bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation- and SRP-independent mRNA targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kraut-Cohen Judith , Afanasieva Evgenia , Haim-Vilmovsky Liora , Slobodin Boris , Yosef Ido , Bibi Eitan , Gerst Jeffrey E.
Published: August 2013

mRNAs encoding secreted/membrane proteins (mSMPs) are believed to reach the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in a translation-dependent manner to confer protein translocation. Evidence exists, however, for translation- and signal recognition particle (SRP)–independent mRNA localization to the ER, suggesting that there are alternate paths for RNA delivery. We localized endogenously expressed mSMPs in yeast using an aptamer-based RNA-tagging procedure and fluorescence microscopy. Unlike mRNAs encoding polarity and secretion factors that colocalize with cortical ER at the bud tip, mSMPs and mRNAs encoding soluble, nonsecreted, nonpolarized proteins localized mainly to ER peripheral to the nucleus (nER). Synthetic nontranslatable uracil-rich mRNAs were also demonstrated to colocalize with nER in yeast. This mRNA–ER association was verified by subcellular fractionation and reverse transcription-PCR, single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization, and was not inhibited upon SRP inactivation. To better understand mSMP targeting, we examined aptamer-tagged USE1, which encodes a tail-anchored membrane protein, and SUC2, which encodes a soluble secreted enzyme. USE1 and SUC2 mRNA targeting was not abolished by the inhibition of translation or removal of elements involved in translational control. Overall we show that mSMP targeting to the ER is both translation- and SRP-independent, and regulated by cis elements contained within the message and trans-acting RNA-binding proteins (e.g., She2, Puf2).
Environmental cues induce a long noncoding RNA–dependent remodeling of the nucleolus
Authors: Jacob Mathieu D. , Audas Timothy E. , Uniacke James , Trinkle-Mulcahy Laura , Lee Stephen
Published: August 2013

The nucleolus is a plurifunctional organelle in which structure and function are intimately linked. Its structural plasticity has long been appreciated, particularly in response to transcriptional inhibition and other cellular stresses, although the mechanism and physiological relevance of these phenomena are unclear. Using MCF-7 and other mammalian cell lines, we describe a structural and functional adaptation of the nucleolus, triggered by heat shock or physiological acidosis, that depends on the expression of ribosomal intergenic spacer long noncoding RNA (IGS lncRNA). At the heart of this process is the de novo formation of a large subnucleolar structure, termed the detention center (DC). The DC is a spatially and dynamically distinct region, characterized by an 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate–positive hydrophobic signature. Its formation is accompanied by redistribution of nucleolar factors and arrest in ribosomal biogenesis. Silencing of regulatory IGS lncRNA prevents the creation of this structure and allows the nucleolus to retain its tripartite organization and transcriptional activity. Signal termination causes a decrease in IGS transcript levels and a return to the active nucleolar conformation. We propose that the induction of IGS lncRNA by environmental signals operates as a molecular switch that regulates the structure and function of the nucleolus.
Physiological role of the interaction between CARMIL1 and capping protein
Authors: Edwards Marc , Liang Yun , Kim Taekyung , Cooper John A.
Published: August 2013

The regulation of free barbed ends is central to the control of dynamic actin assembly and actin-based motility in cells. Capping protein (CP) is known to regulate barbed ends and control actin assembly in cells. The CARMIL family of proteins can bind and inhibit CP in vitro, but the physiological significance of the interaction of CARMIL with CP in cells is poorly understood. Mammalian cells lacking CARMIL1 have defects in lamellipodia, macropinocytosis, cell migration, and Rac1 activation. Here we investigate the physiological significance of the CARMIL1–CP interaction, using a point mutant with a well-defined biochemical defect. We find that the CARMIL1–CP interaction is essential for the assembly of lamellipodia, the formation of ruffles, and the process of macropinocytosis. In contrast, the interaction of CARMIL1 with CP shows little to no importance for other functions of CARMIL1, including localization of CARMIL1 to the membrane, activation of Rac1, and cell migration. One implication is that lamellipodia are only marginally important for cell migration in a wound-healing model. The results also suggest that the ability of CARMIL1 to inhibit CP in cells may be regulated.
The Relative Volatility of Commodity Prices: A Reappraisal
Authors: Arezki Rabah , Lederman Daniel , Zhao Hongyan
Published: August 2013

This article studies the relative volatility of commodity prices by examining a large dataset of monthly prices observed in international trade data taken from the United States between 2002–2011. The evidence presented here suggests that, on average, prices of individual primary commodities are less volatile than individual manufactured goods prices. Furthermore, robustness tests suggest that these results are not likely to be due to alternative product classification choices, differences in product exit rates, measurement errors in the trade data, or the aggregation level of the trade data at the 10‐digit level of the Harmonized System of products classification.
MaGnET: Malaria Genome Exploration Tool
Authors: Sharman Joanna L. , Gerloff Dietlind L.
Published: July 2013

Summary: The Malaria Genome Exploration Tool (MaGnET) is a software tool enabling intuitive ‘exploration-style’ visualization of functional genomics data relating to the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. MaGnET provides innovative integrated graphic displays for different datasets, including genomic location of genes, mRNA expression data, protein–protein interactions and more. Any selection of genes to explore made by the user is easily carried over between the different viewers for different datasets, and can be changed interactively at any point (without returning to a search).

