bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Cultural Validation of Fear of Happiness Scale Across 14 National Groups
Authors: Joshanloo Mohsen , Lepshokova Zarina Kh. , Panyusheva Tatiana , Natalia Amerkhanova , Poon Wai-Ching , Yeung Victoria Wai-lan , Sundaram Suresh , Achoui Mustapha , Asano Ryosuke , Igarashi Tasuku , Tsukamoto Saori , Rizwan Muhammad , Khilji Imran Ahmed , Ferreira Maria Cristina , Pang Joyce S. , Ho Lok Sang , Han Gyuseog , Bae Jaechang , Jiang Ding-Yu
Published: October 2013

A survey of the cultural notions related to happiness and the existing empirical evidence indicate that some individuals endorse the belief that happiness, particularly an immoderate degree of it, should be avoided. These beliefs mainly involve the general notion that happiness may lead to bad things happening. Using multigroup confirmatory factor analysis and multilevel modeling, this study investigates the measurement invariance, cross-level isomorphism, predictive validity, and nomological network of the fear of happiness scale across 14 nations. The results show that this scale has good statistical properties at both individual and cultural levels. The findings also indicate that this scale has the potential to add to the knowledge about how people conceive of, and experience, happiness across cultures.
Concomitant congenital heart defect repair and Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum
Authors: Kandakure Pramod Reddy , Dhannapuneni Ram , Venugopal Prem , Franks Roger , Alphonso Nelson
Published: October 2013

The combination of complex congenital cardiac anomalies and pectus excavatum represents a technical challenge. Most concomitant repairs have been performed in adult patients. We report the uncomplicated concomitant repair of double-outlet right ventricle with absent pulmonary valve syndrome and the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum in a 3-year-old child.
Open heart surgery after renal transplantation
Authors: Yamamura Mitsuhiro , Miyamoto Yuji , Mitsuno Masataka , Tanaka Hiroe , Ryomoto Masaaki , Fukui Shinya , Tsujiya Noriko , Kajiyama Tetsuya , Nojima Michio
Published: October 2013

Aim

to evaluate the strategy for open heart surgery after renal transplantation performed in a single institution in Japan.

Methods

we reviewed 6 open heart surgeries after renal transplantation in 5 patients, performed between January 1992 and December 2012. The patients were 3 men and 2 women with a mean age of 60 ± 11 years (range 46–68 years). They had old myocardial infarction and unstable angina, aortic and mitral stenosis, left arterial myxoma, aortic stenosis, and native valve endocarditis followed by prosthetic valve endocarditis. Operative procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting, double-valve replacement, resection of left arterial myxoma, 2 aortic valve replacements, and a double-valve replacement. Renal protection consisted of steroid cover (hydrocortisone 100–500 mg or methylprednisolone 1000 mg) and intravenous immunosuppressant infusion (cyclosporine 30–40 mg day−1 or tacrolimus 1.0 mg day−1).

Results

5 cases were uneventful and good renal graft function was maintained at discharge (serum creatinine 2.1 ± 0.5 mg dL−1). There was one operative death after emergency double-valve replacement for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-associated prosthetic valve endocarditis. Although the endocarditis improved after valve replacement, the patient died of postoperative pneumonia on postoperative day 45.

Conclusions

careful perioperative management can allow successful open heart surgery after renal transplantation. However, severe complications, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, may cause renal graft loss.
What role do information systems play in the knowledge management activities of SMEs?
Authors: Gresty Martin
Published: October 2013

Information systems have been seen as key tools in the facilitation of knowledge creation, storage, transfer and use, and there is an abundance of literature and case studies detailing use of such systems for these purposes in large firms. However, very little attention has considered their application in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study, therefore, presents a case study of an SME’s use of information systems in its management of knowledge. The findings show that such systems can aid the management of knowledge within SMEs, but that there are dangers for SMEs in over-reliance on these systems and, indeed, having too many competing systems.
Radiographic Landmarks for Locating the Femoral Origin of the Superficial Medial Collateral Ligament
Authors: Hartshorn Timothy , Otarodifard Karimdad , White Eric A. , Hatch George F. “Rick”
Published: October 2013

Background:

Little has been written about the use of radiographic landmarks for locating the origin of the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL). A standardized radiographic landmark for the sMCL origin using intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging may be of value in aiding the surgeon in accurate femoral tunnel placement in the setting of extensive soft tissue disruption and bony attrition.

Purpose:

To determine a reproducible radiographic landmark that will assist in correct femoral tunnel placement in sMCL repair and reconstruction.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten fresh-frozen unmatched human cadaveric knees were dissected, and the origin of the sMCL was exposed. A 2-mm metallic marker was then placed at the center of the femoral origin of the sMCL. True lateral fluoroscopically assisted digital radiographs were obtained of the knee with the posterior and distal femoral condyles overlapping in a standardized fashion. With the use of computer software, reference lines were drawn on the images, creating 4 quadrants. Two independent examiners performed quantitative measurements of the sMCL origin in relation to this axis and to the Blumensaat line.

