bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salamander diversity alters stream macroinvertebrate community structure
Authors: Conor Keitzer S. , Goforth Reuben R.
Published: July 2013

Salamanders are abundant consumers in many fishless stream ecosystems, but few studies have explicitly examined their ecological role. Stream‐dwelling salamander larvae are generalist predators of aquatic macroinvertebrates and may play an important role in structuring macroinvertebrate communities. The potential for emergent effects of multiple predator species suggests that changes in salamander diversity could alter their effects on macroinvertebrate communities, but this has not been tested.

We used in‐stream enclosures to manipulate the presence and diversity of the two most abundant salamanders, Eurycea wilderae (EWIL) and Desmognathus quadramaculatus (DQUA), in a southern Appalachian Mountain headwater stream to examine the impacts of salamander predation on macroinvertebrate communities. We were particularly interested in testing for potential diversity effects by comparing the effects of each species in monoculture to polycultures of both species (BOTH).

Salamanders reduced macroinvertebrate abundance compared to the control treatment (CONTROL), but only when both species were present together. The general pattern of macroinvertebrate abundance among treatments was: CONTROL = EWIL = DQUA > BOTH, although no treatment significantly reduced the abundance of epibenthic taxa. The BOTH treatment also significantly altered macroinvertebrate community structure and reduced taxon richness by c. 57%. The effects of salamanders were particularly pronounced for chironomids (Diptera: Chironomidae), which comprised the majority of macroinvertebrate total abundance.

Increased salamander diversity substantially altered macroinvertebrate communities, suggesting that niche complementarity or facilitation occurred despite the apparent functional similarity of these two species. Therefore, changes in salamander diversity may alter the effects of salamander communities on macroinvertebrates, which may cascade through food webs to affect stream ecosystem function.
Budget Rules and Fiscal Policy: Ten Lessons from Theory and Evidence
Authors: Auerbach Alan J.
Published: July 2013

There has been considerable research and discussion over the years about the potential role of fiscal rules in supporting better economic outcomes; the design, implementation and enforcement, of such rules; and the prospects for alternative fiscal and political institutions to promote the objectives to which fiscal rules are typically targeted. This paper provides an overview of some of the findings that this research and unfolding events have brought forward, organized in the form of ten lessons that can be learned from accumulating theory and evidence.
Feasibility of early discharge strategies for neutropenic fever: outcomes of a Victorian organisational readiness assessment and pilot
Authors: Lingaratnam S. , Mellerick A. , Worth L. J. , Green M. , Guy S. , Kirsa S. , Slavin M. , Renwick W. , Filshie R. , Thursky K. A.
Published: July 2013

Background

Although Australian consensus guidelines support the use of ambulatory care strategies for management of adult patients with low‐risk neutropenic fever (NF), few centres have successfully implemented viable programmes.

Aims

To study the feasibility of an early discharge programme for adult patients with low‐risk NF and assess organisational factors likely to influence successful implementation across participating Victorian hospitals.

Methods

Four hospitals participated in an organisational readiness assessment preceding selection of a pilot site for programme implementation. Prospective baseline auditing of current practice (i.e. inpatient care until resolution of NF) across three hospitals preceded programme implementation and evaluation.

Results

Barriers and facilitators to successful implementation were identified. One hundred and seventeen NF episodes were evaluated during audit phases. The frequency of low‐risk NF presentations eligible for early discharge was low (less than two episodes per week). The programme reduced median (interquartile range) duration of parenteral antibiotics and length of stay for eligible patients (n = 11) from 4 (4, 5) days at baseline to 1 (1, 2) day during pilot (P = 0.02) and 4.5 (4, 5) days (baseline) to 2 (1, 3) days (pilot) (P = 0.02) respectively. The proportion of ineligible patients stepped down to oral antibiotics was improved from 38% (baseline) to 67% (pilot). No patients failed ambulatory care requiring readmission into hospital.

Conclusion

The ambulatory care strategy for management of NF proposed by Australian consensus guidelines has been successfully piloted at a single Victorian centre. Organisational readiness tools can be used to identify potential barriers to the implementation of evidence based practices in patients with NF.
Down‐regulation of miR‐301a suppresses pro‐inflammatory cytokines inToll‐like receptor‐triggered macrophages
Authors: Huang Lisong , Liu Yin , Wang Liqiu , Chen Ruifeng , Ge Wei , Lin Zhusen , Zhang Yun , Liu Shuyuan , Shan Yi , Lin Qingxian , Jiang Minghong
Published: June 2013

In many types of tumours, especially pancreatic adenocarcinoma, miR‐301a is over‐expressed. This over‐expression results in negative regulation of the target gene of miR‐301a, the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) repressing factor (NKRF), increasing the activation ofNF‐κB and production ofNF‐κB‐responsive pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐8, interferon‐β, nitric oxide synthase 2A and cytochrome oxidase subunit 2 (COX‐2). However, in immune cells, mechanisms that regulate miR‐301a have not been reported. Similar to tumour cells, Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ‐activated macrophages produceNF‐κB‐responsive pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, it is of considerable interest to determine whether miR‐301a regulates the secretion of cytokines by immune cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that the expression of miR‐301a was decreased inTLR‐triggered macrophages. Through targetingNKRF, miR‐301a affected the activity ofNF‐κB and the expression of pro‐inflammatory genes downstream ofNF‐κB such asCOX‐2, prostaglandinE2and interleukin‐6. In addition, when lipopolysaccharide‐treated macrophages were simultaneously stimulated with trichostatinA, an inhibitor of histone deacetylases, the expression of miR‐301a increased, whereasNKRFand pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression decreased. However, further investigation revealed that there was no correlation between the induction of miR‐301a and the inhibitory effect of trichostatinAon lipopolysaccharide‐induced gene expression in macrophages. In summary, our study indicates a new mechanism by which miR‐301a regulates inflammatory cytokine expression in macrophages, which may clarify the regulatory role of microRNAs in immune‐mediated inflammatory responses.
A role for interleukin‐17A in modulating intracellular survival of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin in murine macrophages
Authors: Ling Wai Lim , Wang Liang Jie , Pong John C. H. , Lau Allan S. Y. , Li James C. B.
Published: June 2013

