bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructing Girlhood: Abject Labour in Magazine Offices
Authors: Hunter Carolyn , Kivinen Nina
Published: August 2016

Girls' magazines act as important texts through which meanings of childhood, girlhood and womanhood are mediated and constructed. However, previous research has focused on either the conditions of work practices or cultural production of the magazine as a product. Separately in each context women or girls have been described as abject. The paper will argue that employees working on girls' magazines experienced a simultaneous double abjection: in the gendered working practices and as an outcome of the construction of girlhood they produced. Two studies of all female teams producing teenage and pre‐teen magazines were used, including interviews and observations. Our approach engaged with the difficulty of examining abjectivity in working practices, as present but marginalized, silenced and othered. As a result of scrutinizing the gendered embodiment in these studies, the findings suggest there is a relation between the working practices and gendered cultural production, forming a process of abjection. This process was threefold: a marginalization of a particular gendered embodiment, the cracks or leaks where abjectivity became apparent and the silencing of those leaks. This study will be of value to scholars interested in gendered embodiment in workplaces, abjectivity and cultural production, noting the interrelation between these areas.
International collaborations in learning and teaching: perspectives from a visiting professorship
Authors: Spring Hannah , Kunkel Marita , Gilman Isaac , Henderson Nancy , White John
Published: August 2016

This article provides a reflection on the outcomes of an international collaboration between health librarians and academics at York St John University and Pacific University Oregon. In particular, it describes how a month‐long visiting professorship from an academic with a clinical librarian background at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences helped to develop and inform teaching practice in the areas of information literacy and evidence‐based health practice on health programmes at Pacific University. Perspectives are offered from both institutions on the rich exchange of knowledge and practice that took place during the visit and the ongoing impact it has had on teaching practices.

H. S.
Empowering international nursing students to become effective library users
Authors: Murray Aoife , Preston Hugh
Published: August 2016

This article summarises the research conducted for a dissertation which addressed the needs of students and academic staff of the Bachelor of Nursing International programme at St. Angela's College, Ireland. Aoife Murray completed an MSc Econ Information and Library Studies in 2015 from Aberystwyth University via distance learning. She gained a distinction for her work and has co‐written the article with Hugh Preston, her dissertation supervisor. Aoife highlights the recommendations she made as a result of her research and the programme put in place to deliver those recommendations. She also reports on some early evaluations of the new programme.

AM
Licoricidin, an isoflavonoid isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisher, prevents UVA‐induced photoaging of human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Kim K. J. , Xuan S. H. , Park S. N.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Licoricidin is an isoflavonoid isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisher. In this study, we investigated the effects of licoricidin on photoaging of UVA‐irradiated human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs).

Methods

In vitro reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity, cellular protective effect and inhibition of elastase activity was determined by Fe3+‐EDTA/H2O2 systems, photohaemolysis and elastase activity assay, respectively. Anti‐oxidative capacity of the compound was evaluated by fluorescent ELISA and 2′, 7′‐dichlorofluorescin‐diacetate (DCF‐DA) assay. The expression of protein and phosphorylation was examined using Western blot.

Results

The ROS scavenging activity (OSC50) of licoricidin was 2.77 μM. It was 3.1‐fold higher than that of L‐ascorbic acid. Its protective effects were confirmed in a study of 1O2‐induced cellular damage to human erythrocytes. The τ50 value of 10 μM of licoricidin was 71.0 min; this was markedly higher than that obtained with α‐tocopherol (37.0 min). The elastase inhibitory activity of licoricidin (IC50 of 61.2 μM) was 2.1‐fold more potent than that of oleanolic acid. Licoricidin markedly reduced the UVA‐induced intracellular ROS in a concentration‐dependent manner. Western blot revealed that licoricidin attenuated the UVA‐dependent induction of MMP‐1 protein. Mechanistically, this appeared to be due to licoricidin‐dependent inhibition of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) phosphorylation, which resulted in decreased c‐Jun activation and reduced c‐Jun and c‐Fos expression.

Conclusion

Licoricidin blocks UVA‐induced photoaging via ROS scavenging. This activity converges to limit the activity of MMP‐1. These data suggest that licoricidin may be considered as an active ingredient in new topically applied anti‐ageing formulations.
PLAYING THE FERTILITY GAME AT WORK: AN EQUILIBRIUM MODEL OF PEER EFFECTS
Authors: Ciliberto Federico , Miller Amalia R. , Nielsen Helena Skyt , Simonsen Marianne
Published: August 2016

We study workplace peer effects in fertility decisions using a game theory model of strategic interactions among coworkers that allows for multiple equilibria. Using register‐based data on fertile‐aged women working in medium‐sized establishments in Denmark, we uncover negative average peer effects. Allowing for heterogeneous effects by worker type, we find that positive effects dominate across worker types defined by age or education. Negative effects dominate within age groups and among low‐education types. Policy simulations show that these estimated effects make the distribution of where women work an important consideration, beyond simply if they work, in predicting population fertility.
RULE RATIONALITY
Authors: Heller Yuval , Winter Eyal
Published: August 2016