Results:

Mean measurements showed the sMCL origin to be closely related to the intersection point of the Blumensaat line and a line drawn distally from the posterior femoral cortex on a true lateral radiograph. The sMCL origin was found at a mean point 1.6 ± 4.3 mm posterior and 4.9 ± 2.1 mm proximal to the intersection of a line paralleling the posterior femoral cortex and a line drawn perpendicular to the posterior femoral cortical line, where it intersects the Blumensaat line. In 5 of 10 specimens, the center of the sMCL origin fell precisely on the Blumensaat line. The remaining specimens had sMCL origins anterior to the Blumensaat line. The femoral origin of the sMCL was found in the proximal and posterior quadrants in 8 of 10 specimens.

Conclusion:

With a relatively small amount of deviation, the sMCL origin can be consistently identified on a true lateral radiograph of the knee using reproducible reference lines on fluoroscopic imaging.

Clinical Relevance:

Accurate identification of the femoral origin of the sMCL can be accomplished by intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging. This information may be of significant benefit in repairing acute injuries and in reconstructive procedures complicated by bony attrition and soft tissue loss.
Pachymeningitis in a Young Child Responded to Antitubercular Therapy
Authors: Sharma Pradeep Kumar , Saikia Bhaskar , Sharma Rachna , Gagneja Vikram , Khilnani Praveen
Published: October 2013

Pachymeningitis is a rare disease of diverse etiology mainly affecting the adult population. Only 4 pediatric cases have been reported till now. We report the youngest child with pachymeningitis from India. Our case responded very well to antitubercular therapy with near complete recovery. Antitubercular therapy can be considered in children from endemic countries with hypertrophic pachymeningitis before labeling their condition as idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis.
Working Memory Training May Increase Working Memory Capacity but Not Fluid Intelligence
Authors: Harrison Tyler L. , Shipstead Zach , Hicks Kenny L. , Hambrick David Z. , Redick Thomas S. , Engle Randall W.
Published: October 2013

Working memory is a critical element of complex cognition, particularly under conditions of distraction and interference. Measures of working memory capacity correlate positively with many measures of real-world cognition, including fluid intelligence. There have been numerous attempts to use training procedures to increase working memory capacity and thereby performance on the real-world tasks that rely on working memory capacity. In the study reported here, we demonstrated that training on complex working memory span tasks leads to improvement on similar tasks with different materials but that such training does not generalize to measures of fluid intelligence.
Robust adaptive control for single input/single output discrete systems via multi-model switching
Authors: Yu Lei , Fei Shumin , Qian Wei
Published: October 2013

A robust adaptive control method via multi-model switching for single input/single output discrete systems with unmodeled dynamics is presented. The key procedures of this control scheme have given a multi-model set, which is composed of multiple fixed controller models and two adaptive controller models to enhance the speed of computation, and index switching function, which is assured to be stable for the closed-loop systems. The control scheme is simple and practical to improve the dynamic system’s transient response and robustness and also has a broad future in engineering applications. Finally, simulation results are given to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method, which has high performance with a short tuning time, small overshoot and good robustness.
Career counseling for gifted students
Authors: Chen Charles P , Wong Joyce
Published: October 2013

Despite their high intellectual caliber, gifted high school students may experience very unique barriers and challenges in their career exploration and planning. As such, this group of students need much help when it comes to career guidance and counseling in the school setting. Being cognizant of this reality, the current article attempts to apply key tenets of career development and career counseling theories to the helping context of career guidance and counseling for gifted high school students. It examines the unique career-related barriers and challenges faced by this student population, drawing attention to the complexity of the issue in the context of intellectual giftedness as experienced by the target group. It then proposes theory-informed career guidance and counseling interventions for the target group.
Latina Women’s Experiences in a Stepfamily Education Course
Authors: Skogrand Linda , Mendez Elisaida , Higginbotham Brian
Published: October 2013

This study highlights the experiences of low-income Latina women who participated in a nationally recognized, research-based stepfamily education program. From a multicultural feminist framework, interviews were conducted with 13 Latina women living in stepfamilies. They were asked, using a semistructured protocol, about their experiences of taking the course with other stepfamilies, the best part of the course, and anything positive and negative that resulted from participation. Participants identified improvements in parenting, couple, and overall family relationships. Improved communication, both as a learned skill and as a positive outcome, was reported most frequently in all areas of improved relationships. A small number of participants reported discomfort with “step” terms. Implications for providing education and individual and family therapy are provided.
Prevalence of Complicated Grief and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents Following Sibling Death
Authors: Dickens Nancy
Published: October 2013

