bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of the GTPase dynamin or actin depolymerisation initiates outward plasma membrane tubulation/vesiculation (cytoneme formation) in neutrophils
Authors: Galkina Svetlana I. , Fedorova Natalia V. , Serebryakova Marina V. , Arifulin Evgenii A. , Stadnichuk Vladimir I. , Gaponova Tatjana V. , Baratova Ludmila A. , Sud'ina Galina F.
Published: February 2015

Background information

In a previous study, we demonstrated that human neutrophils can develop membrane tubulovesicular extensions (TVEs) that are 160–250 nm in width and several micrometres long. These extensions, or cytonemes, are capable of establishing long‐range contacts with other cells or bacteria. Cytonemes consist of membrane tubules and vesicles of a uniform diameter aligned in a row. The mechanism of membrane tubulation/vesiculation to form cytonemes remains unknown. Upon endocytosis, the GTPase dynamin and an intact actin cytoskeleton are required for endocytic vesicles scission from the plasma membrane.

Results

We examined the effects of dynasore (a dynamin specific inhibitor), and of cytochalasin D and latrunculin A (actin cytoskeleton disruption agents), on cytoneme formation in neutrophils. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe cytoneme formation. High‐performance chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to estimate the protein composition of the cytonemes. In neutrophils, dynasore and cytochalasin D or latrunculin A initiated the formation of tubular cytonemes that were similar in diameter and composition. The formation of cytonemes in cells treated with cytochalasin D was accompanied by the appearance of tubular invaginations of the same diameter on the plasma membrane of neutrophils. The formation of dynasore‐ or cytochalasin D‐induced cytonemes, however, was blocked by the nitric oxide (NO) synthases inhibitor l‐NAME, indicating that NO is involved in cytoneme development. Proteome analysis indicated that dynasore‐ or cytochalasin D‐induced cytonemes are secretory protrusions that contain neutrophil bactericides along with cytoplasmic proteins, such as glycolytic enzymes and actin cytoskeleton components.

Conclusions

Inhibition of dynamin with dynasore or actin depolymerisation with cytochalasin D or latrunculin A might impair the membrane fusion/fission events that are required for the separation of secretory vesicles from the plasma membrane and from each other. As a result, the secretory process extends from the cells as membrane TVEs or cytonemes. Modification of secretion gives neutrophils the possibility to communicate with other cells over distance via highly adhesive cellular secretory protrusions (cytonemes). Cytonemes deliver their membrane‐packed content exactly to the destination without dilution and without harm to the surrounding tissues.
Transcription factors and cognate signalling cascades in the regulation of autophagy
Authors: Chandra Vemika , Bhagyaraj Ella , Parkesh Raman , Gupta Pawan
Published: February 2015

Autophagy is a process that maintains the equilibrium between biosynthesis and the recycling of cellular constituents; it is critical for avoiding the pathophysiology that results from imbalance in cellular homeostasis. Recent reports indicate the need for the design of high‐throughput screening assays to identify targets and small molecules for autophagy modulation. For such screening, however, a better understanding of the regulation of autophagy is essential. In addition to regulation by various signalling cascades, regulation of gene expression by transcription factors is also critical. This review focuses on the various transcription factors as well as the corresponding signalling molecules that act together to translate the stimuli to effector molecules that up‐ or downregulate autophagy. This review rationalizes the importance of these transcription factors functioning in tandem with cognate signalling molecules and their interfaces as possible therapeutic targets for more specific pharmacological interventions.
Parental experiences of their infant's hospitalization for cardiac surgery
Authors: Kosta L. , Harms L. , Franich‐Ray C. , Anderson V. , Northam E. , Cochrane A. , Menahem S. , Jordan B.
Published: February 2015

Background

Parents are increasingly recognized as important partners in children's health care. Despite their involvement in care, parental experiences of their child's hospitalization have received little research attention. In this study we explored parents' perceptions of what they found difficult, what they would like to be different and what they found to be helpful during their infant's hospitalization and surgery for the treatment of congenital heart disease.

Methods

Structured interviews were conducted with 154 parents (91 mothers, 63 fathers) whose infant underwent cardiac surgery (at <3 months of age) 1 month post discharge from hospital. Thematic and frequency analyses were performed.

Results

Parents reported a range of difficulties from dealing with their baby's unfolding illness, surgery and recovery to the structural and systemic issues associated with the broader context of their experiences. In an effort to be near their baby, parents struggled to obtain the necessities for daily living at the hospital and negotiate transitions between their hospital and home lives throughout the admission. Domains parents identified for change included the availability of facilities and resources and the quantity and quality of information and emotional support. Parents reported relationships with hospital staff as the most common source of support during this challenging time.

