bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual health risks and health‐seeking behaviours among substance‐misusing women
Authors: Edelman Natalie Lois , Patel Harish , Glasper Anthony , Bogen‐Johnston Leanne
Published: May 2014

Aims

To report on a survey of sexual health service needs among substance‐misusing women attending a substance misuse service.

Background

Substance‐misusing women carry a disproportionate burden of sexual ill health, yet the range and frequency of their sexual health risks, morbidities and service engagement are poorly understood.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey of a convenience sample of substance‐misusing women attending a substance misuse service.

Methods

From 4 April 2010–17 September 2010, substance‐misusing women in Hastings & Ore, UK, were invited to complete a paper questionnaire addressing: drug use; cervical cytology, sexually transmitted infection and HIV screening history; pregnancy history, perceived pregnancy risk and contraceptive advice and supply; sexual activity and assault. Of 91 respondents, 77 attended local drug treatment services – results comprise analysis of this sub‐sample.

Results

The study sample was characterized by long‐term opioid and crack cocaine use. Of 53% sexually active in the previous 4 weeks, 66% perceived they had experienced sexual intercourse that could lead to pregnancy during that time. Fifty‐five per cent had been forced to have sex against their will during their lifetime. High rates of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy termination, miscarriage and abnormal cervical cytology were reported.

Conclusions

Findings indicate the need to recognize the breadth of elevated sexual health risks and morbidities experienced by substance‐misusing women with long‐term opioid/crack use, including those not identifying as intravenous drug users. Poor recall of drop‐in and appointment times, reluctance to disclose substance misuse and likelihood of previous sexual assault present significant challenges to nurses, who must take a sensitive, opportunistic approach to referral and provision of sexual health interventions to substance‐misusing women.
Chloroplast phylogeography of the East Asian Arcto‐Tertiary relict Tetracentron sinense (Trochodendraceae)
Authors: Sun Yanxia , Moore Michael J. , Yue Liangliang , Feng Tao , Chu Haijia , Chen Shaotian , Ji Yunheng , Wang Hengchang , Li Jianqiang
Published: May 2014

Aim

A phylogeographical study of the widespread but phylogenetically isolated East Asian endemic tree species Tetracentron sinense (Trochodendraceae) was performed to evaluate whether and how Pleistocene and pre‐Pleistocene climate changes helped to influence current phylogeographical patterns, and to describe the current patterns of genetic diversity and their implications for conservation.

Location

Southwestern and central subtropical China.

Methods

Sequences of four chloroplast spacer regions were obtained from 157 individuals of T. sinense. A haplotype network was constructed using tcs. Genetic diversity and differentiation, spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA) and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) were used to test for genetic structure. beast was used to estimate the divergence times between haplotypes. Historical demographic expansion was tested using pairwise mismatch distribution analysis.

Results

Of the 21 recovered haplotypes, three were widely distributed, but most were restricted to particular regions. Populations with high haplotype diversity were located in western Hubei, southern Sichuan and southern Chongqing. The two earliest‐diverging haplotypes were found in southwestern China. The haplotype distribution of T. sinense demonstrated significant phylogeographical structure (NST > GST; P < 0.05). The best partitioning of genetic diversity by SAMOVA (K = 5) produced groups that matched the main tcs‐derived clades. Two independent range expansions within SAMOVA‐derived groups 2 and 3 were dated to approximately 399 and 311 ka, respectively. The time to the most recent common ancestor of all haplotypes was 9.6 (95% highest posterior density: 27.0–2.2) Ma, but most of the haplotype diversity appeared during the Quaternary.

Main conclusions

The extant distribution of T. sinense is likely to have been shaped by both pre‐Quaternary and Pleistocene climate changes. Southwestern China may have served as an important refugium for T. sinense throughout the Neogene, while the species also occupied multiple refugia during the late Pleistocene glacial periods. Populations of T. sinense were resolved into five allopatric groups, between which there is apparently no seed movement.
Association of High‐Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and N‐Terminal Pro–Brain‐Type Natriuretic Peptide With Left Ventricular Structure: J‐HOP Study
Authors: Hoshide Satoshi , Nagai Michiaki , Yano Yuichiro , Ishikawa Joji , Eguchi Kazuo , Kario Kazuomi ,   the Japan Morning Surge‐Home Blood Pressure Study Investigators Group
Published: May 2014

Although both high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (Hs‐cTnT) and N‐terminal pro–brain‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels are higher among patients with cardiac structural abnormalities than among those with apparently normal hearts, there is considerable overlap between the groups. The authors evaluated 1336 patients who had ≥1 cardiovascular risk factors, underwent echocardiography, and had Hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP measured and excluded patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. The patients in the highest Hs‐cTnT category in quintiles had an increased likelihood of abnormal relative wall thickness compared with those in the lowest category (odds ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–2.36; P<.01). However, no such association was found in the category of NT‐proBNP. The patients in the highest NT‐proBNP category had an increased likelihood of abnormal LV diastolic dimension/body surface area compared with those in the lowest category (odds ratio, 2.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–3.79; P<.05). However, no such association was found in the category of Hs‐cTnT. The data suggest that the measurement of Hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP might provide information on cardiac structural abnormalities.
Rule breaking mediates the developmental association betweenGABRA2and adolescent substance abuse
Authors: Trucco Elisa M. , Villafuerte Sandra , Heitzeg Mary M. , Burmeister Margit , Zucker Robert A.
Published: May 2014

Background

This study's primary aim was to examine age‐specific associations betweenGABRA2, rule breaking, problematic alcohol use, and substance abuse symptomatology. The secondary aim was to examine the extent to which rule breaking mediates theGABRA2‐substance abuse relationship.

Methods

A sample (n = 518) of primarily male (70.9%) and White (88.8%) adolescents from the Michigan Longitudinal Study was assessed from ages 11–18. Age‐specific effects ofGABRA2on rule breaking, problematic alcohol use, and substance abuse symptomatology were examined using nested path models. The role of rule breaking as a mediator in the association betweenGABRA2and substance abuse outcomes was tested using prospective cross‐lagged path models.

Results

GABRA2is significantly (p < 0.05) associated with rule breaking in mid‐ to late‐adolescence, but not substance abuse symptomatology across adolescence.GABRA2effects on problematic alcohol use and substance abuse symptomatology operate largely (45.3% and 71.1%, respectively,p < 0.05) via rule breaking in midadolescence.

Conclusions

GABRA2represents an early risk factor for an externalizing pathway to the development of problematic alcohol and drug use.
A qualitative exploration of factors that facilitate and impede adherence to child abuse prevention guidelines in Dutch preventive child health care
Authors: Konijnendijk Annemieke A.J. , Boere‐Boonekamp Magda M. , Haasnoot‐Smallegange Riet M.E. , Need Ariana
Published: May 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

In the Netherlands, evidence‐based child abuse prevention (CAP) guidelines have been developed to support child health care professionals (CHPs) in recognizing and responding to suspected child abuse. The aim of this study was to identify factors related to characteristics of the guidelines, the user, the organization and the socio‐political context that facilitate or impede adherence to the CAP guidelines.

Methods

Three semi‐structured focus groups including 14 CHPs working in one large Dutch child health care organization were conducted in January and February 2012. Participants were asked questions about the dissemination of the guidelines, adherence to their key recommendations and factors that impeded or facilitated desired working practices. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Impeding and facilitating factors were identified and classified. An innovation framework was used to guide the research.

Results

CHPs mentioned 24 factors that facilitated or impeded adherence to the CAP guidelines. Most of these factors were related to characteristics of the user. Familiarity with the content of the guidelines, a supportive working environment and good inter‐agency cooperation were identified as facilitating factors. Impeding factors included lack of willingness of caregivers to cooperate, low self‐efficacy and poor inter‐agency cooperation.

Conclusions

The results indicate that a broad variety of factors may influence CHPs' (non‐)adherence to the CAP guidelines. Efforts to improve implementation of the guidelines should focus on improving familiarity with their contents, enhancing self‐efficacy, promoting intra‐agency cooperation, supporting professionals in dealing with uncooperative parents and improving inter‐agency cooperation. Recommendations for future research are provided.
Impact of supplementation with amino acids or their metabolites on muscle wasting in patients with critical illness or other muscle wasting illness: a systematic review
Authors: Wandrag L. , Brett S. J. , Frost G. , Hickson M.
Published: May 2014

Muscle wasting during critical illness impairs recovery. Dietary strategies to minimise wasting include nutritional supplements, particularly essential amino acids. We reviewed the evidence on enteral supplementation with amino acids or their metabolites in the critically ill and in muscle wasting illness with similarities to critical illness, aiming to assess whether this intervention could limit muscle wasting in vulnerable patient groups. Citation databases, including MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, EMBASE, the meta‐register of controlled trials and the Cochrane Collaboration library, were searched for articles from 1950 to 2013. Search terms included ‘critical illness’, ‘muscle wasting’, ‘amino acid supplementation’, ‘chronic obstructive pulmonary disease’, ‘chronic heart failure’, ‘sarcopenia’ and ‘disuse atrophy’. Reviews, observational studies, sport nutrition, intravenous supplementation and studies in children were excluded. One hundred and eighty studies were assessed for eligibility and 158 were excluded. Twenty‐two studies were graded according to standardised criteria using the GRADE methodology: four in critical care populations, and 18 from other clinically relevant areas. Methodologies, interventions and outcome measures used were highly heterogeneous and meta‐analysis was not appropriate. Methodology and quality of studies were too varied to draw any firm conclusion. Dietary manipulation with leucine enriched essential amino acids (EAA), β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate and creatine warrant further investigation in critical care; EAA has demonstrated improvements in body composition and nutritional status in other groups with muscle wasting illness. High‐quality research is required in critical care before treatment recommendations can be made.
The Effectiveness of Unconventional Monetary Policy at the Zero Lower Bound: A Cross‐Country Analysis
Authors: GAMBACORTA LEONARDO , HOFMANN BORIS , PEERSMAN GERT
Published: May 2014

This paper assesses the macroeconomic effects of unconventional monetary policies by estimating a panel vector autoregression (VAR) with monthly data from eight advanced economies over a sample spanning the period since the onset of the global financial crisis. It finds that an exogenous increase in central bank balance sheets at the zero lower bound leads to a temporary rise in economic activity and consumer prices. The estimated output effects turn out to be qualitatively similar to the ones found in the literature on the effects of conventional monetary policy, while the impact on the price level is weaker and less persistent. Individual country results suggest that there are no major differences in the macroeconomic effects of unconventional monetary policies across countries, despite the heterogeneity of the measures that were taken.
In vivo noninvasive measurement of skin autofluorescence biomarkers relate to cardiovascular disease in mice
Authors: AKBAR N. , SOKOLOVSKI S. , DUNAEV A. , BELCH J.J.F. , RAFAILOV E. , KHAN F.
Published: May 2014

Background and objective

The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). High dietary cholesterol can significantly alter the delicate balance between pro‐oxidation and antioxidant defences leading to reactive oxygen species formation in the vasculature, without significant structural changes in tissue composition. We aimed to establish a methodology for the noninvasive assessment of skin fluorescent biomarkers in mice.

Materials and methods

C57/black/6 wild‐type (WT; n = 25) male mice were subdivided to receive normal rodent chow (n = 11) or a high cholesterol diet (2% cholesterol; n = 14) for 20 weeks. Skin autofluorescence measurements were made on the backs of anaesthetized (1.5–2% isoflurane in oxygen) mice. A laser probe was used to make simultaneous measurements of: collagen, elastin, nicotinamide pyridoxine, flavins, lipofuscin and β‐carotene. Results are expressed as group mean in arbitrary units (AU) ± standard error (SE). Hearts were excised and weighed (mg); cardiac hypertrophy was measured by ratio [heart weight (mg)/bodyweight (g) ± SE]. Student's t‐test was used for statistical significance analysis (p ≤ 0.05).

Results

There were no significant differences between cholesterol‐ and chow‐fed animals for collagen (34 ± 5AU vs. chow 34 ± 4 AU, p = 0.51) and elastin (66 ± 6 AU vs. chow 82 ± 7 AU, p = 0.11). Significant differences were evident for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (92 ± 7 AU vs. chow 118 ± 7 AU, p = 0.01), pyridoxine (56 ± 4 AU vs. chow 73 ± 4 AU, p = 0.01), flavins (44 ± 3 AU vs. chow 57 ± 4 AU, p = 0.01), lipofuscin (35 ± 3 AU vs. chow 46 ± 3 AU, p = 0.01) and β‐carotene (19 ± 2 AU vs. chow 25 ± 2 AU, p = 0.01). Cholesterol‐fed animals had significantly heavier hearts (7 ± 0.3 ratio vs. chow 5 ± 0.1 ratio, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Cholesterol feeding induced cardiovascular disease as noted by cardiac hypertrophy in wild‐type mice. A reduction was observed in pyridoxine, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, flavins, lipofuscin and β‐carotene, which are established risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We report no significant changes in structural proteins collagen and elastin, suggesting no generalized tissue restructuring, which might otherwise explain the observed pathological differences.
DNA vaccination by intradermal electroporation induces long‐lasting immune responses in rhesus macaques
Authors: Kulkarni Viraj , Rosati Margherita , Jalah Rashmi , Ganneru Brunda , Alicea Candido , Yu Lei , Guan Yongjun , LaBranche Celia , Montefiori David C. , King Alan D. , Valentin Antonio , Pavlakis George N. , Felber Barbara K.
Published: May 2014

Background

A desirable HIV vaccine should induce protective long‐lasting humoral and cellular immune responses.

Methods

Macaques were immunized by env DNA, selected from a panel of recently transmitted SIVmac251 Env using intradermal electroporation as vaccine delivery method and magnitude, breadth and longevity of humoral and cellular immune responses.

Results

The macaques developed high, long‐lasting humoral immune responses with neutralizing capacity against homologous and heterologous Env. The avidity of the antibody responses was also preserved over 1‐year follow‐up. Analysis of cellular immune responses demonstrated induction of Env‐specific memory T cells harboring granzyme B, albeit their overall levels were low. Similar to the humoral responses, the cellular immunity was persistent over the ~1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

These data show that vaccination by this intradermal DNA delivery regimen is able to induce potent and durable immune responses in macaques.
Assessment and improvement of Indian‐origin rhesus macaque and Mauritian‐origin cynomolgus macaque genome annotations using deep transcriptome sequencing data
Authors: Peng Xinxia , Pipes Lenore , Xiong Hao , Green Richard R. , Jones Daniel C. , Ruzzo Walter L. , Schroth Gary P. , Mason Christopher E. , Palermo Robert E. , Katze Michael G.
Published: May 2014

Background

The genome annotations of rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) macaques, two of the most common non‐human primate animal models, are limited.

Methods

We analyzed large‐scale macaque RNA‐based next‐generation sequencing (RNAseq) data to identify un‐annotated macaque transcripts.

Results

For both macaque species, we uncovered thousands of novel isoforms for annotated genes and thousands of un‐annotated intergenic transcripts enriched with non‐coding RNAs. We also identified thousands of transcript sequences which are partially or completely ‘missing’ from current macaque genome assemblies. We showed that many newly identified transcripts were differentially expressed during SIV infection of rhesus macaques or during Ebola virus infection of cynomolgus macaques.

Conclusions

For two important macaque species, we uncovered thousands of novel isoforms and un‐annotated intergenic transcripts including coding and non‐coding RNAs, polyadenylated and non‐polyadenylated transcripts. This resource will greatly improve future macaque studies, as demonstrated by their applications in infectious disease studies.
Large‐scale pedigree analysis leads to evidence for founder effects of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Kanthaswamy Sree , Reader Rachel , Tarara Ross , Oslund Karen , Allen Mark , Ng Jillian , Grinberg Chloe , Hyde Dallas , Smith David G. , Lerche Nicholas
Published: May 2014

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the abnormal thickening of the ventricles and an increase in cardiac mass.

Methods

Pedigree analyses involving 108 rhesus macaques with pronounced HCM were performed.

Results

Analyses revealed a strong genetic predisposition to this disease.

Conclusions

Macaques are ideal for investigating HCM because of their marked similarity to humans genetically, physiologically, and anatomically.
Totally drug‐resistant tuberculosis and adjunct therapies
Authors: Parida S. K. , Axelsson‐Robertson R. , Rao M. V. , Singh N. , Master I. , Lutckii A. , Keshavjee S. , Andersson J. , Zumla A. , Maeurer M.
Published: May 2014

The first cases of totally drug‐resistant (TDR) tuberculosis (TB) were reported in Italy 10 years ago; more recently, cases have also been reported in Iran, India and South Africa. Although there is no consensus on terminology, it is most commonly described as ‘resistance to all first‐ and second‐line drugs used to treat TB’. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) acquires drug resistance mutations in a sequential fashion under suboptimal drug pressure due to monotherapy, inadequate dosing, treatment interruptions and drug interactions. The treatment of TDR‐TB includes antibiotics with disputed or minimal effectiveness against M.tb, and the fatality rate is high. Comorbidities such as diabetes and infection with human immunodeficiency virus further impact on TB treatment options and survival rates. Several new drug candidates with novel modes of action are under late‐stage clinical evaluation (e.g. delamanid, bedaquiline, SQ109 and sutezolid). ‘Repurposed’ antibiotics have also recently been included in the treatment of extensively drug resistant TB. However, because of mutations in M.tb, drugs will not provide a cure for TB in the long term. Adjunct TB therapies, including therapeutic vaccines, vitamin supplementation and/or repurposing of drugs targeting biologically and clinically relevant molecular pathways, may achieve better clinical outcomes in combination with standard chemotherapy. Here, we review broader perspectives of drug resistance in TB and potential adjunct treatment options.
Anterior tongue cancer with no history of tobacco and alcohol use may be a distinct molecular and clinical entity
Authors: Sebastian Paul , Babu Janki Mohan , Prathibha R , Hariharan Ramkumar , Pillai Madhavan Radhakrishna
Published: May 2014

Background

A small, albeit significant, number of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients has no history of tobacco and alcohol use. Such non‐habits associated HNSCCs may represent a distinct clinical entity and exhibit increased aggressiveness. The objective of the study was to understand differences in molecular etiology of habits, and non‐habits associated tongue carcinomas.

Materials and methods

High‐throughput gene expression profiling of 22 tumor samples was carried out. This was followed by quantitative real‐time PCR validation of four of the identified differentially expressed genes.

Results and conclusion

Eighteen genes were identified that correlate strongly with the habits‐ and non‐habits distinction. Among the genes significantly overexpressed in the non‐habits group are CCND1, a key cell‐cycle regulator, DACT3, a modulator of the Wnt/beta‐catenin pathway, and three genes associated with the Notch signaling pathway. CCND1 and DACT3 overexpression in non‐habits associated tongue carcinomas were subsequently validated by quantitative real‐time PCR in an independent cohort (n = 18) of patient samples. Gene expression data were integrated with publicly available protein interaction data to build a small protein interaction network containing five of 18 differentially expressed genes. This suggested that a functional ‘network module’ can be implicated in the subgroup distinction. All the tumors analyzed here were human papillomavirus (HPV) negative samples. An association between CCND1 overexpression in oral tumors and poor prognosis has previously been reported. Thus, CCND1 overexpression in non‐habits associated anterior tongue carcinomas may contribute to their increased clinical aggressiveness.
Posttreatment with Ma‐Xing‐Shi‐Gan‐Tang, a Chinese Medicine Formula, Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Lung Microvessel Hyperpermeability and Inflammatory Reaction in Rat
Authors: Ma Li‐Qian , Pan Chun‐Shui , Yang Ning , Liu Yu‐Ying , Yan Li , Sun Kai , Wei Xiao‐Hong , He Ke , Xiao Meng‐Meng , Fan Jing‐Yu , Han Jing‐Yan
Published: May 2014

Objective

The aim of present study was to investigate the efficacy of MXSGT, a traditional Chinese medicine formula used for treatment of respiratory system diseases, in the LPS‐induced rat ALI particularly with a focus on its effect on lung microvascular hyperpermeability and inflammatory reaction.

Methods

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were injected with LPS (7.5 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/mL) intraperitoneally. MXSGT (0.52 g or 2.61 g/kg) was given by gavage six hours after LPS injection.