We study the strategic advantages of following rules of thumb that bundle different games together (called rule rationality) when this may be observed by one's opponent. We present a model in which the strategic environment determines which kind of rule rationality is adopted by the players. We apply the model to characterize the induced rules and outcomes in various interesting environments. Finally, we show the close relations between act rationality and “Stackelberg stability” (no player can earn from playing first).
Preparation of Chamottes as a Raw Material for Low‐Cost Ceramic Membranes
Authors: Lorente‐Ayza Maria‐Magdalena , Orts Maria‐Jose , Gozalbo Ana , Mestre Sergio
Published: August 2016

Low‐cost ceramic membranes are usually prepared from a mixture of natural raw materials and some organic porogen agent such as starch. The fact that porogen must be completely eliminated during firing, leaving an interconnected porous structure, impose large firing times, increasing the final price. A study about the synthesis of porous chamottes as an alternative to organic pore formers was conducted to reduce firing costs. Chamottes were obtained from mixtures of clay and starch. Different starches were used and the influence of the composition and processing variables were studied. The viability of the porous chamottes was demonstrated.
2016 European guideline on Mycoplasma genitalium infections
Authors: Jensen J.S. , Cusini M. , Gomberg M. , Moi H.
Published: August 2016

Mycoplasma genitalium infection contributes to 10–35% of non‐chlamydial non‐gonococcal urethritis in men. In women, M. genitalium is associated with cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Transmission of M. genitalium occurs through direct mucosal contact. Asymptomatic infections are frequent. In women, symptoms include vaginal discharge, dysuria or symptoms of PID – abdominal pain and dyspareunia. In men, urethritis, dysuria and discharge predominates. Besides symptoms, indication for laboratory test is a high‐risk sexual behaviour. Diagnosis is achievable only through nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). If available, NAAT diagnosis should be followed with an assay for macrolide resistance. Therapy for M. genitalium is indicated if M. genitalium is detected or on an epidemiological basis. Doxycycline has a low cure rate of 30–40%, but does not increase resistance. Azithromycin has a cure rate of 85–95% in macrolide susceptible infections. An extended course appears to have a higher cure rate. An increasing prevalence of macrolide resistance, most likely due to widespread use of azithromycin 1 g single dose without test of cure, is drastically decreasing the cure rate. Moxifloxacin can be used as second‐line therapy, but resistance is increasing. Uncomplicated M. genitalium infection should be treated with azithromycin 500 mg on day one, then 250 mg on days 2–5 (oral), or josamycin 500 mg three times daily for 10 days (oral). Second line treatment and treatment for uncomplicated macrolide resistant M. genitalium infection is moxifloxacin 400 mg od for 7–10 days (oral). For third line treatment of persistent M. genitalium infection after azithromycin and moxifloxacin doxycycline 100 mg two times daily for 14 days can be tried and may cure 30%. Pristinamycin 1 g four times daily for 10 days (oral) has a cure rate of app. 90%. Complicated M. genitalium infection (PID, epididymitis) is treated with moxifloxacin 400 mg od for 14 days.
Rigidity of Public Contracts
Authors: Moszoro Marian , Spiller Pablo T. , Stolorz Sebastian
Published: August 2016

We apply algorithmic data reading and textual analysis to compare the features of contracts in regulated industries subject to public scrutiny (which we call “public contracts”) with contracts between nongovernmental entities. We show that public contracts are lengthier and have more rule‐based rigid clauses; in addition, their renegotiation is formalized in amendments. We also find that contract length and the frequency of rigidity clauses increases in political contestability and closer to upcoming elections. We maintain that the higher rigidity of public contracts is a political risk adaptation strategy carried out by public agents to lower the likelihood of success of politically‐motivated challenges from opportunistic third parties.
Pharmacokinetic model of florfenicol in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus): establishment of optimal dosage and administration in medicated feed
Authors: de Ocenda V‐R , Almeida‐Prieto S , Luzardo‐Álvarez A , Barja J L , Otero‐Espinar F J , Blanco‐Méndez J
Published: August 2016

The pharmacokinetics of florfenicol (FF) in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) was studied after single intravenous (10 mg kg−1) and oral (100 mg kg−1) administration. The plasma concentration–time data of florfenicol were described by an open one‐compartment model. The elimination half‐life (t1/2) was estimated to be 21.0 h, and the total body clearance, Cl, was determined as 0.028 L kg h−1. The apparent volume distribution (Vd) was calculated to be 0.86 L kg−1 and the mean residence time (MRTiv) was 30.2 h. Following oral administration, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 55.4 μg mL−1 was reached at 12 h (Tmax). The absorption constant (ka) was 0.158 h−1. The bioavailability was estimated to be 57.1%. The low bioavailability observed at higher doses was explained by the saturation of the mechanisms of absorption. The drug absorption process was limited by its inherent low solubility, which limited the amount of available FF absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.

Based on the pharmacokinetic data, an optimal dosing schedule for FF administration is hereby provided. Based on the minimum inhibitory concentration found for susceptible strains of Aeromonas salmonicida, oral FF administration of first, an initial dose of 30 mg FF kg−1, followed by 6 maintenance doses at 18 mg kg−1/daily could be effective against furunculosis in turbot.
Learning from facial expressions in individuals with Williams syndrome
Authors: Goldman K. J. , Burack J. A. , Shulman C.
Published: August 2016

Background

Despite high levels of social engagement, the social competence of individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) is frequently compromised. This descriptive study explores the ability of young people with WS to learn from facial expressions when provided as a source of feedback for their actions.

