bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rotavirus variant replicates efficiently although encoding an aberrant NSP3 that fails to induce nuclear localization of poly(A)-binding protein
Authors: Arnold Michelle M. , Brownback Catie Small , Taraporewala Zenobia F. , Patton John T.
Published: March 2012

The rotavirus (RV) non-structural protein NSP3 forms a dimer that has binding domains for the translation initiation factor eIF4G and for a conserved 3′-terminal sequence of viral mRNAs. Through these activities, NSP3 has been proposed to promote viral mRNA translation by directing circularization of viral polysomes. In addition, by disrupting interactions between eIF4G and the poly(A)-binding protein (PABP), NSP3 has been suggested to inhibit translation of host polyadenylated mRNAs and to stimulate relocalization of PABP from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Herein, we report the isolation and characterization of SA11-4Fg7re, an SA11-4F RV derivative that contains a large sequence duplication initiating within the genome segment (gene 7) encoding NSP3. Our analysis showed that mutant NSP3 (NSP3m) encoded by SA11-4Fg7re is almost twice the size of the wild-type protein and retains the capacity to dimerize. However, in comparison to wild-type NSP3, NSP3m has a decreased capacity to interact with eIF4G and to suppress the translation of polyadenylated mRNAs. In addition, NSP3m fails to induce the nuclear accumulation of PABP in infected cells. Despite the defective activities of NSP3m, the levels of viral protein and progeny virus produced in SA11-4Fg7re- and SA11-4F-infected cells were indistinguishable. Collectively, these data are consistent with a role for NSP3 in suppressing host protein synthesis through antagonism of PABP activity, but also suggest that NSP3 functions may have little or no impact on the efficiency of virus replication in widely used RV-permissive cell lines.
2-Chloro-N-[3-cyano-1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]acetamide
Authors: Li Ming , Zhu Jing , Wei Hong-xia , Wang Jian-qiang , Guo Cheng
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C12H7Cl3N4O, the dihedral angle between the pyrazole and benzene rings is 35.6 (3)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds generatingC(4) chains propagating in [100].
Bis(6-methoxy-1-methyl-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-β-carbolin-2-ium) tetrachloridozincate(II) dihydrate
Authors: Goh Teik Beng , Mordi Mohd Nizam , Mansor Sharif Mahsufi , Rosli Mohd Mustaqim , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: March 2012

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, (C13H17N2O)2[ZnCl4]·2H2O, contains two tetrahydroharmine cations, one tetrachlorozincate(II) anion and two water molecules. In the cations, the two 1H-indole ring systems are essentially planar, with maximum deviations of 0.016 (2) and 0.018 (2) Å, and both tetrahydropyridinium rings show a half-chair conformation. The ZnIIcomplex anion has a distorted tetrahedral geometry. In the crystal, intermolecular N—H...O, N—H...Cl, O—H...O, O—H...Cl and C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the components into a three-dimensional network. A π–π interaction with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.542 (14) Å is also observed.
Bis(guanidinium) tris(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato-κ3O2,N,O6)zirconate(II) tetrahydrate
Authors: Tabatabaee Masoumeh , Adineh Mahnaz , Derikvand Zohreh , Attar Gharamaleki Jafar
Published: March 2012

In the title complex, (CH6N3)2[Zr(C7H3NO4)3]·4H2O, the ZrIVion lies on a twofold rotation axes and is coordinated by six O and three N atoms of three tridentate pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate ligands, forming a slightly distorted tricapped trigonal–prismatic geometry. In the crystal, O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the components into a three-dimensional network.
Tetrakis{2-[2-(2,6-dichloroanilino)phenyl]ethanoato-κ2O:O′}bis[(dimethyl sulfoxide-κO)copper(II)](Cu—Cu): a binuclear CuIIcomplex with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac
Authors: Sayen Stéphanie , Guillon Emmanuel
Published: March 2012

The title compound, [Cu2(C14H10Cl2NO2)4(C2H6OS)2], comprises a CuII2core that is quadruply bridged by four carboxylate ligands with the dimethyl sulfoxide ligands binding along the Cu...Cu axis. The four carboxylate ligands bind in a bidentatesyn–synbridging mode. Molecules reside on crystallographic inversion centres bisecting the mid-point of the Cu...Cu axis. There are no intermolecular interactions of note.
Bis[2-(diphenylphosphanyl-κP)benzaldehyde]iodidogold(I)
Authors: Williams Michael L. , Dunstan Samuel P. C. , Healy Peter C. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, [AuI(C19H15OP)2], the complete molecule is generated by the application of twofold symmetry. The AuIatom is in a trigonal–planar geometry within an IP2donor set with the greatest distortion seen in the P—Au—P angle [128.49 (3) °]. Close intramolecular Au...O interactions [3.172 (3) Å] are observed. No specific intermolecular interactions are noted in the crystal packing.
4-(4-Amino-2-fluorophenoxy)-7-methoxyquinazolin-6-ol methanol monosolvate
Authors: Huang Wei , Tan Aimin
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C15H12FN3O3·CH3OH, the dihedral angle between the quinazoline ring system and the benzene ring is 81.18 (9)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds, generating [10-1] chains of alternating main molecules and solvent molecules. Weak C—H...O interactions are also observed.
Methyl 2,2-dimethoxy-8-oxo-1-oxaspiro[4.5]deca-6,9-diene-3-carboxylate
Authors: Lou Yongbing
Published: March 2012

In the title molecule, C13H16O6, the cyclohexa-1,4-diene ring adopts a flat boat conformation (r.m.s. deviation from planarity = 0.060 Å) and the five-membered tetrahydrofuran ring adopts an envelope conformation with the carboxyl group-substituted C atom as the flap. The dihedral angle at the spiro junction is 89.1 (1)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked through weak C—H...O and van der Waals interactions.
2-Amino-6-{[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl](ethyl)amino}-1-methyl-5-nitro-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile ethanol monosolvate
Authors: Sun Chuan-Wen , Chen Yan-Xia , Liu Tian-Yan
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C21H21ClN6O2·C2H6O, a member of the insecticidal active neonicotinoid group of compounds, the 1,4-dihydropyridine ring adopts a boat conformation. An intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond occurs while the components are linked by an N—H...O interaction. The crystal packing is stablized by O—H...N hydrogen bonds and C—H...O interactions.
A second monoclinic polymorph for 3-amino-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,4-dicarbonitrile
Authors: Asiri Abdullah M. , Faidallah Hassan M. , Alamry Khalid A. , Ng Seik Weng , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: March 2012

The title compound, C23H17N3O, has been previously described in a monoclinicP21/cpolymorph withZ= 4 [Asiri, Al-Youbi, Faidallah, Ng & Tiekink (2011).Acta Cryst. E67, o2449]. In the new monoclinicP21/nform, withZ= 8, there are two independent molecules,AandB, in the asymmetric unit. In both molecules, the cyclohexa-1,3-diene ring has a screw-boat conformation, whereas it is a distorted half-chair in the original polymorph. There is a fold in each molecule, as indicated by the dihedral angle between the benzene rings of the 1,2-dihydronaphthalene and aniline residues of 33.19 (10)° (moleculeA) and 30.6 (10)° (moleculeB). The methoxybenzene ring is twisted out of the plane of the aniline residue to which it is connected [dihedral angles = 49.22 (10) and 73.27 (10)°, inAandBrespectively]. In the crystal, the two independent molecules self-associateviaN—H...N hydrogen bonds, generating a 12-membered {...HNC3N}2synthon. These are connected into a supramolecular tape in the (-101) plane by N—H...O(methoxy) interactions. In theP21/cpolymorph, supramolecular layers are formed by N—H...N and N—H...O interactions.
2-[(3,5-Diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine
Authors: Guzei Ilia A. , Okemwa Teddy T. , Ojwach Stephen O.
Published: March 2012

The title compound, C21H17N3, crystallizes with the phenyl ring in the 3-position coplanar with the pyrazole ring within 4.04 (5)°, whereas the phenyl ring in the 5-position forms a dihedral angle of 50.22 (3)° with the pyrazole ring. There is no ambiguity regarding the position of pyridine N atom, which could have exhibited disorder between theorthopositions of the ring.
Intra- and supramolecular interactions incis,mer-diaquatris(1H-imidazole-κN3)(terephthalato-κO)cobalt(II) monohydrate
Authors: Benkanoun Aouaouche , Balegroune Fadila , Guehria-Laïdoudi Achoura , Dahaoui Slimane , Lecomte Claude
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, [Co(C8H4O4)(C3H4N2)3(H2O)2]·H2O, thecisoidangles are in the range 85.59 (5)–93.56 (5)°, while two equaltransoidangles deviate significantly from the ideal linear angle, the third being almost linear. One carboxylate group is almost coplanar [1.23 (13)°] with the plane of its parent aromatic ring, although it has one O-atom donor involved in one coordination and one hydrogen bond as acceptor. The other carboxylate group does not coordinate and is rotated out of this plane with a torsional twist of 17.27 (20)°. The coordination neutral entity, based on aqua ligands and two cyclic co-ligands seems, at first sight, monomeric. Strongly tight,viaone intramolecular hydrogen bond between aqua and carboxylate O atoms, it brings out a quasi-planar six-membered ring around the CoIIatom, turning the CoN3O3coordination octahedron into a new building block. The rigidity of this feature associated with several hydrogen-bonded arrays yields an extended structure. In the resulting supramolecular packing, a binuclear hydrated CoIIassembly, built up from triple strands driven by different heterosynthons, embodies the synergy of coordination, covalent and hydrogen bonds.
N-Acetyl-N-[2,4-dicyano-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9,10-dihydrophenanthren-3-yl]acetamide
Authors: Asiri Abdullah M. , Faidallah Hassan M. , Al-Thabaiti Shaeel A. , Ng Seik Weng , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C27H21N3O3, the cyclohexa-1,3-diene ring has a screw-boat conformation, and the fused ring system is folded, the dihedral angle between the outer benzene rings being 27.61 (6)°. TheN-acetylacetamide residue (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0935 Å) has ananticonformation and is essentially perpendicular to the benzene ring to which it is connected [dihedral angle = 89.14 (6)°]; the methoxybenzene group is also twisted out of this ring [dihedral angle = 59.47 (7)°]. The three-dimensional architecture is consolidated by C—H...O and C—H...π interactions.
5,7,7,12,14,14-Hexamethyl-4,11-diaza-1,8-diazoniacyclotetradecane bis(perchlorate) monohydrate
Authors: Hazari Saroj K. S. , Roy Tapashi G. , Nath Babul Chandra , Roy Prashun G. , Ng Seik Weng , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: March 2012

In the title hydrated salt, C16H38N42+·2ClO4−·H2O, the dication is protonated at the diagonally opposite N atoms proximate to the –C(CH3)2– groups. Within the cavity, there are two ammonium–amine N—H...N hydrogen bonds. Supramolecular layers are formed in the crystal packing whereby the water molecule links two perchlorate anions, and the resultant aggregates are connected to the dicationsviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds. Layers, with an undulating topology, stack along theaaxis being connected by C—H...O interactions.
Investigating member commitment to virtual communities using an integrated perspective
Authors: Shih‐Tse Wang Edward , Shui‐Lien Chen Lily , Tsai Bi‐Kun
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Although the number of virtual communities has increased dramatically over the past few years, attracting and maintaining members remains the biggest challenge to establishing virtual social networks. This study seeks to integrate the roles of individual factors (issue involvement), social factors (social interaction), and system factors (system interactivity), and to explore how these factors contribute to member commitment in virtual communities.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 402 undergraduate students, who are all current members of virtual communities, participated in this study. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The findings reveal that member commitment to communities was influenced more by their issue involvement compared to their perceived social interaction or perceived system interactivity.

Originality/value

This research contributes to online community literature by integrating critical antecedent factors in the field of community commitment behavior. The findings indicate that issue involvement is more important than social interaction and system interactivity for influencing member commitment to communities. Additionally, the findings suggest that online community administrators should consider community positioning and topic selecting programs when attempting to influence users to commit to communities.
A framework for assessing the impacts of community‐based enterprises on household poverty
Authors: Teerakul Nuttamon , Villano Renato A. , Wood Fiona Q. , Mounter Stuart W.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a framework developed for assessing Community‐based Enterprises' (CBEs') impacts on poverty reduction at the household level in northern Thailand, in the context of the UN Millennium Development Goals. The focus is on the use of principal component analysis to develop a context‐specific definition of poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains how business performance measurement, impact assessment of development projects and poverty measurement have been integrated into a single poverty impact assessment framework in relation to CBEs. This framework has two key steps: identification of poverty groups and poverty components; and impact assessment of CBEs and other factors on household poverty.

Findings

The framework captures a number of qualitative and quantitative aspects of poverty necessary for an accurate relative measure for differing geographical, economic and cultural contexts.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper's approach lies in the design of the framework used to assess poverty impacts of CBEs at the household level. The framework combines three well‐known, but traditionally separately used, methodologies in order to better explore the economic dynamic of CBEs on households. The paper is expected to be of high relevance, both theoretically and methodologically, to researchers undertaking similar poverty, micro‐enterprise and social entrepreneurship studies in other developing countries.
Knowledge integration in systems integrator type project‐based companies: a systemic view
Authors: Koskinen Kaj U.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the systems integrator type project‐based companies integrate knowledge of different sub‐systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, essential theoretical information is presented by reviewing the concept of systemic view. After that follows illustrations of the concepts of knowledge and knowledge integration. Then, the implications for project‐based companies acting as systems integrators through knowledge integration are discussed through the concepts of interaction, interface element, absorptive capacity, and motivation to transfer knowledge. The paper ends with a section on conclusions.

Findings

The main finding is: the existence of systems integrator type project‐based company can only be understood through systemic view, i.e. through relationships between parts and wholes.

Originality/value

Finding a viable perspective and approach, with which project‐based companies acting as systems integrators can ensure that knowledge integration takes place efficiently, is a very important issue. Therefore, it is suggested that the systemic view provides a basic approach through which understanding of project‐based companies' knowledge integration may be advanced.
Capital province, political objectives and the post‐IPO policy burden
Authors: Sun Liang , Liu Chun
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the reason for Chinese local officials' enthusiasm towards cultivating newly listed firms within their jurisdictions.

Design/methodology/approach

With new initial public offering (IPO) firms on the Chinese A‐share market over 1999‐2003 as samples, and using excessive employment as a measure of the carrying level of firms for political objectives of local governments, this study systematically investigates the change in policy burden for Chines firms before and after going public, the influence factors and their economic consequences.