Availability and Implementation: Free online use (Java Web Start) or download (Java application archive and MySQL database; requires local MySQL installation) at http://malariagenomeexplorer.org

Contact:  joanna.sharman@ed.ac.uk or dgerloff@ffame.org

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Trends in long‐term mechanical circulatory support for advanced heart failure in the UK
Authors: Emin Akan , Rogers Chris A. , Parameshwar Jayan , MacGowan Guy , Taylor Rhiannon , Yonan Nizar , Simon Andre , Tsui Steven , Schueler Stephan , Banner Nicholas R. ,   on behalf of the Steering Group of the UK Cardiothoracic Transplant Audit and the UK VAD Forum, Banner Nicholas , Braidley Peter , Burch Mike , Clark Stephen , Collett Dave , Cromwell David , Haire Kate , Mascaro Jorge , Parameshwar Jayan , Petrie Mark , Simon Andre , Tsui Steven , Yonan Nizar , Collins Ms Katherine , Haj‐Yahia Saleem , MacGowan Guy , Shaw Steven , Schueler Stephan , Townsend John , Venkateswaran Rajamiyer , Wilson Ian , Winter Mike , Yonan Nizar
Published: July 2013

Aims

Heart transplantation (HTx) is limited by the scarcity of suitable donor hearts. Consequently, more patients with advanced heart failure require a ventricular assist device (VAD). We report UK activity, trends, and outcome for long‐term VAD support as a bridging therapy to HTx.

Methods and results

Patients were grouped into three eras: E1, February 2004–March 2006; E2, April 2006–March 2009; and E3, April 2009–March 2011. Exclusions were patients who received isolated short‐term support or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation without prior or subsequent long‐term VAD support. A total of 247 patients received VAD support; 202 left ventricular (LVAD) support alone and 45 both left and right ventricular support. Activity increased over time, from 36 patients implanted in E1 to 123 in E3. Overall, 46 patients received a first‐generation device, 80 a second‐generation device, and 121 a third‐generation device. Use of third‐generation devices increased from <6% in E1 to 78% in E3. Median duration of LVAD support increased from 141 days in E1 to 578 days in E3 (P < 0.001). Overall survival to 1 year after LVAD implant rose from 58.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 40.7–72.4%] in E1 to 72.5% (95% CI 63.3–79.8%) in E3 (P = 0.21), and improved significantly with device generation; at 1 year, 50% of patients with first‐generation devices were alive compared with 68.1% and 76.9% of patients with second‐ and third‐generation devices, respectively (P = 0.002). These differences remained after risk adjustment. HTx following LVAD implant reduced over time (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

VAD activity and duration of support have increased. There has been a shift from first‐ and second‐ to third‐generation devices, and an associated improvement in survival.
Positive regulation of meiotic DNA double-strand break formation by activation of the DNA damage checkpoint kinase Mec1(ATR)
Authors: Gray Stephen , Allison Rachal M. , Garcia Valerie , Goldman Alastair S. H. , Neale Matthew J.
Published: August 2013

During meiosis, formation and repair of programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) create genetic exchange between homologous chromosomes—a process that is critical for reductional meiotic chromosome segregation and the production of genetically diverse sexually reproducing populations. Meiotic DSB formation is a complex process, requiring numerous proteins, of which Spo11 is the evolutionarily conserved catalytic subunit. Precisely how Spo11 and its accessory proteins function or are regulated is unclear. Here, we useSaccharomyces cerevisiaeto reveal that meiotic DSB formation is modulated by the Mec1(ATR) branch of the DNA damage signalling cascade, promoting DSB formation when Spo11-mediated catalysis is compromised. Activation of the positive feedback pathway correlates with the formation of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) recombination intermediates and activation of the downstream kinase, Mek1. We show that the requirement for checkpoint activation can be rescued by prolonging meiotic prophase by deleting theNDT80transcription factor, and that even transient prophase arrest caused by Ndt80 depletion is sufficient to restore meiotic spore viability in checkpoint mutants. Our observations are unexpected given recent reports that the complementary kinase pathway Tel1(ATM) acts to inhibit DSB formation. We propose that such antagonistic regulation of DSB formation by Mec1 and Tel1 creates a regulatory mechanism, where the absolute frequency of DSBs is maintained at a level optimal for genetic exchange and efficient chromosome segregation.
Multilocus sequence analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing reveal that

Yersinia frederiksenii

genospecies 2 is

Yersinia massiliensis
Authors: Souza Roberto A. , Imori Priscilla F. M. , Falcão Juliana P.
Published: August 2013

Since

Yersinia frederiksenii

was first described in 1980, it has been recognized genotypically as a heterogeneous species, comprising three phenotypically indistinguishable genospecies. In this study, the sequence of the 16S rRNA gene and the concatenated sequences of six housekeeping genes (glnA, gyrB, hsp60, recA, rpoB and sodA) of all the currently known species of the genus

Yersinia

were used to determine the phylogenetic position of

Y. frederiksenii

genospecies 2 in the genus

Yersinia

. The phylogenetic analyses grouped the

Y. frederiksenii

genospecies 2 strains in a monophyletic group together with representative strains of

Yersinia massiliensis

. Moreover, the

Y. frederiksenii

genospecies 2 strains were also grouped apart from the other species of the genus

Yersinia

and far from the other two genospecies of

Y. frederiksenii

. All of the observations made in this study support the conclusion that

Y. frederiksenii

genospecies 2 should be reclassified as

Y. massiliensis

.
Urethral inflammation in male chimpanzees caused by ureaplasmas and Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Taylor-Robinson David
Published: August 2013

Specimens from men with acute non-gonococcal urethritis were tested to determine their microbial content and then given intra-urethrally to male chimpanzees. Two animals received ureaplasmas only and one became infected. The second did so when given a different strain. Both developed a polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) response. Two chimpanzees received a mixture of ureaplasmas andChlamydia trachomatisand there was a suggestion that the ureaplasmas delayed or suppressed the chlamydial response. The latter, that is urethral infection with a pronounced PMNL response, was most clearly seen in a chimpanzee givenC. trachomatisonly. No inflammation was detected in two chimpanzees acting as controls. Three of five chimpanzees given ureaplasmas genitally, and one that had them endogenously, had them transiently in the oropharynx about 2 weeks later. The occurrence of ureaplasmas in the conjunctiva of three chimpanzees inoculated at this site was also transient and without inflammation. The possibility thatMycoplasma genitaliummight have been in the inocula and caused urethral inflammation was discounted largely because no animal had antibody to this mycoplasma.
Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC) Analysis of Protein Interactions in Live Cells
Authors: Kerppola Tom K.
Published: August 2013

Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) analysis enables direct visualization of protein interactions and modifications in living cells. It is based on the facilitated association of two nonfluorescent fragments of a fluorescent protein fused to putative interaction partners. The intrinsic fluorescence of the active complex enables detection of protein interactions with high sensitivity, fine spatial resolution, and minimal perturbation of the cells. This protocol outlines methods to analyze protein interactions in cultured mammalian cells using BiFC, but can be readily adapted to any cell type or aerobically grown organism that can be genetically modified to express the fusion proteins.
Ca2+ Imaging in Plants Using Genetically Encoded Yellow Cameleon Ca2+ Indicators
Authors: Behera Smrutisanjita , Krebs Melanie , Loro Giovanna , Schumacher Karin , Costa Alex , Kudla Jörg
Published: August 2013

Temporally and spatially defined changes in cellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration represent stimulus-specific signals and regulate a myriad of biological processes. The development of ratiometric Ca2+ reporter proteins like Yellow Cameleons (YCs) has greatly advanced our ability to analyze Ca2+ dynamics in vivo with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. In plants, the application of these Ca2+ reporter proteins has been pioneered for the investigation of Ca2+ dynamics in guard cells, and recently their use has been extended to other single-cell models like growing pollen tubes and root hairs. However, in plants, the use of YC reporter proteins has largely remained restricted to the investigation of cytoplasmic alterations of Ca2+ concentrations. Here, we provide an introduction to current methods for imaging Ca2+ dynamics with increasing sophistication.
Characterization of Japanese encephalitis virus infection in an immortalized mesencephalic cell line, CSM14.1
Authors: Kimura Takashi , Okumura Megumi , Kim Eunmi , Sasaki Michihito , Orba Yasuko , Sawa Hirofumi
Published: August 2013

Neurons are the major target cell of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Rats intracerebrally inoculated with JEV show an age‐dependent pattern of resistance to infection in which resistance is closely associated with neuronal maturation. However, because there is no reliable and convenient cell culture system that mimics the in vivo properties of JEV infection of immature and mature neurons, the mechanisms underlying this association remain poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to examine JEV infection in immortalized CSM14.1 rat neuronal cells, which can be induced to differentiate into neurons by culture under non‐permissive conditions. JEV infected undifferentiated CSM14.1 cells more efficiently than differentiated cells, resulting in production of more progeny virus in the former setting than in the latter. An infectious virus recovery assay detected more internalized virions in undifferentiated cells. On the other hand, JEV infection of differentiated cells induced more rapid and stronger expression of interferon‐β gene, along with smaller amounts of JEV RNA. Taken together, these results show that the initial phase of viral infection and the later IFN response play roles in the viral susceptibility of undifferentiated and differentiated CSM14.1 cells. Because CSM14.1 cells became more resistant to JEV infection as they mature, this culture system can be used as an in vitro model for studying age‐dependent resistance of neurons to JEV infection.
Novel polyvalent live vaccine against varicella–zoster and mumps virus infections
Authors: Matsuura Masaaki , Somboonthum Pranee , Murakami Kouki , Ota Megumi , Shoji Masaki , Kawabata Kenji , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki , Gomi Yasuyuki , Yamanishi Koichi , Mori Yasuko
Published: August 2013

The varicella–zoster virus (VZV) Oka vaccine strain (vOka) is a highly immunogenic and safe live vaccine that has long been used worldwide. Because its genome is large, making it suitable for inserting foreign genes, vOka is considered a candidate vector for novel polyvalent vaccines. Previously, a recombinant vOka, rvOka‐HN, that expresses mumps virus (MuV) hemagglutinin‐neuraminidase (HN) was generated by the present team. rvOka‐HN induces production of neutralizing antibodies against MuV in guinea pigs. MuV also expresses fusion (F) protein, which is important for inducing neutralizing antibodies, in its viral envelope. To induce a more robust immune response against MuV than that obtained with rvOka‐HN, here an rvOka expressing both HN and F (rvOka‐HN‐F) was generated. However, co‐expression of HN and F caused the infected cells to form syncytia, which reduced virus titers. To reduce the amount of cell fusion, an rvOka expressing HN and a mutant F, F(S195Y) were generated. Almost no syncytia formed among the rvOka‐HN‐F(S195Y)‐infected cells and the growth of rvOka‐HN‐F(S195Y) was similar to that of the original vOka clone. Moreover, replacement of serine 195 with tyrosine had no effect on the immunogenicity of F in mice and guinea pigs. Although obvious augmentation of neutralizing antibody production was not observed after adding F protein to vOka‐HN, the anti‐F antibodies did have neutralizing activity. These data suggest that F protein contributes to induction of immune protection against MuV. Therefore this recombinant virus is a promising candidate vaccine for polyvalent protection against both VZV and MuV.
Mechanisms of biotic resistance across complex life cycles
Authors: Rius Marc , Potter Elaine E. , Aguirre J. David , Stachowicz John J.
Published: August 2013

Biotic resistance is the ability of communities to inhibit the establishment, spread or impact of novel species. However, the interactions that underlie biotic resistance depend heavily on the contexts in which species interact. Consequently, studies of biotic resistance that consider single processes, patches, species or life‐history stages may provide an incomplete picture of the capacity for communities to resist invasion.

Many organisms have multiphasic life cycles, where individuals can occupy distinct niches at different stages of the life history. Generally, studies of biotic resistance focus on interactions within a single life‐history stage, and interactions at other life‐history stages are overlooked. Here, we demonstrate that different mechanisms of biotic resistance occur across the life history and together limit the invasion success of an introduced marine invertebrate (Ciona intestinalis) in Northern California.

We tested the role of interactions (competition and predation) with the resident community in limiting the abundance of Ciona through experiments conducted on fertilization, larval survival, settlement, early postsettlement survival, and the survival of juveniles and adults.

Under some circumstances, Ciona became abundant in mid‐successional stages and showed more rapid growth rates than a morphologically similar native species, Ascidia ceratodes. However, predators reduced Ciona abundance much more than that of Ascidia at several life stages. Furthermore, Ciona appeared to be a weaker competitor at the adult stage. Early life‐history interactions with other sessile species at the fertilization, larval and recruit stages had modest to no effects on Ciona abundance.

The presence of biotic resistance mechanisms acting at multiple life stages, and potentially under different conditions, suggests that different components of biotic resistance interact to enhance the resident community's resistance to invasion.
Abiotic factors may explain the geographical distribution of flower colour morphs and the maintenance of colour polymorphism in the scarlet pimpernel
Authors: Arista Montserrat , Talavera María , Berjano Regina , Ortiz Pedro Luis
Published: August 2013

Flower colour polymorphism is traditionally attributed to pollinator selection although other factors, such as indirect selection on correlated traits, can play an important role.

Lysimachia arvensisis a widespread annual species with two colour morphs differing in anthocyanin composition. We explored the hypothesis that colour polymorphism is maintained by selection related to environmental heterogeneity.Morph frequencies and environmental traits were recorded in 51 populations along a wide geographical range. To explore the existence of morph‐by‐environment interactions, we conducted an experimental study comparing the two morphs under treatments differing in water and light availability.

A geographical pattern was found with a negative association between blue frequencies and latitude. The proportion of the blue morph increased with temperature and sunshine hours, but decreased with precipitation. Flowering onset and flower size differed between morphs and scarcely varied across treatments. In contrast, several fitness components such as germination, seedling survival, seedling mass and flower production showed important morph‐by‐environment interactions. The blue morph showed higher overall male and female fitness in all the treatment combinations excepting in sun‐wet conditions where the red morph had higher fitness.

Synthesis. Our results indicate that the mechanism of selection on flower colour seems to be related to differences in fitness of both morphs due to abiotic factors. These differences could explain the geographical distribution of flower colour morphs and the maintenance of the colour polymorphism. The marked difference in flowering time between morphs leaves open the potential for assortative mating and speciation inLysimachia arvensis.
Quinolone‐resistant Escherichia coli isolated from birds of prey in Portugal are genetically distinct from those isolated from water environments and gulls in Portugal, Spain and Sweden
Authors: Vredenburg Jana , Varela Ana Rita , Hasan Badrul , Bertilsson Stefan , Olsen Björn , Narciso‐da‐Rocha Carlos , Bonnedahl Jonas , Stedt Johan , Da Costa Paulo Martins , Manaia Célia M.
Published: August 2013

