bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E3 ubiquitin ligase CHIP facilitates Toll-like receptor signaling by recruiting and polyubiquitinating Src and atypical PKCζ
Authors: Yang Mingjin , Wang Chen , Zhu Xuhui , Tang Songqing , Shi Liyun , Cao Xuetao , Chen Taoyong
Published: September 2011

The carboxyl terminus of constitutive heat shock cognate 70 (HSC70)–interacting protein (CHIP, also known as Stub1) is a U box–containing E3 ubiquitin ligase that is important for protein quality control. The role of CHIP in innate immunity is not known. Here, we report that CHIP knockdown inhibits Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4– and TLR9-driven signaling, but not TLR3-driven signaling; proinflammatory cytokine and type 1 interferon (IFN) production; and maturation of antigen-presenting cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells. We demonstrate that CHIP can recruit the tyrosine kinase Src and atypical protein kinase C ζ (PKCζ) to the TLR complex, thereby leading to activation of IL-1 receptor–associated kinase 1, TANK-binding kinase 1, and IFN regulatory factors 3 and 7. CHIP acts as an E3 ligase for Src and PKCζ during TLR signaling. CHIP-mediated enhancement of TLR signaling is inhibited by IFNAR deficiency or expression of ubiquitination resistant mutant forms of Src or PKCζ. These findings suggest that CHIP facilitates the formation of a TLR signaling complex by recruiting, ubiquitinating, and activating Src and PKCζ.
The Multiple Contributions of Phytochromes to the Control of Internode Elongation in Rice
Authors: Iwamoto Masao , Kiyota Seiichiro , Hanada Atsushi , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Takano Makoto
Published: September 2011

Although phyAphyBphyC phytochrome-null mutants in rice (Oryza sativa) have morphological changes and exhibit internode elongation, even as seedlings, it is unknown how phytochromes contribute to the control of internode elongation. A gene for 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO1), which is an ethylene biosynthesis gene contributing to internode elongation, was up-regulated in phyAphyBphyC seedlings. ACO1 expression was controlled mainly by phyA and phyB, and a histochemical analysis showed that ACO1 expression was localized to the basal parts of leaf sheaths of phyAphyBphyC seedlings, similar to mature wild-type plants at the heading stage, when internode elongation was greatly promoted. In addition, the transcription levels of several ethylene- or gibberellin (GA)-related genes were changed in phyAphyBphyC mutants, and measurement of the plant hormone levels indicated low ethylene production and bioactive GA levels in the phyAphyBphyC mutants. We demonstrate that ethylene induced internode elongation and ACO1 expression in phyAphyBphyC seedlings but not in the wild type and that the presence of bioactive GAs was necessary for these effects. These findings indicate that phytochromes contribute to multiple steps in the control of internode elongation, such as the expression of the GA biosynthesis gene OsGA3ox2, ACO1 expression, and the onset of internode elongation.
An alternative scheme of angular-dispersion analyzers for high-resolution medium-energy inelastic X-ray scattering
Authors: Huang Xian-Rong
Published: September 2011

The development of medium-energy inelastic X-ray scattering optics with meV and sub-meV resolution has attracted considerable efforts in recent years. Meanwhile, there are also concerns or debates about the fundamental and feasibility of the involved schemes. Here the central optical component, the back-reflection angular-dispersion monochromator or analyzer, is analyzed. The results show that the multiple-beam diffraction effect together with transmission-induced absorption can noticeably reduce the diffraction efficiency, although it may not be a fatal threat. In order to improve the efficiency, a simple four-bounce analyzer is proposed that completely avoids these two adverse effects. The new scheme is illustrated to be a feasible alternative approach for developing meV- to sub-meV-resolution inelastic X-ray scattering spectroscopy.
Late Eocene–Pliocene basin evolution in the Eastern Cordillera of northwestern Argentina (25°–26°S): regional implications for Andean orogenic wedge development
Authors: Carrapa Barbara , Bywater‐Reyes Sharon , DeCelles Peter G. , Mortimer Estelle , Gehrels George E.
Published: September 2011

Important aspects of the Andean foreland basin in Argentina remain poorly constrained, such as the effect of deformation on deposition, in which foreland basin depozones Cenozoic sedimentary units were deposited, how sediment sources and drainages evolved in response to tectonics, and the thickness of sediment accumulation. Zircon U‐Pb geochronological data from Eocene–Pliocene sedimentary strata in the Eastern Cordillera of northwestern Argentina (Pucará–Angastaco and La Viña areas) provide an Eocene (ca. 38 Ma) maximum depositional age for the Quebrada de los Colorados Formation. Sedimentological and provenance data reveal a basin history that is best explained within the context of an evolving foreland basin system affected by inherited palaeotopography. The Quebrada de los Colorados Formation represents deposition in the distal to proximal foredeep depozone. Development of an angular unconformity at ca. 14 Ma and the coarse‐grained, proximal character of the overlying Angastaco Formation (lower to upper Miocene) suggest deposition in a wedge‐top depozone. Axial drainage during deposition of the Palo Pintado Formation (upper Miocene) suggests a fluvial‐lacustrine intramontane setting. By ca. 4 Ma, during deposition of the San Felipe Formation, the Angastaco area had become structurally isolated by the uplift of the Sierra de los Colorados Range to the east. Overall, the Eastern Cordillera sedimentary record is consistent with a continuous foreland basin system that migrated through the region from late Eocene through middle Miocene time. By middle Miocene time, the region lay within the topographically complex wedge‐top depozone, influenced by thick‐skinned deformation and re‐activation of Cretaceous rift structures. The association of the Eocene Quebrada del los Colorados Formation with a foredeep depozone implies that more distal foreland deposits should be represented by pre‐Eocene strata (Santa Barbara Subgroup) within the region.
High resolution melting analysis for detection of BRAF exon 15 mutations in hairy cell leukaemia and other lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Boyd Elaine M. , Bench Anthony J. , van ‘t Veer Mars B. , Wright Penny , Bloxham David M. , Follows George A. , Scott Mike A.
Published: September 2011

