bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Greatwall kinase in release of mouse oocytes from diplotene arrest
Authors: Zhao Xiangyu , Yu Dahai , Feng Chen , Deng Xin , Wu Didi , Jin Minglin , Wang Enhua , Wang Xiuxia , Yu Bingzhi
Published: December 2014

In eukaryotes, mitosis entry is induced by activation of maturation‐promoting factor (MPF), which is regulated by a network of kinases and phosphatases. It has been suggested that Greatwall (GWL) kinase was crucial for the M‐phase entry and could maintain cyclin B–Cdc2 activity through regulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a counteracting phosphatase of MPF. Here, the role of GWL was assessed during release of mouse oocytes from prophase I arrest. GWL was crucial for meiotic maturation in mouse oocytes. As a positive regulator for meiosis resumption, GWL was continually expressed in germinal vesicle (GV) and MII stage oocytes and two‐cell stage embryos. Additionally, GWL localized to the nucleus and dispersed into cytoplasm during GV breakdown (GVBD). Furthermore, downregulation of GWL or overexpression of catalytically‐inactive GWL inhibited partial meiotic maturation. This prophase I arrest induced by GWL depletion could be rescued by the PP2A inhibition. However, both GWL‐depleted and rescued oocytes had severe spindle defects that hardly reached MII. In contrast, oocytes overexpressing wild‐type GWL resumed meiosis and progressed to MII stage. Thus, our data demonstrate that GWL acts in a pathway with PP2A which is essential for prophase I exit and metaphase I microtubule assembly in mouse oocytes.
Prognostic Value of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated with Late Percutaneous Intervention
Authors: Cong Tao , Sun Yinghui , Shang Zhijuan , Wang Ke , Su Dechun , Zhong Lei , Zhang Shulong , Yang Yanzong
Published: December 2014

Background

Left ventricular remodeling (LVr) is common after ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for predicting LVr 6–9 months after late percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with STEMI.

Methods

Patients with first STEMI who accepted late PCI were enrolled. Echocardiography was performed within 48 hours of admission. Six to nine months after MI, an echocardiography examination was repeated. LVr was defined as >15% increase in LV end‐systolic volume (LVESV) after 6 months.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐seven patients were divided into two groups: 86 patients without LVr and 41 patients with LVr. There were significant differences in the global longitudinal strain (GLS), SD of time to peak longitudinal systolic strain (longitudinal Ts‐SD), longitudinal postsystolic index, radial strain (RS), and SD of time to peak radial systolic strain (Radial Ts‐SD). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the GLS(odds ratio [OR] = 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26–0.57, P < 0.01), and RS(OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02–1.13, P = 0.01) were determinants of LVr. A receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the GLS predicted LVr with an optimal cutoff value of −10.85 (sensitivity: 89.7%, specificity: 91.7%). During clinical follow‐up for 16.9 ± 1.6 months, death or congestive heart failure developed in 12 patients (9.4%), and the baseline ejection fraction (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.18–3.1, P = 0.009) and GLS (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.34–0.91, P = 0.02) were independent predictors.

Conclusion

In patients with STEMI treated with late percutaneous coronary intervention, the GLS as measured by STE is a strong predictor of LVr and adverse events.
Caged compounds for multichromic optical interrogation of neural systems
Authors: Amatrudo Joseph M. , Olson Jeremy P. , Agarwal Hitesh K. , Ellis‐Davies Graham C. R.
Published: December 2014

Caged compounds are widely used by neurophysiologists to study many aspects of cellular signaling in glia and neurons. Biologically inert before irradiation, they can be loaded into cells via patch pipette or topically applied in situ to a defined concentration; photolysis releases the caged compound in a very rapid and spatially defined way. As caged compounds are exogenous optical probes, they include not only natural products such neurotransmitters, calcium and IP3 but non‐natural products such as fluorophores, drugs and antibodies. In this Technical Spotlight we provide a short introduction to the uncaging technique by discussing the nitroaromatic caging chromophores most widely used in such experiments [e.g. α‐carboxy‐ortho‐nitrobenyl (CNB), dimethoxynitrobenzyl (DMNB), 4‐methoxy‐7‐nitroindolinyl (MNI) and 4‐carboxymethoxy‐7‐nitroindolinyl (CDNI)]. We show that recently developed caging chromophores [rutheniumbipyridial (RuBi) and 7‐diethylaminocoumarin (DEAC)450] that are photolyzed with blue light (~ 430–480 nm range) can be combined with traditional nitroaromatic caged compounds to enable two‐color optical probing of neuronal function. For example, one‐photon uncaging of either RuBi‐GABA or DEAC450‐GABA with a 473‐nm laser is facile, and can block nonlinear currents (dendritic spikes or action potentials) evoked by two‐photon uncaging of CDNI‐Glu at 720 nm. We also show that two‐photon uncaging of DEAC450‐Glu and CDNI‐GABA at 900 and 720 nm, respectively, can be used to fire and block action potentials. Our experiments illustrate that recently developed chromophores have taken uncaging out of the ‘monochrome era’, in which it has existed since 1978, so as to enable multichromic interrogation of neuronal function with single‐synapse precision.
Soil warming and CO2 enrichment induce biomass shifts in alpine tree line vegetation
Authors: Dawes Melissa A. , Philipson Christopher D. , Fonti Patrick , Bebi Peter , Hättenschwiler Stephan , Hagedorn Frank , Rixen Christian
Published: December 2014

Responses of alpine tree line ecosystems to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations and global warming are poorly understood. We used an experiment at the Swiss tree line to investigate changes in vegetation biomass after 9 years of free air CO2 enrichment (+200 ppm; 2001–2009) and 6 years of soil warming (+4 °C; 2007–2012). The study contained two key tree line species, Larix decidua and Pinus uncinata, both approximately 40 years old, growing in heath vegetation dominated by dwarf shrubs. In 2012, we harvested and measured biomass of all trees (including root systems), above‐ground understorey vegetation and fine roots. Overall, soil warming had clearer effects on plant biomass than CO2 enrichment, and there were no interactive effects between treatments. Total plant biomass increased in warmed plots containing Pinus but not in those with Larix. This response was driven by changes in tree mass (+50%), which contributed an average of 84% (5.7 kg m−2) of total plant mass. Pinus coarse root mass was especially enhanced by warming (+100%), yielding an increased root mass fraction. Elevated CO2 led to an increased relative growth rate of Larix stem basal area but no change in the final biomass of either tree species. Total understorey above‐ground mass was not altered by soil warming or elevated CO2. However, Vaccinium myrtillus mass increased with both treatments, graminoid mass declined with warming, and forb and nonvascular plant (moss and lichen) mass decreased with both treatments. Fine roots showed a substantial reduction under soil warming (−40% for all roots <2 mm in diameter at 0–20 cm soil depth) but no change with CO2 enrichment. Our findings suggest that enhanced overall productivity and shifts in biomass allocation will occur at the tree line, particularly with global warming. However, individual species and functional groups will respond differently to these environmental changes, with consequences for ecosystem structure and functioning.
International cross‐cultural validation study of the Canadian Haemophilia Outcomes: Kids’ Life Assessment Tool
Authors: McCusker P. J. , Fischer K. , Holzhauer S. , Meunier S. , Altisent C. , Grainger J. D. , Blanchette V. S. , Burke T. A. , Wakefield C. , Young N. L.
Published: December 2014

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment is recognized as an important outcome in the evaluation of different therapeutic regimens for persons with haemophilia. The Canadian Haemophilia Outcomes–Kids’ Life Assessment Tool (CHO‐KLAT) is a disease‐specific measure of HRQoL for 4 to 18‐year‐old boys with haemophilia. The purpose of this study was to extend this disease‐specific, child‐centric, outcome measure for use in international clinical trials.

We adapted the North American English CHO‐KLAT version for use in five countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom (UK). The process included four stages: (i) translation; (ii) cognitive debriefing; (iii) validity assessment relative to the PedsQL (generic) and the Haemo‐QoL (disease‐specific) and (iv) assessment of inter and intra‐rater reliability. Cognitive debriefing was performed in 57 boys (mean age 11.4 years), validation was performed in 144 boys (mean age 11.0 years) and reliability was assessed for a subgroup of 64 boys (mean age 12.0 years). Parents also participated. The mean scores reported by the boys were high: CHO‐KLAT 77.0 (SD = 11.2); PedsQL 83.8 (SD = 11.9) and Haemo‐QoL 79.6 (SD = 11.5). Correlations between the CHO‐KLAT and PedsQL ranged from 0.63 in Germany to 0.39 in the Netherlands and Spain. Test–retest reliability (concordance) for child self‐report was 0.67. Child–parent concordance was slightly lower at 0.57. The CHO‐KLAT has been fully culturally adapted and validated for use in five different languages and cultures (in England, the Netherlands, France, Germany and Spain) where treatment is readily available either on demand or as prophylaxis.
Evaluation of in vitro probiotic potential of phytase‐producing bacterial strain as a new probiotic candidate
Authors: Sharma Anjana , Trivedi Shraddha
Published: December 2014

Sixty‐three phytase‐producing bacterial strains were isolated from natural sources, and their probiotic potential was evaluated. Of these, only fifteen strains were selected on the basis of confirmatory plate assay. Among these, five phytase‐producing strains exhibiting potent probiotic properties were identified as Bacillus cereus P1, Bacillus subtilis P6, B. subtilis P7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa P12 and P. aeruginosa P15 on the basis of morphological, biochemical and molecular characteristics. Maximum phytase activity (2.74 EU mL−1) with potential probiotic properties, that is more than 70% survivability at pH 2.0, up to 2.0% bile salt tolerance, sporulation efficiency of more than 80% and survival in anaerobic condition (94.31%), was revealed by B. subtilis P6 as compared to the well‐established commercial probiotic strains Lactobacillus sporogenes and Lactobacillus casei. Thus, phytase‐producing B. subtilis P6 with promising probiotic features can be used in food and animal feed applications for betterment of mankind after further validation.
Evaluation of the antioxidant properties and oxidative stability of Pecorino cheese made from the raw milk of ewes fed Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaves
Authors: Branciari Raffaella , Ranucci David , Trabalza‐Marinucci Massimo , Codini Michela , Orru Mara , Ortenzi Roberta , Forte Claudio , Ceccarini Maria R. , Valiani Andrea
Published: December 2014

The aim of this work was to study the effect of rosemary leaf dietary supplementation on the antioxidant activities and total phenolic content of Pecorino cheese. Three hundred and twenty‐four sheep were randomly assigned to two dietary groups, which received a standard diet based on lucerne hay and concentrate (400 g per day). The concentrate of the rosemary supplemented group contained 2.50% dried rosemary leaves. The trial lasted 7 weeks. Cheesemaking was performed 3, 5 and 7 weeks from the start of the trial. The Pecorino cheese antioxidant activity was modified by the diet. Rosemary supplementation increased the total phenolic content, enhanced the antioxidant properties and decreased the lipid oxidation of cheese. A slight decrease in flavour was detected in cheeses after 7 weeks of rosemary administration.
Protein quality of dried enzymatic hydrolysate from anchovy produced in a spouted bed of inert particles
Authors: Moraes Kelly , Pinto Luiz A. A.
Published: December 2014

The anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) is a pelagic fish and due to its abundance in South America shows a sustainable exploitation. The enzymatic hydrolysis of anchovy protein associated to the drying technique in spouted bed was analysed in order to obtain products with the best characteristics. The drying conditions were inlet air temperature, concentration and flow rate of suspension. The degree of hydrolysis of the anchovy suspension was of 3.8%, and its available lysine and specific antioxidant activity were of 86 g kg−1protein and 4.31 mmDPPH kg−1 min−1, respectively. In spouted bed drying, the lowest reduction in available lysine (9%) and loss of specific antioxidant activity (8%) were found at 90 °C, and suspension concentration and flow rate of 65 g L−1 and 200 mL h−1, respectively. The dried product was characterised as a protein source of high biological value due to the essential amino acids profile.
Duplex PCR approach for the detection and quantification of donkey, horse and mule in raw and heat‐processed meat products
Authors: Chen Ailiang , Wei Chengbin , Chen Gang , Zhao Yan , Yang Shuming
Published: December 2014

Donkey‐related products have been paid more attention for their high nutritional value to human beings. Due to donkey resource scarcity, coupled with gradually increasing market demand, adulterated donkey meat products with other low‐cost animal meat, especially with the similar species horse and mule, are often found in market. Therefore, detection of species fraud in donkey meat products is important for consumer protection and food industries. In this study, a simple and highly specific duplex PCR method, based on the simultaneous amplification of fragments of the mitochondrial ATP synthase subunit 8/6 and ND2, was developed and optimised for the identification of horse, donkey and mule species in raw and heat‐processed meat products. To the best of our knowledge, it was the first time for this strategy applied to these three genetically related animal meat products differentiation to date. The duplex PCR generated a 153‐bp and 83‐bp amplification products for horse and donkey, respectively. While for mule, both of the two length amplification products are appeared on the agarose gel. Target meat species could be detected at a level of 1%, and the results indicated that the duplex PCR assay could be used in the authentification of donkey‐related products with high specificity, cost‐effectiveness and simplicity.
Antibody and T‐cell responses associated with experimental human malaria infection or vaccination show limited relationships
Authors: Walker Karen M. , Okitsu Shinji , Porter David W. , Duncan Christopher , Amacker Mario , Pluschke Gerd , Cavanagh David R. , Hill Adrian V. S. , Todryk Stephen M.
Published: December 2014

This study examined specific antibody and T‐cell responses associated with experimental malaria infection or malaria vaccination, in malaria‐naive human volunteers within phase I/IIa vaccine trials, with a view to investigating inter‐relationships between these types of response. Malaria infection was via five bites of Plasmodium falciparum‐infected mosquitoes, with individuals reaching patent infection by 11–12 days, having harboured four or five blood‐stage cycles before drug clearance. Infection elicited a robust antibody response against merozoite surface protein‐119, correlating with parasite load. Classical class switching was seen from an early IgM to an IgG1‐dominant response of increasing affinity. Malaria‐specific T‐cell responses were detected in the form of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) ELIspot, but their magnitude did not correlate with the magnitude of antibody or its avidity, or with parasite load. Different individuals who were immunized with a virosome vaccine comprising influenza antigens combined with P. falciparum antigens, demonstrated pre‐existing interferon‐γ, IL‐2 and IL‐5 ELIspot responses against the influenza antigens, and showed boosting of anti‐influenza T‐cell responses only for IL‐5. The large IgG1‐dominated anti‐parasite responses showed limited correlation with T‐cell responses for magnitude or avidity, both parameters being only negatively correlated for IL‐5 secretion versus anti‐apical membrane antigen‐1 antibody titres. Overall, these findings suggest that cognate T‐cell responses across a range of magnitudes contribute towards driving potentially effective antibody responses in infection‐induced and vaccine‐induced immunity against malaria, and their existence during immunization is beneficial, but magnitudes are mostly not inter‐related.
Hong Kong's Currency Crisis: A Test of the 1990s ‘Washington Consensus’ View
Authors: Harake Wissam , Meade Ellen E.
Published: December 2014

In the aftermath of the financial crisis that rocked Southeast Asia in 1997–98, prominent scholars argued that the advice dispensed by the International Monetary Fund and supported by the policy community in Washington had exacerbated rather than stabilized the crisis. In this paper, we look back at that debate by using Hong Kong's experience during the Asian financial crisis to test the then‐consensus view on monetary tightening against the revisionist view of its critics. Hong Kong provides an interesting test of the two approaches because monetary policy was tightened and the pre‐crisis exchange rate survived the speculative attack intact, in contrast to other studies that have examined the effects of tighter monetary policy during attacks that led to changes in exchange‐rate management. Using a model of exchange‐market pressure and VAR estimation, we find that our results are generally supportive of the revisionist hypothesis.
Thinking critically about the occurrence of widespread participation in poor nursing care
Authors: Roberts Marc , Ion Robin
Published: December 2014

Aim

A discussion of how Arendt's work can be productively re‐contextualized to provide a critical analysis of the occurrence of widespread participation in poor nursing care and what the implications of this are for the providers of nursing education.

