bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide sequence-based prediction of peripheral proteins using a novel semi-supervised learning technique
Authors: Bhardwaj Nitin , Gerstein Mark , Lu Hui
Published: January 2010

Background

In supervised learning, traditional approaches to building a classifier use two sets of examples with pre-defined classes along with a learning algorithm. The main limitation of this approach is that examples from both classes are required which might be infeasible in certain cases, especially those dealing with biological data. Such is the case for membrane-binding peripheral domains that play important roles in many biological processes, including cell signaling and membrane trafficking by reversibly binding to membranes. For these domains, a well-defined positive set is available with domains known to bind membrane along with a large unlabeled set of domains whose membrane binding affinities have not been measured. The aforementioned limitation can be addressed by a special class of semi-supervised machine learning called positive-unlabeled (PU) learning that uses a positive set with a large unlabeled set.

Methods

In this study, we implement the first application of PU-learning to a protein function prediction problem: identification of peripheral domains. PU-learning starts by identifying reliable negative (RN) examples iteratively from the unlabeled set until convergence and builds a classifier using the positive and the final RN set. A data set of 232 positive cases and ~3750 unlabeled ones were used to construct and validate the protocol.

Results

Holdout evaluation of the protocol on a left-out positive set showed that the accuracy of prediction reached up to 95% during two independent implementations.

Conclusion

These results suggest that our protocol can be used for predicting membrane-binding properties of a wide variety of modular domains. Protocols like the one presented here become particularly useful in the case of availability of information from one class only.
1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D-mediated orchestration of anticancer, transcript-level effects in the immortalized, non-transformed prostate epithelial cell line, RWPE1
Authors: Kovalenko Pavlo L , Zhang Zhentao , Cui Min , Clinton Steve K , Fleet James C
Published: January 2010

Background

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality among US men. Epidemiological evidence suggests that high vitamin D status protects men from prostate cancer and the active form of vitamin D, 1α,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3(1,25(OH)2D) has anti-cancer effects in cultured prostate cells. Still, the molecular mechanisms and the gene targets for vitamin D-mediated prostate cancer prevention are unknown.

Results

We examined the effect of 1,25(OH)2D (+/- 100 nM, 6, 24, 48 h) on the transcript profile of proliferating RWPE1 cells, an immortalized, non-tumorigenic prostate epithelial cell line that is growth arrested by 1,25(OH)2D (Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0, n = 4/treatment per time and dose). Our analysis revealed many transcript level changes at a 5% false detection rate: 6 h, 1571 (61% up), 24 h, 1816 (60% up), 48 h, 3566 (38% up). 288 transcripts were regulated similarly at all time points (182 up, 80 down) and many of the promoters for these transcripts contained putative vitamin D response elements. Functional analysis by pathway or Gene Set Analysis revealed early suppression of WNT, Notch, NF-kB, and IGF1 signaling. Transcripts related to inflammation were suppressed at 6 h (e.g. IL-1 pathway) and suppression of proinflammatory pathways continued at later time points (e.g. IL-17 and IL-6 pathways). There was also evidence for induction of anti-angiogenic pathways and induction of transcripts for protection from oxidative stress or maintenance of cell redox homeostasis at 6 h.

Conclusions

Our data reveal of large number of potential new, direct vitamin D target genes relevant to prostate cancer prevention. In addition, our data suggests that rather than having a single strong regulatory effect, vitamin D orchestrates a pattern of changes within prostate epithelial cells that limit or slow carcinogenesis.
Adaptation of NS cells growth and differentiation to high-throughput screening-compatible plates
Authors: Garavaglia Alessia , Moiana Alessia , Camnasio Stefano , Bolognini Daniele , Papait Roberto , Rigamonti Dorotea , Cattaneo Elena
Published: January 2010

Background

There is an urgent need of neuronal cell models to be applied to high-throughput screening settings while recapitulating physiological and/or pathological events occurring in the Central Nervous System (CNS). Stem cells offer a great opportunity in this direction since their self renewal capacity allows for large scale expansion. Protocols for directed differentiation also promise to generate populations of biochemically homogenous neuronal progenies. NS (Neural Stem) cells are a novel population of stem cells that undergo symmetric cell division in monolayer and chemically defined media, while remaining highly neurogenic.

Results

We report the full adaptation of the NS cell systems for their growth and neuronal differentiation to 96- and 384-well microplates. This optimized system has also been exploited in homogeneous and high-content assays.

Conclusions

Our results show that these mouse NS cells may be suitable for a series of applications in high-throughput format.
Chronic non-transmural infarction has a delayed recovery of function following revascularization
Authors: Ugander Martin , Cain Peter A , Johnsson Per , Palmer John , Arheden Håkan
Published: January 2010

Background

The time course of regional functional recovery following revascularization with regards to the presence or absence of infarction is poorly known. We studied the effect of the presence of chronic non-transmural infarction on the time course of recovery of myocardial perfusion and function after elective revascularization.