The effects of complicated grief (CG) in children and adolescents following the death of a sibling have not been studied in depth until recently. Research indicates that siblings and families are affected in a variety of ways by an ever-increasing number of factors. Risk factors for CG include, but are not limited to, coping strategies of the parents, the number of years since the death, the type of death, family support systems and relationships, therapeutic interventions, developmental ages of the siblings at the time of death, and the idea of finding meaning in life following the death. A death by accident or suicide which provides little or no warning to the family can cause a significant impact on families as compared to a death due to chronic illness. CG resulting in the development of anxiety disorders and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may arise if one or all of these risk factors are present. This article will present an overview of studies related to the development of CG and PTSD in children and adolescents following death of a sibling, factors that may precipitate development of symptomatology, and recommendations for therapeutic interventions and future studies.
Family-focused autism spectrum disorder research: A review of the utility of family systems approaches
Authors: Cridland Elizabeth K , Jones Sandra C , Magee Christopher A , Caputi Peter
Published: October 2013

A family member with an autism spectrum disorder presents pervasive and bidirectional influences on the entire family system, suggesting a need for family-focused autism spectrum disorder research. While there has been increasing interest in this research area, family-focused autism spectrum disorder research can still be considered relatively recent, and there are limitations to the existing literature. The purpose of this article is to provide theoretical and methodological directions for future family-focused autism spectrum disorder research. In particular, this article proposes Family Systems approaches as a common theoretical framework for future family-focused autism spectrum disorder research by considering theoretical concepts such as Boundaries, Ambiguous Loss, Resilience and Traumatic Growth. We discuss reasons why these concepts are important to researching families living with autism spectrum disorder and provide recommendations for future research. The potential for research grounded in Family Systems approaches to influence clinical support services is also discussed.
A meta-analysis of the effect of school-based anti-bullying programs
Authors: Lee Sunhee , Kim Chun-Ja , Kim Dong Hee
Published: October 2013

Bullying is a serious public health problem, and many studies have examined the effect of school-based anti-bullying programs. However, these programs and those outcomes are complex, broad, and diverse. Research is needed into the optimal strategies for these comprehensive programs, which consider both the effectiveness and cost of programs. We performed a meta-analysis of 13 studies using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software package to calculate effect size (ES) and the Q statistic. We conducted subgroup analyses to examine the differences based on student grade level, program duration, and program strategy. The pooled ES calculation indicated that school-based anti-bullying programs have a small to moderate effect on victimization. The results of the Q test indicated significant heterogeneity across studies of victimization ( Q = 39.625; I2 = 69.7%; p < .001). Studies involving training in emotional control ( p < .01), peer counseling ( p < .05), or the establishment of a school policy on bullying ( p < .05) showed significantly larger ESs on victimization than did studies that did not involve these strategies. Effective school-based anti-bullying programs should include training in emotional control, peer counseling, and the establishment of a school policy on bullying.
System justification and the perception of food risks
Authors: Vainio Annukka , Mäkiniemi Jaana-Piia , Paloniemi Riikka
Published: October 2013

In the context of daily food consumption, individuals have to evaluate their health and environmental risks based on information provided by the institutions governing food security. At the same time, they have to trust the institutions that both protect them and provide risk information. Study 1 examined how trust in EU policies that assure food safety as well as trust in the information provided by the EU about food risks is associated with risk concern and the perceived personal control of food risks. Eurobarometer 73.5, providing data about Finnish citizens ( N = 1,007), was analyzed with structural equation modeling (SEM). Trust in EU policies was associated with a low level of risk concern and a high level of risk control, whereas trust in information was associated with a high level of risk concern and a low level of risk control. Study 2 examined how system justification tendencies are associated with the perceived climate risks of one’s own food system, the perception of climate change as a national threat, as well as climate-friendly food choices. University students’ ( N = 350) responses to a questionnaire were analyzed with SEM. The perception of climate change as a national threat was associated with food system justification and denial of climate change, whereas knowledge was associated with climate-friendly food choices indirectly through decreased food system justification. These findings increase our understanding of system justification in the context of risk perception and suggest how its effect could be overcome with interventions that reduce perceiving risks as national threats.
National identity and securitization in Israel
Authors: Olesker Ronnie
Published: October 2013

This article seeks to demonstrate how discriminatory laws, passed in Israel since the eruption of the second intifada, are part of an ongoing securitization process of the Palestinian minority in Israel. These discriminatory laws serve as part of a security practice, employed by political elites that seek to represent threats to the hegemony of the Jewish identity as existential to national security. In doing so, the Israeli authorities advance a national security policy that perpetuates the perceived threat posed to the state by the Palestinian minority. The analysis focuses on discriminatory legislation passed between 2000 and 2012 by the Israeli Knesset and the political attitudes of the Israeli public before and after the second intifada to uncover the ways in which political actors and audiences negotiate the meaning of security in Israel. Securitization theory helps explain why desecuritization of the minority is highly unlikely even in the event that the Israeli–Palestinian conflict will be resolved.
Why the Door-in-the-Face Technique Can Sometimes Backfire
Authors: Henderson Marlone D. , Burgoon Erin M.
Published: October 2013

