bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sickle cell trait is associated with controlled levels of haem and mild proinflammatory response during acute malaria infection
Authors: Ademolue T W , Amodu O K , Awandare G A
Published: January 2017

The controlled induction of haemoxygenase-1 (HO-1), an enzyme that catabolizes haem, has been shown to reduce haem, preventing pathologies associated with haem toxicity. The hemoglobin genotype HbAS confers reduced susceptibility to severe complications of malaria by a mechanism that is not well understood. Using a longitudinal approach, we investigated the effect of baseline concentrations of HO-1 on the accumulation of haem during acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria in HbAS and HbAA genotypes. Plasma concentrations of haem, HO-1 and cytokines were quantified in venous blood obtained from children (9 months–5 years of age) during malaria infection, and at convalescence (baseline levels). Parasitaemia was determined during malaria infection. In patients with the HbAA genotype, there was a significant elevation in the plasma concentration of haem (P = 0.002), and a consequent increased induction of HO-1 (P < 0.001) during falciparum malaria compared with levels at convalescence. Contrary to HbAA, plasma concentration of haem did not change in the HbAS genotypical group (P = 0·110), and the induction of HO-1 was reduced during malaria compared with levels at convalescence (P = 0·006). Higher plasma levels of haem were observed in HbAS compared with HbAA at convalescence (P = 0·010), but this difference did not affect the levels of HO-1 within each genotype (P = 0·450). Relatively milder proinflammatory responses were observed in HbAS children during malaria infection compared to HbAA children. Our findings suggest that a mechanism of reduced susceptibility to severe malaria pathologies by the HbAS genotype may involve the control of haem, leading to controlled levels of HO-1 and milder proinflammatory responses during acute malaria.
A 15‐year‐long Southern blotting analysis of FMR1 to detect female carriers and for prenatal diagnosis of fragile X syndrome in Taiwan
Authors: Tzeng C.‐C. , Tsai L.‐P. , Chang Y.‐K. , Hung Y.‐J. , Chang Y.‐Y. , Su Y.‐P. , Jiang J.‐J. , Liang H.‐M.
Published: January 2017

Here, we review the results of Southern blotting analyses of the
FMR1
gene performed in our reference laboratory in Taiwan over a 15‐year period. In total, 725 high‐risk women with a family history of fragile X syndrome (FXS) or idiopathic intellectual disability, 3911 low‐risk pregnant women without such family history, and prenatal diagnosis data for 32 foetuses from 24 carrier mothers were included. Only 2 carriers were in the low‐risk group, which indicated a prevalence of 1 of 1955 women (95% confidence interval: 1/7156‐1/539). A total of 100 carriers were found to be in the high‐risk group, thus revealing a significantly higher frequency than the low‐risk group (100/725 vs 2/3911, P<0.0001). Eight of the 14 foetuses that inherited the maternal mutant allele were verified to have a full mutation, with the smallest maternal pre‐mutation allele carrying 56 CGG repeats. The overall findings confirmed that the carrier prevalence among low‐risk women in Taiwan is significantly lower than that reported in western countries. Therefore, the most important step for preventing FXS in Taiwan would be to focus on high‐risk women by promoting general awareness of this disease and spreading knowledge regarding the benefits of carrier screening and prenatal testing.
Genotype and phenotype in 12 additional individuals with SATB2‐associated syndrome
Authors: Zarate Y.A. , Kalsner L. , Basinger A. , Jones J.R. , Li C. , Szybowska M. , Xu Z.L. , Vergano S. , Caffrey A.R. , Gonzalez C.V. , Dubbs H. , Zackai E. , Millan F. , Telegrafi A. , Baskin B. , Person R. , Fish J.L. , Everman D.B.
Published: January 2017

SATB2‐associated syndrome (SAS) is a multisystemic disorder caused by alterations of the
SATB2 gene. We describe the phenotype and genotype of 12 individuals with 10 unique (de novo in 11 of 11 tested) pathogenic variants (1 splice site, 5 frameshift, 3 nonsense, and 2 missense) in SATB2 and review all cases reported in the published literature caused by point alterations thus far. In the cohort here described, developmental delay (DD) with severe speech compromise, facial dysmorphism, and dental anomalies were present in all cases. We also present the third case of tibial bowing in an individual who, just as in the previous 2 individuals in the literature, also had a truncating pathogenic variant of SATB2. We explore early genotype‐phenotype correlations and reaffirm the main clinical features of this recognizable syndrome: universal DD with severe speech impediment, mild facial dysmorphism, and high frequency of craniofacial anomalies, behavioral issues, and brain neuroradiographic changes. As the recently proposed surveillance guidelines for individuals with SAS are adopted by providers, further delineation of the frequency and impact of other phenotypic traits will become available. Similarly, as new cases of SAS are identified, further exploration of genotype‐phenotype correlations will be possible.
Treatment options for pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Quist Sven R. , Kraas Luise
Published: January 2017