Methods

Eighteen patients (mean age 69, range 52-84, 17 men) prospectively underwent cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), delayed contrast enhanced MRI and rest/stress 99m-Tc-tetrofosmin single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) before, one and six months after elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Results

Dysfunctional myocardial segments (n = 337/864, 39%) were classified according to the presence (n = 164) or absence (n = 173) of infarction. Infarct transmurality in dysfunctional segments was largely non-transmural (transmurality = 31 ± 22%). Quantitative stress perfusion and wall thickening increased at one month in dysfunctional segments without infarction (p < 0.001), with no further improvement at six months. Despite improvements in stress perfusion at one month (p < 0.001), non-transmural infarction displayed a slower and lesser improvement in wall thickening at one (p < 0.05) and six months (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Dysfunctional segments without infarction represent repetitively stunned or hibernating myocardium, and these segments improved both perfusion and function within one month after revascularization with no improvement thereafter. Although dysfunctional segments with non-transmural infarction improved in perfusion at one month, functional recovery was mostly seen between one and six months, possibly reflecting a more severe ischemic burden. These findings may be of value in the clinical assessment of regional functional recovery in the time period after revascularization.
Partner notification for sexually transmitted infections in developing countries: a systematic review
Authors: Alam Nazmul , Chamot Eric , Vermund Sten H , Streatfield Kim , Kristensen Sibylle
Published: January 2010

Background

The feasibility and acceptability of partner notification (PN) for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in developing countries was assessed through a comprehensive literature review, to help identify future intervention needs.

Methods

The Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify studies published between January 1995 and December 2007 on STI PN in developing countries. A systematic review of the research extracted information on: (1) willingness of index patients to notify partners; (2) the proportion of partners notified or referred; (3) client-reported barriers in notifying partners; (4) infrastructure barriers in notifying partners; and (5) PN approaches that were evaluated in developing countries.

Results

Out of 609 screened articles, 39 met our criteria. PN outcome varied widely and was implemented more often for spousal partners than for casual or commercial partners. Reported barriers included sociocultural factors such as stigma, fear of abuse for having an STI, and infrastructural factors related to the limited number of STD clinics, and trained providers and reliable diagnostic methods. Client-oriented counselling was found to be effective in improving partner referral outcomes.

Conclusions

STD clinics can improve PN with client-oriented counselling, which should help clients to overcome perceived barriers. The authors speculate that well-designed PN interventions to evaluate the impact on STI prevalence and incidence along with cost-effectiveness components will motivate policy makers in developing countries to allocate more resources towards STI management.
Expression and display of UreA of Helicobacter acinonychis on the surface of Bacillus subtilis spores
Authors: Hinc Krzysztof , Isticato Rachele , Dembek Marcin , Karczewska Joanna , Iwanicki Adam , Peszyńska-Sularz Grażyna , De Felice Maurilio , Obuchowski Michał , Ricca Ezio
Published: January 2010

Background

The bacterial endospore (spore) has recently been proposed as a new surface display system. Antigens and enzymes have been successfully exposed on the surface layers of the Bacillus subtilis spore, but only in a few cases the efficiency of expression and the effective surface display and have been determined. We used this heterologous expression system to produce the A subunit of the urease of the animal pathogen Helicobater acinonychis. Ureases are multi-subunit enzymes with a central role in the virulence of various bacterial pathogens and necessary for colonization of the gastric mucosa by the human pathogen H. pylori. The urease subunit UreA has been recognized as a major antigen, able to induce high levels of protection against challenge infections.

Results

We expressed UreA from H. acinonychis on the B. subtilis spore coat by using three different spore coat proteins as carriers and compared the efficiency of surface expression and surface display obtained with the three carriers. A combination of western-, dot-blot and immunofluorescence microscopy allowed us to conclude that, when fused to CotB, UreA is displayed on the spore surface (ca. 1 × 103 recombinant molecules per spore), whereas when fused to CotC, although most efficiently expressed (7-15 × 103 recombinant molecules per spore) and located in the coat layer, it is not displayed on the surface. Experiments with CotG gave results similar to those with CotC, but the CotG-UreA recombinant protein appeared to be partially processed.

Conclusion

UreA was efficiently expressed on the spore coat of B. subtilis when fused to CotB, CotC or CotG. Of these three coat proteins CotC allows the highest efficiency of expression, whereas CotB is the most appropriate for the display of heterologous proteins on the spore surface.
Molecular characterization of the virulent infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) strain 220-90
Authors: Ammayappan Arun , LaPatra Scott E , Vakharia Vikram N
Published: January 2010

Background

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is the type species of the genus Novirhabdovirus, within the family Rhabdoviridae, infecting several species of wild and hatchery reared salmonids. Similar to other rhabdoviruses, IHNV has a linear single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome of approximately 11,000 nucleotides. The IHNV genome encodes six genes; the nucleocapsid, phosphoprotein, matrix protein, glycoprotein, non-virion protein and polymerase protein genes, respectively. This study describes molecular characterization of the virulent IHNV strain 220-90, belonging to the M genogroup, and its phylogenetic relationships with available sequences of IHNV isolates worldwide.