We put forward a construal-level account to explain why the door-in-the-face (DITF) technique can sometimes backfire in the prosocial domain. We argue that after rejecting an initial prosocial request, more abstract construals promote a more coherent selfish version of the self in people’s minds, which then fosters less compliance with subsequent requests. Across three experiments, results indicated that relative to an outright request, the DITF technique was less likely to get participants to comply with various prosocial requests (e.g., writing to sick children) when participants adopted more abstract construals. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The pattern of use of stone and copper in central Spain during the Bronze Age
Authors: Ruiz-Taboada Arturo , Montero Ignacio
Published: October 2013

This article discusses the production, distribution and consumption of stone and copper during the Bronze Age in La Mancha. It reviews the archaeological record regarding commodity exchange within this territory in relation to other regions of the Iberian Peninsula. It discusses the results of the analyses of grindstones and metal objects collected along the north-eastern edge of La Mancha, close to the Tagus valley. The materials analysed were obtained from museum collections and recent excavations carried out in this area. We propose a new regionally-based economic model for these resource exploitation activities.
Rolling contact fatigue in bearings: Multiscale overview
Authors: Kang J.-H. , Hosseinkhani B. , Rivera-Díaz-del-Castillo P. E. J.
Published: October 2013

For over a century, rolling contact fatigue in bearings has been recognised as a key feature limiting bearing life. The phenomenon is manifested through dark etching regions, 30 and 80° white etching bands as well as white etching areas, the latter often forming intricate defects commonly referred to as butterflies. Their presence depends on testing conditions, such as contact pressure, temperature, number of revolutions and steel cleanliness. Microstructural inspection demonstrates that precipitate shearing, dissolution, cell and nanocrystal formation as well as matrix/inclusion debonding may take place throughout bearing life. Such microstructural features have a negative effect on bearing hardness, strength, ductility and toughness, usually preceding failure. The present review shows how such phenomena are interconnected, highlighting the need for integral characterisation and modelling across the scales. This will aid in the conception of new heat treatments, steel grades and microstructures for enhanced rolling contact fatigue, leading to increased bearing life.
Preparation and characterization of purified Na-activated bentonite from Karak (Pakistan) for pharmaceutical use
Authors: Shah L. A. , Khattak N. S. , Valenzuela M. G. S. , Manan A. , Valenzuela Díaz F. R.
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this paper was to prepare purified Na- bentonite with improved properties for use in the pharmaceutical industry. Calcium bentonite from the Shagia region of Karak district, Pakistan, was activated with various proportions of sodium carbonate (2, 3, 5 and 8 wt.%) and purified by sedimentation to remove impurities, especially quartz. X-ray diffraction (XRD), and swelling volume confirmed the conversion of raw bentonite to sodium bentonite by using 5% Na2CO3. The sodium bentonite (K5) obtained by activation met the chemical and microbiological requirements set by the pharmacopeias regarding the toxic trace elemental content (Pb and As), absence of E. coli, total aerobic microbial contents and physicochemical properties such as swelling volume, pH and sedimentation volume. Therefore K5 bentonite could be designated as potentially suitable for pharmaceutical applications. The CEC, surface area, porosity, pH, gel formation and swelling volume indicated that K5 bentonite could be used in the formulation of oral suspension and in topical application.
The late endosomal adaptor molecule p14 (LAMTOR2) represents a novel regulator of Langerhans cell homeostasis
Authors: Sparber Florian , Scheffler Julia M. , Amberg Nicole , Tripp Christoph H. , Heib Valeska , Hermann Martin , Zahner Sonja P. , Clausen Björn E. , Reizis Boris , Huber Lukas A. , Stoitzner Patrizia , Romani Nikolaus
Published: October 2013

Key Points

DC-specific ablation of p14 leads to the disruption of the LC network in situ by inducing apoptosis and proliferation deficiency in LCs. p14 deficiency affects ERK/mTOR signaling in DCs and results in transient recruitment of circulation-derived short-term LCs to the skin.
Circulating microRNAs have a sex-specific association with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Wang Yu-Ting , Tsai Pei-Chien , Liao Yi-Chu , Hsu Chung-Y , Juo Suh-Hang Hank
Published: October 2013

Background

The microRNAs let-7 g and miR-221 have been demonstrated to be related to the glucose metabolism. This study assessed the serum levels of these two microRNAs in subjects with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Results

The serum microRNA levels were detected in 102 subjects aged 40 to 80 years who were recruited from the general population. The status of MetS was defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria modified for Asians. Subjects with histories of cardiovascular diseases or who were receiving treatment with hypoglycemic or lipid-lowering agents were excluded. The levels of both circulating microRNAs (let-7 g and miR-221) were higher in subjects with MetS (p = 0.004 and p = 0.01, respectively). The sex-specific analysis showed that the difference was more prominent in women (for both miRNAs, p < 0.05 in women and p > 0.1 in men). In the female subjects, increased expression of both microRNAs was associated with an increased number of MetS risk components (p = 0.002 for let-7 g and p = 0.022 for miR-221). Moreover, the elevation of serum let-7 g was significantly associated with a low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.022) and high blood pressure (p = 0.023). In contrast, the miR-221 level was not associated with any individual MetS risk component.

