bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual and contextual socioeconomic determinants of knowledge of the ABC approach of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV in Nigeria: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Uthman Olalekan A. , Kayode Gbenga A. , Adekanmbi Victor.T.
Published: October 2013

Background Nigeria has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world after India and South Africa. HIV/AIDS places a considerable burden on society’s resources, and its prevention is a cost-beneficial solution to address these consequences. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no multilevel study performed to date that examined the separate and independent associations of individual and community socioeconomic status (SES) with HIV prevention knowledge in Nigeria. Methods: Multilevel linear regression models were applied to the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey on 48 871 respondents (Level 1) nested within 886 communities (Level 2) from 37 districts (Level 3). Results: Approximately one-fifth (20%) of respondents were not aware of any of the Abstinence, Being faithful and Condom use (ABC) approach of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV. However, the likelihood of being aware of the ABC approach of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV increased with older age, male gender, greater education attainment, a higher wealth index, living in an urban area and being from least socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. There were significant community and district variations in respondents’ knowledge of the ABC approach of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV. Conclusion: The present study provides evidence that both individual- and community-level SES factors are important predictors of knowledge of the ABC approach of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV in Nigeria. The findings underscore the need to implement public health prevention strategies not only at the individual level, but also at the community level.
MicroRNA 4423 is a primate-specific regulator of airway epithelial cell differentiation and lung carcinogenesis
Authors: Perdomo Catalina , Campbell Joshua D. , Gerrein Joseph , Tellez Carmen S. , Garrison Carly B. , Walser Tonya C. , Drizik Eduard , Si Huiqing , Gower Adam C. , Vick Jessica , Anderlind Christina , Jackson George R. , Mankus Courtney , Schembri Frank , O’Hara Carl , Gomperts Brigitte N. , Dubinett Steven M. , Hayden Patrick , Belinsky Steven A. , Lenburg Marc E. , Spira Avrum
Published: October 2013

Significance

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression and have been implicated in a variety of cellular processes. Using small RNA sequencing, we identified microRNA 4423 (miR-4423) as a primate-specific microRNA whose expression is largely restricted to airway epithelium and which functions as a regulator of airway epithelium differentiation and a repressor of lung carcinogenesis. Understanding miR-4423’s role in airway development may provide insights into primate-specific aspects of airway biology and the evolution of primate-specific tumor suppressors. Moreover, this study opens the possibility that microRNAs might be useful for the early detection of lung cancer in the proximal airway and that miR-4423 mimetics might also be used as therapeutic agents to specifically target lung cancer.
Generation and Development of Paravertebral Ossification in Cervical Artificial Disk Replacement
Authors: Tian Wei , Han Xiao , Liu Bo , He Da , Lv Yanwei , Yue James
Published: October 2013

Study Design:

A retrospective follow-up study and review of images in published papers.

Objective:

To determine whether true heterotopic ossification (HO) occurs in artificial disk replacement (ADR); to evaluate the incidence of paravertebral ossification (PO) and its influence on ADR.

Summary of Background Data:

HO is typically defined as the abnormal formation of true bone within extraskeletal soft tissues. However, HO in ADR does not fit this definition precisely, as it originates from vertebral body, making it hard to distinguish radiologically from preexisting osteophytes. In this study, the term used for bone formation around ADR is PO.

Methods:

First, all images in the published papers were evaluated as to whether the presented PO in ADR fit the classic definition of HO or osteophytes. Second, we studied 37 consecutive patients who underwent ADR and follow-up for minimum 24 months. The preoperative and follow-up incidence of PO and its influence on range of motion were evaluated using x-ray and computed tomography.

Results:

All 52 images of PO were found adjacent to the disk in 1 segment rather than entire cervical spine. Fifty (96.2%) of the POs were found to originate from the vertebral body rather than in the soft tissue. A total of 31 patients were included in the follow-up study. No significant difference was found in the incidence of PO between the follow-up and preoperation (61.29% vs. 48.39%, P>0.05). The range of motion of the ADR segment in patients with progressed PO (7.44±4.64 degrees) was significantly lower than that of patients with stable PO grade (12.13±4.42 degrees, P<0.01) at last follow-up.

Conclusions:

A proportion of HO might in fact be the natural development of preoperative osteophytes, which is unrelated to ADR; the remaining HO might be due to changes in biomechanical environment after surgery, which promotes the grade of osteophytes and affects the segment motion.
Yarrowia divulgata f.a., sp. nov., a yeast species from animal-related and marine sources
Authors: Nagy Edina , Niss Marete , Dlauchy Dénes , Arneborg Nils , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Péter Gábor
Published: October 2013

