bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A double‐blind randomised clinical trial of two techniques for gingival displacement
Authors: Sarmento H. R. , Leite F. R. M. , Dantas R. V. F. , Ogliari F. A. , Demarco F. F. , Faot F.
Published: January 2014

Knowledge about security and the potential damage originated by the gingival displacement techniques has not been described through randomised clinical studies. This crossover, double‐blind, randomised clinical trial evaluated clinical and immunological factors related to conventional and cordless gingival displacement (GD) techniques, and patients' perceptions in 12 subjects with the employment of 2 GD techniques: conventional (gingival cord + 25% AlCl3 astringent gel) and cordless (15% AlCl3 astringent‐based paste). In each subject, two anterior teeth were treated and a 10‐day wash‐out period separated the two treatments. Periodontal indices were evaluated before (baseline) and 1 and 10 days after GD. Interleukin 1β, interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor α concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid were measured before and 1 day after GD. Subjective parameters (pain, unpleasant taste and stress) were also evaluated. Data were analysed by one‐way repeated‐measures analysis of variance and Tukey's test (immunological factors), the Friedman test (periodontal parameters) and Fisher's exact or chi‐squared test (subjective parameters), with a significance level of 95%. Gingival bleeding index, probing depth and plaque index values did not differ significantly between groups at any timepoint. Neither technique resulted in worse periodontal indices. Both techniques yielded similar results for pain and unpleasant taste, but conventional GD was significantly more stressful than cordless GD for volunteers. Both treatments significantly increased mean concentrations of the three cytokines, with the conventional technique producing the highest cytokine levels. Cordless GD is less stressful for patients and results in lower post‐treatment levels of inflammatory cytokines compared with conventional GD.
Public‐Private Contracting under Limited Commitment
Authors: DANAU DANIEL , VINELLA ANNALISA
Published: January 2014

A government delegates a build‐operate‐transfer project to a private firm in a limited‐commitment framework. When the contract is signed, parties are uncertain about the operating cost. The firm can increase the likelihood of facing a low cost by exerting some noncontractible effort while building the facility. Once the facility is in place, the firm learns the marginal cost and begins to operate. We characterize the contract which stipulates the efficient allocation. We study the financial structure and duration that secure its enforcement. To this end, we take into account that break‐up of the partnership occasions a replacement cost for the government and an expropriation cost for the firm and its lender. Furthermore, both these costs are higher the earlier the contract is terminated. Enforcement is achieved as follows. The firm is instructed to invest some intermediate amount of own and borrowed funds. Under the aegis of a third party that can commit, the government provides guarantees to the lender, conditional on continuation of the partnership. Duration may be shortened, though not to the point where the initial effort of the firm is uncompensated.
Immunomodulatory effects of licochalcone A on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Fontes Lívia Beatriz Almeida , dos Santos Dias Débora , de Carvalho Lara Soares Aleixo , Mesquita Harleson Lopes , da Silva Reis Lívia , Dias Alyria Teixeira , Da Silva Filho Ademar A , do Amaral Corrêa José Otávio
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a murine autoimmune disease used to study multiple sclerosis. Herein, we have investigated the immunomodulatory effect of licochalcone A (LicoA) on NO, H2O2, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and IL-17 production in cultured cells from EAE mice.

Methods

EAE was induced in C57Bl/6 mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG35–55). LicoA was isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza inflata. Splenocytes were obtained from EAE mice and incubated with LicoA (4, 20 and 40 μm). Peritoneal cells were obtained from EAE mice treated with LicoA (15 and 30 mg/kg/day. p.o.). H2O2, NO, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 production was determined in the presence or absence of concanavalin (ConA) or MOG35–55 stimulation.

Key findings

LicoA (40 μm) inhibited H2O2, NO, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 production in splenocytes spontaneously or after both ConA and MOG35–55 stimulation. LicoA (30 mg/kg/day) reduced clinical score and severity of EAE mice, and inhibited TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 production in peritoneal cells.

Conclusions

LicoA possesses immunomodulatory effects on H2O2, NO, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 production in cells from EAE mice. It is suggested that LicoA acts on the mechanism of development of EAE by IFN-γ, IL-17 and TNF-α inhibition, modulating the immune response on both Th1 and Th17 cells.
Regulation of polyamine metabolism in Pyropia cinnamomea (W.A. Nelson), an important mechanism for reducing UV‐B‐induced oxidative damage
Authors: Schweikert Katja , Hurd Catriona L. , Sutherland Judith E. , Burritt David J.
Published: January 2014

It is generally accepted that ultraviolet (UV) radiation can have adverse affects on phototrophic organisms, independent of ozone depletion. The red intertidal seaweed Pyropia cinnamomea W.A. Nelson (previously Porphyra cinnamomea Sutherland et al. 2011), similar to many other intertidal macrophytes, is exposed to high levels of UV radiation on a daily basis due to emersion in the upper littoral zone. It has been shown that seaweeds, like higher plants, respond to an increased activity of antioxidative enzymes when exposed to stress. However, earlier investigations have shown that P. cinnamomea also compensates for stress due to UV radiation by increasing polyamine (PA) levels, especially bound‐soluble and bound‐insoluble PAs. The PA precursor putrescine (PUT) can be synthesized via two enzymatic pathways: arginine decarboxylase (ADC) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). Both of these enzymes showed increased activity in P. cinnamomea under UV stress. In higher plants, ADC is the enzyme responsible for increased PA levels during stress exposure, while ODC is correlated with cell division and reproduction. However, there are contrary findings in the literature. Using two irreversible inhibitors, we identified the enzyme most likely responsible for increased PUT synthesis and therefore increased stress tolerance in P. cinnamomea. Our results show that changes in the PA synthesis pathway in P. cinnamomea under UV stress are based on an increased activity of ADC. When either inhibitor was added, lipid hydroperoxide levels increased even under photosynthetically active radiation, suggesting that PAs are involved in protection mechanisms under normal light conditions as well. We also show that under optimum or low‐stress conditions, ODC activity is correlated with PUT synthesis.
Relative reproductive effort drives metabolic changes and maternal emaciation during pregnancy in a viviparous snake
Authors: Dupoué A. , Lourdais O.
Published: January 2014

Most viviparous squamates are lecithotrophic, and maternal effort during pregnancy mainly involves behavioural and thermoregulatory shifts to optimize developmental conditions. Still, pregnancy also imposes specific metabolic demands on the female, known as the metabolic cost of pregnancy (MCP). Contrary to the thermoregulatory shift, these energy constraints should be directly fecundity dependent and their evaluation is important to assess the ‘costs’ of viviparity. We measured the metabolic rate of aspic vipers Vipera aspis at three stages (early pregnancy, late pregnancy and post parturition), and we examined the determinants of maternal metabolic changes over time. We found a 55% metabolic increase over the course of pregnancy that was better explained by maternal relative reproductive effort (relative litter mass) when compared with absolute estimates (litter mass, litter size). After parturition, female metabolism dropped below values recorded at early pregnancy and this decrease was closely related to maternal relative reproductive effort. Our estimates for MCP ranged from 13.9 to 14.7% of maternal metabolic rate, suggesting that specific energetic demands of pregnancy are significant. It appears crucial to consider both direct (MCP) and indirect (thermoregulatory shift) components to evaluate overall maternal metabolic demand during pregnancy. Because females are already emaciated at the onset of pregnancy, these combined constraints are likely costly by inducing structural protein mobilization and altered performances after parturition.
DAUPHINE: a randomized phase II study of danoprevir/ritonavir plus peginterferon alpha‐2a/ribavirin in HCV genotypes 1 or 4
Authors: Everson Gregory , Cooper Curtis , Hézode Christophe , Shiffman Mitchell L. , Yoshida Eric , Beltran‐Jaramillo Teresita , Andreone Pietro , Bruno Savino , Ferenci Peter , Zeuzem Stefan , Brunda Michael , Le Pogam Sophie , Nájera Isabel , Zhou Julian , Navarro Mercidita T. , Voulgari Athina , Shulman Nancy S. , Yetzer Ellen S.
Published: January 2014

Background & Aims

Danoprevir is a hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor with activity against genotypes (G)1/G4, which is maintained at lower doses by ritonavir‐boosting. We report results of a large, randomized, active‐controlled phase IIb study of ritonavir‐boosted danoprevir (danoprevir/r) plus peginterferon alpha‐2a/ribavirin (P/R) in treatment‐naive patients with HCV G1/4 infection.

Methods

Treatment‐naive patients with HCV G1/4 infection were randomized to twice‐daily danoprevir/r 200/100 mg (A, n = 92); 100/100 mg (B, n = 93); or 50/100 mg (C, n = 94) plus P/R for 24 weeks; twice‐daily danoprevir/r 100/100 mg (D, n = 94) plus P/R for 12 or 24 weeks; or P/R alone (E, n = 44) for 48 weeks. Patients in the response‐guided therapy arm (D) with an extended rapid virological response (eRVR2: HCV RNA <15 IU/ml during Weeks 2–10) stopped all therapy at Week 12; non‐eRVR2 patients continued all treatment to Week 24. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained the virological response (SVR24: HCV RNA <15 IU/ml after 24 weeks of untreated follow‐up).

Results

SVR24 rates in Arms A, B, C, D and E were 89.1%, 78.5%, 66.0%, 69.1% and 36.4%, respectively, in the overall population; 83.6%, 69.6%, 60.3%, 59.2% and 38.5% in G1a‐infected patients, 96.6%, 93.1%, 73.1%, 78.4% and 28.6% in G1b‐infected patients and 100%, 87.5%, 100%, 100% and 66.7% in G4‐infected patients. Danoprevir/r plus P/R was generally well tolerated compared with P/R alone. There was a higher incidence of serious adverse events in danoprevir‐treatment arms, but most were associated with P/R.