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an orphan disease. While research on such disorders is based on only few randomized multicenter as well as retrospective studies, most of the data comes from case series of small patient groups. Apart from topical and intralesional therapeutic options for early stages and mild disease courses, treatment predominantly involves systemic therapeutic agents. Besides systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporine A (CsA), options also include intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and biologics such as the TNFα inhibitors infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept; the interleukin (IL) 12/23 antibody ustekinumab; the IL‐1 receptor antagonist anakinra; and the IL‐1β antibody canakinumab. The best evidence‐based study data is available for CsA, prednisolone, and infliximab; the latter especially in patients with concomitant ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. A response to IVIG and canakinumab has been reported in smaller case series. First described by Brocq almost 100 years ago, it was soon recognized that PG did in fact require treatment. To this day, however, such treatment remains a clinical challenge. Despite the severe – albeit rare –clinical picture, improvement in therapeutic options may be expected in the future, primarily due to further clinical studies – especially with a greater number of patients, a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis, as well as the use of modern targeted therapies with higher efficacy and a lower rate of side effects than conventional immunosuppressants such as prednisolone and CsA.
Resilience to Economic Shocks: Reflections from Zambia's Copperbelt
Authors: Nel Etienne , Smart Jessie , Binns Tony
Published: January 2017

The Copperbelt region in Zambia experienced significant economic destabilization after the 1970s which led to massive job losses in the mining and manufacturing sectors, forcing the local population into a range of informal sector activities and food self‐provisioning. Resilience thinking and the concepts of adaptation and adaptability in particular provide a lense through which to understand how the mining industry was re‐established, albeit in a radical altered form and how local individuals and households have had to cope through creative local responses. The practice of urban agriculture serves as a case‐study of how, in the absence of formal sector employment opportunities, households have had to strengthen their food security through their own actions.
From Coal Mining to Coal Chemicals? Unpacking New Path Creation in an Old Industrial Region of Transitional China
Authors: Hu Xiaohui
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the path‐creation mechanism of the coal‐chemical industry and its relatedness to the old path of the coal mining industry in an old industrial region of China. It reveals that the rise of the new path benefits from the old path to a limited extent. The strong multi‐scalar structured path dependence upon the coal industry fundamentally constrained local actors to mobilize resources from the old path for new industrial options. The findings show that on the basis of local (pre)existing fertilizer production assets, the new path was created by a combination of market‐oriented state‐owned enterprise ownership reforms, market induced trans‐local entrepreneurship and local state‐led developmental strategies. This form of path creation contributes to the extant literature, presenting a complex, multi‐scalar, and multi‐actor manner of industrial restructuring involving dynamic agencies that is not merely historically conditioned by place‐specific assets and structures but also affected by the changing extra‐regional political‐institutional environment.
The Effectiveness of a Shade‐Matching Training Program on the Dentists' Ability to Match Teeth Color
Authors: Alkhudairy Reem , Tashkandi Esam
Published: January 2017

Aim of the study

To study the effectiveness of a structured shade‐match training program on dentists' ability to match teeth colors.

Methods

Forty dentists were selected by convenient sampling with normal color vision. The training program is based on visual attention concept and was divided into two parts (educational and training module). Level of knowledge of color was assessed pre and post using a questionnaire. Shade‐matching ability was assessed pre and post by using four tabs of the VITA Linearguide 3D‐MASTER shade guide (4R1.5, 5M1, 2L.15, 3L1.5). Statistical analysis used pair t test, Wilcoxon test.

Results

About 52.5% (n = 21) were female and 47.5% (n = 19) were male. The subjects were advanced general practitioners/GP and restorative dentists (40%, n = 16), and prosthodontists (20%, n = 8). The mean level of knowledge pre and post the training program showed a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05). Shade‐match ability was significant in the mean value between pre‐test and post‐test (p ≤ 0.05). The mean of ΔE for the shade‐matching tabs was highest in 5M1 Tab (3.55 ± 2.91) followed by 4R1.5 (2.00 ± 1.30) and 2L1.5 (1.55 ± 1.40). The least ΔE was in 3L1.5 (1.54 ± 1.45).

Conclusion

The training program that is based on visual attention was effective. The training program has increased self‐assessment level of knowledge for all subjects and improved the final shade‐matching performance.

Clinical Significance

Visual shade matching is currently the most frequently applied clinical method for shade matching. Assessing colors and matching shades are vital steps in aesthetic dentistry. In the absence of knowledge, shade‐matching skills cannot be mastered effectively. Clinicians can improve their ability to differentiate colors through a short training regimen. Being aware of the whole process of assessing color and the factors affecting shade‐matching practice will lead to a significant improvement in the ability to match dental shades. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:E33–E43, 2017)
Characterization of moaC and a nontarget gene fragments of food‐borne pathogen Alcaligenes sp. JG3 using degenerate colony and arbitrary PCRs
Authors: Ethica Stalis Norma , Semiarti Endang , Widada Jaka , Oedjijono Oedjijono , Joko Raharjo Tri
Published: January 2017

Alcaligenes faecalis, is an opportunistic, pathogenic, Gram‐negative, food‐borne bacterium appearing to be of public health importance due to its resistance to common antibiotics and frequent involvement in nosocomial infections and water contamination. Yet, the Betaproteobacterium showed potential benefit in fat degradation of food waste. It is suggested that pterin‐based Molybdenum cofactor (Moco) biosynthesis involving moa gene is related with the pathogenesis of several Gram‐negative bacteria, while in addition to lipase genes, glycerol coding genes including glpD are involved in effective degradation of fat waste. In this study, a degenerate colony and an arbitrary PCR‐based methods were involved in gene isolation steps. We designed a pair of degenerate primers to detect moaC (GMF: 5′‐ATCGGCATCACCAACCAGC‐3′ and GMR: 5′‐TGTCGATGGTGCCGAAGC‐3′) and two gene specific primers to amplify 5′ (5′‐TGATGAATGTTCCGTTGCGCTGCC‐3′) and 3′ (5′‐GACCTGCAGGCATGCAAGCTCGGC‐3′) ends of glpD of strain JG3 using degenerate colony and arbitrary PCR methods, respectively. The developed degenerate colony PCR resulted amplification of targeted 421‐bp DNA, while the set arbitrary PCR resulted in non‐targeted 436‐bp DNA. Deduced amino acid analysis showed that both sequences shared 94% amino acid similarity with molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis (MoaC) of Pseudomonas stutzeri and benzoate membrane transporter (BenE) of A. faecalis, respectively.

Practical applications

It is suggested that pterin‐based Molybdenum cofactor (Moco) biosynthesis involving moa gene is related with the pathogenesis of several Gram‐negative bacteria, while in addition to lipase genes, glycerol coding genes including glpD are involved in effective degradation of fat waste. However, information about these genes in pathogenic, food‐borne, Gram‐negative Alcaligenes sp. JG3 bacterium originated from root of Zea mays is barely found. A pair of degenerate primers (GMF: 5′‐ATCGGCATCACCAACCAGC‐3′ and GMR: 5′‐TGTCGATGGTGCCGAAGC‐3′) designed in this study could detect 421‐bp moaC gene fragment using degenerate colony PCR, while another pair of gene specific primers 5′ (5′‐TGATGAATGTTCCGTTGCGCTGCC‐3′) and 3′ (5′‐GACCTGCAGGCATGCAAGCTCGGC‐3′) aiming to amplify ends of glpD of Alcaligenes sp. JG3 detected a nontargeted, 436‐bp benE gene of the strain using an arbitrary PCR method.
Cerebral High‐Intensity Transient Signals during Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization: A Pilot Study Using Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography
Authors: LaRovere Kerri L. , Kapur Kush , McElhinney Doff B. , Razumovsky Alexander , Kussman Barry D.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cerebral emboli are one potential cause of acute brain injury in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing cardiac catheterization. In this pilot study using transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography, we sought to evaluate the incidence, burden, and circumstances of cerebral high‐intensity transient signals (HITS), presumably representing emboli, during pediatric cardiac catheterization.

METHODS

Emboli monitoring of the right middle cerebral artery was performed in five children. HITS, counted offline, were defined as unidirectional signals associated with audible “chirp” and sinusoidal correlation. HITS were grouped as single, >10 HITS (“cluster”), or HITS “with curtain effect” per 3–5 cardiac cycles. Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and pulsatility index (PI) were recorded after anesthetic induction (baseline).

RESULTS

Total HITS in the cohort was 1,697 (790 single HITS, 606 HITS within clusters, and 301 HITS within curtains). HITS in clusters and curtains comprised 53% (907/1,697) of total HITS, and occurred in 44 clusters/curtains. Events associated with clusters/curtains included left ventricular angiography (39%; 17/44), right ventricular angiography (16%; 7/44), device placement (16%; 7/44), heparin bolus (9%; 4/44), pulmonary artery angiography (9%; 4/44), venous access (5%; 2/44), right atrial angiography (2%; 1/44), arterial access (2%; 1/44), and hemodynamic measurements (2%; 1/44). No patient had clinically detectable neurologic injury.

CONCLUSIONS

HITS are common during pediatric cardiac catheterization, and associated with procedural factors. Whether curtains/clusters are worse than single, repetitive HITS is unknown. Larger studies are needed to determine whether HITS are a marker of risk of neurologic injury from emboli during pediatric cardiac catheterization.
Current update on the diagnosis and management of head and neck soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Tudor‐Green Ben , Gomez Ricardo , Brennan Peter A.
Published: January 2017

Head and neck soft tissue sarcomas are a group of rare heterogeneous tumours arising from embryonic mesoderm. They comprise <1% of all head and neck malignancies and 5–15% of all sarcomas with most head and neck sarcomas arising from soft tissues. Although rare, they are associated with both high recurrence and mortality rates. We review the current management of head and neck soft tissue sarcomas.
Wage Differentials in the United States: Does Religious Participation Matter?
Authors: Beck Sedefka V.
Published: January 2017

