bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myelodysplastic syndromes: What do hospitalists need to know?
Authors: Zeidan Amer M. , Faltas Bishoy , Douglas Smith B. , Gore Steven
Published: May 2013

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) comprise a heterogeneous group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by dysplasia, ineffective hematopoiesis leading to peripheral blood cytopenias, and a variable risk of leukemic progression. MDS primarily affects the elderly, and although its prevalence is increasing, MDS is frequently overlooked and underdiagnosed. MDS should be suspected in any patient with unexplained cytopenias, and a bone marrow evaluation is ultimately needed to make the diagnosis and exclude other causes of bone marrow failure. The last 15 years have witnessed significant advances in our understanding of the complex pathogenesis, classification and prognostication, and therapeutic approaches to MDS. Several prognostic models facilitate outcome prediction and risk‐adapted therapy. The addition of azacitidine, decitabine, and lenalidomide to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents in our armamentarium offered new effective therapeutic options for many patients who are not candidates for intensive interventions. Improved understanding of the genetic, epigenetic, and immunologic mechanisms that operate in MDS will help develop better prognostication tools and rationally design more effective therapies. Hospitalists are likely to encounter both patients with MDS and patients in whom MDS should be suspected. In this review of MDS, we focus on the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, classification and prognostic tools, and treatment options. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:351–357. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Sterile neutrino oscillations: the global picture
Authors: Kopp Joachim , Machado Pedro A. N. , Maltoni Michele , Schwetz Thomas
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Neutrino oscillations involving eV-scale neutrino mass states are investigated in the context of global neutrino oscillation data including short and long-baseline accelerator, reactor, and radioactive source experiments, as well as atmospheric and solar neutrinos. We consider sterile neutrino mass schemes involving one or two mass-squared differences at the eV2 scale denoted by 3+1, 3+2, and 1+3+1. We discuss the hints for eV-scale neutrinos from
$ \mathop{{{v_e}}}\limits^{{\left( - \right)}} $
disappearance (reactor and Gallium anomalies) and
$ \mathop{{{v_{\mu }}}}\limits^{{\left( - \right)}}\to \mathop{{{v_e}}}\limits^{{\left( - \right)}} $
appearance (LSND and MiniBooNE) searches, and we present constraints on sterile neutrino mixing from
$ \mathop{{{v_{\mu }}}}\limits^{{\left( - \right)}} $
and neutral-current disappearance data. An explanation of all hints in terms of oscillations suffers from severe tension between appearance and disappearance data. The best compatibility is obtained in the 1+3+1 scheme with a p-value of 0.2% and exceedingly worse compatibilities in the 3+1 and 3+2 schemes.
Consistent on shell renormalisation of electroweakinos in the complex MSSM: LHC and LC predictions
Authors: Bharucha Aoife , Fowler Alison , Moortgat-Pick Gudrid , Weiglein Georg
Published: May 2013

Abstract

We extend the formalism developed in ref. [53] for the renormalisation of the chargino-neutralino sector to the most general case of the MSSM with complex parameters. We show that products of imaginary parts arising from MSSM parameters and from absorptive parts of loop integrals can already contribute to predictions for physical observables at the one-loop level, and demonstrate that the consistent treatment of such contributions gives rise to non-trivial structure, either in the field renormalisation constants or the corrections associated with the external legs of the considered diagrams. We furthermore point out that the phases of the parameters in the chargino-neutralino sector do not need to be renormalised at the one-loop level, and demonstrate that the appropriate choice for the mass parameters used as input for the on-shell conditions depends both on the process and the region of MSSM parameter space under consideration. As an application, we compute the complete one-loop results in the MSSM with complex parameters for the process
$ {h_a}\to \widetilde{\chi}_i^{+}\widetilde{\chi}_j^{-} $
(Higgs-propagator corrections have been incorporated up to the two-loop level), which may be of interest for SUSY Higgs searches at the LHC, and for chargino pair-production at an e
+
e
− Linear Collider,
$ {e^{+}}{e^{-}}\to \widetilde{\chi}_i^{+}\widetilde{\chi}_j^{-} $
. We investigate the dependence of the theoretical predictions on the phases of the MSSM parameters, analysing in particular the numerical relevance of the absorptive parts of loop integrals.
Family Communication of BRCA1/2 Results and Family Uptake of BRCA1/2 Testing in a Diverse Population of BRCA1/2 Carriers
Authors: Fehniger Julia , Lin Feng , Beattie Mary S. , Joseph Galen , Kaplan Celia
Published: May 2013