Conclusions

The combination of danoprevir/r plus P/R is efficacious in treatment‐naïve patients with HCV genotype 1 or 4 infection.
The renal effects of droxidopa are maintained in propranolol treated cirrhotic rats
Authors: Rodríguez Sarai , Raurell Imma , Ezkurdia Nahia , Augustin Salvador , Esteban Rafael , Genescà Joan , Martell María
Published: January 2014

Background & Aims

Droxidopa improves hemodynamic and renal alterations of cirrhotic rats without changing portal pressure. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a combined treatment with droxidopa and non‐selective beta‐blockers or statins in order to decrease portal pressure, while maintaining droxidopa beneficial effects.

Methods

Acute studies combining droxidopa with carvedilol, propranolol or atorvastatin in four‐week bile‐duct ligated (BDL) rats and a chronic study combining propranolol and droxidopa for 5 days in CCl4‐cirrhotic rats were performed. Hemodynamic values were registered and biochemical parameters from blood and urine samples analyzed.

Results

Bile‐duct ligated rats treated with carvedilol + droxidopa showed no changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and portal pressure (PP) compared to vehicles. Atorvastatin + droxidopa combination also failed to reduce PP, but maintained the beneficial increase in MAP and superior mesenteric artery resistance (SMAR) and decrease in blood flow (SMABF) caused by droxidopa. In contrast, the acute administration of propranolol + droxidopa significantly reduced PP maintaining a mild increase in MAP and improving, in an additive way, the decrease in SMABF and increase in SMAR caused by droxidopa. This combination also preserved droxidopa diuretic effect. When chronically administered to CCl4‐cirrhotic rats, propranolol + droxidopa caused a decrease in PP, a significant reduction in SMABF and an increase in SMAR. The combination did not alter liver function and droxidopa diuretic and natriuretic effect, and even improved free water clearance.

Conclusion

Droxidopa could be effective for the renal alterations of cirrhotic patients on propranolol therapy and the combination of both drugs may balance the adverse effects of each treatment.
Planning‐Based Models of Natural Language Generation
Authors: Garoufi Konstantina
Published: January 2014

Producing language is a kind of action – if the circumstances are right, certain effects may ensue, and specific physical, cognitive or social goals can sometimes be achieved by following appropriate courses of verbal action. The problem of synthesizing an organized collection of actions that leads to goal achievement can often be solved with automated planning methods. It is thus natural that such methods have found application to the automatic production of understandable text in natural language, i.e., to natural language generation. In this article, we survey a number of earlier and ongoing computational approaches to natural language that generate utterances by modeling speech acts or words as particular types of actions in planning a problem. After discussing strengths and weaknesses of the different models, we outline some possible directions for future work that could further advance this field.
Influence, Interactions and Heterogeneity: Taking Personalities out of Monetary Policy Decision‐making
Authors: Bhattacharjee Arnab , Holly Sean
Published: January 2014

It is widely believed that setting monetary policy through a majority voting committee has major benefits. A monetary policy committee can take personalities out of monetary policy decisions. Critical to understanding these claims is an assessment of how such a committee functions. In this paper we examine interactions and influences between committee members when there is heterogeneity among members. We are able to identify significant interactions and directions of influence among Monetary Policy Committee members at the Bank of England.
Genetic differentiation among isolates of Teredinibacter turnerae, a widely occurring intracellular endosymbiont of shipworms
Authors: Altamia Marvin A. , Wood Nicole , Fung Jennifer M. , Dedrick Sandra , Linton Eric W. , Concepcion Gisela P. , Haygood Margo G. , Distel Daniel L.
Published: January 2014

Teredinibacter turnerae is a cultivable intracellular endosymbiont of xylotrophic (wood‐feeding) bivalves of the Family Teredinidae (shipworms). Although T. turnerae has been isolated from many shipworm taxa collected in many locations, no systematic effort has been made to explore genetic diversity within this symbiont species across the taxonomic and geographical range of its hosts. The mode of symbiont transmission is unknown. Here, we examine sequence diversity in fragments of six genes (16S rRNA, gyrB, sseA, recA, rpoB and celAB) among 25 isolates of T. turnerae cultured from 13 shipworm species collected in 15 locations in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. While 16S rRNA sequences are nearly invariant between all examined isolates (maximum pairwise difference <0.26%), variation between examined protein‐coding loci is greater (mean pairwise difference 2.2–5.9%). Phylogenetic analyses based on each protein‐coding locus differentiate the 25 isolates into two distinct and well‐supported clades. With five exceptions, clade assignments for each isolate were supported by analysis of alleles of each of the five protein‐coding loci. These exceptions include (i) putative recombinant alleles of the celAB and gyrB loci in two isolates (PMS‐535T.S.1b.3 and T8510), suggesting homologous recombination between members of the two clades; and (ii) evidence for a putative lateral gene transfer event affecting a second locus (recA) in three isolates (T8412, T8503 and T8513). These results demonstrate that T. turnerae isolates do not represent a homogeneous global population. Instead, they indicate the emergence of two lineages that, although distinct, likely experience some level of genetic exchange with each other and with other bacterial species.
Evolutionary history of the Maltese wall lizard Podarcis filfolensis: insights on the ‘Expansion–Contraction’ model of Pleistocene biogeography
Authors: Salvi Daniele , Schembri Patrick J. , Sciberras Arnold , Harris D. James
Published: January 2014

The expansion–contraction (EC) model predicts demographic and range contraction of temperate species during Pleistocene glaciations as a consequence of climate‐related habitat changes, and provides a paradigm for explaining the high intraspecific diversity found in refugia in terms of long‐term demographic stability. However, recent evidence has revealed a weak predictive power of this model for terrestrial species in insular and coastal settings. We investigated the Pleistocene EC dynamics and their evolutionary consequences on temperate species using the Maltese archipelago and its endemic lizard Podarcis filfolensis as a model system. The evolutionary and demographic history of P. filfolensis as inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear sequences data does not conform to the EC model predictions, supporting (i) demographic and spatial stability or expansion, rather than contraction, of the northern and southern lineages during the last glacial period; and (ii) a major role for allopatric differentiation primed by sea‐level dynamics, rather than prolonged demographic stability, in the formation of the observed genetic diversity. When combined with evidence from other Mediterranean refugia, this study shows how the incorporation of Pleistocene sea‐level variations in the EC model accounts for a reverse demographic and range response of insular and coastal temperate biotas relative to continental ones. Furthermore, this cross‐archipelago pattern in which allopatric diversity is formed and shaped by EC cycles resembles that seen between isolated populations within mainland refugia and suggests that the EC model, originally developed to explain population fluctuations into and out‐of refugia, may be appropriate for describing the demographic and evolutionary dynamics driving the high genetic diversity observed in these areas.
A metabolic approach to study algal–bacterial interactions in changing environments
Authors: Dittami Simon M. , Eveillard Damien , Tonon Thierry
Published: January 2014

Increasing evidence exists that bacterial communities interact with and shape the biology of algae and that their evolutionary histories are connected. Despite these findings, physiological studies were and still are generally carried out with axenic or at least antibiotic‐treated cultures. Here, we argue that considering interactions between algae and associated bacteria is key to understanding their biology and evolution. To deal with the complexity of the resulting ‘holobiont’ system, a metabolism‐centred approach that uses combined metabolic models for algae and associated bacteria is proposed. We believe that these models will be valuable tools both to study algal–bacterial interactions and to elucidate processes important for the acclimation of the holobiont to environmental changes.
Our recommendations for avoiding exposure to fungi outside the hospital for patients with haematological cancers
Authors: Ariza‐Heredia Ella J. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: January 2014

Despite several chemotherapeutic and preventative advances, opportunistic fungal infections remain common unintended consequences of cancer treatment. Currently, cancer patients spend most of their time between treatments at home, where they can inadvertently come across potential hazards from environmental and food sources. Therefore, infection prevention measures are of the utmost importance for these patients. Although clinicians closely observe patients throughout their treatment courses in the hospital, the focus of clinical visits is predominantly on cancer care, and clinicians seldom provide recommendations for prevention of such infections. Herein, we provide practical recommendations for busy clinicians to help them educate patients regarding potential sources of fungal infections outside the hospital.
Stachybotrys eucylindrospora isolated from foreign material following a traumatic eye injury
Authors: Wiederhold Nathan P. , Sutton Deanna A. , Li De‐Wei , Liang Yu , Thompson Elizabeth H. , Wickes Brian L. , Herrera Monica L. , Rhoads Sandra L. , Mortensen Joel E.
Published: January 2014

Stachybotrys eucylindrospora was characterised as a new species in 2007, and we present the first report of this organism isolated from foreign material recovered from a patient. It is probable that isolates of this species have been previously identified as either Stachybotrys chartarum or Stachybotrys cylindrospora.
Infection control practices among intensive care unit registered nurses: a Jordanian national study
Authors: AL‐Rawajfah Omar M
Published: January 2014

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate infection control (IC) practices among Jordanian registered nurses (RNs) working in intensive care unit (ICU) settings.

Background

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends periodic assessment ofICpractices for health care workers as an effective strategy to control infections.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive design.

Methods

A stratified, cluster random sampling technique was used. The sample consisted ofICU RNsfrom all major health care service providers and from all geographical areas in Jordan. TheIC‐Practices Tool (Cronbachα= 0·88) a self‐report instrument was used.

Results

A total of 21 hospitals participated in the study, of which, 8 were governmental, 7 military, 4 private and 2 university‐affiliated. The final sample consisted of 247RNsfrom 56 critical care units. Of the total sample, 36% ofRNswere from governmental hospitals. Of the total sample, 51% were female with a mean age of 28·5 years (SD= 5·2), and 54·7% worked in generalICUs. The mean overallICpractice score was 122·6 (SD= 13·2). Nurses who reported that they had been trained aboutICprocedures in their hospital scored higher on theICpractice scale (M= 124·3,SD= 12·3) than nurses who never received anyICtraining in the hospital (M= 117·3,SD= 14·6,p< 0·001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the importance of conductingICeducational programmes as an effective strategy to increase staff compliance with standardICpractices.