Interleukin 17A IL‐17A is a crucial immunomodulator in various chronic immunological diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The cytokine has also been demonstrated to control the pathogenesis of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis by dysregulating production of cytokines and chemokines and promoting granuloma formation. Whether IL‐17A regulates innate defence mechanisms of macrophages in response to mycobacterial infection remains to be elucidated. In the current report, we investigated the effects of IL‐17A on modulating the intracellular survival of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) in RAW264.7 murine macrophages. We observed that IL‐17A pre‐treatment for 24 hr was able to synergistically enhance BCG‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. We further delineated the mechanisms involved in this synergistic reaction. IL‐17A was found to specifically enhanced BCG‐induced phosphorylation of Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), but not of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. By using a specific JNK inhibitor (SP600125), we found that the production of NO in BCG‐infected macrophages was significantly suppressed. Taken together, we confirmed the involvement of the JNK pathway in IL‐17A‐enhanced NO production in BCG‐infected macrophages. We further demonstrated that IL‐17A significantly enhanced the clearance of intracellular BCG by macrophages through an NO‐dependent killing mechanism. In conclusion, our study revealed an anti‐mycobacterial role of IL‐17A through priming the macrophages to produce NO in response to mycobacterial infection.
Surgical Correction of Hyperkeratosis in the Papillon‐Lefèvre Syndrome
Authors: PELED ISAAC J. , WEINRAUCH LOUIS , COHEN HAIM A. , WEXLER MENACHEM R.
Published: July 2013

In a severe case of the Papillon‐Lefèvre syndrome, surgical correction of the disabling hyperkeratosis on the dorsa of the hands was first tested in a small area and, when that proved successful, the entire dorsa of both hands were resurfaced. The result was functionally gratifying and the cosmetic appearance was improved.
Excision of a Malignant Neoplasm from a Lower Lip and Reconstruction by a Step Technique of Flaps
Authors: PAGANI WILLY A. , CAPOZZI OLIVIA
Published: July 2013

A step technique of flaps is described, illustrated, and recommended for full‐thickness defects of up to two‐thirds of the lower lip. The mobility of the lip, the sphincter function of its musculature, and cosmetic result of the reconstituted lips were found to be excellent from such a procedure.
The×Effectiveness of Gap Insurance With Respect to Basis Risk in a Shareholder Value Maximization Setting
Authors: Gatzert Nadine , Kellner Ralf
Published: July 2013

The purchase of index‐linked alternative risk transfer instruments can lead to basis risk, if the insurer's loss is not fully dependent on the index. One way to reduce basis risk is to additionally purchase gap insurance, which fills the gap between an insurer's actual loss and the index‐linked instrument's payout. The previous literature detects gains in the effectiveness of this hedging strategy in a mean–variance framework. The aim of this article is to extend this analysis and to examine the effectiveness of gap insurance in a shareholder value maximization framework under solvency constraints. Our results show that purchasing gap insurance can generally increase the hedging effectiveness in multiple ways by reducing basis risk, thus increasing shareholder value and, at the same time, lowering shortfall risk.
Robust Hedging of Longevity Risk
Authors: Cairns Andrew J. G.
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

We consider situations where a pension plan has opted to hedge its longevity risk using an index‐based longevity hedging instrument such as a q‐forward or deferred longevity swap. The use of index‐based hedges gives rise to basis risk, but benefits, potentially, from lower costs to the hedger and greater liquidity. We focus on quantification of optimal hedge ratios and hedge effectiveness and investigate how robust these quantities are relative to inclusion of recalibration risk, parameter uncertainty, and Poisson risk. We find that strategies are robust relative to the inclusion of parameter uncertainty and Poisson risk. In contrast, single‐instrument hedging strategies are found to lack robustness relative to the inclusion of recalibration risk at the future valuation date, although we also demonstrate that some hedging instruments are more robust than others. To address this problem, we develop multi‐instrument hedging strategies that are robust relative to recalibration risk.
Evolutionary divergence of the PISTILLATA‐like proteins in Hedyosmum orientale (Chloranthaceae) after gene duplication
Authors: LIU Shu‐Jun , DU Xiao‐Qiu , WU Feng , LIN Xue‐Lei , XU Qi‐Jiang , MENG Zheng
Published: June 2013

Gene duplication and diversification is a significant aspect of gene and genome evolution, even though the evolutionary mechanism following duplication almost certainly varies by genes or gene families. We have identified three PISTILLATA (PI)‐like genes, HoPI_1, HoPI_2, and HoPI_3, from basal angiosperm Hedyosmum orientale (Chloranthaceae) and found a functional divergence of these duplicate paralogs in the B‐function process. However, the mechanism underlying the divergence of the three HoPI copies remains unclear. In this study, we carefully compared the coding sequence of the three duplicate HoPI paralogs, and investigated their evolutionary process after duplication. Molecular evolutionary analyses suggested that the coding sequence of the relatively recent duplicate paralogs HoPI_1 and HoPI_3 may evolve under purifying selection, but the functional constraint that acted on the coding sequence of HoPI_2 may have been relaxed. Domain swapping and site‐directed mutagenesis experiments further showed that HoPI_2 has lost class B‐function activity through a gradual process of mutational degradation in MADS and I domains. Although we currently have no direct in vivo evidence that HoPI_2 has lost function in floral development, the relaxed selection, in combination with its inability to rescue pi‐1 mutant phenotype, indicate that this distant paralog HoPI_2 might have been converted to be functionless in the B‐function process. This study provides a detailed molecular characterization of duplicate PI lineage gene divergence in a single individual level, and our results suggest that mutations in the MI region are more likely to have negative effects on the biochemical activity of PI‐like proteins.
Aberrant fucosylation of glycosphingolipids in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues
Authors: Zhu Jian , Wang Yanping , Yu Yunhui , Wang Zheng , Zhu Tingting , Xu Xiukun , Liu Haiyan , Hawke David , Zhou Dapeng , Li Yunsen
Published: July 2013

Backgrounds & Aims

Glycosylation promoting or inhibiting tumour cell invasion and metastasis is of crucial importance in current cancer research. Tumour‐associated carbohydrate antigens are predominantly expressed on the tumour cell surface. Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are members of the family. To perform glycosphingolipidomic assays on neutral GSLs obtained from solid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and paired peritumoural tissues by linear ion trap quadrupole‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Methods

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of fucosylated neutral GSLs was performed in the positive ion mode on the LTQ‐XL mass spectrometer and MALDI‐TOF‐MS.

Results

A group of fucosylated neutral GSLs in HCC was found to be expressed higher in the tumour tissues, as their proportion in total cellular GSLs was 3.3‐fold higher in the tumour tissues than in the peritumoural tissues (P < 0.01). Moreover, qualitative analysis of the aberrant fucosylated GSLs were completed, and seven types of fucosylated GSLs that contained terminal Fuca2Gal‐ structure were identified by mass spectrometry.

Conclusions

Our results may lead to improved immunotherapy of HCC and contribute to understanding the role of aberrant fucosylated GSLs in the development and progress of HCC in following studies.
Diagnostic accuracy of arterial line blood gas measurements as an estimate of arteriovenous fistula recirculation
Authors: Kirmizis Dimitrios , Kougioumtzidou Ourania , Vakianis Pantelis
Published: July 2013

Aim

We studied the diagnostic accuracy of blood gas determination as a novel method for the estimation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) recirculation (RC).

Methods

In 25 patients on chronic haemodialysis, with failure of a previously well functioning native AVF (mean two‐needle urea‐based RC: 41 ± 10%), arterial line (AL) as well as a peripheral vein (PV) blood samples drawn by the end of a 4 h haemodialysis session, before and after the surgical repair of their AVF.

Results

Compared to PV samples, patients with RC had significantly higher AL blood pCO2 and pO2 values (P < 0.001) and lower AL blood pH and K+ values (P < 0.001), findings that were reversed after the surgical restoration of adequate AVF function. On regression analysis, urea RC values were correlated positively with AL pCO2 values (r = 0.683, P < 0.001) and negatively with AL pH values (r = 0.896, P < 0.001). AL pCO2 > 40 mmHg was shown to have the best sensitivity and AL pH < 7.25 the best specificity. RC index, that is, the AL pCO2/pH ratio, was found to have superior test characteristics compared to pH and pCO2 (sensitivity 95% and specificity 88% for values >5.5) making it a powerful diagnostic as well as screening tool.

Conclusion

We propose the regular AL blood gas measurement as a novel method of AVF function surveillance and RC diagnosis. AL blood pH < 7.25, pCO2 > 40 mmHg and RC index > 5.5, escorted by rather high pO2 and low K+ by the end of dialysis session, but probably earlier as well, signify an important RC (>20%) and warrant further investigation of AVF patency.
Alpha‐synuclein expression patterns in the colonic submucosal plexus of the aging Fischer 344 rat: implications for biopsies in aging and neurodegenerative disorders?
Authors: Phillips R. J. , Martin F. N. , Billingsley C. N. , Powley T. L.
Published: July 2013

Background

This experiment assessed normative expression patterns of alpha‐synuclein (SYNC), including ganglionic remodeling and development of SYNC pathologies, in the submucosal plexus (SMP) of the colon during healthy aging. The observations address age‐associated changes in bowel function and are relevant to evaluations of SMP‐containing colonic biopsies for SYNC or synucleinopathies associated with aging and peripheral neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

Colonic submucosal whole mounts from groups of virgin male Fischer 344 rats (n ≥ 8 per group) at 4, 8, 16, and 24 months of age were processed immunohistochemically for SYNC and the pan‐neuronal marker HuC/D. In addition, macrophages immunoreactive for MHCII were examined. Stereological protocols were used to generate unbiased estimates of neuron density, neurons per ganglion, neurons per ganglionic area, and neuron size.

Key Results

The protein SYNC was expressed in a subpopulation of SMP neurons, in both nucleus and cytoplasm. The general age‐associated pattern across different cell counts was an increase in the number of SYNC+ neurons between 4 and 8 months of age, with progressively decreasing numbers of both SYNC+ and SYNC‐ neurons over the remaining lifespan. The soma size of SYNC+ neurons increased progressively with age. Aggregated SYNC occurred in the aging SMP, and macrophages with alternatively activated profiles were located adjacent to pathological SYNC deposits, consistent with ongoing phagocytosis.

Conclusions & Inferences

Changes in SYNC expression with age, including a baseline of accumulating synucleinopathies in the healthy aging SMP, need to be considered when interpreting either functional disturbances or biopsies of the aging colon.
A genome‐wide screen for ethylene‐induced Ethylene Response Factors (ERFs) in hybrid aspen stem identifies ERF genes that modify stem growth and wood properties
Authors: Vahala Jorma , Felten Judith , Love Jonathan , Gorzsás András , Gerber Lorenz , Lamminmäki Airi , Kangasjärvi Jaakko , Sundberg Björn
Published: July 2013

Ethylene Response Factors (ERFs) are a large family of transcription factors that mediate responses to ethylene. Ethylene affects many aspects of wood development and is involved in tension wood formation. Thus ERFs could be key players connecting ethylene action to wood development.

We identified 170 gene models encoding ERFs in the Populus trichocarpa genome. The transcriptional responses of ERF genes to ethylene treatments were determined in stem tissues of hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × tremuloides) by qPCR. Selected ethylene‐responsive ERFs were overexpressed in wood‐forming tissues and characterized for growth and wood chemotypes by FT‐IR.

Fifty ERFs in Populus showed more than five‐fold increased transcript accumulation in response to ethylene treatments. Twenty‐six ERFs were selected for further analyses. A majority of these were induced during tension wood formation. Overexpression of ERFs 18, 21, 30, 85 and 139 in wood‐forming tissues of hybrid aspen modified the wood chemotype. Moreover, overexpression of ERF139 caused a dwarf‐phenotype with altered wood development, and overexpression of ERF18, 34 and 35 slightly increased stem diameter.

We identified ethylene‐induced ERFs that respond to tension wood formation, and modify wood formation when overexpressed. This provides support for their role in ethylene‐mediated regulation of wood development.
Differences in Healthcare Utilization and Associated Costs Between Patients Prescribed vs. Nonprescribed Opioids During an Inpatient or Emergency Department Visit
Authors: Xie Lin , Joshi Ashish V. , Schaaf David , Mardekian Jack , Harnett James , Shah Nilay D. , Baser Onur
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Compare healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs between patients prescribed opioids (RxOP) and those who were not (NoRxOP) during an emergency department (ED) or inpatient visit.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis was performed (January 2006 to September 2010). Continuously eligible RxOP patients in ED/inpatient settings (January 2007 to September 2009) were included if age was ≥ 12 years by initial prescription date (or random date between first ED/inpatient admission and September 30, 2009 [NoRxOP patients]).

Healthcare resource utilization and costs for 12 months after initial prescription were compared. Univariate descriptive analyses were performed for baseline and outcome variables and compared using appropriate tests. Risk adjustment compared HCRU between RxOP and NoRxOP cohorts for the postindex period.

Results

Of 27,599 eligible patients, RxOP patients (n = 18,819) were younger, less likely to be male, more likely to reside in southern United States and to have Preferred Provider Organization health plans, and had lower comorbidity index scores, compared with NoRxOP patients (n = 8,780). RxOP patients were less likely to have nonpain‐related comorbidities and more frequently diagnosed with pain‐related comorbidities.

Unmatched and propensity‐matched RxOP patients experienced higher HCRU and costs in all subcategories (total, inpatient, outpatient ED, physician, pharmacy, other outpatient settings). Opioid abuse frequency was low in patients with common diagnoses/procedures within 3 months before initial prescription (0.48%). Average time to abuse was < 1 year (201 days).

Conclusion

Most patients were prescribed opioids initially during ED/inpatient visits and incurred higher HCRU than those not prescribed opioids. Among those with diagnosed opioid abuse after initiating opioids, time to diagnosis was rapid (range: 14 to 260 days) for patients with common diseases and procedures.
Sunburn Risk Among Children and Outdoor Workers in South Africa and Reunion Island Coastal Sites
Authors: Wright Caradee Y. , Brogniez Colette , Ncongwane Katlego P. , Sivakumar Venkataraman , Coetzee Gerrie , Metzger Jean‐Marc , Auriol Frédérique , Deroo Christine , Sauvage Béatrice
Published: June 2013

To estimate potential sunburn risk for schoolchildren and outdoor workers, ground‐based ambient solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) measurements were converted into possible child (5% of ambient solar UVR) and outdoor worker (20% of ambient solar UVR) solar UVR exposures by skin type and season for three coastal sites: Durban, Cape Point (South Africa) and Saint Denis (Reunion Island, France). Cumulative daily ambient solar UVR levels were relatively high at all sites, especially during summer, with maximum values of about 67, 57 and 74 Standard Erythemal Dose (SED) (1 SED = 100 J m−2) at Durban, Cape Point and Saint Denis respectively. Sunburn risk was evident for both children and outdoor workers, especially those with skin types I and II (extremely to moderately sensitive) during summer, early autumn and/or late spring at all three sites. Although results need to be verified with real‐time, instantaneous and nonintegrated personal solar UVR measurements, this understanding of sunburn risk is useful for initiating the development skin cancer prevention and sun protection awareness campaigns in both countries.
The Use of Solar Radiation by the Photosynthetic Bacterium, Rhodopseudomonas palustris: Model Simulation of Conditions Found in a Shallow Pond or a Flatbed Reactor
Authors: Ritchie Raymond J.
Published: June 2013

Photosynthetic bacteria are attractive for biotechnology because they produce no oxygen and so H2‐production is not inhibited by oxygen as occurs in oxygenic photoorganisms. Rhodopseudomonas palustris and Afifella marina containing BChl a can use irradiances from violet near‐UV (VNUV) to orange (350–650 nm) light and near‐infrared (NIR) light (762–870 nm). Blue diode‐based pulse amplitude modulation technology was used to measure their photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR). ETR vs Irradiance curves fitted the waiting‐in‐line model—ETR = (ETRmax × E/Eopt) × exp (1 − E/Eopt). The equation was integrated over pond depth to calculate ETR of Afifella and Rhodopseudomonas in a pond up to 30 cm deep (A376, 1 cm = 0.1). Afifella saturates at low irradiances and so photoinhibition results in very low photosynthesis in a pond. Rhodopseudomonas saturates at ≈15% sunlight and shows photoinhibition in the surface layers of the pond. Total ETR is ≈335 μmol (e−) m−2 s−1 in NUV + photosynthetically active radiation light (350–700 nm). Daily ETR curves saturate at low irradiances and have a square‐wave shape: ≈11–13 mol (e−) m−2 day−1 (350–700 nm). Up to 20–24% of daily 350–700 nm irradiance can be converted into ETR. NIR is absorbed by water and so competes with the bacterial RC‐2 photosystem for photons.
Adult attachment style and cortisol responses across the day in older adults
Authors: Kidd Tara , Hamer Mark , Steptoe Andrew
Published: July 2013

The association between cortisol and adult attachment style, an important indicator of social relationships, has been relatively unexplored. Previous research has examined adult attachment and acute cortisol responses to stress in the laboratory, but less is known about cortisol levels in everyday life. The present study examined adult romantic attachment style and cortisol responses across the day. Salivary cortisol was collected at six time points during the course of the day in 1,807 healthy men and women from a subsample of the Whitehall II cohort. Significant associations were found between attachment on cortisol across the day and slope of cortisol decline. The lowest cortisol output was associated with fearful attachment, with preoccupied attachment having the highest levels and a flatter cortisol profile. The results tentatively support the proposition that attachment style may contribute to HPA dysregulation.
Epidemiology of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Littlewood Chris , May Stephen , Walters Stephen
Published: June 2013

Background

An understanding of the epidemiology of a problem is central to facilitating clinical understanding, resource allocation and future research priorities.

Objectives

To systematically review and report incidence, prevalence, risk and prognostic factors for rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Methods

An electronic search of MEDLINE, CiNAHL, PsychINFO to December 2012 was complemented by hand and citation-searching. Studies were selected in relation to pre-defined criteria. A narrative synthesis was undertaken.

Results

The incidence of rotator cuff tendinopathy ranges from 0.3% to 5.5% and annual prevalence from 0.5% to 7.4%. There is limited evidence suggesting that increasing age and other personal, work-related and psychosocial factors are associated with onset. There is strong evidence suggesting that high baseline pain and disability and previous episodes of shoulder pain are associated with an unfavourable outcome and strong evidence suggesting that biomedical diagnosis is not associated with outcome. Other factors were identified but were only supported by moderate or limited evidence.

Conclusions

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common problem but uncertainty remains regarding the true extent and risk factors associated with onset. High baseline pain and disability and previous episodes are associated with an unfavourable outcome but biomedical diagnosis is not associated with outcome.
Distinct Functional Regions of the Human Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor
Authors: Sunagawa K. , Omagari D. , Nishiyama M. , Asano M. , Okudera M. , Sugitani M. , Nemoto N. , Komiyama K.
Published: June 2013

The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) is a type I transmembrane protein that is expressed on the surfaces of glandular and intestinal epithelial cells. The extracellular portion of the pIgR is composed of six different domains. Domain 6 is involved in the enzymatic cleavage and release of the pIgR into the intestinal lumen as a free secretory component (fSC). A highly conserved 9‐amino acid sequence is present in this region in various species. Although mutations in domain 6 are associated with particular diseases, such as IgA nephropathy and Epstein–Barr virus‐related nasopharyngeal cancer, and the glutamic acid residues in the conserved 9‐amino acid sequence are expected to be indispensable for the secretion of fSC, the importance of these residues has not been examined. In the present study, we attempted to examine the role of these residues in the enzymatic cleavage of the pIgR. The enzymatic cleavage of the pIgR was not affected by the presence of an alanine to valine substitution at position 580 or glutamine to alanine substitutions at positions 606 and/or 607, or the deletion of the whole 9‐amino acid conserved sequence. Intriguingly, the 10 amino acid sequences flanking the N‐ and C‐terminal ends of the conserved 9‐amino acid sequence had opposite effects on pIgR cleavage. Namely, the N‐terminal and C‐terminal sequences enhanced and reduced pIgR cleavage efficiency, respectively. These results indicated that the pIgR can be divided into several functionally distinct regions.
Cord Blood Monocytes, Neutrophils and Lymphocytes from Preterm and Full‐Term Neonates Show Multiple Aberrations in Signalling Profiles Measured Using Phospho‐Specific Whole‐Blood Flow Cytometry
Authors: Nupponen I. , Kuuliala A. , Siitonen S. , Repo H. , Kuuliala K.
Published: June 2013