Conclusions

The circulating levels of let-7 g and miR-221 displayed a female-specific elevation in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
The SseC translocon component in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is chaperoned by SscA
Authors: Cooper Colin A , Mulder David T , Allison Sarah E , Pilar Ana Victoria C , Coombes Brian K
Published: October 2013

Background

Salmonella enterica is a causative agent of foodborne gastroenteritis and the systemic disease known as typhoid fever. This bacterium uses two type three secretion systems (T3SSs) to translocate protein effectors into host cells to manipulate cellular function. Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI)-2 encodes a T3SS required for intracellular survival of the pathogen. Genes in SPI-2 include apparatus components, secreted effectors and chaperones that bind to secreted cargo to coordinate their release from the bacterial cell. Although the effector repertoire secreted by the SPI-2 T3SS is large, only three virulence-associated chaperones have been characterized.

Results

Here we report that SscA is the chaperone for the SseC translocon component. We show that SscA and SseC interact in bacterial cells and that deletion of sscA results in a loss of SseC secretion, which compromises intracellular replication and leads to a loss of competitive fitness in mice.

Conclusions

This work completes the characterization of the chaperone complement within SPI-2 and identifies SscA as the chaperone for the SseC translocon.
Identification of mildew resistance in wild and cultivated Central Asian grape germplasm
Authors: Riaz Summaira , Boursiquot Jean-Michel , Dangl Gerald S , Lacombe Thierry , Laucou Valerie , Tenscher Alan C , Walker M Andrew
Published: October 2013

Background

Cultivated grapevines, Vitis vinifera subsp. sativa, evolved from their wild relative, V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris. They were domesticated in Central Asia in the absence of the powdery mildew fungus, Erysiphe necator, which is thought to have originated in North America. However, powdery mildew resistance has previously been discovered in two Central Asian cultivars and in Chinese Vitis species.

Results

A set of 380 unique genotypes were evaluated with data generated from 34 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The set included 306 V. vinifera cultivars, 40 accessions of V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris, and 34 accessions of Vitis species from northern Pakistan, Afghanistan and China. Based on the presence of four SSR alleles previously identified as linked to the powdery mildew resistance locus, Ren1, 10 new mildew resistant genotypes were identified in the test set: eight were V. vinifera cultivars and two were V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris based on flower and seed morphology. Sequence comparison of a 620 bp region that includes the Ren1-linked allele (143 bp) of the co-segregating SSR marker SC8-0071-014, revealed that the ten newly identified genotypes have sequences that are essentially identical to the previously identified mildew resistant V. vinifera cultivars: ‘Kishmish vatkana’ and ‘Karadzhandal’. Kinship analysis determined that three of the newly identified powdery mildew resistant accessions had a relationship with ‘Kishmish vatkana’ and ‘Karadzhandal’, and that six were not related to any other accession in this study set. Clustering procedures assigned accessions into three groups: 1) Chinese species; 2) a mixed group of cultivated and wild V. vinifera; and 3) table grape cultivars, including nine of the powdery mildew resistant accessions. Gene flow was detected among the groups.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that powdery mildew resistance is present in V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris, the dioecious wild progenitor of the cultivated grape. Four first-degree parent progeny relationships were discovered among the hermaphroditic powdery mildew resistant cultivars, supporting the existence of intentional grape breeding efforts. Although several Chinese grape species are resistant to powdery mildew, no direct genetic link to the resistance found in V. vinifera could be established.
The bZIP protein from Tamarix hispida, ThbZIP1, is ACGT elements binding factor that enhances abiotic stress signaling in transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Ji Xiaoyu , Liu Guifeng , Liu Yujia , Zheng Lei , Nie Xianguang , Wang Yucheng
Published: October 2013

Background

Tamarix spp. are woody halophyte, which are very tolerant to abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought, but little is known about their specific stress response systems. Basic leucine zipper proteins (bZIPs) play important roles in the ability of plants to withstand adverse environmental conditions. However, their exact roles in abiotic stress tolerance are still not fully known. In the current study, we functionally characterized a bZIP gene (ThbZIP1) from Tamarix hispida in response to abiotic stresses.

Results

We addressed the regulatory network of ThbZIP1 in three levels, i.e. its upstream regulators, the cis-acting elements recognized by ThbZIP1, and its downstream target genes. Two MYCs were found to bind to E-box, in the promoter of ThbZIP1 to activate its expression. Expression of ThbZIP1 is induced by ABA, salt, drought, methyl viologen and cold. ThbZIP1 can specifically bind to ACGT elements, with the highest binding affinity to the C-box, followed by the G-box and lastly the A-box. Compared with wild-type (Col-0) Arabidopsis, transgenic plants expressing ThbZIP1 had an increased tolerance to drought and salt, but had an increased sensitivity to ABA during seed germination and root growth; meanwhile, ROS level, cell death and water loss rate in transgenic plants were significantly reduced. Microarray analyses showed that many ROS scavenging genes were up-regulated by ThbZIP1 under salt stress conditions.