Background

While the recent participation of nurses in healthcare failings, such as that detailed in the Francis report, has been universally condemned, there has been an absence of critical analyses in the literature that attempt to understand the occurrence of such widespread participation in poor nursing care. This is a significant omission in so far as such analyses will form an integral part of the strategy to limit the occurrence of such widespread participation of nurses in future healthcare failings.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data sources

Arendt's Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil and Thinking and Moral Considerations: A Lecture. In addition, a literature search was conducted and articles published in English relating to the terms care, compassion, ethics, judgement and thinking between 2004–2014 were included.

Implications for nursing

It is anticipated that this discussion will stimulate further critical debate about the role of Arendt's work for an understanding of the occurrence of poor nursing care, and encouraging additional detailed analyses of the widespread participation of nurses in healthcare failings more generally.

Conclusion

This article provides a challenging analysis of the widespread participation of nurses in poor care and discusses the opportunities confronting the providers of nursing education in limiting future healthcare failings.
Military nurses' experiences returning from war
Authors: Elliott Brenda
Published: December 2014

Aim

This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe the military nurses' post‐deployment experiences and their meaning.

Background

Today, similar to past conflicts, military nurses are faced with many different stressors, moral dilemmas and loss in a compressed amount of time while deployed. These exposures place both military nurses and their families at risk for difficulty adjusting when deployment ends. This study addresses military nurses' experiences returning to personal and professional roles post‐deployment.

Design

Qualitative, narrative inquiry.

Method

Thematic analysis of data collected in 2012 from in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with ten military nurses.

Findings

Description of the experience had five themes: ‘learning to manage changes in the environment’; ‘facing the reality of multiple losses’; ‘feeling like it's all so trivial now’; ‘figuring out where I ‘fit’ in all the chaos'; and ‘working through the guilt to move forward’. Description of the meaning of the experience had two themes: ‘serving a greater purpose’ and ‘looking at life through a new lens’.

Conclusion

It is critical for military nurses and leaders, healthcare providers, nursing administration/educators, as well as nurses who work alongside military nurses, both in the USA and in other countries, to have a better understanding of the meaning of the deployment experience so they may provide support to these nurses during the post‐deployment phase. Lessons learned may benefit future military nurses and may also be transferable to nurses who support humanitarian and disaster missions.
Perinatal and sociodemographic factors at birth predicting conduct problems and violence to age 18 years: comparison of Brazilian and British birth cohorts
Authors: Murray Joseph , Maughan Barbara , Menezes Ana M. B. , Hickman Matthew , MacLeod John , Matijasevich Alicia , Gonçalves Helen , Anselmi Luciana , Gallo Erika A. G. , Barros Fernando C.
Published: December 2014

Background

Many low‐ and middle‐income countries have high levels of violence. Research in high‐income countries shows that risk factors in the perinatal period are significant precursors of conduct problems which can develop into violence. It is not known whether the same early influences are important in lower income settings with higher rates of violence. This study compared perinatal and sociodemographic risk factors between Brazil and Britain, and their role in explaining higher rates of conduct problems and violence in Brazil.

Methods

Prospective population‐based birth cohort studies were conducted in Pelotas, Brazil (N = 3,618) and Avon, Britain (N = 4,103). Eleven perinatal and sociodemographic risk factors were measured in questionnaires completed by mothers during the perinatal period. Conduct problems were measured in questionnaires completed by mothers at age 11, and violence in self‐report questionnaires completed by adolescents at age 18.

Results

Conduct problems were predicted by similar risk factors in Brazil and Britain. Female violence was predicted by several of the same risk factors in both countries. However, male violence in Brazil was associated with only one risk factor, and several risk factor associations were weaker in Brazil than in Britain for both females and males. Almost 20% of the higher risk for conduct problems in Brazil compared to Britain was explained by differential exposure to risk factors. The percentage of the cross‐national difference in violence explained by early risk factors was 15% for females and 8% for males.

Conclusions

A nontrivial proportion of cross‐national differences in antisocial behaviour are related to perinatal and sociodemographic conditions at the start of life. However, risk factor associations are weaker in Brazil than in Britain, and influences in other developmental periods are probably of particular importance for understanding male youth violence in Brazil.
Effect of Guar Gum on Processing and Cooking Quality of Nontraditional Pasta
Authors: Sandhu Gurleen K. , Simsek Senay , Manthey Frank A.
Published: December 2014

The effect on processing and cooking quality of pasta containing nontraditional ingredients and guar gum (GG) was characterized. Durum flour was fortified with soy flour or oat flour and with GG from three different vendors. Physical and chemical properties of GG at three concentrations (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4% w/v) varied among vendors. Protein and lipid contents were highest in soy flour than durum and oat flour. Bulk density, particle size distribution and water‐holding capacity varied among durum flour and all nontraditional ingredients. Mixograms indicated that GG increased dough strength of durum flour and the increased strength varied among vendors. Hydrated ingredients were extruded as spaghetti, and dried using high temperature drying (70C), before pasta quality analysis. The effects of GG and GG vendor on dough strength were manifested in differences in extrusion rate. Guar gum, regardless of vendor, had no effect on the cooking quality of pasta.

Practical Applications

There has been very limited information on properties, quality characteristics and functionality of the gums from various sources. Also, no literature was found that studied the effect of different commercial sources of guar gum (GG) on the processing properties and cooking quality of pasta containing nontraditional ingredients. Therefore, this study was undertaken with an aim to compare and characterize GG from different vendors of food‐grade gums and their subsequent effects on the processing and cooking quality of pasta containing nontraditional ingredients.
Performance of a second‐generation methylated SEPT9 test in detecting colorectal neoplasm
Authors: Jin Peng , Kang Qian , Wang Xin , Yang Lang , Yu Yang , Li Na , He Yu‐qi , Han Xiaoliang , Hang Jie , Zhang Jing , Song Lele , Han Ying , Sheng Jian‐qiu
Published: December 2014

Background and Aim

Screening and early detection reduces mortality due to colorectal cancer (CRC). Methylated Septin 9 (SEPT9) is a new blood‐based biomarker for CRC. We evaluated the performance of the second‐generation SEPT9 assay for the detection of colorectal neoplasm, and compared it with fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

Methods

A total of 135 patients with CRC, 169 with adenomatous polyps, 81 with hyperplastic polyps, and 91 healthy controls were included. The clinical status of all subjects was verified by colonoscopy. In all patients, peripheral blood samples were taken for SEPT9 testing using Epi proColon 2.0 test. For 177 patients, both SEPT9 and FIT were performed.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of SEPT9 for CRC were 74.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 67.0–81.6%) and 87.4% (vs non‐CRC, 95% CI: 83.5–90.6%), respectively. SEPT9 was positive in 66.7% of stage I, 82.6% of stage II, 84.1% of stage III, and 100% of stage IV CRCs. The sensitivity of SEPT9 for advanced adenomas was 27.4% (95% CI: 18.7–37.6%). The sensitivity and specificity of FIT for CRC was 58.0% (95% CI: 46.1–69.2%) and 82.4% (95% CI: 74.4–88.7%), respectively. SEPT9 showed better performance in CRC detection than FIT, but similar among advanced adenomas.

Conclusions

With improved performance characteristics in detecting CRC, the second‐generation SEPT9 assay could play an important role in CRC screening and early detection.
Parenting stress and child behaviour problems among parents with intellectual disabilities: the buffering role of resources
Authors: Meppelder M. , Hodes M. , Kef S. , Schuengel C.
Published: December 2014

Background

Parents with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at risk for high levels of parenting stress. The present study evaluated resources, including parental adaptive functioning, financial resources and access to a support network, as moderators of the association between child behaviour problems and parenting stress.

Method

A total of 134 parents with ID and their children (ages 1–7 years) were recruited from 10 Dutch care organisations. Questionnaires were administered to the parents to obtain information on parenting stress in the parent and child domain, financial resources and their support network. Teachers and care workers reported on child behaviour problems and parental adaptive functioning, respectively.

Results

Parents experienced more stress with regard to their children than towards their own functioning and situation. Parenting stress was less in parents who were not experiencing financial hardship. Child behaviour problems were associated with high child‐related parenting stress, not parent‐related parenting stress. Large support networks decreased the association between child behaviour problems and child‐related parenting stress. Financial resources did not significantly moderate the association.

Conclusions

Parenting stress among parents with ID is focused on problems with the child, especially when little social support is available.
Cyclic mechanical pressure‐loading alters epithelial homeostasis in a three‐dimensional in vitro oral mucosa model: clinical implications for denture‐wearers
Authors: Shiomi A. , Izumi K. , Uenoyama A. , Saito T. , Saito N. , Ohnuki H. , Kato H. , Kanatani M. , Nomura S. , Egusa H. , Maeda T.
Published: December 2014