The influence of geographic distribution and type of habitat on the molecular epidemiology of ciprofloxacin resistant Escherichia coli was investigated. Ciprofloxacin resistant E. coli from wastewater, urban water with faecal contamination and faeces of gulls, pigeons and birds of prey, from Portugal, Spain and Sweden were compared based on multi‐locus sequence typing (MLST) and quinolone resistance genetic determinants. Multi‐locus sequence typing allowed the differentiation of E. coli lineages associated with birds of prey from those inhabiting gulls and waters. E. coli lineages of clinical relevance, such as the complex ST131, were detected in wastewater, streams and gulls in Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

Quinolone resistance was due to gyrA and parC mutations, although distinct mutations were detected in birds of prey and in wastewater, streams and gulls isolates. These differences were correlated with specific MLST lineages, suggesting resistance inheritance. Among the plasmid‐mediated quinolone resistance genes, only aac(6′)‐ib‐cr and qnrS were detected in wastewater, streams and gulls isolates, but not in birds of prey. The horizontal transfer of the gene aac(6′)‐ib‐cr could be inferred from its occurrence in different MLST lineages.
Cellular and functional specificity among ferritin‐like proteins in the multicellular cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme
Authors: Ekman Martin , Sandh Gustaf , Nenninger Anja , Oliveira Paulo , Stensjö Karin
Published: August 2013

Ferritin‐like proteins constitute a remarkably heterogeneous protein family, including ferritins, bacterioferritins and Dps proteins. The genome of the filamentous heterocyst‐forming cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme encodes five ferritin‐like proteins. In the present paper, we report a multidimensional characterization of these proteins. Our phylogenetic and bioinformatics analyses suggest both structural and physiological differences among the ferritin‐like proteins. The expression of these five genes responded differently to hydrogen peroxide treatment, with a significantly higher rise in transcript level for Npun_F3730 as compared with the other four genes. A specific role for Npun_F3730 in the cells tolerance against hydrogen peroxide was also supported by the inactivation of Npun_F3730, Npun_R5701 and Npun_R6212; among these, only the ΔNpun_F3730 strain showed an increased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide compared with wild type. Analysis of promoter‐GFP reporter fusions of the ferritin‐like genes indicated that Npun_F3730 and Npun_R5701 were expressed in all cell types of a diazotrophic culture, while Npun_F6212 was expressed specifically in heterocysts. Our study provides the first comprehensive analysis combining functional differentiation and cellular specificity within this important group of proteins in a multicellular cyanobacterium.
Robert Burns: Recovering Scotland's Memory of the Black Atlantic
Authors: MORRIS MICHAEL
Published: July 2013

This article contributes to the reassessment of Scottish history and identity in light of the recovery of its connections with black Atlantic issues such as slavery and empire. The ‘paradox’ of the national bard seeking employment as a book‐keeper on Jamaica remains an uncomfortable area for modern Scotland. This article considers Burns's biographical and textual (dis‐)entanglement with the Caribbean in relation to the subsequent competition over his memory. It reads Robert Burns as a lieu de mémoire (Pierre Nora) that opens up a conflicted account of the nature of free labour ideology, slavery and abolition in the late eighteenth century.
Internet information on child oral health and the first dental visit
Authors: Yeap CK , Slack‐Smith LM
Published: August 2013

Background

This study evaluated the available online information regarding a child's first dental visit (CFDV) and compares this with internationally recognized guidelines for the timing of CFDV.

Methods

Online information regarding CFDV was searched using the Google search engine under the Australian domain for four selected search terms and limited to the first 50 results. The websites of selected professional dental associations were also investigated for recommended CFDV timing. Guidelines recommended the CFDV from when the first tooth erupts or by the age of one year.

Results

Information on timing for CFDV was available on the internet and consistent with recognized guidelines for almost half of the 157 sites examined. Information on CFDV was consistent with guidelines when mentioned in professional dental association and public (government and corporate) sites. Misinformation regarding CFDV was primarily associated with dental forums and sites owned by dental professionals. The three most popular topics of additional information included oral hygiene instruction, procedures for age‐one CFDV and preparing the child for the CFDV.

Conclusions

Internet information regarding a child's first dental visit was generally informative but not always in agreement with the recommendations of professional dental associations. Misinformation regarding CFDV was primarily associated with dental forums and dental professional owned sites.
Dental visiting by insurance and oral health impact
Authors: Brennan DS , Anikeeva O , Teusner DN
Published: August 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to explore whether oral health has an influence on the association between dental insurance and dental visiting.

Methods

A random sample of adults aged 30–61 years living in Australia was drawn from the Australian Electoral Roll. Data were collected by mailed survey in 2009–2010, including age, gender, household income, dental insurance status, dental visiting and oral health impact.

Results

Responses were collected from n = 1096 persons (response rate = 39.1%). Dental insurance was positively associated with visiting a dentist in the last 12 months (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.31–1.67), while oral health impact was not associated with recent visiting PR = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.89–1.14). Visiting for the purpose of pain relief was less prevalent among insured participants (PR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.44–0.81), but more prevalent among those with poor oral health (PR = 2.85; 95% CI: 2.15–3.76). It was found that oral health impact did not alter the relationship between dental insurance and visiting.