Immaturity of the immune system renders newborns susceptible to infections. We searched for aberrations in leucocyte signalling profiles, using phospho‐specific whole‐blood flow cytometry, in cord blood of nine preterm (two born before 32nd gestational week) and nine full‐term infants, born by caesarean section. Thirteen adults served as reference subjects. Monocyte NF‐κB phosphorylation following tumour necrosis factor (TNF) or bacterial stimulation was higher in preterm neonates than in full‐term neonates or adults, p38 phosphorylation following bacterial stimulation was higher in both preterm and full‐term neonates than in adults, while STAT1 phosphorylation by IFN‐γ or IL‐6, STAT3 phosphorylation by IL‐6 and STAT5 phosphorylation by GM‐CSF were lower in both full‐term and preterm neonates than in adults. Neutrophil STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation following IFN‐γ stimulation and STAT5 phosphorylation following GM‐CSF stimulation were lower in newborn neonates than in adults. In both CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes, NF‐κB phosphorylation by TNF was higher and STAT5 phosphorylation by IL‐2 was lower in preterm and full‐term newborns than in adults. STAT6 phosphorylation by IL‐4 was comparable in monocytes and lymphocytes of newborns and adults. The results suggest that innate immune signalling pathways responding to inflammatory stimuli are strongly functional in leucocytes of preterm neonates, which may render these neonates susceptible to inappropriate tissue injury. In leucocytes of both preterm and full‐term newborns, responses needed against intracellular pathogens, and regulatory functions show immaturities, possibly contributing to worse control of infections.
Costs and benefits of erosion control measures in the UK
Authors: Posthumus H. , Deeks L. K. , Rickson R. J. , Quinton J. N.
Published: June 2013

Soil erosion is a key threat to ecosystem services. This study assesses the cost‐effectiveness of erosion control measures based on an ecosystem services approach. The economic appraisal consists of an assessment (i.e. quantification and valuation) of the on‐site and off‐site impacts of soil erosion, and its mitigation, on ecosystem services. Many erosion control measures result in negative financial and economic returns. This explains why farmers are generally reluctant to implement erosion control measures without compensation. Based on the assessment described in this study, tramline management, mulching, buffer strips, high‐density planting and sediment traps are the most cost‐effective erosion control measures for agriculture in the UK. Contour ploughing also appears to be cost‐effective, but this measure is not appropriate in all circumstances and therefore cannot be widely promoted. However, actual cost‐effectiveness of erosion control measures will differ for local circumstances, and it is therefore advised that individual assessments are made at farm level or field level before recommendations are made to farmers.
Cystine dimethylester loading promotes oxidative stress and a reduction in ATP independent of lysosomal cystine accumulation in a human proximal tubular epithelial cell line
Authors: Sumayao Rodolfo , McEvoy Bernadette , Martin‐Martin Natalia , McMorrow Tara , Newsholme Philip
Published: June 2013

New findings

What is the central question of this study?

Are the molecular and cellular consequences of cystine dimethylester loading different from an alternative and more specific model of the cystinotic kidney proximal tubule epithelial cell, obtained by CTNS gene silencing.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Using a human‐derived kidney proximal tubular cell line, HK‐2, we demonstrated that cystine dimethylester loading induces detrimental effects independent of lysosomal cystine accumulation. CTNS gene silencing, which resulted in comparable levels of cystine accumulation, evidence of oxidative stress and reduced ATP concentration but unaltered ATP generation capacity, represents a more useful model for investigating biochemical alterations in cystinosis.

Using the cystine dimethylester (CDME) loading technique to achieve elevated lysosomal cystine levels, ATP depletion has previously been postulated to be responsible for the renal dysfunction in cystinosis, a genetic disorder characterized by an excessive accumulation of cystine in the lysosomes. However, this is unlikely to be the sole factor responsible for the complexity of cell stress associated with cystinosis. Moreover, CDME has been shown to induce a direct toxic effect on mitochondrial ATP generation. Using a human‐derived proximal tubular epithelial cell line, we compared the effects of CDME loading with small interfering RNA‐mediated cystinosin, lysosomal cystine transporter (CTNS) gene silencing on glutathione redox status, reactive oxygen species levels, oxidative stress index, antioxidant enzyme activities and ATP generating capacity. The CDME‐loaded cells displayed increased total glutathione content, extensive superoxide depletion, augmented oxidative stress index, decreased catalase activity, normal superoxide dismutase activity and compromised ATP generation. In contrast, cells subjected to CTNS gene inhibition demonstrated decreased total glutathione content, increased superoxide levels, unaltered oxidative stress index, unaltered catalase activity, induction of superoxide dismutase activity and normal ATP generation. Our data indicate that many CDME‐induced effects are independent of lysosomal cystine accumulation, which further underscores the limited value of CDME loading for studying the pathogenesis of cystinosis. CTNS gene inhibition, which results in intracellular cystine accumulation, is a more realistic approach for investigating biochemical alterations in cystinosis.
Compressive Response of Pyramidal Lattices Embedded in Foams
Authors: Hammetter C. I. , Zok F. W.
Published: July 2013