The BRAF V600E mutation has recently been described in all cases of hairy cell leukaemia (HCL). We have developed and validated a rapid and sensitive high‐resolution melting analysis (HRMA) assay that detects BRAF exon 15 mutations when hairy cells are as low as 5–10% in a sample. All 48 HCL patients were positive for the BRAF V600E mutation, while 114 non‐HCL cases were all V600E negative. Interestingly, we detected a novel BRAF D594N mutation in one patient with multiple myeloma. The HRMA assay offers a useful tool to aid the laboratory diagnosis of HCL.
Health‐related quality of life and psychological well‐being in elderly patients with haemophilia
Authors: VON MACKENSEN S. , GRINGERI A. , SIBONI S. M. , MANNUCCI P. M. ,   FOR THE ITALIAN ASSOCIATION OF HAEMOPHILIA CENTRES (AICE)
Published: September 2011

Summary.  Many persons with severe haemophilia reach seniority thanks to effective treatment. There is no information on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of these patients, who had lived for many years when regular replacement therapy was unavailable. Italian patients with severe haemophilia aged ≥65 years born in the 1940s or earlier were compared with men without bleeding disorders matched for age and geography. HRQoL was assessed via generic and disease‐specific questionnaires. Potential associations with concomitant illnesses, orthopaedic status, physical functioning, cognitive status and depression were evaluated. In addition, the newly adapted HRQoL questionnaire specific for elderly persons with haemophilia (Haem‐A‐QoLEldlery) was psychometrically tested and validated. Thirty‐nine patients, aged 65–78 years, were investigated, 33 with haemophilia A and six with haemophilia B, and compared to 43 controls, aged 65–79 years. Chronic blood borne viral infections, hypertension and arthropathy were more frequent in patients, whereas hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases were more frequent in controls. Psychometric characteristics of Haem‐A‐QoLElderly showed good to excellent values for reliability and validity. HRQoL was worse in patients at EQ‐VAS, WHOQOL‐BREF and WHOQOL‐Old. The highest impairments were found in patients by means of the haemophilia‐specific Haem‐A‐QoLElderly in such dimensions as ‘physical activity & leisure’, ‘physical health’ and ‘view’. A poor orthopaedic status was negatively associated with HRQoL. Compared to age‐matched controls elderly patients with haemophilia had an impaired HRQoL in association with their health status. The newly developed Haem‐A‐QoLElderly proved to be a reliable and valid instrument for HRQoL assessment in elderly haemophilia patients.
Quality geriatric care as perceived by nurses in long‐term and acute care settings
Authors: Barba Beth Ellen , Hu Jie , Efird Jimmy
Published: September 2011

Aims and objectives.  This study focused on differences in nurses’ satisfaction with the quality of care of older people and with organisational characteristics and work environment in acute care and long‐term care settings.

Background.  Numerous studies have explored links between nurses’ satisfaction with care and work environments on the one hand and a variety of physical, behavioural and psychological reactions of nurses on the other. One key to keeping nurses in the workplace is a better understanding of nurses’ satisfaction with the quality of care they provide.

Design.  Descriptive design.

Method.  The self‐selected sample included 298 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who provide care to minority, underserved and disadvantaged older populations in 89 long‐term care and <100 bed hospitals in 38 rural counties and eight metropolitan areas in a Southern state. All completed the Agency Geriatric Nursing Care survey, which consisted of a 13‐item scale measuring nurses’ satisfaction with the quality of geriatric care in their practice settings and an 11‐item scale examining obstacles to providing quality geriatric care. Demographic variables were compared with chi‐square. Independent t‐tests were used to examine differences between nurses in long‐term care and acute care settings.

Results.  Significant differences were found in level of satisfaction and perceived obstacles to providing quality care to older adults between participants from acute and long‐term care. Participants in long‐term care had greater satisfaction with the quality of geriatric care than those in acute facilities.

Conclusions.  Nurses in long‐term care were more satisfied that care was evidence‐based; specialised to individual needs of older adults; promoted autonomy and independence of elders; and was continuous across settings. Participants in acute facilities perceived more obstacles to providing quality geriatric care than nurses in long‐term care facilities.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Modification of hospital geriatric practice environments and leadership commitment to evidence‐based practice guidelines that promote autonomy and independence of patients and staff could improve acute care nurses’ perceptions of quality of geriatric care.
The validity and reliability of weight and height measurements and body mass index calculations in early pregnancy
Authors: Rees G. A. , Porter J. , Bennett S. , Colleypriest O. , Ellis L. , Stenhouse E.
Published: September 2011

How to cite this article
 Rees G.A., Porter J., Bennett S., Colleypriest O., Ellis L. & Stenhouse E. (2012) The validity and reliability of weight and height measurements and body mass index calculations in early pregnancy. J Hum Nutr Diet.25, 117–120

Background:  Obesity is increasing in the UK and this is having an impact on the health of pregnant women and their infants. It is recommended that all pregnant women have their height and weight measured and their body mass index (BMI, kg m−²) calculated and recorded in the midwifery notes. The aim of the present audit was to determine the extent of compliance with this recommendation.