Five yeast strains, phenotypically indistinguishable fromYarrowia lipolyticaandYarrowia deformans, were recovered from different animal-related samples. One strain was isolated from a bacon processing plant in Denmark, two strains from chicken liver in the USA, one strain from chicken breast in Hungary and one from minced beef in Hungary. Comparisons of the sequences of their large subunit rRNA gene D1/D2 domain and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions revealed that, despite their phenotypic similarity, they represent a novel yeast species of theYarrowiaclade withY. deformansbeing the genotypically closest relative (LSU rRNA gene D1/D2 and ITS region similarity of 97.0 and 93.7 %, respectively).Yarrowia divulgataf.a., sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains with F6-17T( = CBS 11013T = CCUG 56725T) as the type strain. Some D1/D2 sequences of yeasts from marine habitats were found in the GenBank database that were identical to those of the strains ofY. divulgataf.a., sp. nov. Unfortunately, these strains were not available for our study.
1-(3,5-Difluorophenyl)-4,4,4-trifluorobutane-1,3-dione
Authors: Manoj Kumar K.E. , Palakshamurthy B. S. , Suchetan P. A. , Madan Kumar S. , Lokanath N.K. , Sreenivasa S.
Published: October 2013

In the title compound, C10H5F5O2, the C=O bonds aresynto one another. In the crystal, molecules are linked intoC(9) chains parallel to [101] through weak C—H...O interactions, with the O atom adjacent to the –CF3group acting as the acceptor.
2-[4-(Trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfanyl]benzoic acid
Authors: Yamuna Thammarse S. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Anderson Brian J. , Yathirajan H.S. , Kaur Manpreet
Published: October 2013

In the title compound, C14H9F3O2S, the dihedral angle between the mean planes of the benzene rings is 88.7 (2)°. The carboxylic acid group is twisted by 13.6 (7)° from the mean plane of its attached aromatic ring. One of the F atoms of the trifluoromethyl group is disordered over two sites in a 0.61 (7):0.39 (7) ratio. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds generateR22(8) loops. Weak C—H...F interactions are also observed.
4-Hydroxy-5-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-2,2′-bipyrimidin-6(5H)-one dihydrate
Authors: Yamuna Thammarse S. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Anderson Brian J. , Yathirajan H.S. , Kaur Manpreet
Published: October 2013

The title compound, C15H12N4O4·2H2O, crystallizes with two independent water molecules in the asymmetric unit. The dihedral angles between the mean planes of the benzene and pyrimidine rings and that of the pyrimidin-4-one ring are 85.1 (9) and 82.1 (1)°, respectively. The mean plane of the pyrimidine ring is twisted by 12.8 (8)° from that of the pyrimidin-4-one ring. The dihedral angles between the benzene ring and the mean planes of the pyrimidine and pyrimidin-4-one rings are 85.1 (9) and 82.1 (1)°, respectively.In the crystal, N–H...O, O—H...N and O—H...O hydrogen bonds involving both water molecules are present; these link the molecules into a two-dimensional network parallel to (010). In addition, weak C—H...π and π–π [centroid–centroid distance = 3.6183 (8) Å] interactions occur.
Assessing the trade‐offs of increased mining activity in the Surat Basin, Queensland: preferences of Brisbane residents using nonmarket valuation techniques
Authors: Windle Jill , Rolfe John
Published: October 2013

The mining boom in Australia since 2003 has produced significant economic benefits for regional, State and National economies, creating new job opportunities and revenue flows. Despite the contribution of the resources sector to economic growth, questions are frequently raised about the concomitant negative social, economic and environmental impacts. The Surat Basin in southern Queensland is a traditional agricultural region with a small but growing coal mining sector and a rapidly developing liquefied natural gas industry (mainly associated with extracting coal seam gas). In this paper, the preferences of residents in Brisbane, the State capital, are explored in relation to the relative importance of social, economic and environmental impacts of the resource boom in the Surat Basin. A choice modelling experiment was conducted to assess the trade‐offs Brisbane residents would make (in monetary terms) between the economic benefits and the associated costs of increased mining activity on local communities. The results identify the strength of concerns about community and environmental impacts and can potentially be used to help evaluate the net benefits of resource development.
Cannibalism in the pea aphid,Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Cooper Lucy C. , Desjonqueres Camille , Leather Simon R.
Published: October 2013

Previous observations of cannibalism have been made in the aphidAcyrthosiphon pisum(L.): this article seeks to quantify factors contributing to such behaviors. We observed and quantified the responses of a number of clones and life stages to varying levels of starvation, in the form of increasingly desiccatedVica fabaL. plants (receiving 50, 25, or 10 mL every second day) or a complete absence of host plant. We found that, while the longest incidences of cannibalism are carried out by juveniles (F= 3.45,P= 0.019, df = 3) and targeted at adults, the starvation treatments had the most significant effect on the prevalence of cannibalism in matureA. pisum(F= 2.24,P= 0.025, df = 9). Furthermore, there was no difference between the prevalence or duration of cannibalistic activities within and between different clones (P≥ 0.05 in all cases), though juveniles were more likely to target unrelated aphids (V= 6 112,P= 0.011), and spent more time feeding on aphids from the same culture (V= 6 062,P= 0.018).
Trojan Multilateralism: Global Cooperation in Health
Authors: Sridhar Devi , Woods Ngaire
Published: October 2013

