bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Levels of agreement between student and staff assessments of clinical skills in performing cavity preparation in artificial teeth
Authors: San Diego J. P. , Newton T. , Quinn B. F. A. , Cox M. J. , Woolford M. J.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine the level of agreement between staff and students' assessment of clinical skills in performing tasks related to cavity preparation on a traditional dental manikin.

Methods

Two studies were conducted with two successive student cohorts: Study 1–138 year 1 BDS students in a 2009/10 cohort and Study 2–135 students in a 2010/11 cohort. Staff members and students rated the students' performance in preparing a cavity on a traditional dental manikin using artificial teeth: hand‐held (Study 1) and located in a lower jaw (Study 2).

A 5‐item criterion‐related scoring rubric was developed. The rubric assessed students' abilities to hold the instrument correctly, determine the angle of entry to the tooth, remove the caries, conserve healthy tissues and avoid pulp exposure.

Results

Agreement between the students' self‐assessment and the staff's assessment was high for three of the five criteria (i.e. removal of artificial caries on the cavity wall, removal of artificial caries from the cavity floor and avoidance of pulp exposure). Levels of agreement for the remaining two criteria were moderate. A change in task difficulty affected the levels of agreement between staff and students, such that the more difficult the task, the greater the discrepancy in ratings.

Conclusions

Students tend to overrate the quality of their performance when compared with staff ratings. Task difficulty has an impact on levels of agreement.
Differential roles of the prefrontal cortical subregions and basolateral amygdala in compulsive cocaine seeking and relapse after voluntary abstinence in rats
Authors: Pelloux Yann , Murray Jennifer E. , Everitt Barry J.
Published: July 2013

Compulsive drug use and a persistent vulnerability to relapse are key features of addiction. Imaging studies have suggested that these features may result from deficits in prefrontal cortical structure and function, and thereby impaired top‐down inhibitory control over limbic–striatal mechanisms of drug‐seeking behaviour. We tested the hypothesis that selective damage to distinct subregions of the prefrontal cortex, or to the amygdala, after a short history of cocaine taking would: (i) result in compulsive cocaine seeking at a time when it would not usually be displayed; or (ii) facilitate relapse to drug seeking after abstinence. Rats with selective, bilateral excitotoxic lesions of the basolateral amygdala or anterior cingulate, prelimbic, infralimbic, orbitofrontal or anterior insular cortices were trained to self‐administer cocaine under a seeking–taking chained schedule. Intermittent mild footshock punishment of the cocaine‐seeking response was then introduced. No prefrontal cortical lesion affected the ability of rats to withhold their seeking responses. However, rats with lesions to the basolateral amygdala increased their cocaine‐seeking responses under punishment and were impaired in their acquisition of conditioned fear. Following a 7‐day abstinence period, rats were re‐exposed to the drug‐seeking environment for assessment of relapse in the absence of punishment or cocaine. Rats with prelimbic cortex lesions showed decreased seeking responses during relapse, whereas those with anterior insular cortex lesions showed an increase. Combined, these results show that acute impairment of prefrontal cortical function does not result in compulsive cocaine seeking after a short history of self‐administering cocaine, but further implicates subregions of the prefrontal cortex in relapse.
Carbon dynamics in the future forest: the importance of long‐term successional legacy and climate–fire interactions
Authors: Loudermilk E. Louise , Scheller Robert M. , Weisberg Peter J. , Yang Jian , Dilts Thomas E. , Karam Sarah L. , Skinner Carl
Published: July 2013

Understanding how climate change may influence forest carbon (C) budgets requires knowledge of forest growth relationships with regional climate, long‐term forest succession, and past and future disturbances, such as wildfires and timber harvesting events. We used a landscape‐scale model of forest succession, wildfire, and C dynamics (LANDIS‐II) to evaluate the effects of a changing climate (A2 and B1 IPCC emissions; Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory General Circulation Models) on total forest C, tree species composition, and wildfire dynamics in the Lake Tahoe Basin, California, and Nevada. The independent effects of temperature and precipitation were assessed within and among climate models. Results highlight the importance of modeling forest succession and stand development processes at the landscape scale for understanding the C cycle. Due primarily to landscape legacy effects of historic logging of the Comstock Era in the late 1880s, C sequestration may continue throughout the current century, and the forest will remain a C sink (Net Ecosystem Carbon Balance > 0), regardless of climate regime. Climate change caused increases in temperatures limited simulated C sequestration potential because of augmented fire activity and reduced establishment ability of subalpine and upper montane trees. Higher temperatures influenced forest response more than reduced precipitation. As the forest reached its potential steady state, the forest could become C neutral or a C source, and climate change could accelerate this transition. The future of forest ecosystem C cycling in many forested systems worldwide may depend more on major disturbances and landscape legacies related to land use than on projected climate change alone.
Linking El Niño, local rainfall, and migration timing in a tropical migratory species
Authors: Shaw Allison K. , Kelly Kathryn A.
Published: July 2013

Current climate models project changes in both temperature and precipitation patterns across the globe in the coming years. Migratory species, which move to take advantage of seasonal climate patterns, are likely to be affected by these changes, and indeed, a number of studies have shown a relationship between changing climate and the migration timing of various species. However, these studies have almost exclusively focused on the effects of temperature change on species that inhabit temperate zones. Here, we explore the relationship between rainfall and migration timing in a tropical species, Gecarcoidea natalis (Christmas Island red crab). We find that the timing of the annual crab breeding migration is closely related to the amount of rain that falls during a ‘migration window’ period prior to potential egg release dates, which is in turn related to the Southern Oscillation Index, an atmospheric El Niño‐ Southern Oscillation Index. As reproduction in this species is conditional on successful migration, major changes in migration patterns could have detrimental consequences for the survival of the species. This study serves to broaden our understanding of the effects of climate change on migratory species and will hopefully inspire future work on rainfall and tropical migrations.
Clinical significance of therapy using branched‐chain amino acid granules in patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroki , Osaki Yukio
Published: July 2013

The liver is the major organ for the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrate. A nutritional approach is required in the treatment of cirrhosis, which is frequently complicated with protein–energy malnutrition. Several advanced treatment approaches for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been established in the past decade. HCC is often complicated by cirrhosis, so treatment of the underlying liver diseases is also necessary to improve the prognosis. Branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) granules were developed originally for the treatment of hypoalbuminemia associated with decompensated cirrhosis. However, subsequent studies found various other pharmacological actions of this agent. We review the clinical significance of therapy using BCAA granules in patients receiving different treatment approaches for cirrhosis and HCC based on the published work as well as our own data.
Compensatory responses to insulin resistance in obese African‐American and Latina girls
Authors: Hasson R. E. , Adam T. C. , Davis J. N. , Watanabe R. M. , Goran M. I.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Insulin responses to oral and intravenous glucose markedly differ by ethnicity. This study examined whether ethnic differences in pancreatic insulin secretion, hepatic insulin extraction and clearance explain these disparate findings in 35 obese African–American and 41 Latina girls (Tanner Stages: IV–V; ages: 14–18; body mass index percentile: 85.9–99.8%).

Methods

Pancreatic insulin secretion, hepatic insulin extraction and clearance were estimated by C‐peptide and insulin modeling during an oral glucose tolerance test. Insulin sensitivity (SI), acute insulin response to glucose (AIRG) and disposition index were derived from a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test.

Results

Compared to Latinas, obese African–American adolescents had lower pancreatic insulin secretion (21.3%; P < 0.01), glucose incremental area under the curve (IAUC) (41.7%, P = 0.02), C‐peptide IAUC (25.1%, P < 0.01) and SI (33.7%; P < 0.01). There were no ethnic differences in hepatic insulin extraction and clearance (P's > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compensatory mechanisms to insulin resistance do not appear to explain the ethnic differences in insulin responses to oral and intravenous glucose in obese African–American and Latina girls.
The role of RgpA in the pathogenicity of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the murine periodontitis model
Authors: Wilensky Asaf , Polak David , Houri‐Haddad Yael , Shapira Lior
Published: July 2013

Aim

To investigate the in vivo role of gingipains in Porphyromonas gingivalis' virulence, and suggest a possible host mechanisms through which the bacteria cause alveolar bone loss.

Materials and Methods

Mice were orally infected with P. gingivalis wild type, or the gingipains mutants (RgpA−, Kgp−, RgpA−/Kgp−). Mice were analysed for alveolar bone loss using micro‐computed tomography. The molecular effects of the proteases were evaluated using the subcutaneous chamber model. Mice were infected with P. gingivalis wild type or mutants. Exudates were analysed for cytokine and leukocytes levels, in vivo phagocytosis, P. gingivalis survival and serum anti‐P. gingivalis IgG titres.

Results

Only RgpA‐expressing bacteria induced significantly alveolar bone loss, and suppressed phagocytosis resulting in increased survival of P. gingivalis in the chamber exudates. In addition, RgpA‐expressing bacteria induced higher levels of leukocytes and cytokines 2 h post‐infection, and reduced levels of serum anti‐P. gingivalis IgG titres 7 days post‐infection.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that elimination of RgpA from P. gingivalis diminished inflammation, but augmented phagocytosis and antibody titres, coincidental with reduced alveolar bone loss. These findings support the hypothesis that RgpA is a critical virulence factor in the pathogenesis of experimental periodontitis in mice.
Are Neto1 and APP auxiliary subunits of NMDA receptors?
Authors: Molnár Elek
Published: July 2013

Read the full article ‘Neto1 associates with the NMDA receptor/amyloid precursor protein complex’ on doi: 10.1111/jnc.12280.
Arrestin‐dependent but G‐protein coupled receptor kinase‐independent uncoupling of D2‐dopamine receptors
Authors: Celver Jeremy , Sharma Meenakshi , Thanawala Vaidehi , Christopher Octeau J. , Kovoor Abraham
Published: July 2013