Methods:  An audit was undertaken in a large district general hospital in the South West of England. A convenience sample of the midwifery notes was accessed retrospectively on the post‐natal wards. Data collected from the notes included weight, height, BMI and gestational age when first recorded.

Results:  A total of 486 maternal notes were audited; of these, 9% did not have the BMI recorded. In total, 53.8% of the sample had either height or weight not recorded; however, 90.9% of the sample had a BMI recorded. In addition, 39.7% (n = 126) of heights and 16.0% (n = 63) of weights were recorded in imperial format. There was a high prevalence overweight (26.2%) and obesity (21.3%) amongst the sample.

Conclusions:  Recommendations for measurement of height, weight and calculation of BMI were not always followed. Where BMI was recorded, many notes had either height or weight missing or had measurements recorded in imperial units. This raises the question of how BMI was calculated and its accuracy. Inaccuracies in BMI could lead to individuals being overlooked as high risk and may not be referred for appropriate care including dietetic care. Accurate anthropometric measurements are important for dietary management and monitoring of weight gain.
Magnetic resonance imaging retinal oximetry: a quantitative physiological biomarker for early diabetic retinopathy?
Authors: Yang Y. , Zhu X. R. , Xu Q. G. , Metcalfe H. , Wang Z. C. , Yang J. K.
Published: September 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 501–505 (2012)

Aims  To assess the efficacy of using magnetic resonance imaging measurements of retinal oxygenation response to detect early diabetic retinopathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted during 100% oxygen inhalation in patients with Type 2 diabetes with either no diabetic retinopathy (n = 12) or mild to moderate background diabetic retinopathy (n = 12), as well as in healthy control subjects (n = 12). Meanwhile, changes in retinal oxygenation response were measured.

Results  In the healthy control group, levels of retinal oxygenation response increased slowly during 100% oxygen inhalation. In contrast, they increased more quickly and attained homeostasis much earlier in the groups with background diabetic retinopathy (at the 20‐min time point) and with no diabetic retinopathy (at the 25‐min time point) than in the healthy control group (at the 42‐min time point). Furthermore, levels of retinal oxygenation response in the group with background diabetic retinopathy increased more than that of the group with no diabetic retinopathy, which in turn increased more than that of the healthy control group. There are statistically significant differences between the group with background diabetic retinopathy and the healthy control group at 6‐, 8‐, 10‐, 15‐, 20‐ and 25‐min time points (P < 0.05). According to the normal range of the healthy control group by setting fundus photography results as ‘gold standard’ in our research, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and receiver operating characteristic area for reporting the early indications of utility of diabetic retinopathy were 83.33%, 58.33%, 50%, 87.5% and 0.774, respectively.

Conclusions  The results indicate that magnetic resonance imaging is a potential screening method and probably a quantitative physiological biomarker to find early diabetic retinopathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Relational Aggression in Middle Childhood: Predictors and Adolescent Outcomes
Authors: Spieker Susan J. , Campbell Susan B. , Vandergrift Nathan , Pierce Kim M. , Cauffman Elizabeth , Susman Elizabeth J. , Roisman Glenn I. ,   the NICHD Early Child Care Research Network
Published: September 2011

This study examined gender differences in the level and developmental course of relational aggression in middle childhood, as well as early predictors and outcomes of relational aggression, after controlling for concurrent physical aggression. Relational (RAgg) and Physical aggression (PAgg) scores for 558 boys and 545 girls at the ages of eight to 11 in the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD) were created by combining the highest rating for each item across mother and teacher reports. Longitudinal analyses were conducted using latent curve models of RAgg with PAgg as a time‐varying covariate, with all parameters allowed to vary by gender. Boys and girls had different growth parameters of RAgg. Girls' RAgg intercept was higher, and the slope was not different from zero; boys' RAgg intercept was lower, and the slope declined. Mother–child conflict in early childhood predicted RAgg intercept for both boys and girls, but maternal harsh control and sensitivity were also uniquely predictive for girls whereas center care was uniquely predictive for boys. RAgg intercept predicted adolescent self‐reports of depression for girls and delinquency and risk‐taking for both boys and girls; the magnitude of the association with risk taking was significantly greater for boys.
Teaching peripheral nerve blocks for the head and neck area to dermatologists
Authors: Paoli J. , Halldin C. , Sandberg C.
Published: September 2011

Background  Peripheral nerve blocks in the head and neck region can be useful for a large number of surgical or otherwise painful procedures carried out by dermatologists. As anaesthesiologists cannot always be available to help dermatologists place nerve blocks in outpatient settings, training courses for these physicians are warranted.

Objectives  To present a method of teaching nerve blocks for the face and scalp to dermatologists during residency and/or continuing medical education programmes.

Methods  Half‐day courses with theoretical education, video demonstrations and supervised ‘hands‐on’ training were organized to teach supraorbital/supratrochlear, infraorbital, mental and occipital nerve blocks. The outcome and effects of these training courses were analysed with a survey amongst participants 1–2 years after the course.

Results  All the 20 participants who responded the survey successfully placed at least one type of nerve block during the course. Thirteen of 20 participants (65%) reported to be able to perform all the nerve block techniques at follow‐up.

Conclusions  Dermatologists can learn how to perform nerve blocks for the face and scalp in a safe and controlled manner through half‐day courses, including theory, video demonstrations and supervised ‘hands‐on’ training.
Prospective Assessment of Short‐ and Long‐Term Quality of Life After Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: FICHTNER STEPHANIE , DEISENHOFER ISABEL , KINDSMÜLLER SIBYLLE , DZIJAN‐HORN MARIJANA , TZEIS STYLIANOS , REENTS TILKO , WU JINJIN , LUISE ESTNER HEIDI , JILEK CLEMENS , AMMAR SONIA , KATHAN SUSANNE , HESSLING GABRIELE , LADWIG KARL‐HEINZ
Published: September 2011

Quality of Life After Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation. Background
: This study prospectively assesses different aspects of short‐ and long‐term quality of life (QoL) after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). An analysis of 7 validated generic and tailored questionnaires was performed with regard to the relation of QoL to ablation success.

Methods

: The study included 133 patients (74% men, age 57±10) who underwent pulmonary vein isolation ± linear or electrogram‐guided substrate modification for AF. QoL was quantitatively assessed at baseline, 3 months after ablation and at a median of 4.3 ± 0.5 years after ablation by the AF severity scale (AFSS), AF symptom checklist (AFSC), WHO‐5‐Well‐Being‐Index (WHO), Major Depression Inventory (MDI), Sleep and Vegetative disorder (SV), Vital Exhaustion (VE), and Illness intrusiveness (Ii).

Results:
QoL was improved significantly 3 months after ablation in all patients (regardless of ablation success or AF type) and stayed significantly improved after a median of 4.3±0.5 years (AFSS, AFSC, WHO, MDI, VE, PE (all P < 0.001), and SV (P = 0.007)). Patients who had a successful ablation improved significantly more than patients with an unsuccessful ablation in the AFSS, AFSC, and MDI questionnaire (delta change from baseline to long‐term follow‐up P = <0.001, P = <0.001, and P = 0.039, respectively).

Conclusion:
Overall, all patients significantly improved their QoL irrespective of the AF type in all questionnaires 3 months and 4 years after ablation. The increase in QoL was significantly greater in patients who underwent a successful ablation than patients with unsuccessful ablation in the AFSS, AFSC, and MDI questionnaire. Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 121‐127, February 2012)
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Do Women Benefit More Than Men?
Authors: XU YI‐ZHOU , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , WEBSTER TRACY , BROOKE KELLY , HODGE DAVID O. , WISTE HEATHER J. , HUA WEI , ZHANG SHU , HAYES DAVID L. , CHA YONG‐MEI
Published: September 2011

Gender and Resynchronization Therapy. Introduction: Women are underrepresented in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) trials. Whether there is a gender difference in the benefit derived from CRT has not been well studied.

Methods:
This study included 728 consecutive CRT recipients at our institution who met guidelines for placement of a CRT device. Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic parameters were collected at baseline and after CRT; Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed using a national death and location database. The effects and outcome of CRT were compared between women and men.

Results:
Of 728 patients, 166 were female (22.8%). Female patients were younger than male patients (66.0 ± 11.9 years vs 69.4 ± 10.9 years; P < 0.001) and more often had nonischemic cardiomyopathy (68% vs 36%; P < 0.001). Both female and male patients had significantly improved clinical and echocardiographic parameters after CRT. The magnitude of improvement was similar in women and men, except that improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class was greater in women than in men (–0.79 ± 0.78 vs –0.56 ± 0.85; P = 0.009). Although women were at lower risk of death than men after CRT (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.75; P < 0.001, unadjusted), multivariate analysis indicated gender was not, but age at CRT placement, cardiomyopathy cause, NYHA class, and lead location were independent predictors of survival.

Conclusion: Female CRT recipients seem to achieve greater survival benefit than male recipients. However, this benefit is majorly driven by nonischemic cardiomyopathy and other clinical factors. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 172‐178, February 2012)
Scatter‐hoarding rodents as secondary seed dispersers of a frugivore‐dispersed tree Scleropyrum wallichianum in a defaunated Xishuangbanna tropical forest, China
Authors: CAO Lin , XIAO Zhishu , GUO Cong , CHEN Jin
Published: September 2011

Local extinction or population decline of large frugivorous vertebrates as primary seed dispersers, caused by human disturbance and habitat change, might lead to dispersal limitation of many large‐seeded fruit trees. However, it is not known whether or not scatter‐hoarding rodents as secondary seed dispersers can help maintain natural regeneration (e.g. seed dispersal) of these frugivore‐dispersed trees in the face of the functional reduction or loss of primary seed dispersers. In the present study, we investigated how scatter‐hoarding rodents affect the fate of tagged seeds of a large‐seeded fruit tree (Scleropyrum wallichianum Arnott, 1838, Santalaceae) from seed fall to seedling establishment in a heavily defaunated tropical forest in the Xishuangbanna region of Yunnan Province, in southwest China, in 2007 and 2008. Our results show that: (i) rodents removed nearly all S. wallichianum seeds in both years; (ii) a large proportion (2007, 75%; 2008, 67.5%) of the tagged seeds were cached individually in the surface soil or under leaf litters; (iii) dispersal distance of primary caches was further in 2007 (19.6 ± 14.6 m) than that in 2008 (14.1 ± 11.6 m), and distance increased as rodents recovered and moved seeds from primary caches into subsequent caching sites; and (iv) part of the cached seeds (2007, 3.2%; 2008, 2%) survived to the seedling stage each year. Our study suggests that by taking roles of both primary and secondary seed dispersers, scatter‐hoarding rodents can play a significant role in maintaining seedling establishment of S. wallichianum, and are able to at least partly compensate for the loss of large frugivorous vertebrates in seed dispersal.
Activities, Kinetics and Emission Spectra of Bacterial Luciferase‐Fluorescent Protein Fusion Enzymes
Authors: Ke Dachuan , Tu Shiao‐Chun
Published: September 2011

A new approach to alter bacterial bioluminescence color was developed by fusing Vibrio harveyi luciferase with the coral Discosoma sp. fluorescent protein mOrange, a homolog of the Aequorea green fluorescent protein. Attachment of mOrange to the N‐ or C‐terminus of luciferase α or β subunit, via a 5 or 10 residue linker, produced fully active fusion enzymes. However, only the fusion of mOrange to the N‐terminus of luciferase α produced a new 560 nm emission. The differences in emission color by two such fusion enzymes from that of the wild‐type luciferase (λmax 490 nm) were evident by eye or photographically with the aid of cut‐off optical filters. In nonturnover reactions, light decay rates of fusion enzyme remained the same when monitored as the full‐spectrum light or at 480 nm (from the luciferase emitter) or 570 nm (from mOrange). No 560 nm emission component was observed with a mixture of luciferase and free mOrange. These findings support that the 560 nm emission by the fusion enzyme was due to bioluminescence resonance energy transfer from luciferase to mOrange. We believe that the same approach could also alter the bacterial bioluminescence color by covalent attachment of other suitable fluorescent proteins or chromophores to luciferase.
Histological features of nodular gastritis and its endoscopic classification
Authors: NAKASHIMA Ryo , NAGATA Naoyoshi , WATANABE Kazuhiro , KOBAYAKAWA Masao , SAKURAI Toshiyuki , AKIYAMA Junichi , HOSHIMOTO Kazufusa , SHIMBO Takuro , UEMURA Naomi
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVES:  To clarify the histological features and endoscopic classifications of nodular gastritis (NG).

METHODS:  Overall 40 996 patients who had undergone an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled. NG is defined as a uniform and diffuse protrusion from the antrum to angulus, which has two types at endoscopy: nodular (N) and granular (G). Three biopsy specimens were taken from the antrum, angulus and corpus. The histological features were evaluated using the updated Sydney System (USS). The topography of gastritis (antrum‐predominant, pangastritis or corpus‐predominant) and the prevalence of lymphoid follicles were also investigated.

RESULTS:  Overall 89 patients (0.22%) were diagnosed with NG, which tended to decrease in prevalence over age and predominantly affected women. All the patients were Helicobacter pylori‐positive. Among these, 65 patients underwent biopsy. Activity and inflammation were mostly moderate or severe, while intestinal metaplasia and atrophy were mostly absent at all three sites. Pangastritis was the most frequent (72%) type of gastritis. Lymphoid follicles were found in 69% at the antrum, 65% at the angulus and 51% at the corpus. There were no significant differences between N and G types in clinical features, USS scores, topography of gastritis, and prevalence of lymphoid follicles.

CONCLUSIONS:  Atrophy and intestinal metaplasia are rare but activity and chronic inflammation are severe at the antrum, angulus and corpus in NG. Pangastritis is the commonest type of gastritis. Lymphoid follicles affect everything up to the upper corpus, contrary to endoscopic protrusion found only at angulus. There was no correlation with pathological features between N and G types.
Filifactor alocis interactions with gingival epithelial cells
Authors: Moffatt C.E. , Whitmore S.E. , Griffen A.L. , Leys E.J. , Lamont R.J.
Published: September 2011

An association between the gram‐positive anaerobe Filifactor alocis and periodontal disease has recently emerged; however, possible pathogenic mechanisms have not been investigated. In this study we examined the responses of primary cultures of gingival epithelial cells (GECs) to infection with F. alocis. Secretion of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α from GECs was stimulated by F. alocis infection. F. alocis also induced apoptosis in GECs through pathways that involved caspase‐3 but not caspase‐9. Apoptosis was coincident with inhibition of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) activation. These results show that F. alocis has characteristics in common with established periodontal pathogens and has the potential to contribute to periodontal tissue destruction.
Two‐pore domain K+ channels regulate membrane potential of isolated human articular chondrocytes
Authors: Clark Robert B. , Kondo Colleen , Belke Darrell D. , Giles Wayne R.
Published: September 2011

Non‐Technical Summary  The debilitating condition of arthritis is caused by degeneration of the cartilage, a tissue that allows almost frictionless motion between the ends of bones in articulating joints such as the knee. The integrity of the cartilage is maintained by the metabolic activity of chondrocytes, the only type of cell found within the cartilage. An important factor in regulating the rate of metabolic activity of the chondrocytes is thought to be the magnitude of the electrical potential difference across the cell membrane, i.e. the ‘membrane potential’. This study identifies a type of ion channel, a so‐called ‘two‐pore potassium channel’, which was not previously known to be expressed in human chondrocytes. This ion channel importantly contributes to controlling chondrocyte membrane potential. Elucidation of the factors that control chondrocyte membrane potential is important for understanding the normal and pathophysiology of the chondrocytes, and consequently the health of the cartilage.
Role of the MexEF-OprN Efflux System in Low-Level Resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Llanes Catherine , Köhler Thilo , Patry Isabelle , Dehecq Barbara , van Delden Christian , Plésiat Patrick
Published: September 2011

In this study, we investigated the resistance mechanisms to fluoroquinolones of 85 non-cystic fibrosis strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
exhibiting a reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (MICs from 0.25 to 2 μg/ml). In addition to MexAB-OprM (31 of 85 isolates) and MexXY/OprM (39 of 85), the MexEF-OprN efflux pump (10 of 85) was found to be commonly upregulated in this population that is considered susceptible or of intermediate susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, according to current breakpoints. Analysis of the 10 MexEF-OprN overproducers (
nfxC
mutants) revealed the presence of various mutations in the
mexT
(2 isolates),
mexS
(5 isolates), and/or
mvaT
(2 isolates) genes, the inactivation of which is known to increase the expression of the
mexEF-oprN
operon in reference strain PAO1-UW. However, these genes were intact in 3 of 10 of the clinical strains. Interestingly, ciprofloxacin at 2 μg/ml or 4 μg/ml preferentially selected
nfxC
mutants from wild-type clinical strains (
n
= 10 isolates) and from first-step mutants (
n
= 10) overexpressing Mex pumps, thus indicating that MexEF-OprN represents a major mechanism by which
P. aeruginosa
may acquire higher resistance levels to fluoroquinolones. These data support the notion that the
nfxC
mutants may be more prevalent in the clinical setting than anticipated and strongly suggest the involvement of still unknown genes in the regulation of this efflux system.
Penetration of Vancomycin into Epithelial Lining Fluid in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Lodise Thomas P. , Drusano George L. , Butterfield Jill M. , Scoville Joshua , Gotfried Mark , Rodvold Keith A.
Published: September 2011

Although vancomycin is often regarded as an agent that concentrates poorly in the lower respiratory tract, as determined from concentrations in epithelial lining fluid (ELF), few data are available. This study sought to determine the profile of vancomycin exposure in the ELF relative to plasma. Population modeling and Monte Carlo simulation were employed to estimate the penetration of vancomycin into ELF. Plasma and ELF pharmacokinetic (PK) data were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers. Concentration-time profiles in plasma and ELF were simultaneously modeled using a three-compartment model with zero-order infusion and first-order elimination and transfer using the big nonparametric adaptive grid (BigNPAG) program. Monte Carlo simulation with 9,999 subjects was performed to calculate the ELF/plasma penetration ratios by estimating the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) in ELF (AUC
ELF
) and plasma (AUC
plasma
) after a single simulated 1,000-mg dose. The mean (standard deviation) AUC
ELF
/AUC
plasma
penetration ratio was 0.675 (0.677), and the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile penetration ratios were 0.265, 0.474, and 0.842, respectively. Our results indicate that vancomycin penetrates ELF at approximately 50% of plasma levels. To properly judge the adequacy of current doses and schedules employed in practice, future studies are needed to delineate the PK/PD (pharmacodynamics) target for vancomycin in ELF. If the PK/PD target in ELF is found to be consistent with the currently proposed target of an AUC/MIC of ≥400, suboptimal probability of target attainment would be expected when vancomycin is utilized for pneumonias due to MRSA (methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
) with MICs in excess of 1 mg/liter.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Pigmented Streptococcus thermophilus Strain JIM8232
Authors: Delorme Christine , Bartholini Claire , Luraschi Mélanie , Pons Nicolas , Loux Valentin , Almeida Mathieu , Guédon Eric , Gibrat Jean-François , Renault Pierre
Published: September 2011

Streptococcus thermophilus
is a dairy species commonly used in the manufacture of cheese and yogurt. Here, we report the complete sequence of
S. thermophilus
strain JIM8232, isolated from milk and which produces a yellow pigment, an atypical trait for this bacterium.
Complete Genome Sequences of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains CCDC5079 and CCDC5080, Which Belong to the Beijing Family
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Chen Chen , Liu Jie , Deng Haijun , Pan Aizhen , Zhang Lishui , Zhao Xiuqin , Huang Mingxiang , Lu Bing , Dong Haiyan , Du Pengcheng , Chen Weijun , Wan KangLin
Published: September 2011

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is one of most prevalent pathogens in the world. Drug-resistant strains of this pathogen caused by the excessive use of antibiotics have long posed serious threats to public health worldwide. A broader picture of drug resistance mechanisms at the genomic level can be obtained only with large-scale comparative genomic methodology. Two closely related Beijing family isolates, one resistant to four first-line drugs (CCDC5180) and one sensitive to them (CCDC5079), were completely sequenced. These sequences will serve as valuable references for further drug resistance site identification studies and could be of great importance for developing drugs targeting these sites.
Complete Genome Sequence of Thermococcus sp. Strain 4557, a Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Isolated from a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Area
Authors: Wang Xingna , Gao Zhaoming , Xu Xun , Ruan Lingwei
Published: September 2011

Thermococcus
sp. strain 4557 is a hyperthermophilic anaerobic archaeon isolated from the deep-sea hydrothermal vent Guaymas Basin site in the Gulf of California at a depth of 2,000 m. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
Thermococcus
sp. 4557, which consists of a single circular chromosome of 2,011,320 bp with a G+C content of 56.08%.
The correlation between third-trimester maternal and newborn-serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D in a selected South Australian group of newborn samples
Authors: Thomas Sunethra Devika C , Fudge Andrew N , Whiting Malcolm , Coates Penelope S
Published: September 2011

Background

Although vitamin D insufficiency is prevalent in the community, only a few population-based studies have measured serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD) levels during pregnancy and in newborns. Maternal vitamin D deficiency has been linked to pregnancy complications, as well as hypocalcaemia and rickets in the newborn. Here, the authors report third-trimester maternal and newborn-serum 25OHD concentrations in 101 neonates whose serum samples were sent for testing.

Methods

The newborn 25OHD levels were correlated with the third-trimester maternal serum 25OHD levels using a least-square regression analysis. All samples were measured using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Ten randomly selected newborn serum samples were also measured using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry LC-MSMS, and correlated with the EIA method.

Results

Out of 99 mothers of the newborns, only 19, 42 and 68 had their 25OHD level measured in the first, second and third trimester respectively. The mean maternal age was 30 years, while the mean maternal third-trimester 25OHD concentration was 48 nmol/l. Of the newborns, 53% were female, and 85% were term deliveries. The mean newborn-serum 25OHD was 68 nmol/l. Neonatal 25OHD was related to maternal third-trimester levels measured by EIA (r=0.3; newborn 25OHD=0.42(maternal 25OHD)+44.2; p=0.02). EIA and LC-MSMS concentrations for newborns correlated significantly over a range between 20 and 103 nmol/l by EIA (r=0.9; EIA=1.04(LCMSMS)+10.1; p<0.00 (slope); p=0.18 (intercept)). The mean 25OHD concentration in women who suffered pre-eclampsia and premature rupture of membranes were 45 and 39 nmol/l respectively.

Conclusions

Newborn-serum 25OHD concentrations depend on the maternal circulating plasma 25OHD level at least during the third trimester. Neonatal 25OHD levels obtained by EIA correlated well with LC-MSMS. Although the EIA values for neonates were greater than LC-MSMS values, this difference was not statistically significant.
Chromosomal localization of two novel repetitive sequences isolated from the Chenopodium quinoa Willd. genome
Authors: Kolano B. , Gardunia B.W. , Michalska M. , Bonifacio A. , Fairbanks D. , Maughan P.J. , Coleman C.E , Stevens M.R. , Jellen E.N. , Maluszynska J.
Published: September 2011

The chromosomal organization of two novel repetitive DNA sequences isolated from the Chenopodium quinoa Willd. genome was analyzed across the genomes of selected Chenopodium species. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with the repetitive DNA clone 18–24J in the closely related allotetraploids C. quinoa and Chenopodium berlandieri Moq. (2n = 4x = 36) evidenced hybridization signals that were mainly present on 18 chromosomes; however, in the allohexaploid Chenopodium album L. (2n = 6x = 54), cross-hybridization was observed on all of the chromosomes. In situ hybridization with rRNA gene probes indicated that during the evolution of polyploidy, the chenopods lost some of their rDNA loci. Reprobing with rDNA indicated that in the subgenome labeled with 18–24J, one 35S rRNA locus and at least half of the 5S rDNA loci were present. A second analyzed sequence, 12–13P, localized exclusively in pericentromeric regions of each chromosome of C. quinoa and related species. The intensity of the FISH signals differed considerably among chromosomes. The pattern observed on C. quinoa chromosomes after FISH with 12–13P was very similar to GISH results, suggesting that the 12–13P sequence constitutes a major part of the repetitive DNA of C. quinoa.
NEW BASES FOR A GENERAL DEFINITION FOR THE MOVING PREFERRED BASIS
Authors: CASTAGNINO MARIO , FORTIN SEBASTIAN
Published: September 2011

One of the challenges of the Environment-Induced Decoherence (EID) approach is to provide a simple general definition of the moving pointer basis or moving preferred basis. In this paper we prove that the study of the poles that produce the decaying modes in non-unitary evolution, could yield a general definition of the relaxation, the decoherence times, and the moving preferred basis. These are probably the most important concepts in the theory of decoherence, one of the most relevant chapters of theoretical (and also practical) quantum mechanics. As an example we solved the Omnès (or Lee–Friedrich) model using our theory.
Unified Semantic Role Labeling for Verbal and Nominal Predicates in the Chinese Language
Authors: Li Junhui , Zhou Guodong
Published: September 2011