Results

The complete genomic sequence of IHNV strain 220-90 was determined from the DNA of six overlapping clones obtained by RT-PCR amplification of genomic RNA. The complete genome sequence of 220-90 comprises 11,133 nucleotides (GenBank GQ413939) with the gene order of 3'-N-P-M-G-NV-L-5'. These genes are separated by conserved gene junctions, with di-nucleotide gene spacers. An additional uracil nucleotide was found at the end of the 5'-trailer region, which was not reported before in other IHNV strains. The first 15 of the 16 nucleotides at the 3'- and 5'-termini of the genome are complementary, and the first 4 nucleotides at 3'-ends of the IHNV are identical to other novirhadoviruses. Sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis of the glycoprotein genes show that 220-90 strain is 97% identical to most of the IHNV strains. Comparison of the virulent 220-90 genomic sequences with less virulent WRAC isolate shows more than 300 nucleotides changes in the genome, which doesn't allow one to speculate putative residues involved in the virulence of IHNV.

Conclusion

We have molecularly characterized one of the well studied IHNV isolates, 220-90 of genogroup M, which is virulent for rainbow trout, and compared phylogenetic relationship with North American and other strains. Determination of the complete nucleotide sequence is essential for future studies on pathogenesis of IHNV using a reverse genetics approach and developing efficient control strategies.
Correlating lesion size and location to deficits after ischemic stroke: the influence of accounting for altered peri-necrotic tissue and incidental silent infarcts
Authors: Alexander Lisa D , Black Sandra E , Gao Fuqiang , Szilagyi Gregory , Danells Cynthia J , McIlroy William E
Published: January 2010

Background

Investigators frequently quantify and evaluate the location and size of stroke lesions to help uncover cerebral anatomical correlates of deficits observed after first-ever stroke. However, it is common to discover silent infarcts such as lacunes in patients identified clinically as 'first-ever' stroke, and it is unclear if including these incidental findings may impact lesion-based investigations of brain-behaviour relationships. There is also debate concerning how to best define the boundaries of necrotic stroke lesions that blend in an ill-defined way into surrounding tissue, as it is unclear whether including this altered peri-necrotic tissue region may influence studies of brain-behaviour relationships. Therefore, for patients with clinically overt stroke, we examined whether including altered peri-necrotic tissue and incidental silent strokes influenced either lesion volume correlations with a measure of sensorimotor impairment or the anatomical localization of this impairment established using subtraction lesion analysis.

Methods

Chronic stroke lesions of 41 patients were manually traced from digital T1-MRI to sequentially include the: necrotic lesion core, altered peri-necrotic tissue, silent lesions in the same hemisphere as the index lesion, and silent lesions in the opposite hemisphere. Lesion volumes for each region were examined for correlation with motor impairment scores, and subtraction analysis was used to highlight anatomical lesion loci associated with this deficit.

Results

For subtraction lesion analysis, including peri-necrotic tissue resulted in a larger region of more frequent damage being seen in the basal ganglia. For correlational analysis, only the volume of the lesion core was significantly associated with motor impairment scores (r = -0.35,p= 0.025). In a sub-analysis of patients with small subcortical index lesions, adding silent lesions in the opposite hemisphere to the volume of the index stroke strengthened the volume-impairment association.

Conclusions

Including peri-necrotic tissue strengthened lesion localization analysis, but the influence of peri-necrotic tissue and incidental lesions on lesion volume correlations with motor impairment was negligible barring a small index lesion. Overall, the potential influence of incidental lesions and peri-necrotic tissue on brain-behaviour relationships may depend on the characteristics of the index stroke and on whether one is examining the relationship between lesion volume and impairment or lesion location and impairment.
Axotomy-induced neurotrophic withdrawal causes the loss of phenotypic differentiation and downregulation of NGF signalling, but not death of septal cholinergic neurons
Authors: Lazo Oscar M , Mauna Jocelyn C , Pissani Claudia A , Inestrosa Nibaldo C , Bronfman Francisca C
Published: January 2010

Background

Septal cholinergic neurons account for most of the cholinergic innervations of the hippocampus, playing a key role in the regulation of hippocampal synaptic activity. Disruption of the septo-hippocampal pathway by an experimental transection of the fimbria-fornix drastically reduces the target-derived trophic support received by cholinergic septal neurons, mainly nerve growth factor (NGF) from the hippocampus. Axotomy of cholinergic neurons induces a reduction in the number of neurons positive for cholinergic markers in the medial septum. In several studies, the reduction of cholinergic markers has been interpreted as analogous to the neurodegeneration of cholinergic cells, ruling out the possibility that neurons lose their cholinergic phenotype without dying. Understanding the mechanism of cholinergic neurodegeneration after axotomy is relevant, since this paradigm has been extensively explored as an animal model of the cholinergic impairment observed in neuropathologies such as Alzheimer's disease.

