bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TNFα‐ and IL‐17A‐mediated S100A8 expression is regulated by p38 MAPK
Authors: Mose Maike , Kang Zhanyuan , Raaby Line , Iversen Lars , Johansen Claus
Published: May 2013

The antimicrobial peptide S100A8 is known to be upregulated in lesional psoriatic skin compared with non‐lesional psoriatic skin and is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. However, little is known about the signalling pathways involved in the regulation of S100A8 expression. Using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR analysis, we demonstrated that stimulation with TNFα and IL‐17A in combination resulted in a significant and synergistic induction of S100A8 mRNA in human keratinocytes. TNFα and IL‐17A also induced the S100A8 promoter activity synergistically. This was demonstrated by a gene reporter assay in cells transfected with a luciferase plasmid construct, consisting of 3502 base pairs of the human S100A8 promoter. The TNFα‐ and IL‐17A‐mediated induction of S100A8 mRNA and protein was mediated by a p38 MAPK‐dependent mechanism, as demonstrated by the use of a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Finally, adalimumab treatment for patients with psoriasis significantly decreased S100A8 mRNA at day fourteen after start of treatment, but not at day four. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the p38 MAPK signalling pathway plays a key role in the TNFα‐ and IL‐17A‐induced expression of S100A8 in cultured human keratinocytes.
Medicago truncatula histidine‐containing phosphotransfer protein
Authors: Ruszkowski Milosz , Brzezinski Krzysztof , Jedrzejczak Robert , Dauter Miroslawa , Dauter Zbigniew , Sikorski Michal , Jaskolski Mariusz
Published: May 2013

Histidine‐containing phosphotransfer proteins (HPts) take part in hormone signal transduction in higher plants. The overall pathway of this process is reminiscent of the two‐component system initially identified in prokaryotes. HPts function in histidine–aspartate phosphorelays in which they mediate the signal from sensory kinases (usually membrane proteins) to RRs in the nucleus. Here, we report the crystal structure of an HPt protein from Medicago truncatula (MtHPt1) determined at 1.45 Å resolution and refined to an R‐factor of 16.7% using low‐temperature synchrotron‐radiation X‐ray diffraction data. There is one MtHPt1 molecule in the asymmetric unit of the crystal lattice with P212121 symmetry. The protein fold consists of six α helices, four of which form a C‐terminal helix bundle. The coiled‐coil structure of the bundle is stabilized by a network of S–aromatic interactions involving highly conserved sulfur‐containing residues. The structure reveals a solvent‐exposed side chain of His79, which is the phosphorylation site, as demonstrated by autoradiography combined with site‐directed mutation. It is surrounded by highly conserved residues present in all plant HPts. These residues form a putative docking interface for either the receiver domain of the sensory kinase, or for the RR. The biological activity of MtHPt1 was tested by autoradiography. It demonstrated phosphorylation by the intracellular kinase domain of the cytokinin receptor MtCRE1. Complex formation between MtHPt1 and the intracellular fragment of MtCRE1 was confirmed by thermophoresis, with a dissociation constant Kd of 14 μm.

Database

The atomic coordinates and structure factors for the crystal structure of histidine‐containing phosphotransfer protein MtHPt1 from Medicago truncatula have been deposited with the RCSB Protein Data Bank under the accession code 3us6.
Drivers of overall satisfaction with primary care: evidence from the English General Practice Patient Survey
Authors: Paddison Charlotte A. M. , Abel Gary A. , Roland Martin O. , Elliott Marc N. , Lyratzopoulos Georgios , Campbell John L.
Published: May 2013

Background/objectives

To determine which aspects of primary care matter most to patients, we aim to identify those aspects of patient experience that show the strongest relationship with overall satisfaction and examine the extent to which these relationships vary by socio‐demographic and health characteristics.

Design/setting

Data from the 2009/10 English General Practice Patient Survey including 2 169 718 respondents registered with 8362 primary care practices.

Measures/analyses

Linear mixed‐effects regression models (fixed effects adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, deprivation, self‐reported health, self‐reported mental health condition and random practice effect) predicting overall satisfaction from six items covering four domains of care: access, helpfulness of receptionists, doctor communication and nurse communication. Additional models using interactions tested whether associations between patient experience and satisfaction varied by socio‐demographic group.

Results

Doctor communication showed the strongest relationship with overall satisfaction (standardized coefficient 0.48, 95% CI = 0.48, 0.48), followed by the helpfulness of reception staff (standardized coefficient 0.22, 95% CI = 0.22, 0.22). Among six measures of patient experience, obtaining appointments in advance showed the weakest relationship with overall satisfaction (standardized coefficient 0.06, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.06). Interactions showed statistically significant but small variation in the importance of drivers across different patient groups.

Conclusions

For all patient groups, communication with the doctor is the most important driver of overall satisfaction with primary care in England, along with the helpfulness of receptionists. In contrast, and despite being a policy priority for government, measures of access, including the ability to obtain appointments, were poorly related to overall satisfaction.
Electrochemical Deposition of 58SiO2‐33CaO‐9P2O5 Nanobioactive Glass Particles on Ti‐6Al‐4V Alloy for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Saravanakumar Balasubramaniam , Prabhu Muthusamy , Rajendran Venkatachalam , Gopal Judy , Mudali Uthandi Kamachi
Published: May 2013

The nanobioactive glass (58SiO2‐33CaO‐9P2O5) powders were synthesized by simple sol–gel method. The prepared samples reveal amorphous nature, agglomerated spherical morphology with particle size of 100–150 nm. The specific surface area of nanobioactive glass (NBG) particle is 147 m2/g. The NBG samples were coated on titanium (Ti‐6Al‐4V) alloy through electrochemical deposition method. The particle size of the NBG‐coated surface was in the order of 200–300 nm, and it was confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. In vitro and AFM studies reveal the existence of higher bioactivity and uniform coating of NBG on implants at 80 V for 1 h.
Severe acute respiratory infections caused by 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) among American Indians—southwestern United States, May 1–July 21, 2009
Authors: Suryaprasad Anil , Redd John T. , Hancock Kathy , Branch Alicia , Steward‐Clark Evelene , Katz Jacqueline M. ,   For the Influenza Serology Working Group, Fry Alicia M. , Cheek James E. ,   For the American Indian and Alaska Native Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Investigation Team
Published: May 2013

Background

During April–July 2009, U.S. hospitalization rates for 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus (H1N1pdm09) infection were estimated at 4·5/100 000 persons. We describe rates and risk factors for H1N1pdm09 infection among American Indians (AIs) in four isolated southwestern U.S. communities served by the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Methods

We reviewed clinical and demographic information from medical records of AIs hospitalized during May 1–July 21, 2009 with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). Hospitalization rates were determined using denominator data provided by IHS. H1N1pdm09 infection was confirmed with polymerase chain reaction, rapid tests, or convalescent serology. Risk factors for more severe (SARI) versus milder [influenza‐like illness (ILI)] illness were determined by comparing confirmed SARI patients with outpatients with ILI.

Results

Among 168 SARI‐hospitalized patients, 52% had confirmed H1N1pdm09 infection and 93% had >1 high‐risk condition for influenza complications. The H1N1pdm09 SARI hospitalization rate was 131/100 000 persons [95% confidence interval (CI), 102–160] and was highest among ages 0–4 years (353/100 000; 95% CI, 215–492). Among children, asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3·2; 95% CI, 1·2–8·4) and age <2 years (aOR 3·8; 95% CI, 1·4–10·0) were associated with H1N1pdm09 SARI‐associated hospitalization, compared with outpatient ILI. Among adults, diabetes (aOR 3·1; 95% CI, 1·5–6·4) was associated with hospitalization after controlling for obesity.

Conclusions

H1N1pdm09 hospitalization rates among this isolated AI population were higher than reported for other U.S. populations. Almost all case patients had high‐risk health conditions. Prevention strategies for future pandemics should prioritize AIs, particularly in isolated rural areas.
Management of the Sensitized Patient Awaiting a Cadaver Allograft
Authors: Braun William E.
Published: May 2013

Abstract: One of the most difficult problems in renal transplantation, and one that is steadily worsening, is finding acceptable kidneys for the highly sensitized transplant candidate whose antibody level may translate into years of waiting for a cadaver kidney. The causes of such sensitization are well known to be prior allografts, pregnancies, and transfusions. The longer a transplant center has been in existence, the larger is its pool of such highly sensitized patients. Patients who have rejected a previous transplant are a major contributor to this pool, especially when that transplant was poorly matched. Even though rejection losses have been cut from about 50 to 25% since 1973, the dramatic increase in the number of transplants and the sharply lower mortality rate together have led to twice as many patients being returned to waiting lists. As a preventive measure, better human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) matching would help to reduce rejection rates further and, for those that do reject, would lessen their sensitization levels and their waiting time for a second kidney. Measures to diminish the consequences of sensitization have included determining a patient's antibody specificities in order to create a profile of safe donor an tigens. Making sensitized patients priority patients and sharing kidneys for them are important measures as well, but the proper definition of a highly sensitized patient requires more than a simple panel reactive antibody (PRA) value. The calculation of the combined probability (pc) of transplantation, based on HLA and ABO gene frequencies, more accurately reflects the true transplantability of a potential recipient. Attempts to remove cytotoxic anti‐HLA antibody by plasmapheresis and immunosuppression have been generally unsatisfactory. Elimination of historical or remote positive T‐lymphocyte crossmatches as a contraindication to cadaver transplantation when the most recent or current serum specimens are entirely negative is an approach that has helped transplantation in more patients. But for those receiving a repeat transplant and for those with B‐lymphocyte antibody, this procedure is much less successful. It is clear that presensitization of potential recipients is one of the most difficult problems in transplantation. The problem is worsening and needs new approaches in order to control and correct it.
Physiological and Clinical Implications of Medullary Hypoxia
Authors: Epstein F. H. , Brezis M. , Silva P. , Rosen S.
Published: May 2013

Abstract: Because of countercurrent capillary flow, the renal medulla of mammalian kidneys is perpetually hypoxic, the ambient oxygen tension hovering close to the critical Po2 that limits respiration. Within this environment, the mitochondria‐rich cells of the medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) require large amounts of energy to accomplish the work of ion transport. These cells are therefore uniquely vulnerable to anoxic damage, as is demonstrated by morphological changes in isolated perfused rat kidneys. The lesions of hypoxia in mTAL cells of perfused kidneys can be greatly exaggerated by maneuvers that increase the work of transport and practically eliminated by inhibitors of active transport, like ouabain or furosemide, or by interrupting glomerular filtration. The close dependence of experimental ischemic injury on active transport suggests that endogenous inhibitors of transport may play an important physiological role in modulating the susceptibility of the medulla to anoxic injury in health and disease. Candidates for this role include adenosine and locally formed derivatives of ara‐chidonic acid that have been shown to influence metabolism and transport.
MRI patterns of T1 enhancing radiation necrosis versus tumour recurrence in high‐grade gliomas
Authors: Reddy Krishna , Westerly David , Chen Changhu
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Despite the emergence of new imaging technologies, the differentiation of treatment‐related changes from recurrent tumour in patients with high‐grade gliomas remains a difficult challenge. We evaluated whether specific MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) T1 post‐contrast enhancement patterns can help to distinguish between radiation necrosis and tumour recurrence.

Methods

This study was approved by local institutional review board. Fifty‐one patients with World Health Organization grade III–IV glioma underwent reoperation after prior chemoradiation. The percentage of radiation necrosis versus recurrent tumour in reoperation specimens was estimated by an experienced neuropathologist. Enhancement patterns on T1 post‐contrast sequences from the MRIs obtained prior to reoperation were evaluated according to pathology.

Results

T1 contrast enhancement patterns correlating with recurrent tumour included focal solid nodules and solid uniform enhancement with distinct margins. Eighty‐five per cent (17/20) of patients with ≥70% recurrent tumour at reoperation demonstrated one of these patterns on preoperative MRI. Enhancement patterns correlating with radiation necrosis included a hazy mesh‐like diffuse enhancement and rim enhancement with feathery indistinct margins. Ninety‐four per cent (17/18) of patients with ≥70% radiation necrosis demonstrated one of these two patterns. Thirteen cases had more mixed pathology (>30% of tumour/necrosis) and demonstrated patterns associated with recurrence and/or necrosis. Compared to MR spectroscopy performed in 10 patients, enhancement patterns on MRI were just as accurate in predicting pathologic diagnosis.

Conclusion

Identifying distinct patterns of contrast enhancement on MRI may help to differentiate between radiation necrosis and tumour recurrence in high‐grade gliomas.
Evolution of sympatric species: a case study of the coral reef fish genus Pomacanthus (Pomacanthidae)
Authors: Hodge Jennifer R. , Read Charmaine I. , Bellwood David R. , van Herwerden Lynne
Published: May 2013

Aim

To establish a spatial and temporal framework within which we can begin to investigate the role of geography in the evolution of Pomacanthus species. This study examines the phylogenetic relationships among Pomacanthus species, tests whether the degree of sympatry among sister taxa correlates with their age, and explores potential modes of diversification.

Location

Pan‐tropical coral reef systems.

Methods

Three gene regions (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and nuclear S7) from all 13 Pomacanthus species were used in conjunction with fossil calibration to reconstruct a chronogram. IUCN maps were used to evaluate geographical range overlap. Various age–range correlation (ARC) analyses were used to test for a correlation between range overlap and node age. Range‐size symmetry and node age were also examined.

Results

Biogeographical splits within the phylogeny corroborated key biogeographical events well, suggesting a potential role for allopatric speciation in the evolutionary history of the genus. ARC analyses suggested that speciation leading to sympatry is widespread in Pomacanthus, with 80% of sister species showing complete or substantial (> 85%) range overlap. No significant relationship between degree of sympatry and node age was recovered, which demonstrates that, for this group, exceptional sympatry is not necessarily a result of relatively old lineages. Range‐size symmetry analysis was consistent with models of peripatric speciation within a finite area.

Main conclusions

We present evidence consistent with allopatric speciation, while our ARC results are consistent with simulations of sympatric speciation, with the possibility of peripheral budding having led to the richness of sympatric species in the West Indian Ocean. We discuss how these processes can affect the interpretation of temporal and spatial analyses, and provide a basis for future investigations into the processes driving speciation.
Enhanced Blood Pressure–Lowering Effect of Olmesartan in Hypertensive Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease–Associated Sympathetic Hyperactivity: HONEST Study
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Saito Ikuo , Kushiro Toshio , Teramukai Satoshi , Mori Yoshihiro , Hiramatsu Katsutoshi , Kobayashi Fumiaki , Shimada Kazuyuki
Published: May 2013

To investigate the blood pressure (BP)–lowering effect of olmesartan in relation to chronic kidney disease (CKD)–associated sympathetic nerve activity, a subanalysis was performed using data from the first 16 weeks of the Home BP Measurement With Olmesartan‐Naive Patients to Establish Standard Target Blood Pressure (HONEST) study, a prospective observational study of hypertensive patients. Essential hypertensive patients who took no antihypertensive agent at baseline were classified based on baseline morning home systolic BP (MHSBP) in quartiles. In each class, patients were further classified based on baseline morning home pulse rate (MHPR). A subgroup analysis in patients with/without chronic kidney disease (CKD) was performed. A total of 5458 patients (mean age, 63.0 years; 51.6% women) were included. In the 4th quartile of baseline MHSBP (≥165 mm Hg), patients with MHPR ≥70 beats per minute had a greater BP reduction (by 3.2 mm Hg) than those with MHPR <70 beats per minute after 16 weeks of olmesartan‐based treatment (P=.0005). An even greater BP reduction (by 6.6 mm Hg) was observed in patients with CKD than in patients without CKD in this group (P=.0084). Olmesartan was more effective in hypertensive patients with high MHSBP and MHPR ≥70 beats per minute, especially in patients with CKD. Olmesartan may have enhanced BP‐lowering effects by improving renal ischemia in hypertensive CKD patients with potential increased sympathetic nerve activity.
Postprandial serum C‐peptide value is the optimal index to identify patients with non‐obese type 2 diabetes who require multiple daily insulin injection: Analysis of C‐peptide values before and after short‐term intensive insulin therapy
Authors: Fujiwara Daisuke , Takahashi Kenji , Suzuki Takahiro , Shii Masakazu , Nakashima Yukako , Takekawa Sato , Yoshida Atsushi , Matsuoka Takashi
Published: May 2013

Aims/Introduction

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease characterized by a yearly decline in insulin secretion; however, no definitive evidence exists showing the relationship between decreased insulin secretion and the need for insulin treatment. To determine the optimal insulin secretory index for identifying patients with non‐obese type 2 diabetes who require multiple daily insulin injection (MDI), we evaluated various serum C‐peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) values.

Materials and Methods

We near‐normalized blood glucose with intensive insulin therapy (IIT) over a 2‐week period in 291 patients with non‐obese type 2 diabetes, based on our treatment protocol. After improving hyperglycemia, we challenged with oral hypoglycemic agent (OHA), and according to the responsiveness to OHA, patients were classified into three therapy groups: OHA alone (n = 103), basal insulin plus OHA (basal insulin‐supported oral therapy [BOT]; n = 56) and MDI (n = 132). Glucagon‐loading CPR increment (ΔCPR), fasting CPR (FCPR), CPR 2 h after breakfast (CPR2h), the ratio of FCPR to FPG (CPI), CPI 2 h after breakfast (CPI2h) and secretory unit of islets in transplantation (SUIT) were submitted for the analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and multiple logistic analyses for these CPR indices were carried out.

Results

Many CPR values were significantly lower in the MDI group compared with the OHA alone or BOT groups. ROC and multiple logistic analyses disclosed that post‐prandial CPR indices (CPR2h and CPI2h) were the most reliable CPR markers to identify patients requiring MDI.

Conclusions

Postprandial CPR level after breakfast is the most useful index for identifying patients with non‐obese type 2 diabetes who require MDI therapy.
Critical role of Nrf2 in oxidative stress‐induced retinal ganglion cell death
Authors: Himori Noriko , Yamamoto Kotaro , Maruyama Kazuichi , Ryu Morin , Taguchi Keiko , Yamamoto Masayuki , Nakazawa Toru
Published: May 2013

NF‐E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in endogenous protection against oxidative stress. However, the role of Nrf2 in visual disorders remains unclear. It has been reported that oxidative stress is thought of as one of the causes of glaucoma. Here, we investigate whether the function of Nrf2 in oxidative stress‐induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. This study used adult male Nrf2 deficient mice (Nrf2 KO) and age‐ and sex‐matched wild‐type (WT) mice. We dissociated and purified N‐4‐[4‐didecylaminostryryl]‐N‐methyl‐pyridinium iodide‐labeled RGCs with fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, and tried to detect the Nrf2 and Keap1 genes. In the absence of nerve crush (NC), the number of RGCs in Nrf2 KO mice was almost same as that in WT mice. 1‐(2‐cyano‐3‐, 12‐dioxooleana‐1, 9 (11)‐dien‐28‐oyl) imidazole (CDDO‐Im), an Nrf2 activator, prevented NC‐induced loss of RGCs in WT mice. Seven days after NC, without treatment, the number of RGCs in Nrf2 KO mice was significantly lower than in WT mice. In addition, after CDDO‐Im treatment, quantitative RT‐PCR showed increased expression of antioxidant and phase II detoxifying enzymes. These results suggest that up‐regulation of Nrf2 signaling after CDDO‐Im treatment may be a novel therapeutic strategy for the protection of RGCs, especially in glaucoma.

image

This study suggests that NF‐E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor, plays a pivotal role in counteracting oxidative stress. Most importantly, a neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress‐induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death was achieved with the pharmacological Nrf2 activator CDDO‐Im. This suggests that pharmacological treatment to up‐regulate Nrf2 signaling may be a new therapeutic technique to protect RGCs.
Optineurin suppression causes neuronal cell death via NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Akizuki Mayumi , Yamashita Hirofumi , Uemura Kengo , Maruyama Hirofumi , Kawakami Hideshi , Ito Hidefumi , Takahashi Ryosuke
Published: May 2013

Mutations in more than 10 genes are reported to cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Among these genes, optineurin (OPTN) is virtually the only gene that is considered to cause classical ALS by a loss‐of‐function mutation. Wild‐type optineurin (OPTNWT) suppresses nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activity, but the ALS‐causing mutant OPTN is unable to suppress NF‐κB activity. Therefore, we knocked down OPTN in neuronal cells and examined the resulting NF‐κB activity and phenotype. First, we confirmed the loss of the endogenous OPTN expression after siRNA treatment and found that NF‐κB activity was increased in OPTN‐knockdown cells. Next, we found that OPTN knockdown caused neuronal cell death. Then, overexpression of OPTNWT or OPTNE50K with intact NF‐κB‐suppressive activity, but not overexpression of ALS‐related OPTN mutants, suppressed the neuronal death induced by OPTN knockdown. This neuronal cell death was inhibited by withaferin A, which selectively inhibits NF‐κB activation. Lastly, involvement of the mitochondrial proapoptotic pathway was suggested for neuronal death induced by OPTN knockdown. Taken together, these results indicate that inappropriate NF‐κB activation is the pathogenic mechanism underlying OPTN mutation‐related ALS.

image

Among the genes for typical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) phenotypes, optineurin (OPTN) is virtually the only gene in which a loss‐of‐function mutation is considered as the principal disease mechanism. We found that OPTN knockdown induced neuronal cell death via NF‐κB activation. Furthermore, proapoptotic molecules such as p53 and Bax representing downstream targets of NF‐κB are suggested to be involved in neuronal death.
An anatomical, histopathological, and molecular biological function study of the fascias posterior to the interperitoneal colon and its associated mesocolon: their relevance to colonic surgery
Authors: Gao Zhidong , Ye Yingjiang , Zhang Weiguang , Shen Danhua , Zhong Yanfeng , Jiang Kewei , Yang Xiaodong , Yin Mujun , Liang Bin , Tian Long , Wang Shan
Published: May 2013

The study aim was to explore the anatomy, histopathology, and molecular biological function of the fascias posterior to the interperitoneal colon and its mesocolon to provide information for improving complete mesocolic excision. To accomplish this aim, we performed intraoperative observations in 60 interperitoneal colon‐cancer patients accepted for complete mesocolic excision and conducted local anatomy observations for five embalmed cadavers. An additional two embalmed child cadaver specimens were studied with large slices and paraffin sections. Ten of the 60 patients were examined with a lymph node tracer technique in vivo, while fresh specimens from these patients were assessed by histopathological examination and transwell cell migration assays in vitro. The anatomical and histopathological findings showed that the fascias posterior to the interperitoneal colon and its associated mesocolon were composed of two independent layers: the visceral and parietal fascias. These two fascias were primarily composed of collagen fibers, with the parietal fascia containing a small amount of muscle fiber. The in vivo test showed that the visceral fascia surrounded the colon and its associated mesocolon, including vessels and lymphatics, and that it had no lymphatic flow through it into the rear tissues. Moreover, the in vitro assays showed the visceral fascia was able to block tumor cell migration. Although many surgical scholars have known of the existence of fascia tissue posterior to the intraperitoneal colon, the detailed structure has been ignored and been unclear. As shown by our findings, the visceral and parietal fascias are truly formed structures that have not been previously reported. A thorough understanding of fascial structures and the function of the visceral fascia barrier in blocking tumor cells will facilitate surgeons when performing high‐quality complete mesocolic excision procedures.
Concentration‐dependent specimen shrinkage in iodine‐enhanced microCT
Authors: Vickerton Paula , Jarvis Jonathan , Jeffery Nathan
Published: May 2013

Iodine potassium iodide (I2KI) solution can be employed as a contrast agent for the visualisation of soft tissue structures in micro‐computed tomography studies. This technique provides high resolution images of soft tissue non‐destructively but initial studies suggest that the stain can cause substantial specimen shrinkage. The degree of specimen shrinkage, and potential deformation, is an important consideration when using the data for morphological studies. Here we quantify the macroscopic volume changes in mouse skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and cerebellum as a result of immersion in the common fixatives 10% phosphate‐buffered formal saline, 70% ethanol and 3% glutaraldehyde, compared with I2KI staining solution at concentrations of 2, 6, 10 and 20%. Immersion in the I2KI solution resulted in dramatic changes of tissue volume, which were far larger than the shrinkage from formalin fixation alone. The degree of macroscopic change was most dependent upon the I2KI concentration, with severe shrinkage of 70% seen in solutions of 20% I2KI after 14 days' incubation. When using this technique care needs to be taken to use the lowest concentration that will give adequate contrast to minimise artefacts due to shrinkage.
The Uses and Abuses of Public Space: Urban Governance, Social Ordering and Resistance, Avenham Park, Preston, c. 1850–1901
Authors: Loxham Angela
Published: May 2013

This article contributes to scholarship on liberal governance during the nineteenth century through the much‐neglected area of the public park. Using Preston as a case study, it seeks to answer why parks were considered necessary, but also to argue for the need to understand micro‐level issues that determined their precise formation and governance. In line with this, attention is paid to how space was orchestrated to encourage self‐regulation, and the elite appropriation of this space to bolster the fragile social order that industrialisation had engendered in the town. Finally attention is paid to the outcome of this, and the ways in which people could enjoy the park, without internalising the intended norms.
Rhizopus Stem Rot of Orobanche aegyptiaca caused by Rhizopus oryzae in China
Authors: Zhang Xuekun , Yao Zhaoqun , Zhao Sifeng , Xie Huiqin , Yang Mei
Published: May 2013

Stem rot was recorded on Orobanche aegyptiaca in Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China from 2010 to 2011. The pathogen was isolated repeatedly from the infected stems and was identified as Rhizopus oryzae based on morphology, cultural features and molecular analysis. Koch's postulates were supported by pathogenicity tests conducted on healthy plants grown on processing tomato and melon. To our knowledge, this paper is the first to report the occurrence of R. oryzae stem rot on O. aegyptiaca.
First Report of Fusarium proliferatum Infecting Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) in China
Authors: Zhang Junxiang , Wu Xingxing , Bi Yunqing , Wu Yixin , lin Guanhui , He Yueqiu , Mao Zichao
Published: May 2013

In 2011, a wilt disease has been detected on carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) cultivar ‘Light Pink Barbara’ in Kunming, Yunnan, China. A Fusarium sp. was consistently recovered from pieces of symptomatic tissues on Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar (PDA). On the basis of morphological characteristics and molecular identification by DNA sequencing of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (rDNA ITS) and partial translation elongation factor‐1α (TEF) gene region, following their phylogenetic trees construction, the putative causal agent was identified as Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg, and its pathogenicity was finally confirmed by Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a wilt disease caused by F. proliferatum on carnation in China.
Utilization of unpeeled cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) root meal supplemented with or without charcoal by broiler chickens
Authors: Oso A. O. , Akapo O. , Sanwo K. A. , Bamgbose A. M.
Published: May 2013

A 42‐day feeding trial was conducted using 480‐day‐old, male Marshall broilers to study the utilization of unpeeled cassava root meal (UCRM) supplemented with or without 6 g/kg charcoal. The experimental design was laid out in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments having three inclusion levels of UCRM (0, 100 and 200 g/kg) with or without 6 g/kg charcoal supplementation. Each treatment consisted of 80 birds replicated eight times with 10 birds per replicate. Main effect of inclusion level of UCRM and supplementation of charcoal showed reduced (p < 0.05) final live weight, weight gain, feed intake and apparent crude protein digestibility of the birds with increasing inclusion levels of UCRM. Birds fed diets supplemented with charcoal showed higher (p < 0.05) final live weight, weight gain and feed intake than birds fed diets without charcoal. Supplementation of charcoal in diet containing 100 g/kg UCRM resulted in improved (p < 0.05) weight gain when compared with birds fed similar diet but not supplemented with charcoal. Broilers fed diet containing no UCRM but supplemented with charcoal had the highest overall (p < 0.05) final live weight and weight gain, while birds fed diet containing 200 g/kg UCRM supplemented with charcoal recorded the poorest (p < 0.05) final live weight and weight gain. Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum thiocyanate concentration increased (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary inclusion levels of UCRM. Dietary supplementation of charcoal resulted in increased (p < 0.05) concentration of serum glucose and cholesterol and reduced (p < 0.05) SGOT concentration. Birds fed diets containing UCRM had high (p < 0.05) serum thiocyanate concentration irrespective of dietary supplementation or not with 6 g/kg charcoal. In conclusion, supplementation of diet containing up to 100 g/kg UCRM with 6 g/kg charcoal showed improved weight gain without any deleterious effect on serum metabolites.
Effects of sampling scale on patterns of habitat association in tropical trees
Authors: Garzon‐Lopez Carol X. , Jansen Patrick A. , Bohlman Stephanie A. , Ordonez Alejandro , Olff Han
Published: May 2013

Questions

Niche differentiation is a central explanation for the co‐existence and distribution patterns of numerous tree species in tropical forests, but functional equivalence leading to neutral dynamics has been proposed as an alternative explanation. This niche vs neutral debate is fuelled by the highly variable results yielded by studies of the association between tree species distributions and environmental factors, where some studies find strong associations but others do not. Here, we ask how differences in sampling scale between studies contribute to this variation.

Location

BarroColoradoIsland,Panama.

Methods

Using distribution maps of canopy‐statured individuals, we evaluated patterns of habitat association in five tropical tree species on BarroColorado Island across a wide range of sampling scales (from 50 to 1600 ha). We investigated the scale‐dependency of species clumping patterns (Ripley'sK) and the association of species distributions with important environmental variables (forest age, topography and geological formation) using point pattern analyses.

Results

Clump size and clump density had high variances within and among spatial scales. Significant habitat associations were found in all five species, with the number of habitat associations generally increasing with the sampling scale. Ignoring dispersal constraints inflated the number of significant habitat associations.

