bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 24 hour recovery kinetics from n starvation in Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Emiliania huxleyi
Authors: Zhao Yan , Wang You , Quigg Antonietta
Published: June 2015

The response of N (nitrate) starved cells of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi to a pulse of new N were measured to investigate rapid cellular and photosynthetic recovery kinetics. The changes of multiple parameters were followed over 24 h. In P. tricornutum, the recovery of Fv/Fm (the maximum quantum yield of PS II) and σPSII (the functional absorption cross‐section for PSII) started within the first hour, much earlier than other parameters. Cellular pigments did not recover during the 24 h but the chlorophyll (chl) a/carotenoid ratios increased to levels measured in the controls. Cell division was independent of the recovery of chl a. In E. huxleyi, the recovery of Fv/Fm and σPSII started after an hour, synchronous with the increase in cellular organic N and chl a with pigments fully recovered within 14 h. P. tricornutum prioritized the recovery of its photosynthetic functions and cell divisions while E. huxleyi did not follow this pattern. We hypothesize that the different recovery strategies between the two species allow P. tricornutum to be more competitive when N pulses are introduced into N‐limited water while E. huxleyi is adapted to N scarce waters where such pulses are infrequent. These findings are consistent with successional patterns observed in coastal environments. This is one of only a few studies exploring recovery kinetics of cellular functions and photosynthesis after nitrogen stress in phytoplankton. Our results can be used to enhance ecological models linking phytoplankton traits to species diversity and community structure.
A Salvia miltiorrhiza ethanol extract ameliorates tissue destruction caused by experimental periodontitis in rats
Authors: Chiang C.‐Y. , Tsai H.‐T. , Chang W.‐L. , Chin Y.‐T. , Chang W.‐J. , Tu H.‐P. , Chiu H.‐C. , Fu E.
Published: June 2015

Background and Objective

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Labiatae), or Danshen, is a Chinese medicine used for treatment of cardiac diseases by improving blood circulation and inhibiting inflammatory responses. In this study, we aimed to determine whether an ethanol extract of S. miltiorrhiza can ameliorate tissue damage caused by periodontitis.

Material and Methods

An ethanolic extract of S. miltiorrhiza roots was prepared, and its major constituents were determined by HPLC analysis, by comparison with known standards for the major bioactive components. The activity of the extract was evaluated in a rat model in which periodontitis was induced by ligation of a silk suture around the neck of molar teeth. The effects of the S. miltiorrhiza extract on periodontitis were assessed by dental radiography, micro‐computed tomography and histology.

Results

The cemento–enamel junction–bone distances among the four different groups of rats were significantly different: the distance was shorter in groups treated with ligation + S. miltiorrhiza extract than in the group treated with ligation only, but was longer than in the nonligated group, regardless of the radiographic methods used. Histology and histometry also indicated a similar trend of less gingival inflammation and alveolar bone destruction in the histological sections from the S. miltiorrhiza extract groups than in those from the ligation group.

Conclusion

Because the S. miltiorrhiza extract reduced tissue damage and bone loss caused by ligation‐induced periodontitis in rats, we suggest that the S. miltiorrhiza extract might have an ameliorative effect on periodontal tissue destruction during the process of periodontitis.
A preliminary study on the use and effect of hand antiseptics in veterinary practice
Authors: Sparksman K. P. , Knowles T. G. , Werrett G. , Holt P. E.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVES

To assess use and effect of hand antiseptics in veterinary clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Veterinary practice nurses were questioned concerning their use of hand antiseptics, in particular waterless hand rubs. Subsequent clinical trials assessed the effect of single applications of alcohol‐based and quaternary ammonium compound‐based hand rubs at reducing bacterial counts on the hands of theatre nurses in a neutering clinic.

RESULTS

The majority of responding practices used waterless hand rubs (alcohol‐based, 67 · 5% and quaternary ammonium compound‐based, 9 · 5%) as their primary hand hygiene agent and believed them to be effective. 23% of practices favoured an antiseptic hand‐wash. In clinical trials, alcohol‐based rubs were potentially more effective at reducing bacterial counts than quaternary ammonium compound‐based rubs especially in the period immediately after application. However, over 3 hours there was no significant change between these and a control group. There were more adverse skin effects in the group using alcohol‐based than in the quaternary ammonium compound‐based and control groups. The bacterial counts after application were unaffected by variables such as the number of animals contacted.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The studies provide useful baseline data for evaluation of efficacy of more frequent applications of the most common antiseptic hand rubs used in veterinary practice.
Effect of Liquid (Native) and Dry Molasses Originating from Sugar Beet on Physical and Textural Properties of Gluten‐Free Biscuit and Biscuit Dough
Authors: Filipčev Bojana , Šimurina Olivera , Dapčević Hadnađev Tamara , Jevtić‐Mučibabić Rada , Filipović Vladimir , Lončar Biljana
Published: June 2015

This study aimed to assess the effects of beet molasses in two forms, liquid and dry, on dough rheological profile and biscuit quality. Molasses was applied over 10–50% (flour basis) range. Increasing molasses doses exhibited weakening of dough structure, which led to formation of soft, less elastic and more adhesive dough. Dough with 50% liquid molasses showed higher frequency dependence and exhibited crossover at frequencies over 1 Hz, shifting from viscoelastic solid to elastoviscous liquid. Biscuit spread and eccentricity increased as molasses doses increased. At 40–50% supplementation level, liquid molasses induced higher spread than dry molasses. Dry molasses hardened the biscuits, whereas liquid molasses had a softening effect. Fracturability increased with molasses addition and it was more pronounced with dry molasses. Fundamental and empirical rheological parameters showed good ability to describe dough behavior and were highly correlated. Biscuit spread and fracturability could be predicted from dough consistency and elasticity.

Practical Applications

Gluten‐free products are mainly based on starch and may not contain the same levels of nutrients as normal, gluten containing products. Many studies have shown that strict adherence to gluten‐free diet may worsen the nutritional balance in affected individuals. Therefore, development of new, enriched gluten‐free formulations remains a necessity in a long‐term perspective. Sugar beet molasses is abundant in natural bioactive compounds and nutritionally important nutrients such as minerals (K, Ca, Mg, Fe), B group vitamins, biotin, betaine, etc., and has been found as an effective ingredient to balance the nutritional profile of various food products. This study demonstrated that the use of beet molasses in native or dry form exerts different effects in gluten‐free biscuits and dough. In addition to the potential nutritional benefit, different forms of molasses contribute to different biscuit textures and color, which is additionally advantageous regarding variant diet as it may broaden the assortment of gluten‐free biscuits.
Cyproterone acetate induces a wide spectrum of acute liver damage including corticosteroid‐responsive hepatitis: report of 22 cases
Authors: Bessone Fernando , Lucena MI , Roma Marcelo G. , Stephens Camilla , Medina‐Cáliz Inmaculada , Frider Bernardo , Tsariktsian Guillermo , Hernández Nelia , Bruguera Miquel , Gualano Gisela , Fassio Eduardo , Montero Joaquín , Reggiardo María V , Ferretti Sebastián , Colombato Luis , Tanno Federico , Ferrer Jaime , Zeno Lelio , Tanno Hugo , Andrade Raúl J.
Published: June 2015

Background & Aims

Cyproterone acetate (CPA), an anti‐androgenic drug for prostate cancer, has been associated with drug‐induced liver injury (DILI). We aim to expand the knowledge on the spectrum of phenotypes and outcomes of CPA‐induced DILI.

Methods

Twenty‐two males (70 ± 8 years; range 54–83) developing liver damage as a result of CPA therapy (dose: 150 ± 50 mg/day; range 50–200) were included. Severity index and causality by RUCAM were assessed.

Results

From 1993 to 2013, 22 patients were retrieved. Latency was 163 ± 97 days. Most patients were symptomatic, showing hepatocellular injury (91%) and jaundice. Liver tests at onset were: ALT 18 ± 13 × ULN, ALP 0.7 ± 0.7 × ULN and total serum bilirubin 14 ± 10 mg/dl. International normalized ratio values higher than 1.5 were observed in 14 (66%) patients. Severity was mild in 1 case (4%), moderate in 7 (32%), severe in 11 (50%) and fatal in 3 (14%). Five patients developed ascitis, and four encephalopathy. One patient had a liver injury that resembled autoimmune hepatitis. Eleven (50%) were hospitalized. Nineteen patients recovered after CPA withdrawal, although three required steroid therapy (two of them had high ANA titres). Liver biopsy was performed in seven patients (two hepatocellular collapse, one submassive necrosis, two cholestatic hepatitis, one cirrhosis with iron overload and one autoimmune hepatitis). RUCAM category was ‘highly probable’ in 19 (86%), ‘probable’ in 1 (4%), and ‘possible’ in 2 (9%).

Conclusions

CPA‐induced liver injury is severe and can be fatal, and may occasionally resemble autoimmune DILI. The benefit/risk ratio of this drug should be thoroughly assessed in each patient.
Protease inhibitors‐based therapy induces acquired spherocytic‐like anaemia and ineffective erythropoiesis in chronic hepatitis C virus patients
Authors: Lupo Francesca , Russo Roberta , Iolascon Achille , Ieluzzi Donatella , Siciliano Angela , Toniutto Pierluigi , Matté Alessandro , Piovesan Sara , Raffetti Elena , Turrini Francesco , Dissegna Denis , Donato Francesco , Alberti Alfredo , Zuliani Valeria , Fattovich Giovanna , De Franceschi Lucia
Published: June 2015

Background & Aims

The addition of protease inhibitors, boceprevir (BOC) or telaprevir (TRV), to peg‐interferon and ribavirin (PR) increases the incidence of anaemia in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Although genetic variants in inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) gene have been linked to the haemolytic anaemia induced by PR, the mechanism sustaining severe anaemia during triple therapy is still unknown. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying anaemia in chronic HCV patients with combined therapy.

Methods

We studied 59 patients with chronic HCV genotype‐1: 29 treated with TRV/PR and 30 with BOC/PR. We evaluated biochemical and haematological parameters, red cell index at baseline, 4, 12, 16 and 24 weeks of treatment; in a subgroup, we performed functional studies: osmotic fragility, red cell membrane protein separation, mass spectrometry analysis, quantification of erythroid microparticles release. IL28B and ITPA polymorphisms were also evaluated.

Results

We found early acute normochromic normocytic haemolytic anaemia (4–8 weeks) followed by a late macrocytic hypo‐regenerative anaemia with inappropriate low reticulocyte count (12–24 weeks). Studies on red cells revealed: (i) presence of spherocytes; (ii) increased osmotic fragility; (iii) abnormalities in red cell membrane protein composition; (iv) reduced membrane‐cytoskeleton stability; (v) increased release of erythroid microparticles. ITPA polymorphisms impacted only the early phase of anaemia.

Conclusions

The bimodal pattern of anaemia in chronic HCV patients on triple therapy might be because of acquired spherocytic‐like anaemia in the early phase, followed by hyporegenerative anaemia, most likely related to the combined effects of PR and TRV or BOC on erythropoiesis.
Colonization from divergent ancestors: glaciation signatures on contemporary patterns of genomic variation in Collared Pikas (Ochotona collaris)
Authors: Lanier Hayley C. , Massatti Rob , He Qixin , Olson Link E. , Knowles L. Lacey
Published: June 2015

Identifying the genetic structure of a species and the factors that drive it is an important first step in modern population management, in part because populations evolving from separate ancestral sources may possess potentially different characteristics. This is especially true for climate‐sensitive species such as pikas, where the delimitation of distinct genetic units and the characterization of population responses to contemporary and historical environmental pressures are of particular interest. We combined a restriction site‐associatedDNAsequencing (RADSeq) data set containing 4156 single nucleotide polymorphisms with ecological niche models (ENMs) of present and past habitat suitability to characterize population composition and evaluate the effects of historical range shifts, contemporary climates and landscape factors on gene flow in Collared Pikas, which are found in Alaska and adjacent regions of northwestern Canada and are the lesser‐studied of North America's two pika species. The results suggest that contemporary environmental factors contribute little to current population connectivity. Instead, genetic diversity is strongly shaped by the presence of three ancestral lineages isolated during the Pleistocene (~148 and 52 kya). Based onENMs and genetic data, populations originating from a northern refugium experienced longer‐term stability, whereas both southern lineages underwent population expansion – contradicting the southern stability and northern expansion patterns seen in many other taxa. Current populations are comparable with respect to generally low diversity within populations and little‐to‐no recent admixture. The predominance of divergent histories structuring populations implies that if we are to understand and manage pika populations, we must specifically assess and accurately account for the forces underlying genetic similarity.
A Novel Image Registration Algorithm for Indoor and Built Environment Applications
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Yen
Published: June 2015

A novel registration algorithm is proposed for the applications of indoor and built environment in this study. A wavelet‐based method is used to extract representative features, whereas an analytic differential approach is proposed to achieve fast registration of feature pairs. Finally, feature‐based Levenberg‐Marquardt method is applied to further refine registration results. This study presents the techniques used to process and merge indoor and built environment images to create and produce full scenes. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by testing the images acquired by a hand‐held digital still camera and in comparison with four registration techniques in terms of the squared sum of intensity differences and correlation coefficient. The results indicate that the proposed method is promising in registration accuracy, which are statistically significantly better than other four approaches. The use of such a system can assist the architects in facilitating the whole presentation of existing buildings and producing a complete overview and illustration of existing structures efficiently.
Turnover of mRNAs is one of the essential functions of RNase E
Authors: Hammarlöf Disa L. , Bergman Jessica M. , Garmendia Eva , Hughes Diarmaid
Published: June 2015

RNase E is an essential bacterial endoribonuclease with a central role in processing tRNAs and rRNA, and turning over mRNAs. Previous studies in strains carrying mutations in the rne structural gene have shown that tRNA processing is likely to be an essential function of RNase E but have not determined whether mRNA turnover is also an essential function. To address this we selected extragenic suppressors of temperature‐sensitive mutations in rne that cause a large increase in mRNA half‐life at the non‐permissive temperature. Fifteen suppressors were mapped to three different loci: relBE (toxin‐antitoxin system); vacB (RNase R); and rpsA (ribosomal protein S1). Each suppressor class has the potential to interact with mRNA and each restores wild‐type levels of mRNA turnover but does not reverse the minor defects in tRNA and rRNA processing. RelE toxin is especially interesting because its only known activity is to cleave mRNAs in the ribosomal A‐site. The relBE suppressor mutations increase transcription of relE, and controlled overexpression of RelE alone was sufficient to suppress the rne ts phenotype. Suppression increased turnover of some major mRNAs (tufA, ompA) but not all mRNAs. We propose that turnover of some mRNAs is one of the essential functions of RNase E.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis class II apurinic/apyrimidinic‐endonuclease/3′‐5′ exonuclease III exhibits DNA regulated modes of interaction with the sliding DNA β‐clamp
Authors: Khanam Taran , Rai Niyati , Ramachandran Ravishankar
Published: June 2015