We reconstituted D2 like dopamine receptor (D2R) and the delta opioid receptor (DOR) coupling to G‐protein gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir3) and directly compared the effects of co‐expression of G‐protein coupled receptor kinase (GRK) and arrestin on agonist‐dependent desensitization of the receptor response. We found, as described previously, that co‐expression of a GRK and an arrestin synergistically increased the rate of agonist‐dependent desensitization of DOR. In contrast, only arrestin expression was required to produce desensitization of D2R responses. Furthermore, arrestin‐dependent GRK‐independent desensitization of D2R‐Kir3 coupling could be transferred to DOR by substituting the third cytoplasmic loop of DOR with that of D2R. The arrestin‐dependent GRK‐independent desensitization of D2R desensitization was inhibited by staurosporine treatment, and blocked by alanine substitution of putative protein kinase C phosphorylation sites in the third cytoplasmic loop of D2R. Finally, the D2R construct in which putative protein kinase C phosphorylation sites were mutated did not undergo significant agonist‐dependent desensitization even after GRK co‐expression, suggesting that GRK phosphorylation of D2R does not play an important role in uncoupling of the receptor.

image

The classical model for the uncoupling and desensitization of G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) involves the phosphorylation of the agonist‐bound receptor by G protein coupled receptor kinases (GRK), followed by the binding of arrestin to the GRK phosphorylated agonist‐activated receptor. We reconstituted D2‐dopamine receptor (D2R) signaling in Xenopus oocytes to show that arrestin‐mediated uncoupling of D2R from associated G proteins (Gαβγ) occurs independently of GRKs.
Personal awareness and behavioural choices on having a stoma: a qualitative metasynthesis
Authors: Tao Hui , Songwathana Praneed , Isaramalai Sang‐arun , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To answer how personal awareness and behavioural choices on having a stoma have been described and interpreted in previous qualitative studies.

Background

Over the past two decades, there has been an accumulation of the qualitative studies concerning the experiences of individuals living with a stoma. Synthesising the findings of these studies would be able to improve the understanding among health providers.

Design

Qualitative metasynthesis.

Methods

The literature was obtained through searching CINAHL and PubMed databases for papers published in English, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure database for papers published in Chinese from 1990–March 2012. Sixteen articles were selected using the predefined criteria.

Results

Three themes about personal awareness and behavioural choices on having a stoma were identified: altered self, restricted life and overcoming restrictions. The results showed the impacts of having a stoma through the analysis on connections between personal awareness and behavioural choices.

Conclusions

Having a stoma means that the individuals have to learn to be aware of and accustomed to changes and restrictions in their everyday lives. The individuals take behavioural efforts to overcome these restrictions involving: deciding on whether to reveal or conceal their stomas to others based on the possibility of being accepted or rejected, using internal resources, seeking and receiving external supports.

Relevance to clinical practice

The description and interpretation on personal awareness and behavioural choices associated with having a stoma is useful for nurses in providing practical, informational and emotional supports to help the individuals successfully adapt to their lives with a stoma.
Becoming a father is an emotional roller coaster – an analysis of first‐time fathers′ blogs
Authors: Åsenhed Liselotte , Kilstam Jennie , Alehagen Siw , Baggens Christina
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To identify and describe the process of fatherhood during the partner's pregnancy among expectant, first‐time fathers.

Background

Pregnancy seems to be a demanding period for expectant fathers, and this period is a part of their transition to fatherhood. Blogs can be seen as personal diaries and offer an alternative method of collecting data as they are an arena for sharing experiences and narratives.

Design

An explorative qualitative design.

Methods

Blogs from the Internet by eleven first‐time fathers living in Sweden were included in the study. Qualitative content analysis was used for the analysis of the blogs.

Results

A theme emerged expressing the latent content of the text: ‘Becoming a father for the first time is an emotional roller coaster where the role of the expectant father is not obvious’ and five different categories describing the manifest content: the pregnancy, a new life, to make the child real, preparations for the delivery and the arrival of the child, and a new role in life.

Conclusions

The metaphor ‘roller coaster’ indicates the tension between different feelings about the men's future as fathers. They are searching for answers on how to be a good father. They feel excluded when they visit antenatal care centres and have difficulties finding out how to support their partner. This is an existential period when they understand themselves as adults and also miss relatives who have died. During pregnancy, the men start to communicate with their child, and this interaction gives a sense of reality and creates hope and joy about being a father.

Relevance to clinical practice

Staff involved in antenatal care can use the knowledge from this study when meeting with expectant fathers. Perspectives expressed in blogs may enhance the professionals' understanding that the transition process of fatherhood is complex.
Transversus abdominis plane block provides postoperative analgesic effects after cesarean section: Additional analgesia to epidural morphine alone
Authors: Onishi Yoko , Kato Rie , Okutomi Toshiyuki , Tabata Ken‐ichi , Amano Kan , Unno Nobuya
Published: July 2013

Aim

The aim of our study was: (i) to investigate whether transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block confers additional analgesic effects to epidural morphine alone; and (ii) to determine plasma levels of local anesthetics after TAP block in post‐cesarean women.