Conclusions

Based on these data, we suggest that ThbZIP1 confers abiotic stress tolerance through activating stress tolerance genes to modulate ROS scavenging ability and other physiological changes involved in stress tolerance, and plays an important role in the ABA-mediated stress response of T. hispida.
Capecitabine and bevacizumab for non-resectable metastatic colorectal cancer patients: final results from phase II AIO KRK 0105 trial
Authors: Stein Alexander , Kretzschmar Albrecht , Behringer Dirk , Wolff Thomas , Zimber Joachim , Hegewisch-Becker Susanna , Kettner Erika , Pflüger Karl-Heinz , Kirsch Andreas , Arnold Dirk
Published: October 2013

Background

Current guidelines recommend treatment with capecitabine and bevacizumab for patients (pts) with non-resectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), although clinical data in this particular patient group are lacking.

Methods

Previously untreated patients with non-resectable mCRC were to receive capecitabine (1,250 mg/sqm bid d1-14 oral) and bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg i.v.) every 3 weeks. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) and toxicity.

Results

82 pts were included: 40 female, median age 70 (range 50–86). ECOG PS 0/1/2 was 38/52/10%, respectively. Synchronous metastases were present in 58 pts. 16 pts had primary tumor in situ. Median treatment duration was 4.1 months (6 cycles). Toxicity was generally mild. ORR was 38%, with 5 complete and 23 partial responses. Median PFS was 7.0 months [95% CI (5.0-9.1)] and OS 17.9 months [95% CI (14.6-21.6)]. Second- and third-line systemic therapy was given to 57% and 33% of pts, respectively.

Conclusions

Besides the favourable tolerability, PFS and OS were shorter than reported by other trials. Careful patient selection for upfront capecitabine and bevacizumab is essential.
Effects of comprehensive intervention on health-related quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis B in China
Authors: Chao Jianqian , Song Long , Zhang Hua , Zhu Liguo , Tian Lin , Jin Hui , Liu Pei
Published: October 2013

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health problem, especially in China. Chronic liver disease affects health related quality of life (HRQOL). The intervention method to improve HRQOL in patients with hepatitis B has been one-dimensional with inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of comprehensive intervention on health-related quality of life and provide guidance on improving HRQOL for patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Methods

Patients with chronic hepatitis B eligible for our study were randomly selected in three model regions of Jiangsu Province in June 2010. 272 patients were invited and 254 took part, with a refusal rate of 6.62%. Comprehensive intervention included government support, technical guidance from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, standardised medical care, and community involvement. HRQOL before and 1 year after intervention was measured with the Short Form 36 and HBV-specific health surveys. Chi-square test, t-test and multiple linear regressive analyses were used.

Results

After comprehensive intervention, the HRQOL in patients with chronic hepatitis B showed significantly improvements in bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, and mental, as well as physical and mental component score (p < 0.05). Family and social support increased, and financial concerns decreased (p < 0.05). Marital status, duration of illness-related absence from work, education level, family financial status, and health insurance type were important factors affecting HRQOL change between the baseline and final assessment in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Conclusion

The comprehensive intervention was effective in improving the HRQOL of patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Trial registration

ChiCTR-OCH-12001882
Rat pulmonary responses to inhaled nano-TiO2: effect of primary particle size and agglomeration state
Authors: Noël Alexandra , Charbonneau Michel , Cloutier Yves , Tardif Robert , Truchon Ginette
Published: October 2013

Background

The exact role of primary nanoparticle (NP) size and their degree of agglomeration in aerosols on the determination of pulmonary effects is still poorly understood. Smaller NP are thought to have greater biological reactivity, but their level of agglomeration in an aerosol may also have an impact on pulmonary response. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of primary NP size and the agglomeration state in aerosols, using well-characterized TiO2 NP, on their relative pulmonary toxicity, through inflammatory, cytotoxic and oxidative stress effects in Fisher 344 male rats.

Methods

Three different sizes of TiO2 NP, i.e., 5, 10–30 or 50 nm, were inhaled as small (SA) (< 100 nm) or large agglomerates (LA) (> 100 nm) at 20 mg/m3 for 6 hours.

Results

Compared to the controls, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) showed that LA aerosols induced an acute inflammatory response, characterized by a significant increase in the number of neutrophils, while SA aerosols produced significant oxidative stress damages and cytotoxicity. Data also demonstrate that for an agglomeration state smaller than 100 nm, the 5 nm particles caused a significant increase in cytotoxic effects compared to controls (assessed by an increase in LDH activity), while oxidative damage measured by 8-isoprostane concentration was less when compared to 10–30 and 50 nm particles. In both SA and LA aerosols, the 10–30 nm TiO2 NP size induced the most pronounced pro-inflammatory effects compared to controls.