Using data on non‐Hispanics from the 2005 Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), this article examines the within‐religion association between religious participation and wages for mainline Protestants, conservative Protestants, and Catholics, the three major religious groups in the United States. While previous studies have examined this relationship for women only and using ordinary least squares (OLS), this article further analyzes gender differences and differences along the wage distribution using a quantile regression (QR) approach. The results indicate that high participation in religious services is associated with lower wages among mainline Protestant women and men, and among Catholic men. Among Catholic women, those who are not participating in religious activities earn higher wages relative to those who participate on a weekly basis. Furthermore, this advantage is more pronounced at high wages, as the QR estimates show. These results suggest the importance of defining religious participation in a manner that allows the detection of nonlinear effects. In addition, the findings speak to the importance of religion in the lives of individuals and may benefit policies dealing with male‐female wage differentials.
Lactobacillus acidophilus INMIA 9602 Er-2 strain 317/402 probiotic regulates growth of commensal Escherichia coli in gut microbiota of familial Mediterranean fever disease subjects
Authors: Pepoyan A.Z. , Balayan M.H. , Manvelyan A.M. , Mamikonyan V. , Isajanyan M. , Tsaturyan V.V. , Kamiya S. , Netrebov V. , Chikindas M.L.
Published: January 2017

Previously, we reported a positive effect the probiotic formulation, Lactobacillus acidophilus INMIA 9602 Er-2 strain 317/402 (Narine strain), had on the blood characteristics of patients with familial Mediterranean fever disease (FMF). The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of the Narine probiotic on growth characteristics in the predominant commensal Escherichia coli isolates from the gut microbiota in FMF-positive study participants. Bacterial growth of 192 prevalent commensal E. coli isolates found in the volunteer participants’ guts was evaluated using Verhulst's logistic function. This study showed that the duration of the preparatory growth phase for the E. coli isolates collected from FMF-positive volunteers was significantly shorter, whereas the duration of the logarithmic growth phase was significantly longer (P <0·03) than that of the isolates collected from healthy participants. The Narine probiotic formulation caused a significant extension (P <0·001) of the preparatory growth phase in the commensal E. coli isolated from FMF subjects a month after the Narine probiotic administration was terminated. The data suggest that the mathematical model characterizes the growth of commensal E. coli isolates from FMF-positive participants and it can be useful in a decision-making process on the practical use of probiotics during FMF.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This is the first study to demonstrate the effects of Narine, containing the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus, on the growth of gut commensal Escherichia coli from study participants with familial Mediterranean fever disease (FMF). Verhulst's logistic function was demonstrated to act as a possible tool for the evaluation and quantification of effects produced by the probiotic formulation in FMF participants.
Leaders and Followers: Examining State Court–Ordered Education Finance Reform
Authors: Howard Robert M. , Roch Christine H. , Schorpp Susanne
Published: January 2017

Much of the state court literature assumes that decisions reached by state courts of last resort are independent of other state courts of last resort. Each state court has its own ideology as well as a particular set of institutional constraints and confronts different governors, publics, and state legislatures in rendering decisions. Scholarly research and its assumption of the independence of state‐level judicial decision making and policy impact stands in marked contrast to much of the literature on the state‐level adoption of policy. This diffusion literature has shown that states learn from and emulate similarly situated states that have previously adopted the policy under consideration. These national or state legislatures look to other nations and states for leadership in particular policy domains. In this manuscript, we apply the concept of diffusion to state courts. We do so through the examination of three waves of court‐ordered state education finance reform. Using a dyadic data set covering the period from 1974 until 2002, we find that state courts do emulate other state courts but that emulation is different from legislative emulation and different for each wave of reform.
The Right to Be Racist in College: Racist Speech, White Institutional Space, and the First Amendment
Authors: Moore Wendy Leo , Bell Joyce M.
Published: January 2017

Throughout the post–civil rights era, colleges and universities across the United States have periodically experienced explicitly racist incidents on their campuses. From the hurling of racial slurs at students of color, to the hanging of nooses on campus, to students donning Ku Klux Klan outfits or throwing “ghetto” parties that caricaturize communities of color, these incidents challenge the notion that modern racism has changed to a more subtle form, referred to as color‐blind racism. We place these incidents within a broader context of race and institutions, suggesting a connection between overt racist expressions and the more covert elements of neoliberal color‐blind racism. Through a critical discourse analysis of news stories about these incidents, the website of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, and the controlling legal cases involving racist expression on campuses, we suggest that explicitly racist incidents operate in tandem with neoliberal educational policies and color‐blind racism to mark and reinscribe colleges and universities as white institutional spaces.
The constitution of intellectual property as an academic subject
Authors: Bellido Jose
Published: January 2017

This essay offers a reinterpretation of the constitution of intellectual property as an academic subject by focusing on the work of Thomas Anthony Blanco White (1916–2006). His textbooks were fundamental for the development of ‘intellectual property’ in Britain and the Commonwealth. Not only did they provide the basis for a discipline in the making, their timely publication also helped to connect and, more importantly, constitute a diverse audience of articled clerks, practitioners and students. This essay traces the making of Blanco's first booklets and his subsequent rewriting of them, which culminated in the publication of what would become a standard textbook writing technique in British intellectual property in the twentieth century. In explaining the history of these textbooks and their pivotal role for the recognition of intellectual property as an academic subject in the university curriculum, the essay explores the ways in which a distinctive knowledge of and writing about intellectual property emerged in Britain in the post-war years.
Can MHC‐assortative partner choice promote offspring diversity? A new combination of MHC‐dependent behaviours among sexes in a highly successful invasive mammal
Authors: Santos Pablo S. C. , Michler Frank‐Uwe , Sommer Simone
Published: January 2017

Sexual selection involving genetically disassortative mate choice is one of several evolutionary processes that can maintain or enhance population genetic variability. Examples of reproductive systems in which choosers (generally females) select mates depending on their major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes have been reported for several vertebrate species. Notably, the role of MHC‐dependent choice not in mating contexts, but in other kinds of social interactions such as in the establishment of complex social systems, has not yet drawn significant scientific interest and is virtually absent from the literature. We have investigated male and female MHC‐dependent choice in an invasive population of North American raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Germany. Both male and female raccoons rely on olfaction for individual recognition. Males have an unusually complex social system in which older individuals choose unrelated younger ones to form stable male coalitions that defend territories and a monopoly over females. We have confirmed that females perform MHC‐disassortative mate choice and that this behaviour fosters genetic diversity of offspring. We have also observed that males build coalitions by choosing male partners depending on their MHC, but in an assortative manner. This is the first observation of antagonistic MHC‐dependent behaviours among sexes. We show that this is the only combination of MHC‐dependent partner choice that leads to outbreeding. In the case of introduced raccoons, such behaviours can act together to promote the invasive potential of the species by increasing its adaptive genetic divergence.
Genomic evidence of gene flow during reinforcement in Texas Phlox
Authors: Roda Federico , Mendes Fábio K. , Hahn Matthew W. , Hopkins Robin
Published: January 2017

Gene flow can impede the evolution of reproductive isolating barriers between species. Reinforcement is the process by which prezygotic reproductive isolation evolves in sympatry due to selection to decrease costly hybridization. It is known that reinforcement can be prevented by too much gene flow, but we still do not know how often have prezygotic barriers evolved in the presence of gene flow or how much gene flow can occur during reinforcement. Flower colour divergence in the native Texas wildflower, Phlox drummondii, is one of the best‐studied cases of reinforcement. Here we use genomic analyses to infer gene flow between P. drummondii and a closely related sympatric species, Phlox cuspidata. We de novo assemble transcriptomes of four Phlox species to determine the phylogenetic relationships between these species and find extensive discordance among gene tree topologies across genes. We find evidence of introgression between sympatric P. drummondii and P. cuspidata using the D‐statistic, and use phylogenetic analyses to infer the predominant direction of introgression. We investigate geographic variation in gene flow by comparing the relative divergence of genes displaying discordant gene trees between an allopatric and sympatric sample. These analyses support the hypothesis that sympatric P. drummondii has experienced gene flow with P. cuspidata. We find that gene flow between these species is asymmetrical, which could explain why reinforcement caused divergence in only one of the sympatric species. Given the previous research in this system, we suggest strong selection can explain how reinforcement successfully evolved in this system despite gene flow in sympatry.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence‐regulator PhoP interacts with alternative sigma factor SigE during acid‐stress response
Authors: Bansal Roohi , Anil Kumar Vijjamarri , Sevalkar Ritesh Rajesh , Singh Prabhat Ranjan , Sarkar Dibyendu
Published: January 2017

The ability to sense acid stress and mount an appropriate adaptive response by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which adapts a long‐term residence in the macrophage phagosome, remains one of the critical features that defines mycobacterial physiology and its intracellular location. To understand the mechanistic basis of adaptation of the intracellular pathogen, we studied global regulation of M. tuberculosis gene expression in response to acid stress. Although recent studies indicate a role for the virulence‐associated phoP locus in pH‐driven adaptation, in this study, we discovered a strikingly novel regulatory mechanism, which controls acid‐stress homeostasis. Using mycobacterial protein fragment complementation and in vitro interaction analyses, we demonstrate that PhoP interacts with acid‐inducible extracytoplasmic SigE (one of the 13 M. tuberculosis sigma factors) to regulate a complex transcriptional program. Based on these results, we propose a model to suggest that PhoP–SigE interaction represents a major requirement for the global acid stress response, absence of which leads to strongly reduced survival of the bacilli under acidic pH conditions. These results account for the significant growth attenuation of the phoP mutant in both cellular and animal models, and unravel the underlying global mechanism of how PhoP induces an adaptive program in response to acid stress.
Mechanism of valproic acid‐induced Fanconi syndrome involves mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in rat kidney
Authors: Heidari Reza , Jafari Faezeh , Khodaei Forouzan , Shirazi Yeganeh Babak , Niknahad Hossein
Published: January 2017

Aim

Drug‐induced kidney proximal tubular injury and renal failure (Fanconi syndrome; FS) is a clinical complication. Valproic acid (VPA) is among the FS‐inducing drugs. The current investigation was designed to evaluate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in VPA‐induced renal injury.

Methods

Animals received VPA (250 and 500 mg/kg, i.p., 15 consecutive days). Serum biomarkers of kidney injury and markers of oxidative stress were assessed. Moreover, kidney mitochondria were isolated and mitochondrial indices, including succinate dehydrogenase activity (SDA), mitochondrial depolarization, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), mitochondrial glutathione, and ATP were determined.