Method

Using a novel task, the ability to interpret facial expressions and adapt behaviour after receiving feedback in the form of happy or angry faces was assessed in 12 participants with WS aged between 10 and 28 years and with a mean nonverbal mental age of 6.5 years, and in typically developing (TD) children aged between 4 and 7 years.

Results

Individuals with WS were able to use facial expressions as feedback in a manner commensurate with their mental age, only when other cognitive demands were low. Their performance profile differed from that of the TD children matched for mental age and from the performance profile of 4 year olds.

Conclusions

Possible explanations for the unique performance profile observed in the participants with WS are discussed. The results highlight the need to examine social competencies in the context of the cognitive demands characteristic of social environments.
Iron isotopic systematics of UHP eclogites respond to oxidizing fluid during exhumation
Authors: Li D.‐Y. , Xiao Y. L. , Li W.‐Y. , Zhu X. , Williams H. M. , Li Y.‐L.
Published: August 2016

The iron stable isotope compositions (δ56Fe) and iron valence states of ultrahigh‐pressure eclogites from Bixiling in the Dabie orogen belt, China, were measured to trace the changes of geochemical conditions during vertical transportation of earth materials, for example, oxygen fugacity. The bulk Fe3+/ΣFe ratios of retrograde eclogites, determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy, are consistently higher than those of fresh eclogites, suggesting oxidation during retrograde metamorphism and fluid infiltration. The studied eclogites (five samples) display limited mid‐ocean ridge basalts (MORB)‐like (~0.10‰) δ56Fe values, which are indistinguishable from their protoliths, that is, gabbro cumulates formed through differentiation of mantle‐derived basaltic magma. This suggests that Fe isotope fractionation during continental subduction is limited. Garnet separates display limited δ56Fe variation ranging from −0.08 ± 0.07 ‰ to 0.02 ± 0.07‰, whereas coexisting omphacite displays a large variation of δ56Fe values from 0.15 ± 0.07‰ to 0.47 ± 0.07‰. Omphacite also has highly variable Fe3+/ΣFe ratios from 0.367 ± 0.025 to 0.598 ± 0.024, indicating modification after peak metamorphism. Omphacite from retrograde eclogites has elevated Fe3+/ΣFe ratios (0.54–0.60) compared to that from fresh eclogites (~0.37), whereas garnet displays a narrow range of ferric iron content with Fe3+/ΣFe ratios from 0.039 ± 0.013 to 0.065 ± 0.022. The homogenous δ56Fe values and Fe3+/ΣFe ratios of garnet suggest that it survived the retrograde metamorphism and preserved its Fe‐isotopic features and ferric contents of peak metamorphism. Because of similar diffusion rates of Fe and Mg in garnet and omphacite, and constant Δ26Mgomphacite‐garnet values (1.14 ± 0.04‰), equilibrium iron isotope fractionation between garnet and omphacite was probably achieved during peak metamorphism. Elevated Fe3+/ΣFe ratios of omphacite from retrograde eclogites and variant Δ56Feomphacite‐garnet values of the studied eclogites (0.13 ± 0.10‰ to 0.48 ± 0.10‰) indicate that oxidized geofluid infiltration resulted in the elevation of δ56Fe values of omphacite during retrograde metamorphism.
When the woman gets violent: the construction of domestic abuse experience from heterosexual men's perspective
Authors: Entilli Lorenza , Cipolletta Sabrina
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To promote a critical approach on the conceptualisation of domestic violence by investigating the experience of abuse on the part of men who are victims of domestic violence by their female partners.

Background

Media attention and prevention programmes relating to domestic violence have mainly focused on women as the victims and men as the perpetrators. The underlying idea is that violence is predominantly physical and a prerogative of men. This conceptualisation of violence reduces the opportunities for the consideration of different modalities of abuse.

Design

Discourse analysis within a qualitative approach.

Methods

Semistructured interviews with 20 Italian men who claimed to have been abused by their female partners were conducted via Skype and analysed with the software atlas.ti. The grounded theory methodology was used to avoid imposing external points of view. Personal data were collected; in particular, their occupational level was compared to their partners’ to assess the social power within the couple.

Results

Because of their strong endorsement of social and cultural values, participants showed a protective attitude towards their partners and imputed their violent acts to fragility or an external condition. Emotional distress emerged due to the isolation and subsequent inability to seek help. Although the physical violence reported is severe, the psychological violence was indicated as more damaging.

Conclusion

Gaining an understanding of how men experience domestic abuse offers an opportunity to provide better prevention and intervention for them and other family members at risk of abuse.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study identifies gaps in service provision generated by a lack of information or perceived prejudice towards abused men. The role of the nurse in supporting male victims is discussed, and future applications for treatments and prevention plans are proposed.
Trauma in Veterans With Substance Use Disorder: Similar Treatment Need Among Urban and Rural Residents
Authors: Young Lance Brendan , Timko Christine , Tyler Kimberly A. , Grant Kathleen M.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The objective of this study is to determine whether rural residence is associated with trauma exposure or posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among military veterans seeking treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Delivering mental health services to veterans in rural areas is a challenge, so identifying differences in the causes and outcomes of trauma exposure would assist in effectively targeting service delivery.

Methods

Veterans (N = 196) entering SUD treatment at 3 Midwestern VA treatment centers were designated as either urban or rural, based on rural‐urban commuting area (RUCA) codes. The veterans completed the Life Events Checklist, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, and the Addiction Severity Index's psychiatric status subscale. Hypothesized relationships between rural‐urban residence and both trauma exposure and symptomology were tested using independent samples t tests, chi‐square tests, and ordinary least squares regression.

Findings

The range of traumatic experiences was similar between rural and urban veterans, and rural‐urban residence was not significantly associated with the overall array of traumas experienced or the symptom measures’ overall scores or subscores. Of 17 possible traumatic lifetime experiences, rural veterans differed from urban veterans on only 2, reporting significantly lower rates of transportation accidents and unwanted sexual experiences.

Conclusions

In both the causes of trauma and the need for treatment, veterans residing in rural areas differ little from their urban counterparts.
Maximizing the benefits and minimizing the risks of intervention programs to address micronutrient malnutrition: symposium report
Authors: Bruins Maaike J , Kupka Roland , Zimmermann Michael B , Lietz Georg , Engle‐Stone Reina , Kraemer Klaus
Published: August 2016

Interventions to address micronutrient deficiencies have large potential to reduce the related disease and economic burden. However, the potential risks of excessive micronutrient intakes are often not well determined. During the Global Summit on Food Fortification, 9–11 September 2015, in Arusha, a symposium was organized on micronutrient risk–benefit assessments. Using case studies on folic acid, iodine and vitamin A, the presenters discussed how to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of intervention programs to address micronutrient malnutrition. Pre‐implementation assessment of dietary intake, and/or biomarkers of micronutrient exposure, status and morbidity/mortality is critical in identifying the population segments at risk of inadequate and excessive intake. Dietary intake models allow to predict the effect of micronutrient interventions and their combinations, e.g. fortified food and supplements, on the proportion of the population with intakes below adequate and above safe thresholds. Continuous monitoring of micronutrient intake and biomarkers is critical to identify whether the target population is actually reached, whether subgroups receive excessive amounts, and inform program adjustments. However, the relation between regular high intake and adverse health consequences is neither well understood for many micronutrients, nor do biomarkers exist that can detect them. More accurate and reliable biomarkers predictive of micronutrient exposure, status and function are needed to ensure effective and safe intake ranges for vulnerable population groups such as young children and pregnant women. Modelling tools that integrate information on program coverage, dietary intake distribution and biomarkers will further enable program makers to design effective, efficient and safe programs.
The role of progranulin in arthritis
Authors: Wei Jianlu , Hettinghouse Aubryanna , Liu Chuanju
Published: August 2016

Progranulin (PGRN) is a growth factor with a unique beads‐on‐a‐string structure that is involved in multiple pathophysiological processes, including anti‐inflammation, tissue repair, wound healing, neurodegenerative diseases, and tumorigenesis. This review presents up‐to‐date information concerning recent studies on the role of PGRN in inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis, with a special focus on the involvement of the interactions and interplay between PGRN and tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family members in regulating such musculoskeletal diseases. In addition, this paper highlights the applications of atsttrin, an engineered protein comprising three TNFR‐binding fragments of PGRN, as a promising intervention in treating arthritis.
Internal Cardioverter Defibrillator Indications and Therapies after Atrial Baffle Procedure for d‐Transposition of the Great Arteries: A Multicenter Analysis
Authors: BACKHOFF DAVID , KERST GUNTER , PETERS ANDREA , LÜDEMANN MONIKA , FRISCHE CHRISTIAN , HORNDASCH MICHAELA , HESSLING GABRIELE , PAUL THOMAS , KRAUSE ULRICH
Published: August 2016

Background

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most important cause of late mortality after atrial baffle procedure for d‐transposition of the great arteries (d‐TGA). Experience with internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy in this population is limited. We conducted a multicenter cohort study to determine the current state of ICD therapy in individuals after atrial baffle procedure.

Methods

Demographic and clinical data as well as data on device implantation, programming, ICD discharges, and complications after atrial baffle procedure for d‐TGA from four German centers were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

ICD implantation was undertaken in 33 subjects. ICD implantation was undertaken as primary prevention in 29 (88%) and secondary prevention in four (12%) individuals. There were 21 (64%) subjects with atrial reentrant tachycardia (IART). During a median follow‐up of 4.8 years, seven appropriate ICD therapies were delivered in three (10%) individuals with primary prevention indication. No appropriate shocks were documented in subjects with secondary prevention indication. A total of 12 inappropriate ICD discharges occurred in eight (24%) individuals due to IART (n = 6) or lead failure (n = 2). ICD‐related complications were noted in seven individuals (21%): lead dislodgement/failure in five (15%) and ICD infection in two subjects (6%).