Findings

The authors show that compared with before going public, the excessive employment of firms substantially increased upon going public, among which firms, state‐owned enterprises with better performances and private enterprises with closer links with government are heavier burdened with excessive employment. Furthermore, it was found that the increase in excessive employment upon going public can substantially aggravate the underperformance of IPO firms.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in this study indicate that the new IPO firms do help local officials better realize their political objectives, and the local governments do actively use their rights of control or influence in pursuing their political appeals, and the political appeals of local officials brought loss of real economic efficiency to newly increased IPO firms.

Practical implications

This paper shows that the prime mover of Chinese local government in promoting securitization of local assets is effectively preserved by partial privatization, which is designed with the original intention of preserving governmental control over the economy.

Originality/value

The paper explains the Chinese local governments' enthusiasm for building capital provinces for reasons other than economic growth, i.e. political objectives; the paper provides evidence of how the political appeals of officials influence the capital market from the circumstance of government official selecting system, and builds a possible bridge in the relationship between government interventions and underperformance of the Chinese partially‐privatized firms.
Trajectories and nuclear arrangement of PML bodies are influenced by A‐type lamin deficiency
Authors: Stixová Lenka , Matula Pavel , Kozubek Stanislav , Gombitová Adriána , Cmarko Dušan , Raška Ivan , Bártová Eva
Published: March 2012

Background information

Promyelocytic leukaemia (PML) bodies are specific nuclear structures with functional significance for acute promyelocytic leukaemia. In this study, we analysed the trajectories of PML bodies using single‐particle tracking.

Results

We observed that the recovery of PML protein after photobleaching was ATP dependent in both wild‐type (wt) and A‐type lamin‐deficient cells. The movement of PML bodies was faster and the nuclear area occupied by particular PML bodies was larger in A‐type lamin‐deficient fibroblasts compared with their wt counterparts. Moreover, dysfunction of the LMNA gene increased the frequency of mutual interactions between individual PML bodies and influenced the morphology of these domains at the ultrastructural level. As a consequence of A‐type lamin deficiency, PML protein accumulated in nuclear blebs and frequently appeared at the nuclear periphery.

Conclusions

We suggest that the physiological function of lamin A proteins is important for events that occur in the compartment of PML bodies. This observation was confirmed in other experimental models characterised by lamin changes, including apoptosis or the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells.
Vision in elasmobranchs and their relatives: 21st century advances
Authors: Lisney T. J. , Theiss S. M. , Collin S. P. , Hart N. S.
Published: March 2012

This review identifies a number of exciting new developments in the understanding of vision in cartilaginous fishes that have been made since the turn of the century. These include the results of studies on various aspects of the visual system including eye size, visual fields, eye design and the optical system, retinal topography and spatial resolving power, visual pigments, spectral sensitivity and the potential for colour vision. A number of these studies have covered a broad range of species, thereby providing valuable information on how the visual systems of these fishes are adapted to different environmental conditions. For example, oceanic and deep‐sea sharks have the largest eyes amongst elasmobranchs and presumably rely more heavily on vision than coastal and benthic species, while interspecific variation in the ratio of rod and cone photoreceptors, the topographic distribution of the photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells in the retina and the spatial resolving power of the eye all appear to be closely related to differences in habitat and lifestyle. Multiple, spectrally distinct cone photoreceptor visual pigments have been found in some batoid species, raising the possibility that at least some elasmobranchs are capable of seeing colour, and there is some evidence that multiple cone visual pigments may also be present in holocephalans. In contrast, sharks appear to have only one cone visual pigment. There is evidence that ontogenetic changes in the visual system, such as changes in the spectral transmission properties of the lens, lens shape, focal ratio, visual pigments and spatial resolving power, allow elasmobranchs to adapt to environmental changes imposed by habitat shifts and niche expansion. There are, however, many aspects of vision in these fishes that are not well understood, particularly in the holocephalans. Therefore, this review also serves to highlight and stimulate new research in areas that still require significant attention.
Addiction research centres and the nurturing of creativity
Authors: Thamarangsi Thaksaphon
Published: March 2012

The Center for Alcohol Studies of Thailand (CAS) is a newly established research agency in Thailand. With support from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, CAS was established as the national research and knowledge management institute for addressing alcohol‐related harms. CAS possesses some rare qualities. First, it is one of a few alcohol‐specific research centres in low‐ and middle‐income countries, and the only one in the Southeast Asia region. Secondly, CAS both conducts research and grants research funding, allowing it to influence to some extent the direction of Thai alcohol research. Furthermore, CAS researchers engage in all components of the research and policy process. In line with the concept of ‘the Triangle that Moves the Mountain’, CAS interacts closely with partners from all sectors, prioritizes capacity development and frequently operates beyond conventional academic function.
A Red Cell Membrane Protein Abnormality in Hereditary Spherocytosis
Authors: Gomperts E. D. , Metz J. , Zail S. S.
Published: March 2012

