bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pepper RNA‐binding protein CaRBP1 functions in hypersensitive cell death and defense signaling in the cytoplasm
Authors: Lee Dong Hyuk , Kim Dae Sung , Hwang Byung Kook
Published: May 2012

The regulation of gene expression via post‐transcriptional modification by RNA‐binding proteins is crucial for plant disease and innate immunity. Here, we report the identification of the pepper (Capsicum annuum) RNA‐binding protein1 gene (CaRBP1) as essential for hypersensitive cell death and defense signaling in the cytoplasm. CaRBP1 contains an RNA recognition motif and is rapidly and strongly induced in pepper by avirulent Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) infection. CaRBP1 displays in vitro RNA‐ and DNA‐binding activity and in planta nucleocytoplasmic localization. Transient expression of CaRBP1 in pepper leaves triggers cell‐death and defense responses. Notably, cytoplasmic localization of CaRBP1, mediated by the N‐terminal region of CaRBP1, is essential for the hypersensitive cell‐death response. Silencing of CaRBP1 in pepper plants significantly enhances susceptibility to avirulent Xcv infection. This is accompanied by compromised hypersensitive cell death, production of reactive oxygen species in oxidative bursts, expression of defense marker genes and accumulation of endogenous salicylic acid and jasmonic acid. Over‐expression of CaRBP1 in Arabidopsis confers reduced susceptibility to infection by the biotrophic oomycete Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. Together, these results suggest that cytoplasmic localization of CaRBP1 is required for plant signaling of hypersensitive cell‐death and defense responses.
Identification of cis‐elements conferring high levels of gene expression in non‐green plastids
Authors: Zhang Jiang , Ruf Stephanie , Hasse Claudia , Childs Liam , Scharff Lars B. , Bock Ralph
Published: May 2012

Although our knowledge about the mechanisms of gene expression in chloroplasts has increased substantially over the past decades, next to nothing is known about the signals and factors that govern expression of the plastid genome in non‐green tissues. Here we report the development of a quantitative method suitable for determining the activity of cis‐acting elements for gene expression in non‐green plastids. The in vivo assay is based on stable transformation of the plastid genome and the discovery that root length upon seedling growth in the presence of the plastid translational inhibitor kanamycin is directly proportional to the expression strength of the resistance gene nptII in transgenic tobacco plastids. By testing various combinations of promoters and translation initiation signals, we have used this experimental system to identify cis‐elements that are highly active in non‐green plastids. Surprisingly, heterologous expression elements from maize plastids were significantly more efficient in conferring high expression levels in root plastids than homologous expression elements from tobacco. Our work has established a quantitative method for characterization of gene expression in non‐green plastid types, and has led to identification of cis‐elements for efficient plastid transgene expression in non‐green tissues, which are valuable tools for future transplastomic studies in basic and applied research.
The Arabidopsis DCP2 gene is required for proper mRNA turnover and prevents transgene silencing in Arabidopsis
Authors: Thran Moritz , Link Katrin , Sonnewald Uwe
Published: May 2012

Post‐transcriptional gene silencing often limits the over‐expression of transgenes in transgenic plants. It involves RNA‐DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE 6 (RDR6), which recognizes aberrant transcripts, such as inaccurately processed or uncapped mRNA, and triggers silencing of target transcripts. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of an Arabidopsis mutant displaying increased transgene silencing (its1). Reduced accumulation of transgene mRNA in the its1 mutant background was accompanied by accumulation of transgene‐specific siRNAs and was overcome by potyvirus infection. We therefore speculated that ITS1 is a suppressor of post‐transcriptional gene silencing. Map‐based cloning and subsequent complementation revealed that ITS1 encodes DECAPPING 2 (DCP2), which is crucial for decapping, a prerequisite for mRNA degradation. In agreement with the proposed function of DCP2, we found a reduced accumulation of uncapped mRNA in the its1 mutant. Furthermore, silencing in the its1 mutant was dependent on RDR6 function, suggesting that reduced decapping leads to accumulation of aberrant capped mRNA. Hence, we provide evidence for a class of aberrant mRNA that accumulates upon impaired mRNA decapping and triggers post‐transcriptional gene silencing in Arabidopsis. As DCP2 knockouts cause post‐embryo lethality, we isolated a hypomorphic dcp2 allele, providing insights into mRNA degradation and its interplay with post‐transcriptional gene silencing.
Blood donor haemovigilance in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Nchinda E. C. , Tagny C. T. , Mbanya D.
Published: May 2012

Background: Blood availability is an issue of concern in countries of sub‐Saharan Africa where both the demand and discard rates of blood are high. Although some degree of attention is paid when transfusion reactions occur in recipients, no information is available on donor reactions in this setting.

Objectives: This study was carried out in order to obtain some data on adverse reactions (ARs) to blood donations. It would make it possible to monitor and improve the safety of the donation procedure, which constitutes a strategy towards increasing donor supply by encouraging first‐time donors to return in the absence of any negative outcomes of donation.

Methods: A hospital blood bank‐based descriptive and prospective study was carried out to document ARs among 1034 blood donors from September 2010 to January 2011. A pre‐structured data collection tool was used to record the signs and symptoms observed.

Results: The ARs occurred at a rate of 2·8%. The most frequent reaction was hypotension which constituted 26·62% of all ARs. Haematomas represented 18·42% while weakness and dizziness were each noted in 13·16% of donors. There was no severe vasovagal reaction. Associated factors to vasovagal reactions were first‐time donor status (P = 0·004), female sex (P = 0·01) and low body weight (P = 0·02).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that blood donation is a relatively safe procedure in our context. The frequency is higher than studies from developed countries. The association of AR with first‐time blood donation needs to be verified in a larger study. However, it could suggest another benefit of regular blood donation.
A novel HLA‐A allele detected by sequence‐based typing: A*11:01:18
Authors: Wang D. , Xu Y. , Zou H. , Deng Z.
Published: May 2012

HLA‐A*11:01:18 shows one nucleotide difference at genomic nt 331 G>A (codon 43 CAG>CAA) in exon 2.
‘Y’Scenedesmus (Chlorophyta, Chlorophyceae): the internal transcribed spacer 2 rRNA secondary structure re‐revisited
Authors: Markert S. M. , Müller T. , Koetschan C. , Friedl T. , Wolf M.
Published: May 2012

Including RNA secondary structures improves accuracy and robustness in reconstruction of phylogenetic trees. It is possible to simultaneously infer alignments and phylogenies on the primary sequence and the secondary structure information. For the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), a phylogenetic RNA transcript marker, two different structure conformations (I or Y shape for helix I) were published for Scenedesmaceae, and a third appeared in the ITS2 database. We contrast the effects on phylogenetic tree reconstruction of different structure sets for a small scenedesmacean subset, using neighbour‐joining, maximum parsimony and, for the first time, maximum likelihood, on sequence‐structure alignments. Generally our study supports inclusion of secondary structure information. However, we found that any of the three structure conformations is equally fit for phylogenetic studies, but prefer the I shape for helix I. Moreover, our results enable us to give general recommendations on how to build a phylogenetic tree using ITS2 sequence–structure alignments, including different methods to obtain the secondary structures. Thus, we hope to provide a valuable contribution not only for scenedesmacean ITS2 phylogeny, but also for other approaches using RNA transcript markers.
Cell division and endoreduplication play important roles in stem swelling of tuber mustard (Brassica juncea Coss. var. tumida Tsen et Lee)
Authors: Shi H. , Wang L. L. , Sun L.T. , Dong L. L. , Liu B. , Chen L. P.
Published: May 2012

We investigated spatio‐temporal variations in cell division and the occurrence of endoreduplication in cells of tuber mustard stems during development. Cells in the stem had 8C nuclei (C represents DNA content of a two haploid genome), since it is an allotetraploid species derived from diploid Brassica rapa (AA) and B. nigra (BB), thus indicating the occurrence of endoreduplication. Additionally, we observed a dynamic change of cell ploidy in different regions of the swollen stems, with a decrease in 4C proportion in P4‐1 and a sharp increase in 8C cells that became the dominant cell type (86.33% at most) in the inner pith cells. Furthermore, cDNAs of 14 cell cycle genes and four cell expansion genes were cloned and their spatial transcripts analysed in order to understand their roles in stem development. The expression of most cell cycle genes peaked in regions of the outer pith (P2 or P3), some genes regulating S/G2 and G2/M (BjCDKB1;2, BjCYCB1;1 and BjCYCB1;2) significantly decrease in P5 and P6, while G1/S regulators (BjE2Fa, BjE2Fb and BjE2Fc) showed a relative high expression level in the inner pith (P5) where cells were undergoing endoreduplication. Coincidentally, BjXTH1and BjXTH2 were exclusively expressed in the endoreduplicated cells. Our results suggest that cells of outer pith regions (P2 and P3) mainly divide for cell proliferation, while cells of the inner pith expand through endoreduplication. Endoreduplication could trigger expression of BjXTH1 and BjXTH2 and thus function in cell expansion of the pith tissue.
Functional expression and characterisation of membrane transport proteins
Authors: Haferkamp I. , Linka N.
Published: May 2012

Membrane transporters set the framework organising the complexity of plant metabolism in cells, tissues and organisms. Their substrate specificity and controlled activity in different cells is a crucial part for plant metabolism to run pathways in concert. Transport proteins catalyse the uptake and exchange of ions, substrates, intermediates, products and cofactors across membranes. Given the large number of metabolites, a wide spectrum of transporters is required. The vast majority of in silico annotated membrane transporters in plant genomes, however, has not yet been functionally characterised. Hence, to understand the metabolic network as a whole, it is important to understand how transporters connect and control the metabolic pathways of plant cells. Heterologous expression and in vitro activity studies of recombinant transport proteins have highly improved their functional analysis in the last two decades. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in membrane protein expression and functional characterisation using various host systems and transport assays.
Host responses in Norway spruce roots induced to the pathogen Ceratocystis polonica are evaded or suppressed by the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor
Authors: Nagy N. E. , Fossdal C. G.
Published: May 2012

The outcome of a compatible mycorrhizal interaction is different from that in a compatible plant–pathogen interaction; however, it is not clear what mechanisms are used to evade or suppress the host defence. The aim of this work is to reveal differences between the interaction of Norway spruce roots to the pathogen Ceratocystis polonica and the ectomycorrhizal Laccaria bicolor, examine if L. bicolor is able to evade inducing host defence responses typically induced by pathogens, and test if prior inoculation with the ectomycorrhizal fungus affects the outcome of a later challenge with the pathogen. The pathogen was able to invade the roots and caused extensive necrosis, leading to seedling death, with or without prior inoculation with L. bicolor. The ectomycorrhizal L. bicolor colonised primary roots of the Norway spruce seedlings by partly covering, displacing and convoluting the cells of the outer root cortex, leaving the seedlings healthy. We detected increased total peroxidase activity, and staining indicating increased lignification in roots as a response to C. polonica. In L. bicolor inoculated roots there was no increase in total peroxidase activity, but an additional highly acidic peroxidase isoform appeared that was not present in healthy roots, or in roots invaded by the pathogen. Increased protease activity was detected in roots colonised by C. polonica, but little protease activity was detected in L. bicolor inoculated roots. These results suggest that the pathogen efficiently invades the roots despite the induced host defence responses, while L. bicolor suppresses or evades inducing such host responses in this experimental system.
A new overtraining protocol for mice based on downhill running sessions
Authors: Pereira Bruno C , Filho Luís AL , Alves Guilherme F , Pauli José R , Ropelle Eduardo R , Souza Claudio T , Cintra Dennys E , Saad Mario JA , Silva Adelino SR
Published: May 2012

The purpose of the present study was to verify whether a downhill running protocol was able to induce non‐functional overreaching in > 75% of mice.

Mice were divided into control (C), trained (TR) and overtrained (OTR) groups. Bodyweight and food intake were recorded weekly. The incremental load test (ILT) and the exhaustive test (ET) were used to measure performance before and after aerobic training and overtraining protocols.

Although the bodyweight of the OTR group was lower than that of the C group at the end of Week 7, the food intake of the OTR group was higher than that of the C and TR groups at the end of Week 8. Evaluation of results from the ILT and ET revealed significant intra‐ and inter‐group differences: whereas the parameters measured by both tests increased significantly in the TR group, they were significantly decreased in the OTR group.

In conclusion, this new overtraining protocol based on downhill running sessions induced non‐functional overreaching in 100% of mice.
High‐resolution lithostratigraphy and organic carbon isotope stratigraphy of the Lower Triassic pelagic sequence in central Japan
Authors: SAKUMA HIRONOBU , TADA RYUJI , IKEDA MASAYUKI , KASHIYAMA YUICHIRO , OHKOUCHI NAOHIKO , OGAWA NANAKO O. , WATANABE SATOKO , TAJIKA EIICHI , YAMAMOTO SHINJI
Published: May 2012

After the severest mass extinction event in the Phanerozoic, biotic recovery from the extinction at the Permian–Triassic boundary required approximately 5 my, which covers the entire Early Triassic. It is important to obtain information on the superocean Panthalassa, which occupied most of the world ocean, to explore paleoenvironmental changes during the Early Triassic at the global scale. In order to establish the continuous lithostratigraphy of pelagic sediments in Panthalassa during the Early Triassic, high‐resolution reconstruction of the Lower Triassic pelagic sequence in Japan was conducted for the first time based on detailed field mapping and lithostratigraphic correlation in the Inuyama area, central Japan. The reconstructed Early Triassic sequence is approximately 9.5 m thick, consists of five rock types, and is divided into eight lithological units. For the reconstructed continuous sequence, measurement of carbon isotopic composition of sedimentary organic matter (δ13Corg) was carried out. Stratigraphic variation of the δ13Corg value shows large‐amplitude fluctuations between −34.4 and −21.0‰ throughout the sequence. In order to establish a higher resolution age model for the reconstructed Lower Triassic pelagic sequence, we correlated δ13Corg records in the Inuyama area with high‐resolution isotopic profiles of carbonate carbon (δ13Ccarb) from shallow‐marine carbonate sequences in southern China based on the similarity in general variation patterns with age constraints by radiolarian and conodont biostratigraphy. The result provides a high‐resolution time scale for the pelagic sequence of Panthalassa during the Smithian and Spathian. The age model suggests a drastic increase in sedimentation rate during the late Smithian, which should have been caused by the increase in terrigenous input to this site.
Lateral variations in the lithology and organic chemistry of a black shale sequence on the Mesoarchean seafloor affected by hydrothermal processes: The Dixon Island Formation of the coastal Pilbara Terrane, Western Australia
Authors: KIYOKAWA SHOICHI , ITO TAKASHI , IKEHARA MINORU , YAMAGUCHI KOSEI E. , KOGE SHOICHIRO , SAKAMOTO RYO
Published: May 2012