Conclusions

Opportunities to improve parents' experiences when their infant is in hospital exist at an organizational level as well as at the clinical level. The significance of parents' relationship with hospital staff indicates the potential for each professional to impact on families' experiences on a daily basis. The range of challenges indicates the scope and need for allied health services.
Partnership between child protective services and parent representatives
Authors: Lalayants Marina
Published: February 2015

Examples of parent representation programmes in child welfare have been growing in an effort to promote family engagement, empowerment of child welfare‐involved parents and a family‐centred approach. Although research on overall benefits of the parent representation model is slowly emerging, no knowledge exists on how child welfare agencies adjust to the inclusion of parent representatives. This study examined the perceptions of partnership between child protective services staff and parent representatives by describing the nature of relationships, discussing the challenges in collaborative relationships and identifying strategies promoting collaboration. Implications are drawn concerning the attitudes towards and perceptions of parent representatives in child protective practice as well as supports needed to successfully promote and implement partnerships between parent representatives and child protective services.
JGES guidelines for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection/endoscopic mucosal resection
Authors: Tanaka Shinji , Kashida Hiroshi , Saito Yutaka , Yahagi Naohisa , Yamano Hiroo , Saito Shoichi , Hisabe Takashi , Yao Takashi , Watanabe Masahiko , Yoshida Masahiro , Kudo Shin‐ei , Tsuruta Osamu , Sugihara Ken‐ichi , Watanabe Toshiaki , Saitoh Yusuke , Igarashi Masahiro , Toyonaga Takashi , Ajioka Yoichi , Ichinose Masao , Matsui Toshiyuki , Sugita Akira , Sugano Kentaro , Fujimoto Kazuma , Tajiri Hisao
Published: February 2015

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become common in recent years. Suitable lesions for endoscopic treatment include not only early colorectal carcinomas but also many types of precarcinomatous adenomas. It is important to establish practical guidelines in which the preoperative diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia and the selection of endoscopic treatment procedures are properly outlined, and to ensure that the actual endoscopic treatment is useful and safe in general hospitals when carried out in accordance with the guidelines. In cooperation with the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum, the Japanese Society of Coloproctology, and the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology, the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society has recently compiled a set of colorectal ESD/endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) guidelines using evidence‐based methods. The guidelines focus on the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and caveat before, during, and after ESD/EMR and, in this regard, exclude the specific procedures, types and proper use of instruments, devices, and drugs. Although eight areas, ranging from indication to pathology, were originally planned for inclusion in these guidelines, evidence was scarce in each area. Therefore, grades of recommendation were determined largely through expert consensus in these areas.
LEADER 2: baseline calcitonin in 9340 people with type 2 diabetes enrolled in the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of cardiovascular outcome Results (LEADER) trial: preliminary observations
Authors: Daniels G. H. , Hegedüs L. , Marso S. P. , Nauck M. A. , Zinman B. , Bergenstal R. M. , Mann J. F. E. , Derving Karsbøl J. , Moses A. C. , Buse J. B. , Tuttle R. M. ,   on behalf of the LEADER trial investigators
Published: February 2015

Aims

To report preliminary data on baseline serum calcitonin concentrations and associated clinical characteristics in a global population with type 2 diabetes before liraglutide or placebo randomization.

Methods

The ongoing LEADER trial has enrolled 9340 people with type 2 diabetes and at high risk of cardiovascular disease at 410 centres worldwide. People with baseline serum calcitonin ≤50 ng/l were randomized to liraglutide once daily or placebo and will be followed for up to 5 years. Serum calcitonin was measured at baseline and will be measured annually thereafter. An independent committee of thyroid experts will oversee calcitonin monitoring throughout the trial and will review all calcitonin concentrations ≥20 ng/l.

Results

The mean age of participants was 64.3 ± 7.2 years, 64.3% were men, and mean the body mass index was 32.5 ± 6.3 kg/m2. The median (interquartile range) baseline serum calcitonin values were 3.9 (1.0 to >7.6) ng/l in men and 1.0 (1.0 to >1) ng/l in women. Serum calcitonin was >10 ng/l in 14.6% of men and in 0.96% of women. In sex‐specific multivariable linear analysis of covariance models, a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was associated with higher serum calcitonin concentrations that were statistically significant. A 20 ml/min/1.73 m2 decrease in estimated GFR (eGFR) was associated with a 14% increase in serum calcitonin in women and an 11% increase in men.

Conclusions

In the LEADER population, the prevalence of elevated serum calcitonin concentrations at baseline was high, and there was an inverse association between eGFR and serum calcitonin concentrations.
NCBIminer: sequences harvest from Genbank
Authors: Xu Xiaoting , Dimitrov Dimitar , Rahbek Carsten , Wang Zhiheng
Published: February 2015

NCBIminer is freely available, cross‐platform and user‐friendly software for mining nucleotide sequence data from GenBank. It has several features that enable users to accurately and efficiently download sequences with specific attributes from the GenBank database: 1) it uses a novel search strategy, and can download sequences for distantly related taxonomic groups with high accuracy; 2) it deals with genes, CDS, rRNA, and other GenBank‐defined feature types; 3) it can filter sequences by length and similarities with the reference sequence using user‐defined parameters; 4) it can download information on DNA sample collections, e.g. voucher specimen, country, latitude and longitude, and collector; 5) it takes advantage of parallelization for a high efficiency workflow. We demonstrate the use and performance of NCBIminer by downloading sequences for the plant family Campanulaceaes. Compared to other methods, NCBIminer harvests more and longer sequences, and is less sensitive to query sequences.
Utility of 3D multimodality imaging in the implantation of intracranial electrodes in epilepsy
Authors: Nowell Mark , Rodionov Roman , Zombori Gergely , Sparks Rachel , Winston Gavin , Kinghorn Jane , Diehl Beate , Wehner Tim , Miserocchi Anna , McEvoy Andrew W. , Ourselin Sebastien , Duncan John
Published: February 2015

Objective

We present a single‐center prospective study, validating the use of 3D multimodality imaging (3DMMI) in patients undergoing intracranial electroencephalography (IC‐EEG).

Methods

IC‐EEG implantation preparation entails first designing of the overall strategy of implantation (strategy) and second the precise details of implantation (planning). For each case, the multidisciplinary team made decisions on strategy and planning before the disclosure of multimodal brain imaging models. Any changes to decisions, following disclosure of the multimodal models, were recorded.

Results

Disclosure of 3DMMI led to a change in strategy in 15 (34%) of 44 individuals. The changes included addition and subtraction of electrodes, addition of grids, and going directly to resection. For the detailed surgical planning, 3DMMI led to a change in 35 (81%) of 43 individuals. Twenty‐five (100%) of 25 patients undergoing stereo‐EEG (SEEG) underwent a change in electrode placement, with 158 (75%) of 212 electrode trajectories being altered.

Significance

The use of 3DMMI makes substantial changes in clinical decision making.
Postmarketing surveillance of telaprevir‐based triple therapy for chronic hepatitis C in Japan
Authors: Shiraishi Muneshige , Umebayashi Itsuro , Matsuda Hiroaki , Sawamura Keisuke , Okada Aiko , Karino Masako , Nogami Yoshihide
Published: February 2015

Aim

An observational postmarketing study was conducted to evaluate the real‐world safety and efficacy of an NS3‐4A protease inhibitor, telaprevir (TVR), in combination with pegylated interferon‐α‐2b (PEG IFN) and ribavirin (RBV), for patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Here, we report an interim analysis of data from 3563 patients.

Methods

Patients were treated with TVR, PEG IFN and RBV for 12 weeks, followed by PEG IFN and RBV for 12 weeks (triple therapy). Safety was evaluated throughout the 24‐week treatment period. Risk factors for development of the three important adverse drug reactions (ADR), skin disorders, grade 3 anemia (hemoglobin level <8 g/dL) and serious renal dysfunction, were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Efficacy was assessed on the basis of sustained virological response (SVR) after treatment completion.

Results

Total and serious ADR were observed in 96.5% and 35.7% of patients, respectively. ADR related to skin disorders and anemia were frequently observed in this study and in the phase III clinical studies, whereas those related to serious renal dysfunction were new observations. Concomitantly, various predictive risk factors for development of the three important ADR were identified. The SVR rate was 87.7% in all patients. When patients were grouped by previous treatment history, SVR rates were 91.8% in naive patients, 91.0% in relapsers and 70.6% in non‐responders.

Conclusion

Although many ADR were observed, they can be controllable with appropriate risk management strategies based on the predictive risk factors for important ADR. Furthermore, the efficacy of the triple therapy was found to be favorable.
Retracted: Micro‐computed tomography evaluation of apical transportation and centring ability of Reciproc and WaveOne systems in severely curved root canals
Authors: de Meireles D. A. , de Brito T. C. C. A. , Marques A. A. F. , Garrido A. D. B. , Garcia L. F. R. , Sponchiado E. C.
Published: February 2015

The following article from International Endodontic Journal, ‘Micro‐computed tomography evaluation of apical transportation and centring ability of Reciproc and WaveOne systems in severely curved root canals’ by D. A. de Meireles, T. C. C. A. de Brito, A. A. F. Marques, A. D. B. Garrido, L. F. R. Garcia & E. C. Sponchiado Jr, published online on 5 February 2015 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Prof. Paul Dummer, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to the use of techniques for crucial measurements in canal shaping and a lack of clarity regarding the measuring methodology. The use of inadequate measuring methodologies makes the findings of the paper invalid.
LRP5 deficiency down‐regulates Wnt signalling and promotes aortic lipid infiltration in hypercholesterolaemic mice
Authors: Borrell‐Pagès Maria , Romero July Carolina , Badimon Lina
Published: February 2015

Low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 5 (LRP5) is a member of the LDLR family that orchestrates cholesterol homoeostasis. The role of LRP5 and the canonical Wnt pathway in the vascular wall of dyslipidaemic animals remains unknown. In this study, we analysed the role of LRP5 and the Wnt signalling pathway in mice fed a hypercholesterolaemic diet (HC) to trigger dyslipidaemia. We show that Lrp5−/− mice had larger aortic lipid infiltrations than wild‐type mice, indicating a protective role for LRP5 in the vascular wall. Three members of the LDLR family, Lrp1, Vldlr and Lrp6, showed up‐regulated gene expression levels in aortas of Lrp5−/− mice fed a hypercholesterolaemic diet. HC feeding in Lrp5−/− mice induced higher macrophage infiltration in the aortas and accumulation of inflammatory cytokines in blood. Wnt/β‐CATENIN signalling proteins were down‐regulated in HC Lrp5−/− mice indicating that LRP5 regulates the activation of Wnt signalling in the vascular wall. In conclusion, our findings show that LRP5 and the canonical Wnt pathway down‐regulation regulate the dyslipidaemic profile by promoting lipid and macrophage retention in the vessel wall and increasing leucocyte‐driven systemic inflammation.
Impacts of the Great East Japan Earthquake on diabetic patients
Authors: Tanaka Mamiko , Imai Junta , Satoh Michihiro , Hashimoto Takanao , Izumi Tomohito , Sawada Shojiro , Uno Kenji , Hasegawa Yutaka , Kaneko Keizo , Yamada Tetsuya , Ishigaki Yasushi , Imai Yutaka , Katagiri Hideki
Published: February 2015