This article argues that recent global health cooperation has been marked by two trends. First, there has been a highly successful proliferation of vertical funds to fight specific diseases. These are characterized by narrower problem‐based mandates; multistakeholder governance; voluntary and discretionary funding; no in‐country presence for the delivery of assistance; and an output‐based legitimacy (based on effectiveness, not process). The rise of new initiatives with these characteristics has dovetailed with an increase in the funding of international organizations. However, the latter has not necessarily strengthened multilateralism. Instead, rapid increases in discretionary earmarked funding to the WHO and World Bank, which we call Trojan multilateralism, has replicated features of the vertical funds. With what consequences for international cooperation? Using principal–agent theory, we find a mixed picture. International organizations are being redirected by specific incentives. However, two constraints on bilateral control are not shifting. There is a persistent asymmetry of information between the WHO or the World Bank and individual member states, which gives the former a degree of autonomy. Equally, there are persistent obstacles to tightening bilateral monitoring of multilateral action. We conclude that the positive lessons to be drawn from vertical initiatives need to be balanced by the risks posed from a convergence of vertical initiatives and Trojan multilateralism
Ventricular remodelling in rabbits with sustained high‐fat diet
Authors: Zarzoso M. , Mironov S. , Guerrero‐Serna G. , Willis B. Cicero , Pandit S. V.
Published: October 2013

Aim

Excess weight gain and obesity are one of the most serious health problems in the western societies. These conditions enhance risk of cardiac disease and have been linked with increased prevalence for cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. Our goal was to study the ventricular remodelling occurring in rabbits fed with high‐fat diet (HFD) and its potential arrhythmogenic mechanisms.

Methods

We used 15 NZW rabbits that were randomly assigned to a control (n = 7) or HFD group (n = 8) for 18 weeks. In vivo studies included blood glucose, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic measurements. Optical mapping was performed in Langendorff‐perfused isolated hearts.

Results

Body weight (3.69 ± 0.31 vs. 2.94 ± 0.18 kg, P < 0.001) and blood glucose levels (230 ± 61 vs. 141 ± 14 mg dL−1, P < 0.05) were higher in the HFD group vs. controls. The rate‐corrected QT interval and its dispersion were increased in HFD rabbits vs. controls (169 ± 10 vs. 146 ± 13 ms and 37 ± 11 vs. 9 ± 2 ms, respectively; P < 0.05). Echocardiographic analysis showed morphological and functional alterations in HFD rabbits indicative of left ventricle (LV) hypertrophy. Isolated heart studies revealed no changes in repolarization and propagation properties under conditions of normal extracellular K+, suggesting that extrinsic factors could underlie those electrocardiographic modifications. There were no differences in the dynamics of ventricular fibrillation (frequency, wave breaks) in the presence of isoproterenol. However, HFD rabbits showed a small reduction in action potential duration and an increased incidence of arrhythmias during hyperkalaemia.

Conclusion

High‐fat feeding during 18 weeks in rabbits induced a type II diabetes phenotype, LV hypertrophy, abnormalities in repolarization and susceptibility to arrhythmias during hyperkalaemia.
The electromechanical window is no better than QT prolongation to assess risk of Torsade de Pointes in the complete atrioventricular block model in dogs
Authors: Stams T R G , Bourgonje V J A , Beekman H D M , Schoenmakers M , van der Nagel R , Oosterhoff P , van Opstal J M , Vos M A
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose

The electromechanical window (EMW), the interval between the end of the T‐wave and the end of the left ventricular pressure (LVP) curve, has recently been proposed as a predictor of risk of Torsade de Pointes (TdP) in healthy animals, whereby a negative EMW (mechanical relaxation earlier than repolarization) after drug administration indicates an increased TdP risk. The aims of this study were to assess (i) the effect of the ventricular remodelling in the canine chronic, complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) model on EMW; (ii) the effect of the IKr‐blocker dofetilide on EMW; and (iii) the correlation of EMW with TdP inducibility.

Experimental Approach

Our 11 year database of experiments of CAVB in dogs under general anaesthesia was reviewed and experiments included if ECG and LVP were recorded simultaneously at spontaneous rhythm. In total, 89 experiments in 44 dogs were appropriate and were analysed.

Key Results

During normally conducted sinus rhythm or acute atrioventricular block, EMW was positive. During CAVB, EMW was decreased to negative values. Dofetilide further reduced EMW before inducing repetitive TdP in 82% of the experiments. However, subclassification into inducible and non‐inducible dogs revealed no difference in EMW. Analysis of the components of EMW revealed that the observed changes in EMW were solely caused by QT prolongation.

Conclusions and Implications

In the canine CAVB model, ventricular remodelling and IKr block by dofetilide are associated with negative EMW values, but this reflects QT prolongation, and implies that the EMW lacks specificity to predict dofetilide‐induced TdP.
Detection ofQTcinterval prolongation using jacket telemetry in conscious non‐human primates: comparison with implanted telemetry
Authors: Derakhchan K , Chui R W , Stevens D , Gu W , Vargas H M
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose

During repeat‐dose toxicity studies,ECGsare collected from chemically or physically‐restrained animals over a short timeframe. This is problematic due to cardiovascular changes caused by manual restraint stress and anesthesia, and limitedECGsampling. These factors confound data interpretation, but may be overcome by using a non‐invasive jacket‐basedECGcollection (JET). The current study investigated whether a jacketed external telemetry system could detect changes in cardiac intervals and heart rate in non‐human primates (NHPs), previously implanted with aPCTtransmitter.