Results

LPS stimulation resulted in a reduced survival rate, deteriorated vital signs, an increase in the number of leukocytes adhering to lung venules, the albumin leakage, the activity of MPO in lung tissues, the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and lung perivascular edema. After LPS stimulation, western blot analysis revealed an increase in the expression of ICAM‐1 and toll‐like receptor 4, a decrease in tight junction proteins and an activation of cav‐1, Src, and NF‐κB. All the LPS‐induced alterations were significantly attenuated by posttreatment with MXSGT.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated MXSGT as a potential strategy for lung microvascular hyperpermeability and inflammatory reaction in ALI, and suggested that the beneficial role of MXSGT was correlated with toll‐like receptor 4, Src, and NF‐κB.
The three major types of CRISPR‐Cas systems function independently in CRISPR RNA biogenesis in Streptococcus thermophilus
Authors: Carte Jason , Christopher Ross T. , Smith Justin T. , Olson Sara , Barrangou Rodolphe , Moineau Sylvain , Glover Claiborne V. C. , Graveley Brenton R. , Terns Rebecca M. , Terns Michael P.
Published: May 2014

CRISPR‐Cas systems are small RNA‐based immune systems that protect prokaryotes from invaders such as viruses and plasmids. We have investigated the features and biogenesis of the CRISPR (cr)RNAs in Streptococcus thermophilus (Sth) strain DGCC7710, which possesses four different CRISPR‐Cas systems including representatives from the three major types of CRISPR‐Cas systems. Our results indicate that the crRNAs from each CRISPR locus are specifically processed into divergent crRNA species by Cas proteins (and non‐coding RNAs) associated with the respective locus. We find that the Csm Type III‐A and Cse Type I–E crRNAs are specifically processed by Cas6 and Cse3 (Cas6e), respectively, and retain an 8‐nucleotide CRISPR repeat sequence tag 5′ of the invader‐targeting sequence. The Cse Type I–E crRNAs also retain a 21‐nucleotide 3′ repeat tag. The crRNAs from the two Csn Type II‐A systems in Sth consist of a 5′‐truncated targeting sequence and a 3′ tag; however, these are distinct in size between the two. Moreover, the Csn1 (Cas9) protein associated with one Csn locus functions specifically in the production of crRNAs from that locus. Our findings indicate that multiple CRISPR‐Cas systems can function independently in crRNA biogenesis within a given organism – an important consideration in engineering coexisting CRISPR‐Cas pathways.
Estimating Culicoides sonorensis biting midge abundance using digital image analysis
Authors: OSBORNE C. J. , MAYO C. E. , MULLENS B. A. , MACLACHLAN N. J.
Published: May 2014

ImageJ is an open‐source software tool used for a variety of scientific objectives including cell counting, shape analysis and image correction. This technology has previously been used to estimate mosquito abundance in surveillance efforts. However, the utility of this application for estimating abundance or parity in the surveillance of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) has not yet been tested. Culicoides sonorensis (Wirth and Jones), a biting midge often measuring 2.0–2.5 mm in length, is an economically important vector of ruminant arboviruses in California. Current surveillance methods use visual sorting for the characteristics of midges and are very time‐intensive for large studies. This project tested the utility of ImageJ as a tool to assist in gross trap enumeration as well as in parity analysis of C. sonorensis in comparison with traditional visual methods of enumeration using a dissecting microscope. Results confirmed that automated counting of midges is a reliable means of approximating midge numbers under certain conditions. Further evaluation confirmed accurate and time‐efficient parity analysis in comparison with hand sorting. The ImageJ software shows promise as a tool that can assist and expedite C. sonorensis surveillance. Further, these methods may be useful in other insect surveillance activities.
Signaling Dominance in Online Negotiations: The Role of Affective Tone
Authors: Belkin Liuba Y. , Kurtzberg Terri R. , Naquin Charles E.
Published: May 2014

The present research looks at how people interpret power in negotiations based not just on control over objective resources but also on behavioral expressions of dominance as signaled through affective language in the limited‐cues environment of electronically mediated communication. We further explore whether those interpretations of dominance shape negotiation outcomes. The results of an experiment, along with the linguistic analyses of the e‐mail messages themselves, indicate that negative affective expressions (anger) online positively influence perceptions of dominance, while displays of positive affect (happiness) can signal the opposite, especially when coupled with low resource power. Moreover, we find that anger displays in e‐mails can influence individual gains positively, while perceptions of dominance mediate the relationship between displays of happiness and individual outcomes. Implications are discussed.
Characterization of FAB1 phosphatidylinositol kinases in Arabidopsis pollen tube growth and fertilization
Authors: Serrazina Susana , Dias Fernando Vaz , Malhó Rui
Published: May 2014

In yeast and animal cells, phosphatidylinositol‐3‐monophosphate 5‐kinases produce phosphatidylinositol (3,5)‐bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,5)P2) and have been implicated in endomembrane trafficking and pH control in the vacuole. In plants, PtdIns(3,5)P2 is synthesized by the Fab1 family, four orthologs of which exist in Arabidopsis: FAB1A and FAB1B, both from the PIKfyve/Fab1 family; FAB1C and FAB1D, both without a PIKfyve domain and of unclear role.

Using a reverse genetics and cell biology approach, we investigated the function of the Arabidopsis genes encoding FAB1B and FAB1D, both highly expressed in pollen.

Pollen viability, germination and tube morphology were not significantly affected in homozygous mutant plants. In vivo, mutant pollen fertilized ovules leading to normal seeds and siliques. The same result was obtained when mutant ovules were fertilized with wild‐type pollen. Double mutant pollen for the two genes was able to fertilize and develop plants no different from the wild‐type.

At the cellular level, fab1b and fab1d pollen tubes were found to exhibit perturbations in membrane recycling, vacuolar acidification and decreased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Subcellular imaging of FAB1B‐GFP revealed that the protein localized to the endomembrane compartment, whereas FAB1D‐GFP localized mostly to the cytosol and sperm cells. These results were discussed considering possible complementary roles of FAB1B and FAB1D.
A Comparison of Fentanyl and Flurbiprofen Axetil on Serum VEGF‐C, TNF‐α, and IL‐1ß Concentrations in Women Undergoing Surgery for Breast Cancer
Authors: Wen Yiyun , Wang Mingde , Yang Jinfeng , Wang Yichun , Sun Huiping , Zhao Jianghong , Liu Weizhen , Zhou Zhengyu , Deng Hongwu , Castillo‐Pedraza Catalina , Zhang Yi , Candiotti Keith A.
Published: May 2014

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor‐C (VEGF‐C), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1ß(IL‐1ß) have been shown to be associated with the recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer after surgery. This study tested the hypothesis that patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer, who received postoperative analgesia with flurbiprofen axetil combined with small doses of fentanyl (FA), exhibited reduced levels of VEGF‐C, TNF‐α, and IL‐1ß compared with those patients receiving fentanyl alone (F).

Method

Forty‐women with primary breast cancer undergoing a modified radical mastectomy were randomized to receive postoperative analgesia with flurbiprofen axetil combined with fentanyl or fentanyl alone. Venous blood was sampled before anesthesia, at the end of surgery, and at 48 hours after surgery, and the serum was analyzed. The primary endpoint was changes in the VEGF‐C concentrations in serum.

Results

Group FA patients reported similar analgesic effects as group F patients at 2, 24, and 48 hours. At 48 hours, mean postoperative concentrations of VEGF‐C in group F patients were higher than in group FA patients, 730.9 versus. 354.1 pg/mL (P = 0.003), respectively. The mean postoperative concentrations of TNF‐α in group F patients were also higher compared with group FA patients 27.1 vs. 15.8 pg/mL (P = 0.005). Finally, the mean postoperative concentrations of IL‐1ß in group F were also significantly higher than in group FA 497.5 vs. 197.7 pg/mL (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing a mastectomy, postoperative analgesia with flurbiprofen axetil, combined with fentanyl, were associated with decreases in serum concentrations of VEGF‐C, TNF‐α, and IL‐1ß compared with patients receiving doses of only fentanyl.
Genetic and phenotypic characterization of Botrytis calthae
Authors: Plesken C. , Westrich L.‐D. , Hahn M.
Published: May 2014

Botrytis calthae is a necrotrophic plant pathogen, closely related to the ubiquitous broad host range fungus Botrytis cinerea, but highly host specific. Botrytis isolates from lesions of Caltha palustris grown at different locations were classified with genetic markers as either B. calthae or Botrytis pseudocinerea, or less frequently as B. cinerea. A PCR‐based identification of B. calthae was developed. Seven haplotypes of B. calthae could be distinguished. Compared to B. cinerea, mycelium growth of B. calthae was similar, but conidiation less abundant, and sclerotia formation was only partially repressed by light. Conidia of B. calthae germinated more slowly, and showed a highly acidic optimum (pH 2·5) compared to B. cinerea conidia (pH 5·3). All B. calthae isolates were sensitive to common anti‐Botrytis fungicides, but showed partial resistance to the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors boscalid, fluopyram and carboxin. Infection experiments revealed a weak capability of B. calthae to induce necrotic lesions on plants that are hosts for B. cinerea. On C. palustris leaves, B. calthae induced similar lesions to B. cinerea. These data provide a basis for comparative molecular investigation of the physiology and host specificity of B. calthae and closely related Botrytis species.
Aligning mouse models of asthma to human endotypes of disease
Authors: Martin Rebecca A. , Hodgkins Samantha R. , Dixon Anne E. , Poynter Matthew E.
Published: May 2014

Substantial gains in understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying asthma have been made using preclinical mouse models. However, because asthma is a complex, heterogeneous syndrome that is rarely due to a single allergen and that often presents in the absence of atopy, few of the promising therapeutics that demonstrated effectiveness in mouse models have translated into new treatments for patients. This has resulted in an urgent need to characterize T helper (Th)2‐low, non‐eosinophilic subsets of asthma, to study models that are resistant to conventional treatments such as corticosteroids and to develop therapies targeting patients with severe disease. Classifying asthma based on underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms, known as endotyping, offers a stratified approach for the development of new therapies for asthma. In preclinical research, new models of asthma are being utilized that more closely resemble the clinical features of different asthma endotypes, including the presence of interleukin‐17 and aTh17response, a biomarker of severe disease. These models utilize more physiologically relevant sensitizing agents, exacerbating factors and allergens, as well as incorporate time points that better reflect the natural history and chronicity of clinical asthma. Importantly, some models better represent non‐classical asthma endotypes that facilitate the study of non‐Th2‐driven pathology and resemble the complex nature of clinical asthma, including corticosteroid resistance. Placing mouse asthma models into the context of human asthma endotypes will afford a more relevant approach to the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of disease that will afford the development of new therapies for those asthmatics that remain difficult to treat.
Grief and Attitudes Toward Suicide in Peers Affected by a Cluster of Suicides as Adolescents
Authors: Abbott Caroline H. , Zakriski Audrey L.
Published: May 2014

Eighty‐five young adults exposed to a cluster of peer suicides as adolescents completed measures of attitudes toward suicide, grief, and social support. Closeness to the peers lost to suicide was positively correlated with grief and the belief that suicide is not preventable, with grief further elevated in close individuals with high social support from friends. Overall, social support was related to healthy attitudes about suicide including preventability, yet it was also related to some stigmatizing beliefs. Compared with 67 young adults who had not been exposed to a suicide cluster, the exposed sample was more likely to think that suicide is normal but more likely to think of it as incomprehensible.
Global assessment of exposure to faecal contamination through drinking water based on a systematic review
Authors: Bain Robert , Cronk Ryan , Hossain Rifat , Bonjour Sophie , Onda Kyle , Wright Jim , Yang Hong , Slaymaker Tom , Hunter Paul , Prüss‐Ustün Annette , Bartram Jamie
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To estimate exposure to faecal contamination through drinking water as indicated by levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) or thermotolerant coliform (TTC) in water sources.