Conclusions

The majority of individuals received an ICD for primary prevention of SCD, thus representing a liberal attitude of physicians for ICD implantation. During a median follow‐up of 4.8 years, the rate of appropriate ICD therapies was low and clearly exceeded by inappropriate ICD discharges. Lead failure and IART were present in >20% of the individuals and were frequent reasons for inappropriate ICD discharges. Facing these results, rigorous treatment of IART and careful ICD programming seems mandatory.
Models of wound healing: an emphasis on clinical studies
Authors: Wilhelm K.‐P. , Wilhelm D. , Bielfeldt S.
Published: August 2016

Background

The healing of wounds has always provided challenges for the medical community whether chronic or acute. Understanding the processes which enable wounds to heal is primarily carried out by the use of models, in vitro, animal and human. It is generally accepted that the use of human models offers the best opportunity to understand the factors that influence wound healing as well as to evaluate efficacy of treatments applied to wounds.

Objectives

The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the different methodologies that are currently used to experimentally induce wounds of various depths in human volunteers and examines the information that may be gained from them.

Methods

There is a number of human volunteer healing models available varying in their invasiveness to reflect the different possible depth levels of wounds.

Results

Currently available wound healing models include sequential tape stripping, suction blister, abrasion, laser, dermatome, and biopsy techniques. The various techniques can be utilized to induce wounds of variable depth, from removing solely the stratum corneum barrier, the epidermis to even split‐thickness or full thickness wounds.

Conclusion

Depending on the study objective, a number of models exist to study wound healing in humans. These models provide efficient and reliable results to evaluate treatment modalities.
Rotavirus vaccines contribute towards universal health coverage in a mixed public–private healthcare system
Authors: Loganathan Tharani , Jit Mark , Hutubessy Raymond , Ng Chiu‐Wan , Lee Way‐Seah , Verguet Stéphane
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To evaluate rotavirus vaccination in Malaysia from the household's perspective. The extended cost‐effectiveness analysis (ECEA) framework quantifies the broader value of universal vaccination starting with non‐health benefits such as financial risk protection and equity. These dimensions better enable decision‐makers to evaluate policy on the public finance of health programmes.

Methods

The incidence, health service utilisation and household expenditure related to rotavirus gastroenteritis according to national income quintiles were obtained from local data sources. Multiple birth cohorts were distributed into income quintiles and followed from birth over the first five years of life in a multicohort, static model.

Results

We found that the rich pay more out of pocket (OOP) than the poor, as the rich use more expensive private care. OOP payments among the poorest although small are high as a proportion of household income. Rotavirus vaccination results in substantial reduction in rotavirus episodes and expenditure and provides financial risk protection to all income groups. Poverty reduction benefits are concentrated amongst the poorest two income quintiles.

Conclusion

We propose that universal vaccination complements health financing reforms in strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC). ECEA provides an important tool to understand the implications of vaccination for UHC, beyond traditional considerations of economic efficiency.
MSL1 is a mechanosensitive ion channel that dissipates mitochondrial membrane potential and maintains redox homeostasis in mitochondria during abiotic stress
Authors: Lee Chun Pong , Maksaev Grigory , Jensen Gregory S. , Murcha Monika W. , Wilson Margaret E. , Fricker Mark , Hell Ruediger , Haswell Elizabeth S. , Millar A. Harvey , Sweetlove Lee J.
Published: August 2016

Mitochondria must maintain tight control over the electrochemical gradient across their inner membrane to allow ATP synthesis while maintaining a redox‐balanced electron transport chain and avoiding excessive reactive oxygen species production. However, there is a scarcity of knowledge about the ion transporters in the inner mitochondrial membrane that contribute to control of membrane potential. We show that loss of MSL1, a member of a family of mechanosensitive ion channels related to the bacterial channel MscS, leads to increased membrane potential of Arabidopsis mitochondria under specific bioenergetic states. We demonstrate that MSL1 localises to the inner mitochondrial membrane. When expressed in Escherichia coli, MSL1 forms a stretch‐activated ion channel with a slight preference for anions and provides protection against hypo‐osmotic shock. In contrast, loss of MSL1 in Arabidopsis did not prevent swelling of isolated mitochondria in hypo‐osmotic conditions. Instead, our data suggest that ion transport by MSL1 leads to dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential when it becomes too high. The importance of MSL1 function was demonstrated by the observation of a higher oxidation state of the mitochondrial glutathione pool in msl1‐1 mutants under moderate heat‐ and heavy‐metal‐stress. Furthermore, we show that MSL1 function is not directly implicated in mitochondrial membrane potential pulsing, but is complementary and appears to be important under similar conditions.
Distal Normograde Intramedullary Pin and Locking Plate Placement in the Canine Humerus: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Pearson Tim , Glyde Mark , Hosgood Giselle , Beierer Lucas
Published: August 2016

Objective

To identify a repeatable anatomic landmark for pin insertion and to describe the technique for placement of a distal normograde intramedullary (IM) pin of approximately 35% of the IM diameter using this approach combined with a locking compression plate (LCP) on the medial aspect of the canine humerus.

Study Design

Ex vivo anatomic study.

Sample Population

Canine cadavers (n=10 Greyhounds).

Methods

An anatomic landmark for pin insertion was identified based on three‐dimensional reconstructions of previous elbow computed tomography studies and cadaveric dissection of the medial aspect of the humeral condyle. Bilateral distal normograde IM pin and LCP placement were performed and confirmed radiographically and by disarticulation and sagittal sectioning.

Results

The anatomic landmark for pin insertion was consistently identified in each specimen using the technique described. Distal normograde insertion of a 3.5 mm IM pin was possible in Greyhound cadaveric humeri at the described location in conjunction with a 3.5 mm LCP with fixed angle, locked screws. A monocortical locking screw was required to avoid interference with the IM pin in 28 of 60 of the 3 proximal screw holes. No pin interference was encountered in any of the distal screw holes.

Conclusion

The anatomic landmark and technique described in our study enabled repeatable successful placement of a distal normograde IM pin of approximately 35% of the IM diameter combined with an LCP on the medial aspect of the canine humerus. This technique may be useful for locking plate‐rod fixation of distal humeral diaphyseal fractures.
Assessment of phylogenetic signal in the germination ability of Phelipanche ramosa on Brassicaceae hosts
Authors: Gibot‐Leclerc S , Perronne R , Dessaint F , Reibel C , Le corre V
Published: August 2016

Phelipanche ramosa is a generalist parasitic weed known to cause yield losses in various crops, especially in winter oilseed rape, its new preferred host in France. This parasitic plant is also able to complete its life cycle on many Brassicaceae weeds, which are thus important alternative hosts. We studied a set of 14 common Brassicaceae weeds and characterised their ability to induce the germination of three genetically distinct pathovars of P. ramosa, based on in vitro experiments. We then investigated whether phylogenetic relatedness among Brassicaceae weeds could inform on their ability to induce germination of P. ramosa by testing for a phylogenetic signal in the germination rate of the parasite. In the presence of some phylogenetic signal, phylogenetic distances among species might be used as a surrogate to predict the ability to induce germination of potential additional Brassicaceae hosts. The three pathovars studied showed different germination patterns. Moreover, we found substantial variation in the germination rate of P. ramosa among the different Brassicaceae species, with a significant effect of the clustering of species into two ancient phylogenetic lineages. However, no significant phylogenetic signal was detected overall, that is we could not exclude that germination rates were randomly distributed over the phylogeny. We suggest that further analyses should be conducted across wider sets of potential hosts to better characterise the existence of a phylogenetic signal of the ability of weeds to induce the germination of P. ramosa.
Weed species composition of conventional soyabean crops in Hungary is determined by environmental, cultural, weed management and site variables
Authors: Pinke G , Blazsek K , Magyar L , Nagy K , Karácsony P , Czúcz B , Botta‐Dukát Z
Published: August 2016

The goal of this study was to identify factors determining weed species composition in soyabean crops in Hungary, where its expanding production faces difficult weed problems. The abundance of weed flora was measured in 262 fields across the country, along with 38 background variables. Using a minimal adequate model containing 24 terms with significant net effects, 21.6% of the total variation in weed species data could be explained. Plot location (edge vs core position, the single site variable in our analysis) was found to be the most important explanatory variable that was followed by a set of environmental (temperature, precipitation, altitude, soil texture, pH, Ca, K, Na and humus content), cultural (cultivar maturity, organic manure, fertiliser P and N, row spacing) and weed management (flumioxazin, pendimethalin, dimethenamid, propaquizafop, bentazone, quizalofop‐p‐ethyl, quizalofop‐p‐tefuril, linuron, thifensulfuron) factors. Variation partitioning revealed that environmental variables accounted for about four times more variance than cultural and about two and half times more than weed management variables. Chenopodium album, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Hibiscus trionum, Echinochloa crus‐galli and Convolvulus arvensis were the most dominant and frequent weeds, but their abundance was influenced by different factors. The responses of weed species to the studied variables provide new information about their ecological behaviour, and our findings also can be used to develop better weed management strategies.
The relative contributions of store‐operated and voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels to the control of Ca2+ oscillations in airway smooth muscle
Authors: Boie Sebastian , Chen Jun , Sanderson Michael J. , Sneyd James
Published: August 2016

Key points

Agonist‐dependent oscillations in the concentration of free cytosolic calcium are a vital mechanism for the control of airway smooth muscle contraction and thus are a critical factor in airway hyper‐responsiveness.

Using a mathematical model, closely tied to experimental work, we show that the oscillations in membrane potential accompanying the calcium oscillations have no significant effect on the properties of the calcium oscillations.

In addition, the model shows that calcium entry through store‐operated calcium channels is critical for calcium oscillations, but calcium entry through voltage‐gated channels has much less effect.

The model predicts that voltage‐gated channels are less important than store‐operated channels in the control of airway smooth muscle tone.