This article explores unified semantic role labeling (SRL) for both verbal and nominal predicates in the Chinese language. This is done by considering SRL for both verbal and nominal predicates in a unified framework. First, we systematically examine various kinds of features for verbal SRL and nominal SRL, respectively, besides those widely used ones. Then we further improve the performance of nominal SRL with various kinds of verbal evidence, that is, merging the training instances from verbal predicates and integrating various kinds of features derived from SRL for verbal predicates. Finally, we address the issue of automatic predicate recognition, which is essential for nominal SRL. Evaluation on Chinese PropBank and Chinese NomBank shows that our unified approach significantly improves the performance, in particular that of nominal SRL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported work of unified verbal and nominal SRL on Chinese PropBank and NomBank.
Employing Constituent Dependency Information for Tree Kernel-Based Semantic Relation Extraction between Named Entities
Authors: Qian Longhua , Zhou Guodong , Zhu Qiaoming
Published: September 2011

This article proposes a new approach to dynamically determine the tree span for tree kernel-based semantic relation extraction between named entities. The basic idea is to employ constituent dependency information in keeping the necessary nodes and their head children along the path connecting the two entities in the syntactic parse tree, while removing the noisy information from the tree, eventually leading to a dynamic syntactic parse tree. This article also explores various entity features and their possible combinations via a unified syntactic and semantic tree framework, which integrates both structural syntactic parse information and entity-related semantic information. Evaluation on the ACE RDC 2004 English and 2005 Chinese benchmark corpora shows that our dynamic syntactic parse tree much outperforms all previous tree spans, indicating its effectiveness in well representing the structural nature of relation instances while removing redundant information. Moreover, the unified parse and semantic tree significantly outperforms the single syntactic parse tree, largely due to the remarkable contributions from entity-related semantic features such as its type, subtype, mention-level as well as their bi-gram combinations. Finally, the best performance so far in semantic relation extraction is achieved via a composite kernel, which combines this tree kernel with a linear, state-of-the-art, feature-based kernel.
Nonlinear Singular BVP of Limit Circle Type and the Presence of Reverse‐Ordered Upper and Lower Solutions
Authors: Verma Amit K. , Verma Lajja
Published: September 2011

We consider the following class of nonlinear singular differential equation −(p(x)y′(x))′ + q(x)f(x, y(x), p(x)y′(x)) = 0,  0 < x < 1 subject to the Neumann boundary condition y′(0) = y′(1) = 0. Conditions on p(x) and q(x) ensure that x = 0 is a singular point of limit circle type. A simple approximation scheme which is iterative in nature is considered. The initial iterates are upper and lower solutions which can be ordered in one way (v0 ≤ u0) or the other (u0 ≤ v0).
Predictions of the Compressible Fluid Model and its Comparison to Experimental Measurements of Factors and Flexural Resonance Frequencies for Microcantilevers
Authors: Jensen Jason , Hegner Martin
Published: September 2011

The qualitative agreement between experimental measurements of the factors and flexural resonance frequencies in air of microcantilevers and calculations based on the compressible fluid model of Van Eysden and Sader (2009) is presented. The factors and resonance frequencies observed on two sets of cantilever arrays were slightly lower than those predicted by the model. This is attributed to the individual design and geometry of the microfabricated hinged end of the cantilever beams in the array.
Prognostic Significance of Morphological Distribution of Metastatic Foci in Lymph Nodes with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Nakamura Kenji , Nabeshima Kazuhito , Makuuchi Hiroyasu , Ogoshi Kyoji
Published: September 2011

Background/Aims: The morphological distribution of tumor cells in metastatic lymph nodes has been investigated in positive sentinel lymph nodes in several solid cancers. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of the distribution of metastatic foci in lymph nodes on the prognosis in gastric cancer. Methods: The distribution of metastatic foci in the 100 node-positive patients who had undergone curative gastrectomy were classified into two groups: (1) massive type, in which the tumor occupied the entire lymph node, and (2) non-massive type, in which the tumor did not occupy the entire lymph node. Results: There were 38 patients in the massive type group and 62 patients in the non-massive type group. The 10-year survival rate was significantly poorer in the massive type group (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that distributional type and nodal status were independent prognostic factors. UICC N stage was subcategorized by distributional type, and survival was shown to be significantly worse in the massive type in the N1 group (p = 0.035). Conclusion: It seems necessary to take the morphological distribution of metastatic foci into consideration when dealing with node-positive patients who had received curative resection for gastric cancer.
Long-Term Symptomatic Relief following Surgical Sphincteroplasty for Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction
Authors: Roberts K.J. , Ismail A. , Coldham C. , Buckels J. , Bramhall S.
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Surgical sphincteroplasty (SS) for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) can be performed primarily or following failed endoscopic therapy. The role of SS in an era of endoscopic management is unclear. This study presents long-term follow-up of patients who had undergone SS at a tertiary referral unit. Methods: Patients were identified from a departmental database and sent post-operative questionnaires to review pain scores and satisfaction with the procedure. Indications, pre-operative interventions and complications were recorded. Results: Seventeen patients underwent SS over 13 years. Thirteen patients had objective features of biliary obstruction (delayed excretion of isotope or elevated sphincter pressures). The positive predictive value, sensitivity and specificity of morphine 99mTc-TBIDA in this series was 100, 100 and 92%, respectively. There were 12 responders of whom all but one had symptomatic improvement. Median follow-up was 5.1 years. Pain was significantly lower following SS (16 ± 9 vs. 67 ± 11; p = 0.003) and median satisfaction with the procedure was high (95%). Conclusions: Excellent symptomatic pain relief following SS can be achieved in carefully selected patients. Manometry does not appear to be essential for diagnosing SOD and morphine provocation hepatic scintigraphy was used to reliably identify patients who would benefit from SS.