bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking RNA biology to lncRNAs
Authors: Goff Loyal A. , Rinn John L.
Published: October 2015

The regulatory potential of RNA has never ceased to amaze: from RNA catalysis, to RNA-mediated splicing, to RNA-based silencing of an entire chromosome during dosage compensation. More recently, thousands of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) transcripts have been identified, the majority with unknown function. Thus, it is tempting to think that these lncRNAs represent a cadre of new factors that function through ribonucleic mechanisms. Some evidence points to several lncRNAs with tantalizing physiological contributions and thought-provoking molecular modalities. However, dissecting the RNA biology of lncRNAs has been difficult, and distinguishing the independent contributions of functional RNAs from underlying DNA elements, or the local act of transcription, is challenging. Here, we aim to survey the existing literature and highlight future approaches that will be needed to link the RNA-based biology and mechanisms of lncRNAs in vitro and in vivo.
Isolation of Chloroplasts from Plant Protoplasts
Authors: Lung Shiu-Cheung , Smith Matthew D. , Chuong Simon D.X.
Published: October 2015

Chloroplasts can be isolated from higher plants directly following homogenization; however, the resulting yield, purity, and intactness are often low, necessitating a large amount of starting material. This protocol is optimized to produce a high yield of pure chloroplasts from isolated Arabidopsis protoplasts. The two-part method is a simple, scaled-down, and low-cost procedure that readily provides healthy mesophyll protoplasts, which are then ruptured to release intact chloroplasts. Chloroplasts isolated using this method are competent for use in biochemical, cellular, and molecular analyses.
Induction and Analysis of Synchronous Meiotic Yeast Cultures
Authors: Börner G. Valentin , Cha Rita S.
Published: October 2015

Meiosis inSaccharomyces cerevisiaecan be induced by deprivation of nutrients. Here, we present a protocol for inducing synchronous meiosis in SK1, the most efficient and synchronous yeast strain for meiosis, by exposing SK1 cells to liquid medium that contains potassium acetate as a nonfermentable carbon source and lacks nitrogen. These synchronous meiotic yeast cultures can be subjected to a range of molecular and cytological analyses, making them useful for investigating the genetic and molecular determinants of meiosis.
Visualizing Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization by Fluorescent Dextran Release
Authors: Ellegaard Anne-Marie , Jäättelä Marja , Nylandsted Jesper
Published: October 2015

Lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) is an effective programmed cell death pathway triggered in response to a variety of cytotoxic stimuli and cellular conditions. In the method presented here, LMP is monitored by first taking advantage of the steady endocytic capacity of cells to load fluorescent dextran into lysosomes, and then simply observing the translocation of lysosomally localized dextran into the cytosol after an LMP-inducing insult. Fluorescent dextran in healthy cells appears in punctate structures representing intact lysosomes, whereas after LMP, a diffuse staining pattern throughout the cytoplasm is observed. Using this method, LMP can be followed in real time using time-lapse imaging. The size of pores formed in the membrane during LMP by size exclusion can also be determined using dextrans of different sizes and colors.
Imaging Newborn Granule Cells in Fixed Sections
Authors: Tashiro Ayumu , Zhao Chunmei , Suh Hoonkyo , Gage Fred H.
Published: October 2015

This protocol describes the harvesting of brain tissue from mice that have had the retroviral vector CAG-GFP injected into the dentate gyrus. Brain tissue from these mice is dissected, the tissue is fixed, and the sections are prepared. The fixed sections are imaged using fluorescent confocal microscopy, and newborn granule cells containing GFP are visualized and are characterized.
X-ray spectroscopy for chemistry in the 2-4 keV energy regime at the XMaS beamline: ionic liquids, Rh and Pd catalysts in gas and liquid environments, and Cl contamination in γ-Al2O3
Authors: Thompson Paul B. J. , Nguyen Bao N. , Nicholls Rachel , Bourne Richard A. , Brazier John B. , Lovelock Kevin R. J. , Brown Simon D. , Wermeille Didier , Bikondoa Oier , Lucas Christopher A. , Hase Thomas P. A. , Newton Mark A.
Published: October 2015

The 2–4 keV energy range provides a rich window into many facets of materials science and chemistry. Within this window, P, S, Cl, K and CaK-edges may be found along with theL-edges of industrially important elements from Y through to Sn. Yet, compared with those that cater for energies aboveca.4–5 keV, there are relatively few resources available for X-ray spectroscopy below these energies. In addition,in situoroperandostudies become to varying degrees more challenging than at higher X-ray energies due to restrictions imposed by the lower energies of the X-rays upon the design and construction of appropriate sample environments. The XMaS beamline at the ESRF has recently made efforts to extend its operational energy range to include this softer end of the X-ray spectrum. In this report the resulting performance of this resource for X-ray spectroscopy is detailed with specific attention drawn to: understanding electrostatic and charge transfer effects at the SK-edge in ionic liquids; quantification of dilution limits at the ClK- and RhL3-edges and structural equilibria in solution; in vacuum deposition and reduction of [RhI(CO)2Cl]2to γ-Al2O3; contamination of γ-Al2O3by Cl and its potential role in determining the chemical character of supported Rh catalysts; and the development of chlorinated Pd catalysts in `green' solvent systems. Sample environments thus far developed are also presented, characterized and their overall performance evaluated.
Negative aspects of counter-knowledge on absorptive capacity and human capital
Authors: Cegarra-Navarro Juan-Gabriel , Cepeda Carrión Gabriel , Wensley Anthony
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– People live and work in a world where they do not have complete knowledge and, as a result, they make use of rumours, beliefs and assumptions about relevant areas of concern. The term counter-knowledge has been used to refer to knowledge created from unverified sources. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between counter-knowledge and human capital (HC) as well as investigating interactions between absorptive capacity (ACAP) and HC.