Previous studies examining communication of BRCA1/2 results with relatives and family uptake of BRCA1/2 testing have sampled from predominantly white, high SES cohorts ascertained solely from tertiary care centers. No studies have focused on family communication and testing among relatives of diverse BRCA1/2 carriers. We conducted structured interviews with 73 BRCA1/2 carriers identified at a public hospital and a tertiary cancer center. We asked participants if each first‐ and second‐degree relative was aware of their BRCA1/2 results and whether or not each relative had tested. Generalized estimating equations identified rates and predictors of family communication and testing. Participants disclosed their test results to 73 % of 606 eligible relatives and 31 % of 514 eligible relatives tested. Communication and testing rates were similar for relatives of participants from the public hospital and the tertiary cancer center. Hospital site was not a significant predictor of either result disclosure or relative uptake of testing. African American and Asian/Pacific Islander participants were significantly less likely to disclose their results to their relatives; relatives of African American participants were significantly less likely to test. Addressing these disparities will require further research into the best ways to facilitate family communication and counsel at‐risk relatives of racially and socioeconomically diverse BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.
The Experimental Observation and Modelling of Film Thinning and Film Retraction during the Interfacial Coalescence of Biodiesel and Glycerol Droplets
Authors: Abeynaike A. , Davidson J. F. , Mackley M. R.
Published: May 2013

This paper is concerned with the way interfacial coalescence of a single drop of biodiesel or glycerol occurs at a glycerol/biodiesel interface. Two stages of interfacial coalescence were studied: the thinning of the trapped liquid film between the rising or falling droplet and bulk fluid interface, and the retraction of the film after the film had ruptured. Unexpectedly, the thinning time for the high viscosity glycerol film around a rising biodiesel droplet was found to be much shorter than that for a low viscosity biodiesel film around a sedimenting glycerol droplet. Squeeze flow modelling showed that the film of glycerol around a biodiesel droplet was bounded by relatively inviscid biodiesel and therefore flowed with high slip at its interfaces, resulting in rapid film thinning. The biodiesel film around a glycerol droplet was bounded by highly viscous glycerol and flowed with little slip at the interfaces, resulting in slower film thinning. After rupture, film retraction was found to be much faster for biodiesel droplets than for glycerol droplets. The drag exerted by the fluid surrounding the film was found to control the retraction kinetics. The results are of particular relevance to the separation of glycerol from biodiesel and of general relevance to coalescence kinetics for immiscible drops at an interface.
Activity of immobilized Thermomyces lanuginosus and Candida antarctica B Lipases in Interesterification Reactions: Effect of the Aqueous Microenvironment
Authors: Pérignon Marlène , Lecomte Jérôme , Pina Michel , Renault Anne , Simonneau‐Deve Camille , Villeneuve Pierre
Published: May 2013

Lipases are enzymes used in numerous reactions of industrial interest. Depending on their aqueous microenvironment, lipases can catalyze hydrolysis or, conversely, organic synthesis like interesterification. This reaction can be used as a method to modify the physical and chemical properties of fats and oils, a basic process for production of “structured lipids”. For such synthesis reactions, thermodynamic water activity (aw) of the catalyst is generally the most important parameter to control. Actually, it will directly determine the performance of the synthesis, namely its yield, selectivity and stability. Effect of the aw on the activity of immobilized Thermomyces lanuginosus and Candida antarctica B lipases in interesterification reactions was studied. Water sorption and desorption isotherms were determined, showing a phenomenon of hysteresis for the Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase. Evaluation of the influence of aw on reaction yields revealed that the IE activity tends to increase with the water activity of immobilized Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase. In contrast, aw had little influence in the case of the Candida antarctica B lipase.
Still Slipping: African-American Women in the Economy and in Society
Authors: Malveaux Julianne
Published: May 2013

This article focuses on the progress and regress of African-American women since the publication in 1986 of the author's Slipping through the Cracks: The Status of Black Women. Gaps between African-American women and other groups (including African-American men and white women) are still reported in education, employment, income, health services, and incarceration. Some experts believe that racial equality has been achieved in the U.S., and affirmative action has slowed. However, the evidence demonstrates that disparity still exists, especially for African-American women at the bottom of income distribution. Their economic status lags behind white women's. For example, according to the Insight Center for Community Economic Development, the average net worth of a single, middle-aged white woman is $42,600; the average net worth of a single, middle-aged Black woman is $5. This disparity affects not just the women but their children and their educational opportunities.
Biology and trafficking of ATG9 and ATG16L1, two proteins that regulate autophagosome formation
Authors: Zavodszky Eszter , Vicinanza Mariella , Rubinsztein David C.
Published: May 2013

Autophagy is a highly conserved intracytoplasmic degradation pathway for proteins, oligomers, organelles and pathogens. It initiates with the formation of a cup‐shaped double membrane structure called the phagophore. The membrane origin for autophagosomes has been a key question for the field. ATG9 and ATG16L1, or their yeast orthologues, are key proteins that regulate autophagosome biogenesis, and may be associated with distinct membrane sources. Here we review the biology of autophagy with a focus on ATG16L1 and ATG9, and we summarise the current knowledge of their trafficking in relation to autophagic stimuli and autophagosome formation.
How are mammalian methionine adenosyltransferases regulated in the liver? A focus on redox stress
Authors: Pajares María A. , Álvarez Luis , Pérez-Sala Dolores
Published: May 2013