Aims/Introduction

We investigated impacts of the Great East Japan Earthquake on diabetic patients and characterized those with disaster‐susceptible diabetes.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 497 diabetic patients who had been followed at hospitals in devastated areas. We collected metabolic parameters prospectively, 1 and 3 months after the earthquake, and retrospectively for pre‐earthquake time‐points. Questionnaire surveys were carried out regarding earthquake‐related damage and post‐earthquake lifestyle alterations. Available data were analyzed to examine associations with post‐earthquake glycosylated hemoglobin alterations.

Results

The mean glycosylated hemoglobin level of the participants was not elevated at 1 month, and was significantly decreased at 3 months as compared with the pre‐earthquake glycosylated hemoglobin. There were no significant differences in earthquake‐related damage or lifestyle alterations between the improved and worsened glycemic control groups according to the data obtained from the questionnaire survey. As reported, fasting serum C‐peptide levels were significantly lower in the worsened glycemic control group (P < 0.05). Notably, plasma noradrenaline levels were significantly higher in the worsened glycemic control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, at 1 month after the earthquake, the plasma noradrenaline level was significantly higher in the low C‐peptide group (fasting serum C‐peptide <1.0 ng/mL) than in the high C‐peptide group (fasting serum C‐peptide ≥1.0 ng/mL), but this difference had disappeared by 3 months after the earthquake. These findings show that post‐earthquake plasma noradrenaline levels were temporarily increased in the low C‐peptide group.

Conclusions

Sympathetic nerve activation might be elicited more easily in subjects with lower endogenous insulin secretory capacity, and could be involved in the mechanism underlying post‐earthquake worsening of glycemic control.
Can paternal leakage maintain sexually antagonistic polymorphism in the cytoplasm?
Authors: Kuijper B. , Lane N. , Pomiankowski A.
Published: February 2015

A growing number of studies in multicellular organisms highlight low or moderate frequencies of paternal transmission of cytoplasmic organelles, including both mitochondria and chloroplasts. It is well established that strict maternal inheritance is selectively blind to cytoplasmic elements that are deleterious to males – ’mother's curse’. But it is not known how sensitive this conclusion is to slight levels of paternal cytoplasmic leakage. We assess the scope for polymorphism when individuals bear multiple cytoplasmic alleles in the presence of paternal leakage, bottlenecks and recurrent mutation. When fitness interactions among cytoplasmic elements within an individual are additive, we find that sexually antagonistic polymorphism is restricted to cases of strong selection on males. However, when fitness interactions among cytoplasmic elements are nonlinear, much more extensive polymorphism can be supported in the cytoplasm. In particular, mitochondrial mutants that have strong beneficial fitness effects in males and weak deleterious fitness effects in females when rare (i.e. ’reverse dominance’) are strongly favoured under paternal leakage. We discuss how such epistasis could arise through preferential segregation of mitochondria in sex‐specific somatic tissues. Our analysis shows how paternal leakage can dampen the evolution of deleterious male effects associated with predominant maternal inheritance of cytoplasm, potentially explaining why ’mother's curse’ is less pervasive than predicted by earlier work.
Chaos to complexity: leveling the playing field for measuring value in primary care
Authors: Moran William P. , Zhang Jingwen , Gebregziabher Mulugeta , Brownfield Elisha L. , Davis Kimberly S. , Schreiner Andrew D. , Egan Brent M. , Greenberg Raymond S. , Kyle T. Rogers , Marsden Justin E. , Ball Sarah J. , Mauldin Patrick D.
Published: February 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Develop a risk‐stratification model that clusters primary care patients with similar co‐morbidities and social determinants and ranks ‘within‐practice’ clusters of complex patients based on likelihood of hospital and emergency department (ED) utilization.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 10 408 adults who received their primary care at the Medical University of South Carolina University Internal Medicine clinic. A two‐part generalized linear regression model was used to fit a predictive model for ED and hospital utilization. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering was used to identify patient subgroups with similar co‐morbidities.

Results

Factors associated with increased risk of utilization included specific disease clusters {e.g. renal disease cluster [rate ratio, RR = 5.47; 95% confidence interval (CI; 4.54, 6.59) P < 0.0001]}, low clinic visit adherence [RR = 0.33; 95% CI (0.28, 0.39) P < 0.0001] and census measure of high poverty rate [RR = 1.20; 95% CI (1.11, 1.28) P < 0.0001]. In the cluster model, a stable group of four clusters remained regardless of the number of additional clusters forced into the model. Although the largest number of high‐utilization patients (top 20%) was in the multiple chronic condition cluster (1110 out of 4728), the largest proportion of high‐utilization patients was in the renal disease cluster (67%).

Conclusions

Risk stratification enhanced with disease clustering organizes a primary care population into groups of similarly complex patients so that care coordination efforts can be focused and value of care can be maximized.
Safety climate in Swiss hospital units: Swiss version of the Safety Climate Survey
Authors: Gehring Katrin , Mascherek Anna C. , Bezzola Paula , Schwappach David L.B.
Published: February 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Safety climate measurements are a broadly used element of improvement initiatives. In order to provide a sound and easy‐to‐administer instrument for the use in Swiss hospitals, we translated the Safety Climate Survey into German and French.

