bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PTEN loss in biopsy tissue predicts poor clinical outcomes in prostate cancer
Authors: Mithal Prabhakar , Allott Emma , Gerber Leah , Reid Julia , Welbourn William , Tikishvili Eliso , Park Jimmy , Younus Adib , Sangale Zaina , Lanchbury Jerry S , Stone Steven , Freedland Stephen J
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To determine whether PTEN status in prostate biopsy represents a predictor of intermediate and long‐term oncological outcomes after radical prostatectomy, and whether PTEN status predicts response to androgen deprivation therapy.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis of 77 men treated by radical prostatectomy who underwent diagnostic biopsy between 1992–2006, biopsy samples were stained for PTEN expression by the PREZEON assay with >10% staining reported as positive. Cox proportional hazards and log–rank models were used to assess the correlation between PTEN loss and clinical outcomes.

Results

During a median follow‐up period after radical prostatectomy of 8.8 years, 39 men (51%) developed biochemical recurrence, four (5%) had castration‐resistant prostate cancer, two (3%) had metastasis and two (3%) died from prostate cancer. PTEN loss was not significantly associated with biochemical recurrence (hazard ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 0.9–5.1, P = 0.10), but significantly predicted increased risk of castration‐resistant prostate cancer, metastasis and prostate cancer‐specific mortality (all log–rank, P < 0.0001), and time from androgen deprivation therapy to castration‐resistant prostate cancer (log–rank, P = 0.003). No patient without PTEN loss developed metastases or died from prostate cancer.

Conclusions

PTEN loss at the time of biopsy seems to predict time to development of metastasis, prostate cancer‐specific mortality and, for the first time, castration‐resistant prostate cancer and response to androgen deprivation therapy after radical prostatectomy. If confirmed by larger studies, this would support the use of PTEN loss as an early marker of aggressive prostate cancer.
La brecha educativa de género. ¿Hacia una mayor participación laboral de madres, esposas y mujeres en general?
Authors: GANGULI Ina , HAUSMANN Ricardo , VIARENGO Martina
Published: August 2014

La brecha educativa de género se ha cerrado, o incluso invertido, en muchos países, pero ¿qué hay de otras desigualdades en el empleo? A partir de microdatos censales de 40 países, los autores examinan la brecha de participación laboral entre hombres y mujeres, así como entre mujeres casadas y solteras, y entre madres y mujeres sin hijos. Existe mucha heterogeneidad en cuanto al tamaño de esas brechas, su ritmo de evolución y su relación con la brecha educativa. Un análisis contrafáctico muestra que gran parte de la brecha de participación laboral entre hombres y mujeres no se explica por las otras.
Trabajadores domésticos en Europa. Hablemos de cifras
Authors: ABRANTES Manuel
Published: August 2014

Los datos de la Encuesta de Población Activa Europea (EU‐15, 2000–2010) confirman el aumento del sector doméstico. Hay más mujeres activas, pero también trabajan con más frecuencia en dicho sector, mayoritariamente femenino. El autor cuestiona el sentido de estas cifras en términos de igualdad. Analiza las diferencias entre los países del norte y los del sur de Europa interrelacionando distintos aspectos. El futuro del sector vendrá marcado por factores muy diversos como el envejecimiento de la población, la evolución de las culturas de género, la situación económica, el grado de flexibilidad del mercado de trabajo y la dinámica laboral del propio sector.
El empleo a tiempo parcial femenino. «Flexirriesgo» en cinco países europeos
Authors: BLÁZQUEZ CUESTA Maite , MORAL CARCEDO Julián
Published: August 2014

Europa tiene mercados de trabajo segmentados con empleos flexibles pero inseguros, que generan gran desigualdad entre trabajadores. El empleo a tiempo parcial puede ayudar a conciliar trabajo y vida familiar y aumentar la tasa de actividad femenina, pero también puede generar nuevas formas de desigualdad. Analizando empíricamente las transiciones laborales en Dinamarca, España, Francia, Italia y Países Bajos, este artículo muestra que los trabajadores a tiempo parcial —en su mayoría mujeres— corren un riesgo mayor de desocupación y recomienda aumentar la igualdad entre los trabajadores a tiempo parcial y a tiempo completo en relación con la estabilidad del empleo.
Las mujeres y el trabajo a tiempo parcial en los países europeos
Authors: SALLADARRÉ Frédéric , HLAIMI Stéphane Boubaker
Published: August 2014

Los autores analizan el trabajo a tiempo parcial femenino en 23 países europeos distinguiendo entre dos categorías (breve y largo) en función del número de horas trabajadas. El trabajo a tiempo parcial breve se asocia a franjas etarias extremas, discapacidad leve, un número mayor de hijos y menor nivel de instrucción, así como al sector de los servicios colectivos, sociales y personales. Se observa mucha variación entre países, pero en general el tiempo parcial largo es más frecuente que el corto y ambos tipos parecen complementarios.
Segregación ocupacional por género en España: ¿exclusión o confinamiento?
Authors: DUEÑAS FERNÁNDEZ Diego , IGLESIAS FERNÁNDEZ Carlos , LLORENTE HERAS Raquel
Published: August 2014

El nivel de segregación ocupacional por género en España es de los más altos de Europa. Con datos de la Encuesta de Calidad de Vida en el Trabajo española, este artículo investiga las probabilidades de empleo para hombres y mujeres en ocupaciones mayoritariamente masculinas o femeninas. Combinando una descomposición de Oaxaca‐Blinder con un análisis contrafáctico, los autores concluyen que las características personales, familiares y laborales explican un porcentaje muy pequeño de la diferencia de probabilidades, y que la segregación ocupacional en España en detrimento de las mujeres se produce más por su confinamiento en ocupaciones consideradas femeninas que por su exclusión de las consideradas masculinas.
La influencia de la familia y de los hijos en el trabajo independiente femenino en Noruega
Authors: RØNSEN Marit
Published: August 2014

La escasa representación de las mujeres en el empresariado y el empleo independiente es común a culturas y países diversos, pero todavía no se sabe por qué. El presente estudio sobre Noruega examina la influencia de ciertas características familiares: los hijos y sus edades, el cónyuge y los activos financieros del hogar. Según los resultados, los hijos no obstaculizan el empleo femenino por cuenta propia, y la probabilidad de este correlaciona negativamente con el número de horas de trabajo del cónyuge y positivamente con el hecho de que este también sea un trabajador independiente. La relación causal de estas correlaciones es difícil de establecer.
Comparative Assessment of Grassland NPP Dynamics in Response to Climate Change in China, North America, Europe and Australia from 1981 to 2010
Authors: Gang C. , Zhou W. , Wang Z. , Chen Y. , Li J. , Chen J. , Qi J. , Odeh I. , Groisman P. Y.
Published: August 2014

Although climate change has been modifying grassland ecosystems for a long time, few studies on grassland ecosystems have focused on large‐scale responses to climate change. Hence, grassland net primary productivity (NPP) from 1981 to 2010, as well as its variations in China, North America, Europe and Australia, was assessed and compared using a synthetic model in this study. Subsequently, the correlations between the NPP of each grassland type and climate factors were evaluated to reveal the responses of grassland eco‐systems to climate change. The results showed that North America, which has the largest area of grassland ecosystems, exhibits maximum grassland NPP of 4225.30 ± 215.43 Tg DW year−1, whereas Europe, which has the least area of grassland ecosystems among the four regions, exhibits minimum grassland NPP of 928.95 ± 24.68 Tg DW year−1. Grassland NPP presented an increasing trend in China and Australia, but decreasing in Europe and North America from 1981 to 2010. In addition, grassland NPP is positively correlated with mean annual precipitation, but demonstrates notable differences with mean annual temperature. In conclusion, climate change has a significant role in explaining the spatiotemporal patterns of and the variations in grassland NPP in the four regions.
Wheat Rht‐B1 Dwarfs Exhibit Better Photosynthetic Response to Water Deficit at Seedling Stage Compared to the Wild Type
Authors: Nenova V. R. , Kocheva K. V. , Petrov P. I. , Georgiev G. I. , Karceva T. V. , Börner A. , Landjeva S. P.
Published: August 2014

Wheat reduced height (Rht) genes encode modified DELLA proteins, which are gibberellin insensitive, accumulate under stress, restrain growth and affect plant stress response. The seedling reaction to soil water deficit regarding leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence was compared in near‐isogenic lines carrying the alleles Rht‐B1a (tall), Rht‐B1b (semi‐dwarfing) and Rht‐B1c (dwarfing) and was related to leaf water content and anatomy. Under drought, Rht‐B1c line was characterized by less decreased CO2 assimilation, delayed non‐stomatal limitation of photosynthesis and higher instantaneous water use efficiency. The functional state of its photosynthetic apparatus was better preserved as evidenced by the less decreased actual quantum yield (ΦPSII) and potential maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) of PSII, and the less increased quantum yield of non‐regulated energy dissipation (ΦNO). Rht‐B1b line also tended to perform better than Rht‐B1a, but differences were less pronounced. Although the leaves of both dwarf lines were smaller, thicker and more pubescent, their water content was not higher in comparison with the tall line. Nevertheless, in Rht‐B1c, leaf thickness was less decreased and mesophyll cells were less shrunk under drought. The more effective performance of the photosynthetic machinery of dwarf lines under water deficit could be explained by a combination of morpho‐anatomical and metabolic characteristics.
Mechanism‐Specific Effects of Adenosine on Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: LERMAN BRUCE B. , IP JAMES E. , SHAH BINDI K. , THOMAS GEORGE , LIU CHRISTOPHER F. , CIACCIO EDWARD J. , WIT ANDREW L. , CHEUNG JIM W. , MARKOWITZ STEVEN M.
Published: August 2014

Mechanism Specific Effects of Adenosine on VT

Introduction

There is no universally accepted method by which to diagnose clinical ventricular tachycardia (VT) due to cAMP‐mediated triggered activity. Based on cellular and clinical data, adenosine termination of VT is thought to be consistent with a diagnosis of triggered activity. However, a major gap in evidence mitigates the validity of this proposal, namely, defining the specificity of adenosine response in well‐delineated reentrant VT circuits. To this end, we systematically studied the effects of adenosine in a model of canine reentrant VT and in human reentrant VT, confirmed by 3‐dimensional, pace‐ and substrate mapping.

Methods and Results

Adenosine (12 mg [IQR 12–24]) failed to terminate VT in 31 of 31 patients with reentrant VT due to structural heart disease, and had no effect on VT cycle length (age, 67 years [IQR 53–74]); ejection fraction, 35% [IQR 20–55]). In contrast, adenosine terminated VT in 45 of 50 (90%) patients with sustained focal right or left outflow tract tachycardia. The sensitivity of adenosine for identifying VT due to triggered activity was 90% (95% CI, 0.78–0.97) and its specificity was 100% (95% CI, 0.89–1.0). Additionally, reentrant circuits were mapped in the epicardial border zone of 4‐day‐old infarcts in mongrel dogs. Adenosine (300–400 μg/kg) did not terminate sustained VT or have any effect on VT cycle length.

Conclusion

These data support the concept that adenosine's effects on ventricular myocardium are mechanism specific, such that termination of VT in response to adenosine is diagnostic of cAMP‐mediated triggered activity.
Prehypertension in Rural Northeastern China: Results From the Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Li Zhao , Guo Xiaofan , Zheng Liqiang , Sun Zhaoqing , Yang Hongmei , Sun Guozhe , Yu Shasha , Li Wenna , Zou Lu , Wang Jun , Hu Wenyu , Sun Yingxian
Published: August 2014

This study aimed to determine the present status of prehypertension in rural China. It was conducted between January and August 2013, using a multistage clustering method to select a representative sample of individuals (≥35 years old), resulting in a study population of 11,576 adults. Prehypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure (BP) in the range of 120 mm Hg to 139 mm Hg and/or a diastolic BP between 80 mm Hg and 89 mm Hg according to the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7). The results showed that the mean±standard deviation systolic and diastolic BP values for the entire population were 141.8±23.5 mm Hg and 82.1±11.8 mm Hg, respectively. Among the whole population, 35.1% of men and 32.5% of women were prehypertensive. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that high body mass index, advanced age, alcohol consumption, diabetes, high triglyceride and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and elevated diet score were risk factors for prehypertension. This study indicates that there is a high prevalence of prehypertension in rural China and confirms the importance of healthy lifestyles—including the control of obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia—to decrease the incidence of prehypertension.
Commentary: G × E in child psychiatry and psychology: a broadening of the scope of enquiry as prompted by Munafò et al. (2014)
Authors: Rutter Michael
Published: August 2014

The accompanying Practitioner Review by Munafò et al. (2014) presents two main arguments: (1) that there are few (if any) examples of G × E in psychiatry so it cannot aid gene discovery, and (2) that genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) are already yielding important findings. With respect to the supposed weakness of G × E research, they fail to mention any of the substantial body of evidence in support of G × E – see various chapters in Dodge and Rutter (2011).
Survival of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts through a hydropower complex
Authors: Stich D. S. , Bailey M. M. , