bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial burden for tuberculosis patients in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Tanimura Tadayuki , Jaramillo Ernesto , Weil Diana , Raviglione Mario , Lönnroth Knut
Published: February 2014

In order to inform the development of appropriate strategies to improve financial risk protection, we conducted a systematic literature review of the financial burden of tuberculosis (TB) faced by patients and affected families.

The mean total costs ranged from $55 to $8198, with an unweighted average of $847. On average, 20% (range 0–62%) of the total cost was due to direct medical costs, 20% (0–84%) to direct non-medical costs, and 60% (16–94%) to income loss. Half of the total cost was incurred before TB treatment. On average, the total cost was equivalent to 58% (range 5–306%) of reported annual individual and 39% (4–148%) of reported household income. Cost as percentage of income was particularly high among poor people and those with multidrug-resistant TB. Commonly reported coping mechanisms included taking a loan and selling household items.

The total cost of TB for patients can be catastrophic. Income loss often constitutes the largest financial risk for patients. Apart from ensuring that healthcare services are fairly financed and delivered in a way that minimises direct and indirect costs, there is a need to ensure that TB patients and affected families receive appropriate income replacement and other social protection interventions.
Analysis of immune responses induced by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli infection in turkeys and their association with resistance to homologous re-challenge
Authors: Sadeyen Jean-Rémy , Kaiser Pete , Stevens Mark P , Dziva Francis
Published: February 2014

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) cause severe respiratory and systemic disease in poultry yet the nature and consequences of host immune responses to infection are poorly understood. Here, we describe a turkey sub-acute respiratory challenge model and cytokine, cell-mediated and humoral responses associated with protection against homologous re-challenge. Intra-airsac inoculation of turkeys with 105 colony-forming units of APEC O78:H9 strain χ 7122nalR induced transient and mild clinical signs of colibacillosis followed by clearance of the bacteria from the lungs and visceral organs. Upon re-challenge with 107
χ 7122nalR, primed birds were solidly protected against clinical signs and exhibited negligible bacterial loads in visceral organs, whereas age-matched control birds exhibited high lesion scores and bacterial loads in the organs. Levels of mRNA for signature cytokines suggested induction of a Th1 response in the lung, whereas a distinct anti-inflammatory cytokine profile was detected in the liver. Proliferative responses of splenocytes to either Concanavalin A or soluble χ 7122nalR antigens were negligible prior to clearance of bacteria, but APEC-specific responses were significantly elevated at later time intervals and at re-challenge relative to control birds. Primary infection also induced significantly elevated χ 7122nalR-specific serum IgY and bile IgA responses which were bactericidal against χ 7122nalR and an isogenic Δrfb mutant. Bactericidal activity was observed in the presence of immune, but not heat-inactivated immune serum, indicating that the antibodies can fix complement and are not directed solely at the lipopolysaccharide O-antigen. Such data inform the rational design of strategies to control a recalcitrant endemic disease of poultry.
Rapid and sensitive detection of human astrovirus in water samples by loop-mediated isothermal amplification with hydroxynaphthol blue dye
Authors: Yang Bo-Yun , Liu Xiao-Lu , Wei Yu-Mei , Wang Jing-Qi , He Xiao-Qing , Jin Yi , Wang Zi-Jian
Published: February 2014

Background

The aim of this paper was to develop a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) method for rapid, sensitive and inexpensive detection of astrovirus.

Results

The detection limit of LAMP using in vitro RNA transcripts was 3.6×10 copies·μL-1, which is as sensitive as the presently used PCR assays. However, the LAMP products could be identified as different colors with the naked eye following staining with hydroxynaphthol blue dye (HNB). No cross-reactivity with other gastroenteric viruses (rotavirus and norovirus) was observed, indicating the relatively high specificity of LAMP. The RT-LAMP method with HNB was used to effectively detect astrovirus in reclaimed water samples.

Conclusions

The LAMP technique described in this study is a cheap, sensitive, specific and rapid method for the detection of astrovirus. The RT-LAMP method can be simply applied for the specific detection of astrovirus and has the potential to be utilized in the field as a screening test.
Fine-tuning of NADH oxidase decreases byproduct accumulation in respiration deficient xylose metabolic Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hou Jin , Suo Fan , Wang Chengqiang , Li Xiaowei , Shen Yu , Bao Xiaoming
Published: February 2014

Background

Efficiently utilizing all available carbon from lignocellulosic feedstock presents a major barrier to the production of economically feasible biofuel. Previously, to enable xylose utilization, we introduced a cofactor-dependent xylose reductase (XR) and xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) pathway, or a cofactor-independent xylose isomerase (XI) pathway, into Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The resulting strains metabolized xylose with high efficiency. However, in both pathway recombinant strains, the cofactor imbalance caused accumulation of the byproducts glycerol and/or xylitol and reduced the ethanol production efficiency.

Results

In this study, we introduced NADH oxidase from Lactococcus lactis into both XI and XR-XDH pathway recombinant strains. To reduce byproduct accumulation while maintaining xylose metabolism, we optimized the expression level of NADH oxidase by comparing its expression under the control of different promoters and plasmids. In recombinant XI strains, NADH oxidase was expressed at different levels, regulated by the GPD2 promoter or TEF1 promoter in the 2 μ plasmid. The expression under the control of GPD2 promoter decreased glycerol production by 84% and increased the ethanol yield and specific growth rate by 8% and 12%, respectively. In contrast, in the recombinant XR-XDH strains, such expression level was not efficient enough to decrease the byproduct accumulation. Therefore, higher NADH oxidase expression levels were tested. In the strain expressing NADH oxidase under the control of the TEF1 promoter in the centromeric plasmids, xylitol and glycerol production were reduced by 60% and 83%, respectively, without significantly affecting xylose consumption.

Conclusions

By fine-tuning NADH oxidase expression, we decreased the glycerol or/and xylitol production in both recombinant XI and XR-XDH xylose-metabolizing yeast strains. The optimal NADH oxidase expression levels depend on metabolic pathways. Similar cofactor engineering strategies could maximize the production of other redox dependent metabolites.
Hydrolysis of Agave fourcroydes Lemaire (henequen) leaf juice and fermentation with Kluyveromyces marxianusfor ethanol production
Authors: Villegas-Silva Pablo A , Toledano-Thompson Tanit , Canto-Canché Blondy B , Larqué-Saavedra Alfonso , Barahona-Pérez Luis F
Published: February 2014

Background

Carbon sources for biofuel production are wide-ranging and their availability depends on the climate and soil conditions of the land where the production chain is located. Henequen (Agave fourcroydes Lem.) is cultivated in Yucatán, Mexico to produce natural fibers from the leaves, and a juice containing fructans is produced during this process. Fructans can be hydrolyzed to fructose and glucose and metabolized into ethanol by appropriate yeasts. In Mexico, different Agave species provide the carbon source for (distilled and non-distilled) alcoholic beverage production using the stem of the plant, whilst the leaves are discarded. In this work, we investigated the effect of thermal acid and enzymatic hydrolysis of the juice on the amount of reducing sugars released. Growth curves were generated with the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces marxianus and fermentations were then carried out with Kluyveromyces marxianus to determine alcohol yields.

Results

With thermal acid hydrolysis, the greatest increase in reducing sugars (82.6%) was obtained using 5% H2SO4 at 100°C with a 30 min reaction time. Statistically similar results can be obtained using the same acid concentration at a lower temperature and with a shorter reaction time (60°C, 15 min), or by using 1% H2SO4 at 100°C with a 30 min reaction time. In the case of enzymatic hydrolysis, the use of 5.75, 11.47 and 22.82 U of enzyme did not produce significant differences in the increase in reducing sugars. Although both hydrolysis processes obtained similar results, the difference was observed after fermentation. Ethanol yields were 50.3 ± 4 and 80.04 ± 5.29% of the theoretical yield respectively.

Conclusions

Final reducing sugars concentrations obtained with both thermal acid and enzymatic hydrolysis were similar. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a good ethanol producer, did not grow in the hydrolysates. Only Kluyveromyces marxianus was able to grow in them, giving a higher ethanol yield with the enzymatic hydrolysate. The leaves account for a non-negligible weight of the total agave plant biomass, so this work complements the knowledge already developed on agave fermentations by making it possible to produce ethanol from almost the entire plant (stem and leaves).
Association of calcaneal quantitative ultrasound parameters with metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly Chinese: a large population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Sun Min , Cao Mengdie , Fu Qi , Zhu Zhenxin , Meng Chuchen , Mao Jia , Shi Yun , Duan Yu , Tang Wei , Huang Xiaoping , He Wei , Yang Tao
Published: February 2014

Background

The possible association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and bone mineral density (BMD) has been highlighted recently. However, the exact effects of MS on calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of MS states, different componets of MS, as well as the number of MS componets on QUS.

Methods

A total of 7489 Chinese adults aged 40 years or older in Nanjing were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. MS was defined according to recommendations generated by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2005. QUS was measured for each participant.

Results

The prevalence of MS was 34.6% in men and 42.8% in women (over 40 years old). In postmenopausal women with MS, 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D], age adjusted quantitative ultrasound index (QUI) and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) were all lower than those without (p < 0.001, p = 0.023, p = 0.021, respectively), the difference of QUI and BUA disappeared after adjustment for body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). In stepwise analysis, BMI, WC, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were related to QUS (p < 0.05). The number of MS components had no influence on QUS. Fragile fracture incidence was higher in women with MS (6.8% VS. 5.3%, P = 0.034).

Conclusion

Chinese postmenopausal women with MS have worse BMD measured by QUS and more chances to develop osteoporotic fractures than the controls, which partially due to central obesity as well as vitamin D deficiency. People having less central obesity, higher FPG or HDL-C are less likely to have bone mineral loss.
Induction of apoptosis through oxidative stress-related pathways in MCF-7, human breast cancer cells, by ethyl acetate extract of Dillenia suffruticosa
Authors: Tor Yin Sim , Yazan Latifah Saiful , Foo Jhi Biau , Armania Nurdin , Cheah Yoke Kqueen , Abdullah Rasedee , Imam Mustapha Umar , Ismail Norsharina , Ismail Maznah
Published: February 2014

Background

Breast cancer is one of the most dreading types of cancer among women. Herbal medicine has becoming a potential source of treatment for breast cancer. Herbal plantDillenia suffruticosa(Griff) Martelli under the family Dilleniaceae has been traditionally used to treat cancerous growth. In this study, the anticancer effect of ethyl acetate extract ofD. suffruticosa(EADs) was examined on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7 and the molecular pathway involved was elucidated.

Methods

EADs was obtained from the root ofD. suffruticosaby using sequential solvent extraction. Cytotoxicity was determined by using MTT assay, mode of cell death by cell cycle analysis and apoptosis induction by Annexin-FITC/PI assay. Morphology changes in cells were observed under inverted light microscope. Involvement of selected genes in the oxidative stress-mediated signaling pathway was explored using multiplex gene expression analysis.

Results

The treatment of EADs caused cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner at 24, 48 and 72 hours with IC50of 76 ± 2.3, 58 ± 0.7 and 39 ± 3.6 μg/mL, respectively. The IC50of tamoxifen-treated MCF-7 cells was 8 ± 0.5 μg/mL. Induction of apoptosis by EADs was dose- and time- dependent. EADs induced non-phase specific cell cycle arrest at different concentration and time point. The multiplex mRNA expression study indicated that EADs-induced apoptosis was accompanied by upregulation of the expression ofSOD1,SOD2,NF-κB,p53,p38 MAPK, andcatalase, but downregulation ofAkt1.

Conclusion

It is suggested that EADs induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by modulating numerous genes which are involved in oxidative stress pathway. Therefore, EADs has the potential to act as an effective intervention against breast cancer cells.
A fixed point theorem for generalized contractions involving w-distances on complete quasi-metric spaces
Authors: Alegre Carmen , Marín Josefa , Romaguera Salvador
Published: February 2014

We obtain a fixed point theorem for generalized contractions on complete quasi-metric spaces, which involves w-distances and functions of Meir-Keeler and Jachymski type. Our result generalizes in various directions the celebrated fixed point theorems of Boyd and Wong, and Matkowski. Some illustrative examples are also given.

MSC:47H10, 54H25, 54E50.
Krasnosel’skiĭ-Mann-Opial type iterative solution of m-accretive operator equation and its stability in arbitrary Banach spaces
Authors: Xu Yuguang , Liu Zeqin , Liu Zuhua
Published: February 2014

Let X be a Banach space. Suppose that

A
:
X
→
X

is a Lipschitz accretive operator. The objective of this note is to discuss simultaneously the existence and uniqueness of solution of the equation

x
+
A
x
=
f

for any given

f
∈
X

, and its convergence, estimate of convergent rate, and stability of Krasnosel’skiĭ-Mann-Opial type iterative solution

{

x
n

}
⊆
X

. If an iterative parameter is selected suitably then the iterative procedure converges strongly to a unique solution of the equation and the iterative process is stable in arbitrary Banach space without any convexity or reflexivity. In particular, if A is nonexpansive then an estimate of the convergence rate can be written as

∥

x

n
+
1

−
q
∥
≤

(

17
18

)

n
+
1

∥

x
0

−
q
∥

where

q
∈
X

is a solution of

x
+
A
X
=
f

.

MSC:47H06, 47H10, 47H17.
Asymptotic stability for a symmetric parabolic problem modeling Ohmic heating
Authors: Fan Mingshu , Xia Anyin , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2014

We consider the asymptotic behavior of the solution of the non-local parabolic equation

u
t

=

(
κ
(
u
)
)

r
r

+

(
κ
(
u
)
)

r

r

+

f
(
u
)

(
a
+
2
π
b

∫
0
1

f
(
u
)
r

d
r
)

2

, for

0
<
r
<
1

,

t
>
0

, with a homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition. The equation is the so-called Ohmic-heating model, which comes from thermal electricity in this paper, u and

f
(
u
)

represent the temperature of the conductor and the electrical conductivity. The model prescribes the dimensionless temperature when the electric current flows through two axis-symmetric conductors, subject to a fixed electric potential difference. The global existence and uniform boundedness of the solution to the problem indicate that the temperature of the conductor remains uniformly bounded. Furthermore, the asymptotic stability of the global solution is obtained.

MSC:35K20, 35K55, 35K65, 80M35.
An optical interferometric technique for assessing ozone induced damage and recovery under cumulative exposures for a Japanese rice cultivar
Authors: Thilakarathne Bodhipaksha Lalith Sanjaya , Rajagopalan Uma Maheswari , Kadono Hirofumi , Yonekura Tetsushi
Published: February 2014

Exposure to ozone (O3) causes reduction both in the growth and yield of rice (Oriza sativa L.). Commonly used Chlorophyll fluorescent measurements are not sensitive enough for short term exposure of O3 aiming an immediate assessments. Such a conventional method typically needs exposure over a few days to detect the influence. As an alternative method, we proposed a novel non-invasive, robust, real-time, optical Statistical Interferometric Technique (SIT) to measure growth at an accuracy of 0.1 nm with a commonly consumed Japanese rice cultivar, Koshihikari. In the present study, we have conducted a repetitive O3 exposure experiment for three days under three different concentrations of 0 nl l-1 (control), 120 nl l-1, and 240 nl l-1, to investigate the damage and recovery strengths. As a measure to assess the effect and recovery from three consecutive day exposures of O3, we measured the elongation rate (nm mm-1 sec-1) every 5.5 sec for 7 hours, and it revealed nanometric elongation rate fluctuations or Nanometric Intrinsic Fluctuations (NIF). Comparing the standard deviation (SD) of normalized nanometric intrinsic fluctuations (NNIF), which was normalized by that before the exposure, we found that drastic reductions under both 120 nl l-1 and 240 nl l-1 O3 concentrations. Reduction percentages were large under high O3 concentration of 240 nl l-1 indicating the possibility of irreversible effect. However exposure to 120 nl l-1 of O3 showed recovery on the 2nd and 3rd days. While SIT did reveal immediate effect based on an observation for a few hours, the visible foliar effect could be observed only after a week. Hence, the technique could provide a way for fast assessment of effect and recovery due to cumulative exposure of O3 and hence the tolerance as well as the vitality of plant.
Dickkopf-1 is regulated by the mevalonate pathway in breast cancer
Authors: Rachner Tilman D , Göbel Andy , Thiele Stefanie , Rauner Martina , Benad-Mehner Peggy , Hadji Peyman , Bauer Thomas , Muders Michael H , Baretton Gustavo B , Jakob Franz , Ebert Regina , Bornhäuser Martin , Schem Christian , Hofbauer Lorenz C
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Amino-bisphosphonates and statins inhibit the mevalonate pathway, and may exert anti-tumor effects. The Wnt inhibitor dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) promotes osteolytic bone lesions by inhibiting osteoblast functions and has been implicated as an adverse marker in multiple cancers. We assessed the effects of mevalonate pathway inhibition on DKK-1 expression in osteotropic breast cancer.

Methods

Regulation of DKK-1 by bisphosphonates and statins was assessed in human breast cancer cell lines, and the role of the mevalonate pathway and downstream targets was analyzed. Moreover, the potential of breast cancer cells to modulate osteoblastogenesis via DKK-1 was studied in mC2C12 cells. Clinical relevance was validated by analyzing DKK-1 expression in the tissue and serum of women with breast cancer exposed to bisphosphonates.

Results

DKK-1 was highly expressed in receptor-negative breast cancer cell lines. Patients with receptor-negative tumors displayed elevated levels of DKK-1 at the tissue and serum level compared to healthy controls. Zoledronic acid and atorvastatin potently suppressed DKK-1 in vitro by inhibiting geranylgeranylation of CDC42 and Rho. Regulation of DKK-1 was strongest in osteolytic breast cancer cell lines with abundant DKK-1 expression. Suppression of DKK-1 inhibited the ability of breast cancer cells to block WNT3A-induced production of alkaline phosphates and bone-protective osteoprotegerin in preosteoblastic C2C12 cells. In line with the in vitro data, treatment of breast cancer patients with zoledronic acid decreased DKK-1 levels by a mean of 60% after 12 months of treatment.

Conclusion

DKK-1 is a novel target of the mevalonate pathway that is suppressed by zoledronic acid and atorvastatin in breast cancer.
Comparative efficacy of two interventions to discontinue long-term benzodiazepine use: cluster randomised controlled trial in primary care
Authors: Vicens Caterina , Bejarano Ferran , Sempere Ermengol , Mateu Catalina , Fiol Francisca , Socias Isabel , Aragonès Enric , Palop Vicente , Beltran Jose Luis , Piñol Josep Lluís , Lera Guillem , Folch Silvia , Mengual Marta , Basora Josep , Esteva Magdalena , Llobera Joan , Roca Miguel , Gili Margalida , Leiva Alfonso
Published: February 2014

Background

Benzodiazepines are extensively used in primary care, but their long-term use is associated with adverse health outcomes and dependence.

Aims

To analyse the efficacy of two structured interventions in primary care to enable patients to discontinue long-term benzodiazepine use.

Method

A multicentre three-arm cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted, with randomisation at general practitioner level (trial registration ISRCTN13024375). A total of 532 patients taking benzodiazepines for at least 6 months participated. After all patients were included, general practitioners were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to usual care, a structured intervention with follow-up visits (SIF) or a structured intervention with written instructions (SIW). The primary end-point was the last month self-declared benzodiazepine discontinuation confirmed by prescription claims at 12 months.

Results

At 12 months, 76 of 168 (45%) patients in the SIW group and 86 of 191 (45%) in the SIF group had discontinued benzodiazepine use compared with 26 of 173 (15%) in the control group. After adjusting by cluster, the relative risks for benzodiazepine discontinuation were 3.01 (95% CI 2.03–4.46, P<0.0001) in the SIW and 3.00 (95% CI 2.04–4.40, P<0.0001) in the SIF group. The most frequently reported withdrawal symptoms were insomnia, anxiety and irritability.

Conclusions

Both interventions led to significant reductions in long-term benzodiazepine use in patients without severe comorbidity. A structured intervention with a written individualised stepped-dose reduction is less time-consuming and as effective in primary care as a more complex intervention involving follow-up visits.
Hypomethylation of the LH/Choriogonadotropin Receptor Promoter Region Is a Potential Mechanism Underlying Susceptibility to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhao Han , Li Tao , Zhang Wei , Wu Keliang , Li Mei , Bian Yuehong , Liu Hongbin , Ning Yunna , Li Guangyu , Chen Zi-Jiang
Published: February 2014

Our previous genome-wide association study identified LH/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) as a susceptibility gene for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The objective of this study was to determine whether the genetic or epigenetic components associated with LHCGR participate in the pathogenesis of PCOS. The exons and flanking regions of LHCGR were sequenced from 192 women with PCOS, and no novel somatic mutations were identified. In addition, the methylation statuses of 6 cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites in the promoter region of LHCGR were measured by pyrosequencing using peripheral blood cells from 85 women with PCOS and 88 control women. We identified 2 hypomethylated sites, CpG −174 (corrected P = .018) and −111 (corrected P = .006). Bisulfite sequencing then was performed to replicate these findings and detect additional CpG sites in the promoter. CpG +17 was significantly hypomethylated in women with PCOS (corrected P = .02). Methylation statuses were further evaluated using granulosa cells (GCs), and the region described was hypomethylated as a whole (P = .004) with 8 significantly hypomethylated sites (CpG −174, −148, −61, −43, −8, +10, +17, and +20). Transcription of LHCGR was elevated in women with PCOS compared with that in control women (P < .01). These findings were consistent with the decreased LHCGR methylation status associated with PCOS. The tendency of LHCGR to be hypomethylated across different tissues and its corresponding expression level suggest that hypomethylation of LHCGR is a potential mechanism underlying susceptibility to PCOS. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether a causal relationship exists between LHCGR methylation status and PCOS.
Mutations of Cx43 that affect B cell spreading in response to BCR signaling
Authors: Falk Letitia , Dang-Lawson May , Vega José Luis , Pournia Farnaz , Choi Kate , Jang Caren , Naus Christian C. , Matsuuchi Linda
Published: February 2014

The gap junction (GJ) protein connexin 43 (Cx43) is both necessary and sufficient for B cell receptor (BCR)-mediated cell spreading. To address how Cx43 mediates this effect, we blocked its function genetically, by expressing mutants of Cx43, and pharmacologically, by using chemical inhibitors. While various point mutations of Cx43 inhibited B cell spreading, treatment with channel blocking drugs did not, suggesting that this response was independent of channel function. The critical region of Cx43 appears to be the cytoplasmic carboxyl-terminal (CT) domain, which has previously been shown to be important for B cell spreading. Consistent with this, mutations of either tyrosine 247 or 265 found in the CT were sufficient to inhibit spreading. Thus Cx43 may influence B cell spreading by mechanisms requiring protein binding to, or modification of, these sites in the CT tail.
Chronic murine toxoplasmosis is defined by subtle changes in the neuronal connectivity
Authors: Parlog Alexandru , Harsan Laura A. , Zagrebelsky Marta , Weller Marianna , von Elverfeldt Dominik , Mawrin Christian , Korte Martin , Dunay Ildiko R.
Published: February 2014

Recent studies correlate chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection with behavioral changes in rodents, besides the seropositivity in humans is reported to be associated with behavioral and neuropsychiatric diseases. In this study we investigated if the described behavioral changes in a murine model of chronic toxoplasmosis are associated with changes in synaptic plasticity and brain neuronal circuitry. In mice chronically infected with T. gondii, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data analysis displayed the presence of heterogeneous lesions scattered throughout all brain areas. However, a higher density of lesions could be observed within specific regions such as the somatosensory cortex (SSC). Further histopathological examination of these brain areas indicated the presence of activated resident glia and recruited immune cells accompanied by limited alterations of neuronal viability. In vivo Diffusion Tensor MRI analysis of neuronal fiber density within the infected regions revealed connectivity abnormalities in the SSC. Altered fiber density was confirmed by morphological analysis of individual, pyramidal and granule neurons showing a reduction in dendritic arbor and spine density within the SSC, as well as in the hippocampus. Evaluation of synapse efficacy revealed diminished levels of two key synaptic proteins, PSD95 and Synaptophysin, within the same brain areas indicating deficits in functionality of the synaptic neurotransmission in infected mice. Our results demonstrate that persistent T. gondii infection in a murine model results in synaptic deficits within brain structures leading to disturbances in the morphology of noninfected neurons and modified brain connectivity, suggesting a potential explanation for the behavioral and neuropsychiatric alterations.
An acquired distaste: Sugar discrimination by the larval parasitoidMicroplitis croceipes(Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is affected by prior sugar exposure
Authors: Makatiani Jacqueline K. , Le Hoang K. , Olson Dawn M. , Wäckers Felix L. , Takasu Keiji
Published: February 2014

We examined gustatory responses of the larval parasitoid Microplitis croceipes to determine if the adults discriminate among common sugars found in plants, including fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose. When given single sugar solutions of sucrose, glucose, fructose and maltose at concentrations of 0.008-2 mol/L, the estimated concentrations at which 50 % of wasps initiated feeding ranged between 0.054 and 0.085 mol/L for sucrose, glucose and fructose, which was significantly lower than for maltose. Wasps showed a strong decrease in feeding time for maltose or fructose following a brief exposure to other sugars, suggesting that wasps can distinguish maltose and fructose from the other sugars tested. The higher acceptance threshold and short feeding time in the case of maltose appears adaptive in light of the relatively poor nutritional quality of the sugar in the longevity trial. The pronounced feeding inhibition seen for fructose following exposure to other sugars is not linked with lower nutritional performance. This feeding inhibition was even seen in wasps that had fed on glucose at the lowest acceptance threshold (0.031mol/L) and persisted for 24 h. This study is the first to show feeding inhibition of otherwise phagostimulant sugars such as maltose and fructose after gustatory stimulation on other sugars.
Similar specificities of symbiont uptake by adults and larvae in an anemone model system for coral biology
Authors: Hambleton Elizabeth A. , Guse Annika , Pringle John R.
Published: February 2014

Reef-building corals depend for much of their energy on photosynthesis by symbiotic dinoflagellate algae (genus Symbiodinium) that live within their gastrodermal cells. However, the cellular mechanisms underpinning this ecologically critical symbiosis, including those governing the specificity of symbiont uptake by the host, remain poorly understood, in part because of the difficulties of working with corals in the laboratory. Here we use the small symbiotic sea anemone Aiptasia as an experimentally tractable model system to analyze the specificity and timing of symbiosis onset in larval and adult animals under controlled laboratory conditions. Using four clonal, axenic Symbiodinium strains, we found no difference in uptake specificity between larvae (even when very young) and adults. Although both compatible and incompatible algal strains were found within the larval guts, only the former appeared to be internalized by gastrodermal cells, and they (but not incompatible algae) proliferated rapidly within the larvae in the absence of detectable exchange with other larvae. Older larvae showed reduced ingestion of both compatible and incompatible algae, and the addition of food failed to promote the uptake of an incompatible algal strain. Thus, Aiptasia adults and larvae appear to have similar mechanisms for discriminating between compatible and incompatible dinoflagellate types prior to phagocytosis by host gastrodermal cells. Whether a particular algal strain is compatible or incompatible appears to be stable during years of axenic culture in the absence of a host. These studies provide a foundation for future analyses of the mechanisms of symbiont-uptake specificity in this emerging model system.
Mode of Action of aDrosophilaFMRFamide in Inducing Muscle Contraction
Authors: Milakovic Maja , Ormerod Kiel G. , Klose Markus K. , Mercier Joffre
Published: February 2014

Drosophila melanogaster is a model system for examining mechanisms of action of neuropeptides. DPKQDFMRFamide was previously shown to induce contractions in Drosophila body wall muscle fibers in a Ca2+ -dependent manner. The present study examined the possible involvement of a G-protein coupled receptor and second messengers in mediating this myotropic effect after removing the central nervous system. DPKQDFMRFamide-induced contractions were reduced by 70% and 90%, respectively, in larvae with reduced expression of the Drosophila Fmrf Receptor (FR) either ubiquitously or specifically in muscle tissue, compared to response in control larvae in which expression was not manipulated. No such effect occurred in larvae with reduced expression of this gene only in neurons. The myogenic effects of DPKQDFMRFamide do not appear to be mediated through either of the two Drosphila myosuppressin receptors (DmsR-1 and DmsR-2). DPKQDFMRFamide-induced contractions were not reduced in Ala1 transgenic flies lacking activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CamKII), and were not affected by the CaMKII inhibitor, KN-93. Peptide-induced contractions in the mutants of the phosholipase C-β (PLCβ) gene (norpA larvae) and in IP3 receptor mutants were similar to contractions elicited in control larvae. The peptide failed to increase cAMP and cGMP levels in Drosophila body wall muscles. Peptide-induced contractions were not potentiated by 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and were not antagonized by inhibitors of cAMP-dependent or cGMP-dependent protein kinases. Additionally, exogenous application of arachidonic acid failed to induce myogenic contractions. Thus, DPKQDFMRFamide induces contractions via a G-protein coupled FMRFamide receptor in muscle cells but does not appear to act via cAMP, cGMP, IP3, PLC, CaMKII, or arachidonic acid.
A new potassium ion current induced by stimulation of M2-cholinoreceptors in fish atrial myocytes
Authors: Abramochkin Denis , Tapilina Svetana , Vornanen Matti
Published: February 2014

A novel potassium ion current induced by muscarinic stimulation (IKACh2) is characterized in atrial cardiomyocytes of teleost fishes (crucian carp, Carassius carassius L.; rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss W.) by means of the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The current is elicited in atrial, but not ventricular, cells by application of carbamylcholine (CCh) in moderate and high concentrations (10-7 - 10-4 M). It can be distinguished from the classic IKACh, activated by βγ-subunit of the Gi-protein, due to its low sensitivity to Ba2+ ions and distinct current-voltage relationship with a very small inward current component. Ni2+ ions (5 mM) and KB-R7943 (10-5 M), non-selective blockers of the sodium-calcium exchange current (INCX), strongly reduced and completely abolished, respectively, the IKACh2. Therefore, IKACh2 was initially regarded as a CCh-induced outward component of the INCX. However, the current is not affected by either exclusion of intracellular Na+ or extracellular Ca2+, but is completely abolished by intracellular perfusion with K-+ free solution. Atropine (10-6 M), a non-selective muscarinic blocker, completely eliminated the IKACh2. A selective antagonist of M2 cholinoreceptors, AF-DX 116 (2×10-7M) and a M3 antagonist, 4-DAMP (10-9M), decreased IKACh2 by 84.4% and 16.6% respectively. Pertussis toxin, which irreversibly inhibits Gi-protein coupled to M2 receptors, reduced the current by 95%, when applied into the pipette solution. It is concluded that IKACh2, induced by stimulation of M2 cholinoceptors and subsequent Gi-protein activation represents a new molecular target for the cardiac parasympathetic innervation.
Artemin, a Diapause-Specific Chaperone, Contributes to the Stress Tolerance of Artemia Cysts and Influences Their Release from Females
Authors: King Allison M. , Toxopeus Jantina , MacRae Thomas H.
Published: February 2014

Females of the crustacean, Artemia franciscana produce either motile nauplii or gastrula stage embryos enclosed in a shell impermeable to nonvolatile compounds and known as cysts. The encysted embryos enter diapause, a state of greatly reduced metabolism and profound stress tolerance. Artemin, a diapause-specific ferritin homologue in cysts has molecular chaperone activity in vitro. Artemin represents 7.2% of soluble protein in cysts, about equal to the amount of p26, a small heat shock protein (sHsp). However, there is almost twice as much artemin mRNA in cysts as compared to p26 mRNA suggesting that artemin mRNA is translated less efficiently. RNA interference (RNAi) employing the injection of artemin double stranded RNA (dsRNA) into the egg sacs of Artemia females substantially reduced artemin mRNA and protein in cysts. Decreasing artemin diminished desiccation and freezing tolerance of cysts, demonstrating a role for this protein in stress resistance. Knock down of artemin increased the time required for complete discharge of a brood of cysts carried within a female from a few hours up to 4 days, an effect weakened in successive broods. Artemin, an abundant molecular chaperone, contributes to stress tolerance of Artemia cysts while influencing their development and/or exit from females.
Highly-Effective Structural Modulation of Trisaloph Heterotetranuclear Zn3La Complex by Anion Coordination
Authors: Yamamura Masaki , Iida Masaya , Kanazawa Kotaro , Sasaki Masao , Nabeshima Tatsuya
Published: February 2014

A trisaloph ligand L1, in which the three saloph units are macrocyclically incorporated, is a versatile multidentate ligand that maintains the multimetal complex. Structural modulation of the trisaloph complexes by anion coordination would offer more functions than the usual saloph metal complexes. In this study, the anion exchange of the heterotetranuclear complex 1(TfO)3 was applied to prepare various complexes. The two isomers, uuu- and uud-isomers, in which the coordination sites of the anions are different, were formed. The uuu-isomer was very selectively formed by using anions having a phosphate or C3-symmetric tricarboxylate.
Cu2+ and Zn2+ Ion Adsorption onto a Fluorohectorite Clay–Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Nanocomposite Hydrogel
Authors: Koizumi Nagisa , Sato Kana , Ishimaru Shin’ichi
Published: February 2014

Adsorption of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions onto clay–poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanocomposite with a high clay content was investigated by visible adsorption spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Equilibration time was several hours or more for centimeter-sized specimens but was much shorter for samples with a smaller grain size. Adsorption isotherms of Cu2+ could be reproduced well using the Langmuir equation, and the estimated maximum adsorption amount coincided with the cation-exchange capacity of fluorohectorite-type clay contained in the nanocomposite. Results indicated that the effectiveness of using clay as an adsorbent can be improved by nanohybridization with a hydrophilic polymer.
Structure Directing Agent-free Synthesis of ZSM-5 Zeolite Membranes Using Coal Fly Ash as Alumina Source
Authors: Zhu Mei-Hua , Kumakiri Izumi , Feng Zi-Jun , Hua Xue-Mei , Xia Shui-Liang , Hu Na , Chen Xiang-Shu , Kita Hidetoshi
Published: February 2014

Hydrophilic ZSM-5 zeolite membranes were successfully prepared using coal fly ash as aluminum source by conventional and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses. As-synthesized membranes had good H2O selectivity for dehydration of 10 wt % H2O/organic solution by pervaporation. Microwave-assisted synthesis drastically reduced the membrane synthesis time from 6 to 1 h. Moreover, the flux of the membrane prepared by the microwave-assisted synthesis was about twice the flux of a membrane prepared by a conventional method.
Dosing of ceftriaxone and outcomes after spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Mazer Laura , Tapper Elliot B. , Piatkowski Gail , Lai Michelle
Published: February 2014

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common, often fatal affliction for cirrhotic patients. Despite all clinical trials of ceftriaxone for SBP using 2g daily, it is often given at 1g daily.

Aim: We evaluated outcomes of SBP as a function of ceftriaxone dosage.

Methods:  A retrospective cohort of all patients who received ceftriaxone for SBP (greater than 250 neutrophils in the ascites).

Results: As opposed to 1 gram, median survival is longer for patients receiving 2 grams (228 days vs. 102 days (p = 0.26) and one year survival is significantly higher (p = 0.0034).  After adjusting for baseline Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, however, this difference was no longer significant.  Similarly, there was a significantly shorter length of intensive care for patients receiving 2 g (0.59 ± 1.78 days vs. 3.26 ± 6.9, p = 0.034), odds ratio 0.11 (95% CI 0.02 - 0.65). This difference, too, was no longer significant after controlling for the MELD score - odds ratio 0.21 (95% CI 0.04 - 1.07). Additionally, 70% of patients received at least one additional antibiotic; over 25 different medications were used in various combinations.