The Dixon Island Formation of the coastal Pilbara Terrane, Western Australia is a 3.2 Ga volcanic–sedimentary sequence influenced by syndepositional hydrothermal activity formed in an island‐arc setting. We documented lateral variations in stratigraphy, hydrothermal alteration, and biological activity recorded in the sedimentary rocks (over several kilometers), with the aim of identifying areas of biological activity and related small‐scale structures. The Dixon Island Formation comprises volcaniclastics, black chert, and iron‐rich chert within seven tectonic blocks. Based on detailed geological mapping, stratigraphic columns, carbon isotope composition, and organic carbon (Corg) content, we found lateral (>5 km) variations in stratigraphy and carbon isotope compositions in a black chert sequence above the Mesoarchean seafloor with hydrothermal activity. Two felsic tuff layers are used as stratigraphic marker beds within a black chert sequence, which was deposited on altered volcanic rocks. The black chert sequence in each tectonic block is 10–20 m thick. Thickness variations reflect topographical undulations in the paleo‐ocean floor due to faulting. Early‐stage normal faults indicate extensional conditions after hydrothermal activity. Black chert beds in the topographically subsided area contain higher Corg contents (about 0.4 wt%) than in areas around the depression (<0.1 wt%). Carbon isotope compositions for the black chert vary from −40 to −25‰, which are similar to values obtained for a black chert vein within the komatiite–rhyolite tuff sequence (underlying the black chert sequence). Those for other rock types in the Dixon Island Formation are −33 to −15‰. Results indicate that deformation occurred soon after the final stages of hydrothermal activity. After this early‐stage deformation, organic‐rich sediments were deposited over an area several kilometers across. The organic‐rich sediments indicate stagnant anoxic conditions that resulted in the deposition of siliceous and organic matter from hydrothermal vein systems. When hydrothermal activity terminated, normal faulting occurred and organic matter was deposited from the sea surface and silica from the seafloor.
Detection of kinase amplifications in gastric cancer archives using fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Kiyose Shin‐ichiro , Nagura Kiyoko , Tao Hong , Igarashi Hisaki , Yamada Hidetaka , Goto Masanori , Maeda Matsuyoshi , Kurabe Nobuya , Suzuki Masaya , Tsuboi Masaru , Kahyo Tomoaki , Shinmura Kazuya , Hattori Naohiko , Sugimura Haruhiko
Published: May 2012

To test the feasibility of using bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC) containing kinases for pathological diagnosis using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), 10 BAC probes containing a gene amplified in 5% or more of a pilot cohort were selected from a previous survey using arbitrarily selected BAC clones harboring 100 kinases. In this report, we describe the prevalence and association with the clinico‐pathological profile of these selected 10 BAC probes in 365 gastric cancer tissues. FISH analyses using these 10 BAC probes containing loci encoding EGFR, ERBB2(HER2), EPHB3, PIK3CA, MET, PTK7, ACK1, STK15, SRC, and HCK showed detectable amplifications in paraffin‐embedded tissue in 2.83% to 13.6% of the gastric cancer tissues. Considerable numbers of the cases showed the co‐amplification of two or more of the probes that were tested. BAC probes located within a genome neighborhood, such as PIK3CA, EPHB3, and ACK1 at 3q26‐29 or HCK, SRC, and STK15 at 20q11‐13.1, were often co‐amplified in the same cases, but non‐random co‐amplifications of genes at distant genomic loci were also observed. These findings provide basic information regarding the creation of a strategy for personalizing gastric cancer therapy, especially when using multiple kinase inhibitors.
Esterases and glutathione S‐transferases contribute to pyrethroid resistance in western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis
Authors: Thalavaisundaram Swaminathan , Wilkes Meredith A , Mansfield Sarah , Rose Harley A , Herron Grant A
Published: May 2012

Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentali s (Pergande), has developed a high level of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Australia. Biochemical examination of those pyrethroid‐resistant populations shows esterase activity 2.0‐ to 6.5‐fold higher in six of the seven resistant field populations compared with the susceptible population. This increase in esterase activity in the resistant populations was further supported by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and inhibition studies with the organophosphate insecticide profenofos. The polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed differences in the banding pattern and intensity of the esterase isozymes between the pyrethroid‐resistant and susceptible F. occidentalis populations. Glutathione S‐transferase activity was significantly higher (up to 1.7‐fold) in five of the seven resistant field populations when compared with the susceptible populations. Esterases appear to be an important mechanism that contributes to pyrethroid resistance. Glutathione S‐transferases may also play a role in pyrethroid resistance in Australian F. occidentalis populations.
Rate, associated factors and outcomes of recurrence of Kawasaki disease in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Chahal Nita , Somji Zeeshanefatema , Manlhiot Cedric , Clarizia Nadia A. , Ashley Justin , Yeung Rae S. M. , McCrindle Brian W.
Published: May 2012

Background:  Previous studies on recurrence of Kawasaki disease (KD) have mostly been limited to Japan, which has an incidence of KD 8–10‐fold higher than North America. The aim of the present study was to determine the rate of KD recurrence for patients in Ontario, to identify factors potentially associated with increased odds of recurrence, and to compare the clinical course and outcomes of index and recurrent KD episodes.