Methods

After translating the Safety Climate Survey into French and German, a cross‐sectional survey study was conducted with health care professionals (HCPs) in operating room (OR) teams and on OR‐related wards in 10 Swiss hospitals. Validity of the instrument was examined by means of Cronbach's alpha and missing rates of the single items. Item‐descriptive statistics group differences and percentage of ‘problematic responses’ (PPR) were calculated.

Results

3153 HCPs completed the survey (response rate: 63.4%). 1308 individuals were excluded from the analyses because of a profession other than doctor or nurse or invalid answers (n = 1845; nurses = 1321, doctors = 523). Internal consistency of the translated Safety Climate Survey was good (Cronbach's alpha German = 0.86; Cronbach's alpha French = 0.84). Missing rates at item level were rather low (0.23–4.3%). We found significant group differences in safety climate values regarding profession, managerial function, work area and time spent in direct patient care. At item level, 14 out of 21 items showed a PPR higher than 10%.

Conclusions

Results indicate that the French and German translations of the Safety Climate Survey might be a useful measurement instrument for safety climate in Swiss hospital units. Analyses at item level allow for differentiating facets of safety climate into more positive and critical safety climate aspects.
Reactive Oxygen Species are not Increased in Resistant Oat Genotypes Challenged by Crown Rust Isolates
Authors: Figueiró Adriana de A. , Reese Neil , Gonzalez Hernandez Jose L. , Pacheco Marcelo Teixeira , Martinelli José Antonio , Federizzi Luiz Carlos , Delatorre Carla Andréa
Published: February 2015

Crown rust (Puccinia coronata Corda f.sp. avenae) can devastate oats (Avena sativa). Oxidative stress is part of the resistance mechanism in several pathosystems, but in the oat–crown rust system, it is unclear, especially regarding partial resistance. We evaluated the effects of P. coronata on oxidative stress in oat cultivars: URS 21 (partially resistant), Leggett (race‐specific resistant), URS22 and Clintland 64 (susceptibles). Seedlings and plants were inoculated with P. coronata uredospores. Cultivars were assessed for antioxidant enzyme activity and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) hydrogen peroxide and superoxide. Due to the importance of the partial resistance of URS21, this cultivar and URS 22 were also appraised for total phenolics and the relative expression of oxidative stress genes. Postinoculation, Leggett and URS 21 showed no increased peroxide levels. The susceptible cultivars increased ROS and ascorbate peroxidase activity. Clintland 64 increased also catalase activity, whereas URS 22 increased glutathione reductase and the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes. URS 21 showed almost no antioxidant enzyme induction. Shortly after inoculation, URS 21 showed increased expression of genes encoding lipoxygenase and peroxidase. Cultivars URS 21 and Leggett accumulated cell wall fluorescent compounds, phenolics being detected in the former. Oxidative stress appears not to cause the hypersensitive response in this pathosystem, but late ROS accumulation did occur in the susceptible cultivars. Cultivar URS 21 may, differently from other known mechanism to date, reduce ROS accumulation by increasing the level of phenolics, resulting in later pathogen and cell death, showing non‐specific resistance to races of the pathogen also at seedling stage.
Arabidopsis serotonin N‐acetyltransferase knockout mutant plants exhibit decreased melatonin and salicylic acid levels resulting in susceptibility to an avirulent pathogen
Authors: Lee Hyoung Yool , Byeon Yeong , Tan Dun‐Xian , Reiter Russel J. , Back Kyoungwhan
Published: February 2015

Serotonin N‐acetyltransferase (SNAT) is the penultimate enzyme in the melatonin biosynthesis pathway in plants. We examined the effects of SNAT gene inactivation in two Arabidopsis T‐DNA insertion mutant lines. After inoculation with the avirulent pathogen Pseudomonas syringe pv. tomato DC3000 harboring the elicitor avrRpt2 (Pst‐avrRpt2), melatonin levels in the snat knockout mutant lines were 50% less than in wild‐type Arabidopsis Col‐0 plants. The snat knockout mutant lines exhibited susceptibility to pathogen infection that coincided with decreased induction of defense genes including PR1, ICS1, and PDF1.2. Because melatonin acts upstream of salicylic acid (SA) synthesis, the reduced melatonin levels in the snat mutant lines led to decreased SA levels compared to wild‐type, suggesting that the increased pathogen susceptibility of the snat mutant lines could be attributed to decreased SA levels and subsequent attenuation of defense gene induction. Exogenous melatonin treatment failed to induce defense gene expression in nahG Arabidopsis plants, but restored the induction of defense gene expression in the snat mutant lines. In addition, melatonin caused translocation of NPR1 (nonexpressor of PR1) protein from the cytoplasm into the nucleus indicating that melatonin‐elicited pathogen resistance in response to avirulent pathogen attack is SA‐dependent in Arabidopsis.
From Action to Typology? A Neuro‐evolutionary Perspective
Authors: Arbib Michael A.
Published: February 2015