Conclusions

Overall, this study showed that initial NP size and agglomeration state are key determinants of nano-TiO2 lung inflammatory reaction, cytotoxic and oxidative stress induced effects.
Comparison of the osmoregulatory capabilities among three amphibious sea snakes (Laticauda spp.) in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Yuan-Cheng , Tu Ming-Chung , Tsai Jyuan-Ru , Lin Hui-Chen , Lin Li-Yih
Published: October 2013

Background

The three species of amphibious sea snakes (Laticauda semifasciata, L. laticaudata, and L. colubrina) in Taiwan were described as having different habitat affinities from terrestrial to marine. In this study, the osmoregulatory capabilities of three species were compared to test if their capabilities were associated with different habitat affinities.

Results

The sea snakes were transferred from a terrestrial environment to freshwater (FW) or seawater (SW) for 1 week, and then, Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activities of the salt gland (sublingual glands) and kidneys, the water content of the muscles, the body fluid osmolality, and Na+, Cl−, and K+ concentrations were measured. Results showed that the body fluid osmolality, Na+ and Cl− levels, and muscle water content of most marine species, L. semifasciata, remained relatively constant, and the NKA activity of its salt gland was approximately threefold higher than those of L. laticaudata and L. colubrina. In both L. semifasciata and L. laticaudata, NKA activities of the salt glands were higher in SW than in FW; however, no significant change was found in L. colubrina (the most terrestrial species).

Conclusions

This study suggests that the NKA activity of the sublingual gland is associated with salt excretion, and the three species possess different osmoregulatory strategies which are associated with their habitat affinities.
Uptake and mitochondrial dysfunction of alpha-synuclein in human astrocytes, cortical neurons and fibroblasts
Authors: Braidy Nady , Gai Wei-Ping , Xu Ying Hua , Sachdev Perminder , Guillemin Gilles J , Jiang Xing-Mai , Ballard J William O , Horan Martin P , Fang Zhi Ming , Chong Beng H , Chan DanielKam Yin
Published: October 2013

The accumulation and aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in several tissue including the brain is a major pathological hallmark in Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this study, we show that α-syn can be taken up by primary human cortical neurons, astrocytes and skin-derived fibroblastsin vitro. Our findings that brain and peripheral cells exposed to α-syn can lead to impaired mitochondrial function, leading to cellular degeneration and cell death, provides additional evidence for the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction as a mechanism of toxicity of α-syn in human cells.
Photocatalytic bacterial inactivation by TiO2-coated surfaces
Authors: Bonetta Silvia , Bonetta Sara , Motta Francesca , Strini Alberto , Carraro Elisabetta
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the photoactivated antibacterial activity of titanium dioxide (TiO2)-coated surfaces. Bacterial inactivation was evaluated using TiO2-coated Petri dishes. The experimental conditions optimized with Petri dishes were used to test the antibacterial effect of TiO2-coated ceramic tiles. The best antibacterial effect with Petri dishes was observed at 180, 60, 30 and 20 min of exposure for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas putida and Listeria innocua, respectively. The ceramic tiles demonstrated a photoactivated bactericidal effect at the same exposure time. In general, no differences were observed between the antibacterial effect obtained with Petri dishes and tiles. However, the photochemical activity of Petri dishes was greater than the activity of the tiles.

Results obtained indicates that the TiO2-coated surfaces showed a photoactivated bactericidal effect with all bacteria tested highlighting that the titania could be used in the ceramic and building industry for the production of coated surfaces to be placed in microbiologically sensitive environments, such as the hospital and food industry.
Hybrid poplar plantations are suitable habitat for reintroduced forest herbs with conservation status
Authors: Boothroyd-Roberts Kathleen , Gagnon Daniel , Truax Benoit
Published: October 2013