Methods:  Review was undertaken of all patients with recurrence of KD identified in Ontario, Canada, from 1995 to 2006. All patients with recurrence of KD (defined as at least three clinical signs of KD in addition to fever ≥5 days), presenting ≥14 days after the return to baseline from the index episode were included.

Results:  A total of 1010 patients were followed for 5786 patient‐years. During this period a total of 17 recurrent episodes in 16 patients were identified at a median of 1.5 years after the initial episode (2 weeks–5 years). Rate of recurrence of KD was 2.9 episodes/1000 patient‐years, which is higher than the expected annual incidence of KD in the same age group (26.2/100 000 per year). No factors associated with increased risk of recurrence were identified, perhaps due to the small number of events. Clinical course and outcomes of the index and recurrent KD episodes were similar.

Conclusions:  A previous history of KD should increase the index of suspicion for future episodes of KD to allow for rapid recognition, treatment and to achieve optimal outcomes.
Prevalence and risk factors of excess weight in school children in West Greece
Authors: Jelastopulu Eleni , Kallianezos Panagiotis , Merekoulias Georgios , Alexopoulos Evangelos C. , Sapountzi‐Krepia Despina
Published: May 2012

The present study estimated the prevalence of childhood obesity and identified risk factors in 10–13 year old children. A cross‐sectional study was conducted, including 200 children and their parents, in seven randomly‐selected primary schools across Patras, Greece. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured, and self‐reported information was collected via face‐to‐face interviews. Body mass index was calculated for the children and their parents. The effect of risk factors on overweight and obesity was analyzed using regression analysis. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 32% and 10.5%, respectively. The odds of being overweight/obese increased in children whose parents had a lower educational level and/or higher body mass index. Fewer daily meals and more time spent in front of the television and/or on the computer were significantly associated with obesity in 10–13 year old children. The prevalence of excess weight in primary school children in Patras is of concern, especially for boys. Children's nutritional habits, leisure activities, and parental characteristics influence their somatometric characteristics. These findings highlight the need for future weight loss interventions targeted at this population.
Culture and listeners’ gaze responses to stuttering
Authors: Zhang Jianliang , Kalinowski Joseph
Published: May 2012

Abstract  Background: It is frequently observed that listeners demonstrate gaze aversion to stuttering. This response may have profound social/communicative implications for both fluent and stuttering individuals. However, there is a lack of empirical examination of listeners’ eye gaze responses to stuttering, and it is unclear whether cultural background plays a role in regulating listeners’ eye gaze response to stuttering.

Aim: To examine listeners’ eye gaze responses to stuttering speech relative to fluent speech in three cultural groups.

Methods & Procedures: Eighteen African‐American, 18 European‐American and 18 Chinese adults were audiovisually presented with three stuttering and three fluent speech samples, when an eye‐tracking device simultaneously recorded their gaze behaviours. The targets of listeners’ eye gaze included four regions of interest (ROIs) on the speaker's face: eyes, nose, mouth and outside (i.e., everything else). Listeners’ per cent of gaze time, gaze fixation count and average duration of gaze fixation were analysed with repeated‐measures ANOVAs regarding each ROI as functions of the speaker's fluency status and listeners’ cultural background.

Outcomes & Results: When observing stuttering speech, listeners tended to reduce gaze fixation duration on the speaker's eyes and increase their gaze time on the mouth. However, different from the two American groups, the Chinese group reduced their gaze time on the speaker's mouth. In addition, the Chinese participants’ gaze behaviours were more focused on the ROI of outside, whereas the two American groups showed a similar focus on the ROIs of eyes and mouth.

Conclusions & Implications: All groups of listeners responded to stuttering with gaze aversions mainly contributed to by a reduction in gaze fixation duration rather than gaze fixation number. This pattern of gaze aversion suggests that stuttering oppresses listeners with an emotional and/or cognitive overload. Attention shift and compensation strategies for speech signal degradation may also account for listeners’ gaze responses to stuttering. Cultural differences in eye gaze responses to stuttering were observed mainly between Chinese and American listeners.
Measuring word complexity in speech screening: single‐word sampling to identify phonological delay/disorder in preschool children
Authors: Anderson Carolyn , Cohen Wendy
Published: May 2012

Background: Children's speech sound development is assessed by comparing speech production with the typical development of speech sounds based on a child's age and developmental profile. One widely used method of sampling is to elicit a single‐word sample along with connected speech. Words produced spontaneously rather than imitated may give a more accurate indication of a child's speech development. A published word complexity measure can be used to score later‐developing speech sounds and more complex word patterns. There is a need for a screening word list that is quick to administer and reliably differentiates children with typically developing speech from children with patterns of delayed/disordered speech.

Aims: To identify a short word list based on word complexity that could be spontaneously named by most typically developing children aged 3;00–5;05 years.