Conclusions

Oral health impacts were not associated with recent dental visits, but were associated with visits for pain relief. Dental insurance was associated with a greater likelihood of recent visits and lower levels of relief of pain visits.
Non‐carious cervical lesions: influence of morphology and load type on biomechanical behaviour of maxillary incisors
Authors: Soares PV , Santos‐Filho PCF , Soares CJ , Faria VLG , Naves MF , Michael JA , Kaidonis JA , Ranjitkar S , Townsend GC
Published: August 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to measure the effect of simulating two different loads on maxillary incisors displaying eight morphological types of non‐carious cervical lesions, unrestored and restored with an adhesive restoration, by quantifying the stress distributions generated using finite element analysis.

Methods

Virtual models of maxillary incisors were generated using the CAD software (RhinoCeros). After composing virtual dental and supporting structures with and without non‐carious cervical lesions, each model was meshed using a control mesh device (ANSYS Finite Element Analysis Software). All of the virtual models were subjected to two load types, oblique load and vertical load, to simulate occlusal forces of 100 N each. Comparisons were made between simulated teeth with non‐carious cervical lesions, with and without composite resin restorations, and a simulated sound tooth. Data summarizing the stress distributions were obtained in MPa using von Mises criteria.

Results

Oblique loading on simulated non‐carious cervical lesions resulted in greater stress concentration compared with vertical loading, and non‐carious cervical lesions with acute angles displayed higher stress concentrations at the depth of the lesion. Restoring the lesions with an adhesive restoration, such as composite resin, appeared to overcome this stress concentration.

Conclusions

Restoring NCCLs with adhesive restorative materials, such as a nanohybrid composite resin, appears to recover the biomechanical behaviour similar to sound teeth.
Performance of a new oxygen delivery device for potentially infectious critically ill patients
Authors: Yip Y. Y. , Kwok W. H. , Gomersall C. D.
Published: August 2013

In patients with highly contagious diseases that are spread by respiratory droplets or air‐borne particles, the use of high‐flow oxygen may carry a significant risk of nosocomial transmission. We tested a new oxygen delivery device designed to address these problems by simulating 108 patients with sepsis and respiratory failure. The device being tested consisted of an airtight mask, a bacterial and viral filter, a T‐shaped reservoir (50 and 100 ml) and oxygen delivery tubing connected directly to the mask. When tested with a 50‐ml reservoir, a high fractional oxygen concentration was achieved: mean (SD) 0.83 (0.11) at a flow of 15 l.min−1 oxygen. The 50‐ml reservoir, when compared with the 100‐ml reservoir, was associated with reduced carbon dioxide rebreathing (mean (SD) inspired fractional carbon dioxide concentration 2.5 (1.0) vs 3.0 (1.1), respectively, p = 0.009) and reduced inspiratory resistive work of breathing (mean (SD) 1.0 (0.6) J.l−1 vs 1.2 (0.5) J.l−1, respectively, p = 0.028). However, rebreathing and work of breathing were relatively high if a high respiratory rate was simulated. We conclude that the novel oxygen device we describe, equipped with the 50‐ml T‐shaped reservoir, is suitable for potentially infectious patients with type‐1 respiratory failure but without marked tachypnoea.
In Vitro Evaluation of Aortic Insufficiency With a Rotary Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Gregory Shaun D. , Stevens Michael C. , Wu Eric , Fraser John F. , Timms Daniel
Published: August 2013

Aortic insufficiency (AI) is usually repaired prior to rotary blood pump (RBP) implantation but can develop during support due, in part, to the sustained RBP‐induced high pressure gradient across the aortic valve. Repair of the aortic valve before or during RBP support predisposes these critically ill patients to even higher risks. This study used an in vitro mock circulation loop to identify the severity of AI and/or left heart failure (LHF) that might benefit from valve repair while investigating RBP operating strategies to reduce the hemodynamic influence of AI. Reproduction of AI with RBP‐supported LHF reduced device efficiency, particularly in the more severe cases of AI and LHF. The requirement for repair or closure of the aortic valve was demonstrated in all conditions other than those with only mild AI. When a sinusoidal RBP speed pulse was induced, small changes in systemic flow rate and regurgitant volume were observed with all degrees of AI. Variation of the pulse phase delay only resulted in minor changes to systemic flow rate, with a maximum difference of 0.17 L/min. Although the clinical implications of these small changes may be insignificant, changes in systemic flow rate and transvalvular pressure were shown when the sinusoidal RBP speed pulse was applied with no AI. In these cases, transvalvular pressure was reduced by up to 8% through sinusoidal copulsation of the RBP, which may prevent or delay the onset of AI. This in vitro study suggests that surgical intervention is required with moderate or worse AI and that RBP operating strategies should be further explored to delay the onset and reduce the harmful effects of AI.
Human spinal cord injury: motor unit properties and behaviour
Authors: Thomas C. K. , Bakels R. , Klein C. S. , Zijdewind I.
Published: August 2013