Relevance to clinical practice

Educational role ofICnurse is important to enhanceRNscompliance with standardICpractices.
Cognition and the compassion deficit: the social psychology of helping behaviour in nursing
Authors: Paley John
Published: January 2014

This paper discusses compassion failure and compassion deficits in health care, using two major reports by Robert Francis in the UK as a point of reference. Francis enquired into events at the Mid Staffordshire Hospital between 2005 and 2009, events that unequivocally warrant the description ‘appalling care’. These events prompted an intense national debate, along with proposals for significant changes in the regulation of nursing and nurse education. The circumstances are specific to the UK, but the issues are international.

I suggest that social psychology provides numerous hints about the mechanisms that might have been involved at Mid Staffs and about the reasons why outsiders are blind to these mechanisms. However, there have been few references to social psychology in the post‐Francis debate (the Francis Report itself makes no reference to it at all). It is an enormously valuable resource, and it has been overlooked.

Drawing on the social psychology literature, I express scepticism about the idea that there was a compassion deficit among the Mid Staff nurses – the assumption that the appalling care had something to do with the character, attitudes, and values of nurses – and argue that the Francis Report's emphasis on a ‘culture of compassion and caring in nurse recruitment, training and education’ is misconceived. It was not a ‘failure of compassion’ that led to the events in Mid Staffs but an interlocking set of contextual factors that are known to affect social cognition. These factors cannot be corrected or compensated for by teaching ethics, empathy, and compassion to student nurses.
Weight loss composition is one‐fourth fat‐free mass: a critical review and critique of this widely cited rule
Authors: Heymsfield S. B. , Gonzalez M. C. C. , Shen W. , Redman L. , Thomas D.
Published: January 2014

Maximizing fat loss while preserving lean tissue mass and function is a central goal of modern obesity treatments. A widely cited rule guiding expected loss of lean tissue as fat‐free mass (FFM) states that approximately one‐fourth of weight loss will be FFM (i.e. ΔFFM/ΔWeight = ∼0.25), with the remaining three‐fourths being fat mass. This review examines the dynamic relationships between FFM, fat mass and weight changes that follow induction of negative energy balance with hypocaloric dieting and/or exercise. Historical developments in the field are traced with the ‘Quarter FFM Rule’ used as a framework to examine evolving concepts on obesity tissue, excess weight and what is often cited as ‘Forbes' Rule’. Temporal effects in the fractional contribution of FFM to changes in body weight are examined as are lean tissue moderating effects such as ageing, inactivity and exercise that frequently accompany structured low‐calorie diet weight loss protocols. Losses of lean tissue with dieting typically tend to be small, raising questions about study design, power and applied measurement method reliability. Our review elicits important questions related to the fractional loss of lean tissues with dieting and provides a foundation for future research on this topic.
The pga gene cluster in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is necessary for the development of natural competence in Ca2+‐promoted biofilms
Authors: Hisano K. , Fujise O. , Miura M. , Hamachi T. , Matsuzaki E. , Nishimura F.
Published: January 2014

Natural competence is the ability of bacteria to incorporate extracellular DNA into their genomes. This competence is affected by a number of factors, including Ca2+ utilization and biofilm formation. As bacteria can form thick biofilms in the presence of extracellular Ca2+, the additive effects of Ca2+‐promoted biofilm formation on natural competence should be examined. We evaluated natural competence in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, an important periodontal pathogen, in the context of Ca2+‐promoted biofilms, and examined whether the pga gene cluster, required for bacterial cell aggregation, is necessary for competence development. The A. actinomycetemcomitans cells grown in the presence of 1 mm CaCl2 exhibited enhanced cell aggregation and increased levels of cell‐associated Ca2+. Biofilm‐derived cells grown in the presence of Ca2+ exhibited the highest levels of natural transformation frequency and enhanced expression of the competence regulator gene, tfoX. Natural competence was enhanced by the additive effects of Ca2+‐promoted biofilms, in which high levels of pga gene expression were also detected. Mutation of the pga gene cluster disrupted biofilm formation and competence development, suggesting that these genes play a critical role in the ability of A. actinomycetemcomitans to adapt to its natural environment. The Ca2+‐promoted biofilms may enhance the ability of bacteria to acquire extracellular DNA.
Age‐ and sex‐related emotional and behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorders: Comparison with control children
Authors: Horiuchi Fumie , Oka Yasunori , Uno Hiroyuki , Kawabe Kentaro , Okada Fumi , Saito Isao , Tanigawa Takeshi , Ueno Shu‐ichi
Published: January 2014

Aim

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often present with emotional and behavioral problems, which could change the clinical course, especially during childhood, and affect future quality of life. The aim of this study was to clarify the age‐ and sex‐related differences of these problems in ASD.

Methods

The study subjects were 173 patients with ASD (age: 4–16 years) and 173 age‐ and sex‐matched community children (control group). The parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used for comparison of the emotional and behavioral problems between the two groups.

Results

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire scores were significantly higher in children with ASD than controls at all ages. The score of total difficulties was significantly higher in girls with ASD than in boys, while the score in male controls was significantly higher than in female controls. Age‐related differences in emotional and behavioral problems were observed both in children with ASD and controls, but the characteristics were different: in children with ASD, emotional symptoms and peer problems in both sexes and conduct problems in girls increased significantly with age, while none of the problems in the controls changed with age except for a decrease in the score of hyperactivity/inattention developmentally in both sexes. Prosocial behaviors of children with ASD and controls showed small changes with age.