Experimental Approach

Twelve male cynomolgus monkeys were treated weekly with vehicle or sotalol (8, 16, 32 mg kg−1) p.o.ECGs were collected continuously for 24 hours, following treatment, over 4 weeks. A satellite group of sixNHPswas used for sotalol toxicokinetics.

Key Results

Sotalol attained Cmaxvalues 1–3 hours after dosing, and exhibited dose‐proportional exposure. In jacketedNHPs, sotalol dose‐dependently increasedQT/QTcintervals, prolongedPRinterval, and reduced heart rate. SignificantQTcprolongation of 27, 54 and 76 msec was detected byJETafter 8, 16, and 32 mg kg−1sotalol, respectively, compared with time‐matched vehicle‐treated animals. Overall,JET‐derivedPR,QT,QTcintervals,QRSduration, and heart rate correlated well with those derived fromPCT.

Conclusions and Implications

The current findings clearly support the use ofJETto quantify cardiac interval and rhythm changes, capable of detectingQTcprolongation caused by sotalol.JETmay be a preferred method compared to restraint‐based ECG because high‐densityECGsampling can be collected in unstressed conscious monkeys, over several weeks.
“Jeunes à risque”: Généalogie d'un langage problématique
Authors: Caron Caroline , Soulière Marguerite
Published: October 2013

Se référant aux études sur la gouvernementalité, cet article propose une généalogie de la catégorie des “jeunes à risque” dans les recherches sur les adolescents et les jeunes adultes. La société du risque, les lieux de diffusion des savoirs scientifiques, les axes prioritaires du financement public et les structures institutionnelles encadrant la pratique des chercheurs forment une conjoncture singulière où a pu s'élaborer un véritable langage des “jeunes à risque.” Fruit d'une démarche de réflexivité critique, l'analyse souligne la responsabilité des chercheurs dans la légitimation de ce langage problématique et les défis que comporte le projet de le transformer.

Based on governmentality studies, this article sketches out a genealogy of the “youth at‐risk” category in contemporary youth studies. A convergence of risk society, sites of dissemination for youth research, state priorities in research funding, and institutional structures that frame research practices serve to create a unique historical moment for the emergence of regulatory “youth at‐risk” language. As part of a critical reflexive approach to youth research, this article underscores youth scholars' responsibility to challenge this problematic language and pins down some of the difficulties this project faces in the academy.
The Impact of Liberalization on Female Workers in Quebec: Four Case Studies
Authors: Noiseux Yanick , Boucher Marie‐Pierre
Published: October 2013

Cet article explore l'impact de la libéralisation des marchés sur la main‐d'œuvre féminine au Québec. Il cherche à valider une intuition formulée par Brunelle, Beaulieu and Minier () en guise de conclusion d'un rapport de recherche mettant en relief l'essor et la prolifération des marchés périphériques du travail dans le capitalisme mondialisé. Parce qu'elles sont surreprésentées dans le travail atypique, les auteurs se demandaient alors si la restructuration des marchés du travail avait des impacts négatifs les femmes. En nous appuyant sur quatre études de cas dans différents secteurs de l'économie (habillement, commerce de détail, télécommunications, services d'aide à domicile), l'article valide l' hypothèse d'une rehiérarchisation genrée du marché du travail sur la base de statuts d'emploi dans le sillage du processus de libéralisation.

The article explores the impact of market liberalization on Quebec's female workforce in a context of global capitalism by testing a hypothesis formulated by Brunelle, Beaulieu, and Minier () as a concluding remark of a research that exposed the burgeoning of secondary labor market: “Is liberalization leading to an employment‐statuses‐based restructuration of labor markets that would have negative impacts on women?” Using four case studies in key sectors of the economy (garments, retail, telecom, home‐care services), the article suggests a genderized rehierarchization of labor markets based on employment statuses in the wake of the liberalization process.
Downregulation of miR‐106b induced breast cancer cell invasion and motility in association with overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase 2
Authors: Ni Xiaojian , Xia Tiansong , Zhao Yingchun , Zhou Wenbin , Wu Naping , Liu Xiaoan , Ding Qiang , Zha Xiaoming , Sha Jiahao , Wang Shui
Published: October 2013

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in women, and it can often metastasize to the bone. The mechanism of BC bone metastasis remains unclear and requires in‐depth investigation. In a previous study, we found the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) to be significantly more pronounced at metastatic bone sites than at orthotopic sites. MicroRNA expression profiling showed miR‐106b to be markedly downregulated during BC bone metastasis. However, the specific manner in which MMP2 and miR‐106b are involved in the BC bone metastasis is still unclear. In the present study, we found MMP2 expression in orthotopic tumor tissue to be related to the risk of bone metastasis in BC patients. MiR‐106b levels in orthotopic tumor tissue showed a negative correlation with MMP2 expression and breast cancer bone metastasis. MMP2 was shown to be a direct target of miR‐106b. Both gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies showed that MMP2 could promote the migration and invasion of BC cells and that miR‐106b could suppress both. The blockage of MMP2 by RNA interference mimicked the anti‐migration and anti‐invasion effects of miR‐106b, and introduction of MMP2 antagonized the function of miR‐106b. MMP2 was also found to regulate the ERK signaling cascade and so adjust the bone microenvironment to favor osteoclastogenesis and bone metastasis. These results suggest that MMP2 upregulation plays an important role in BC bone metastasis through ERK pathways, and miR‐106b directly regulates MMP2 expression. The miR‐106b/MMP2/ERK pathway may be a promising therapeutic target for inhibiting BC bone metastasis.
Expert Recommendations Based on Opinion Mining of User‐Generated Product Reviews
Authors: Stavrianou Anna , Brun Caroline
Published: October 2013

