanovski Pane , Giesecke James , Woo Gordon
Published: August 2015

We analyse the economic risks from two influenza pandemics that represent extremes along the virulence‐infectiousness continuum of possible pandemics: a high virulence–low infectiousness event and a low virulence–high infectiousness event. Our analysis involves linking an epidemiological model and a quarterly computable general equilibrium model. We find that global economic activity is more strongly affected by a pandemic with high infection rates rather than high virulence rates, all else being equal. Regions with a higher degree of economic integration with the world economy face greater risks of negative effects than less integrated regions.
Offshoring and the Skill‐premium: Evidence from Individual Workers’ Data
Authors: Tempesti Tommaso
Published: August 2015

During the 1980s the United States has experienced an increase in both international trade and the skill‐premium. The association between these two phenomena has proven elusive in the early empirical literature on the subject. Indeed, the consensus among labour economists seems to be that trade has not been the main cause of such increase in the skill‐premium. This view has been challenged by Feenstra and Hanson (1999, Quarterly Journal of Economics, 114, 3, 907) who find that offshoring sizably affects the skill‐premium. I revisit this debate using individual workers’ data from the March Current Population Survey combined with industry‐level trade data. This strategy improves upon the work of Feenstra and Hanson who do not control for the demographic characteristics of the labour force. In my results, offshoring can explain between 9 and 30 per cent of the increase in the college wage premium, relative to high‐school workers. In addition, I find that offshoring can explain 21 per cent of the increase in the relative employment of skilled labour. These results suggest that offshoring may play an important role in the increase in the relative demand of skilled workers.
Intellectual Property Rights,FDI, R&D and Economic Growth: A Cross‐country Empirical Analysis
Authors: Liu Wen‐Hsien
Published: August 2015

This paper aims to empirically examine how intellectual property rights (IPRs) protection, foreign direct investment (FDI) and research and development (R&D), along with other possible variables, may affect the economic growth of the host country. Using the panel data of 92 countries during 1970–2007, I conclude from the system generalised method of moments estimation that domestic investment share,FDI, R&D capacity, openness to trade, human capital andIPRs protection all have statistically significant and positive impacts on economic growth. A further investigation of countries at different levels of development suggests two striking findings. First, besides the domestic investment, openness, human capital andIPRs protection, R&D is the key to drive economic growth in the higher‐income countries, whileFDIis the engine of growth in both higher‐income and middle‐income countries. Second, a positive and significant impact ofIPRs protection on economic growth is found in both higher‐income and lower‐income countries. However, such an impact is not detected in the middle‐income countries.
Atomically thin layers of B–N–C–O with tunable composition
Authors: Ozturk Birol , de-Luna-Bugallo Andres , Panaitescu Eugen , Chiaramonti Ann N. , Liu Fangze , Vargas Anthony , Jiang Xueping , Kharche Neerav , Yavuzcetin Ozgur , Alnaji Majed , Ford Matthew J. , Lok Jay , Zhao Yongyi , King Nicholas , Dhar Nibir K. , Dubey Madan , Nayak Saroj K. , Sridhar Srinivas , Kar Swastik
Published: August 2015

Atomically thin quaternary alloy of boron, nitrogen, carbon and oxygen, 2D-BNCO with tunable composition.
Cystic fibrosis–adapted
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
quorum sensing
lasR
mutants cause hyperinflammatory responses
Authors: LaFayette Shantelle L. , Houle Daniel , Beaudoin Trevor , Wojewodka Gabriella , Radzioch Danuta , Hoffman Lucas R. , Burns Jane L. , Dandekar Ajai A. , Smalley Nicole E. , Chandler Josephine R. , Zlosnik James E. , Speert David P. , Bernier Joanie , Matouk Elias , Brochiero Emmanuelle , Rousseau Simon , Nguyen Dao
Published: August 2015

Cystic fibrosis–adapted
Pseudomonas aeruginosa lasR
quorum sensing mutants cause hyperinflammation contributing to chronic lung disease.
Ultrahigh-mobility graphene devices from chemical vapor deposition on reusable copper
Authors: Banszerus Luca , Schmitz Michael , Engels Stephan , Dauber Jan , Oellers Martin , Haupt Federica , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Beschoten Bernd , Stampfer Christoph
Published: August 2015