The article offers an assessment of David Kemmerer's article ‘The Cross‐Linguistic Prevalence of SOV and SVO Word Orders Reflects the Sequential and Hierarchical Representation of Action in Broca's Area’ in the context of the question, ‘How did biological evolution yield a language‐ready brain?’ We argue that the path from praxic actions to grammatical structure is indirect and that comparative neurobiology of human and monkey and computational modeling of neural circuitry may both play a role complementary to that of human neurology and neurolinguistics in tracing the intricacies of that path. We conclude that (a) Kemmerer's focus on BA44 ignores the involvement of a larger system and that the key factor of subject salience is determined by regions outside BA44 supporting the perceptual salience of people within a scene; (b) the ability to process ‘non‐canonical’ structures (i.e., structures with a non‐default mapping between syntax and semantics) may have been crucial in the evolution of language, and (c) that constituent hierarchies (i.e., the ability to express increasingly more complex information by increasing constituent complexity) also play a particularly important role in explaining the communicative power of language.
A Macroscopic Model for Freeway Weaving Sections
Authors: Marczak Florian , Leclercq* Ludovic , Buisson Christine
Published: February 2015

The objective of this article is to propose an analytical traffic model adapted to freeway weaving sections. To this aim, a theoretical weaving section is considered at the macroscopic level as the superposition of two merges and two diverges. The model endogenously incorporates the capacity drop related to the weaving lane changes. It only depends on six parameters: three parameters of the fundamental diagram (the free‐flow speed, the jam density, and the wave speed in congestion), the vehicles’ acceleration, the relaxation factor, and the length of the anticipation zone. A sensitivity analysis proves that the acceleration rate and the relaxation parameter most influence the capacity drop. The analytical model agrees well with microsimulation results and empirical data collected on a weaving section in France.
Pragmatics of No Reference
Authors: Mousavian Seyed N.
Published: February 2015

According to Millianism, the semantic content of a proper name is its semantic referent. Many names, however, lack semantic referent; hence, so‐called ‘empty’ names. Empty names raise various problems for Millianism. T.C. Ryckman, Fred Adams, Garry Fuller, Robert Stecker, Kenneth Taylor, and Nicole Wyatt, among others, have defended Millianism against these problems by appeal to pragmatics (Pragmatic Millianism). I introduce Millianism and the problems raised by empty names for the view, then examine Pragmatic Millianism (PM), its strength, its varieties, and why the previous arguments against PM do not succeed. I then provide my argument against PM: the view oversimplifies the complex phenomenon of association between names and descriptions. I discuss an objection to my argument and rebut that. Finally, I try to draw an outline of a positive view.
The effect of predominant breast‐feeding on the risk of obesity in Korean preschool children
Authors: Park Jiyoung , Kim Hee Soon , Chu Sang‐Hui , Jekal Yoon‐Suk , Lee Ja‐yin
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of predominant breast‐feeding practices based on the criteria given by the World Health Organization and to identify the association between predominant breast‐feeding during infancy and the development of obesity during preschool in South Korean children. This study employed a nonexperimental, retrospective study design. Five hundred and twenty‐eight preschool children aged three to six years and their mothers were recruited. Twenty‐seven percent of the participants engaged in predominant breast‐feeding; on average they fed predominantly breast milk for the first 6.7 months. After adjusting for child and maternal characteristics, children who had mixed feeding were 1.68 times more likely to become obese than those who were predominantly breast‐fed. In this study, it was identified that predominant breast‐feeding has a positive effect on maintaining healthy body weight in Korean preschoolers. While encouraging predominant breast‐feeding is only a part of the solution, it is an effective and important first step toward preventing preschool obesity.
Photosynthetic temperature responses of tree species in Rwanda: evidence of pronounced negative effects of high temperature in montane rainforest climax species
Authors: Vårhammar Angelica , Wallin Göran , McLean Christopher M. , Dusenge Mirindi Eric , Medlyn Belinda E. , Hasper Thomas B. , Nsabimana Donat , Uddling Johan
Published: February 2015

The sensitivity of photosynthetic metabolism to temperature has been identified as a key uncertainty for projecting the magnitude of the terrestrial feedback on future climate change. While temperature responses of photosynthetic capacities have been comparatively well investigated in temperate species, the responses of tropical tree species remain unexplored.

We compared the responses of seedlings of native cold‐adapted tropical montane rainforest tree species with those of exotic warm‐adapted plantation species, all growing in an intermediate temperature common garden in Rwanda. Leaf gas exchange responses to carbon dioxide (CO2) at different temperatures (20–40°C) were used to assess the temperature responses of biochemical photosynthetic capacities.

Analyses revealed a lower optimum temperature for photosynthetic electron transport rates than for Rubisco carboxylation rates, along with lower electron transport optima in the native cold‐adapted than in the exotic warm‐adapted species. The photosynthetic optimum temperatures were generally exceeded by daytime peak leaf temperatures, in particular in the native montane rainforest climax species.