Summary. Dilute acetic acid and n‐butanol were used to solubilize red cell membrane protein from patients with hereditary spherocytosis and normal subjects. Electrophoresis of acetic‐acid‐solubilized membrane protein on urea‐starch and polyacrylamide gel revealed a constant absence of one band in the protein of hereditary spherocytosis cells. Red cells from a variety of other haematological disorders were also studied. All but one of the disorders examined demonstrated an electrophoretic pattern identical to that of normal cells, the exception being that of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in which the pattern was similar to that of hereditary spherocytosis. Electrophoretic studies using sulphydryl binding and reducing agents suggest that the membrane protein abnormality in hereditary spherocytosis is linked to thiol groups in the membrane.
Factors Affecting Pentose Phosphate Pathway Activity in Human Red Cells
Authors: Davidson W. D. , Tanaka K. R.
Published: March 2012

Summary. The vibrating reed electrometer and ionization chamber have been adapted for the instantaneous and continuous measurement of pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) activity in human red cells. PPP activity was determined by measuring the conversion of glucose‐1‐14C to 14CO2.

PPP activity was independent of ambient glucose concentration over the range of 50–500 mg % and was stimulated up to 36‐, 18‐ and 6‐fold by methylene blue, ascorbic acid and primaquine, respectively. PPP activity was increased 24% and 41% when incubation temperatures were raised to 39°C and 40.5°C, respectively. PPP activity in unstimulated RBC was twice as great in 95% O2 as in 20% O2 and in 10% O2 was only slightly less than in 20% O2. The PPP activity was found to be very pH‐dependent. PPP activity in plasma was about twice as great as in Krebs‐Ringer bicarbonate buffer.

Thus, the activity of the PPP in red cells is altered significantly in vitro by incubation conditions designed to mimic various clinical states.
Activation of human eosinophil and neutrophil functions by haematopoietic growth factors: comparisons of IL‐1, IL‐3, IL‐5 and GM‐CSF
Authors: Fabian Ina , Kletter Yehudith , Mor Shlomith , Geller‐Bernstein Carmi , Ben‐Yaakov Miriam , Volovitz Benjamin , Golde David W.
Published: March 2012

Summary. We compared the effect of haematopoietic growth factors granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐3, and IL‐5 on the functional activation of human eosinophils and neutrophils from the same donor. All four colony‐stimulating factors (CSF) enhanced the phagocytosis of Candida albicans by eosinophils and increased staphylococcal, but not Candida, killing. GM‐CSF and IL‐5 had a profound stimulating effect on eosinophil staphylocidal activity. GM‐CSF and IL‐3 enhanced the generation of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) induced by calcium ionophore A23187 and the release of arylsulphatase and β‐glucuronidase from specific and small granules of eosinophils. In contrast, IL‐1 and IL‐5 had no effect on degranulation. GM‐CSF and IL‐1 enhanced phagocytosis of C. albicans by neutrophils, and GM‐CSF stimulated degranulation and the release of the enzymes β‐glucuronidase and arylsulphatase from neutrophils while IL‐1 stimulated the release of arylsulphatase only. This study indicates that the eosinophilactive colony‐stimulating factors can markedly enhance the host defence function of the eosinophil and even make it the equal of the neutrophil in staphylocidal activity. The CSF‐activated eosinophil, however, may cause inappropriate inflammation and normal tissue damage.
A bispecific antibody detects cytotoxic T lymphocytes of unknown antigen specificity in patients with granular lymphocyte‐proliferative disorders
Authors: Kaneko Takako , Oshimi Kazuo , Seto Takashi , Okumura Ko , Mizoguchi Hideaki
Published: March 2012

Summary. A simple and sensitive method for the detection of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) of unknown antigen specificity was investigated. Using anti‐CD3 Fab' × anti‐CD10 Fab' bispecific antibody or intact anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody, we induced cytotoxicity for CD10+, Fcγ receptor‐positive Daudi target cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from patients with granular lymphocyte‐proliferative disorders (GLPD). The results indicated that the bispecific antibody was much more efficient than the intact anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody in inducing cytotoxicity. Since CD3+CD4−CD8+ granular lymphocytes in patients with GLPD are considered to be in vivo‐primed CTL of unknown antigen specificity, this bispecific antibody method may be useful for detecting in vivo‐primed CTL within PBMC. By using this bispecific antibody, it will be possible to detect circulating in vivo‐primed CTL in other clinical conditions.
Role of common genetic variants in ovarian cancer susceptibility and outcome: progress to date from the ovarian cancer association consortium (OCAC)
Authors: Bolton K. L. , Ganda C. , Berchuck A. , Pharaoh P. D. P. , Gayther S. A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract.  Bolton KL, Ganda C, Berchuck A, Pharaoh PDP, Gayther SA (National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA; EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK; Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA). Role of common genetic variants in ovarian cancer susceptibility and outcome: progress to date from the ovarian cancer association consortium (OCAC) (Review). J Intern Med 2012; 271: 366–378.