S‐adenosylmethionine synthesis is a key process for cell function, and needs to be regulated at multiple levels. In recent years, advances in the knowledge of methionine adenosyltransferases have been significant. The discovery of nuclear localization of these enzymes suggests their transport to provide the methyl donor, S‐adenosylmethionine, for DNA and histone methyltransferases in epigenetic modifications, opening new regulatory possibilities. Previous hypotheses considered only the cytoplasmic regulation of these enzymes, hence the need of an update to integrate recent findings. Here, we focus mainly on the liver and redox mechanisms, and their putative effects on localization and interactions of methionine adenosyltransferases.
Herbivore‐induced phenylacetonitrile is biosynthesized from de novo‐synthesized l‐phenylalanine in the giant knotweed, Fallopia sachalinensis
Authors: Noge Koji , Tamogami Shigeru
Published: May 2013

Plants emit a series of characteristic volatile blends when damaged by insect feeding. Phenylacetonitrile is one of the volatiles from the leaves of the giant knotweed, Fallopia sachalinensis, infested by the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, or treated with exogenous airborne methyl jasmonate (MeJA). We examined the precursor of the nitrile and its origin in this system. l‐Phenylalanine was determined to be a precursor of the nitrile in F. sachalinensis leaves, and the phenylalanine was also induced by beetle feeding and MeJA treatment. We also found that exogenous MeJA enhanced the biosynthesis of several amino acids in F. sachalinensis leaves.
Energetic basis of catalytic activity of layered nanophase calcium manganese oxides for water oxidation
Authors: Birkner Nancy , Nayeri Sara , Pashaei Babak , Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi , Casey William H. , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: May 2013

Previous measurements show that calcium manganese oxide nanoparticles are better water oxidation catalysts than binary manganese oxides (Mn
3
O
4
, Mn
2
O
3
, and MnO
2
). The probable reasons for such enhancement involve a combination of factors: The calcium manganese oxide materials have a layered structure with considerable thermodynamic stability and a high surface area, their low surface energy suggests relatively loose binding of H
2
O on the internal and external surfaces, and they possess mixed-valent manganese with internal oxidation enthalpy independent of the Mn
3+
/Mn
4+
ratio and much smaller in magnitude than the Mn
2
O
3
-MnO
2
couple. These factors enhance catalytic ability by providing easy access for solutes and water to active sites and facile electron transfer between manganese in different oxidation states.
A combinatorial approach to the peptide feature matching problem for label-free quantification
Authors: Lin Hao , He Lin , Ma Bin
Published: May 2013

Motivation: Label-free quantification is an important approach to identify biomarkers, as it measures the quantity change of peptides across different biological samples. One of the fundamental steps for label-free quantification is to match the peptide features that are detected in two datasets to each other. Although ad hoc software tools exist for the feature matching, the definition of a combinatorial model for this problem is still not available.

Results: A combinatorial model is proposed in this article. Each peptide feature contains a mass value and a retention time value, which are used to calculate a matching weight between a pair of features. The feature matching is to find the maximum-weighted matching between the two sets of features, after applying a to-be-computed time alignment function to all the retention time values of one set of the features. This is similar to the maximum matching problem in a bipartite graph. But we show that the requirement of time alignment makes the problem NP-hard. Practical algorithms are also provided. Experiments on real data show that the algorithm compares favorably with other existing methods.

Contact:  binma@uwaterloo.ca

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Serial measurement of galectin‐3 in patients with chronic heart failure: results from the ProBNP Outpatient Tailored Chronic Heart Failure Therapy (PROTECT) study
Authors: Motiwala Shweta R. , Szymonifka Jackie , Belcher Arianna , Weiner Rory B. , Baggish Aaron L. , Sluss Patrick , Gaggin Hanna K. , Bhardwaj Anju , Januzzi James L.
Published: May 2013

Aims

Galectin‐3 is a prognostic heart failure (HF) biomarker that may mediate cardiac fibrosis. We examined the value of serial galectin‐3 measurement for prognosis and response to therapy in chronic HF.

Methods and results

A total of 151 subjects with LV systolic dysfunction (LVSD) were followed through 908 visits over 10 ± 3 months. The amount of time spent with a galectin‐3 level ≤ 20.0 ng/mL and changes between baseline and subsequent values were considered across visits, and used to assess risk for adverse cardiovascular (CV) events and associations with LV remodelling. Medication effects on galectin‐3 were examined. Median galectin‐3 values at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months were higher in patients with CV events (21.7 vs. 18.4 ng/mL, P = 0.03; 21.7 vs. 16.5 ng/mL, P = 0.03; 23.2 vs. 16.0 ng/mL, P = 0.007). Galectin‐3 concentration changed in 35.2% of subjects during study procedures; time spent at ≤ 20.0 ng/mL was significantly associated with a lower rate of CV events, independently predicted fewer CV events even adjusted for relevant variables including study allocation, NT‐proBNP, and renal function [odds ratio (OR) = 0.90; P = 0.05], and predicted increase in LV ejection fraction (OR = 1.20; P = 0.04). Serial galectin‐3 measurement at 6 months added prognostic value beyond the baseline level (P = 0.02). There were no significant effects of medications on galectin‐3 levels.

Conclusion

In chronic HF due to LVSD, serial galectin‐3 measurement adds incremental prognostic information and predicts LV remodelling. In this study, HF therapies had no clear effects on galectin‐3 levels.
Simulation-based Assessment and Retraining for the Anesthesiologist Seeking Reentry to Clinical Practice
Authors: DeMaria Samuel , Samuelson Stefan T. , Schwartz Andrew D. , Sim Alan J. , Levine Adam I.
Published: May 2013

Background:

Established models for assessment and maintenance of competency in anesthesiology may not be adequate for anesthesiologists wishing to reenter practice. The authors describe a program developed in their institution incorporating simulator-based education, to help determine competency in licensed and previously licensed anesthesiologists before return to practice.

Methods:

The authors have used simulation for assessment and retraining at their institution since 2002. Physicians evaluated by the authors’ center undergo an adaptable 2-day simulation-based assessment conducted by two board-certified anesthesiologists. A minimum of three cases are presented on each day, with specific core competencies assessed, and participants complete a standard Clinical Anesthesia Year 3 level anesthesia knowledge test. Participants are debriefed extensively and retraining regimens are designed, where indicated, consisting of a combination of simulation and operating-room observership.

Results:

Twenty anesthesiologists were referred to the authors’ institution between 2002 and 2012. Fourteen participants (70%) were in active clinical practice 1 yr after participation in the authors’ program, five (25%) were in supervised positions, and nine (45%) had resumed independent clinical practice. The reasons of participants not in practice were personal (1 participant) and medico-legal (3 participants); two participants were lost to follow-up. Two of 14 physicians, who were formally assessed in the authors’ program, were deemed likely unfit for safe return to practice, irrespective of further training. These physicians were unavailable for contact 1 yr after assessment.

Conclusion:

Anesthesiologists seeking to return to active clinical status are a heterogeneous group. The simulated environment provides an effective means by which to assess baseline competency and also a way to retrain physicians.
Perioperative Systemic Magnesium to Minimize Postoperative Pain
Authors: De Oliveira Gildasio S. , Castro-Alves Lucas J. , Khan Jamil H. , McCarthy Robert J.
Published: May 2013

Background:

Systemic magnesium has been used to minimize postoperative pain with conflicting results by clinical studies. It remains unknown whether the administration of perioperative systemic magnesium can minimize postoperative pain. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the effect of systemic magnesium on postoperative pain outcomes.

Methods:

A wide search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of systemic magnesium on postoperative pain outcomes in surgical procedures performed under general anesthesia. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model. Publication bias was evaluated by examining the presence of asymmetric funnel plots using Egger regression.

Results:

Twenty randomized clinical trials with 1,257 subjects were included. The weighted mean difference (99% CI) of the combined effects favored magnesium over control for pain at rest (≤4 h, −0.74 [−1.08 to −0.48]; 24 h, −0.36 [−0.63 to −0.09]) and with movement at 24 h, −0.73 (−1.37 to −0.1). Opioid consumption was largely decreased in the systemic magnesium group compared with control, weighted mean difference (99% CI) of −10.52 (−13.50 to −7.54) mg morphine IV equivalents. Publication bias was not present in any of the analysis. Significant heterogeneity was present in some analysis, but it could be partially explained by the sole intraoperative administration of magnesium compared with the intraoperative and postoperative administration. None of the studies reported clinical toxicity related to toxic serum levels of magnesium.

Conclusion:

Systemic administration of perioperative magnesium reduces postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Magnesium administration should be considered as a strategy to mitigate postoperative pain in surgical patients.
Hyphomicrobium nitrativorans sp. nov., isolated from the biofilm of a methanol-fed denitrification system treating seawater at the Montreal Biodome
Authors: Martineau Christine , Villeneuve Céline , Mauffrey Florian , Villemur Richard
Published: May 2013

A budding prosthecate bacterial strain, designated NL23T, was isolated from a methanol-fed denitrification system treating seawater at the Montreal Biodome, Canada. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA (rRNA) gene sequences showed that the strain was affiliated with the genusHyphomicrobiumof theAlphaproteobacteriaand was most closely related toHyphomicrobium zavarziniiwith 99.4 % sequence similarity. Despite this high level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, DNA–DNA hybridization assays showed that strain NL23Twas only distantly related toH. zavarziniiZV-622T(12 %). Strain NL23Tgrew aerobically, but also had the capacity to grow under denitrifying conditions in the presence of nitrate without nitrite accumulation. Growth occurred at pH 7.0–9.5, with 0–1 % NaCl and at temperatures of 15–35 °C. Major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7cor ω6c(84.6 %) and C18 : 0(8.5 %), and major quinones were Q8 (5 %) and Q9 (95 %). The complete genome of the strain was sequenced and showed a DNA G+C content of 63.8 mol%. Genome analysis predicted open reading frames (ORF) encoding the key enzymes of the serine pathway as well as enzymes involved in methylotrophy. Also, ORF encoding a periplasmic nitrate reductase (Nap), a nitrite reductase (Nir), a nitric oxide reductase (Nor) and a nitrous oxide reductase (Nos) were identified. Our results support that strain NL23Trepresents a novel species within the genusHyphomicrobium, for which the nameHyphomicrobiumnitrativoranssp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NL23T( = ATCC BAA-2476T = LMG 27277T).
Heliimonas saccharivorans gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family