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in widespread variation in muscle function. Review of motor unit data shows that changes in the amount and balance of excitatory and inhibitory inputs after SCI alter management of motoneurons. Not only are units recruited up to higher than usual relative forces when SCI leaves few units under voluntary control, the force contribution from recruitment increases due to elevation of twitch/tetanic force ratios. Force gradation and precision are also coarser with reduced unit numbers. Maximal unit firing rates are low in hand muscles, limiting voluntary strength, but are low, normal or high in limb muscles. Unit firing rates during spasms can exceed voluntary rates, emphasizing that deficits in descending drive limit force production. SCI also changes muscle properties. Motor unit weakness and fatigability seem universal across muscles and species, increasing the muscle weakness that arises from paralysis of units, motoneuron death and sensory impairment. Motor axon conduction velocity decreases after human SCI. Muscle contractile speed is also reduced, which lowers the stimulation frequencies needed to grade force when paralysed muscles are activated with patterned electrical stimulation. This slowing does not necessarily occur in hind limb muscles after cord transection in cats and rats. The nature, duration and level of SCI underlie some of these species differences, as do variations in muscle function, daily usage, tract control and fibre‐type composition. Exploring this diversity is important to promote recovery of the hand, bowel, bladder and locomotor function most wanted by people with SCI.
The production of the eosinophil proteins ECP and EPX/EDN are regulated in a reciprocal manner
Authors: Jönsson Ulla‐Britt , Blom Kristin , Stålenheim Gunnemar , Håkansson Lena Douhan , Venge Per
Published: July 2013

Previous studies showed that the biological activity and the eosinophil content of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP, RNase 3) are determined by single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ECP (RNase3) gene. In this study, we report the prevalence of a common SNP in the eosinophil protein x/eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EPX/EDN, RNase2) and the association with the cellular contents of EPX/EDN and ECP. The genes were sequenced and the EPX/EDN405(G>C) rs2013109 SNPs were also determined by TaqMan 5′nuclease allelic discrimination assay. ECP and EPX/EDN in purified eosinophils or in whole blood extracts were analysed by sensitive immunoassays. The study included 379 non‐allergic and allergic subjects. The genotype prevalence of the EPX/EDN405(G>C) polymorphism was GG 59%, GC 36% and CC 6%. The cellular contents of ECP and EPX/EDN were related in a reciprocal fashion with the sums of the protein contents being constant. The contents were associated with the ECP562(G>C) rs2233860 and EPX/EDN405(G>C) gene polymorphisms. The cellular content of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) was not associated with the ECP and EPX/EDN genotypes. The prevalence of the EPX/EDN405(G>C) genotypes and the contents of the proteins were similar in non‐allergic and allergic subjects.

The production and storage of the two ancestral proteins, ECP and EPX/EDN likely share common regulatory mechanisms, which result in opposing productions of the two proteins.
Stromal cells can be cultured and characterized from diagnostic bronchoalveolar fluid samples obtained from patients with various types of interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Lehtonen Siri T , Karvonen Henna M , Harju Terttu , Sormunen Raija , Lappi‐Blanco Elisa , Hilli Meeri , Risteli Juha , Merikallio Heta , Kaarteenaho Riitta
Published: July 2013

Increased proliferation of stromal cells is a typical feature encountered in several lung diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the success of standardized process for culturing stromal cells from small volumes of diagnostic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples collected from various patients and to characterize the cultured cells. Small volumes (average 15 mL) of BAL fluid samples were collected from 98 patients who underwent bronchoscopy and BAL for diagnostic purposes. The cells were cultured in vitro and characterized by immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, flow cytometry and differentiation tests. Cells could be cultured from 62% of samples with the success rate varying with the disease (p = 0.003). Cultures from samples of the patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, non‐specific interstitial pneumonia, connective tissue disorder associated interstitial lung disease and allergic alveolitis had a higher success rate than samples derived from control lung (p < 0.001, 0.03, 0.03 and 0.044, respectively). Smokers had a higher success rate compared with non‐smokers (p = 0.035). The cultured cells were fibroblasts or myofibroblasts, but shared also similarities with progenitor‐type cells. The study shows that mesenchymal cells can be cultured and studied from small volumes of diagnostic BAL fluid samples from patients with several different types of lung diseases.
Sequential administration of the high affinity CXCR4 antagonist BKT140 promotes megakaryopoiesis and platelet production
Authors: Abraham Michal , Weiss Ido D. , Wald Hanna , Wald Ori , Nagler Arnon , Beider Katia , Eizenberg Orly , Peled Amnon
Published: August 2013

Platelets are the terminal differentiation product of megakaryocytes (MKs). Cytokines, such as thrombopoietin (TPO), are known to influence different steps in MK development; however, the complex differentiation and platelet localization processes are not fully understood. MKs express the receptor CXCR4 and have been shown to migrate in response to CXCL12 and to increase their platelet production. In this study, we studied the role of CXCR4 in platelet production with the high affinity CXCR4 antagonist, BKT140. Single and sequential administration of BKT140 significantly increased the number of MKs and haematopoietic progenitors (HPCs) within the bone marrow (BM). Increased megakaryopoiesis was associated with increased platelet production. Single and sequential administration of BKT140 also increased the number of HPCs in the blood. In a model of 5‐fluorouracil‐induced thrombocytopenia, BKT140 significantly reduced the severity and duration of thrombocytopenia and cytopenia when administered before and after chemotherapy. Our results demonstrated that the CXCR4 antagonist, BKT140, mediated unique beneficial effects by stimulating megakaryopoiesis and platelet production. These results provide evidence for the possible therapeutic use of BKT140 for modulating platelet numbers in thrombocytopenic conditions.
The Reciprocal Links Between School Engagement, Youth Problem Behaviors, and School Dropout During Adolescence
Authors: Wang Ming‐Te , Fredricks Jennifer A.
Published: July 2013

Drawing on the self‐system model, this study conceptualized school engagement as a multidimensional construct, including behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement, and examined whether changes in the three types of school engagement related to changes in problem behaviors from 7th through 11th grades (approximately ages 12–17). In addition, a transactional model of reciprocal relations between school engagement and problem behaviors was tested to predict school dropout. Data were collected on 1,272 youth from an ethnically and economically diverse county (58% African American, 36% European American; 51% females). Results indicated that adolescents who had declines in behavioral and emotional engagement with school tended to have increased delinquency and substance use over time. There were bidirectional associations between behavioral and emotional engagement in school and youth problem behaviors over time. Finally, lower behavioral and emotional engagement and greater problem behaviors predicted greater likelihood of dropping out of school.
Comparison of dexmedetomidine and sufentanil for conscious sedation in patients undergoing awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation: a prospective, randomised and controlled clinical trial
Authors: Shen She‐Liang , Xie Yi‐hong , Wang Wen‐Yuan , Hu Shuang‐Fei , Zhang Yun‐Long
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Fibreoptic intubation is a valuable technique for difficult airway management in which conscious sedation is paramount.

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine (DEX) and sufentanil (SUF) for conscious sedation during awake nasotracheal intubation under vision by a fibreoptic bronchoscope.

Methods

Forty patients with anticipated difficult airways of American Society of Anesthesiologists I‐II scheduled for awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation were randomised into two groups each containing 20 subjects. DEX group received DEX at a dose of 1.0 μg/kg over 10 min followed by a continuous infusion of 0.5 μg/kg per hour, while SUF group received SUF target controlled infusion in which the target plasma concentration was 0.3 ng/mL. The nasotracheal intubation conditions and the tolerance to nasotracheal intubation were observed; the occurrence of adverse events including hypertension, bradycardia and respiratory depression during nasotracheal intubation and post‐surgical throat pain and hoarseness, and post‐surgical memory score were recorded.

Results

Better nasotracheal intubation conditions and higher tolerance to intubation were observed in DEX group than those in SUF group (P < 0.05). The incidence rates of hypertension, respiratory depression during intubation and throat pain after surgery were lower in DEX group than those in SUF group; however, the incidence of bradycardia was higher in DEX group than that in SUF group.

Conclusions

DEX provides better nasotracheal intubation conditions, improves patients' tolerance to intubation and leads to lower occurrence of hypertension, respiratory depression and throat pain and post‐surgical memory score for sedation during awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation.
Phlebosclerotic colitis that was difficult to distinguish from collagenous colitis
Authors: Hozumi Hideaki , Hokari Ryota , Shimizu Motonori , Maruta Koji , Narimatsu Kazuyuki , Sato Hirokazu , Sato Shingo , Ueda Toshihide , Higashiyama Masaaki , Watanabe Chikako , Komoto Shunsuke , Tomita Kengo , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Nagao Shigeaki , Miura Soichiro
Published: August 2013

Phlebosclerotic colitis is a rare and recently known disease entity and its etiology is still to be elucidated. Some phlebosclerotic colitis cases are difficult to distinguish from collagenous colitis because of the similarity of pathological findings. In all Japanese case reports of phlebosclerotic colitis in which an association with the use of Chinese herbal medicine is suspected, sansisi (gardenia fruit) was included, suggesting pathogenesis of this disease. We report a case of phlebosclerotic colitis that wasdifficult to be distinguished from collagenous colitis, and an association with the use of Chinese herbal medicine was suspected as the cause of the disease.
Larger clutches of chemically defended butterflies reduce egg mortality: evidence from Battus philenor
Authors: DIMARCO ROMINA D. , FORDYCE JAMES A.
Published: August 2013

Many toxic butterflies lay eggs in clusters and their eggs are aposematically coloured to warn predators. The pipevine swallowtail, Battus philenor (L.) (Papilionidae), is a specialist herbivore on plants in the genus Aristolochia, from which it sequesters toxic alkaloids (aristolochic acids, AAs). Eggs of this group of butterflies are laid singly or in clusters of different sizes, are aposematic and can possess AAs.

A field study was conducted during three consecutive summers in Tennessee where we manipulated the exposure of B. philenor eggs of different clutch sizes to predators to assess the defensive role of egg clustering.

It was found that larger egg clutches suffer less predation compared with small clutches. No relationship between clutch size and AA content in the eggs was detected. Crawling predators seem to play the most important role in egg mortality.

This study suggests that for toxic eggs there is a clear benefit in laying eggs in large clusters in areas where there are high levels of predator threat.