Denture‐wearing affects the quality and quantity of epithelial cells in the underlying healthy oral mucosa. The physiologic mechanisms, however, are poorly understood. This study aimed to compare histologic changes and cellular responses of an epithelial cell layer to cyclic mechanical pressure‐loading mimicking denture‐wearing using an organotypic culture system to develop a three‐dimensional in vitro oral mucosa model (3DOMM). Primary human oral keratinocytes and fibroblasts were serially grown in a monolayer culture, and cell viability was measured under continuous cyclic mechanical pressure (50 kPa) for 7 days (cycles of 60 min on, 20 s off to degas and inject air). Upon initiation of an air–liquid interface culture for epithelial stratification, the cyclic pressure, set to the mode above mentioned, was applied to the 3DOMMs for 7 days. Paraffin‐embedded 3DOMMs were examined histologically and immunohistochemically. In the monolayer culture, the pressure did not affect the viability of oral keratinocytes or fibroblasts. Few histologic changes were observed in the epithelial layer of the control and pressure‐loaded 3DOMMs. Immunohistochemical examination, however, revealed a significant decrease in Ki‐67 labelling and an increase in filaggrin and involucrin expression in the suprabasal layer of the pressure‐loaded 3DOMMs. Pressure‐loading attenuated integrin β1 expression and increased matrix metalloproteinase‐9 activity. Incomplete deposition of laminin and type IV collagen beneath the basal cells was observed only in the pressure‐loaded 3DOMM. Cyclic pressure‐loading appeared to disrupt multiple functions of the basal cells in the 3DOMM, resulting in a predisposition towards terminal differentiation. Thus, denture‐wearing could compromise oral epithelial homeostasis.
Oro‐facial evaluation of women with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hoyuela C. P. S. , Furtado R. N. V. , Chiari A. , Natour J.
Published: December 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an aggressive articular autoimmune disease that causes deformities and disability. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) might be affected by this disease. Few controlled studies have evaluated bite force (BF) and oro‐facial manifestations of this disease. To characterise oro‐facial alterations in patients with RA, correlate these results with clinical and disease activity parameters and correlate BF with hand strength (HS). A cross‐sectional study of 150 women was performed, (75 RA patients (RA group) and 75 healthy individuals (control group). The presence of articular sounds, pain on palpation of masseter, temporal and TMJ lateral pole, changes in occlusion, range of mandibular motion, measurement of BF in the incisor and molar regions and assessment of HS were evaluated. In relation to oro‐facial evaluation there were statistical differences between the groups. There was correlation between BF and HS, in the RA group, this correlation was consistent in patients with natural teeth. Patients with RA had lower scores (P < 0·05) in the HAQ, DASH and OHIP‐14 questionnaires than the control group. Inverse correlations were found between BF and HAQ, but not between BF and DAS‐28, DASH and OHIP‐14 questionnaires in the RA group. The women with RA presented more signs and symptoms in the oro‐facial region and had a lower BF than the women in the control group. BF was inversely correlated with the overall function (evaluated by the HAQ) in the patients with RA, and there were correlations between BF and HS in the RA patients and in the control group.
What we still don't know about invasion genetics
Authors: Bock Dan G. , Caseys Celine , Cousens Roger D. , Hahn Min A. , Heredia Sylvia M. , Hübner Sariel , Turner Kathryn G. , Whitney Kenneth D. , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: December 2014

Publication of The Genetics of Colonizing Species in 1965 launched the field of invasion genetics and highlighted the value of biological invasions as natural ecological and evolutionary experiments. Here, we review the past 50 years of invasion genetics to assess what we have learned and what we still don't know, focusing on the genetic changes associated with invasive lineages and the evolutionary processes driving these changes. We also suggest potential studies to address still‐unanswered questions. We now know, for example, that rapid adaptation of invaders is common and generally not limited by genetic variation. On the other hand, and contrary to prevailing opinion 50 years ago, the balance of evidence indicates that population bottlenecks and genetic drift typically have negative effects on invasion success, despite their potential to increase additive genetic variation and the frequency of peak shifts. Numerous unknowns remain, such as the sources of genetic variation, the role of so‐called expansion load and the relative importance of propagule pressure vs. genetic diversity for successful establishment. While many such unknowns can be resolved by genomic studies, other questions may require manipulative experiments in model organisms. Such studies complement classical reciprocal transplant and field‐based selection experiments, which are needed to link trait variation with components of fitness and population growth rates. We conclude by discussing the potential for studies of invasion genetics to reveal the limits to evolution and to stimulate the development of practical strategies to either minimize or maximize evolutionary responses to environmental change.
Synthesis of mannosylinositol phosphorylceramides is involved in maintenance of cell integrity of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Morimoto Yuji , Tani Motohiro
Published: December 2014

Complex sphingolipids play important roles in many physiologically important events in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, we screened yeast mutant strains showing a synthetic lethal interaction with loss of mannosylinositol phosphorylceramide (MIPC) synthesis and found that a specific group of glycosyltransferases involved in the synthesis of mannan‐type N‐glycans is essential for the growth of cells lacking MIPC synthases (Sur1 and Csh1). The genetic interaction was also confirmed by repression of MNN2, which encodes alpha‐1,2‐mannosyltransferase that synthesizes mannan‐type N‐glycans, by a tetracycline‐regulatable system. MNN2‐repressed sur1Δ csh1Δ cells exhibited high sensitivity to zymolyase treatment, and caffeine and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) strongly inhibited the growth of sur1Δ csh1Δ cells, suggesting impairment of cell integrity due to the loss of MIPC synthesis. The phosphorylated form of Slt2, a mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase activated by impaired cell integrity, increased in sur1Δ csh1Δ cells, and this increase was dramatically enhanced by the repression of Mnn2. Moreover, the growth defect of MNN2‐repressed sur1Δ csh1Δ cells was enhanced by the deletion of SLT2 or RLM1 encoding a downstream target of Slt2. These results indicated that loss of MIPC synthesis causes impairment of cell integrity, and this effect is enhanced by impaired synthesis of mannan‐type N‐glycans.
Residues located on membrane‐embedded flexible loops are essential for the second step of the apolipoprotein N‐acyltransferase reaction
Authors: Gélis‐Jeanvoine Sébastien , Lory Stephen , Oberto Jacques , Buddelmeijer Nienke
Published: December 2014