A novel dry transfer technique opens the door to large-scale CVD graphene with carrier mobilities of up to several 100,000 cm
2
V
−1
s
−1
.
Prefrontal inputs to the amygdala instruct fear extinction memory formation
Authors: Bukalo Olena , Pinard Courtney R. , Silverstein Shana , Brehm Christina , Hartley Nolan D. , Whittle Nigel , Colacicco Giovanni , Busch Erica , Patel Sachin , Singewald Nicolas , Holmes Andrew
Published: August 2015

Traumatic fear memories are extinguished by a discrete brain circuit comprising inputs from the prefrontal cortex to the amygdala.
Trading biodiversity for pest problems
Authors: Lundgren Jonathan G. , Fausti Scott W.
Published: August 2015

Decisions that reduce insect diversity and decrease the network strength in insect communities result in higher pest abundance.
High Specificity of a Quantitative PCR Assay Targeting a Saxitoxin Gene for Monitoring Toxic Algae Associated with Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in the Yellow Sea
Authors: Gao Yan , Yu Ren-Cheng , Murray Shauna A. , Chen Jian-Hua , Kang Zhen-Jun , Zhang Qing-Chun , Kong Fan-Zhou , Zhou Ming-Jiang
Published: August 2015

The identification of core genes involved in the biosynthesis of saxitoxin (STX) offers a great opportunity to detect toxic algae associated with paralytic shellfish toxins (PST). In the Yellow Sea (YS) in China, both toxic and nontoxic
Alexandrium
species are present, which makes it a difficult issue to specifically monitor PST-producing toxic algae. In this study, a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay targeting
sxtA4
, a domain in the
sxt
gene cluster that encodes a unique enzyme involved in STX biosynthesis, was applied to analyze samples collected from the YS in spring of 2012. The abundance of two toxic species within the
Alexandrium tamarense
species complex, i.e.,
A. fundyense
and
A. pacificum
, was also determined with TaqMan-based qPCR assays, and PSTs in net-concentrated phytoplankton samples were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a fluorescence detector. It was found that the distribution of the
sxtA4
gene in the YS was consistent with the toxic algae and PSTs, and the quantitation results of
sxtA4
correlated well with the abundance of the two toxic species (
r
= 0.857). These results suggested that the two toxic species were major PST producers during the sampling season and that
sxtA
-based qPCR is a promising method to detect toxic algae associated with PSTs in the YS. The correlation between PST levels and
sxtA
-based qPCR results, however, was less significant (
r
= 0.552), implying that
sxtA
-based qPCR is not accurate enough to reflect the toxicity of PST-producing toxic algae. The combination of an
sxtA
-based qPCR assay and chemical means might be a promising method for monitoring toxic algal blooms.
Hansenula polymorpha Hac1p Is Critical to Protein
N
-Glycosylation Activity Modulation, as Revealed by Functional and Transcriptomic Analyses
Authors: Moon Hye-Yun , Cheon Seon Ah , Kim Hyunah , Agaphonov M. O. , Kwon Ohsuk , Oh Doo-Byoung , Kim Jeong-Yoon , Kang Hyun Ah
Published: August 2015

Aggregation of misfolded protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) induces a cellular protective response to ER stress, the unfolded protein response (UPR), which is mediated by a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor, Hac1p/Xbp1. In this study, we identified and studied the molecular functions of a
HAC1
homolog from the thermotolerant yeast
Hansenula polymorpha
(Hp
HAC1
). We found that the Hp
HAC1
mRNA contains a nonconventional intron of 177 bp whose interaction with the 5′ untranslated region is responsible for the translational inhibition of the Hp
HAC1
mRNA. The
H. polymorpha
hac1
-null (Hp
hac1
Δ) mutant strain grew slowly, even under normal growth conditions, and was less thermotolerant than the wild-type (WT) strain. The mutant strain was also more sensitive to cell wall-perturbing agents and to the UPR-inducing agents dithiothreitol (DTT) and tunicamycin (TM). Using comparative transcriptome analysis of the WT and Hp
hac1
Δ strains treated with DTT and TM, we identified Hp
HAC1
-dependent core UPR targets, which included genes involved in protein secretion and processing, particularly those required for
N
-linked protein glycosylation. Notably, different glycosylation and processing patterns of the vacuolar glycoprotein carboxypeptidase Y were observed in the WT and Hp
hac1
Δ strains. Moreover, overexpression of active HpHac1p significantly increased the
N
-linked glycosylation efficiency and TM resistance. Collectively, our results suggest that the function of HpHac1p is important not only for UPR induction but also for efficient glycosylation in
H. polymorpha
.
Comparison of Sewage and Animal Fecal Microbiomes by Using Oligotyping Reveals Potential Human Fecal Indicators in Multiple Taxonomic Groups
Authors: Fisher Jenny C. , Eren A. Murat , Green Hyatt C. , Shanks Orin C. , Morrison Hilary G. , Vineis Joseph H. , Sogin Mitchell L. , McLellan Sandra L.
Published: August 2015