This study thus provides evidence of pronounced negative effects of high temperature in tropical trees and indicates high susceptibility of montane rainforest climax species to future global warming.
The importance of the microbiome of the plant holobiont
Authors: Vandenkoornhuyse Philippe , Quaiser Achim , Duhamel Marie , Le Van Amandine , Dufresne Alexis
Published: February 2015

Plants can no longer be considered as standalone entities and a more holistic perception is needed. Indeed, plants harbor a wide diversity of microorganisms both inside and outside their tissues, in the endosphere and ectosphere, respectively. These microorganisms, which mostly belong to Bacteria and Fungi, are involved in major functions such as plant nutrition and plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Hence, the microbiota impact plant growth and survival, two key components of fitness. Plant fitness is therefore a consequence of the plantper seand its microbiota, which collectively form a holobiont. Complementary to the reductionist perception of evolutionary pressures acting on plant or symbiotic compartments, the plant holobiont concept requires a novel perception of evolution. The interlinkages between the plant holobiont components are explored here in the light of current ecological and evolutionary theories. Microbiome complexity and the rules of microbiotic community assemblage are not yet fully understood. It is suggested that the plant can modulate its microbiota to dynamically adjust to its environment. To better understand the level of plant dependence on the microbiotic components, the core microbiota need to be determined at different hierarchical scales of ecology while pan‐microbiome analyses would improve characterization of the functions displayed.

ContentsSummary1196I.Introduction1196II.Plants as holobionts1197III.Recruitment of the plant microbiota: what are the driving factors?1198IV.The plant holobiont: an existing core plant microbiota?1200V.The plant and its microbiome: what controls what?1201VI.Concluding remarks and prospects1204Acknowledgements1204References1204
Implantation of Permanent Pacemaker and ICD Leads in Children Using a Three‐Dimensional Electroanatomic Mapping System as an Aid to Fluoroscopy
Authors: SILVER ERIC S. , NASH MARY C. , LIBERMAN LEONARDO
Published: February 2015

Background

Three‐dimensional electroanatomic mapping systems (3D mapping) allow the creation of an anatomic representation of the cardiac anatomy and real‐time monitoring of transvenous pacing catheters. Their use to facilitate pacemaker (PM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead placement in the pediatric population has not been well defined. We sought to review our experience using 3D mapping as an adjunct to fluoroscopy for positioning of permanent PM and ICD leads in pediatric patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of all patients ≤21 years of age who underwent PM or ICD implantation with the aid of the Ensite Velocity system (Ensite) from May 2012 to September 2014. Fluoroscopy was utilized in addition to 3D mapping to aid obtaining vascular access, to visualize fixation of the lead to the myocardium, and to evaluate lead length within the vasculature.

Results

Nineteen patients (mean age 14.6 ± 4.4 years) underwent placement of active fixation PM leads (N = 17) and/or ICD leads (N = 10) with the aid of Ensite. All leads were successfully placed (eight atrial, 19 ventricular). Fluoroscopic exposure was a mean of 3.2 minutes (± 2.8, 0.1–10.5). There was one lead dislodgement.

Conclusions

Ensite was used successfully as an adjunct to fluoroscopy in all patients in whom it was attempted to aid the placement of permanent transvenous PM and ICD leads. Future evaluation could focus on the use of 3D mapping systems to further minimize or eliminate fluoroscopy from PM and ICD implantations.
Carbon partitioning in Arabidopsis thaliana is a dynamic process controlled by the plants metabolic status and its circadian clock
Authors: Kölling Katharina , Thalmann Matthias , Müller Antonia , Jenny Camilla , Zeeman Samuel C.
Published: February 2015

Plant growth involves the coordinated distribution of carbon resources both towards structural components and towards storage compounds that assure a steady carbon supply over the complete diurnal cycle. We used 14CO2 labelling to track assimilated carbon in both source and sink tissues. Source tissues exhibit large variations in carbon allocation throughout the light period. The most prominent change was detected in partitioning towards starch, being low in the morning and more than double later in the day. Export into sink tissues showed reciprocal changes. Fewer and smaller changes in carbon allocation occurred in sink tissues where, in most respects, carbon was partitioned similarly, whether the sink leaf assimilated it through photosynthesis or imported it from source leaves. Mutants deficient in the production or remobilization of leaf starch exhibited major alterations in carbon allocation. Low‐starch mutants that suffer from carbon starvation at night allocated much more carbon into neutral sugars and had higher rates of export than the wild type, partly because of the reduced allocation into starch, but also because of reduced allocation into structural components. Moreover, mutants deficient in the plant's circadian system showed considerable changes in their carbon partitioning pattern suggesting control by the circadian clock.
Health‐related quality of life in parents of pediatric solid organ transplant recipients in Japan
Authors: Kikuchi Ryota , Ono Minoru , Kinugawa Koichiro , Endo Miyoko , Mizuta Koichi , Urahashi Taizen , Ihara Yoshiyuki , Yoshida Sachiyo , Ito Shuichi , Kamibeppu Kiyoko
Published: February 2015