Methods & Procedures: One hundred and five children aged between 3;00 and 5;05 years from three local authority nursery schools took part in the study. Items from a published speech assessment were modified and extended to include a range of phonemic targets in different word positions in 78 monosyllabic and polysyllabic words. The 78 words were ranked both by phonemic/phonetic complexity as measured by word complexity and by ease of spontaneous production.

Outcome & Results: The ten most complex words (hereafter Triage 10) were named spontaneously by more than 90% of the children. There was no significant difference between the complexity measures for five identified age groups when the data were examined in 6‐month groups. A qualitative analysis revealed eight children with profiles of phonological delay or disorder. When these children were considered separately, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.005) between the mean word complexity measure of the group compared with the mean for the remaining children in all other age groups. The Triage 10 words reliably differentiated children with typically developing speech from those with delayed or disordered speech patterns.

Conclusions & Implications: The Triage 10 words can be used as a screening tool for triage and general assessment and have the potential to monitor progress during intervention. Further testing is being undertaken to establish reliability with children referred to speech and language therapy services.
Serotonin of mast cell origin contributes to hippocampal function
Authors: Nautiyal Katherine M. , Dailey Christopher A. , Jahn Jaquelyn L. , Rodriquez Elizabeth , Son Nguyen Hong , Sweedler Jonathan V. , Silver Rae
Published: May 2012

In the central nervous system, serotonin, an important neurotransmitter and trophic factor, is synthesized by both mast cells and neurons. Mast cells, like other immune cells, are born in the bone marrow and migrate to many tissues. We show that they are resident in the mouse brain throughout development and adulthood. Measurements based on capillary electrophoresis with native fluorescence detection indicate that a significant contribution of serotonin to the hippocampal milieu is associated with mast cell activation. Compared with their littermates, mast cell‐deficient C57BL/6 KitW‐sh/W‐sh mice have profound deficits in hippocampus‐dependent spatial learning and memory and in hippocampal neurogenesis. These deficits are associated with a reduction in cell proliferation and in immature neurons in the dentate gyrus, but not in the subventricular zone – a neurogenic niche lacking mast cells. Chronic treatment with fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, reverses the deficit in hippocampal neurogenesis in mast cell‐deficient mice. In summary, the present study demonstrates that mast cells are a source of serotonin, that mast cell‐deficient C57BL/6 KitW‐sh/W‐sh mice have disrupted hippocampus‐dependent behavior and neurogenesis, and that elevating serotonin in these mice, by treatment with fluoxetine, reverses these deficits. We conclude that mast cells contribute to behavioral and physiological functions of the hippocampus and note that they play a physiological role in neuroimmune interactions, even in the absence of inflammatory responses.
Identification, localization and function of glutamate‐gated chloride channel receptors in the honeybee brain
Authors: El Hassani Abdessalam Kacimi , Schuster Steffen , Dyck Yan , Demares Fabien , Leboulle Gérard , Armengaud Catherine
Published: May 2012

Glutamate‐gated chloride channels (GluCls) are members of the cys‐loop ligand‐gated ion channel superfamily whose presence has been reported in a variety of invertebrate tissues. In the honeybee, a single gene, amel_glucl, encoding a GluClα subunit, was found in the genome but both the pattern of expression of this gene in the bee brain and its functional role remained unknown. Here we localised the expression sites of the honeybee GluClα subunit at the mRNA and protein levels. To characterise the functional role of GluCls in the honeybee brain, we studied their implication in olfactory learning and memory by means of RNA interference (RNAi) against the GluClα subunit. We found that the GluClα subunit is expressed in the muscles, the antennae and the brain of honeybees. Expression of the GluClα protein was necessary for the retrieval of olfactory memories; more specifically, injection of dsRNA or siRNA resulted in a decrease in retention performances ∼24 h after injection. Knockdown of GluClα subunits impaired neither olfaction nor sucrose sensitivity, and did not affect the capacity to associate odor and sucrose. Our data provide the first evidence for the involvement of glutamate‐gated chloride channels in olfactory memory in an invertebrate.
Cnidae in the sea anemone Sagartiogeton viduatus (Muller, 1776) (Cnidaria, Anthozoa); A comparison to cnidae in the sea anemone Metridium senile (Linnaeus, 1761) (Cnidaria, Anthozoa)
Authors: Östman Carina , Borg Fredrik , Roat Carsten , Kultima Jens Roat , Wong Sau Yu Grace
Published: May 2012