Airway smooth muscle contraction is typically the key mechanism underlying airway hyper‐responsiveness, and the strength of muscle contraction is determined by the frequency of oscillations of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration. In airway smooth muscle cells, these Ca2+ oscillations are caused by cyclic Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, although Ca2+ influx via plasma membrane channels is also necessary to sustain the oscillations over longer times. To assess the relative contributions of store‐operated and voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels to this Ca2+ influx, we generated a comprehensive mathematical model, based on experimental Ca2+ measurements in mouse precision‐cut lung slices, to simulate Ca2+ oscillations and changes in membrane potential. Agonist‐induced Ca2+ oscillations are accompanied by oscillations in membrane potential, although the membrane potential oscillations are too small to generate large Ca2+ currents through voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels, and thus have little effect on the Ca2+ oscillations. Ca2+ entry through voltage‐gated channels only becomes important when the cell is depolarized (e.g. by a high external K+ concentration). As a result, agonist‐induced Ca2+ oscillations are critically dependent on Ca2+ entry through store‐operated channels but do not depend strongly on Ca2+ entry though voltage‐gated channels.
Long-term potentiation modulates synaptic phosphorylation networks and reshapes the structure of the postsynaptic interactome
Authors: Li Jing , Wilkinson Brent , Clementel Veronica A. , Hou Junjie , O’Dell Thomas J. , Coba Marcelo P.
Published: August 2016

Induction of LTP regulates psychiatric disease–associated signaling networks in the mouse CA1 hippocampus.
TLR9 sustains autophagic flux
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: August 2016

TLR9 recognizing mitochondrial DNA sustains autophagic flux by functioning as a signaling adaptor protein at lysosomes.
Myelin and microglia in the aging brain
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: August 2016

Myelin turnover that occurs normally with age or abnormally in disease overburdens the housekeeping function of microglial cells.
Effects of Lipid-Lowering Drugs on Vancomycin Susceptibility of Mycobacteria
Authors: Rens Céline , Laval Françoise , Daffé Mamadou , Denis Olivier , Frita Rosangela , Baulard Alain , Wattiez Ruddy , Lefèvre Philippe , Fontaine Véronique
Published: August 2016

Tuberculosis is still a cause of major concern, partly due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. New drugs are therefore needed. Vancomycin can target mycobacteria with cell envelope deficiency. In this study, we used a vancomycin susceptibility assay to detect drugs hampering lipid synthesis in
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG and in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. We tested three drugs already used to treat human obesity: tetrahydrolipstatin (THL), simvastatin, and fenofibrate. Only vancomycin and THL were able to synergize on
M. bovis
BCG and on
M. tuberculosis
, although mycobacteria could also be inhibited by simvastatin alone. Lipid analysis allowed us to identify several lipid modifications in
M. tuberculosis
H37Rv treated with those drugs. THL treatment mainly reduced the phthiocerol dimycocerosate (PDIM) content in the mycobacterial cell wall, providing an explanation for the synergy, since PDIM deficiency has been related to vancomycin susceptibility. Proteomic analysis suggested that bacteria treated with THL, in contrast to bacteria treated with simvastatin, tried to recover, inducing, among other reactions, lipid synthesis. The combination of THL and vancomycin should be considered a promising solution in developing new strategies to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
Emergence of
ileS2
-Carrying, Multidrug-Resistant Plasmids in Staphylococcus lugdunensis
Authors: Ho Pak-Leung , Liu Melissa Chun-Jiao , Chow Kin-Hung , Tse Cindy Wing-Sze , Lo Wai-U , Mak Siu-Ka , Lo Wai-Kei
Published: August 2016

Of 137
Staphylococcus lugdunensis
isolates collected from two nephrology centers in Hong Kong, 10 (7.3%) and 3 (2.2%) isolates had high-level and low-level mupirocin resistance, respectively. Isolates with high-level resistance contained the plasmid-mediated
ileS2
gene, while isolates with low-level resistance contained the mutation V588F within the chromosomal
ileS
gene. All but one of the
ileS2
-positive isolates belong to the predominating clone HKU1. Plasmids carrying the
ileS2
gene were mosaic and also cocarry multiple other resistance determinants.
Multiple Drug Transporters Are Involved in Renal Secretion of Entecavir
Authors: Yang Xi , Ma Zhiyuan , Zhou Sisi , Weng Yayun , Lei Hongmei , Zeng Su , Li Liping , Jiang Huidi
Published: August 2016

Entecavir (ETV) is a first-line antiviral agent for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Renal excretion is the major elimination path of ETV, in which tubular secretion plays the key role. However, the secretion mechanism has not been clarified. We speculated that renal transporters mediated the secretion of ETV. Therefore, the aim of our study was to elucidate which transporters contribute to the renal disposition of ETV. Our results revealed that ETV (50 μM) remarkably reduced the accumulation of probe substrates in MDCK cells stably expressing human multidrug and toxin efflux extrusion proteins (hMATE1/2-K), organic cation transporter 2 (hOCT2), and carnitine/organic cation transporters (hOCTNs) and increased the substrate accumulation in cells transfected with multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (hMRP2) or multidrug resistance protein 1 (hMDR1). Moreover, ETV was proved to be a substrate of the above-described transporters. In transwell studies, the transport of ETV in MDCK-hOCT2-hMATE1 showed a distinct directionality from BL (hOCT2) to AP (hMATE1), and the cellular accumulation of ETV in cells expressing hMATE1 was dramatically lower than that of the mock-treated cells. The accumulation of ETV in mouse primary renal tubular cells was obviously affected by inhibitors of organic anion transporter 1/3 (Oat1/3), Oct2, Octn1/2, and Mrp2. Therefore, the renal uptake of ETV is likely mediated by OAT1/3 and OCT2 while the efflux is mediated by MATEs, MDR1, and MRP2, and OCTN1/2 may participate in both renal secretion and reabsorption.
In Vitro
Activity of 3-Triazeneindoles against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium
Authors: Nikonenko Boris V. , Kornienko Albert , Majorov Konstantin , Ivanov Pavel , Kondratieva Tatiana , Korotetskaya Maria , Apt Alexander S. , Salina Elena , Velezheva Valeriya
Published: August 2016