Apolipoprotein N‐acyltransferase (Lnt) is an essential membrane‐bound enzyme that catalyzes the third and last step in the post‐translational modification of bacterial lipoproteins. In order to identify essential residues implicated in substrate recognition and/or binding we screened for non‐functional variants of Lnt obtained by error‐prone polymerase chain reaction in a complementation assay using a lnt depletion strain. Mutations included amino acid substitutions in the active site and of residues located on flexible loops in the catalytic periplasmic domain. All, but one mutation, led to the formation of the thioester acyl‐enzyme intermediate and to the accumulation of apo‐Lpp, suggesting that these residues are involved in the second step of the reaction. A large cytoplasmic loop contains a highly conserved region and two hydrophobic segments. Accessibility analysis to alkylating reagents of substituted cysteine residues introduced in this region demonstrated that the hydrophobic segments do not completely span the membrane. Two residues in the highly conserved cytoplasmic region were shown to be essential for Lnt function. Together, our data suggest that amino acids located on flexible cytoplasmic and periplasmic loops, predicted to be membrane embedded, are required for efficient N‐acylation of lipoproteins.
Small regulatory RNAs and the fine‐tuning of plant–bacteria interactions
Authors: Harfouche Lamia , Haichar Feth el Zahar , Achouak Wafa
Published: December 2014

Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) play a key role in many physiological and adaptive responses in bacteria. Faced with rapidly changing environments, it is more advantageous for bacteria to use sRNA‐mediated responses than regulation by protein transcriptional factors, as sRNAs act at the post‐transcriptional level and require less energy and time for their synthesis and turnover. The use of RNA deep sequencing has provided hundreds of sRNA candidates in different bacterial species that interact with plants. Here, we review the most recent results for the involvement of bacterial sRNAs in beneficial as well as deleterious plant–bacteria interactions. We describe the current view for the role of sRNAs, which are suggested to improve competition for both niches and resources in plant‐interacting bacteria. These sRNAs also help plant‐associated bacteria individually adapt to the rapidly changing conditions to which they are exposed, during different stages of this interaction.
Expression of Steroid Hormone Receptors in the Genital Structures of a True Hermaphrodite Pug Dog
Authors: Bartel C , Meyer F , Schäfer‐Somi S , Walter I
Published: December 2014

Contents

Hermaphroditism is a rare and a not well‐understood disordered sexual development (DSD) in dogs. The objective of the study was to analyse the sex steroid hormone receptor (STHR) expression patterns in the internal genital structures, because the responsiveness of the different tissue types to the steroid hormones may have a key role in pathological alterations based on DSDs. Furthermore, the adhesion molecule β‐catenin was investigated by means of immunohistochemistry because of its important role in development, tissue integrity and disease. Molecular sexing was performed via PCR targeting DBX/DBY genes to identify the pug dog as a true XX hermaphrodite. The portions of uterine tissue revealed comparable expression patterns for STHRs as investigated in normal female reproductive tissue. In the male parts, β‐catenin showed strong expression in the Sertoli cells of the seminiferous tubules; this was in contrast to normal testicular tissue. Likewise, the layers of smooth muscle actin‐positive cells surrounding the seminiferous tubules were reduced in the hermaphrodite. The results of this study deepen the knowledge of tissue characteristics in a hermaphrodite dog and highlight the importance of early diagnosis because the STH responsiveness in maldeveloped reproductive tissue might lead to serious problems for the dog.
Inclined K–Ar illite age spectra in brittle fault gouges: effects of fault reactivation and wall‐rock contamination
Authors: Torgersen Espen , Viola Giulio , Zwingmann Horst , Henderson Iain H. C.
Published: December 2014

K–Ar clay fraction ages of brittle faults often vary with grain size, decreasing in the finer size fractions, producing an inclined age–grain‐size spectrum. K–Ar ages and mineralogical characterization of gouges from two normal faults in the Kongsberg silver mines, southern Norway, suggest that inclined spectra derived from brittle fault rocks reflect the mixing of inherited components with authigenic mineral phases. The ages of the coarsest and finest fractions constrain faulting at c. 260–270 Ma and reactivation around 200–210 Ma, respectively. This study demonstrates how wall‐rock contamination influences the K–Ar age of the coarsest size fractions and that authigenic illite and K‐feldspar can crystallize synkinematically under equivalent conditions and thus yield the same K–Ar ages.
Relocation of cryopreserved umbilical cord blood samples using a high‐capacity dry shipper to a new laboratory: a cord blood banking experience
Authors: Thiagarajah Kalaivani , Wong Chee‐Yin , Vijayan Vickneswary Veera , Ooi Ghee‐Chien , Ng Mei‐Theng , Cheong Soon‐Keng , Then Kong‐Yong
Published: December 2014

Background

Processed umbilical cord blood (UCB) must be stored at cryogenic temperature at all times to maintain the quality and viability of the cells. However, a challenge is presented in the form of moving a large number of cryopreserved UCB samples to a new location. In this report, we share our experience on relocating more than 100,000 units of cryopreserved UCB samples stored in 12 liquid nitrogen freezers (LNFs) to our new laboratory.

Study Design and Methods

For quality control purposes, 2 weeks before relocation, donor UCB samples were processed, cryopreserved, and stored in each LNF. On relocation day, half of the samples were retrieved to determine total nucleated cell count, percentage of CD34+ cells, and cell viability as controls for later comparison. UCB samples were transferred into dry shippers before being relocated to the new laboratory. Upon arrival, LNFs were serviced before transferring UCB samples back into its original location within the LNF. The remaining donor UCB samples were retrieved and analyzed for the same tests mentioned.