Material and Methods

The subjects were parturients undergoing cesarean section under combined spinal‐epidural anesthesia. Morphine (2 mg) was administered to the epidural space close to the end of surgery. Women who desired TAP block were allocated to the TAP group. Women who did not undergo TAP block were allocated to the control group. In the TAP group, 20 mL of either 0.375% ropivacaine or 0.3% levobupivacaine was infused to both sides of the transversus abdominis plane after surgery. All patients were placed on a patient‐controlled i.v. analgesia regimen with morphine after surgery. Time to the first morphine request and amount of morphine consumption within 24 h after surgery were compared in patients with and without TAP block. Plasma concentrations of local anesthetics were determined at 15, 30 and 60 min after TAP block.

Results

Forty and 54 patients were allocated to the control and TAP group, respectively. The median time to the first morphine request was longer (555 vs 215 min), and the median cumulative morphine consumption within 24 h was lower (5.3 vs 7.7 mg) in the TAP group than in the control group. The maximum median concentrations of ropivacaine and bupivacaine after TAP block were 784 and 553 ng/mL, respectively.

Conclusion

TAP block had additional analgesic effects to epidural morphine alone.
Value of Bishop score and ultrasound cervical length measurement in the prediction of cesarean delivery
Authors: Cubal Adelaide , Carvalho Joana , Ferreira Maria João , Rodrigues Graça , Carmo Olímpia Do
Published: July 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Bishop score and cervical length in predicting the outcome of induced labor.

Material and Methods

A prospective observational study was performed during a year in women undergoing labor induction. Prior to the procedure, Bishop score was evaluated by transvaginal digital examination and cervical length was measured by transvaginal ultrasound. Demographic data and labor details were recorded.

Results

A total of 197 women were analyzed; 166 women had a vaginal delivery (84.3%) and 31 had a cesarean section (15.7%). On univariate analysis, nulliparity, Bishop score >5 and cervical length <30 mm were all associated with cesarean delivery. On multivariate analysis, only nulliparity remained significantly associated with cesarean delivery and the other characteristics did not achieve statistical significance. When women were stratified according to parity, there was a significant association between cesarean delivery and nulliparity, but not multiparity.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Bishop score and cervical length are good predictors of successful induction of labor, particularly in nulliparous women.
Hypoxia alters phosphorylation status of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐binding protein‐1 and attenuates biological activities of IGF‐I in HepG2 cell cultures
Authors: Tsunawaki Tomonori , Sakai Keiji , Momomura Mai , Wachi Yuichi , Matsuzawa Yukiko , Iwashita Mitsutoshi
Published: July 2013

Aim

Insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I is known to stimulate fetal growth. One of the IGF‐binding proteins, IGFBP‐1, suppresses IGF‐I activity, and thereby inhibits fetal growth. Because hypoxic stress in the uterus is known to cause fetal growth restriction, we examined the effects of hypoxia on IGFBP‐1 production and phosphorylation status.

Methods

Because liver is a main IGFBP‐1 production site in the fetus, we used a hepatoma cell line, HepG2 cells, that secrete a large amount of IGFBP‐1, express IGF‐I receptors and model fetal liver metabolism in vitro. IGFBP‐1 was analyzed by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) following immunoblotting, and IGFBP‐1 phosphorylation status was analyzed by native PAGE following immunoblotting.

Results

Total concentrations of IGFBP‐1 in media were higher and the highly phosphorylated isoforms were dominant in low oxygen conditions. Phosphorylation of IGF‐I receptor by IGF‐I was attenuated in low oxygen conditions. IGF‐I‐induced phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) was attenuated in low oxygen conditions as well. However, attenuated phosphorylation of IGF‐I receptor and IRS‐1 were not observed in low oxygen conditions if the cells were stimulated with LR3IGF‐I that has a similar binding affinity to IGF‐I receptor but much less binding affinity to IGFBP‐1 compared to those of native IGF‐I. While IGF‐I‐induced cell proliferation was also inhibited in low oxygen conditions, LR3IGF‐I‐stimulated cell proliferation was not inhibited. These findings indicate that low oxygen conditions inhibit IGF‐I action by increasing IGFBP‐1, especially phosphorylated IGFBP‐1, which inhibits IGF‐I action.

Conclusion

This study has indicated that hypoxia‐induced IGFBP‐1 production in the fetus may be a conserved physiological mechanism for restricting IGF‐I‐stimulated fetal growth.
Prenatal diagnosis of X‐linked recessive Lenz microphthalmia syndrome
Authors: Suzumori Nobuhiro , Kaname Tadashi , Muramatsu Yukako , Yanagi Kumiko , Kumagai Kyoko , Mizuno Seiji , Naritomi Kenji , Saitoh Shinji , Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi
Published: July 2013