Recent endeavors to combine the desirable energy-absorption characteristics of stochastic foams with the comparatively high strengths of pyramidal lattices have shown promise for creating composites that outperform their constituents alone under compressive loading. Herein we employ numerical and analytical models to identify both the mechanisms by which synergistic behavior is obtained in such composites and the constituent mass fractions that yield maximum benefits. We find that the loading boundary conditions play a crucial role. When, for instance, composites are loaded between plates that are well bonded to the composites, their specific strengths invariably exceed those predicted by a rule-of-mixtures; however, these strengths can always be improved through an optimized lattice of equivalent mass. In contrast, when the composites are loaded between frictionless plates, their specific strengths exceed not only rule-of-mixtures predictions but, in many cases, also that of any mass-equivalent pyramidal lattice alone subject to the same (frictionless) conditions. The origin of this behavior is found to arise from foam-stabilization of lattice bending and splaying: deformation modes that govern strength in the absence of foam. In essence, the foam causes a transition from bend-dominated to stretch-dominated behavior in the lattice.
Magnetic Field Observations as Voyager 1 Entered the Heliosheath Depletion Region
Authors: Burlaga L. F. , Ness N. F. , Stone E. C.
Published: June 2013

Unexpected Magnetic Highway

The heliopause is thought to separate the heliosphere (the bubble of plasma and magnetic field originating at the Sun) from interstellar plasma and magnetic field. In August last year, the Voyager 1 spacecraft, which was launched 35 years ago, was 18.5 billion kilometers away from the Sun, close to the expected location of the heliopause.

Krimigis
et al.

(p.
144
, published online 27 June) report observations of energetic ions and electrons by Voyager 1 that suggest that a sharp and distinct boundary was crossed five times over ∼30 days.

Burlaga
et al.

(p.
147
, published online 27 June) found that the magnetic field direction did not change across any of the boundary crossings, indicating that Voyager 1 had not crossed the heliopause but had entered a region in the heliosphere that serves as a magnetic highway along which low-energy ions from inside stream away and galactic cosmic rays flow in from interstellar space.

Stone
et al.

(p.
150
, published online 27 June) report the spectra of low-energy galactic cosmic rays in this unexpected region.
The Gene
Sr33,
an Ortholog of Barley
Mla
Genes, Encodes Resistance to Wheat Stem Rust Race Ug99
Authors: Periyannan Sambasivam , Moore John , Ayliffe Michael , Bansal Urmil , Wang Xiaojing , Huang Li , Deal Karin , Luo Mingcheng , Kong Xiuying , Bariana Harbans , Mago Rohit , McIntosh Robert , Dodds Peter , Dvorak Jan , Lagudah Evans
Published: June 2013

Resistance May Not Be Futile

Recently, Ug99, a particularly devastating strain of wheat stem rust fungus, has emerged, which could potentially threaten food security. Now, two genes have been cloned that offer resistance to Ug99.

Saintenac
et al.

(p.
783
, published online 27 June) cloned
Sr35 from Triticum monococcum
, a diploid wheat species not often cultivated.

Periyannan
et al.

(p.
786
, published online 27 June) cloned
Sr33 from Aegilops tauschii
, a diploid wild grass that contributed to the hexaploid genome of cultivated wheat. The genes both encode proteins that show features typical of other disease resistance proteins and offer opportunities to slow the pace of Ug99 progression.
Combined Genomics and Experimental Analyses of Respiratory Characteristics of Shewanella putrefaciens W3-18-1
Authors: Qiu Dongru , Wei Hehong , Tu Qichao , Yang Yunfeng , Xie Ming , Chen Jingrong , Pinkerton Mark H. , Liang Yili , He Zhili , Zhou Jizhong
Published: June 2013

It has previously been shown that theShewanella putrefaciensW3-18-1 strain produces remarkably high current in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and can form magnetite at 0°C. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we developed a genetic manipulation method by deleting the restriction-modification system genes of the SGI1 (Salmonellagenome island 1)-like prophage and analyzed the key genes involved in bacterial respiration. W3-18-1 has less respiratory flexibility than the well-characterizedS. oneidensisMR-1 strain, as it possesses fewer cytochromecgenes and lacks the ability to oxidize sulfite or reduce dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and timethylamine oxide (TMAO). W3-18-1 lacks the hydrogen-producing Fe-only hydrogenase, and the hydrogen-oxidizing Ni-Fe hydrogenase genes were split into two separate clusters. Two periplasmic nitrate reductases (NapDAGHB and NapDABC) were functionally redundant in anaerobic growth of W3-18-1 with nitrate as the electron acceptor, thoughnapDABCwas not regulated by Crp. Moreover, nitrate respiration started earlier in W3-18-1 than in MR-1 (with NapDAGHB only) under microoxic conditions. These results indicate thatShewanella putrefaciensW3-18-1 is well adapted to habitats with higher oxygen levels. Taken together, the results of this study provide valuable insights into bacterial genome evolution.
Assessment of Anaerobic Toluene Biodegradation Activity by
bssA
Transcript/Gene Ratios
Authors: Brow Christina N. , O'Brien Johnson Reid , Johnson Richard L. , Simon Holly M.
Published: June 2013