In this article, we introduce the idea of expert recommendations whose objective is to relate review comments with users’ tasks or expectations. We propose to use fine‐grained information such as opinions and suggestions extracted using natural language processing techniques from user reviews about products, to improve a recommendation system. While typical recommender systems compare a user profile with some reference characteristics to rate unseen items, they rarely make use of the content of reviews that users have provided on a given product. In this article, we present the application of an opinion extraction system to extract opinions and suggestions from the content of the reviews, the use of the results to compare other products with the reviewed one, and eventually the recommendation of better products to the user. The recommendations are given a confidence weight by using a trust social network.
Plasma cortisol concentration increases within 6 hours of stabling inRAO‐affected horses
Authors: Shaba J. J. , Behan Braman A. , Robinson N. E.
Published: October 2013

Reasons for performing study

In many inflammatory diseases plasma cortisol concentration (CORT) increases at the onset of acute inflammation, but the situation in recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) of horses is unknown.

Study design

Split‐plot repeated measures design with one grouping factor (disease) and two repeated factors (day and 3‐hour intervals).

Objective

To test the hypothesis thatCORTincreases as acute exacerbations ofRAOdevelop.

Methods

FourRAO‐susceptible and 4 control horses were placed in a low dust environment (LDEnv) for 2 days followed by 2 days in a high dust environment (HDEnv). Exacerbations ofRAOwere indicated by increases in maximal change in pleural pressure (ΔPplmax) and decreases in breathing frequency variability (BFV), which was continuously measured by respiratory inductance plethysmography. Plasma samples for determination ofCORTwere collected every 6 h.

Results

In control horses, ΔPplmax andBFVwere unaffected by theHDEnv, whereas inRAO‐affected horses ΔPplmax increased andBFVdecreased significantly. In theLDEnv, there was a circadian variation inCORTin both control andRAO‐affected horses. InHDEnv,CORTwas unaffected in control horses, but increased significantly inRAO‐affected horses between 6 and 12 h after entering theHDEnv.

Conclusions

Plasma cortisol concentration increases concurrently with the development of acute exacerbations ofRAO.
Blockade of dopamine D1‐like receptor signalling protects mice against OVA‐induced acute asthma by inhibiting B‐cell activating transcription factor signalling and Th17 function
Authors: Gong Subo , Li Jinxiu , Ma Libing , Li Keng , Zhang Li , Wang Guyi , Liu Yi , Ji Xiaoying , Liu Xiaokun , Chen Ping , Ouyang Ruoyun , Zhang Shu , Zhou Zhiguang , Wang Cong‐Yi , Xiang Xudong , Yang Yu
Published: October 2013

Previous studies have consistently demonstrated that dopamine D1‐like receptor (D1‐like‐R) signalling is implicated in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and type I diabetes. Given that allergic asthma shares certain disease aetiology similarities with autoimmune diseases, we conducted studies in OVA‐induced mice aiming to address the impact of D1‐like‐R signalling on the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. It was noted that blockade of D1‐like‐R signalling provided protection for mice against OVA‐induced acute asthma. Particularly, treatment of OVA‐induced mice with SCH23390, a D1‐like‐R antagonist, significantly attenuated inflammatory infiltration in the airways along with repressed goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus production, as well as airway resistance. By contrast, administration of SKF83959, a D1‐like‐R agonist, displayed the opposite effect. Blockade of D1‐like‐R signalling impaired Th17 function, as manifested by a significant reduction of Th17 cells in the spleen and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Mechanistic studies revealed that D1‐like‐R signalling enhances B‐cell activating transcription factor activity, which then transcribes the expression of RORγt, a Th17 transcription factor; accordingly, D1‐like‐R signalling regulates Th17 differentiation to promote the development of allergic asthma. Taken together, the data obtained in the present suggest that blockade of D1‐like‐R signalling could be an effective therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of allergic asthma in clinical practice.
On the catalytic mechanism and stereospecificity of Escherichia coli l‐threonine aldolase
Authors: di Salvo Martino L. , Remesh Soumya G. , Vivoli Mirella , Ghatge Mohini S. , Paiardini Alessandro , D'Aguanno Simona , Safo Martin K. , Contestabile Roberto
Published: October 2013