Lenz microphthalmia syndrome comprises microphthalmia–anophthalmia with mental retardation, malformed ears and skeletal anomalies, and is inherited in an X‐linked recessive pattern. In 2004, it was reported that the missense mutation (BCL‐6 co‐repressor gene [BCOR] c.254C>T, p.P85L) in a single family with Lenz microphthalmia syndrome co‐segregated with the disease phenotype. We report a case of prenatal diagnosis for X‐linked recessive Lenz microphthalmia syndrome with the mutation. A 32‐year‐old gravida 5, para 2 Japanese woman was referred to Nagoya City University Hospital at 15 weeks of gestation. After genetic counseling and informed consent, amniocentesis was performed for fetal karyotyping, which was 46,XY. Using the extracted DNA from cultured amniotic cells, fetal search for BCOR c.254C>T mutation was undertaken. The couple requested medical termination of pregnancy, and the postabortion examination confirmed the diagnosis. This is the third report of a BCOR mutation, associated with X‐linked syndromic microphthalmia, and most importantly, it is always the same mutation. The prenatal genetic diagnosis of the Lenz microphthalmia syndrome allowed time for parental counseling and delivery planning.
Characterization and application of a flow system for in vitro multispecies oral biofilm formation
Authors: Blanc V. , Isabal S. , Sánchez M. C. , Llama‐Palacios A. , Herrera D. , Sanz M. , León R.
Published: July 2013

Background and Objective

Bacteria in the oral cavity grow in the form of biofilms; these structures are subject to constant saliva or gingival crevicular fluid flow conditions. The aims of this study were: (i) to develop and to characterize an in‐vitro biofilm model with oral bacteria growing under flow and shear conditions; and (ii) to demonstrate the usefulness of the model for evaluating the activity of three antiplaque agents.

Material and Methods

We used a bioreactor to grow the oral bacteria Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Veillonella parvula, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis under planktonic conditions. Biofilms were established using a modified Robbins device on hydroxyapatite (HAP) discs. Three‐ to 7‐d‐old biofilms were analysed using culture methods, scanning electron microscopy, Live/Dead staining and fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (confocal laser scanning microscopy). Finally, we assessed the antimicrobial activity of three mouthrinses [0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), 0.12% chlorhexidine and sodium fluoride (CHX+NaF) and 0.12% chlorhexidine and 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride (CHX+CPC)] using a planktonic test (short interval–killing test) and in our 4‐d biofilm model.

Results

The viable cell counts showed that each species was consistently found in the biofilms throughout the study. The architecture and cell distribution were similar to those described for biofilms in situ, with the exception of a thin layer of living cells that was found close to the HAP. The effectiveness test of the mouthwashes demonstrated that cells in biofilms showed more tolerance compared with planktonic cells. Moreover, it was observed that in 4‐d biofilm formed in vitro, CHX+CPC caused significantly higher mortality compared with CHX (p = 0.003) and CHX+NaF (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that we have a highly reproducible system for multispecies oral biofilm formation and that it is a useful tool for assessing antibacterial molecules before their clinical evaluation. It also has great potential to be used in basic research on supragingival and subgingival biofilms.
El'gygytgyn impact crater, Chukotka, Arctic Russia: Impact cratering aspects of the 2009 ICDP drilling project
Authors: Koeberl Christian , Pittarello Lidia , Reimold Wolf Uwe , Raschke Ulli , Brigham‐Grette Julie , Melles Martin , Minyuk Pavel
Published: July 2013

The El'gygytgyn impact structure in Chukutka, Arctic Russia, is the only impact crater currently known on Earth that was formed in mostly acid volcanic rocks (mainly of rhyolitic, with some andesitic and dacitic, compositions). In addition, because of its depth, it has provided an excellent sediment trap that records paleoclimatic information for the 3.6 Myr since its formation. For these two main reasons, because of the importance for impact and paleoclimate research, El'gygytgyn was the subject of an International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) drilling project in 2009. During this project, which, due to its logistical and financial challenges, took almost a decade to come to fruition, a total of 642.3 m of drill core was recovered at two sites, from four holes. The obtained material included sedimentary and impactite rocks. In terms of impactites, which were recovered from 316.08 to 517.30 m depth below lake bottom (mblb), three main parts of that core segment were identified: from 316 to 390 mblb polymict lithic impact breccia, mostly suevite, with volcanic and impact melt clasts that locally contain shocked minerals, in a fine‐grained clastic matrix; from 385 to 423 mblb, a brecciated sequence of volcanic rocks including both felsic and mafic (basalt) members; and from 423 to 517 mblb, a greenish rhyodacitic ignimbrite (mostly monomict breccia). The uppermost impactite (316–328 mblb) contains lacustrine sediment mixed with impact‐affected components. Over the whole length of the impactite core, the abundance of shock features decreases rapidly from the top to the bottom of the studied core section. The distinction between original volcanic melt fragments and those that formed later as the result of the impact event posed major problems in the study of these rocks. The sequence that contains fairly unambiguous evidence of impact melt (which is not very abundant anyway, usually less than a few volume%) is only about 75 m thick. The reason for this rather thin fallback impactite sequence may be the location of the drill core on an elevated part of the central uplift. A general lack of large coherent melt bodies is evident, similar to that found at the similarly sized Bosumtwi impact crater in Ghana that, however, was formed in a target composed of a thin layer of sediment above crystalline rocks.
The Ktr potassium transport system in Staphylococcus aureus and its role in cell physiology, antimicrobial resistance and pathogenesis
Authors: Gries Casey M. , Bose Jeffrey L. , Nuxoll Austin S. , Fey Paul D. , Bayles Kenneth W.
Published: July 2013