Chitinophagaceae

isolated from a mineral water aquifer, and emended description of

Filimonas lacunae
Authors: Leandro Tânia , França Luís , Nobre M. Fernanda , Rainey Fred A. , da Costa Milton S.
Published: May 2013

Two isolates, with optimum growth temperature and pH of about 30 °C and 6.0–7.0, were recovered from a borehole head of a mineral water aquifer in Portugal. The closest relatives based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis were species of genera of the family

Chitinophagaceae

. Strains L2-4T and L2-109 formed translucent colonies and non-motile pleomorphic cells. Strains were strictly aerobic, and oxidase- and catalase-positive. The major fatty acids of strains L2-4T and L2-109 were 17 : 0 iso 3-OH, 15 : 0 iso and 15 : 1 iso G. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid, four unidentified aminophospholipids, four unidentified aminolipids and three unidentified polar lipids. Menaquinone 7 was the only respiratory quinone. The G+C content of the DNA of strains L2-4T and L2-109 was 42.0 and 41.4 mol%, respectively. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, physiological and biochemical characteristics, strains L2-4T ( = CECT 8122T = LMG 26919T) and L2-109 ( = CECT 8121 = LMG 26920) are considered to represent a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Heliimonas saccharivorans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Heliimonas saccharivorans is L2-4T. Due to additional results obtained in this study an emended description of

Filimonas lacunae

is provided.
Code of Conduct on Biosecurity for Biological Resource Centres: procedural implementation
Authors: Rohde Christine , Smith David , Martin Dunja , Fritze Dagmar , Stalpers Joost
Published: May 2013

A globally applicable code of conduct specifically dedicated to biosecurity has been developed together with guidance for its procedural implementation. This is to address the regulations governing potential dual-use of biological materials, associated information and technologies, and reduce the potential for their malicious use. Scientists researching and exchanging micro-organisms have a responsibility to prevent misuse of the inherently dangerous ones, that is, those possessing characters such as pathogenicity or toxin production. The code of conduct presented here is based on best practice principles for scientists and their institutions working with biological resources with a specific focus on micro-organisms. It aims to raise awareness of regulatory needs and to protect researchers, their facilities and stakeholders. It reflects global activities in this area in response to legislation such as that in the USA, the PATRIOT Act of 2001, Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001; the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 and subsequent amendments in the UK; the EU Dual-Use Regulation; and the recommendations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), under their Biological Resource Centre (BRC) Initiative at the beginning of the millennium (OECD, 2001). Two project consortia with international partners came together with experts in the field to draw up a Code of Conduct on Biosecurity for BRCs to ensure that culture collections and microbiologists in general worked in a way that met the requirements of such legislation. A BRC is the modern day culture collection that adds value to its holdings and implements common best practice in the collection and supply of strains for research and development. This code of conduct specifically addresses the work of public service culture collections and describes the issues of importance and the controls or practices that should be in place. However, these best practices are equally applicable to all other microbiology laboratories holding, using and sharing microbial resources. The code was introduced to the Seventh Review Conference to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), United Nations, Geneva, 2011; the delegates to the States’ parties recommended that this code of conduct be broadly applied in the life sciences and disseminated amongst microbiologists, hence the publishing of it here along with practical implementation guidance. This paper considers the regulatory and working environment for microbiology, defines responsibilities and provides practical advice on the implementation of best practice in handling the organism itself, associated data and technical know-how.
Proposal of Motilibacteraceae fam. nov., with the description of

Motilibacter

rhizosphaerae sp. nov.
Authors: Lee Soon Dong
Published: May 2013

A rod-shaped actinobacterium, designated strain RS-16T, was isolated from a rhizosphere soil and its taxonomic position was determined by a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain RS-16T was most closely related to the type strain of

Motilibacter peucedani

(98.3 % sequence similarity). The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained ll-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and N-glycolylated murein. The major whole-cell sugars were glucose, galactose and mannose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c and C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 73.1 mol%. The phenotypic and DNA–DNA hybridization data showed that strain RS-16T ( = KACC 16209T = DSM 45622T) represents a novel species of the genus

Motilibacter

, for which

Motilibacter

rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. Based on the phylogenetic position determined by 16S rRNA gene analysis and the signature nucleotide set of the 16S rRNA sequence, the genus

Motilibacter

represents a novel family of the suborder

Frankineae

, for which the name Motilibacteraceae fam. nov. is proposed.
Endothelin receptors in augmented vasoconstrictor responses to endothelin‐1 in chronic intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Guo Qiu‐Hong , Tian Yi‐Long , Wang Zhuo , Li Ai‐Ying , Ma Zhi‐Hong , Guo Ya‐Jing , Weiss J Woodrow , Ji En‐Sheng , Chu Li
Published: May 2013

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Many studies have shown an association between increased circulating endothelin (ET)‐1 levels and CIH. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of ET receptors in altered aortic function in an animal model of CIH.

Rats were subjected to CIH (Fio2 9% for 1 min, repeated every 2 min for 8 h/day, 7 days/week) for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, the rats were killed and their aortas retrieved for use in in vitro experiments (isometric force measurement), histological analysis, immunohistochemistry and western blotting.