Methods

We estimated coverage of different types of drinking water source based on household surveys and censuses using multilevel modelling. Coverage data were combined with water quality studies that assessed E. coli or TTC including those identified by a systematic review (n = 345). Predictive models for the presence and level of contamination of drinking water sources were developed using random effects logistic regression and selected covariates. We assessed sensitivity of estimated exposure to study quality, indicator bacteria and separately considered nationally randomised surveys.

Results

We estimate that 1.8 billion people globally use a source of drinking water which suffers from faecal contamination, of these 1.1 billion drink water that is of at least ‘moderate’ risk (>10 E. coli or TTC per 100 ml). Data from nationally randomised studies suggest that 10% of improved sources may be ‘high’ risk, containing at least 100 E. coli or TTC per 100 ml. Drinking water is found to be more often contaminated in rural areas (41%, CI: 31%–51%) than in urban areas (12%, CI: 8–18%), and contamination is most prevalent in Africa (53%, CI: 42%–63%) and South‐East Asia (35%, CI: 24%–45%). Estimates were not sensitive to the exclusion of low quality studies or restriction to studies reporting E. coli.

Conclusions

Microbial contamination is widespread and affects all water source types, including piped supplies. Global burden of disease estimates may have substantially understated the disease burden associated with inadequate water services.
Hygroscopic salts support the stomatal penetration of glyphosate and influence its biological efficacy
Authors: Basi Sabin , Burkhardt Juergen , Noga Georg , Hunsche Mauricio
Published: May 2014

The objective of this study was to better understand the role of chaotropic and kosmotropic salts in stomatal uptake, a process that occurs in parallel with cuticular penetration and affects the bioefficacy of glyphosate. In Trial 1, salt solutions of kosmotropic (NH4)2SO4 and chaotropic NaClO3, with or without the organosilicone surfactant, Break‐Thru® S233 (BT), and with or without glyphosate, were prepared. In Trial 2, sodium salts with a kosmotropic‐to‐chaotropic nature (Na2SO4, NaCl, NaNO3 or NaClO3) and BT were prepared with or without glyphosate. At very high concentrations, the salts of a kosmotropic nature induced a slight decrease in the surface tension, whereas those of a chaotropic nature triggered a significant decrease in the surface tension. Solution droplets were deposited onto the leaves of Viola arvensis and Chenopodium album. The dried deposits were analyzed with an environmental scanning electron microscope. The salts formed structures linking the exterior to the interior of the stomata in the crystalline ([NH4]2SO4) or amorphous (NaClO3) form. However, the low surface tension alone did not appear to be the unique driving force for stomatal uptake. With glyphosate, amorphous globular structures of glyphosate salt were formed in the Na2SO4 (kosmotropic) solution. Differently, the salts of a rather chaotropic nature (NaNO3 or NaClO3) formed a colloidal matrix. In general, salt residues were observed over the periclinal cell walls and inside the stomatal chamber. Neither (NH4)2SO4 nor Na2SO4 had a significant impact on glyphosate bioefficacy. However, the chaotropic salt, NaNO3, enhanced the bioefficacy of glyphosate the most, with a performance that was comparable to that of the solution glyphosate + organosilicone surfactant.
Advances in the healing of flexor tendon injuries
Authors: Sammer Douglas M. , Chung Kevin C.
Published: May 2014

The intrasynovial flexor tendons of the hand are critical for normal hand function. Injury to these tendons can result in absent finger flexion, and a subsequent loss of overall hand function. The surgical techniques used to repair these tendons have improved in the past few decades, as have the postoperative rehabilitation protocols. In spite of these advances, intrasynovial flexor tendon repairs continue to be plagued by postoperative scar formation, which limits tendon gliding and prevents a full functional recovery. This paper describes the current challenges of flexor tendon repair, and evaluates the most recent advances and strategies for achieving an excellent functional outcome.
Rhesus monkeys and baboons develop clotting factor VIII inhibitors in response to porcine endothelial cells or islets
Authors: Stewart John M. , Tarantal Alice F. , Hawthorne Wayne J. , Salvaris Evelyn J. , O'Connell Philip J. , Nottle Mark B. , d'Apice Anthony J. F. , Cowan Peter J. , Kearns‐Jonker Mary
Published: May 2014

Background

Xenotransplantation of porcine organs holds promise of solving the human organ donor shortage. The use of α‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase knockout (GTKO) pig donors mitigates hyperacute rejection, while delayed rejection is currently precipitated by potent immune and hemostatic complications. Previous analysis by our laboratory suggests that clotting factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors might be elicited by the structurally restricted xenoantibody response which occurs after transplantation of either pig GTKO/hCD55/hCD59/hHT transgenic neonatal islet cell clusters or GTKO endothelial cells.