Conclusions

We found that patterns of habitat association (and hence conclusions on the importance of niche vs neutral processes) are strongly affected by the choice of sampling scale and location. Explicit inclusion of the effect of spatial scale is critical for studies of habitat association and the main processes that structure communities of tropical trees.
How does a Mycobacterium change its spots? Applying molecular tools to track diverse strains of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
Authors: Bannantine J.P. , Li L.-L. , Sreevatsan S. , Kapur V.
Published: May 2013

Defining genetic diversity in the wake of the release of several Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) genome sequences has become a major emphasis in the molecular biology and epidemiology of Johne's disease research. These data can now be used to define the extent of strain diversity on the farm. However, to perform these important tasks, researchers must have a way to distinguish the many MAP isolates/strains that are present in the environment or host to enable tracking over time. Recent studies have described genetic diversity of the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), of which MAP is a member, through pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, single sequence repeats, variable-number tandem repeats, genome rearrangements, single nucleotide polymorphisms and genomewide comparisons to identify insertions and deletions. Combinations of these methods can now provide discrimination sufficient for dependable strain tracking. These molecular epidemiology techniques are being applied to understand transmission of Johne's disease within dairy cattle herds as well as identify which strains predominate in wildlife.
Group Inequality and Conflict
Authors: Dutta Indranil , Madden Paul , Mishra Ajit
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a theoretical model to show how distributional concerns can engender social conflict. We have a two‐period model that highlights the crucial role of future inequality. Equality of assets and income in the current period does not stop conflict from arising the anticipated future inequality is significant. Further we find that the impact of inequality on conflict is not straightforward. Societies with low levels of inequality show no conflict; groups engage in conflict only when inequality exceeds a certain threshold level. Additionally the model shows that the link between inequality and conflict may be non‐monotonic.
Excesses of nationalism: Greco‐Turkish population exchange
Authors: Kolluoğlu Biray
Published: May 2013

This article studies 1923 compulsory population exchange between Greece and Turkey through a case study of its experience in Izmir. It traces the ways the early Republican state engaged in the project of reshaping the population by eliminating the non‐Muslims who were rendered as ‘excesses’ in the spatial and discursive matrices of the nation‐state. Through the experience of the exchange in Izmir, it argues that the process of the accommodation and assimilation of the exchangees played a significant role in shaping the modalities of Turkish nationalism by creating new lines and fissures, further dividing the ‘Muslim brethren’ into ever restrictive constructions of Turkishness. It also underlines that this forced displacement is not just a significant episode in Greek and Turkish histories but that it represents a turning point in the project of nation formation in general.
A BLAST AT THE PAST: AN INQUIRY INTO HERBERT SIMON'S ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE PRINCIPLES
Authors: GEORGIOU ION
Published: May 2013

The decades since 1946 have seen repeated rhetoric supportive of Herbert Simon's critique, published that year, of Luther Gulick's ‘Notes on the Theory of Organization’ (published in 1937). The literature offers few contrary opinions against this support. The present article presents a minute analysis of Simon's arguments against Gulick. The reason for this focus is that the rhetoric supportive of Simon's critique addresses the manner in which he argued against Gulick. It is shown how Simon's critique suffers from flawed and misleading argumentation, semantic incoherence, naïve simplicity, disproportionate emphasis, implied imputation, misdirected logic, historical misinterpretation, contextual overshooting, methodological incommensurability, false reproaches, misguiding charges, and an etiological approach unequipped to deal with complex webs of interrelationships.
Crohn's Disease Presenting as a Neutrophilic Dermatosis in a 5‐Month‐Old Boy
Authors: Sutton Angela M. , Lawrence Hillary S. , Canty Kristi M.
Published: May 2013

A 5‐month‐old boy with a previous history of failure to thrive and poor feeding was admitted to the hospital with failure to thrive, oral ulcers, and a generalized vesiculopustular rash that demonstrated a subcorneal pustule and neutrophilic infiltrate on histology. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy biopsies demonstrated chronic active colitis with granulomas, consistent with the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Our case represents, to our knowledge, the youngest person reported with this condition in association with Crohn's disease.
An improvement of the diffusion model for assessment of drought stress in plant tissues
Authors: Kocheva Konstantina V. , Georgiev Georgi I. , Kochev Valery K.
Published: May 2013

The article discusses an improvement of a previously developed method for assessment of ion leakage from plant tissues as a gauge of membrane and cell wall performance under stressful environment. It employs conductometric measurements of the ion efflux from leaves and their quantitative interpretation by a theoretical model based on the laws of diffusion. Experimental data are readily fit with the model and results are in accordance with relative water content of dehydrated barley (Hordeum vulgare) seedlings of two distinct cultivars. Some new parameters obtained from fitting are proposed as reliable indicators of the leaf status. They appear to be helpful in further distinguishing the behavior of two separate cellular structures with respect to their electrolyte permeability. It is concluded that the established method based on the kinetics of ion leakage is adequate for evaluation of contrasting genotypes under normal and stress conditions. Furthermore, it could be used as a simple and powerful tool for routine analysis and screening for drought tolerance in crops.
Hepatitis C Virus Screening and Management of Seroconversions in Hemodialysis Facilities
Authors: Mbaeyi Chukwuma , Thompson Nicola D.
Published: May 2013

Over the past two decades, healthcare‐associated exposure has increasingly been proved to be a means of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission, especially in hemodialysis facilities. The prevalence of HCV among hemodialysis patients is known to be several times greater than that of the general population of the United States, and chronic HCV infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality among these patients. During 2008–2011, HCV infection outbreaks were identified in multiple US hemodialysis facilities, resulting in at least 46 new HCV infections among hemodialysis patients. These outbreaks, linked to infection control breaches, also highlight the failure of some facilities to follow established guidelines for routine HCV antibody (anti‐HCV) screening and response to new HCV infection among hemodialysis patients. Current national guidelines recommend screening of hemodialysis patients for anti‐HCV on facility admission and, for susceptible patients, on a semiannual basis.