Benzylsuccinate synthase (
bssA
) genes associated with toluene degradation were profiled across a groundwater contaminant plume under nitrate-reducing conditions and were detected in significant numbers throughout the plume. However, differences between groundwater and core sediment samples suggested that microbial transport, rather than local activity, was the underlying cause of the high copy numbers within the downgradient plume. Both gene transcript and reactant concentrations were consistent with this hypothesis. Expression of
bssA
genes from denitrifying toluene degraders was induced by toluene but only in the presence of nitrate, and transcript abundance dropped rapidly following the removal of either toluene or nitrate. The drop in
bssA
transcripts following the removal of toluene could be described by an exponential decay function with a half-life on the order of 1 h. Interestingly,
bssA
transcripts never disappeared completely but were always detected at some level if either inducer was present. Therefore, the detection of transcripts alone may not be sufficient evidence for contaminant degradation. To avoid mistakenly associating basal-level gene expression with actively degrading microbial populations, an integrated approach using the ratio of functional gene transcripts to gene copies is recommended. This approach minimizes the impact of microbial transport on activity assessment and allows reliable assessments of microbial activity to be obtained from water samples.
Fermentation Temperature Modulates Phosphatidylethanolamine and Phosphatidylinositol Levels in the Cell Membrane of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Henderson Clark M. , Zeno Wade F. , Lerno Larry A. , Longo Marjorie L. , Block David E.
Published: June 2013

During alcoholic fermentation,Saccharomyces cerevisiaeis exposed to a host of environmental and physiological stresses. Extremes of fermentation temperature have previously been demonstrated to induce fermentation arrest under growth conditions that would otherwise result in complete sugar utilization at “normal” temperatures and nutrient levels. Fermentations were carried out at 15°C, 25°C, and 35°C in a defined high-sugar medium using threeSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrains with diverse fermentation characteristics. The lipid composition of these strains was analyzed at two fermentation stages, when ethanol levels were low early in stationary phase and in late stationary phase at high ethanol concentrations. Several lipids exhibited dramatic differences in membrane concentration in a temperature-dependent manner. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used as a tool to elucidate correlations between specific lipid species and fermentation temperature for each yeast strain. Fermentations carried out at 35°C exhibited very high concentrations of several phosphatidylinositol species, whereas at 15°C these yeast strains exhibited higher levels of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine species with medium-chain fatty acids. Furthermore, membrane concentrations of ergosterol were highest in the yeast strain that experienced stuck fermentations at all three temperatures. Fluorescence anisotropy measurements of yeast cell membrane fluidity during fermentation were carried out using the lipophilic fluorophore diphenylhexatriene. These measurements demonstrate that the changes in the lipid composition of these yeast strains across the range of fermentation temperatures used in this study did not significantly affect cell membrane fluidity. However, the results from this study indicate that fermentingS. cerevisiaemodulates its membrane lipid composition in a temperature-dependent manner.
Measurement of Predation and Biofilm Formation under Different Ambient Oxygen Conditions Using a Simple Gasbag-Based System
Authors: Kadouri Daniel E. , Tran Aimy
Published: June 2013

Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus
and
Micavibrio aeruginosavorus
are Gram-negative bacteria characterized by predatory behavior. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the predators to prey in different oxygen environments. When placed on an orbital shaker, a positive association between the rate of aeration and predation was observed. To further examine the effects of elevated ambient oxygen levels on predation, a simple gasbag system was developed. Using the system, we were able to conduct experiments at ambient oxygen levels of 3% to 86%. When placed in gasbags and inflated with air, 50% O
2
, and 100% O
2
, positive predation was seen on both planktonic and biofilm-grown prey cells. However, in low-oxygen environments, predatory bacteria were able to attack only prey cells grown as biofilms. To further evaluate the gasbag system, biofilm development of Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms was also measured. Although the gasbag system was found to be suitable for culturing bacteria that require a low-oxygen environment, it was not capable of supporting, with its current configuration, the growth of obligate anaerobes in liquid or agar medium.
Establishment of a Simple Lactobacillus plantarum Cell Consortium for Cellulase-Xylanase Synergistic Interactions
Authors: Moraïs Sarah , Shterzer Naama , Grinberg Inna Rozman , Mathiesen Geir , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Axelsson Lars , Lamed Raphael , Bayer Edward A. , Mizrahi Itzhak
Published: June 2013

Lactobacillus plantarum
is an attractive candidate for bioprocessing of lignocellulosic biomass due to its high metabolic variability, including its ability to ferment both pentoses and hexoses, as well as its high acid tolerance, a quality often utilized in industrial processes. This bacterium grows naturally on biomass; however, it lacks the inherent ability to deconstruct lignocellulosic substrates. As a first step toward engineering lignocellulose-converting lactobacilli, we have introduced genes coding for a GH6 cellulase and a GH11 xylanase from a highly active cellulolytic bacterium into
L. plantarum
. For this purpose, we employed the recently developed pSIP vectors for efficient secretion of heterologous proteins. Both enzymes were secreted by
L. plantarum
at levels estimated at 0.33 nM and 3.3 nM, for the cellulase and xylanase, respectively, in culture at an optical density at 600 nm (OD
600
) of 1. Transformed cells demonstrated the ability to degrade individually either cellulose or xylan and wheat straw. When mixed together to form a two-strain cell-based consortium secreting both cellulase and xylanase, they exhibited synergistic activity in the overall release of soluble sugar from wheat straw. This result paves the way toward metabolic harnessing of
L. plantarum
for novel biorefining applications, such as production of ethanol and polylactic acid directly from plant biomass.