Few studies have examined HRQOL in pediatric Tx recipients’ parents. This study investigated HRQOL in these parents and relationships between HRQOL and perceived burden of nurturing, family functioning, and social support. Self‐report anonymous questionnaires and a survey of medical records were completed between September and December 2013. The SF‐36v2, which evaluates physical, psychological, and social health, was used to measure HRQOL. While values for physical and psychological health were higher than standard values (Cohen's d = 0.34 and 0.17, respectively), social health scores were lower (d = 0.21). “Parental consultation unrelated to donation” (standardized partial regression coefficient: β = −0.52) was associated with physical health. “Family functioning” and “Commuting time between home and primary follow‐up hospital” (β = 0.57 and −0.31) were related to psychological health. “Total score for perceived burden of nurturing” (β = −0.31) was related to social health. Regarding parental HRQOL, while physical and psychological health was favorable, social health was impaired. In clinical practice, interventions targeting parents’ physical conditions and facilitation of community and family understanding and support to share recipients’ nurturing are important in improving parental HRQOL.
Exercise reverses OVA‐induced inhibition of glucocorticoid receptor and increases anti‐inflammatory cytokines in asthma
Authors: Silva R. A. , Almeida F. M. , Olivo C. R. , Saraiva‐Romanholo B. M. , Martins M. A. , Carvalho C. R. F.
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of aerobic exercise training (AT) on the expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in an asthma model. BALB/c mice were divided into groups control (CT; nonsensitized/nontrained), aerobic training (AT; nonsensitized/trained), ovalbumin (OVA; sensitized/not trained), and OVA+AT (sensitized/trained). OVA groups received OVA by inhalation, and the AT groups completed 1, 3, or 7 days of exercise (60 min/session). Expression of GR, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐1ra, NF‐κB, TGF‐β, VEGF, ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1; eosinophils counting; and airway remodeling (AR) features [airway smooth muscle (ASM) and epithelial thickness and collagen fiber deposition] were quantified. OVA sensitization induced a decrease in the expression of GR and increases in the eosinophil, IL‐4, IL‐5, NF‐κB, TGF‐β, VEGF, ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, and AR features (P < 0.05). After 3 days, AT reversed the OVA‐induced reduction in the expression of GR, and subsequently induced increases in the expression of IL‐10 and IL‐1ra (seventh day). In contrast, the eosinophil migration, the expression of NF‐κB, IL‐4, IL‐5, TGF‐β, RANTES, VEGF, ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, and the AR features (P < 0.05) were reduced. AT increases the expression of GR and anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐10 and IL‐1ra) and reduces the expression of inflammatory mediators and airway inflammation in an animal model of asthma.
The Emerging Study of Positive Empathy
Authors: Morelli Sylvia A. , Lieberman Matthew D. , Zaki Jamil
Published: February 2015

Lay intuitions suggest that the ability to share, celebrate, and enjoy others' positive emotions – a phenomenon we term positive empathy – bolsters individual well‐being and relationship strength. However, it is unclear from the current literature whether (i) positive empathy is distinct from highly related constructs and (ii) whether positive empathy is associated with salutary social and personal outcomes. Here, we begin by examining basic evidence suggesting that positive empathy is related to, but independent from, constructs such as general positivity and empathy for others' distress. We then review evidence that positive empathy correlates with increased prosocial behavior, social closeness, and well‐being. Lastly, we discuss open directions for the study of positive empathy, such as investigating the potential role of positive empathy (or its disruption) in psychiatric disorders.
Multifocal phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala xenobiotica in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Palmisano A. , Morio F. , Le Pape P. , Degli Antoni A.M. , Ricci R. , Zucchi A. , Vaglio A. , Piotti G. , Antoniotti R. , Cremaschi E. , Buzio C. , Maggiore U.
Published: February 2015

In recent years, black fungi have been increasingly reported as causing opportunistic infections after solid organ transplantation. Here, we report a case of insidious, relentless, and multifocal Exophiala xenobiotica infection in a kidney transplant recipient that eventually required multiple surgical excisions along with oral and intravenous antifungal combination therapy using liposomal amphotericin B and posaconazole. We compare the present case with all previously reported cases of Exophiala infection after kidney transplantation.
Temporal changes in blood product usage in preterm neonates born at less than 30 weeks' gestation in Canada
Authors: Keir Amy K. , Yang Junmin , Harrison Adele , Pelausa Ermelinda , Shah Prakesh S. ,   on Behalf of the Canadian Neonatal Network
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of neonatal transfusion practices remains limited to local cohorts or survey‐based studies. This study evaluated the pattern and temporal changes in the types and frequency of blood product use among preterm neonates born at less than 30 weeks' gestation in Canada.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of preterm neonates born at less than 30 weeks' gestation and admitted to participating neonatal intensive care units in the Canadian Neonatal Network from 2004 to 2012 was conducted to evaluate blood product usage. The temporal change in red blood cell (RBC) use was evaluated by dividing the study period into three epochs: 2004 to 2006, 2007 to 2009, and 2010 to 2012.

RESULTS

Of 14,868 eligible neonates admitted to participating units in Canada during the overall study period, 8252 (56%) received RBCs, 2151 (15%) platelets, 1556 (11%) fresh‐frozen plasma, 915 (6%) albumin, and 302 (2%) cryoprecipitate. Temporal evaluation over three epochs revealed a trend toward fewer RBC transfusions among neonates born at 26 to 29 weeks' gestation (p = <0.01‐0.04) but use remained unchanged or increased for neonates born at 23 to 25 weeks' gestation (p = 0.02‐0.54).

CONCLUSION

Blood product use remains at a very high frequency in preterm neonates born at less than 30 weeks' gestation. Evolutionary practice changes and relative high tolerance for anemia may be associated with a reduction in RBC usage in recent years in neonates born at at least 26 weeks' gestation. This contrasts with the ongoing higher usage of blood products observed at extremely low gestational ages.