In this article, we review the current knowledge of the inherited genetics of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) susceptibility and clinical outcome. We focus on recent developments in identifying low‐penetrance susceptibility genes and the role of the ovarian cancer association consortium (OCAC) in these discoveries. The OCAC was established to facilitate large‐scale replication analyses for reported genetic associations for EOC. Since its inception, the OCAC has conducted both candidate gene and genome‐wide association studies (GWAS); the latter has identified six established loci for EOC susceptibility, most of which showed stronger association with the serous histological subtype. Future GWAS and sequencing studies are likely to result in the discovery of additional susceptibility loci and may result in established associations with clinical outcome. Additional rare and uncommon ovarian cancer loci will likely be uncovered from high‐throughput next‐generation sequencing studies. Applying these novel findings to establish improved preventative and clinical intervention strategies will be one of the major challenges of future work.
Bacterial biofilms in a ‘genes‐to‐ecosystems’ context
Authors: CRUTSINGER GREGORY M.
Published: March 2012

In ecology, there is an increasing amount of research dedicated to understanding how intraspecific genetic diversity can extend beyond the population level to influence the assembly of communities and the functioning of ecosystems. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Koh et al. (2012) take this exploration to a new level using bacterial biofilms and protozoan grazers. They show that there is heritable variation in the phenotypes of different variants of biofilms of Serratia marcescens and that these strains display complementarity when combined in a diverse assemblage. Mixtures of variants were significantly more resistant to protozoan grazing than either wild‐type or variant biofilms grown in monocultures. While similar biodiversity effects of genotype mixtures have been observed in other systems, Koh et al. (2012) link phenotype variation of the biofilms to a single nucleotide polymorphism in one regulatory gene. Importantly, the authors demonstrate that minimal changes in a genotype can result in substantial shifts in interspecific ecological interactions.
Protein elemental sparing and codon usage bias are correlated among bacteria
Authors: BRAGG JASON G. , QUIGG ANTONIETTA , RAVEN JOHN A. , WAGNER ANDREAS
Published: March 2012

Highly expressed proteins can exhibit relatively small material costs, in terms of the quantities of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) or sulphur (S) atoms they contain. This ‘elemental sparing’ probably reflects selection to reduce the quantities of potentially growth‐limiting elements in abundant proteins, but the evolutionary mechanisms for adaptive elemental sparing are still poorly understood. Here, we predict that the extent of ‘elemental sparing’ in highly expressed proteins will vary among organisms, according to the effectiveness of selection in determining the fate of mutations. We test this hypothesis in bacteria by asking whether ‘elemental sparing’ is correlated with codon usage bias. Bacteria exhibit extraordinary variation in their life histories and demography and consequently in the effectiveness of selection in determining whether preferred codons are used in highly expressed genes. We find that C sparing and S sparing, but not N sparing, are significantly correlated with adaptive codon usage bias among 148 genera of bacteria, suggesting that selection for elemental sparing and codon bias are promoted by similar bacterial traits. Our study helps identify principles that determine how nutrient scarcity can shape the elemental composition of proteins.
Effect of electrical conductivity on survival of Phytophthora alni, P. kernoviae and P. ramorum in a simulated aquatic environment
Authors: Kong P. , Lea‐Cox J. D. , Hong C. X.
Published: March 2012

This study investigated survival of the pathogens Phytophthora ramorum, P. alni and P. kernoviae as zoospores or sporangia in response to an important water quality parameter, electrical conductivity (EC), at its range in irrigation water reservoirs and irrigated cropping systems. Experiments with different strengths of Hoagland’s solution showed that all three pathogens survived at a broad range of EC levels for at least 3 days and were stimulated to grow and sporulate at ECs > 1·89 dS m−1. Recovery of initial populations after a 14‐day exposure was over 20% for P. alni subsp. alni and P. kernoviae, and 61·3% and 130% for zoospores and sporangia of P. ramorum, respectively. Zoospore survival of these pathogens at ECs < 0·41 dS m−1 was poor, barely beyond 3 days in pure water; only 0·3% (P. alni), 2·9% (P. kernoviae) and 15·1% (P. ramorum) of the initial population survived after 14 days at EC = 0·21 dS m−1. The variation in rates of survival at different EC levels suggests that these pathogens survive better in cropping systems than in irrigation water. Containment of run‐off and reduction in EC levels may therefore be non‐chemical control options to reduce the risk of pathogen spread through natural waterways and irrigation systems.
Meta‐analysis of clinical trials on traditional Chinese herbal medicine for treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis
Authors: Wang Shijun , Tang Qiaofei , Qian Wei , Fan Yu
Published: March 2012

Background

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been used for the prevention and treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR), but results are still equivocal. This study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of CHM in patients with PAR.

Materials and methods

Databases searched included articles published in the Cochrane library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database from 1999 to 2011. The studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CHM to placebo if they included patients with PAR. The main outcomes were the changes in the standardized mean difference (SMD) of nasal symptom scores and total serum IgE level. Methodological quality was assessed by the modified Jadad's scale.

Results

Seven RCTs with 533 patients were identified and analyzed. In the meta‐analysis, CHM reduced the total nasal symptom scores compared to placebo (SMD, −1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], −3.03 to −0.62; P = 0.003). The effect estimate was in favor of the CHM intervention (SMD, −1.09; 95% CI, −2.74 to 0.55) in reducing the total serum IgE level, although this was not significant (P = 0.19).

Conclusions

CHM interventions appear to have beneficial effects in patients with PAR. However, the published efficacy studies are too small to draw firm conclusion.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*07:195 allele in an Italian hematopoietic stem cell volunteer donor, detected by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Testi M. , Battarra M. , Troiano M. , Condello R. , Andreani M.
Published: March 2012

The new allele shows one nucleotide change from C*07:02:01:01 at 351 nt from C to A, resulting in an amino acid change at codon 93 of exon 3 from H to Q.
A novel role for interleukin‐1 receptor signaling in the developmental regulation of immune responses to endotoxin
Authors: Martino David , Holt Patrick , Prescott Susan
Published: March 2012

To cite this article: Martino D, Holt P, Prescott S. A novel role for Interleukin‐1 receptor signaling in the developmental regulation of immune responses to endotoxin. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 567–572.

Neonatal Innate immunity is distinct compared with later ages with some inflammatory cytokines produced in excess of adult levels in response to microbial products such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The molecular mechanisms underpinning this specific pattern of neonatal immunity are unknown. In this study, we compared gene expression and cytokine production from LPS stimulated mononuclear cell cultures from 60 individuals at birth and at 12‐months. Neonatal mononuclear cell responses were characterized by high levels of IL‐1β, IL‐10, and IFNγ compared with mononuclear cell responses at 12 months. Microarray analysis of gene expression revealed widespread differences between the neonatal versus infant LPS response. We found expression of a subset of interleukin‐1 receptor/Toll‐like receptor (IL‐1R/TLR) signaling genes was highly expressed in the neonatal period and rapidly down regulated by 12 months. The data suggest that IL‐1R1 expression in the neonatal period provides an additional level of Myd88‐dependent signaling during this period of heighted susceptibility to infection.
Oxidative stress in the airways of children with asthma and allergic rhinitis
Authors: Celik Melda , Tuncer Ayfer , Soyer Ozge U. , Saçkesen Cansın , Tanju Besler H , Kalayci Omer
Published: March 2012

To cite this article: Celik M, Tuncer A, Soyer OU, Saçkesen C, Tanju Besler H, Kalayci O. Oxidative stress in the airways of children with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 556–561.

Introduction:  Even though it is well known that oxidant stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma, less is known about allergic rhinitis. Moreover, it is not known whether the co‐existence of the two diseases augments the level of oxidant stress within a united airway concept.

Aim:  To define the level of oxidative stress in children with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in nasal and oral exhaled breath condensates (EBC) of children.

Method:  Children aged 6–18 years with asthma (n = 28), allergic rhinitis (n = 17), asthma and allergic rhinitis (n = 100), and healthy controls (n = 74) were enrolled in the study. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of oxidative stress and reduced glutathione (GSH) as an antioxidant were measured by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography in the EBC.

Results:  Malondialdehyde levels were higher, and GSH levels were lower in all patient groups compared to healthy controls in both nasal and oral EBC samples (p < 0.01) but there were no differences among the different patient groups. Interestingly, oral MDA levels were lower in patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis [17.78 nm (11.62–23.94)] compared to patients with asthma only [25.71 nm (18.81–32.61)] (p < 0.01).

Discussion:  Both asthma and allergic rhinitis are associated with increased oxidative stress in the airways in children. However, the co‐existence of the two diseases does not augment the oxidant stress further.
Morphological and genetic evidence of contemporary intersectional hybridisation in Mediterranean Helichrysum (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae)
Authors: Galbany‐Casals M. , Carnicero‐Campmany P. , Blanco‐Moreno J. M. , Smissen R. D.
Published: March 2012

Hybridisation is considered an important evolutionary phenomenon in Gnaphalieae, but contemporary hybridisation has been little explored within the tribe. Here, hybridisation between Helichrysum orientale and Helichrysum stoechas is studied at two different localities in the islands of Crete and Rhodes (Greece). Using three different types of molecular data (AFLP, nrDNA ITS sequences and cpDNA ndhF sequences) and morphological data, the aim is to provide simultaneous and direct comparisons between molecular and morphological variation among the parental species and the studied hybrid populations. AFLP profiles, ITS sequences and morphological data support the existence of hybrids at the two localities studied, shown as morphological and genetic intermediates between the parental species. Chloroplast DNA sequences show that both parental species can act either as pollen donor or as maternal parent. Fertility of hybrids is demonstrated by the viability of seeds produced by hybrids from both localities, and the detection of a backcross specimen to H. orientale. Although there is general congruence of morphological and molecular data, the analysis of morphology and ITS sequences can fail to detect backcross hybrids.
Symptom distress of Jordanian patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Omran Suha , Saeed Ahmad Mohamad Ahmad , Simpson Jennifer
Published: March 2012

Omran S, Saeed AMA, Simpson J. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 125–132

Symptom distress of Jordanian patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy

The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of symptom distress among Jordanian patients with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy. A total of 112 patients with cancer were evaluated using the Distress Thermometer and clinical symptom problem list, and Demographic and Clinical Characteristic Data Sheet. Patients in the sample were mostly female, and recently diagnosed with cancer during the past 6 months, with a variety of types of cancer with breast cancer being the most common. Patients reported several symptoms with nausea, fatigue, anorexia and daily activity disorder being reported most frequently. Most of the patients (71%) reported distress at a clinically significant level. Distress was correlated with clinical characteristics as treatment number and time. Problems in the areas of family relationships, emotional functioning and physical functioning were associated with higher reports of distress. Identification of the presence of distress is the first step towards referral and treatment of the symptoms that may contribute to the distress of the patient with cancer.
The effect of education given to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on self‐care
Authors: Karakurt Papatya , Kaşıkçı Mağfiret Kara
Published: March 2012

Karakurt P, Kaşıkçı MK. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 170–179

The effect of education given to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on self‐care

This research was performed as a single group pretest—posttest experimental design to determine the effect of education given to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on self‐care. The research was performed between October 2007 and June 2008 in the Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinics located in A and B Blocks of Erzincan State Hospital. The research population included 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who attended the above mentioned units between the specified dates and met the inclusion criteria. Patients were subjected to a pretest using a patient identification form, Diabetes Self‐Care Scale (DSCS) form in Turkish language and metabolic control parameters. A statistically significant difference was found between the mean values of pre‐education and posteducation DSCS scores with an increase in mean posteducation scores. These results demonstrate that the education given to patients improves their self‐care and metabolic control variables.
Periurethral injection of autologous adipose‐derived regenerative cells for the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence: Report of three initial cases
Authors: Yamamoto Tokunori , Gotoh Momokazu , Kato Masashi , Majima Tsuyoshi , Toriyama Kazuhiro , Kamei Yuzuru , Iwaguro Hideki , Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Funahashi Yasuhito
Published: March 2012

Objectives:  To report a novel cell therapy using autologous adipose tissue‐derived regenerative cells for male stress urinary incontinence caused by urethral sphincteric deficiency, and the outcomes in the initial cases undergoing periurethral injection of adipose tissue‐derived regenerative cells.

Methods:  Three patients with moderate stress incontinence after radical prostatectomy and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate were enrolled. Adipose tissue‐derived regenerative cells were isolated from the abdominal adipose tissue by using the Celution system. Subsequently, the isolated adipose tissue‐derived regenerative cells, and a mixture of adipose tissue‐derived regenerative cells and adipose tissue were transurethrally injected into the rhabdosphincter and submucosal space of the urethra, respectively. Short‐term outcomes during a 6‐month follow up were assessed by a 24‐h pad test, a validated patient questionnaire, urethral pressure profile, transrectal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:  Urinary incontinence progressively improved after 2 weeks of injection up to 6 months in terms of decreased leakage volume, decreased frequency and amount of incontinence, and improved quality of life. Both maximum urethral closing pressure and functional profile length increased. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested a sustained presence of the injected adipose tissue. Enhanced ultrasonography showed a progressive increase in the blood flow to the injected area. No significant adverse events were observed peri‐ and postoperatively.

Conclusion:  These preliminary findings suggest that periurethral injection of the autologous adipose tissue‐derived regenerative cells is a safe and feasible treatment modality for male stress urinary incontinence.
Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized, double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Ou Ming‐Chiu , Hsu Tsung‐Fu , Lai Andrew C. , Lin Yu‐Ting , Lin Chia‐Ching
Published: March 2012

Aim:  This study assessed the effectiveness of blended essential oils on menstrual cramps for outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea and explored the analgesic ingredients in the essential oils.

Material and Methods:  A randomized, double‐blind clinical trial was conducted. Forty‐eight outpatients were diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea by a gynecologist and had 10‐point numeric rating scales that were more than 5. The patients were randomly assigned to an essential oil group (n = 24) and a synthetic fragrance group (n = 24). Essential oils blended with lavender (Lavandula officinalis), clary sage (Salvia sclarea) and marjoram (Origanum majorana) in a 2:1:1 ratio was diluted in unscented cream at 3% concentration for the essential oil group. All outpatients used the cream daily to massage their lower abdomen from the end of the last menstruation continuing to the beginning of the next menstruation.

Results:  Both the numeric rating scale and the verbal rating scale significantly decreased (P < 0.001) after one menstrual cycle intervention in the two groups. The duration of pain was significantly reduced from 2.4 to 1.8 days after aromatherapy intervention in the essential oil group.

Conclusion:  Aromatic oil massage provided relief for outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea and reduced the duration of menstrual pain in the essential oil group. The blended essential oils contain four key analgesic components that amount to as much as 79.29%; these analgesic constitutes are linalyl acetate, linalool, eucalyptol, and β‐caryophyllene. This study suggests that this blended formula can serve as a reference for alternative and complementary medicine on primary dysmenorrhea.