Aortas from rats subjected to CIH exhibited marked endothelial dysfunction and increased responsiveness to ET‐1. Furthermore, CIH induced increased ET‐1 and ETA receptor expression, whereas ETB receptor expression was decreased. Aortic contractile responses to ET‐1 were inhibited by the ETA and ETB receptor antagonists BQ‐123 and BQ‐788, respectively. Acetylcholine‐induced relaxation responses were significantly attenuated in aortas from rats subjected to CIH, whereas CIH had no significant effect on aortic responses to sodium nitroprusside.

The results of the present study suggest that increased expression of ETA receptors, which mediate a potent vasoconstrictor response, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CIH. In addition, decreased endothelial ETB receptor expression, which is associated with the functional decline of endothelium‐dependent vasodilation, also contributes to the pathogenesis of CIH. It appears that the ETB receptor‐induced buffering of ET‐1 responsiveness is mediated via a nitric oxide‐dependent mechanism.
Temporal development of baroreceptor dysfunction in a rodent model of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Hildreth Cara M , Kandukuri Divya Sarma , Goodchild Ann K , Phillips Jacqueline K
Published: May 2013

Altered autonomic control of the cardiovascular system in chronic kidney disease (CKD) contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of the present study was to determine whether and when autonomic dysfunction occurs in a conscious, telemetered, rodent model of CKD.

In Lewis polycystic kidney (LPK; n = 8) and Lewis (n = 8) rats, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV), systolic BP variability (SBPV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) were determined from 10 to 16 weeks of age.

The LPK rats had higher systolic BP (average across all ages: 230 ± 10 vs 122.6 ± 0.3 mmHg; P < 0.001), increased SBPV (average across all ages: 13.9 ± 1.9 vs 5.2 ± 0.2 mmHg2; P < 0.01) and reduced low‐frequency HRV power (average across all ages: 1.5 ± 0.3 vs 2.6 ± 0.2 msec2; P < 0.05). Between 10 and 12 weeks of age, SBPV increased twofold in the LPK rat (8.13 ± 1.05 vs 16.10 ± 1.31 mmHg2 for 10 vs 12 weeks of age, respectively; P < 0.001), coinciding with an approximate 40% reduction in BRS (1.32 ± 0.14 vs 0.79 ± 0.11 ms/mmHg for 10 vs 12 weeks of age, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no difference in BRS between LPK and Lewis rats at 10 weeks of age; however, from 12 weeks onwards, BRS was reduced in LPK rats (0.75 ± 0.01 vs 1.17 ± 0.04 ms/mmHg; P < 0.01).

Baroreceptor regulation of HR becomes impaired between 10 and 12 weeks of age in the LPK rat, coinciding with an increase in SBPV. Preventing baroreflex dysfunction in CKD may reduce SBPV and the associated mortality risks.
diveRsity: An R package for the estimation and exploration of population genetics parameters and their associated errors
Authors: Keenan Kevin , McGinnity Philip , Cross Tom F. , Crozier Walter W. , Prodöhl Paulo A.
Published: May 2013

We present a new R package, diveRsity, for the calculation of various diversity statistics, including common diversity partitioning statistics (θ, GST) and population differentiation statistics (DJost, , χ2 test for population heterogeneity), among others. The package calculates these estimators along with their respective bootstrapped confidence intervals for loci, sample population pairwise and global levels. Various plotting tools are also provided for a visual evaluation of estimated values, allowing users to critically assess the validity and significance of statistical tests from a biological perspective.

diveRsity has a set of unique features, which facilitate the use of an informed framework for assessing the validity of the use of traditional F‐statistics for the inference of demography, with reference to specific marker types, particularly focusing on highly polymorphic microsatellite loci. However, the package can be readily used for other co‐dominant marker types (e.g. allozymes, SNPs).

Detailed examples of usage and descriptions of package capabilities are provided. The examples demonstrate useful strategies for the exploration of data and interpretation of results generated by diveRsity. Additional online resources for the package are also described, including a GUI web app version intended for those with more limited experience using R for statistical analysis.
Theory of mind performance in women with posttraumatic stress disorder related to childhood abuse
Authors: Nazarov A. , Frewen P. , Parlar M. , Oremus C. , MacQueen G. , McKinnon M. , Lanius R.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Key questions remain unaddressed concerning the nature of interpersonal functioning in trauma survivors, including the ability to understand and interpret other people's thoughts and feelings. Here, we investigate theory of mind (ToM) performance of women with PTSD related to childhood abuse in comparison to healthy controls.

Method

Participants completed two ToM tasks, the Interpersonal Perception Task‐15 (IPT‐15) and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task – Revised (RMET).

Results

Relative to controls, women with a history of childhood trauma had difficulty recognizing familial relationships depicted in the IPT‐15 (P = 0.005). No other category of the IPT‐15 showed significant group differences. In addition, while healthy women displayed faster RMET reaction times to emotionally valenced mental states (positive: P = 0.003; negative: P = 0.016) compared with neutral mental states, the PTSD group showed similar reaction times across all valences. The presence of dissociative symptoms (e.g., disengagement, amnesia, identity dissociation) was strongly associated with hindered accuracy of complex mental state identification and altered perception of kinship interactions.