Most DNA-based microbial source tracking (MST) approaches target host-associated organisms within the order
Bacteroidales
, but the gut microbiota of humans and other animals contain organisms from an array of other taxonomic groups that might provide indicators of fecal pollution sources. To discern between human and nonhuman fecal sources, we compared the V6 regions of the 16S rRNA genes detected in fecal samples from six animal hosts to those found in sewage (as a proxy for humans). We focused on 10 abundant genera and used oligotyping, which can detect subtle differences between rRNA gene sequences from ecologically distinct organisms. Our analysis showed clear patterns of differential oligotype distributions between sewage and animal samples. Over 100 oligotypes of human origin occurred preferentially in sewage samples, and 99 human oligotypes were sewage specific. Sequences represented by the sewage-specific oligotypes can be used individually for development of PCR-based assays or together with the oligotypes preferentially associated with sewage to implement a signature-based approach. Analysis of sewage from Spain and Brazil showed that the sewage-specific oligotypes identified in U.S. sewage have the potential to be used as global alternative indicators of human fecal pollution. Environmental samples with evidence of prior human fecal contamination had consistent ratios of sewage signature oligotypes that corresponded to the trends observed for sewage. Our methodology represents a promising approach to identifying new bacterial taxa for MST applications and further highlights the potential of the family
Lachnospiraceae
to provide human-specific markers. In addition to source tracking applications, the patterns of the fine-scale population structure within fecal taxa suggest a fundamental relationship between bacteria and their hosts.
Active-Site Engineering of ω-Transaminase for Production of Unnatural Amino Acids Carrying a Side Chain Bulkier than an Ethyl Substituent
Authors: Han Sang-Woo , Park Eul-Soo , Dong Joo-Young , Shin Jong-Shik
Published: August 2015

ω-Transaminase (ω-TA) is a promising enzyme for use in the production of unnatural amino acids from keto acids using cheap amino donors such as isopropylamine. The small substrate-binding pocket of most ω-TAs permits entry of substituents no larger than an ethyl group, which presents a significant challenge to the preparation of structurally diverse unnatural amino acids. Here we report on the engineering of an (S)-selective ω-TA fromOchrobactrum anthropi(OATA) to reduce the steric constraint and thereby allow the small pocket to readily accept bulky substituents. On the basis of a docking model in whichl-alanine was used as a ligand, nine active-site residues were selected for alanine scanning mutagenesis. Among the resulting variants, an L57A variant showed dramatic activity improvements in activity for α-keto acids and α-amino acids carrying substituents whose bulk is up to that of ann-butyl substituent (e.g., 48- and 56-fold increases in activity for 2-oxopentanoic acid andl-norvaline, respectively). An L57G mutation also relieved the steric constraint but did so much less than the L57A mutation did. In contrast, an L57V substitution failed to induce the improvements in activity for bulky substrates. Molecular modeling suggested that the alanine substitution of L57, located in a large pocket, induces an altered binding orientation of an α-carboxyl group and thereby provides more room to the small pocket. The synthetic utility of the L57A variant was demonstrated by carrying out the production of optically purel- andd-norvaline (i.e., enantiomeric excess [ee] > 99%) by asymmetric amination of 2-oxopantanoic acid and kinetic resolution of racemic norvaline, respectively.
Botrytis pseudocinerea Is a Significant Pathogen of Several Crop Plants but Susceptible to Displacement by Fungicide-Resistant B. cinerea Strains
Authors: Plesken Cecilia , Weber Roland W. S. , Rupp Sabrina , Leroch Michaela , Hahn Matthias
Published: August 2015