The cnidom of the sea anemone Sagartiogeton viduatus (Muller, 1776) is described from interference‐contrast light micrographs (LMs) and scanning electron micrographs (SEMs). Special attention is given to nematocyst maturation, including the differentiation of the shaft into proximal and main regions as helical folding of the shaft wall proceeds. Comparisons are made with Metridium senile (Linnaeus, 1761), whose cnidom, with a few exceptions, is closely similar to that of S. viduatus. The two anemones possess b‐ and p‐mastigophores, p‐amastigophores, isorhizas and spirocysts. Although the majority of cnidae in S. viduatus is smaller than corresponding ones in M. senile, they are grouped into the same size classes as those of M. senile, namely small, medium and large. The main differences from M. senile cnidae are the followings: (1) Large acontia p‐amastigophores are the largest nematocysts in S. viduatus. (2) They are noticeably larger than the large acontia b‐mastigophores, and (3) they are separated from the p‐amastigophores of M. senile by the sinusoid pattern of their U‐shaped capsular matrix. (4) The large acontia b‐mastigophores are microbasic and not mesobasic as in M. Senile, and (5) they do not produce darts. (6) Another difference from M. senile is the absence of catch‐tentacle isorhizas.
Population‐based comparative effectiveness of nephron‐sparing surgery vs ablation for small renal masses
Authors: Whitson Jared M. , Harris Catherine R. , Meng Maxwell V.
Published: May 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (cohort)

Level of Evidence 2a

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Case series of patients undergoing various forms of ablation show that it is technically feasible and possible for ablation to achieve short‐ and intermediate‐term cancer‐specific survival rates similar to those of controls undergoing partial nephrectomy.

This is the first well‐powered study with a controlled design to compare effectiveness between partial nephrectomy and ablation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine, in a population‐based cohort, if disease‐specific survival (DSS) was equivalent in patients undergoing ablation vs nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) for clinical stage T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results cancer registry with RCC < 4 cm and no evidence of distant metastases, who underwent ablation or NSS.

Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to determine if treatment type was independently associated with DSS.

RESULTS

Between 1998 and 2007, a total of 8818 incident cases of RCC were treated with either NSS (7704) or ablation (1114).

The median (interquartile range) follow‐up was 2.8 (1.2–4.7) years in the NSS group and 1.6 (0.7–2.9) years in the ablation group, although 10% of each cohort were followed up beyond 5 years.

After multivariable adjustment, ablation was associated with a twofold greater risk of kidney cancer death than NSS (hazard ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.1–3.3, P= 0.02).

Age, gender, marital status and tumour size were also significantly associated with outcome.

The predicted probability of DSS at 5 years was 98.3% with NSS and 96.6% with ablation.

CONCLUSION

After controlling for age, gender, marital status and tumour size, the typical patient presenting with clinical stage T1a RCC, who undergoes ablation rather than NSS, has a twofold increase in the risk of kidney cancer death; however, at 5 years the absolute difference is small, and may only be realized by patients with long life expectancies.
Green tea catechins decrease oxidative stress in surgical menopause‐induced overactive bladder in a rat model
Authors: Juan Yung‐Shun , Chuang Shu‐Mien , Lee Yi‐Lun , Long Cheng‐Yu , Wu Tzu‐Hui , Chang Wei‐Chiao , Levin Robert M. , Liu Keh‐Min , Huang Chun‐Hsiung
Published: May 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Ovary hormone deficiency and the age‐related changes in post‐menopausal women are subjected to a number of urological dysfunctions, including overactive bladder syndrome. Green tea is a popular healthy drink worldwide and its extract catechin has strong anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

EGCG, the major type of catechin, is an antioxidant polyphenol flavonoid isolated from green tea. EGCG supplement could prevent ovariectomy‐induced bladder dysfunction in a dose‐related manner through its anti‐oxidant, anti‐fibrosis and anti‐apoptosis effects.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether green tea extract, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), could prevent ovariectomy‐induced overactive bladder (OAB) and to investigate its antioxidant, anti‐apoptotic and anti‐fibrosis effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In all, 48 female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups. After bilateral ovariectomy, the first group served as the ovariectomy control, the second group received EGCG 1 µM/kg daily i.p. injection after ovariectomy surgery, and the third group received EGCG 10 µM/kg daily i.p. injection. The fourth group was taken as the sham without ovariectomy surgery. The rats were killed after 6 months after ovariectomy surgery.

Cystometrograms were performed for the measure of bladder overactivity.

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick‐end labelling (TUNEL) assay was used to evaluate apoptotic cells.

Western immunoblots were performed to determine the expressions of inflammatory markers, apoptosis‐associated proteins and oxidative stress markers.

RESULTS

Long‐term ovariectomy significantly increased non‐voiding contractions and decreased bladder compliance. Treatment with EGCG significantly increased bladder compliance and diminished non‐voiding contractions.

Ovariectomy significantly increased apoptotic cells and enhanced interstitial fibrosis in bladders. The expression of caspase‐3 significantly increased, while that of Bcl‐2 notably decreased after ovariectomy.

Inflammatory and fibrosis markers, TGF‐β, fibronectin and type I collagen expressions were significantly increased after 6 months of ovariectomy surgery. Treatment with EGCG significantly decreased TGF‐β and type I collagen expressions.

Oxidative stress markers, nitrotyrosine and protein carbonylation levels were significantly increased in the ovariectomy group. EGCG could attenuate this oxidative damage in dose‐dependent fashion.

CONCLUSIONS

Ovariectomy increased oxidative damage, enhanced voiding frequency and decreased bladder compliance.