The principal aim of this study was to evaluate, using modern quantitative confocal microscopy, neurodegenerative changes in septal cholinergic neurons after axotomy and to assess their response to delayed infusion of NGF in rats.

Results

We found that there is a slow reduction of cholinergic cells labeled by ChAT and p75 after axotomy. However, this phenomenon is not accompanied by neurodegenerative changes or by a decrease in total neuronal number in the medial septum. Although the remaining axotomized-neurons appear healthy, they are unable to respond to delayed NGF infusion.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that at 3 weeks, axotomized cholinergic neurons lose their cholinergic phenotype without dying and down-regulate their NGF-receptors, precluding the possibility of a response to NGF. Therefore, the physiological role of NGF in the adult septal cholinergic system is to support phenotypic differentiation and not survival of neurons. This evidence raises questions about the relationship between transcriptional regulation of the cholinergic phenotype by retrograde-derived trophic signaling and the transcriptional changes experienced when retrograde transport is impaired due to neuropathological conditions.
Non-traumatic fractures following seizures: two case reports
Authors: Ach Koussay , Slim Ines , Ajmi Sihem Trimech , Chaieb Molka Chadli , Beizig Amel Maaroufi , Chaieb Larbi
Published: January 2010

Introduction

Seizures with or without trauma may cause fractures that occur commonly in epileptic seizures. Fracture risk is less reported in non-epileptic seizures. Some metabolic conditions leading to a decrease in bone mineral density may cause fractures secondary to non-epileptic seizure.

Case presentation

We describe two cases of non-traumatic acetabular and vertebrae fractures following seizures without history of epilepsy. They occurred in two male patients, 18 and 48 years old suffering respectively from hypercorticism and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Seizures, occurring inside hospital, were secondary to hypertensive encephalopathy crisis with hypokaliemia in the first case and severe hypoglycaemia in the second one. Fracture was promoted by a decrease in mineral bone density caused respectively by hypercorticism and diabetic chronic renal failure.

Conclusion

These observations emphasize that fracture prevention among patients with decreased mineral bone density should include the avoidance of metabolic causes of seizure.
Seismic modeling and analysis of a prototype heated nuclear waste storage tunnel, Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Authors: Smith Steven , Snieder Roel
Published: January 2010

We have developed seismic velocity models for the heated rock surrounding a tunnel in Yucca Mountain tuff and compared the results with field data obtained at the Yucca Mountain drift scale test (DST) facility from 1998 to 2002. During that time, the tunnel was heated to replicate the effects of long-term storage of decaying nuclear waste and to study the effects of extreme temperatures on the surrounding rock and groundwater flow. Our velocity models are based on borehole temperature data, thermal models, and laboratory measurements on granite. Comparisons between field and synthetic seismograms show that superheating the rock around the tunnel causes thermally induced variations in P- and S-wave arrival-time separation. Barring out-of-plane reflections, 2D spectral element waveform modeling in the source plane consistently replicates seismic receiver waveforms and classic behavior of pulses reflected from cylinders. Our models constrain the in situ [Formula: see text] velocity/temperature derivative of the tuff to be approximately [Formula: see text] per [Formula: see text]. This velocity change is consistent with thermally induced wavespeed changes in dry rock samples and is lower than expected for water-to-steam conversion in saturated rock. We infer that velocity changes are controlled by thermal expansion and fracturing. Additionally, we have developed an improved method for monitoring tunnel conditions that uses waves diffracted around the tunnel in the region of changing velocity.
Variation of unjacketed pore compressibility using Gassmann’s equation and an overdetermined set of volumetric poroelastic measurements
Authors: Hart David J. , Wang Herbert F.
Published: January 2010

Gassmann’s original equation provides a means to relate bulk elastic parameters of a porous material with the compressibility of the pore fluid. The original analysis assumed microhomogeneity and isotropy, which assumed that pore compressibility was equal to grain compressibility. Although subsequent theoretical arguments have shown that Gassmann’s original assumption is violated for most rocks and that pore compressibility need not equal grain compressibility, few experimental studies have compared the two compressibilities; the assumption that pore compressibility equals grain compressibility is still commonly made. We measured hydrostatic poroelastic constants of Berea sandstone and Indiana limestone under drained, undrained, and unjacketed conditions over a range of confining and pore pressures to test the assumption that pore compressibility equals grain compressibility. These two rocks were chosen because they havesimilar values of porosity but different elastic behaviors: Berea sandstone is nonlinearly elastic, especially at low effective stresses, but Indiana limestone is linearly elastic at nearly all stresses. At low effective stresses below [Formula: see text], the pore compressibility for Berea sandstone does not equal grain compressibility but approaches fluid compressibility. Even at higher effective stresses, pore compressibility for Berea sandstone does not equal bulk grain compressibility but approaches a value approximately two to three times the bulk grain compressibility. In contrast, pore compressibility for Indiana limestone does seem to be equal to grain compressibility except perhaps at low effective stresses below [Formula: see text]. The difference between pore compressibilities of these two rocks is likely from the presence of more compliant clay minerals mixed with quartz grains with more microcracks in the Berea sandstone as compared to the well-cemented Indiana limestone.
Hydrocarbon rank signatures correlate with differential oophagy and dominance behaviour in Polistes dominulus foundresses
Authors: Dapporto L. , Bruschini C. , Cervo R. , Petrocelli I. , Turillazzi S.
Published: January 2010