Botrytis cinerea
is one of the most important pathogens worldwide, causing gray mold on a large variety of crops.
Botrytis pseudocinerea
has been found previously to occur together with
B. cinerea
in low abundance in vineyards and strawberry fields. Here, we report
B. pseudocinerea
to be common and sometimes dominant over
B. cinerea
on several fruit and vegetable crops in Germany. On apples with calyx end rot and on oilseed rape, it was the major gray mold species. Abundance of
B. pseudocinerea
was often negatively correlated with fungicide treatments. On cultivated strawberries, it was frequently found in spring but was largely displaced by
B. cinerea
following fungicide applications. Whereas
B. cinerea
strains with multiple-fungicide resistance were common in these fields,
B. pseudocinerea
almost never developed resistance to any fungicide even though resistance mutations occurred at similar frequencies in both species under laboratory conditions. The absence of resistance to quinone outside inhibitors in
B. pseudocinerea
was correlated with an intron in
cytB
preventing the major G143A resistance mutation. Our work indicates that
B. pseudocinerea
has a wide host range similar to that of
B. cinerea
and that it can become an important gray mold pathogen on cultivated plants.
Three Novel Lantibiotics, Ticins A1, A3, and A4, Have Extremely Stable Properties and Are Promising Food Biopreservatives
Authors: Xin Bingyue , Zheng Jinshui , Xu Ziya , Li Congzhi , Ruan Lifang , Peng Donghai , Sun Ming
Published: August 2015

Lantibiotics are antimicrobial peptides with potential applications as the next generation of antimicrobials in the food industry and/or the pharmaceutical industry. Nisin has successfully been used as a food preservative for over 40 years, but its major drawback is its limited stability under neutral and alkaline pH conditions. To identify alternatives with better biochemical properties, we screened more than 100 strains of the
Bacillus cereus
group. Three novel lantibiotics, ticins A1 (4,062.98 Da), A3 (4,048.96 Da), and A4 (4,063.02 Da), which were highly thermostable (121°C for 30 min) and extremely pH tolerant (pH 2.0 to 9.0), were identified in
Bacillus thuringiensis
BMB3201. They all showed potent antimicrobial activities against all tested Gram-positive bacteria and greater activities than those of nisin A against
Bacillus cereus
and
Listeria monocytogenes
, two important foodborne pathogens. These three novel lantibiotics, with their extremely stable properties and potent antimicrobial activities, have the potential for use as biopreservatives.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Staphylococcal Emetic Toxin
Authors: Ono Hisaya K. , Sato'o Yusuke , Narita Kouji , Naito Ikunori , Hirose Shouhei , Hisatsune Junzo , Asano Krisana , Hu Dong-Liang , Omoe Katsuhiko , Sugai Motoyuki , Nakane Akio
Published: August 2015

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) produced byStaphylococcus aureushave superantigenic and emetic activities, which cause toxic shock syndrome and staphylococcal food poisoning, respectively. Our previous study demonstrated that the sequence of SET has a low level of similarity to the sequences of other SEs and exhibits atypical bioactivities. Hence, we further explored whether there is an additional SET-related gene inS. aureusstrains. One SET-like gene was found in the genome ofS. aureusisolates that originated from a case of food poisoning, a human nasal swab, and a case of bovine mastitis. The deduced amino acid sequence of the SET-like gene showed 32% identity with the amino acid sequence of SET. The SET-like gene product was designated SElY. In the food poisoning and nasal swab isolates, mRNA encoding SElY was highly expressed in the early log phase of cultivation, whereas a high level of expression of this mRNA was found in the bovine mastitis isolate at the early stationary phase. To estimate whether SElY has both superantigenic and emetic activities, recombinant SElY was prepared. Cell proliferation and cytokine production were examined to assess the superantigenic activity of SElY. SElY exhibited superantigenic activity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells but not in mouse splenocytes. In addition, SElY exhibited emetic activity in house musk shrews after intraperitoneal and oral administration. However, the stability of SElY against heating and pepsin and trypsin digestion was different from that of SET and SEA. From these results, we identified SElY to be a novel staphylococcal emetic toxin.