Potassium (K+) plays a vital role in bacterial physiology, including regulation of cytoplasmic pH, turgor pressure and transmembrane electrical potential. Here, we examine the Staphylococcus aureus Ktr system uniquely comprised of two ion‐conducting proteins (KtrB and KtrD) and only one regulator (KtrA). Growth of Ktr system mutants was severely inhibited under K+ limitation, yet detectable after an extended lag phase, indicating the presence of a secondary K+ transporter. Disruption of both ktrA and the Kdp‐ATPase system, important for K+ uptake in other organisms, eliminated regrowth in 0.1 mM K+, demonstrating a compensatory role for Kdp to the Ktr system. Consistent with K+ transport mutations, S. aureus devoid of the Ktr system became sensitive to hyperosmotic conditions, exhibited a hyperpolarized plasma membrane, and increased susceptibility to aminoglycoside antibiotics and cationic antimicrobials. In contrast to other organisms, the S. aureus Ktr system was shown to be important for low‐K+ growth under alkaline conditions, but played only a minor role in neutral and acidic conditions. In a mouse competitive index model of bacteraemia, the ktrA mutant was significantly outcompeted by the parental strain. Combined, these results demonstrate a primary mechanism of K+ uptake in S. aureus and a role for this system in pathogenesis.
Decreased coenzyme A levels in ridA mutant strains of Salmonella enterica result from inactivated serine hydroxymethyltransferase
Authors: Flynn Jeffrey M. , Christopherson Melissa R. , Downs Diana M.
Published: July 2013

The RidA/Yer057/UK114 family of proteins is well represented across the domains of life and recent work has defined both an in vitro activity and an in vivo role for RidA. RidA proteins have enamine deaminase activity, and in their absence the reactive 2‐aminoacrylate (2‐AA) accumulates and inactivates at least some pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP)‐containing enzymes in Salmonella enterica. The conservation of RidA suggested that 2‐AA was a ubiquitous cellular stressor that was generated in central metabolism. Phenotypically, strains of S. enterica that lack RidA accumulated significantly more pyruvate in the growth medium than wild‐type strains. Here we dissected this ridA mutant phenotype and showed it was an indirect consequence of damage to serine hydroxymethyltransferase (GlyA; E.C. 2.1.2.1). The results here identified a fourth PLP enzyme as a target of enamine stress in Salmonella.
Metabolism of dimethylsulphoniopropionate by Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS‐3
Authors: Reisch Chris R. , Crabb Warren M. , Gifford Scott M. , Teng Quincy , Stoudemayer Melissa J. , Moran Mary Ann , Whitman William B.
Published: July 2013

Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS‐3 possesses two general pathways for metabolism of dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP), an osmolyte of algae and abundant carbon source for marine bacteria. In the DMSP cleavage pathway, acrylate is transformed into acryloyl‐CoA by propionate‐CoA ligase (SPO2934) and other unidentified acyl‐CoA ligases. Acryloyl‐CoA is then reduced to propionyl‐CoA by AcuI or SPO1914. Acryloyl‐CoA is also rapidly hydrated to 3‐hydroxypropionyl‐CoA by acryloyl‐CoA hydratase (SPO0147). A SPO1914 mutant was unable to grow on acrylate as the sole carbon source, supporting its role in this pathway. Similarly, growth on methylmercaptopropionate, the first intermediate of the DMSP demethylation pathway, was severely inhibited by a mutation in the gene encoding crotonyl‐CoA carboxylase/reductase, demonstrating that acetate produced by this pathway was metabolized by the ethylmalonyl‐CoA pathway. Amino acids and nucleosides from cells grown on 13C‐enriched DMSP possessed labelling patterns that were consistent with carbon from DMSP being metabolized by both the ethylmalonyl‐CoA and acrylate pathways as well as a role for pyruvate dehydrogenase. This latter conclusion was supported by the phenotype of a pdh mutant, which grew poorly on electron‐rich substrates. Additionally, label from [13C‐methyl] DMSP only appeared in carbons derived from methyl‐tetrahydrofolate, and there was no evidence for a serine cycle of C‐1 assimilation.
Vascular endothelial cells as targets for photochemical internalization (PCI)
Authors: Vikdal Marie , Weyergang Anette , Selbo Pål Kristian , Berg Kristian
Published: July 2013