Social life offers animals increased fitness opportunities. However, the advantages are not evenly distributed and some individuals benefit more than others. The ultimate advantage of reaching the highest rank in a dominance hierarchy is the achievement of reproduction monopoly. In social insects, dominant individuals and queens keep their reproductive control through differential oophagy of unwanted eggs (egg policing). Egg recognition is the main proximate mechanism for maintaining reproductive dominance. In the social wasp Polistes dominulus, subordinate queens often lay eggs in the presence of the dominant individual. Combining gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and laboratory bioassays, we found that chemical differences between eggs of subordinate and dominant foundresses can explain the differential success in oophagy enjoyed by dominant individuals. We propose that dominance behaviour is an investigative behaviour as well as a ritualized agonistic behaviour. In fact, the frequency of dominance acts increases with the chemical similarity of the surfaces of dominant- and subordinate-laid eggs. Therefore, dominant individuals probably perform dominance behaviour to test the cuticular signatures of subordinates and so better assess the chemical profiles of subordinate eggs. Finally, we provide evidence that in particular social contexts, subordinate Polistes foundresses can develop ovaries as large as those of dominant individuals but nevertheless lay very few eggs. The subordinates probably lay a limited number of eggs to avoid unnecessary energy loss, as a result of efficient queen policing, but will start laying eggs as soon as the queen fails.
Limits to vertical force and power production in bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Bombus impatiens)
Authors: Buchwald R. , Dudley R.
Published: January 2010

Maximum vertical forces produced by flying animals can be difficult to identify unequivocally, but potentially indicate general limits to aerodynamic force and muscle power output. We used two methods (i.e. incremental addition of supplemental mass and asymptotic load lifting) to determine both the intraspecific allometry of and methodological differences in estimates of maximum flight performance for the bumblebee Bombus impatiens. We found that incremental mass addition underestimated maximum lifting capacity by approximately 18% relative to values obtained by asymptotically increasing the applied load during a lifting bout. In asymptotic loading, bumblebees lifted on average 53% of their body weight, and demonstrated a significantly negative allometry of maximum aerodynamic force production relative to thoracic muscle mass. Estimates of maximum body mass-specific mechanical power output increased intraspecifically with body mass to the 0.38–0.50 power, depending on values assumed for the profile drag coefficient. We also found a significant reduction in vertical force production when both hindwings were removed. Limits to load-lifting capacity ultimately co-occur with an upper bound on stroke amplitude (∼145 deg.). Although thoracic muscle mass showed positive allometry, overall load-lifting performance exhibited significant size-dependent degradation.
Systemic thyroid hormone is necessary and sufficient to induce ultraviolet-sensitive cone loss in the juvenile rainbow trout retina
Authors: Raine J. C. , Coffin A. B. , Hawryshyn C. W.
Published: January 2010

Rainbow trout possess ultraviolet-sensitive (UVS) cones in their retina that degenerate naturally during development. This phenomenon can be induced with exogenous thyroxine [T4, a thyroid hormone (TH)] treatment. However, the previous T4 exposure experiments employed static water immersion; a method that could introduce confounding stress effects on the fish. Because of this, it was uncertain if T4 alone was sufficient to induce retinal changes or if stress-related hormones were also necessary to initiate this process. Furthermore, it was unclear whether endogenous T4 was the factor responsible for initiating natural UVS cone loss during development. The current study examined the role of systemic T4 on the juvenile rainbow trout retina using a slow-release implant. Exogenous T4 treatment resulted in SWS1 opsin downregulation and UVS cone loss after four weeks of exposure, signifying that T4 is sufficient to induce this process. Blocking endogenous T4 production with propylthiouracil (PTU, an anti-thyroid agent) attenuated SWS1 downregulation and UVS cone loss in the retina of naturally developing rainbow trout, suggesting that endogenous T4 is necessary to initiate retinal remodelling during development. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that several TH-regulating components are expressed in the trout retina, and that expression levels of the TH receptor isoform TRβ and the type 2 deiodinase (D2) change with T4 treatment. This suggests that T4 may act directly on the retina to induce UVS cone loss. Taken together, these results demonstrate that systemic TH is necessary and sufficient to induce SWS1 opsin downregulation and UVS cone loss in the retina of juvenile rainbow trout.
Oxidative stress and the effect of parasites on a carotenoid-based ornament
Authors: Mougeot F. , Martínez-Padilla J. , Blount J. D. , Pérez-Rodríguez L. , Webster L. M. I. , Piertney S. B.
Published: January 2010