Conclusions:  We recommend fastidious antibiotic stewardship for patients with cirrhosis and that efforts should be made to standardize the treatment of SBP. The complexity of antibiotic regimens to which cirrhotic patients are exposed must be studied further and rationalized.  Patients receiving 2 g of ceftriaxone may require fewer intensive care days and enjoy an improved 1 year survival compared to those receiving 1 g daily.
The student of the higher educational institution and career management: science and practice of professional success
Authors: Игошина Ирина , Igoshina Irina
Published: February 2014

The article presents the system of career management of

student of a higher educational institution, including the mechanisms

of personal organization, personal career planning, career

advancement and organizational communication. The system is

designed to ensure the efficiency and quality of employment, career

success of young specialists.
Theoretical and methodological bases of positioning of marketing in the centre of the management system
Authors: Перекалина Нина , Perekalina Nina , Рожков Илья , Rozhkov Ilya
Published: February 2014

The article highlights the major current problems of the Russian economy, the need to define the convergence of technological and economic approaches to the management and education. The article also analyzed the research of Russian scientists in the field of management and marketing convergence in enterprises of various spheres of activity and formulated general criteria for management systems adequate to the tendencies. The authors proposed a concept of marketing positioning in the center of the system of management and provide practical examples of its implementation.
Career management
Authors: Комаров Евгений , Komarov Evgeniy
Published: February 2014

The article is devoted to the problems of staff career management

business enterprises. It discusses the types of career, the constituent

parts of the system, career motivation, Peter principle and

relevant official promotion, as well as constituent parts of a career.

Career management issues on a few sources, and those are mostly

written by foreign authors. In the modern Russian practice, there is

no fundamental source, which would be revealed the specifics of

this kind of corporate management.
Philosophy and theory of management in the society and economy of knowledge
Authors: Трошихин Владимир , Troshikhin Vladimir
Published: February 2014

The article studies the scope of questions disclosing ultimate

foundations of the theory of management not only as a set of

disciplines, which constitute and interpret it, but as an integral

philosophical and methodological approach inscribed in modern

world outlook. Alongside with this, the article discloses such function

of management as decision making in the conditions of risk and

substantiates the necessity of developing the national model of management.
Analysis of the main methods of integrated risk management of real investment in the industry
Authors: Мкртумян Нина , Mkrtumyan Nina
Published: February 2014

This article analyzes the basic management and impact assessment

of the effect of risk on real investment production enterprise. The

greatest attention is paid to the method of simulation and integrated risk

management method based on the use of real options . The article recommends

using a real option as the most efficient and progressive method

of integrated risk management. In the final part the article concludes on

the need to build complex systems in organizations that can assess and

fix a large range of risks the organization, and also to control them, in

order to minimize their impact on the overall performance.
How innovation imperative of modern society
Authors: Черкасов Михаил , Cherkasov Mikhail
Published: February 2014

This article discusses the innovative development of modern Russian society, identified a number of constraints to the transition to an innovative model of national economic growth, proposed a system of tasks, allowing the system to overcome the existing barriers that effectively manage their resources of the state.
«Second level» natural law: the problem of «judicial discretion»
Authors: Зайцев Олег , Zaytsev Oleg
Published: February 2014

Further development of Russian legislation is impossible without determination of the role of the courts in the improvement of existing law. In article conception of «judicial discretion» is presented through then contrast of positivism and natural law. Author justified positive effect of extension of independence of judicial discretion based on a fair resolution of the dispute.
Legislating process of the State in the Roman-Germanic legal family
Authors: Парфенова Татьяна , Parfenova Tatyana
Published: February 2014

The article is devoted to the concept and types of legislating

in the modern theory of law is studied here. The problem of

determining the legislating process as an activity directed on creation

of the legal act called the most significant element of the structure

of existing law is also risen here. Such approach is explained by the

feature of the Romano-Germanic law, which by its nature and character

is a statutory law, led by the main law. Relying on comparative

researches, the article discusses in detail the form of legislating directly

related to the activities of the State law-making, by-laws making

and judicial legislating. Legislation for the Romano-Germanic

law, due to the postulates based in the Roman law, is one of the most

significant kinds of legislating. A very important role, along with

legislating plays by-laws creating, otherwise legislating of the executive

bodies. Analyzing the controversial issue of judicial legislating

in the Roman-Germanic legal family, the author points out the

different role of the court depending on either Roman or German

group is ment. For the Roman legal family court practiceis a source

of law, which is the most significant. The article concludes the overview

of the forms of legislating related to the activities of the state

indirectly. These include contract legislating and legislating of legal

custom.
Ownership in the constitutional dimension
Authors: Серова Ольга , Serova Olga
Published: February 2014

The twentieth anniversary of the Constitution of Russian

Federation makes rethink its influence on the development of legislation, formation of judicial practice and the doctrine of the

civil law. Analysis of changes in the civil law, decisions of the Constitutional

Court of Russian Federation suggests the implementation

of the mechanism of “reverse effect”. Action of constitutional

principles is transformed in humanistic, social sphere of

civil law.