Cancer treatment can be exerted by targeting both cancer cells and the vasculature supplying solid tumors. Photochemical internalization (PCI) is a modality for cytosolic drug delivery, but recent data on contrast‐enhanced MRI have indicated that the method also reduces blood perfusion in HT1080 fibrosarcoma xenografts. The present report aims to investigate if PCI may exert direct cytotoxic effects on endothelial cells. PCI of saporin was performed on endothelial human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and fibrosarcoma cells (HT1080) using two PCI‐relevant photosensitizers, TPPS2a and AlPcS2a. A 22‐ and 13‐fold higher photosensitizer uptake was detected in the endothelial cells compared with the HT1080 cells for AlPcS2a and TPPS2a, respectively. PCI of saporin was, however, found more effective in HT1080 cells. For HT1080 cells, PCI with saporin increased cell killing 1.9‐fold over photodynamic therapy alone, but under the same conditions, only increased HUVEC cell killing by 1.6‐ and 1.3‐fold with AlPcS2a and TPPS2a, respectively. Saporin uptake was higher in HUVECs than in the HT1080 cells, hence did not reflect the cell line differences in PCI efficacy. This is the first report on PCI‐mediated kill of endothelial cells and lays the foundation for further preclinical evaluation of the PCI technology as an antivascular strategy to ablate tumors.
Congenital plaque‐like glomangioma treated successfully with dual wavelength pulsed‐dye and neodymium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet laser
Authors: Grillo Emiliano , Boixeda Pablo , Paoli John , Vano‐Galván Sergio , Carrillo Rosario , Jaén Pedro
Published: July 2013

Glomovenous malformations are disseminated variants of cutaneous glomus tumors. These malformations are subdivided into regional or localized, disseminated, and congenital plaque‐like forms. The congenital plaque‐like form is the rarest variant. Most treatment modalities have been disappointing in the treatment of large glomangiomas, leading to high recurrence rates. We report a case of a 34‐year‐old man with a congenital plaque‐like glomangioma on his left arm and forearm treated successfully with sequential pulsed‐dye neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet laser.
Second‐degree burn within a tattoo after intense‐pulsed‐light epilation
Authors: Riml Stefan , Larcher Lorenz , Grohmann Martin , Kompatscher Peter
Published: July 2013

The use of high energy light sources [laser, intense pulsed light (IPL)] is booming in aesthetic surgery. A trend, especially concerning usage of photoepilation in cosmetic institutes, is detectable. Photoepilation works through selective photothermolysis, by heating the chromophore melanin within the hair follicles. We present a case impressionably demonstrating that high‐energy light demands profound knowledge of its mechanism of action, and can cause severe harm in absence of basic knowledge. Photoepilation is a balancing act between maximal therapeutic effect and minimal side effect risk. Nevertheless, complications have to be clearly distinguished from professional errors. The latter are rising especially with IPL devices, mainly because its use depicts a legal grey area in most of the countries and is not bound to physicians' supervision. Due to its worse risk–benefit profile as compared with that of laser therapy, we advise against the use of IPL devices and claim for stricter regulation of its use, similar to laser devices.
Professional killer cell deficiencies and decreased survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Edwards Adrienne L , Gunningham Sarah P , Clare Geoffrey C , Hayman Matthew W , Smith Mark , Frampton Christopher MA , Robinson Bridget A , Troughton Richard W , Beckert Lutz EL
Published: July 2013

Background and objective

Increasing evidence implicates lymphocytes in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) pathogenesis. Rats deficient in T‐lymphocytes show increased propensity to develop PAH but when injected with endothelial progenitor cells are protected from PAH (a mechanism dependent on natural killer (NK) cells). A decreased quantity of circulating cytotoxic CD8+ T‐lymphocytes and NK cells are now reported in PAH patients; however, the effect of lymphocyte depletion on disease outcome is unknown.

Methods

This prospective study analysed the lymphocyte profile and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels of patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH), connective tissue disease‐associated PAH (CTD‐APAH) and matched healthy controls. Lymphocyte surface markers studied include: CD4+ (helper T‐cell marker), CD8+ (cytotoxic T‐cell marker), CD56/CD16 (NK cell marker) and CD19+ (mature B‐cell marker). Lymphocyte deficiencies and plasma BNP levels were then correlated with clinical outcome.

Results

Fourteen patients with PAH (9 IPAH, 5CTD) were recruited. Three patients were deceased at 1‐year follow‐up; all had elevated CD4 : CD8 ratios and deficiencies of NK cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T‐lymphocytes at recruitment. Patients with normal lymphocyte profiles at recruitment were all alive a year later, and none were on the active transplant list. As univariate markers, cytotoxic CD8+ T‐cell and NK cell counts were linked to short‐term survival.

Conclusions

Deficiencies in NK cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T‐cells may be associated with an increased risk of death in PAH patients. Further research is required in larger numbers of patients and to elucidate the mechanism of these findings.
Oil Spill Causation and the Deepwater Horizon Spill
Authors: Kurtz Rick S.
Published: July 2013

TheApril 20, 2010,BPDeepwater Horizon blowout riveted citizen and elected officials' attention on coastal oil spills in ways not seen since the ill‐fated 1989ExxonValdezcrisis. A commonly voiced lament included why was the tragedy not prevented? Why the seemingly poor safety practices and who is to blame? Could a spill of such catastrophic proportion happen elsewhere in the future? Applying a spill prevention causation framework developed through the examination of other major near‐shore incidents over a 23‐year period, the author finds Deepwater Horizon exhibited a pattern of shortcomings evident in these other spills. These shortcomings are rooted in policy imperfections, a weak regulatory regime, organizational deviance in lieu of integrity, and interorganizational structure deficiencies.
How Large‐Scale Research Facilities Connect to Global Research
Authors: Lauto Giancarlo , Valentin Finn
Published: July 2013