Among 230 target-synthesized indole-based compounds, seven 3-triazenoindoles showed MICs of 0.2 to 0.5 μg/ml against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strain H37Rv and isoniazid-resistant human isolate CN-40. The TU112 compound was active also against a dormant form of
M. tuberculosis
. Some of these triazenoindoles were active against
Mycobacterium avium
, with MICs of 0.05 to 0.5 μg/ml. The selectivity indices (SI) for
M. tuberculosis
and
M. avium
were significantly higher than 10, making these compounds acceptable for the next testing step.
A Synonymous Mutation Upstream of the Gene Encoding a Weak-Link Enzyme Causes an Ultrasensitive Response in Growth Rate
Authors: Kershner Jamie P. , Yu McLoughlin Sean , Kim Juhan , Morgenthaler Andrew , Ebmeier Christopher C. , Old William M. , Copley Shelley D.
Published: August 2016

When microbes are faced with an environmental challenge or opportunity, preexisting enzymes with promiscuous secondary activities can be recruited to provide newly important functions. Mutations that increase the efficiency of a new activity often compromise the original activity, resulting in an inefficient bifunctional enzyme. We have investigated the mechanisms by which growth of
Escherichia coli
can be improved when fitness is limited by such an enzyme, E383A ProA (ProA*). ProA* can serve the functions of both ProA (required for synthesis of proline) and ArgC (required for synthesis of arginine), albeit poorly. We identified four genetic changes that improve the growth rate by up to 6.2-fold. Two point mutations in the promoter of the
proBA*
operon increase expression of the entire operon. Massive amplification of a genomic segment around the
proBA*
operon also increases expression of the entire operon. Finally, a synonymous point mutation in the coding region of
proB
creates a new promoter for
proA*
. This synonymous mutation increases the level of ProA* by 2-fold but increases the growth rate by 5-fold, an ultrasensitive response likely arising from competition between two substrates for the active site of the inefficient bifunctional ProA*.

IMPORTANCE
The high-impact synonymous mutation we discovered in
proB
is remarkable for two reasons. First, most polar effects documented in the literature are detrimental. This finding demonstrates that polar effect mutations can have strongly beneficial effects, especially when an organism is facing a difficult environmental challenge for which it is poorly adapted. Furthermore, the consequence of the synonymous mutation in
proB
is a 2-fold increase in the level of ProA* but a disproportionately large 5.1-fold increase in growth rate. While ultrasensitive responses are often found in signaling networks and genetic circuits, an ultrasensitive response to an adaptive mutation has not been previously reported.
Evidence that Oxidative Stress Induces
spxA2
Transcription in Bacillus anthracis Sterne through a Mechanism Requiring SpxA1 and Positive Autoregulation
Authors: Barendt Skye , Birch Cierra , Mbengi Lea , Zuber Peter
Published: August 2016

Bacillus anthracis
possesses two paralogs of the transcriptional regulator, Spx. SpxA1 and SpxA2 interact with RNA polymerase (RNAP) to activate the transcription of genes implicated in the prevention and alleviation of oxidative protein damage. The
spxA2
gene is highly upregulated in infected macrophages, but how this is achieved is unknown. Previous studies have shown that the
spxA2
gene was under negative control by the Rrf2 family repressor protein, SaiR, whose activity is sensitive to oxidative stress. These studies also suggested that
spxA2
was under positive autoregulation. In the present study, we show by
in vivo
and
in vitro
analyses that
spxA2
is under direct autoregulation but is also dependent on the SpxA1 paralogous protein. The deletion of either
spxA1
or
spxA2
reduced the diamide-inducible expression of an
spxA2-lacZ
construct.
In vitro
transcription reactions using purified
B. anthracis
RNAP showed that SpxA1 and SpxA2 protein stimulates transcription from a DNA fragment containing the
spxA2
promoter. Ectopically positioned
spxA2-lacZ
fusion requires both SpxA1 and SpxA2 for expression, but the requirement for SpxA1 is partially overcome when
saiR
is deleted. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that SpxA1 and SpxA2 enhance the affinity of RNAP for
spxA2
promoter DNA and that this activity is sensitive to reductant. We hypothesize that the previously observed upregulation of
spxA2
in the oxidative environment of the macrophage is at least partly due to SpxA1-mediated SaiR repressor inactivation and the positive autoregulation of
spxA2
transcription.

IMPORTANCE
Regulators of transcription initiation are known to govern the expression of genes required for virulence in pathogenic bacterial species. Members of the Spx family of transcription factors function in control of genes required for virulence and viability in low-GC Gram-positive bacteria. In
Bacillus anthracis
, the
spxA2
gene is highly induced in infected macrophages, which suggests an important role in the control of virulence gene expression during the anthrax disease state. We provide evidence that elevated concentrations of oxidized, active SpxA2 result from an autoregulatory positive-feedback loop driving
spxA2
transcription.