l‐Threonine aldolases (l‐TAs) represent a family of homologous pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate‐dependent enzymes found in bacteria and fungi, and catalyse the reversible cleavage of several l‐3‐hydroxy‐α‐amino acids. l‐TAs have great biotechnological potential, as they catalyse the formation of carbon–carbon bonds, and therefore may be exploited for the bioorganic synthesis of l‐3‐hydroxyamino acids that are biologically active or constitute building blocks for pharmaceutical molecules. Many l‐TAs, showing different stereospecificity towards the Cβ configuration, have been isolated. Because of their potential to carry out diastereoselective syntheses, l‐TAs have been subjected to structural, functional and mechanistic studies. Nevertheless, their catalytic mechanism and the structural bases of their stereospecificity have not been elucidated. In this study, we have determined the crystal structure of low‐specificity l‐TA from Escherichia coli at 2.2‐Å resolution, in the unliganded form and cocrystallized with l‐serine and l‐threonine. Furthermore, several active site mutants have been functionally characterized in order to elucidate the reaction mechanism and the molecular bases of stereospecificity. No active site catalytic residue was revealed, and a structural water molecule was assumed to act as the catalytic base in the retro‐aldol cleavage reaction. Interestingly, the very large active site opening of E. coli l‐TA suggests that much larger molecules than l‐threonine isomers may be easily accommodated, and l‐TAs may actually have diverse physiological functions in different organisms. Substrate recognition and reaction specificity seem to be guided by the overall microenvironment that surrounds the substrate at the enzyme active site, rather than by one ore more specific residues.

Structured digital abstract

eTA and eTA bind by x-ray crystallography (1, 2).

Database

RCSB PDB (www.pdb.org): structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank/BioMagResBank databases under the accession numbers 4LNJ, 4LNM and 4LNL for the unliganded, eTA‐Thr and eTA‐Ser structures.
Geographies of educational mobilities: exploring the uneven flows of international students
Authors: Perkins Richard , Neumayer Eric
Published: October 2013

A growing number of individuals are choosing to study abroad although, like other manifestations of globalisation, the sources and destinations of these migratory flows are highly uneven. Within the context of ongoing debates about the motives for overseas study, the reproduction of class advantage, and countries' competitive advantage for internationally mobile students, this paper seeks to improve understanding of these variations. We situate international student mobilities within a theoretical framework which connects recent work in geography, emphasising the differentiation advantage derived from foreign study, with insights more commonly applied to labour migration which emphasise costs and benefits. Our findings, based on a statistical analysis of a large sample of country pairs, call into question the central importance commonly ascribed to countries' university quality in shaping the mobilities of international students. Far more influential is income in destination countries, together with relational ties created by colonial linkages, common language and pre‐existing migrant stocks. Unique to the literature, we not only demonstrate important differences in the determinants of international student mobilities between developed and developing countries, but also between different sub‐groupings of developing countries. Indeed, an important insight from our study is that it may be useful to move beyond binary classifications, and to deploy more refined country categorisations in seeking to understand contemporary corporeal mobilities.
Identification of Multiple Sources of Groundwater Contamination by Dual Isotopes
Authors: Kaown Dugin , Shouakar‐Stash Orfan , Yang Jaeha , Hyun Yunjung , Lee Kang‐Kun
Published: October 2013

Chlorinated solvents are one of the most commonly detected groundwater contaminants in industrial areas. Identification of polluters and allocation of contaminant sources are important concerns in the evaluation of complex subsurface contamination with multiple sources. In recent years, compound‐specific isotope analyses (CSIA) have been employed to discriminate among different contaminant sources and to better understand the fate of contaminants in field‐site studies. In this study, the usefulness of dual isotopes (carbon and chlorine) was shown in assessments of groundwater contamination at an industrial complex in Wonju, Korea, where groundwater contamination with chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethene (TCE) and carbon tetrachloride (CT) was observed. In November 2009, the detected TCE concentrations at the study site ranged between nondetected and 10,066 µg/L, and the CT concentrations ranged between nondetected and 985 µg/L. In the upgradient area, TCE and CT metabolites were detected, whereas only TCE metabolites were detected in the downgradient area. The study revealed the presence of separate small but concentrated TCE pockets in the downgradient area, suggesting the possibility of multiple contaminant sources that created multiple comingling plumes. Furthermore, the variation of the isotopic (δ13C and δ37Cl) TCE values between the upgradient and downgradient areas lends support to the idea of multiple contamination sources even in the presence of detectable biodegradation. This case study found it useful to apply a spatial distribution of contaminants coupled with their dual isotopic values for evaluation of the contaminated sites and identification of the presence of multiple sources in the study area.
FGF‐23 and cognitive performance in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Drew David A. , Tighiouart Hocine , Scott Tammy M. , Lou Kristina V. , Fan Li , Shaffi Kamran , Weiner Daniel E. , J. Sarnak Mark
Published: October 2013

Although cognitive impairment is common in hemodialysis patients, the etiology of and risk factors for its development remain unclear. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF‐23) levels are elevated in hemodialysis patients and are associated with increased mortality and left ventricular hypertrophy. Despite FGF‐23 being found within the brain, there are no prior studies assessing whether FGF‐23 levels are associated with cognitive performance. We measured FGF‐23 in 263 prevalent hemodialysis patients in whom comprehensive neurocognitive testing was also performed. The cross‐sectional association between patient characteristics and FGF‐23 levels was assessed. Principal factor analysis was used to derive two factors from cognitive test scores, representing memory and executive function, which carried a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1. Multivariable linear regression adjusting for age, sex, education status, and other relevant covariates was used to explore the relationship between FGF‐23 and each factor. Mean age was 63 years, 46% were women and 22% were African American. The median FGF‐23 level was 3098 RU/mL. Younger age, lower prevalence of diabetes, longer dialysis vintage, and higher calcium and phosphorus were independently associated with higher FGF‐23 levels. Higher FGF‐23 was independently associated with a lower memory score (per doubling of FGF‐23, β = −0.08 SD [95% confidence interval, CI: −0.16, −0.01]) and highest quartile vs. lowest quartile (β = −0.42 SD [−0.82, −0.02]). There was no definite association of FGF 23 with executive function when examined as a continuous variable (β = −0.03 SD [−0.10, 0.04]); however, there was a trend in the quartile analysis (β = −0.28 SD [−0.63, 0.07], P = 0.13, for 4th quartile vs. 1st quartile). FGF‐23 was associated with worse performance on a composite memory score, including after adjustment for measures of mineral metabolism. High FGF‐23 levels in hemodialysis patients may contribute to cognitive impairment.
REVEALED POLITICAL POWER
Authors: BAI JINHUI H. , LAGUNOFF ROGER
Published: October 2013

When is a polity biased? Consider an “outsider” who observes policy data but observes neither citizens’ preferences nor the underlying distribution of political power. He views political power as if it were derived from wealth‐weighted voting, where the weights determine the wealth bias. Positive weights favor the rich whereas negative ones favor the poor. We show that any policy data is rationalized by any wealth‐weighted system. However, policy and polling observations together imply explicit bounds on the set of rationalizing biases. Accumulated data narrows this band. The inferential model is consistent with models of political competition for campaign contributions.
ESTIMATING INCENTIVE AND WELFARE EFFECTS OF NONSTATIONARY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Authors: LAUNOV ANDREY , WÄLDE KLAUS
Published: October 2013

The distribution of unemployment duration in our equilibrium matching model with spell‐dependent unemployment benefits displays time‐varying exit rates. Building on semi‐Markov processes, we translate these rates into an expression for the aggregate unemployment rate. Structural estimation using German microdata allows us to discuss the effects of an unemployment benefit reform (Hartz IV). The reform reduced unemployment by less than 0.1 percentage points. Contrary to general beliefs, the net wage for most skill and regional groups increased. Taking the insurance effect of unemployment benefits into account, however, the reform is welfare reducing for 76% of workers.
Pattern Formation in Silicate Glass Corrosion Zones
Authors: Dohmen Lars , Lenting Christoph , Fonseca Raúl O. C. , Nagel Thorsten , Heuser Alexander , Geisler Thorsten , Denkler Rene
Published: October 2013

Alteration zones of archeological glasses often show intriguing lamellar patterns in backscattered electron images. Here, we report results of static glass corrosion experiments with two different silicate glasses that revealed laminar porosity and subordinately chemical patterns inside silica‐based corrosion zones that resemble those seen in naturally altered, ancient glasses. Aside from common laminar patterns, more complex patterns were observed in corrosion zones that developed along a fracture network. The formation of such patterns cannot be explained by any of the existing glass corrosion models. We suggest that silica‐based corrosion zones form by a process that involves the congruent dissolution of the glass network, which is spatially and temporally coupled to the deposition of amorphous silica at an inwardly moving reaction interface. The patterns likely form in response to fluctuations of the pH and salinity in the interfacial solution, which govern the silica solubility, deposition, and dissolution rate, and thus, its microstructure and porosity, and, in turn, are controlled by the dissolution rate of the glass and the transport properties of the silica reaction layers. However, the exact feedback mechanism producing pH fluctuations in the interfacial solution has not yet been identified and is an open question for future research.
HLA‐G polymorphism and breast cancer
Authors: Rolfsen G. B. , Castelli E. C. , Donadi E. A. , Duarte R. A. , Soares C. P.
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to explore a possible influence of the HLA‐G coding polymorphisms on the susceptibility to breast cancer development in Brazilian subjects; however, none of the HLA‐G variation sites evaluated was influencing breast cancer susceptibility indicating that the variation in the HLA‐G coding region is not a risk factor for breast cancer.
Case of mumps orchitis after vaccination
Authors: Kanda Takayoshi , Mochida Junichi , Takada Shogo , Hori Yutaro , Yamaguchi Kenya , Takahashi Satoru
Published: October 2013

We present a case of mumps orchitis after vaccination. A 35‐year‐old man visited the emergency unit of our hospital for fever and right testicular pain on 7 January 2012. Two weeks before the visit, he underwent vaccination for mumps. After 7 days of hospitalization, the patient recovered from fever and testicular pain. Scrotal magnetic resonance imaging suggested right orchitis, and an increased level of serum mumps immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G indicated an initial infection of mumps virus. The peak value of immunoglobulin G showed 106 enzyme immunoassay unit 5 weeks after vaccination, which was 10‐fold higher than the ordinary rise of a vaccinated individual. This fact leads to two possibilities. One is this happened as an adverse event of vaccination, and the other is that he actually had a wild‐type infection at the same time as vaccination. There are some reports regarding adverse events of mumps vaccine; however, they might include wild‐type infection.
Molecular and functional characterization of vacuolar‐ATPase from the American dog tick Dermacentor variabilis
Authors: Petchampai N. , Sunyakumthorn P. , Guillotte M. L. , Thepparit C. , Kearney M. T. , Mulenga A. , Azad A. F. , Macaluso K. R.
Published: October 2013