Here, we seek to underscore the importance of compliance with national recommendations for anti‐HCV screening of hemodialysis patients and actions to be taken in the event of possible HCV transmission within a hemodialysis facility. These include general steps to ensure that: hemodialysis patients are routinely screened for anti‐HCV to facilitate early detection of new infections; newly infected patients are informed of the change in their HCV status and undergo clinical evaluation; and public health officials are notified of new HCV infections in a timely manner. We then focus on the need to assess infection control practices at the facility, with particular attention given to safe handling of injectable medications, hand hygiene and disinfection practices.

 In the absence of a vaccine, routine screening and adherence to standard infection control practices will remain the key strategies for preventing HCV transmission in hemodialysis units.
HLA‐A2‐restricted Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Epitopes from Human Hepsin as Novel Targets for Prostate Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Guo J. , Li G. , Tang J. , Cao X.‐B. , Zhou Q.‐Y. , Fan Z.‐J. , Zhu B. , Pan X.‐H.
Published: May 2013

Hepsin is a type II transmembrane serine protease that is overexpressed in prostate cancer, and it is associated with prostate cancer cellular migration and invasion. Therefore, HPN is a biomarker for prostate cancer. CD8+ T cells play an important role in tumour immunity. This study predicted and identified HLA‐A2‐restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes in human hepsin protein. HLA‐A2‐restricted CTL epitopes were identified using the following four‐step procedure: (1) a computer program generated predicted epitopes from the amino acid sequence of human hepsin; (2) an HLA‐A2‐binding assay detected the affinity of the predicted epitopes to the HLA‐A2 molecule; (3) the primary T cell response against the predicted epitopes was stimulated in vitro; and (4) the induced CTLs towards different types of hepsin‐ or HLA‐A2‐expressing prostate cancer cells were detected. Five candidate peptides were identified. The effectors that were induced by human hepsin epitopes containing residues 229 to 237 (Hpn229; GLQLGVQAV), 268 to 276 (Hpn268; PLTEYIQPV) and 191 to 199 (Hpn199; SLLSGDWVL) effectively lysed LNCaP prostate cancer cells that were hepsin‐positive and HLA‐A2 matched. These peptide‐specific CTLs did not lyse normal liver cells with low hepsin levels. Hpn229, Hpn268 and Hpn199 increased the frequency of IFN‐γ‐producing T cells compared with the negative peptide. These results suggest that the Hpn229, Hpn268 and Hpn199 epitopes are novel HLA‐A2‐restricted CTL epitopes that are capable of inducing hepsin‐specific CTLs in vitro. Hpn229, Hpn268 and Hpn199 peptide‐based vaccines may be useful for immunotherapy in patients with prostate cancer.
Static‐Strain Level Change Together with Detection of Transient Signal as Damage Indicator for Truss and Frame Structures
Authors: Opoka S. , Murawski L. , Wandowski T. , Malinowski P. , Ostachowicz W.
Published: May 2013

The lifetime prolongation of the old industrial structures is an important economic issue. Damage detection techniques can be helpful to warn about any structural deterioration and to assure sufficient time for counteraction activities. In the paper, the results of strain measurements on scaled leg model of offshore oil platform with different damage cases are presented. The considered damage cases were yielding, chord cutting and brace–chord detachment located in the bottom part of the model. Yielding was detected mainly by the sensors located in the lower part of the structure. On the other hand, brace–chord detachment was detected by all sensors on the structure. Therefore, the global character of the considered damage indicator is proven at least for some important class of damage cases. Due to transient response during brace–chord detachment and interpretation problems of results for partial chord cutting, the necessity of continuous monitoring was evident. The time point of detachment occurrence can be easily detected using difference or cross‐correlation technique. The change in static‐strain levels together with the detection of transient signal seems to be a simple and an effective damage indicator based on interrogation of thermo‐mechanical strains.
Resolution of translation start site for the human Kell glycoprotein
Authors: Blacken Grady R. , Zimring James C. , Fu Xiaoyun
Published: May 2013

Background

The human Kell blood group system currently contains 35 antigens determined by allelic polymorphisms in the Kell glycoprotein, a single‐pass Type II transmembrane protein. The Kell glycoprotein was initially cloned through screening of a cDNA library; however, direct amino acid sequencing of most of the Kell glycoprotein has not been reported. The N‐terminus of the Kell glycoprotein contains two potential translational start sites, which result in differences in the cytoplasmic tail.

Study Design and Methods

Protein extracts were isolated from human red blood cell membranes and were digested with trypsin. The resulting peptides were subjected to liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, allowing resolution of peptides from the N‐terminus of the Kell glycoprotein.

Results

Peptides were isolated and sequenced that correspond to the upstream methionine start site predicted by the full cDNA sequence. No evidence of internal translation initiation at Methionine 20 was detected.

Conclusions

These findings identify the translational start site and define the full cytoplasmic tail of the human Kell glycoprotein.