Oxidative stress, the physiological condition whereby the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species overwhelms the capacity of antioxidant defences, causes damage to key bio-molecules. It has been implicated in many diseases, and is proposed as a reliable currency in the trade-off between individual health and ornamentation. Whether oxidative stress mediates the expression of carotenoid-based signals, which are among the commonest signals of many birds, fish and reptiles, remains controversial. In the present study, we explored interactions between parasites, oxidative stress and the carotenoid-based ornamentation of red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus. We tested whether removing nematode parasites influenced both oxidative balance (levels of oxidative damage and circulating antioxidant defences) and carotenoid-based ornamentation. At the treatment group level, parasite purging enhanced the size and colouration of ornaments but did not significantly affect circulating carotenoids, antioxidant defences or oxidative damage. However, relative changes in these traits among individuals indicated that males with a greater number of parasites prior to treatment (parasite purging) showed a greater increase in the levels of circulating carotenoids and antioxidants, and a greater decrease in oxidative damage, than those with initially fewer parasites. At the individual level, a greater increase in carotenoid pigmentation was associated with a greater reduction in oxidative damage. Therefore, an individual's ability to express a carotenoid-based ornament appeared to be linked to its current oxidative balance and susceptibility to oxidative stress. Our experimental results suggest that oxidative stress can mediate the impact of parasites on carotenoid-based signals, and we discuss possible mechanisms linking carotenoid-based ornaments to oxidative stress.
Reductive Etherification under Microfluidic Conditions: Application to Practical Synthesis of the FGHIJ-Ring System of Yessotoxin
Authors: Oishi Tohru , Imaizumi Tomoyoshi , Murata Michio
Published: January 2010

Reductive etherification, a key reaction for constructing the H-ring in the convergent synthesis of the FGHIJ-ring system of yessotoxin, was problematic because the yield dramatically decreased upon increasing the scale of the reaction. This issue was solved by the use of a microflow reactor, and a gram scale reaction was successfully performed.
Active Control by External Factors of DNA Recognition Behavior of α-Peptide Ribonucleic Acids Containing Basic Amino Acid Residues
Authors: Wada Takehiko , Sawa Nobuya , Sato Hirofumi , Kikkawa Mayuko , Onodera Keiko , Sakamoto Seiji , Inoue Yoshihisa
Published: January 2010

A series of novel α-peptide ribonucleic acid (αPRNA) oligomers, possessing alternative αPRNA–Gly/Lys sequences, were newly designed, synthesized, and evaluated as the second-generation PRNA. As expected, the αPRNA with Lys formed stable sequence-specific complex with the complementary DNA, for which both the hydrogen-bonding interactions between the complementary nucleobase pairs and the electrostatic interactions between the ammonium cation on the lysine side chain and the DNA phosphate anion on the backbone are jointly responsible.
Template-based In Situ Fabrication and Melamine Sensing of Bis(8-quinolinolato)zinc(II) Complex Nanorod Arrays
Authors: Li Xiang-Zi , Yu Rui , Wei Xian-Wen
Published: January 2010

Parallel polycrystalline bis(8-quinolinolato)zinc(II) complex nanorod arrays, with diameters in the range of 250–320 nm and length of 25 µm, are in situ fabricated by liquid–liquid interfacial precipitation in the pores of porous anodic aluminum oxide membrane. The prepared nanorods show an enhanced photoluminescence emission compared to submicron particles and can be used as a good melamine probe for easy and highly sensitive detection.
An Acid-stable Organoruthenium Complex Suitable as a Bidentate Building Block
Authors: Zheng Chunbai , Inoki Daisuke , Matsumoto Takahiro , Ogo Seiji
Published: January 2010

A new, water-soluble organoruthenium(II) sulfato complex [RuII(SO4)(Bz^py)] {1, Bz^py = 2-(pentamethylbenzyl)pyridine} has been synthesized and is stable at pH from 2.0 to 8.0. This complex has a bidentate sulfato ligand as a leaving group and is a good building block for “concerto catalysis”: a new way of thinking in catalysis that bridges hetero- and homogeneous catalysis.
Belief in the obsessional doubt as a real probability and its relation to other obsessive‐compulsive beliefs and to the severity of symptomatology
Authors: Grenier Sébastien , O'Connor Kieron P. , Bélanger Claude
Published: January 2010

Objectives. Despite the important role of doubt in understanding obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD), current cognitive models of OCD usually do not separate this initial doubt from the anticipated consequence of not ritualizing. The current study evaluates belief in the obsessional doubt as a real probability as an additional cognitive dimension of obsessive‐compulsive (OC) beliefs.

Methods. One hundred and fifteen participants with OCD completed four clinical scales measuring different OC beliefs in: (a) the real probability of obsessional doubt; (b) the realism of anticipated consequences; (c) the degree of conviction in the need to perform rituals; and (d) the perceived ability to resist rituals. The severity of symptomatology was also evaluated.