Vacuolar (V)‐ATPase is a proton‐translocating enzyme that acidifies cellular compartments for various functions such as receptor‐mediated endocytosis, intracellular trafficking and protein degradation. Previous studies in Dermacentor variabilis chronically infected with Rickettsia montanensis have identified V‐ATPase as one of the tick‐derived molecules transcribed in response to rickettsial infection. To examine the role of the tick V‐ATPase in tick–Rickettsia interactions, a full‐length 2887‐bp cDNA (2532‐bp open reading frame) clone corresponding to the transcript of the V0 domain subunit a of D. variabilis V‐ATPase (DvVATPaseV0a) gene encoding an 843 amino acid protein with an estimated molecular weight of ∼96 kDa was isolated from D. variabilis. Amino acid sequence analysis of DvVATPaseV0a showed the highest similarity to VATPaseV0a from Ixodes scapularis. A potential N‐glycosylation site and eight putative transmembrane segments were identified in the sequence. Western blot analysis of tick tissues probed with polyclonal antibody raised against recombinant DvVATPaseV0a revealed the expression of V‐ATPase in the tick ovary. Transcriptional profiles of DvVATPaseV0a demonstrated a greater mRNA expression in the tick ovary, compared with the midgut and salivary glands; however, the mRNA level in each of these tick tissues remained unchanged after infection with R. montanensis for 1 h. V‐ATPase inhibition bioassays resulted in a significant decrease in the ability of R. montanensis to invade tick cells in vitro, suggesting a role of V‐ATPase in rickettsial infection of tick cells. Characterization of tick‐derived molecules involved in rickettsial infection is essential for a thorough understanding of rickettsial transmission within tick populations and the ecology of tick‐borne rickettsial diseases.
Twenty‐year trends in benzodiazepine dispensing in the Australian population
Authors: Islam M. M. , Conigrave K. M. , Day C. A. , Nguyen Y. , Haber P. S.
Published: October 2013

Aim

Considerable concern has been expressed about overprescribing of benzodiazepines and related harms. Past analyses have relied on World Health Organization‐defined daily doses (DDD) which are sometimes out of keeping with clinical usage. This study examines 20‐year (1992–2011) trends of benzodiazepine dispensing in Australia using both DDD and Ashton equivalent dose.

Methods

Data from the Drug Utilisation Sub‐Committee and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website were analysed. Trends in number of prescriptions, DDD/1000 people/day and DDD/prescription were examined over time, and between states/territories.

Results

In the 20‐year period, 174 080 904 scripts were recorded, with temazepam the most dispensed benzodiazepine (35% of scripts), followed by diazepam (23%). Overall recorded utilisation fell from 27.7 DDD/1000 people/day in 1992 to 20.8 in 2011 (24.9% decrease). There were striking changes in use of individual benzodiazepines over time, with reductions in oxazepam and flunitrazepam and dramatic increases in alprazolam. Since 1998, there has been a steady increase, albeit modest, in per script DDD. The DDD/1000 people/day for items dispensed through PBS/Repatriaton‐PBS was highest in Tasmania and lowest in Northern Territory.

Conclusion

Despite a modest overall decline in the amount of benzodiazepine dispensed, the level of use is still likely to reflect relative over‐prescribing given the paucity of accepted indications for long‐term use. Since 1998, there was a polynomial increase in quantity dispensed per script. The WHO‐defined DDD for clonazepam seems inappropriate and could impede monitoring of its abuse. Other problems include lack of national data for medications not subsidised on PBS/Repatriation PBS. A broad policy approach is required, not one which targets only one particular benzodiazepine.
Reconceptualizing children's complex discharge with health systems theory: novel integrative review with embedded expert consultation and theory development
Authors: Noyes Jane , Brenner Maria , Fox Patricia , Guerin Ashleigh
Published: October 2013

Aim

To report a novel review to develop a health systems model of successful transition of children with complex healthcare needs from hospital to home.

Background

Children with complex healthcare needs commonly experience an expensive, ineffectual and prolonged nurse‐led discharge process. Children gain no benefit from prolonged hospitalization and are exposed to significant harm. Research to enable intervention development and process evaluation across the entire health system is lacking.

Design

Novel mixed‐method integrative review informed by health systems theory.

Data sources

CINAHL, PsychInfo, EMBASE, PubMed, citation searching, personal contact.

Review methods

Informed by consultation with experts. English language studies, opinion/discussion papers reporting research, best practice and experiences of children, parents and healthcare professionals and purposively selected policies/guidelines from 2002–December 2012 were abstracted using Framework synthesis, followed by iterative theory development.

Results

Seven critical factors derived from thirty‐four sources across five health system levels explained successful discharge (new programme theory). All seven factors are required in an integrated care pathway, with a dynamic communication loop to facilitate effective discharge (new programme logic). Current health system responses were frequently static and critical success factors were commonly absent, thereby explaining ineffectual discharge.

Conclusion

The novel evidence‐based model, which reconceptualizes ‘discharge’ as a highly complex longitudinal health system intervention, makes a significant contribution to global knowledge to drive practice development. Research is required to develop process and outcome measures at different time points in the discharge process and future trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of integrated health system discharge models.