Conclusion

Emotional and behavioral problems are common in children with ASD and showed age‐ and sex‐related differences. Our study emphasizes the importance of recognizing those differences among children with ASD for early intervention.
Early Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer in Rats With DMH Induced Carcinogenesis by Means of Urine Autofluorescence Analysis
Authors: Šteffeková Zuzana , Birková Anna , Bomba Alojz , Mareková Mária
Published: January 2014

Cancer is one of the most highlighted topics of current research. Early detection of this disease allows more effective therapy, hence higher chance of cure. Application of fluorescence spectral techniques into oncological diagnostic is one of the potential alternatives. Chemically induced carcinogenesis in rats is widely used model for exploration of various aspects of colorectal cancer. This study shows value of discriminate analysis of urine fluorescent fingerprint between healthy control group of rats and those with dimethylhydrazine induced early lesions of colorectal cancer. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, significant difference (P < 0.05) between both of group was achieved.
Home Lighting Before Usual Bedtime Impacts Circadian Timing: A Field Study
Authors: Burgess Helen J. , Molina Thomas A.
Published: January 2014

Laboratory studies suggest that evening light before bedtime can suppress melatonin. Here, we measured the range of evening light intensity people can generate with their household lights, and for the first time determined if varying home light before usual bedtime can shift circadian phase. This was a 3‐week study with two counterbalanced conditions separated by a 5‐day break. In a dim week, eight healthy subjects minimized their home light exposure from 4 h before habitual bedtime until a self‐selected bedtime. In a bright week, the subjects maximized their home lighting for the same time. The dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) was assessed after each week. On average subjects maximized their lights to approximately 65 lux and minimized their lights to approximately 3 lux. Wrist actigraphy indicated that subjects went to bed slightly later when lights were maximized (average 14 min later, P = 0.05), but wake time did not change. Every subject had a later DLMO after the week of maximum versus minimum light exposure (average 1:03 h later, P < 0.001). These results demonstrate that the light intensity people can generate at home in the few hours before habitual bedtime can alter circadian timing. People should reduce their evening light exposure to lessen circadian misalignment.
Gamma Interferon Production and Plasma Concentrations of Pregnancy‐Associated Glycoproteins 1 and 2 in Gestating Dairy Cows Naturally Infected With Neospora caninum
Authors: Serrano‐Pérez B , Garcia‐Ispierto I , de Sousa NM , Beckers JF , Almería S , López‐Gatius F
Published: January 2014

Contents

Gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) production and cross‐breed pregnancy have been attributed a role in protecting dairy cows infected with Neospora caninum against abortion. Plasma levels of pregnancy‐associated glycoproteins‐1 (PAG‐1) are a marker of placental/foetal well‐being and of PAG‐2 is an abortion risk indicator in chronically N. caninum‐infected animals. The present study examines, in cross‐breed pregnancies, interactions between IFN‐γ production and levels of PAG‐1 and PAG‐2 in non‐aborting naturally Neospora‐infected dairy cows. Data were obtained from 60 pregnant Holstein‐Friesian cows: 44 Neospora‐seropositive and 16 Neospora‐seronegative; 12 became pregnant using Holstein‐Friesian semen and 48 using Limousin semen. Blood samples were collected on Days 40, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 of gestation. Gamma interferon was only detected in the plasma of nine of the 44 Neospora‐seropositive cows, all of them became pregnant using Limousin semen. Through GLM procedures, in cows inseminated with Limousin semen and Neospora‐seropositive cows showing no IFN‐γ production, PAG‐1 concentrations were high and increased throughout gestation compared to the levels detected in cows inseminated with Holstein‐Friesian semen and Neospora‐seropositive cows producing IFN‐γ, respectively. In Neospora‐seronegative cows and in Neospora‐seropositive cows showing no IFN‐γ production, significantly increased PAG‐2 concentrations were observed on gestation Day 120. Our findings indicate that IFN‐γ production correlates negatively and the production of antibodies against N. caninum is uncorrelated with plasma PAG concentrations during gestation in Neospora‐infected dairy cows. Accordingly, IFN‐γ production could be linked to the transplacental migration of tachyzoites, which may cause a reduction in PAG levels.
Race and Income Distribution: Evidence from the USA, Brazil and South Africa
Authors: Gradín Carlos
Published: January 2014

The aim of this paper is to provide some empirical evidence about black–white differentials in the distribution of income and wellbeing in three different countries: Brazil, the USA and South Africa. In all cases, people of African descent are in a variety of ways socially disadvantaged compared with the relatively more affluent whites. We investigate the extent of these gaps in comparative perspective, and analyze to what degree they are associated with differences in the observed characteristics of races, such as where they live, the types of household they have, or their performance in the labor market. We undertake this analysis with the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition at the means and with a propensity score approach at the entire distribution. Our results show how the factors underlying the racial divide vary across countries and income quantiles.
Efficacy and Safety of an Oral Somatostatin DNA Vaccine without Antibiotic Resistance Gene in Promoting Growth of Piglets
Authors: Han Y.‐G. , Liang A.‐X. , Han L. , Guo A.‐Z. , Jiang X.‐P. , Yang L.‐G.
Published: January 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an oral DNA vaccine against somatostatin (SS) (pGS/2SS‐asd, encoding two copies of somatostatin genes) mediated by attenuated Salmonella choleraesuis C500 without antibiotic resistance gene on piglets growth. A total of 50 piglets were uniformly divided into five groups. The animals in the first three groups were orally given vaccine in dose of either 5 × 1010, 5 × 109 or 5 × 108 colony‐forming units (CFU). The remaining two groups were orally administered with either bacteria C500 (containing pVAX‐asd plasmid without somatostatin gene) or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) as controls. The results indicated that the vaccine induced SS‐specific antibodies in a dose‐dependent pattern. Compared with the PBS control, animals in the high‐dose group showed lower SS levels and higher growth hormone (GH) levels in sera. Average daily gain of animals in the high‐dose group was increased by 32.88% and 26.46% during 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. Anti‐SS antibodies were positively correlated with either GH levels or average daily gain at week 8 after primary immunization (P < 0.05). Faecal, soil and water samples originating from immunized piglets and surrounding environment were collected. The target gene (the fusion gene GS/2SS) of C500 (pGS/2SS‐asd) was not detected by PCR amplification in these samples, indicating that the surrounding environment was not contaminated by residual recombinant bacteria. In conclusion, the vaccine without antibiotic resistance gene is attributable to improve growth performance of piglets through an influence on GH secretion. Moreover, the immunization did not contaminate the surrounding environment of animals.
Administration of Sulfatide to Ameliorate Type I Diabetes in Non‐Obese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Rhost S. , Löfbom L. , Månsson J.‐E. , Lehuen A. , Blomqvist M. , Cardell S. L.
Published: January 2014

The endogenous glycosphingolipid sulfatide is a ligand for CD1d‐restricted type II natural killer T (NKT) lymphocytes. Through the action of these cells, sulfatide treatment has been shown to modulate the immune response in mouse models for autoimmune diseases, infections and tumour immunity. Sulfatide exists naturally in different organs including the pancreas, where sulfatide co‐localizes with insulin within the Langerhans islet β‐cells, targets for the immune destruction in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Human T1D patients, but not patients with type 2 diabetes nor healthy individuals, have autoantibodies against sulfatide in serum, suggesting that sulfatide induces an immune response in the natural course of T1D in humans. Here, we investigate sulfatide as an autoantigen and a modulator of autoimmune disease in the murine model for T1D, the non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice. We demonstrate that aged NOD mice displayed serum autoantibody reactivity to sulfatide; however, this reactivity did not correlate with onset of T1D. Repeated administration of sulfatide did not result in an increase in serum reactivity to sulfatide. Moreover, a multidose sulfatide treatment of female NOD mice initiated at an early (5 weeks of age), intermediate (8 weeks of age) or late (12 weeks of age) phase of T1D progression did not influence the incidence of disease. Thus, we demonstrate that a fraction of NOD mice develop autoantibody reactivity to sulfatide; however, we fail to demonstrate that sulfatide treatment reduces the incidence of T1D in this mouse strain.
Improved pan‐specific MHC class I peptide‐binding predictions using a novel representation of the MHC‐binding cleft environment
Authors: Carrasco Pro S. , Zimic M. , Nielsen M.
Published: January 2014

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules play a key role in cell‐mediated immune responses presenting bounded peptides for recognition by the immune system cells. Several in silico methods have been developed to predict the binding affinity of a given peptide to a specific MHC molecule. One of the current state‐of‐the‐art methods for MHC class I is NetMHCpan, which has a core ingredient for the representation of the MHC class I molecule using a pseudo‐sequence representation of the binding cleft amino acid environment. New and large MHC–peptide‐binding data sets are constantly being made available, and also new structures of MHC class I molecules with a bound peptide have been published. In order to test if the NetMHCpan method can be improved by integrating this novel information, we created new pseudo‐sequence definitions for the MHC‐binding cleft environment from sequence and structural analyses of different MHC data sets including human leukocyte antigen (HLA), non‐human primates (chimpanzee, macaque and gorilla) and other animal alleles (cattle, mouse and swine). From these constructs, we showed that by focusing on MHC sequence positions found to be polymorphic across the MHC molecules used to train the method, the NetMHCpan method achieved a significant increase in the predictive performance, in particular, of non‐human MHCs. This study hence showed that an improved performance of MHC‐binding methods can be achieved not only by the accumulation of more MHC–peptide‐binding data but also by a refined definition of the MHC‐binding environment including information from non‐human species.
A selection strategy in plant transformation based on antisense oligodeoxynucleotide inhibition
Authors: Xie Zhoupeng , Sundström Jens F. , Jin Yunkai , Liu Chunlin , Jansson Christer , Sun Chuanxin
Published: January 2014

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (asODN) inhibition was developed in the 1970s, and since then has been widely used in animal research. However, in plant biology, the method has had limited application because plant cell walls significantly block efficient uptake of asODN to plant cells. Recently, we have found that asODN uptake is enhanced in a sugar solution. The method has promise for many applications, such as a rapid alternative to time‐consuming transgenic studies, and high potential for studying gene functionality in intact plants and multiple plant species, with particular advantages in evaluating the roles of multiple gene family members. Generation of transgenic plants relies on the ability to select transformed cells. This screening process is based on co‐introduction of marker genes into the plant cell together with a gene of interest. Currently, the most common marker genes are those that confer antibiotic or herbicide resistance. The possibility that traits introduced by selectable marker genes in transgenic field crops may be transferred horizontally is of major public concern. Marker genes that increase use of antibiotics and herbicides may increase development of antibiotic‐resistant bacterial strains or contribute to weed resistance. Here, we describe a method for selection of transformed plant cells based on asODN inhibition. The method enables selective and high‐throughput screening for transformed cells without conferring new traits or functions to the transgenic plants. Due to their high binding specificity, asODNs may also find applications as plant‐specific DNA herbicides.
Extensive amplification of the E2F transcription factor binding sites by transposons during evolution of Brassica species
Authors: Hénaff Elizabeth , Vives Cristina , Desvoyes Bénédicte , Chaurasia Ankita , Payet Jordi , Gutierrez Crisanto , Casacuberta Josep M.
Published: January 2014

Transposable elements (TEs) are major players in genome evolution. The effects of their movement vary from gene knockouts to more subtle effects such as changes in gene expression. It has recently been shown that TEs may contain transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), and it has been proposed that they may rewire new genes into existing transcriptional networks. However, little is known about the dynamics of this process and its effect on transcription factor binding. Here we show that TEs have extensively amplified the number of sequences that match the E2F TFBS during Brassica speciation, and, as a result, as many as 85% of the sequences that fit the E2F TFBS consensus are within TEs in some Brassica species. We show that these sequences found within TEs bind E2Fa in vivo, which indicates a direct effect of these TEs on E2F‐mediated gene regulation. Our results suggest that the TEs located close to genes may directly participate in gene promoters, whereas those located far from genes may have an indirect effect by diluting the effective amount of E2F protein able to bind to its cognate promoters. These results illustrate an extreme case of the effect of TEs in TFBS evolution, and suggest a singular way by which they affect host genes by modulating essential transcriptional networks.
A model for transport of a viral membrane protein through the early secretory pathway: minimal sequence and endoplasmic reticulum lateral mobility requirements
Authors: Serra‐Soriano Marta , Pallás Vicente , Navarro José A.
Published: January 2014

Viral movement proteins exploit host endomembranes and the cytoskeleton to move within the cell via routes that, in some cases, are dependent on the secretory pathway. For example, melon necrotic spot virus p7B, a type II transmembrane protein, leaves the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through the COPII‐dependent Golgi pathway to reach the plasmodesmata. Here we investigated the sequence requirements and putative mechanisms governing p7B transport through the early secretory pathway. Deletion of either the cytoplasmic N–terminal region (CR) or the luminal C–terminal region (LR) led to ER retention, suggesting that they are both essential for ER export. Through alanine‐scanning mutagenesis, we identified residues in the CR and LR that are critical for both ER export and for viral cell‐to‐cell movement. Within the CR, alanine substitution of aspartic and proline residues in the DSSP β–turn motif (D7AP10A) led to movement of discrete structures along the cortical ER in an actin‐dependent manner. In contrast, alanine substitution of a lysine residue in the LR (K49A) resulted in a homogenous ER distribution of the movement protein and inhibition of ER–Golgi traffic. Moreover, the ability of p7B to recruit Sar1 to the ER membrane is lost in the D7AP10A mutant, but enhanced in the K49A mutant. In addition, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching revealed that K49A but not D7AP10A dramatically diminished protein lateral mobility. From these data, we propose a model whereby the LR directs actin‐dependent mobility toward the cortical ER, where the cytoplasmic DSSP β–turn favors assembly of COPII vesicles for export of p7B from the ER.
Polymorphism of P53‐Ets/AP1 transactivation region of MDM2 oncogene and its immunohistochemical analysis in canine tumours
Authors: Rezaie A. , Tabandeh M. R. , Noori S. M. A.
Published: January 2014

Mouse Double Minute‐2 (MDM2) is an ubiquitin ligase which is overexpressed or its promoter polymorphism has been reported in different tumours. The objective of this study was to examine the MDM2 protein expression and its promoter polymorphism in some canine tumours. Twenty specimens were collected from 20 dogs with 15 mammary gland carcinomas, 3 lymphomas, 1 transmissible venereal tumour and 1 trichoblastoma. Samples were analysed immunohistochemically using human antibody against MDM2 protein. PCR and DNA sequencing were carried out to identify MDM2 promoter polymorphism. MDM2 gene was expressed in 13 of 20 samples including 11 mammary carcinomas, 1 lymphoma and 1 trichoblastoma. We found 94% homology between canine and human sequences. Four mutations including G169C, A177G, G291T and A177G were identified in different types of breast carcinomas. An extra p53 response element was found in a mixed mammary carcinoma.