Results

Valproic acid‐treated animals developed biochemical evidence of FS as judged by elevated serum gamma‐glutamyl transferase (γ‐GT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) along with hypokalaemia, hypophosphataemia, and a decrease in serum uric acid. VPA caused an increase in kidney ROS and LPO. Renal GSH reservoirs were depleted and tissue antioxidant capacity decreased in VPA‐treated animals. Renal tubular interstitial nephritis, tissue necrosis, and atrophy were also evident in VPA‐treated rats. Mitochondrial parameters including SDA, MMP, GSH, ATP and MPP were decreased and mitochondrial ROS and LPO were increased with VPA treatment. It was found that carnitine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) mitigated VPA adverse effects towards the kidney.

Conclusions

These data suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contributed to the VPA‐induced FS. On the other hand, carnitine could be considered a potentially safe and effective therapeutic option in attenuating VPA‐induced renal injury.
Physical, mental and cognitive disabilities in relation to utilization of dental care services by nursing home residents
Authors: Almomani Fidaa M , Bani‐issa Wegdan
Published: January 2017

Objective

The main purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting dental care utilization among nursing home residents in Jordan.

Methods

A total of 221 subjects with a mean age of 62.4 years (121 males and 100 females) taken from among nursing home residents across Jordan were recruited and composed a convenience sample for this study. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Tinetti Assessment Battery for gait and balance (TAB), Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand test (DASH) were administered and oral health status was assessed for all subjects and examined as expected correlates of dental care utilization among nursing home residents.

Results

The response rate was about 88%. One‐third of residents suffered from total edentulism and most of the remaining dentate residents exhibited periodontal disease (90%). Of the dentate sample, 90% of residents had bleeding upon probing, 85% were diagnosed with tooth mobility, 88% had presence of dental calculus, and 30% were diagnosed with root caries. Of the denture wearers, 59.1 % reported having soreness with their dentures and 32% of denture wearers reported having poor quality dentures. MMSE score, suffering from tooth sensitivity and having diabetes mellitus were identified to be indicators for utilization of dental care services among the study population.

Conclusion

Regular oral care, assessments, and rehabilitation services are considered to be limited for nursing home residents in Jordan. Based upon these findings, future interventions should address oral health among nursing home residents in Jordan.
EFFECT OF REDUCTION TIME ON OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE
Authors: Tajul Arifin Nur Fatihah , Aziz Madzlan
Published: January 2017

Graphene and its’ derivatives received tremendous attention. The characteristics and properties of graphene made the material suitable to be used in many applications such as polymer composites, transistors and sensors. Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are few examples of graphene derivatives. GO can be synthesized in many ways. In this study, GO was produced via modified Hummer’s method. Meanwhile, sodium borohydride (NaBH4) is chosen as a reductant to further reduce the GO via chemical reduction. The material was characterized using FT-IR, UV-Vis and FESEM to observe the characteristics which occurred during the reduction process. From the FT-IR spectrum it is clearly shown that the carbonyl (C=O) and epoxy groups were eliminated on rGO. On the other hand, the band gap value of rGO reduced gradually as the reduction time increase. Besides that, the morphology of GO and rGO was also compared under the magnification of 2500x.
ZEOLITIC IMIDAZOLE FRAMEWORK 8 DECORATED GRAPHENE OXIDE (ZIF-8/GO) MIXED MATRIX MEMBRANE (MMM) FOR CO2/CH4 SEPARATION
Authors: Md Nordin Nik Abdul Hadi , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Yahya Noorhana
Published: January 2017

Recently, metal-organic framework composited with graphene oxide (MOF/GO) has been explored and has shown superior properties compared to both of the parent materials. Thus, this study aims to utilize zeolitic imidazole framework 8 (ZIF-8), a subclass of MOF, decorated graphene oxide (ZIF-8/GO) as filler in mixed matrix membrane (MMM) for CO2 separation. ZIF-8/GO has been successfully synthesized using aqueous room temperature method. Distortion of ZIF-8 structure after GO incorporate was observed from TEM and decreasing pore properties, while their crystal structure are intact. The role of the composite on gas permeation is also evaluated using pure N2, CH4 and CO2. The presence of ZIF-8/GO into membrane has increase CO2 permeance from 59.03 ± 13.87 GPU to 79.92 ± 18.26 GPU with insignificant changes in the gas pair selectivities even only 0.5wt% (total solids) of ZIF-8/GO incorporated.
CHARACTERIZATION OF PCL/ZEOLITE ELECTROSPUN MEMBRANE FOR THE REMOVAL OF SILVER IN DRINKING WATER
Authors: Che Rusli Muhammad Syhamiel Iqhwan , Hassan Mohd Izzat , Sultana Naznin , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi
Published: January 2017

The presence of heavy metals in drinking water leads to several health problems. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL)/zeolite nano or microfiber electrospun composite membranes, diameter range of the fibers was 2 µm- 6 µm, were fabricated by using electrospinning technique. The membranes separation processes have played very crucial roles in water purification industry. Apart from that, the membranes are prepared with biocompatible, non-toxic materials which will be eco-friendly. In order to produce electrospun membrane, 15% (w/v) of PCL polymer solution was dissolved in acetone and 20% (w/w) zeolite was incorporated into the PCL polymer solution. Electricity charged jet of polymer solution from the syringe formed an electrostatics field when the high voltage of 20kV was applied. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) implemented to indicate the characterization of membranes. The water contact angle of PCL/zeolite membrane was 119.53±5.24 which was almost same as pure PCL membrane (107.73±8.54). The inducible results obtained in this study suggested that electrospun pcl and polycaprolactone/zeolite layer by layer nanofibrous membranes can be a favored verdict for the removal of heavy metal ions.
A NOVEL ANTI-PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY (EC50) OF PEGAGA (Centella asiatica) EXTRACT THROUGH IN VITRO 3-D CULTURE MICROENVIRONMENT
Authors: Aizad Syazwan , Mohd Khairiri Nadzirah , Yahaya Badrul Hisham , Zubairi Saiful Irwan
Published: January 2017

Centella asiatica or pegaga is one of the botanical plants that consists of many phytochemicals and is known for being able to offer various effects on wound healing, as well as functioning as an antioxidant and anticancer property. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the efficacy of Centella asiatica water and alcohol-based extracts on the anti-proliferative activity of human lung cancer cells (A549) and normal fibroblast (IMR90) by mean of in vitro 3-D cell culture system. A porous 3-D scaffold was fabricated from poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) using solvent-casting particulate-leaching (SCPL) process. Antioxidant analysis (total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH and FRAP assays) was conducted prior to the 3-D cell culture study. The results showed that the extract contained 7.50 ± 1.10 mg/ml of asiaticoside and 0.74 ± 0.24 mg/ml of madecassoside. These bio-active compounds were believed to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells (A549). The availability of phenolic compounds in the extract (TPC: 10133 ± 119.30 mg/100 g) had proven that the antioxidant properties existed. Moreover, the other values obtained from the antioxidant analysis revealed its capacity as a good source of antioxidant (DPPH: 87 ± 1.0%; FRAP: 127 ± 14.98 mg/100 g). Next, the lung cancer cells (A549) were cultured using a two-dimensional (2-D) system to generate the IC50 value of 5.75 ± 1.0 µg/ml. The A549 cell viability (MTS assay)  after a 3-day incubation exhibited a good sign of mortality  for the both treated models ranging from 55% to 70% as compared to control one (without treatment) (p>0.05). However, when the extract was exposed to a normal fibroblast IMR90, the cell growth of the both treated models exhibited an almost 2-fold greater cell numbers than that of the untreated models (p<0.05) indicating that the extract did not possess any possible threat to a normal and healthy cell. Therefore, the use of Centella asiatica extracts in terminating cancer cells has been proven to be able to inhibit cell growth (greater than 40%) in just 3 days of incubation.
The Behavioral Intention of Citizen of Nigeria on E-Government Service by Utilization of The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT)
Authors: Ibrahim Jibril Sahban , Taib Che Azlan , Shahzad Arfan
Published: January 2017

The government around the world is now using the electronic government as the modern way of providing service for their citizen. Hence, a number of studies have been investigated and explored the importance of information technology to transform delivery service by the government to their citizen, However, e-government implementation in Nigeria still lacking due to some reasons, such as inadequate of infrastructure and the participation of the citizen to use the e-government service. This is call for change and further study is needed to investigate the behavioral intention of a citizen to use e-government service in Nigeria. Furthermore, the Unified Theory of acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model is used in this paper as its best model to explore the behavioral intention and usage, and it is combined with eight theories and models of technology adoption or acceptance toward a unified view. Thus the current paper is conceptualized that citizens' behavioral intention to use e-government is expected to be influenced by the citizen. This paper contributes in two folds; practically and theoretically. Citizen is the main role of using e-government service, thus require attention. The social influence, facilitating condition, performance expectancy and Effort expectancy are expected to influence the behavioral intention to use the e-government service. Therefore, the findings will help the government to formulate policies that consider the citizen's intention to use e-government service. The conceptual paper compares only on the fundamental concepts and findings, thus calls for an empirical validation of the proposed framework.
Work-Family Experience: Its Relation with Self-Identity
Authors: Aziz Azelin , Chew Abdullah Nor Azimah , Ku Ishak Awanis , Abdul Hamid Siti Norasyikin
Published: January 2017

Many studies have examined the manner in which demands in work and family roles impact work-family experiences. Given that gender-role somewhat shapes an individual’s self-identity, this study suggests that an individual’s experience of favourable or unfavourable work-family experience depends on his or her self-identity. More specifically, this study aims to investigate whether the compatibility between one’s self-identity and the role in which one is engaged in, results in a buffering effect or a detrimental effect of role demand on the  work-family balance experience.
Influence of symmetry and duty cycles on the pattern generation in achromatic Talbot lithography
Authors: Yang Shumin , Zhao Jun , Wang Liansheng , Zhu Fangyuan , Xue Chaofan , Liu Haigang , Sang Huazheng , Wu Yanqing , Tai Renzhong
Published: January 2017

Achromatic Talbot lithography has been proved as a robust and high throughput technique for large area nanopatterning with controllable feature sizes and duty cycles. In this work, the influence of symmetry and duty cycles on the pattern generation has been investigated in detail. Compared with square lattice case, no lattice rotation and spatial frequency multiplication can be observed in hexagonal nanopattern generation. Uniform pattern distribution with a 20 nm feature size has been obtained in square and hexagonal lattices by the masks with 144 nm period and ∼50% duty cycle. For the exposure of mask with a smaller duty cycle, nonuniform dot size distribution has been obtained in the square lattice. While, by using a smaller duty cycle hexagonal lattice mask, a highly uniform periodic hexagonal nanopattern with a 10% duty cycle has been obtained. All the experimental results were consistent with the simulation work.
Structure compensation and illumination uniformity improvement through inkjet printing in organic light-emitting diode subpixels
Authors: Lin Chin-Yen , Wang Li-Wen , Liao Kuan-Hsun , Lo Cheng-Yao
Published: January 2017

A structural compensation method is proposed and demonstrated for subpixels with global nonuniform surface morphologies in organic light-emitting diodes. The morphologies were realized by identifying the coffee-ring effect in the hole injection layer (HIL) before it was flattened by depositing additional materials into the HIL recess through inkjet printing. The compensated HIL significantly improved the surface and illumination intensity uniformity. Studies of the printing sequence and wetting behaviors of two HILs proved the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Moreover, a scientific quantification method is proposed, through which the authors determined that the surface morphology and illumination intensity distribution of the subpixel improved by 56.3% and 26.2%, respectively. In addition, conductivity and transmittance examinations revealed good continuity between the HILs, indicating that the proposed compensation is efficient and commercially practicable.
Oxidation and oxidative vapor-phase etching of few-layer MoS2
Authors: Walter Timothy N. , Kwok Frances , Simchi Hamed , Aldosari Haila M. , Mohney Suzanne E.
Published: January 2017

Understanding oxidation of layered chalcogenide semiconductors is important for device processing, as oxidation can be both an intentional and unintentional result of processing steps. Here, the authors investigate chemical and morphological changes in mechanically exfoliated few-layer MoS2 in oxidizing and inert environments using different microscopies (optical, scanning electron, and atomic force) and spectroscopy (Raman, x-ray photoelectron, and Auger electron) techniques. The environments studied were oxygen, oxygen and water vapor, argon, argon and water vapor, and ultraviolet-generated ozone at temperatures from 25 to 550 °C. Oxidation at low temperatures resulted in the formation of a condensed molybdenum oxide phase and sulfur trioxide gas. At sufficiently elevated temperatures, all the products of oxidation volatilize, resulting in a vapor-phase etch. The kinetics of oxidation and etching depended upon the annealing gas, temperature, time, and the number of layers of MoS2. Conditions can be selected to create isolated etch pits, smooth oxide layers, oxide islands, or flakes of reduced lateral dimensions (etching from the flakes' edges). These results can provide useful guidance for MoS2 device processing.
New connections: Better blood vessels and muscles with TFEB
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: January 2017

TFEB suppresses atherosclerosis and improves muscle performance independently of its role in autophagy.
Paper of note in
Science Immunology
2
(7)
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: January 2017

This month’s article shows how the complement C5a receptor initiates the recruitment of neutrophils into joint endothelium in a mouse model of arthritis.
The Mechanism of Killing by the Proline-Rich Peptide Bac7(1–35) against Clinical Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Differs from That against Other Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Runti Giulia , Benincasa Monica , Giuffrida Grazia , Devescovi Giulia , Venturi Vittorio , Gennaro Renato , Scocchi Marco
Published: January 2017

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections represent a serious threat to worldwide health. Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PR-AMPs), a particular group of peptide antibiotics, have demonstrated
in vitro
activity against
P. aeruginosa
strains. Here we show that the mammalian PR-AMP Bac7(1–35) is active against some multidrug-resistant cystic fibrosis isolates of
P. aeruginosa
. By confocal microscopy and cytometric analyses, we investigated the mechanism of killing against
P. aeruginosa
strain PAO1 and three selected isolates, and we observed that the peptide inactivated the target cells by disrupting their cellular membranes. This effect is deeply different from that previously described for PR-AMPs in
Escherichia coli
and
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium, where these peptides act intracellularly after having been internalized by means of the transporter SbmA without membranolytic effects. The heterologous expression of SbmA in PAO1 cells enhanced the internalization of Bac7(1–35) into the cytoplasm, making the bacteria more susceptible to the peptide but at the same time more resistant to the membrane lysis, similarly to what occurs in
E. coli
. The results evidenced a new mechanism of action for PR-AMPs and indicate that Bac7 has multiple and variable modes of action that depend on the characteristics of the different target species and the possibility to be internalized by bacterial transporters. This feature broadens the spectrum of activity of the peptide and makes the development of peptide-resistant bacteria a more difficult process.