The class‐II AP‐endonuclease (XthA) acts on abasic sites of damaged DNA in bacterial base excision repair. We identified that the sliding DNA β‐clamp forms in vivo and in vitro complexes with XthA in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A novel 239QLRFPKK245 motif in the DNA‐binding domain of XthA was found to be important for the interactions. Likewise, the peptide binding‐groove (PBG) and the C‐terminal of β‐clamp located on different domains interact with XthA. The β‐clamp‐XthA complex can be disrupted by clamp binding peptides and also by a specific bacterial clamp inhibitor that binds at the PBG. We also identified that β‐clamp stimulates the activities of XthA primarily by increasing its affinity for the substrate and its processivity. Additionally, loading of the β‐clamp onto DNA is required for activity stimulation. A reduction in XthA activity stimulation was observed in the presence of β‐clamp binding peptides supporting that direct interactions between the proteins are necessary to cause stimulation. Finally, we found that in the absence of DNA, the PBG located on the second domain of the β‐clamp is important for interactions with XthA, while the C‐terminal domain predominantly mediates functional interactions in the substrate's presence.
Phytophthora capsici homologue of the cell cycle regulator SDA1 is required for sporangial morphology, mycelial growth and plant infection
Authors: Zhu Chunyuan , Yang Xiaoyan , Lv Rongfei , Li Zhuang , Ding Xiaomeng , Tyler Brett M. , Zhang Xiuguo
Published: June 2015

SDA1 encodes a highly conserved protein that is widely distributed in eukaryotic organisms. SDA1 is essential for cell cycle progression and organization of the actin cytoskeleton in yeasts and humans. In this study, we identified a Phytophthora capsici orthologue of yeast SDA1, named PcSDA1. In P. capsici, PcSDA1 is strongly expressed in three asexual developmental states (mycelium, sporangia and germinating cysts), as well as late in infection. Silencing or overexpression of PcSDA1 in P. capsici transformants affected the growth of hyphae and sporangiophores, sporangial development, cyst germination and zoospore release. Phalloidin staining confirmed that PcSDA1 is required for organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) staining and PcSDA1‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions revealed that PcSDA1 is involved in the regulation of nuclear distribution in hyphae and sporangia. Both silenced and overexpression transformants showed severely diminished virulence. Thus, our results suggest that PcSDA1 plays a similar role in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and nuclear division in this filamentous organism as in non‐filamentous yeasts and human cells.
Crafting identities in a multinational context: evidence from Catalonia
Authors: Hierro María José
Published: June 2015

The nationalist messages that family and school transmit are very often concurrent, making it difficult to measure their independent impact on individuals. In order to separate out the leverage of these two agents of socialisation, this article focuses on a case study in which such concurrence cannot be taken for granted: Catalonia. The article exploits variation in parents' national identification, resulting from the presence of a population born in other regions of Spain outside Catalonia, to tease out the effect of both parents and Catalan school in crafting individuals' identification. The results, which draw on the analysis of a household survey, suggest that more years of schooling makes more likely that individuals develop a dual identity; however, parents' attachment to Catalonia is key in fostering an exclusive identification with Catalonia. Results also suggest that residence in neighbourhoods in which the proportion of natives and immigrants from other regions of Spain favours contact between children from different identity backgrounds is decisive in promoting a more Catalan‐oriented identification between second generations.
SOX4 is overexpressed in diffusely infiltrating astrocytoma and confers poor prognosis
Authors: Li Ling , Li Qiuyao , Chen Xueqin , Xu Miao , Li Xinglan , Nie Ling , Chen Ni , Gong Jing , Mao Qing , Zhou Qiao
Published: June 2015

The SOX4 (sex‐determining region Y‐related high‐mobility‐group box transcription factor 4) gene plays critical roles in embryonic development and cell‐fate determination. Recently, SOX4 overexpression has been found in various tumors. However, its expression status and prognostic significance in astrocytoma remain unknown. In this study, SOX4 expression in diffusely infiltrating astrocytoma (WHO grades II‐IV) tissues (in comparison with pilocytic astrocytomas) was examined by immunohistochemistry, and its relevance with prognosis was analyzed. Our data showed that SOX4 was over‐expressed in diffusely infiltrating astrocytomas and its expression was positively correlated with astrocytoma grade (WHO grades II‐IV). Significantly, Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed that SOX4 nuclear overexpression (SOX4‐N) was associated with poorer progression‐free survival (PFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) in diffusely infiltrating astrocytoma patients (P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis further showed that nuclear SOX4‐N was a significant independent negative prognostic factor for these patients.
An autopsy case of neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease with regard to immunophenotypic and topographical analysis of the neuronal inclusions
Authors: Inoue Kimiko , Fujimura Harutoshi , Ueda Kayo , Matsumura Tsuyoshi , Itoh Kyoko , Sakoda Saburo
Published: June 2015

We report an autopsy case of neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease (NIFID), in which pyramidal motor dysfunction preceded cognitive disturbance for 3 years from the onset. A 41‐year‐old Japanese man presented progressive spastic tetraparesis followed by cognitive impairment. His neurological symptoms gradually deteriorated and he died of pneumonia 16 years from the onset. His brain showed severe generalized atrophy with enlargement of ventricles. The microscopic examination revealed severe neuronal loss with gliosis and sponginess predominantly in the fronto‐temporal cortices, caudate and putamen. Many hyaline conglomerate inclusions (HC) without immunoreactivity for ‘fused in sarcoma’ protein (FUS) and some granular and small round FUS‐immunoreactive (FUS‐ir) neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCI) were observed in the remaining neurons. Some neurons with HC had small basophilic inclusions which showed positive FUS‐ir, attached to HC in the cytoplasm. Otherwise, FUS‐ir large compact inclusions (so‐called Pick‐like) were also observed but were scarce. In the cerebral cortex and the neostriatum, frequency of the inclusions was well correlated with neuronal loss. In the brainstem, neuronal loss was mild and FUS‐ir inclusions dominated. In the subthalamic nucleus and red nucleus, there was no HC but there were many FUS‐ir inclusions without neuronal loss. The above findings suggest that cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation of FUS appear at the early stage of the disease, and the FUS aggregate process may not be a direct precedent structure of HC.
Peristeria oscarii‐rodrigoi sp. nov. – first record of the genus Peristeria (Orchidaceae) from Guatemala
Authors: Archila Fredy , Szlachetko Dariusz L. , Kolanowska Marta , Narajczyk Magdalena , Dudek Magdalena
Published: June 2015

A new species of the orchid genus Peristeria is described and illustrated and information about its habitat and ecology is provided. So far the new species is known exclusively from the municipality of Senahú in the Guatemalan Department of Alta Verapaz. The species is the first representative of Peristeria found in Guatemala. The finding described here expands the geographical range of the genus to the northern part of Central America.
Increased attentional network functioning related to symptom severity measures in females with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Hubbard C. S. , Hong J. , Jiang Z. , Ebrat B. , Suyenobu B. , Smith S. , Heendeniya N. , Naliboff B. D. , Tillisch K. , Mayer E. A. , Labus J. S.
Published: June 2015

Background

Increased attention to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and disease‐specific contexts may play an important role in the enhanced perception of visceral stimuli frequently reported in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this study, we test the hypothesis that altered attentional mechanisms underlie central pain amplification in IBS.

Methods

To evaluate brain networks that support alerting, orienting, and executive attention, we employed the attention network test (ANT), a modified flanker task which measures the efficiency of functioning of core attentional networks, during functional magnetic resonance imaging in 15 IBS patients (mean age = 31 [11.96]) and 14 healthy controls (HCs; mean age = 31 [10.91]).

Key Results

Patients with IBS, compared to HCs, showed shorter reaction times during the alerting and orienting conditions which were associated with greater activation of anterior midcingulate and insular cortices, and decreased activity in the right inferior frontal junction and supplementary motor cortex. Patients also showed activation in the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex and concurrent thalamic deactivation during the executive control portion of the ANT relative to HCs, but no group difference in reaction times were found. The activity in brain regions showing group differences during the ANT were associated with measures of GI‐specific anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and fear of uncertainty. In IBS, activity in the anterior midcingulate during alerting correlated with duration of GI‐symptoms and overall symptom severity.

Conclusions & Inferences

Together, these results suggest that IBS patients have specific abnormalities in attentional network functioning and these deficits may underlie symptom‐related anxiety, hypervigilance, and visceral hypersensitivity.
Bridging the gaps: evolution and development of perianth fusion
Authors: Zhong Jinshun , Preston Jill C.
Published: June 2015

One of the most striking innovations in flower development is the congenital or postgenital union of petals (sympetaly) which has enabled dramatic specialization in flower structure and possibly accelerated speciation rates. Sympetalous flowers exhibit extraordinary variation in development, including the degree and timing of fusion, and fusion with other floral organs. Different axes of corolla tube complexity can be disentangled at the developmental level, with most variation being explained by differences in coordinated growth between interconnected and lobed regions of neighboring petal primordia, and between lower and upper portions of the corolla tube, defined by the stamen insertion boundary. Genetically, inter‐ and intra‐specific variation in the degree of petal fusion is controlled by various inputs from genes that affect organ boundary and lateral growth, signaling between different cell types, and production of the cuticle. It is thus hypothesized that the evolution and diversification of fused petals, at least within the megadiverse Asteridae clade of core eudicots, have occurred through the modification of a conserved genetic pathway previously involved in free petal development.

Contents

Summary
330

I.
To fuse or not to fuse: convergent origins of perianth fusion and separation
330

II.
Distinct developmental mechanisms of asterid sympetaly
331

III.
Rewiring of organ boundary/lateral expansion pathways in the origins of sympetaly
332

IV.
Conclusions and perspectives
333

Acknowledgements
334

References
334
Role of B cell receptor signaling in IL‐10 production by normal and malignant B‐1 cells
Authors: Alhakeem Sara S. , Sindhava Vishal J. , McKenna Mary K. , Gachuki Beth W. , Byrd John C. , Muthusamy Natarajan , Bondada Subbarao
Published: June 2015

B‐1 cells are considered innate immune cells, which produce the majority of natural antibodies. B‐1 cell responses to B cell receptor (BCR) and Toll‐like receptor ligation are tightly regulated owing to the cross‐reactivity to self‐antigens. CD5 has been shown to play a major role in downregulation of BCR responses in B‐1 cells. Here, we provide evidence for another mechanism by which BCR response is regulated in B‐1 cells. B‐1 cells, as well as their malignant counterpart, B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B‐CLL) cells, produce interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) constitutively. IL‐10 secretion by normal B‐1 cells downregulates their proliferation responses to BCR ligation. However, we found that CLL cells appear to be unique in not responding to IL‐10–mediated feedback‐suppressive effects in comparison to normal B‐1 cells. In addition, we describe a novel role of the BCR signaling pathway in constitutive IL‐10 secretion by normal and malignant B‐1 cells. We found that inhibition of Src family kinases, spleen tyrosine kinase, Syk, or Bruton's tyrosine kinase reduces constitutive IL‐10 production by both normal and malignant B‐1 cells.
The paradox of obesity cardiomyopathy and the potential for weight loss as a therapy
Authors: Rayner J. J. , Neubauer S. , Rider O. J.
Published: June 2015

Obesity is an independent risk factor for developing heart failure and the combination of the two disease states will prove to be a significant health burden over the coming years. Obesity is likely to contribute to the development of heart failure through a variety of mechanisms, including structural and functional changes, lipotoxicity and steatosis and altered substrate selection. However, once heart failure has developed, it seems that obesity confers a beneficial influence on prognosis in what has been termed the ‘obesity paradox’. This may be a statistical phenomenon, but it should be considered that there is truly a protective state in the physiology of obesity. There is little evidence regarding the impact of weight loss in obese heart failure and whether or not this is beneficial. There have been small studies regarding the cardiovascular effects of both dietary weight loss and bariatric surgery, but few in heart failure. This is an important and increasingly relevant clinical question which must be addressed.
On the dynamics of Indian GDP, crude oil production and imports
Authors: Tiwari Aviral Kumar
Published: June 2015

This study investigates the static and dynamic causal relationship among income, crude oil production and imports for the Indian economy. The static‐short‐run Granger causality shows that income and crude oil imports Granger‐cause domestic crude oil production. This implies that gross domestic product (GDP) and oil imports contain important information in predicting the production of crude oil not the vice versa. The error correction value −0.415 implies that disequilibrium in GDP will get corrected in the long run by the speed of adjustment of 41.5 per cent in a year. The dynamic analysis reveals that the most exogenous variable is crude oil production as it is mostly dependent on itself, and relatively less is accounted by other two variables; GDP is a relatively less exogenous variable, and crude oil exports fairly good proportion of forecast error. Further, we found that the most endogenous variable is crude oil imports which is mostly dependent on crude oil production.
Performance of the SA‐VA Difference to Differentiate Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia from Orthodromic Reentrant Tachycardia in a Large Cohort of Consecutive Patients
Authors: AKERSTRÖM FINN , PACHÓN MARTA , GARCÍA‐FERNÁNDEZ FRANCISCO JAVIER , PUCHOL ALBERTO , SALGADO RICARDO , RODRÍGUEZ‐PADIAL LUIS , ARIAS MIGUEL A.
Published: June 2015

Background

The stimulus‐atrial (SA) interval minus ventriculoatrial (VA) interval (SA‐VA) difference represents a simple diagnostic maneuver to distinguish between atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and orthodromic reentrant tachycardia (ORT) during electrophysiology study. However, its usefulness has largely been studied in selected patient subgroups. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the SA‐VA difference against commonly used diagnostic maneuvers in a large cohort of consecutive patients.

Methods

Consecutive patients with inducible supraventricular tachycardia and successful entrainment through pacing trains from right ventricular apex during an electrophysiological study were included. Atrial tachycardias were excluded. The following intervals were calculated for each patient: SA‐VA difference, His potential, and atrial electrogram during entrainment minus His potential and atrial electrogram during tachycardia, and the corrected return cycle.

Results

A total of 456 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which electrophysiological study revealed 265 typical AVNRT, 38 atypical AVNRT, and 54 and 108 ORT through a septal and free‐wall accessory pathway, respectively. An SA‐VA difference >99 ms identified AVNRT in all patients with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 97.7%, 96.9%, 98.3%, and 95.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

This study confirms the high ability to distinguish AVNRT from ORT using the SA‐VA difference, not only in selected patient subgroups, but as whole when a cut‐off of >99 ms is used.
Rice seed for delivery of vaccines to gut mucosal immune tissues
Authors: Takaiwa Fumio , Wakasa Yuhya , Takagi Hidenori , Hiroi Takachika
Published: June 2015

Gut‐associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is the biggest lymphoid organ in the body. It plays a role in robust immune responses against invading pathogens while maintaining immune tolerance against nonpathogenic antigens such as foods. Oral vaccination can induce mucosal and systemic antigen‐specific immune reactions and has several advantages including ease of administration, no requirement for purification and ease of scale‐up of antigen. Thus far, taking advantage of these properties, various plant‐based oral vaccines have been developed. Seeds provide a superior production platform over other plant tissues for oral vaccines; they offer a suitable delivery vehicle to GALT due to their high stability at room temperature, ample and stable deposition space, high expression level, and protection from digestive enzymes in gut. A rice seed production system for oral vaccines was established by combining stable deposition in protein bodies or protein storage vacuoles and enhanced endosperm‐specific expression. Various types of rice‐based oral vaccines for infectious and allergic diseases were generated. Efficacy of these rice‐based vaccines was evaluated in animal models.
Treatment of pediatric lymphoma in Japan: Current status and plans for the future
Authors: Kobayashi Ryoji , Sunami Shosuke , Mitsui Tetsuo , Nakazawa Atsuko , Koga Yuhki , Mori Takeshi , Tanaka Fumiko , Ueyama Jun‐ichi , Osumi Tomoo , Fukano Reiji , Ohki Kentaro , Sekimizu Masahiro , Mori Tetsuya ,   Lymphoma Committee,   Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group
Published: June 2015

Results of pediatric lymphoma treatment have improved markedly over the past 30 years. In Hodgkin's lymphoma, the 5 year event‐free survival (EFS) was 81.5% in a retrospective study. In the ALB‐NHL03 study, the 5 year EFS according to clinical stage in patients with lymphoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (T‐LBL) was 70.6% for stage III and 88.9% for stage IV. In mature B‐cell lymphoma, the B‐NHL03 study indicated that the 4 year EFS according to treatment group was 94% for group 1, 98% for group 2, 84% for group 3, and 78% for group 4. Moreover, the 2 year EFS rate was 81% in Japanese advanced stage patients based on the international ALCL99 study. Thus, EFS >80% was achieved in any subtype of pediatric lymphoma. With regard to refractory or recurrent lymphoma, however, treatment methods for improvement of the survival rate in these patients still need to be developed. Also the difference between child, and adolescent and young adult patients still needs to be clarified, and treatment protocols developed. Although lymphoma treatment does not greatly change according to country, it does differ between other countries and Japan for some subtypes of lymphoma. In particular, the results of treatment of stage III T‐LBL in Japan are worse than those in the USA and Europe. The priority in future studies will be to collect data on these differences, and the reasons for these differences.
Role of thrombophilia factors in acute systemic–pulmonary shunt obstruction
Authors: Ergul Yakup , Kiplapinar Neslihan , Tanidir Ibrahim Cansaran , Ozturk Erkut , Guzeltas Alper , Haydin Sertac , Akcay Arzu , Erek Ersin , Yeniterzi Mehmet , Odemis Ender , Bakir Ihsan
Published: June 2015

Background

Systemic–pulmonary shunts are widely used in initial palliation in cyanotic congenital heart disease. The incidence and the relationship between acute shunt obstruction and thrombophilia are not precisely defined. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of shunt obstruction in the early postoperative period, and to define the frequency and presence of thrombophilia factors in patients treated for acute shunt thrombosis.

Methods

Between October 2010 and October 2012, 77 patients who had systemic–pulmonary shunt operation were included in this prospective study. Patients who developed shunt obstruction were examined in terms of inherited and acquired thrombophilia factors.

Results

Median patient age was 61 days and median weight was 4.3 kg. Thirty‐three patients were neonates. Diameter of the Gore‐Tex grafts used for the shunt ranged from 3 mm to 5 mm. Acute shunt occlusion rate was 10% (8/77), and all of these occurred in the first 24 h. Thrombophilia was found in three of eight patients who underwent intervention (surgical and/or transcatheter) due to shunt thrombosis (presence of anti‐phospholipid antibodies, n = 1; protein C deficiency, n = 1; and factor V Leiden mutation, n = 1) and only one patient died.

Conclusions

Acute shunt obstruction developed in 10% of patients who underwent systemic–pulmonary shunt, and emergency surgery or transcatheter intervention can be life saving in this context. Acute shunt obstruction can occur due to mechanical and hemodynamic problems, but clinicians should also consider and evaluate thrombophilia factors.
QT dynamics evaluated on fully automated QT measurement in children
Authors: Takahashi Kazuhiro , Nabeshima Taisuke , Sashinami Arata , Nakayashiro Mami , Ganaha Hitoshi
Published: June 2015

Background

The association between QT interval and heart rate (HR), QT dynamics, has been reported to vary greatly between individuals. We investigated QT dynamics using fully automated QT interval measurement with a commercially available multifunctional electrocardiogram (ECG) recorder.

Methods

The study group included 17 otherwise healthy subjects (mean age, 12.7 years; 11 girls, 6 boys), who were undergoing exercise test for arrhythmia evaluation. The subjects had single premature ventricular contraction.

Results

Mean corrected QT interval (Fridericia) at rest was 412 ± 19 ms (male, 408 ± 20 ms; female, 414 ± 19 ms), manually measured with a digitizer, using the tangent method. We assessed QT interval/HR slope during the whole exercise test, the exercise phase, and the recovery from exercise phase; the slopes were calculated offline after excluding wide QRS complex and were −1.15 ± 0.26 (r2 = 0.65), −1.18 ± 0.30 (r2 = 0.62), and −1.11 ± 0.25 (r2 = 0.70), respectively. Estimated QT interval at HR 60 beats/min (QT60) was calculated using the regression line formula and was 383 ± 24 ms, 387 ± 28 ms, and 375 ± 21 ms, respectively. QT60 of the total exercise test correlated with the corrected QT interval at rest (P = 0.04, r2 = 0.25).

Conclusions

Assessment of QT dynamics is feasible on fully automated QT interval measurement with this ECG recorder. Further studies are required in larger populations to confirm the accuracy and precision of QT measurement and QT dynamics using this new multifunctional ECG.
Serum bacterial DNA detection in patients with cholangitis after Kasai procedure
Authors: Luo Qianfu , Hao Fabao , Zhang Mingman , Guo Chunbao
Published: June 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the detectability of bacterial DNA (bactDNA) and associated clinical factors in patients with cholangitis after the Kasai procedure through the identification of bactDNA in blood.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 110 patients who had undergone the Kasai procedure was carried out. A total of 77 patients had cholangitis and 33 did not. Blood samples were obtained on admission or on follow up at the outpatient visit. bactDNA was analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction‐based method, DNA nucleotide sequencing, for identification of bacterial species.

Results

Rate of bactDNA positivity was higher using the 16SrDNA method than the culture method (58.4% vs 14.3%, P < 0.0001), and more patients with cholangitis were positive for bactDNA compared with the patients without cholangitis (58.4% vs 39.4%, P = 0.095). Bacteria identified on blood 16SrDNA primarily consisted of opportunistic pathogens derived from the gut, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella fexneri, and Enterobacteriaceae bacterium. Treatment with probiotics or antibiotics showed a trend toward reduced prevalence of bactDNA. Pediatric end‐stage liver disease score, procalcitonin, C‐reactive protein, and heart rate were all significantly associated with the presence of bactDNA.

Conclusion

bactDNA is frequently detected in patients with cholangitis after the Kasai procedure compared with those without cholangitis (and controls), and the bacteria are similar to those in the gut, suggesting that it is useful as an early diagnostic tool for cholangitis and other infections (registration number in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR‐ECC‐13003759).
Health‐related quality of life and sleep among Chinese children after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: He Kang , Shen Conghuan , Chen Xiaosong , Han Longzhi , Xi Zhifeng , Zhou Tao , Zhang Jianjun , Xia Qiang
Published: June 2015

LDLT is a well‐established treatment for most terminal liver diseases in children. Survival rates have improved, yet few studies have considered HRQoL or sleep problems in LDLT recipients. In this cross‐sectional study, we enrolled 51 children who had undergone LDLT in Renji Hospital. PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales, PedsQL™ 3.0 Transplant Module, and Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire were used to assess outcomes. Of all participants, 11.8% (6/51) reported low total HRQoL scores. Participants’ scores on most HRQoL subscales were comparable to the scores of healthy children. However, compared with solid organ transplant recipients, LDLT recipients scored significantly lower in About My Medicines II (t = 3.092, p = 0.002) and Worry (t = 2.760, p = 0.006). Sleep problems (41.2%) were common among participants. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that SRBD accounted for significant variance in HRQoL on total generic HRQoL (R2 = 0.446, p < 0.001), psychosocial health (R2 = 0.372, p = 0.001), physical health (R2 = 0.345, p = 0.003), total transplant‐specific HRQoL (R2 = 0.514, p < 0.001), About My Medicines I (R2 = 0.365, p = 0.013), My Transplant and Others (R2 = 0.334, p = 0.005), Pain and Hurt (R2 = 0.544, p < 0.001), Worry (R2 = 0.401, p = 0.001), Treatment Anxiety (R2 = 0.526, p < 0.001), How I Look (R2 = 0.221, p = 0.040), and Communication (R2 = 0.343, p = 0.012). In conclusion, sleep problems are non‐negligible in children after LDLT and predicted significant variance on HRQoL.
Mycophenolate mofetil for treatment of steroid‐refractory acute graft‐versus‐host disease after pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Inagaki Jiro , Kodama Yuichi , Fukano Reiji , Noguchi Maiko , Okamura Jun
Published: June 2015

A standard treatment is yet to be established for steroid‐refractory acute aGVHD following HSCT. The effects of MMF have not been well studied in children with aGVHD. We evaluated the effectiveness of oral MMF in 14 children with steroid‐refractory aGVHD (grade II in one patient, grade III to IV in 13 patients). The median initial dose of MMF was 40 mg/kg/day (range, 30–74) and was increased by 1.5–2 times if manifestations of GVHD did not improve. Within four wk of treatment, seven patients (50%) achieved CR, and four (29%) had a PR. Within eight wk, 11 patients (79%) achieved CR without using additional agents. Overall, 12 patients are alive and in remission with a median follow‐up of 35 months (range, 14–86). The median maximum dose of MMF was 60 mg/kg/day (range, 34–107). No fatal toxicity was observed, including MMF‐related infections. MMF appears to be highly effective for steroid‐refractory aGVHD when used at a higher dose than has been described previously. Larger studies and pharmacokinetic analysis are required to evaluate its efficacy and toxicity and find the optimal dose of MMF in children.
Successful use of reduced‐intensity conditioning and matched‐unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplant in a child with Diamond‐Blackfan anemia and cirrhosis
Authors: Asquith Justin M. , Copacia Jessica , Mogul Mark J. , Bajwa Rajinder P. S.
Published: June 2015

For patients with DBA who are transfusion dependent, HSCT is the only cure. Chronic transfusions can lead to cirrhosis secondary to iron overload, making them poor candidates for myeloablative HSCT. RIC regimens are associated with lower morbidity and mortality compared to myeloablative regimens, but use of RIC in DBA has been limited. Here we present a 14‐yr‐old girl with DBA and multiple comorbidities including liver cirrhosis, who underwent MUD HSCT utilizing a RIC regimen that is novel to this condition. She tolerated the regimen well, and at 21 months, she remains transfusion independent with chimerisms at 99%.
Acquired right diaphragmatic hernia following pediatric living donor orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Dökümcü Zafer , Divarcı Emre , Erdener Ata , Sözbilen Murat , Ergün Orkan
Published: June 2015

ADH following OLT is a rare entity. Herein, we report a case of Alagille syndrome who developed ADH secondary to OLT, and possible etiological causes are discussed in light of the literature.