EGCG could restore ovariectomy‐induced bladder dysfunction in a dose‐dependent fashion through antioxidant, anti‐fibrosis and anti‐apoptosis effects.
Prostate cancer diagnosis is associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction after prostate biopsy
Authors: Helfand Brian T. , Glaser Alexander P. , Rimar Kalen , Zargaroff Sherwin , Hedges Jason , McGuire Barry B. , Catalona William J. , McVary Kevin T.
Published: May 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

There have been several studies that have suggested there may be a relationship between prostate biopsy and erectile function and LUTS. Previous studies have suggested a specific association between the type of local anaesthesia administered and/or the number of biopsies performed. Other studies have suggested an exacerbation of LUTS after prostate biopsy.

The present study identifies a positive cancer diagnosis as a novel characteristic that may explain a relationship between biopsy and worsening erectile function.

Objective

To evaluate prospectively the characteristics, erectile function and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of men undergoing prostate needle biopsy (PNBx).

Patients and Methods

From 2008 to 2011, 134 men were prospectively administered the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA‐SI), and quality‐of‐life (QoL) questionnaires before and after undergoing a single 12‐core PNBx.

Comparisons of IIEF and AUA‐SI scores before and after PNBx, based upon baseline characteristics and prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, were performed.

Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to characterize predictors of change in IIEF scores.

Results

In the 85 men who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, there were no significant differences between the mean (sd) total pre‐biopsy and the mean (sd) post‐biopsy IIEF scores: 57.8 (12.9) vs 54.3 (17.2).

Subgroup analysis showed that men who had biopsy‐proven PCa had significantly greater changes in their post‐biopsy IIEF scores compared with men without (−10.1 vs. 1.0; P < 0.001).

After specific analyses of the IIEF domains in these groups we found significant decreases in every domain, including erectile function (P = 0.01). On multivariate analyses, only PCa diagnosis was associated with a significant change in IIEF (odds ratio 7.2; P = 0.003).

There were no differences in AUA‐SI or QoL scores in the overall population or in subgroups.

Conclusions

Cancer diagnosis appears to have an adverse effect on the erectile function of men undergoing PNBx but no effect on LUTS. This study highlights a potential negative psychological confounder that may influence erectile function before the treatment of PCa.

Additional prospective trials evaluating these relationships are warranted.
Addiction and rehabilitation in autobiographical books by rock artists, 1974–2010
Authors: Oksanen Atte
Published: May 2012

Introduction and Aims

This paper explores excessive appetites, addiction and rehabilitation as described in the autobiographies, memoirs and diaries of rock artists.

Design and Methods

The data collection focused on autobiographical rock books written in English by internationally recognised rock artists before 2011. In total, 96 autobiographical books were published between 1974 and 2010. The mean age of the authors was 50 years and 17% of the books were by female authors. Data were encoded for: (i) addiction; (ii) the object of addiction; (iii) personal addiction; (iv) rehabilitation; (v) personal rehabilitation; and (vi) the type of recovery from the addiction.

Results

Of the books, 82% described addiction, 62% personal addiction, 57% rehabilitation and 40% personal participation in rehabilitation. The most common addictions were alcoholism, opiate addiction and cocaine addiction. Addicted rock stars described addictions differently from non‐addicts. Of addicted rock artists, 51% recovered with the help of rehabilitation, 42% self‐recovered and 7% continued the excess. There has been an increase in the prevalence of addiction in autobiographical rock books over time. In addition, it was found that gender affected the type of recovery.

Discussion and Conclusions

Autobiographical books by rock artists have been published in increasing numbers in the last two decades. The artists in question have described their personal experiences of addiction and rehabilitation and discussed the problems related to alcohol, drugs and excessive behaviour. The books do not glamorise addiction or excessive lifestyles. Rather, they indicate that attitudes towards drugs and alcohol are changing in the rock business.
LOSS AVERSION AND MANAGERIAL DECISIONS: EVIDENCE FROM MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Authors: PEDACE ROBERTO , SMITH JANET KIHOLM
Published: May 2012

Previous research indicates that management changes are important events for organizations, partly because they lead to reversals of poor prior decisions. An unanswered question is why replacing the manager seems to be necessary for reversing poor decisions. One explanation is that managers have an irrational behavioral aversion to admitting mistakes (loss aversion). We test this hypothesis with a research design that mitigates many of the measurement problems associated with investment decisions in traditional corporate settings, and that allows us to distinguish agency cost from loss aversion as explanations. Using Major League Baseball data, we find that new managers, compared to continuing managers, are more likely to divest low‐performing players. Moreover, when the manager is new and the previous manager was responsible for acquiring a player who is underperforming, the likelihood of player divestiture is significantly higher relative to low performers acquired by earlier managers. Experience of the acquiring manager does not affect the likelihood that the manager retains a low performer, suggesting that it is loss aversion, and not career concerns, that motivates acquiring managers to retain low performers. The findings suggest that loss aversion plays a significant role in managerial decisions and managerial turnover. (JEL J6, L8, D8)