Conclusion

Women with PTSD stemming from childhood trauma show changes in ToM abilities particularly those often involved in the interpretation of family interactions. In addition, individuals with PTSD showed slower reaction times during the recognition of complex mental states from emotionally salient facial/eye expressions in comparison with healthy subjects.
Involuntary treatment of schizophrenia patients 2004–2010 in Denmark
Authors: Andersen T. H. , Kappers D. , Sneider B. , Uggerby P. , Nielsen J.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Treatment of schizophrenia is frequently complicated by patients' ambivalence and lack of insight into the disease, occasionally warranting involuntary treatment. This study aims to describe involuntary treatment in Danish schizophrenia patients.

Method

Patients diagnosed with a lifetime ICD‐10 F20 schizophrenia diagnosis and alive in the period 2004–2010 were identified in the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register, and data were linked to The Registry of Coercive Measures in Psychiatric Treatment.

Results

Within the study period, a total of 18 599 admitted patients were identified, 3078 of which underwent involuntary treatment. The incidence rate for any involuntary treatment was 2.1 per in‐patient year and 1.7 and 0.3 per in‐patient year for rapid tranquilization and involuntary treatments, respectively. Somatic diseases comprised 34.5% of all involuntary treatments. Psychotropics comprised 56.9% with antipsychotics as the most common drug class (99.5%). Olanzapine was the most commonly used antipsychotic drug (33.2%). Treatment with depot injection and clozapine comprised only 13% and 4.8% of the antipsychotics used, respectively. Electroconvulsive therapy comprised 4.8% of all involuntary treatment.

Conclusion

Involuntary treatment involved a wide range of somatic treatment. Antipsychotic medicine was the most common psychotropic used. Involuntary treatment with depot antipsychotics and clozapine were rare.
A literature review and meta‐analysis of drug company–funded mental health websites
Authors: Read J. , Cain A.
Published: May 2013

Objective

The pharmaceutical industry exercises pervasive influence in the mental health field. The internet has become a primary source of mental health information for the public and practitioners. This study therefore compared mental health websites funded and not funded by drug companies.

Method

A systematic literature review of studies examining the role of drug companies in the funding of mental health websites was conducted, followed by a meta‐analysis of studies comparing drug company–funded (DCF) sites with sites not funded by the industry.

Results

Mental health websites, in general, overemphasize biogenetic causal explanations and medication. Many mental health websites (42%) are either drug company owned (6%) or receive funding from drug companies (36%). A meta‐analysis found that DCF sites are significantly more biased toward biogenetic causes (P < 0.01) and toward medication (P < 0.0001) than sites that are financially independent of the industry.

Conclusion

Practitioners are encouraged to inform patients about the bias inherent in industry‐sponsored websites and to recommend, instead, more balanced websites that present a range of evidence‐based information about causes and treatments.
Role of plasmacytoid dendritic cell subsets in allergic asthma
Authors: Maazi H. , Lam J. , Lombardi V. , Akbari O.
Published: May 2013

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are major type‐I interferon‐producing cells that play important roles in antiviral immunity and tolerance induction. These cells share a common DC progenitor with conventional DCs, and Fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐3 ligand is essential for their development. Several subsets of pDCs have been identified to date including CCR9+, CD9+, and CD2+ pDCs. Recently, three subsets of pDCs were described, namely CD8α−β−, CD8α+β−, and CD8α+β+ subsets. Interestingly, CD8α+β− and CD8α+β+ but not CD8α−β− pDCs were shown to have tolerogenic effects in experimentally induced allergic asthma. These tolerogenic effects were shown to be mediated by the generation of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells through retinoic acid and the induction of retinaldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes. These newly described subsets of pDCs show high potentials for novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of allergic diseases. In this review, we will address the new progress in our understanding of pDC biology with respect to allergic disease, in particular allergic asthma.
Synthesis, Anti‐MRSA, and Anti‐VRE Activity of Hemin Conjugates with Amino Acids and Branched Peptides
Authors: Okorochenkov Sergei A. , Zheltukhina Galina A. , Mirchink Elena P. , Isakova Elena B. , Feofanov Alexey V. , Nebolsin Vladimir E.
Published: May 2013

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant bacterial strains has necessitated the synthesis of novel antibacterial agents. It was previously shown that naturally occurring metalloporphyrin hemin possesses dark antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria. To improve hemin antibacterial activity, we synthesized a number of hemin conjugates with amino acids and branched peptides. Arginine‐containing hemin conjugates demonstrated high antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria including methicillin‐ and vancomycin‐resistant strains in vitro. Most of the synthesized conjugates showed low toxicity against human erythrocytes and leukocytes.
Outcome of 12‐month surveillance colonoscopy in high‐risk patients in the National Health Service Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
Authors: Lee T. J. W. , Nickerson C. , Goddard A. F. , Rees C. J. , McNally R. J. Q. , Rutter M. D.
Published: May 2013

Aim

Current British guidelines recommend surveillance colonoscopy at 12 months for individuals found to have five or more adenomas, or three or more adenomas of which at least one is ≥ 1 cm in size. This study describes the yield of surveillance colonoscopy in this group and explores patient and clinical factors that may be associated with the presence of advanced adenomas or cancer at surveillance.