Design/methodology/approach

– A model is tested to examine the relationship between counter-knowledge, HC and the financial performance of 112 companies listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange.

Findings

– The results are calculated using structural equation modelling. This leads to the main conclusion that while the increasing presence of counter-knowledge leads to a reduction of ACAP and, by extension with HC. However, in the context of the sample, HC has positive effects on firms’ performance. Therefore, consideration must be given to the evaluation of the real cost of counter-knowledge or inappropriate assumptions on HC.

Practical implications

– The key managerial implication of this paper is that management should actively develop an organizational culture which questions the source of any knowledge and favours evidence-based reasoning over reasoning based on “gut instinct”, what has worked in the past and reasoning based on rumours and gossip.

Originality/value

– This paper provides empirical support for the argument that the all so-called “knowledge” generated from the sharing of unverified news is not necessarily good knowledge. Rumours or gossip shared thanks to unverified sources are some examples that illustrate people possibility to create inappropriate or false beliefs via unsupported explanations and justifications.
Geographical variation in vegetative growth and sexual reproduction of the invasive Spartina alterniflora in China
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Maung‐Douglass Keith , Strong Donald R. , Pennings Steven C. , Zhang Yihui
Published: October 2015

Phenotypic variation plays an important role in successful plant invasions. The spread of invasive species over large geographic ranges may be facilitated if plants can match their phenotype to local abiotic conditions. Spartina alterniflora, native to the United States, was introduced into China in 1979 and has spread over 19ᵒ of latitude along the eastern coast of China.

We studied patterns in vegetative growth and sexual reproduction of S. alterniflora at 22 sites at 11 geographic locations over a latitudinal gradient of ˜2000 km from Tanggu (39.05°N, high latitude) to Leizhou (20.90°N, low latitude) in China. We further evaluated the basis of phenotypic differences by growing plants from across the range in a common garden for 2 growing seasons.

We found distinct latitudinal clines in plant height, shoot density and sexual reproduction across latitude. Some traits exhibited linear relationships with latitude; others exhibited hump‐shaped relationships. We identified correlations between plant traits and abiotic conditions such as mean annual temperature, growing degree days, tidal range and soil nitrogen content. However, geographic variation in all but one trait disappeared in the common garden, indicating that variation largely due to phenotypic plasticity. Only a slight tendency for latitudinal variation in seed set persisted for 2 years in the common garden, suggesting that plants may be evolving genetic clines for this trait.

Synthesis. The rapid spread of Spartina alterniflora (S. alterniflora) in China has probably been facilitated by phenotypic plasticity in growth and reproductive traits. We found little evidence for the evolution of genetic clines in China, even though these exist for some traits in the native range. The considerable variation among clones, within provenances, that persisted in the common garden suggests a potential for the evolution of geographic clines in the future. Low fecundity of low‐latitude S. alterniflora populations in China might result in a slower spread at low latitudes, but S. alterniflora is likely to continue to spread rapidly at high latitudes in China and into the Korean peninsula.
Cartoons, secularism, and inequality
Authors: Hannoum Abdelmajid
Published: October 2015

In this article, I discuss the tragic attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris on 7 January 2015. First, I comment on Didier Fassin's article ‘In the name of the Republic’, published in anthropology today in April 2015. I express my disagreement with him on the issue of laïcité, and offer a critical examination of the concept, taking into account what I call ‘the Christian heritage of the secular state’. I then examine the various French reactions to the tragedy and focus on the history of the French state and its (post)colonial relations with French Islam to offer an explanation of the events.
Objective Assessment and Thematic Categorization of Patient‐audible Information in an Emergency Department
Authors: Zhang Xiao C. , Kobayashi Leo , Berger Markus , Reddy Pranav M. , Chheng Darin B. , Gorham Sara A. , Pathania Shivany , Stern Sarah P. , Icaza Milson Elio , Jay Gregory D. , Baruch Jay M.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The objective was to assess and categorize the understandable components of patient‐audible information (e.g., provider conversations) in emergency department (ED) care areas and to initiate a baseline ED soundscape assessment.

Methods

Investigators at an academic referral hospital accessed 21 deidentified transcripts of recordings made with binaural in‐ear microphones in patient rooms (n = 10) and spaces adjacent to nurses' stations (n = 11), during ED staff sign‐outs as part of an approved quality management process. Transcribed materials were classified by speaker (health care provider, patient/family/friend, or unknown). Using qualitative analysis software and predefined thematic categories, two investigators then independently coded each transcript by word, phrase, clause, and/or sentence for general content, patient information, and HIPAA‐defined patient identifiers. Scheduled reviews were used to resolve any data coding discrepancies.

Results

Patient room recordings featured a median of 11 (interquartile range [IQR] = 2 to 33) understandable words per minute (wpm) over 16.2 (IQR = 15.1 to 18.4) minutes; nurses' station recordings featured 74 (IQR = 47 to 109) understandable wpm over 17.0 (IQR = 15.4 to 20.3) minutes. Transcript content from patient room recordings was categorized as follows: clinical, 44.8% (IQR = 17.7% to 62.2%); nonclinical, 0.0% (IQR = 0.0% to 0.0%); inappropriate (provider), 0.0% (IQR = 0.0% to 0.0%); and unknown, 6.0% (IQR = 1.7% to 58.2%). Transcript content from nurses' stations was categorized as follows: clinical, 86.0% (IQR = 68.7% to 94.7%); nonclinical, 1.2% (IQR = 0.0% to 19.5%); inappropriate (provider), 0.1% (IQR = 0.0% to 2.3%); and unknown, 1.3% (IQR = 0.0% to 7.1%). Limited patient information was audible on patient room recordings. Audible patient information at nurses' stations was coded as follows (median words per sign‐out sample): general patient history, 116 (IQR = 19 to 206); social history, 12 (IQR = 4 to 19); physical examination, 39 (IQR = 19 to 56); imaging results, 0 (IQR = 0 to 21); laboratory results, 7 (IQR = 0 to 22); other results, 0 (IQR = 0 to 3); medical decision‐making, 39 (IQR = 10 to 69); management (general), 118 (IQR = 79 to 235); pain management, 4 (IQR = 0 to 53); and disposition, 42 (IQR = 22 to 60). Medians of 0 (IQR = 0 to 0) and 3 (IQR = 1 to 4) patient name identifiers were audible on in‐room and nurses' station sign‐out recordings, respectively.

Conclusions

Sound recordings in an ED setting captured audible and understandable provider discussions that included confidential, protected health information and discernible quantities of nonclinical content.
In the Aftermath: Consumer Choice and the Deregulation of Australian Retail Banking, 1988–1993
Authors: Taylor Judy , Magee Gary
Published: October 2015

This article explores whether deregulation of the Australian retail banking sector in the 1980s delivered the enhanced consumer choice that had been promised. Using new data on banking products and their usage, it analyses consumers' ability to select optimal ‘frontier’ products. It concludes that following deregulation of retail banking, product offerings underwent such tumultuous change that the scope for effective consumer choice was severely constrained. While there were improvements towards the end of the period, progress was not assisted by the banks' strategy of proliferating and re‐bundling products. Consequently, the anticipated improvements to consumer choice were slow to arrive.
Drug‐induced systemic lupus erythematosus in a child after 3 years of treatment with carbamazepine
Authors: Molina‐Ruiz Ana María , Lasanta Begoña , Barcia Ana , Pérez‐Vega Elisa , Requena Luis
Published: October 2015

Drug‐induced lupus erythematosus (DILE) is a less severe variant of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that generally resolves within weeks or months after the withdrawal of the implicated drug. DILE is unusual during childhood, with the most frequent age of presentation being at 50–70 years of age. Among different drugs, most commonly procainamide and hydralazine have been implicated as a cause of DILE. However carbamazepine (CBZ) is considered a low‐risk drug and very few cases have been reported in children. We describe the case of CBZ‐induced SLE in a 9‐year‐old girl following 3 years of CBZ therapy. This case report shows that drug‐induced SLE is an important side‐effect to be considered, even after long‐term treatment with CBZ, and also during childhood.
Routinized Business Innovation: An Undertheorized Engine of Cultural Evolution
Authors: Wilf Eitan
Published: October 2015

Scholars of cultural evolution and change have tended to conceptualize innovation as a process that results from individual experimentation involving random or very loosely guided trial‐and‐error alterations to existing cultural elements. Alternatively, they have focused on individual experimentation via decision rules and different heuristics with already existing, potentially innovative cultural elements whose emergence is left unexplained. Based on ethnographic fieldwork I conducted with a number of business innovation consultancy groups in the United States, I theorize institutionalized innovation as a new engine of cultural evolution that might be unique to complex industrial societies characterized by intense intragroup competition that puts pressure on constant innovation. This engine might be responsible for a faster pace of cultural evolution. At stake is a systematic strategy of purposeful innovation that is neither entirely random nor entirely calculation based. Rather, it is based in the rationalized and rule‐governed production of what I call “structured contingency,” and it is capable of being applied to products and services across different business domains, including to itself. [innovation, cultural evolution, business anthropology, bricolage, economic anthropology, United States]
MuSIC report III: tumour microcirculation patterns and development of metastasis in long‐term follow‐up of melanocytic uveal tumours
Authors: Klingenstein Annemarie , Schaumberger Markus M , Freeman William R , Folberg Robert , Mueller Arthur J , Schaller Ulrich C
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To statistically determine differences in microcirculation patterns between nevi and uveal melanomas and the influence of these patterns on metastatic potential in the long‐term follow‐up of 112 patients with melanocytic uveal tumours. In vivo markers indicating malignancy and metastatic potential have implications for treatment decision.

Methods

Primary diagnosis and work‐up included clinical examination, fundus photography, standardized A and B scan echography as well as evaluation of tumour microcirculation patterns via confocal fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Patient data were collected from the patient files, the tumour registry or personal contact. Statistical analysis was performed with spss 22.0 using chi‐square, Fisher's exact test and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.

Results

Forty‐three uveal melanocytic lesions remained untreated and were retrospectively classified as benign nevi, whereas 69 lesions were malignant melanomas (T1: 32, T2: 28, T3: 6 and T4: 3). ‘Silent’ and ‘arcs without branching’ were found significantly more often in nevi (p = 0.001 and p = 0.010), whereas ‘parallel with cross‐linking’ and ‘networks’ were significantly more frequent in melanomas (p = 0.022 and p = 0.029). The microcirculation pattern ‘parallel with cross‐linking’ proved significantly more frequent in patients who developed metastases (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Certain microcirculation patterns may guide us in differentiating uveal nevi from malignant melanomas. A non‐invasive prognostic marker can be of great value for borderline lesions in which cytology is less likely taken. ‘Parallel with cross‐linking’ did not only indicate malignancy, but it was also associated with later tumour metastasis.
Immunopathogenesis of olmesartan‐associated enteropathy
Authors: Marietta E. V. , Nadeau A. M. , Cartee A. K. , Singh I. , Rishi A. , Choung R. S. , Wu T.‐T. , Rubio‐Tapia A. , Murray J. A.
Published: October 2015

Background

Olmesartan‐associated enteropathy (OAE) is characterised by diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss and severe sprue‐like enteropathy, all of which are resolved after discontinuation of olmesartan medoximil.

Aim

To determine the mechanistic similarities of OAE with coeliac sprue.

Methods

Duodenal biopsies were extracted from OAE patients before (n = 11) or after (n = 17) discontinuation of olmesartan medoxomil (on or off olmesartan medoxomil). There were seven ‘on/off’ paired samples. Formalin‐fixed biopsies were stained for CD8, CD4, FoxP3, IL‐15R and psmad 2/3. Caco2 cells (human colonic epithelial line) were treated with olmesartan medoxomil and stained for IL‐15, IL‐15R and ZO‐1.

Results

In the ‘on olmesartan medoxomil’ duodenal biopsies, a significant increase in the numbers of CD8+ cells and the number of cells that are FoxP3+ (a regulatory T‐cell marker) are present in the duodenum as compared to the duodenal biopsies from patients who discontinued olmesartan medoxomil. IL15R expression is also increased with olmesartan medoxomil use. Evaluation of the effect of olmesartan medoxomil upon Caco‐2 cells demonstrated that IL15 expression is increased in response to olmesartan medoxomil treatment. Further, ZO‐1, a tight junction protein, is disrupted in olmesartan medoxomil‐treated Caco‐2 cells.

Conclusions

Olmesartan‐associated enteropathy shares many features with coeliac disease, including symptoms and immunopathogenic pathways, such as increased numbers of CD8+ cells and corresponding overexpression of IL15 by epithelial cells. Taken together, the treatment of epithelial cells with olmesartan medoxomil induces a response by intestinal epithelial cells that is similar to the innate effects of gluten upon the epithelium of coeliac patients.
The binding selectivity of vonoprazan (TAK‐438) to the gastric H+,K+‐ATPase
Authors: Scott D. R. , Munson K. B. , Marcus E. A. , Lambrecht N. W. G. , Sachs G.
Published: October 2015

Background

The gastric H+,K+‐ATPase is the preferred target for acid suppression. Until recently, the only drugs that effectively inhibited this ATPase were the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs are acid‐activated prodrugs that require acid protection. Once acid‐activated, PPIs bind to cysteines of the ATPase, resulting in covalent, long‐lasting inhibition. The short plasma half‐life of PPIs and continual de novo synthesis of the H+,K+‐ATPase result in difficulty controlling night‐time acid secretion. A new alternative to PPIs is the pyrrolo‐pyridine, vonoprazan (TAK‐438), a potassium‐competitive acid blocker (PCAB) that does not require acid protection. In contrast to other PCABs, vonoprazan has a long duration of action, resulting in 24‐h control of acid secretion, a high pKa of 9.37 and high affinity (Ki = 3.0 ηmol/L).

Aim

To determine binding selectivity of vonoprazan for the gastric H+,K+‐ATPase and to explain its slow dissociation.

Methods

Gastric gland and parietal cell binding of vonoprazan was determined radiometrically. Molecular modelling explained the slow dissociation of vonoprazan from the H+,K+‐ATPase.

Results

Vonoprazan binds selectively to the parietal cell, independent of acid secretion. Vonoprazan binds in a luminal vestibule between the surfaces of membrane helices 4, 5 and 6. Exit of the drug to the lumen is hindered by asp137 and asn138 in the loop between TM1 and TM2, which presents an electrostatic barrier to movement of the sulfonyl group of vonoprazan. This may explain its slow dissociation from the H+,K+‐ATPase and long‐lasting inhibition.

Conclusion

The binding model provides a template for design of novel potassium‐competitive acid blockers.
A Defence of the Counterfactual Account of Harm
Authors: Purshouse Craig
Published: October 2015

In order to determine whether a particular course of conduct is ethically permissible it is important to have a concept of what it means to be harmed. The dominant theory of harm is the counterfactual account, most famously proposed by Joel Feinberg. This determines whether harm is caused by comparing what actually happened in a given situation with the ‘counterfacts’ i.e. what would have occurred had the putatively harmful conduct not taken place. If a person's interests are worse off than they otherwise would have been, then a person will be harmed. This definition has recently faced challenges from bioethicists such as John Harris, Guy Kahane and Julian Savulescu who, believing it to be severely flawed, have proposed their own alternative theories of the concept. In this article I will demonstrate that the shortcomings Harris, Kahane and Savulescu believe are present in Feinberg's theory are illusory and that it is their own accounts of harm that are fraught with logical errors. I maintain that the arguments presented to refute Feinberg's theory not only fail to achieve this goal and can be accommodated within the counterfactual account but that they actually undermine the theories presented by their respective authors. The final conclusion will be that these challenges are misconceived and fail to displace the counterfactual theory.
Subgroup analysis of Japanese patients in a phase 3 study of lenvatinib in radioiodine‐refractory differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Kiyota Naomi , Schlumberger Martin , Muro Kei , Ando Yuichi , Takahashi Shunji , Kawai Yasukazu , Wirth Lori , Robinson Bruce , Sherman Steven , Suzuki Takuya , Fujino Katsuki , Gupta Anubha , Hayato Seiichi , Tahara Makoto
Published: October 2015

Lenvatinib significantly prolonged progression‐free survival (PFS) versus placebo in patients with radioiodine‐refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RR‐DTC) in the phase 3 Study of (E7080) Lenvatinib in Differentiated Cancer of the Thyroid (SELECT) trial. This subanalysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib in Japanese patients who participated in SELECT. Outcomes for Japanese patients (lenvatinib, n = 30; placebo, n = 10) were assessed in relationship to the SELECT population (lenvatinib, n = 261; placebo, n = 131). The primary endpoint was PFS; secondary endpoints included overall survival, overall response rate, and safety. Lenvatinib PFS benefit was shown in Japanese patients (median PFS: lenvatinib, 16.5 months; placebo, 3.7 months), although significance was not reached, presumably due to sample size (hazard ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–1.57; P = 0.067). Overall response rates were 63.3% and 0% for lenvatinib and placebo, respectively. No significant difference was found in overall survival. The lenvatinib safety profile was similar between the Japanese and overall SELECT population, except for higher incidences of hypertension (any grade: Japanese, 87%; overall, 68%; grade ≥3: Japanese, 80%; overall, 42%), palmar–plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (any grade: Japanese, 70%; overall, 32%; grade ≥3: Japanese, 3%; overall, 3%), and proteinuria (any grade: Japanese, 63%; overall, 31%; grade ≥3: Japanese, 20%; overall, 10%). Japanese patients had more dose reductions (Japanese, 90%; overall, 67.8%), but fewer discontinuations due to adverse events (Japanese, 3.3%; overall, 14.2%). There was no difference in lenvatinib exposure between the Japanese and overall SELECT populations after adjusting for body weight. In Japanese patients with radioiodine‐refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, lenvatinib showed similar clinical outcomes to the overall SELECT population. Some differences in adverse event frequencies and dose modifications were observed. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01321554.
Role of the nucleolus in neurodegenerative diseases with particular reference to the retina: a review
Authors: Sia Paul I , Wood John PM , Chidlow Glyn , Sharma Shiwani , Craig Jamie , Casson Robert J
Published: October 2015

The nucleolus has emerged as a key regulator of cellular growth and the response to stress, in addition to its traditionally understood function in ribosome biogenesis. The association between nucleolar function and neurodegenerative disease is increasingly being explored. There is also recent evidence indicating that the nucleolus may well be crucial in the development of the eye. In this present review, the role of the nucleolus in retinal development as well as in neurodegeneration with an emphasis on the retina is discussed.
Fibrinolytic system related to pulmonary arterial pressure and lung function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Ban Chengjun , Wang Tongde , Zhang Shu , Xin Ping , Liang Lirong , Wang Chen , Dai Huaping
Published: October 2015

Objectives and Aims

To investigate urokinase‐(uPA) and tissue‐type (tPA) plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor type‐1 (PAI‐1) levels in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and to determine the relationship between fibrinolytic system and pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary function.

Methods

Seventy‐nine patients with IPF were included. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood samples were collected. The concentrations of tPA, uPA and PAI‐1 were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Doppler echocardiography was used to detect tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG) to estimate pulmonary arterial pressure.

Results

BALF tPA elevated (P < 0.005), circulatory PAI‐1 decreased (P = 0.05) and the ratio of uPA and PAI‐1 decreased (P = 0.01) in BALF in IPF patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) compared to those without PH. Positive linear correlations were found: BALF tPA and TRPG (r = 0.558, P = 0.013); the predicted percentage of diffusion capacity of lung for carbon monoxide adjustments for alveolar volume and BALF uPA (r = 0.319, P = 0.035). Negative linear correlations were as follows: BALF PAI‐1 and the predicted percentage of VCmax (r = −0.325, P = 0.020), or total lung capacity (r = −0.312, P = 0.033); circulatory PAI‐1 and TRPG (r = −0.697, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

The change of alveolar fibrolytic system in IPF, especially the uPA reduction and the PAI‐1elevation, contributes to the deterioration of lung function. During the lung injury initiating fibrosis, tPA and PAI‐1 might be leaked out of the pulmonary capillaries into alveoli, resulting in their elevation in alveoli and reduction in circulation, and finally contributing to the development of PH in IPF.
Histopathologic features of erythematous papulopustular eruption to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in cancer patients
Authors: Bellini V. , Bianchi L. , Pelliccia S. , Lisi P.
Published: October 2015

Background

Erythematous papulopustular eruption (EPPE) is the most frequent skin adverse event to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors but its histopathologic features have been poorly studied. As EPPE is a strong predictor of patient's treatment response, the EPPE histopathologic features and their correlations with skin eruption severity and involved drug were investigated.

Method

An involved skin biopsy was carried out in 39 informed patients treated with EGFR inhibitors (mainly cetuximab and erlotinib). The cutaneous changes in hematoxylin‐eosin stained sections were evaluated.

Results

The EPPE to EGFR inhibitors is histopathologically characterized by neutrophilic subcorneal or intraepidermal pustules and polymorphous infiltrate of the superficial dermis during the earliest phases and by lymphocytic perifolliculitis and/or suppurative folliculitis at a later phase. The widespread dermis inflammation was more frequent in severe EPPEs and in patients treated with cetuximab, while the hair follicle inflammation was observed only in mild/moderate EPPEs.

Conclusion

Our study shows the histopathologic signs of EPPE and their correlation with clinical severity and the offending drug.
Riparian plant guilds of ephemeral, intermittent and perennial rivers
Authors: Stromberg Juliet C. , Merritt David M.
Published: October 2015

Plant functional types (or guilds) increasingly are being used to predict vegetation response to global changes. Continued human population growth coupled with projected warmer and drier climate will alter the hydrologic regimes of many arid‐zone rivers, including intermittent rivers. We aimed to identify (i) woody plant guilds associated with distinct stream types of an arid region and (ii) plant traits indicating adaptation to the selective pressures of water availability and fluvial disturbance.

We used hierarchical clustering to identify 11 plant guilds from floodplains, terraces and uplands of eight Arizona rivers that vary in surface flow permanence, depth to ground water and intensity of fluvial disturbance.

Six guilds were riparian pioneers with small, wind‐dispersed seeds, three guilds were late‐seral, shade‐tolerant riparian taxa with large animal‐dispersed seeds, and two guilds were composed of desert xerophytes. Within the riparian pioneer and seral groups, guilds varied in water acquisition and productivity traits including wood density and rooting depth.

The community‐weighted traits varied or covaried with water availability and fluvial disturbance. Root: shoot ratio, canopy height and leaf area were influenced strongly by water availability, with the latter two showing a nonlinear response to changes in water table depth. Leaf length increased, and wood density decreased, as sites become wetter and more fluvially disturbed. Community‐weighted seed mass, seed dispersal and spinesence varied most strongly with elevation above thalweg (an indicator of decreasing fluvial disturbance).

These analyses will enable prediction of changes in the relative abundance of plant types and plant traits in response to changes in stream flow regimes, such as shifts towards greater intermittency. The distribution patterns of guilds among riparian habitat types emphasise the importance of focusing conservation efforts not only on the limited number of perennial rivers remaining in arid regions, but also on intermittent and ephemeral rivers with shallow water tables.
Shifting grassland plant community structure drives positive interactive effects of warming and diversity on aboveground net primary productivity
Authors: Cowles Jane M. , Wragg Peter D. , Wright Alexandra J. , Powers Jennifer S. , Tilman David
Published: October 2015

Ecosystems worldwide are increasingly impacted by multiple drivers of environmental change, including climate warming and loss of biodiversity. We show, using a long‐term factorial experiment, that plant diversity loss alters the effects of warming on productivity. Aboveground primary productivity was increased by both high plant diversity and warming, and, in concert, warming (≈1.5 °C average above and belowground warming over the growing season) and diversity caused a greater than additive increase in aboveground productivity. The aboveground warming effects increased over time, particularly at higher levels of diversity, perhaps because of warming‐induced increases in legume and C4 bunch grass abundances, and facilitative feedbacks of these species on productivity. Moreover, higher plant diversity was associated with the amelioration of warming‐induced environmental conditions. This led to cooler temperatures, decreased vapor pressure deficit, and increased surface soil moisture in higher diversity communities. Root biomass (0–30 cm) was likewise consistently greater at higher plant diversity and was greater with warming in monocultures and at intermediate diversity, but at high diversity warming had no detectable effect. This may be because warming increased the abundance of legumes, which have lower root : shoot ratios than the other types of plants. In addition, legumes increase soil nitrogen (N) supply, which could make N less limiting to other species and potentially decrease their investment in roots. The negative warming × diversity interaction on root mass led to an overall negative interactive effect of these two global change factors on the sum of above and belowground biomass, and thus likely on total plant carbon stores. In total, plant diversity increased the effect of warming on aboveground net productivity and moderated the effect on root mass. These divergent effects suggest that warming and changes in plant diversity are likely to have both interactive and divergent impacts on various aspects of ecosystem functioning.
Site‐adapted admixed tree species reduce drought susceptibility of mature European beech
Authors: Metz Jérôme , Annighöfer Peter , Schall Peter , Zimmermann Jorma , Kahl Tiemo , Schulze Ernst‐Detlef , Ammer Christian
Published: October 2015

Some forest‐related studies on possible effects of climate change conclude that growth potential of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) might be impaired by the predicted increase in future serious drought events during the growing season. Other recent research suggests that not only multiyear increment rates but also growth resistance and recovery of beech during, respectively, after dry years may differ between pure and mixed stands. Thus, we combined dendrochronological investigations and wood stable isotope measurements to further investigate the impact of neighborhood diversity on long‐term performance, short‐term drought response and soil water availability of European beech in three major geographic regions of Germany. During the last four decades, target trees whose competitive neighborhood consisted of co‐occurring species exhibited a superior growth performance compared to beeches in pure stands of the same investigation area. This general pattern was also found in exceptional dry years. Although the summer droughts of 1976 and 2003 predominantly caused stronger relative growth declines if target trees were exposed to interspecific competition, with few exceptions they still formed wider annual rings than beeches growing in close‐by monocultures. Within the same study region, recovery of standardized beech target tree radial growth was consistently slower in monospecific stands than in the neighborhood of other competitor species. These findings suggest an improved water availability of beech in mixtures what is in line with the results of the stable isotope analysis. Apparently, the magnitude of competitive complementarity determines the growth response of target beech trees in mixtures. Our investigation strongly suggest that the sensitivity of European beech to environmental constrains depends on neighborhood identity. Therefore, the systematic formation of mixed stands tends to be an appropriate silvicultural measure to mitigate the effects of global warming and droughts on growth patterns of Fagus sylvatica.
Earthquake‐related temperature changes in two neighboring hot springs at Xiangcheng, China
Authors: Ma Y.
Published: October 2015

Pre‐earthquake and postearthquake temperature changes were documented in two hot springs at Xiangcheng. Pre‐earthquake changes were documented in spring I, 13 days before and 106 km away from the Ms 5.8 Zhongdian earthquake. The 11‐year cutoff spring spouted again, and the spouted water was 24°C hotter than the former escaping gas. Postearthquake changes were documented in spring II following the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, approximately 425 km away from the epicenter. Temperature in spring II showed a step‐like increase with a magnitude of 4°C induced by the earthquake. Spring I which is 0.3 m apart from spring II did not show a sudden change following the earthquake. However, temperatures in the two springs were identical after the Wenchuan earthquake. It indicates that the earthquake generated new hydraulic connectivity between springs I and II, and the heat transport between the two springs accounts for the postearthquake temperature changes.
Building intentions with the theory of planned behaviour: a qualitative assessment of salient beliefs about pharmacy value added services in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Christine Liang Hoay , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Saleem Fahad , Shafie Asrul Akmal , Aljadhay Hisham , Gan Vincent B. Y.
Published: October 2015

Objective

To improve pharmaceutical care delivery in Malaysia, the Ministry of Health (MOH) had introduced the concept of value added services (VAS). Despite its reported convenience and advantages, VAS utilization rate is low in the country. The study aims to explore patients’ understanding, beliefs and expectations towards VAS in Malaysia using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as the theoretical model.

Methods

A qualitative methodology was used whereby face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 12 patients who collected partial medicine supplies from government pharmacies. Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling method in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Interviews were audio‐recorded. Verbatim transcription and thematic content analysis were performed on the data.

Results

Thematic content analysis yielded five major themes: (i) attitudes towards using VAS, (ii) subjective norms, (iii) perceived behavioural control, (iv) lack of knowledge and understanding of VAS and (v) expectations towards VAS.

Conclusion

The interviews explored and informed new information about salient beliefs towards pharmacy VAS. The findings suggest that VAS is still in its infancy and a more robust and effective advertising and marketing campaign is needed to boost the adoption rate. Behavioural attitudes, subjective norms and perceived control elements were discussed and serve as important variables of interest in future study. Expectations towards VAS serve as an important guideline to further improve patient‐oriented services.
Lack of PRKD2 and PRKD3 kinase domain somatic mutations in PRKD1 wild‐type classic polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinomas of the salivary gland
Authors: Piscuoglio Salvatore , Fusco Nicola , Ng Charlotte K Y , Martelotto Luciano G , da Cruz Paula Arnaud , Katabi Nora , Rubin Brian P , Skálová Alena , Weinreb Ilan , Weigelt Britta , Reis‐Filho Jorge S
Published: October 2015

Aims

Polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is the second most common intra‐oral salivary gland malignancy. The vast majority of PLGAs harbour a PRKD1 E710D hot‐spot somatic mutation or somatic rearrangements of PRKD1, PRKD2 or PRKD3. Given the kinase domain homology among PRKD1, PRKD2 and PRKD3, we sought to define whether PLGAs lacking PRKD1 somatic mutations or PRKD gene family rearrangements would be driven by somatic mutations affecting the kinase domains of PRKD2 or PRKD3.

Methods and results

DNA was extracted from eight microdissected PLGAs lacking PRKD1 somatic mutations or PRKD gene family rearrangements. Samples were thoroughly centrally reviewed, microdissected and subjected to Sanger sequencing of the kinase domains of the PRKD2 and PRKD3 genes. None of the PLGAs lacking PRKD1 somatic mutations or PRKD gene family rearrangements harboured somatic mutations in the kinase domains of the PRKD2 or PRKD3 genes.

Conclusion

PLGAs lacking PRKD1 somatic mutations or PRKD gene family rearrangements are unlikely to harbour somatic mutations in the kinase domains of PRKD2 or PRKD3. Further studies are warranted to define the driver genetic events in this subgroup of PLGAs.
High within‐winter and annual survival rates in a declining Afro‐Palaearctic migratory bird suggest that wintering conditions do not limit populations
Authors: Blackburn Emma , Cresswell Will
Published: October 2015

For migratory birds, it is necessary to estimate annual and overwinter survival rates, identify factors that influence survival, and assess whether survival varies with age and sex if we are to understand population dynamics and thus inform conservation. This study is one of the first to document overwinter and annual survival from the wintering grounds of a declining Afro‐Palaearctic migrant bird, the WhinchatSaxicola rubetra. We monitored a population of marked individuals for which dispersal was low and detectability was high, allowing accurate estimates of survival. Annual survival was at least 52% and did not differ significantly across demographic groups or with habitat characteristics or residency time in the previous winter. Overwinter survival was very high and monthly survival at least 98% at some sites. Although winter residency varied spatially and with age, lower residency did not correlate with reduced annual survival, suggesting occupancy of multiple wintering sites rather than higher winter mortality of individuals with shorter residency. Our results suggest that mortality occurs primarily outside the wintering period, probably during migration, and that wintering conditions have minimal influence on survival. The similarity between survival rates for all age and sex classes when measured on the wintering grounds implies that any difference in survival with age or sex occurs only during the first migration or during the post‐fledging stage, and that selection of wintering habitat, or territory quality, makes little difference to survival in Whinchats. Our findings suggest that the wintering grounds do not limit populations as much as the migratory and breeding stages, with implications for the conservation of declining Afro‐Palaearctic migrants more widely.
9‐Month‐Old Infants Recognize Individual Unfamiliar Faces in a Rapid Repetition ERP Paradigm
Authors: Peykarjou Stefanie , Pauen Sabina , Hoehl Stefanie
Published: October 2015

To investigate whether infants show neural signatures of recognizing unfamiliar human faces, we tested 9‐month‐olds (N = 31) in a rapid repetition ERP paradigm. Pictures of unfamiliar male and female faces (targets) were preceded either by a central attractor (Unprimed) or by a face (Primed). In the latter case, the prime faces were either identical to the target (Repeated) or not (Unrepeated). We compared processing of primed versus unprimed faces as well as processing of repeated versus unrepeated faces. Primed stimuli elicited decreased P1 amplitude, P1 latency and N290 amplitude, indicating categorical repetition effects very early during the stream of processing. For repeated relative to unrepeated faces, N290 latency was reduced. In addition, we observed an enhanced late positivity at occipital channels for unrepeated compared to repeated male faces, but no difference for female faces. Taken together, these results suggest that 9‐month‐olds categorize faces before discriminating them individually. Furthermore, infants' ability to recognize face identity seems to depend on familiarity with the given face category, as indicated by differences in brain responses to male and female faces.
Age‐associated changes in regenerative capabilities of mesenchymal stem cell: impact on chronic wounds repair
Authors: Yao Bin , Huang Sha , Gao Dongyun , Xie Jiangfan , Liu Nanbo , Fu Xiaobing
Published: October 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent an ideal source of autologous cell‐based therapy for chronic wounds. Functional characteristics of MSCs may benefit wound healing by exerting their multi‐regenerative potential. However, cell ageing resulting from chronic degenerative diseases or donor age could cause inevitable effects on the regenerative abilities of MSCs. A variety of studies have shown the relationship between MSC ageing and age‐related dysfunction, but few associate these age‐related impacts on MSCs with their ability of repairing chronic wounds, which are common in the elderly population. Here, we discuss the age‐associated changes of MSCs and describe the potential impacts on MSC‐based therapy for chronic wounds. Furthermore, critical evaluation of the current literatures is necessary for understanding the underlying mechanisms of MSC ageing and raising the corresponding concerns on considering their possible use for chronic wound repair.
Needs and Supports of People with Intellectual Disability and Their Families in Catalonia
Authors: Vilaseca Rosa , Gràcia Marta , Beltran Francesc S. , Dalmau Mariona , Alomar Elisabeth , Adam‐Alcocer Ana Luisa , Simó‐Pinatella David
Published: October 2015

Background

The study assesses the support needs of individuals with intellectual disability and their families in Catalonia. The present authors examine family quality of life (FQoL), identify the individual services required and assess families' perceptions of the extent to which their family member with intellectual disability and they themselves receive the services they need.

Materials and Methods

The N&S questionnaire (Needs and Supports for people with intellectual disability and their families) was administered to 2160 families with a family member with intellectual disability aged under 70 in Catalonia (Spain).

Results

Overall mean FQoL was quite high. FQoL was associated with family income, education, employment and percentage level of disability. Neither people with intellectual disability nor their families receive the specific support they need.

Conclusions

Besides providing specific support for individuals with intellectual disability, local policymakers and practitioners should apply a family‐centred approach to the provision of support for families in order to improve FQoL.