Plantations of fast-growing tree species may be of use in conservation by accelerating the restoration of forest habitat on abandoned farmland and increasing connectivity in fragmented landscapes. The objective of this study was to determine if hybrid poplar plantations can be suitable habitats for the reintroduction of native forest plant species and, if so, which abiotic factors predict successful reintroduction. Four species of forest herb species (Trillium grandiflorum, Sanguinaria canadensis, Maianthemum racemosum, Asarum canadense), of which three have legal conservation status, were transplanted into experimental plantations of two hybrid poplar clones and nearby second-growth woodlots at six sites in southern Quebec, Canada. The transplanted individuals were protected from deer browsing with exclusion cages. After two years, the plant responses of all four species were stable or increased over two years in both types of hybrid poplar plantations. Sanguinaria showed a better response in the plantations than in the woodlots, preferring the rich post-agricultural soils of the plantations with low C:N ratios. Asarum and Maianthemum showed no significant difference between stand types, while Trillium grew better in the woodlots than in the plantations. Much of the variability in the response of the latter three species was unexplained by the measured environmental variables. These results suggest that certain forest herb species can be reintroduced as juvenile plants into plantations, knowing that their spontaneous recolonization is often limited by dispersal and/or seedling establishment. Plantations could also contribute to the conservation of biodiversity by providing an environment for the cultivation of forest herb species as an alternative to their destructive harvest from natural populations.
Selective inhibition of spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) with a novel orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor, RO9021, impinges on various innate and adaptive immune responses: implications for SYK inhibitors in autoimmune disease therapy
Authors: Liao Cheng , Hsu Jonathan , Kim Yong , Hu Dong-Qing , Xu Daigen , Zhang Jun , Pashine Achal , Menke John , Whittard Toni , Romero Natasha , Truitt Theresa , Slade Michelle , Lukacs Christine , Hermann Johannes , Zhou Mingyan , Lucas Matthew , Narula Satwant , DeMartino Julie , Tan Seng-Lai
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) is a key integrator of intracellular signals triggered by activated immunoreceptors, including Bcell receptors (BCR) and Fc receptors, which are important for the development and function of lymphoid cells. Given the clinical efficacy of Bcell depletion in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, pharmacological modulation of Bcells using orally active small molecules that selectively target SYK presents an attractive alternative therapeutic strategy.

Methods

A SYK inhibitor was developed and assayed in various in vitro systems and in the mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis (mCIA).

Results

A novel ATP-competitive inhibitor of SYK, 6-[(1R,2S)-2-Amino-cyclohexylamino]-4-(5,6-dimethyl-pyridin-2-ylamino)-pyridazine-3-carboxylic acid amide, designated RO9021, with an adequate kinase selectivity profile and oral bioavailability, was developed. In addition to suppression of BCR signaling in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and whole blood, FcγR signaling in human monocytes, and FcϵR signaling in human mast cells, RO9021 blocked osteoclastogenesis from mouse bone marrow macrophages in vitro. Interestingly, Toll-like Receptor (TLR) 9 signaling in human Bcells was inhibited by RO9021, resulting in decreased levels of plasmablasts, immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG upon B-cell differentiation. RO9021 also potently inhibited type I interferon production by human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) upon TLR9 activation. This effect is specific to TLR9 as RO9021 did not inhibit TLR4- or JAK-STAT-mediated signaling. Finally, oral administration of RO9021 inhibited arthritis progression in the mCIA model, with observable pharmacokinetics (PK)-pharmacodynamic (PD) correlation.

Conclusions

Inhibition of SYK kinase activity impinges on various innate and adaptive immune responses. RO9021 could serve as a starting point for the development of selective SYK inhibitors for the treatment of inflammation-related and autoimmune-related disorders.
Incidence, risk factors and prediction of post-operative acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery for active infective endocarditis: an observational study
Authors: Legrand Matthieu , Pirracchio Romain , Rosa Anne , Petersen Maya L , Van der Laan Mark , Fabiani Jean-Noël , Fernandez-gerlinger Marie-paule , Podglajen Isabelle , Safran Denis , Cholley Bernard , Mainardi Jean-Luc
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Cardiac surgery is frequently needed in patients with infective endocarditis (IE). Acute kidney injury (AKI) often complicates IE and is associated with poor outcomes. The purpose of the study was to determine the risk factors for post-operative AKI in patients operated on for IE.

Methods

A retrospective, non-interventional study of prospectively collected data (2000–2010) included patients with IE and cardiac surgery with cardio-pulmonary bypass. The primary outcome was post-operative AKI, defined as the development of AKI or progression of AKI based on the acute kidney injury network (AKIN) definition. We used ensemble machine learning (“Super Learning”) to develop a predictor of AKI based on potential risk factors, and evaluated its performance using V-fold cross validation. We identified clinically important predictors among a set of risk factors using Targeted Maximum Likelihood Estimation.

Results

202 patients were included, of which 120 (59%) experienced a post-operative AKI. 65 (32.2%) patients presented an AKI before surgery while 91 (45%) presented a progression of AKI in the post-operative period. 20 patients (9.9%) required a renal replacement therapy during the post-operative ICU stay and 30 (14.8%) died during their hospital stay. The following variables were found to be significantly associated with renal function impairment, after adjustment for other risk factors: multiple surgery (OR: 4.16, 95% CI: 2.98-5.80, p<0.001), pre-operative anemia (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.34-2.66, p<0.001), transfusion requirement during surgery (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.55-3.63, p<0.001), and the use of vancomycin (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 2.07-3.34, p<0.001), aminoglycosides (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.13-1.83, p=0.004) or contrast iodine (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.37-2.12, p<0.001). Post-operative but not pre-operative AKI was associated with hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Post-operative AKI following cardiopulmonary bypass for IE results from additive hits to the kidney. We identified several potentially modifiable risk factors such as treatment with vancomycin or aminoglycosides or pre-operative anemia.