Method

Data were retrieved from the national database of the National Health Service Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. The detection of advanced colonic neoplasia (ACN, cancer or advanced adenoma) was used as the main outcome variable. Multivariable analysis was used to analyse relationships between patient factors (age, gender, body mass index, smoking and alcohol use) and clinical findings (number, size and nature of adenomas detected during index colonoscopy) with the outcome variable.

Results

One‐thousand, seven‐hundred and sixty individuals were included in the study. The yield of ACN at 12‐month surveillance was 6.6% (116/1760), of which 14/1760 (0.8%) had colorectal cancer. Nine (64.3%) of these 14 cancers were Dukes A at diagnosis. The presence of a villous adenoma or a right‐sided adenoma at screening colonoscopy was associated with ORs of 1.98 (95% CI: 1.11–3.53, P = 0.012) and 1.76 (95% CI: 1.13–2.74, P = 0.020), respectively, for detection of ACN at surveillance.

Conclusion

Twelve‐month surveillance colonoscopy is necessary in this group of patients. The presence of villous or proximal lesions at baseline is associated with increased risk of ACN at surveillance. Site and histological type of baseline lesions may be relevant for determining the surveillance interval.
Dry colour prediction of leather from its wet state
Authors: Jawahar Malathy , Venba Rajangam , Jyothi Govindhan , Kanth Swarna V , Doss Mallinath Jinandra , Chandra Babu Narasimanan K
Published: May 2013

The present investigation describes the development of a regression model for dry colour prediction based on the colour of wet leather. Such a prediction will be useful in the colour matching of leather – the time delay in drying of wet leather and determination of the final colour can be avoided. The use of computer technology interfaced with a reflectance spectrophotometer provides a novel approach to the prediction of dry colour from wet colour. In this study, five different regression models, i.e. linear fit, log fit, quadratic fit, log quadratic fit and cubic fit, were developed, with the dry reflectance of the leather sample as a dependent variable and the wet reflectance of the leather as an independent variable. The relationship between moisture content and surface leather colour, a prerequisite for enabling prediction, was studied. The obtained log quadratic model can be used for accurate prediction of dry colour from wet colour.
Intelligence assessments for children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Yin Foo Rebecca , Guppy Max , Johnston Leanne M
Published: May 2013

Aim

Cerebral palsy (CP) is defined as a primary disorder of posture and movement; however, approximately 45% of children with CP also have an intellectual impairment. Prevalence estimates are limited by a lack of guidelines for intelligence testing. This systematic review aims to identify and examine intelligence assessments for children with CP.

Method

Electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE, and ERIC) were searched to identify assessments that (1) measured intellectual function, (2) in children aged 4 to 18 years, (3) with CP, and (4) with psychometrics available.

Results

Searches yielded 48 assessments, of which nine provided psychometric data for children with CP. The included tests were the Columbia Mental Maturity Scale, the Leiter International Performance Scale, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the Pictorial Test of Intelligence, the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, the Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scales, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence.

Interpretation

Intelligence assessments in children with CP lack reliability data, consensus regarding validity data, and population‐specific norms. Research is required to establish psychometrics for children with CP. For children with higher motor involvement and/or communication and/or visual impairments, multiple options are required to assess intelligence appropriately.
Sulphonylureas and risk of cardiovascular disease: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Phung O. J. , Schwartzman E. , Allen R. W. , Engel S. S. , Rajpathak S. N.
Published: May 2013

Aims

Sulphonylurea use has been linked with increased cardiovascular disease risk; however, previous studies have been inconsistent. Type 2 diabetes independently increases risk for cardiovascular disease, so understanding the link between longer‐term use of anti‐diabetic medications and cardiovascular disease has important clinical implications.

Methods

Literature search in MEDLINE and CENTRAL was conducted throughout December 2011 for clinical and observational studies that reported the association between sulphonylurea and cardiovascular disease events. Ratios (relative risk, odds ratios or hazard ratios) adjusted for potential confounders (concomitant medications, baseline cardiovascular risk, diabetes severity) were pooled using a random‐effects model to yield relative risks and associated 95% confidence intervals.

Results

This meta‐analysis included 33 studies (n = 1,325,446 patients), followed for a range of 0.46–10.4 years. In all studies, compared with other oral diabetes drugs, sulphonylurea use was associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular death (relative risk 1.27, 95% confidence interval 1.18–1.34, n = 27 comparisons) and composite cardiovascular event (including myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular‐related hospitalization or cardiovascular death) (relative risk 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.16, n = 43 comparisons). In studies comparing sulphonylurea vs. metformin, these relative risks were 1.26 (95% confidence interval 1.17–1.35, n = 17 comparisons) and 1.18 (95%confidence interval 1.13–1.24, n = 16 comparisons), respectively.

Conclusions

Results suggest that sulphonylurea use may elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease among patients with diabetes. This meta‐analysis expands the pool of studies evaluating cardiovascular mortality compared with prior observations while using adjusted estimates, and assessing an additional outcome of a composite cardiovascular event. This finding warrants consideration in clinical practice when other treatment options may be available.