Methods

A recombinant xenoantibody was generated using sequences from baboons demonstrating an active xenoantibody response at day 28 after GTKO/hCD55/hCD59/hHT transgenic pig neonatal islet cell cluster transplantation. Rhesus monkeys were immunized with GTKO pig endothelial cells to stimulate an anti‐non‐Gal xenoantibody response. Serum was collected at days 0 and 7 after immunization. A two‐stage chromogenic assay was used to measure FVIII cofactor activity and identify antibodies which inhibit FVIII function. Molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations were used to predict antibody structure and the residues which contribute to antibody‐FVIII interactions. Competition ELISA was used to verify predictions at the domain structural level.

Results

Antibodies that inhibit recombinant human FVIII function are elicited after non‐human primates are transplanted with either GTKO pig neonatal islet cell clusters or endothelial cells. There is an apparent increase in inhibitor titer by 15 Bethesda units (Bu) after transplant, where an increase greater than 5 Bu can indicate pathology in humans. Furthermore, competition ELISA verifies the computer modeled prediction that the recombinant xenoantibody, H66K12, binds the C1 domain of FVIII.

Conclusions

The development of FVIII inhibitors is a novel illustration of the potential impact the humoral immune response can have on coagulative dysfunction in xenotransplantation. However, the contribution of these antibodies to rejection pathology requires further evaluation because “normal” coagulation parameters after successful xenotransplantation are not fully understood.
Recombinant human antithrombin prevents xenogenic activation of hemostasis in a model of pig‐to‐human kidney transplantation
Authors: Ramackers Wolf , Friedrich Lars , Klose Johannes , Vondran Florian , Bergmann Sabine , Schüttler Wolfgang , Johanning Kai , Werwitzke Sonja , Trummer Arne , Bröcker Verena , Klempnauer Jürgen , Winkler Michael , Tiede Andreas
Published: May 2014

Background

Xenogenic activation of hemostasis (XAH) represents a major hurdle for the transplantation of discordant animal organs into humans as it results in thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). We have previously shown that recombinant human‐activated protein C (rhAPC) mitigates XAH and TMA in an ex vivo model of pig‐to‐human kidney transplantation. However, the use of rhAPC may not be feasible in a perioperative setting due to possible bleeding complications.

Methods

Here, we explored the effects of another natural inhibitor of coagulation, human recombinant antithrombin (rhAT), in comparison with rhAPC. Unmodified porcine kidneys (n = 25) were perfused ex vivo with porcine blood, human blood, or human blood supplemented with rhAPC or rhAT. Surrogate parameters of organ survival, markers of XAH (D‐ Dimer, thrombin‐antithrombin complex [TAT], fibrinogen, antithrombin activity, plasminogen), endothelial cell and platelet activation (E‐selectin, P‐selectin), platelet function tests and histological signs of TMA were evaluated.

Results

Perfusion was feasible for > 240 min in all experiments with autologous porcine blood, but limited to 126 ± 78 min with human blood due to increased vascular resistance. Addition of rhAT protected from TMA and allowed for perfusion times > 240 min. In addition, there were less signs of XAH with reduced release of P‐selectin and overexpression of E‐selectin, whereas the progressive loss of platelet function, observed during discordant perfusion, was prevented. The effect of rhAT was dose‐dependent with maximum protection obtained at 3 IU/ml.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in this ex vivo model of discordant xenotransplantation, rhAT reduced XAH and prevented TMA in doses that appear feasible for use in clinical or preclinical transplantation settings.
Research of the Vehicle Load Control System Integration Device
Authors: Li Jun , Su Yanzhao , Xie Jinli , Xu Yangjiao , Ji Lei
Published: May 2014

With the gradual development of economy, the scale of transportation industry continues to expand. The problem of overload or overrun in the vehicle transport has emerged. Therefore, how simply and conveniently to know the vehicle load and how to effectively limit overload has become a key issue. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of vehicle load control system from the above problems. Through the pressure sensors installed in the vehicle suspension, the single-chip microprocessor receives the information transmitted by the pressure sensors, and calculates the total weight of the vehicle load; if overweight, the single-chip microprocessor will send commands to the ignition system, to stop the ignition system working. Its purpose is to improve vehicle safety and effectively reduce heavy workload of the vehicle detection station to improve their work efficiency.
Bipolar fresh osteochondral allograft of the shoulder
Authors: Giannini Sandro , Sebastiani Elisa , Shehu Alba , Baldassarri Matteo , Maraldi Susanna , Vannini Francesca
Published: May 2014

Purpose: to describe an original technique and preliminary results of bipolar fresh osteochondral allograft implantation for the treatment of end-stage glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

Methods: three patients underwent bipolar fresh osteochondral allograft implantation to the shoulder. Clinical and radiographical evaluations were carried out periodically through to final follow-up.

Results: constant Score increased from 38.3 ± 2.9 preoperatively to 78.7 ± 16.2 at 12 months, 72.3 ±15.3 at 24 months, and 59.3 ± 22.0 at 34 months. Arthritis and partial reabsorption of the implanted surfaces were evident radiographically.

Conclusions: the clinical results obtained in these patients seem to support the applicability of bipolar fresh osteochondral allograft implantation in the shoulder in subjects with severe post-traumatic arthritis and intact rotator cuff. The development of arthritis of the implanted surfaces, while not impacting the clinical result, is a cause of concern.

Level of Evidence: level IV, therapeutic case series.