Results

We found no significant differences in pre‐ and postrelocation values of the tests performed.

Conclusion

All UCB samples were successfully relocated into the new laboratory without affecting the quality.
Risk factors for retrovirus and hepatitis virus infections in accepted blood donors
Authors: Custer Brian , Kessler Debra , Vahidnia Farnaz , Leparc German , Krysztof David E. , Shaz Beth , Kamel Hany , Glynn Simone , Dodd Roger Y. , Stramer Susan L. ,   NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II)
Published: December 2014

Background

Risk factor surveillance among infected blood donors provides information on the effectiveness of eligibility assessment and is critical for reducing risk of transfusion‐transmitted infection.

Study Design and Methods

American Red Cross, Blood Systems, Inc., New York Blood Center, and OneBlood participated in a case‐control study from 2010 to 2013. Donors with serologic and nucleic acid testing (NAT) or NAT‐only confirmed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or serology‐confirmed human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infections (cases) and donors with false‐positive results (controls) were interviewed for putative behavioral and demographic risks. Frequencies and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) from multivariable logistic regression analyses for each exposure in cases compared to controls are reported.

Results

In the study, 196 HIV, 292 HBV, 316 HCV, and 198 HTLV cases, and 1587 controls were interviewed. For HIV, sex with an HIV+ person (AOR, 132; 95% confidence interval [CI], 27‐650) and male‐male sex (AOR, 62; 95% CI, 27‐140) were primary risk factors. For HBV, first‐time donor status (AOR, 16; 95% CI, 10‐27), sex with an injection drug user (IDU; AOR, 11; 95% CI, 5‐28), and black race (AOR, 11; 95% CI, 6‐19) were primary. For HCV, IDU (AOR, 42; 95% CI, 13‐136), first time (AOR, 18; 95% CI, 10‐30), and a family member with hepatitis (AOR, 15; 95% CI, 6‐40) were primary. For HTLV, sex with an IDU (AOR, 22; 95% CI, 10‐48), 55 years old or more (AOR, 21; 95% CI, 8‐52], and first time (AOR, 15; 95% CI, 9‐24) were primary.

Conclusions

Despite education efforts and risk screening, individuals with deferrable risks still donate; they may fail to understand or ignore or do not believe they have risk. Recipients have potential transfusion‐transmitted infection risk because of nondisclosure by donors.
Activity of cytochrome P450 1A2 in relation to hepatic iron accumulation in transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassaemia major patients
Authors: Shteyer E. , Nitzan I. , Godfarb A. , Hemed N. , Revel‐Vilk S.
Published: December 2014

Background

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) is a cytochrome enzyme with a pivotal role in hepatic drug metabolism. Data from CYP1A2(−/−) mouse suggest that CYP1A2 plays a role in aspects of hepatic iron toxicity. The aim of this study was to assess the activity of CYP1A2 in relation to hepatic iron load in patients with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassaemia major.

Methods

The 13C‐methacetin continuous breath test was performed on 30 consecutive patients with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassaemia major. CYP1A2 activity was measured by the rate at which the 13C substrate is metabolized and exhaled expressed as percentage dose recovery (PDR) per hour. CYP1A2 activity was correlated with clinical and laboratory parameters and hepatic iron accumulation by T2* magnetic resonance imaging (T2*MRI).

Results

Cytochrome P450 1A2 activity in patients with transfusion‐dependent β‐ thalassaemia major was positivity correlated with plasma ferritin levels. No correlation was found with age, duration and amount of red blood cell transfusion and type of iron chelation therapy. Low CYP1A2 activity was negatively associated with hepatic iron accumulation (T2*MRI ≤ 6·3 ms); adjusted odds ratio (OR; 95% CI) for hepatic iron accumulation in patients with low CYP1A2 activity was 0·047 (0·003–0·72; P = 0·021). Of the six patients with decreased activity of CYP1A2, five had no hepatic iron accumulation and one had mild hepatic iron accumulation by T2*MRI.

Conclusion

Activity of CYP1A2 is associated with hepatic iron accumulation in patients with transfusion‐depended β‐thalassaemia major. Further studies are needed to assess the exact role of CYP1A2 in iron metabolism in human.
A Model for the Transmission of Chagas Disease with Random Inputs
Authors: Coffield Jr Daniel James , Kuttler Ken , Qu Xianggui , Rabinovich Jorge , Shillor Meir , Spagnuolo Anna Maria , Zetye Alexandra
Published: December 2014

In this work we study and simulate a model for the dynamics of Chagas disease that includes randomness in some of the system coefficients. The disease, caused by the parasite T. cruzi, affects 8-10 million humans throughout rural areas in the Americas. A basic model for the disease dynamics, which consists of four nonlinear differential equations for the populations of the vectors, infected vectors, humans, and domestic animals was developed in Spagnuolo et al., (2009). Here, the model is modified by using a logistic term with two delays for vector population growth and extended to include random coefficients, reflecting the uncertainty in the determination of their values. The existence of the unique local solution for the model as a stochastic process is established. Numerical simulations are performed to conduct sensitivity analysis on seven of the model parameters. Variations in two of the model parameters lead to significant changes in the number of infected humans and infected domestic mammals, indicating that these parameters need to be accurately obtained.