Policies for large‐scale research facilities (LSRFs) often highlight their spillovers to industrial innovation and their contribution to the external connectivity of the regional innovation system hosting them. Arguably, the particular institutional features of LSRFs are conducive for collaborative research. However, based on data on publications produced in 2006–2009 at the Neutron Science Directorate of Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee (United States), we find that internationalization of its collaborative research is restrained by coordination costs similar to those characterizing other institutional settings. Policies mandating LSRFs should consider that research prioritized on the basis of technological relevance limits the international reach of collaborations. Additionally, the propensity for international collaboration is lower for resident scientists than for those affiliated with domestic universities or government laboratories. Policies conceiving LSRFs as “knowledge attractors” therefore should consider the complementarities between research at a LSRF and in its academic context at a regional or national level.
Adherence of backcountry winter recreationists to avalanche prevention and safety practices in northern Italy
Authors: Procter E. , Strapazzon G. , Dal Cappello T. , Castlunger L. , Staffler H. P. , Brugger H.
Published: July 2013

Backcountry recreationists account for a high percentage of avalanche fatalities, but the total number of recreationists and relative percentage of different recreation types are unknown. The aim of this study was to collect the first comprehensive survey of backcountry skiers and snowshoers in a region in the European Alps to quantify adherence to basic prevention and safety practices. Over a 1‐week period in February 2011 in South Tyrol, Italy, 5576 individuals (77.7% skiers, 22.3% snowshoers) in 1927 groups were surveyed. Significantly more skiers than snowshoers could report the avalanche danger level (52.5% vs 28.0% of groups) and carried standard rescue equipment (transceiver, probe, and shovel) (80.6% vs 13.7% of individuals). Complete adherence to minimum advisable practices (i.e., an individual being in a group with one member correctly informed about the danger level and carrying personal standard rescue equipment) was 41.5%, but was significantly higher in skiers (51.1% vs 8.7% snowshoers) and in individuals who were younger, reported more tours per season, traveled in larger groups, and started earlier. A transnational survey over a complete winter season would be required to obtain total participation prevalence, detect regional differences, and assess the influence of prevention and safety practices on relative reduction in mortality.
Effects of pepper crop residues and inorganic fertilizers on soil properties relevant to carbon cycling and broccoli production
Authors: Moreno‐Cornejo J. , Zornoza R. , Faz A. , Rosales R. M.
Published: July 2013

We conducted a two‐year experiment to evaluate the effects of fresh pepper residues (CRtreatment) on soil properties and broccoli yield compared with the application of chemical fertilizers (CFtreatment). Soil‐state13Cnuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the organic composition of added residues and surface soil. We also measured total and soluble organic carbon and different biochemical properties associated with theCcycle. The results show that large application rates ofCRincreased microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and arylesterase and β‐glucosidase activities compared with the control. There was a significant increase inMBCfor theCFtreatment only with the greatest application rate. No differences in soil organic carbon composition and structure were found between treatments with soil organicC, solubleC, basal soil respiration, arylesterase and β‐glucosidase activities correlated positively with the soil carboxylic region and negatively with the aromatic region of the spectra. Broccoli yield was significantly more for the second crop cycle with maximum values for the greatest application rates ofCFandCRindicating that crop residues with a minimum amount of chemical fertilizers can be used to obtain an adequate yield. The use of pepper residues as an organic amendment improved biochemical properties of the soil with positive effects on broccoli quality and had no negative impact on yield.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PRESUMED NORMAL CANINE ABDOMINAL LYMPH NODES
Authors: Beukers Martijn , Grosso Federico Vilaplana , Voorhout George
Published: July 2013

Though identification of lymph nodes is essential in staging cancer patients, little has been reported about the CT features of canine abdominal lymph nodes. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the visibility, location, and characteristics of abdominal lymph nodes in abdominal CT studies of dogs considered unlikely to have lymphadenopathy. The relationship between the number of identified lymph nodes and intraabdominal fat ranking, body weight, and slice thickness was also investigated. A total of 19 dogs were included. At least two jejunal lymph nodes and both left and right medial iliac lymph nodes were identified in all dogs. Colic lymph nodes were not identified in any of the dogs. Visualization of all other lymph nodes varied. There were significantly more lymph nodes visible in dogs with more intraabdominal fat (P < 0.0001). No correlation between the number of identified lymph nodes and body weight (P = 0.64) or slice thickness (P = 0.76) was found. Though most of all identified lymph nodes had an elongated shape, a rounded shape was most common in splenic, pancreaticoduodenal, renal, ileocolic and caudal mesenteric lymph nodes. Most lymph nodes had a homogeneous structure before and following the intravenous administration of contrast medium. Some lymph nodes had a slightly irregular structure or were relatively more hyper attenuating in the periphery than centrally before and/or after contrast administration. Mean attenuation before contrast was 37 Hounsfield Units (HU) (range 20–52 HU), and 109 HU after contrast (range 36–223 HU). Findings indicated that the CT visibility, characteristics of different abdominal lymph nodes may be variable in dogs.