Design. Using cross‐sectional and longitudinal data, correlational analyses were performed to determine the relationship between OC beliefs as well as to observe how these beliefs may be related to the severity of symptomatology and how they fluctuated over time. Regression analyses were also employed to verify which OC beliefs better predicted the perceived ability to resist rituals.

Results. Belief in the obsessional doubt as a real probability was significantly related to other OC beliefs. Also, levels of belief for the same doubt remained stable for a period of two weeks, but different levels of belief were observed for distinct obsessional doubts measured at the same time. Finally, belief in the obsessional doubt as a real probability better predicted the perceived ability to resist rituals than other OC beliefs.

Conclusions. Belief in the obsessional doubt as a real probability may be an important dimension to consider when evaluating OC beliefs in treatment resistant OCD, particularly in people who have low perceived ability to resist rituals.
Donizetti's Gothic Resurrections
Authors: Esse Melina
Published: January 2010

The preponderance of gothic themes in Italian operas of the early nineteenth century is often cited as one of the few ways essentially conservative Italian composers flirted with the Romantic revolution sweeping the rest of Europe. By 1838, the very ubiquity of these tropes led the Venetian reviewer of Donizetti's gory Maria de Rudenz to plead “exhaustion” with the ever-present “daggers, poisons, and tombs” of the contemporary stage. Based on the French melodrama La Nonne sanglante, Donizetti's sensational opera is almost a litany of gothic tropes. The most disturbing of these is the female body that refuses to die: Maria herself, who rises from the dead to murder her innocent rival. This fleshy specter is musically rendered as a body that is too receptive to emotion, particularly to (imaginary) cries of longing or grief. Significantly, Donizetti's foray into the gothic was also distinguished by a spate of self-borrowing; his 1838 revision of the earlier Gabriella di Vergy borrows material from Maria de Rudenz. Exploring the connections between the trope of gothic resurrection and Donizetti's borrowings highlights how the two works represent a characteristic approach to the gothic, one that mingles a corporeal orientation with more familiar themes of ghostly immateriality.
Prevalence and Associated Clinical Characteristics of Behavior Problems in Constipated Children
Authors: van Dijk Marieke , Benninga Marc A. , Grootenhuis Martha A. , Last Bob F.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE:

Behavior problems are common in children with functional constipation. This study assessed the prevalence of overall, internalizing, and externalizing behavior problems in children with functional constipation and explored which clinical characteristics of constipation are associated with these behavior problems.

METHODS:

Children who had functional constipation, were aged 4 to 18 years, and were referred to the gastrointestinal outpatient clinic at the Emma Children's Hospital were eligible for enrollment. This study made use of baseline data of 133 children who participated in a randomized, controlled trial that evaluated the clinical effectiveness of behavioral therapy compared with conventional treatment. Prevalence of behavior problems was assessed by the Child Behavior Checklist. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to test the association between clinical characteristics and behavior problems.

RESULTS:

The prevalence rate of overall, internalizing, and externalizing behavior problems was considerable: respectively 36.8%, 36.1%, and 27.1% compared with 9% in the Dutch norm population. A long duration of treatment was found to have the strongest association with overall and externalizing behavior problems in children with constipation. Children with constipation and nighttime urinary incontinence have an increased risk for having overall behavior problems. Fecal incontinence and the production of large stools seemed to be exclusively related to externalizing behavior problems.

CONCLUSIONS:

Behavior problems are common in children who have constipation and are referred to gastrointestinal outpatient clinics, suggesting that a behavioral screening should be incorporated into the diagnostic workup of children with constipation.
Prevalence and Correlates of Internalizing Mental Health Symptoms Among CSHCN
Authors: Ghandour Reem M. , Kogan Michael D. , Blumberg Stephen J. , Perry Deborah F.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES:

This study provides nationally representative prevalence estimates of internalizing mental health symptoms among children with special health care needs (CSHCN) and identifies significant covariates of these symptoms by using multivariate regression. Internalizing symptoms include feeling anxious and depressed.

METHODS:

Data were obtained from the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, a nationally representative, parent-reported, cross-sectional survey of 40 465 CSHCN. The presence of internalizing mental health symptoms was assessed by using 2 binary items capturing whether a child had or experienced difficulty with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, or other emotional problems. The odds of experiencing internalizing symptoms were assessed by using multivariate regression, controlling for sociodemographic, health-related, and burden-related covariates.

RESULTS:

A total of 31.9% of CSHCN 3 to 17 years of age experienced internalizing mental health symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression showed internalizing symptoms to be strongly associated with female gender, older age, and frequent activity limitations, as well as externalizing mental health symptoms and conditions with behavioral components. Children with behavior problems had 6 times the odds of internalizing symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 5.95 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.30–6.69]), whereas children with autism spectrum disorder had 3 times the odds (aOR: 3.00 [95% CI: 2.39–3.77]). Increased odds of symptoms also were associated with frequent headaches (aOR: 1.76 [95% CI: 1.45–2.13]) and chronic pain (aOR: 1.46 [95% CI: 1.22–1.75]). Odds of symptoms were greater for children living in households that experienced employment changes or financial burdens resulting from the children's needs.

CONCLUSIONS:

Internalizing mental health symptoms are common among CSHCN. Findings may help caregivers focus screening and prevention efforts for high-risk groups in this heterogeneous population.
Associations Between Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Sleep Patterns in Children
Authors: Yolton Kimberly , Xu Yingying , Khoury Jane , Succop Paul , Lanphear Bruce , Beebe Dean W. , Owens Judith
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) and child sleep patterns among a group of children with asthma who were exposed regularly to tobacco smoke at home.

METHODS:

We studied 219 children who were enrolled in an asthma intervention trial and were exposed regularly to SHS. Serum cotinine levels were used to measure exposure to tobacco smoke, and sleep patterns were assessed through parent reports using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Covariates in adjusted analyses included gender, age, race, maternal marital status, education, and income, prenatal tobacco exposure, maternal depression, Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment total score, household density, asthma severity, and use of asthma medications.

RESULTS:

Exposure to SHS was associated with sleep problems, including longer sleep-onset delay (P = .004), sleep-disordered breathing (P = .02), parasomnias (P = .002), daytime sleepiness (P = .022), and overall sleep disturbance (P = .0002).

CONCLUSIONS:

We conclude that exposure to SHS is associated with increased sleep problems among children with asthma.
Effectiveness of Pentavalent Rotavirus Vaccine in a Large Urban Population in the United States
Authors: Boom Julie A. , Tate Jacqueline E. , Sahni Leila C. , Rench Marcia A. , Hull Jennifer J. , Gentsch Jon R. , Patel Manish M. , Baker Carol J. , Parashar Umesh D.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The goal was to assess the effectiveness of complete (3-dose) or partial (1- or 2-dose) immunization with pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5) against rotavirus acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in US clinical practice.

METHODS:

A case-control evaluation was conducted in February through June 2008 at an emergency department in Houston, Texas. Case patients with rotavirus AGE (N = 90) were identified through testing for rotavirus in fecal specimens obtained from 205 children 15 days through 23 months of age presenting with AGE. Control groups included rotavirus-negative AGE patients (N = 115), concurrently enrolled patients with acute respiratory infection (ARI) (N = 228), and up to 10 age- and zip code-matched children sampled from the Houston-Harris County Immunization Registry (HHCIR) for each case patient >8 months of age. Immunization data were obtained from parent records, health care providers, and/or the HHCIR. Vaccine effectiveness was calculated as 1 minus odds of RV5 vaccination for case patients versus control patients, after adjustment for age at presentation and birth date.

RESULTS:

The vaccine effectiveness of a complete RV5 series was 89% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 70%–96%) and 85% (95% CI: 55%–95%) with rotavirus-negative AGE and ARI control patients, respectively. Immunization data were available for 44% of case patients (n = 40) from the HHCIR; the estimated 3-dose vaccine effectiveness with these HHCIR control patients was 82% (95% CI: 19%–96%). A complete RV5 series conferred 100% protection (95% CI: 71%–100%) against severe rotavirus disease requiring hospitalization and 96% protection (95% CI: 72%–99%) against disease requiring intravenous hydration. Vaccine effectiveness of 1 and 2 doses against hospitalization and emergency department visits was 69% (95% CI: 13%–89%) and 81% (95% CI: 13%–96%), respectively, using rotavirus-negative AGE and ARI control groups combined.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this setting, a complete series of RV5 was highly effective against severe rotavirus AGE. Partial immunization also conferred substantial protection.
Incidence of Fractures Among Children With Burns With Concern Regarding Abuse
Authors: DeGraw Marcus , Hicks Ralph A. , Lindberg Daniel ,   for the Using Liver Transaminases to Recognize Abuse (ULTRA) Study Investigators
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE:

Consensus recommendations state that a radiographic skeletal survey is mandatory for all children <2 years of age with concern for physical abuse. It has been suggested that patients with burns may represent a special subgroup at lower risk for occult fractures, compared with other abused children. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of fractures in children referred for subspecialty abuse evaluations because of burns.

METHODS:

We performed retrospective analyses of data collected as part of the Using Liver Transaminases to Recognize Abuse (ULTRA) research network. Data were collected for all children <5 years of age who were referred to 19 child protection teams for subspecialty child abuse evaluations over 1 year (N = 1676). We compared the rate of fractures in children presenting with burns with that in other children evaluated for abuse.

RESULTS:

Of 97 children <24 months of age with burns, 18 (18.6%) were also found to have fractures. Among all 1203 children <24 months of age, 649 (53.9%) had fractures. Eleven children had multiple fractures, and 12 children had fractures with radiographic evidence of healing. Two children were noted to have classic metaphyseal fractures.

CONCLUSION:

The rate of fractures in children who present with burns and concerns regarding physical abuse is sufficient to support the recommendation for routinely performing skeletal surveys for children <2 years of age.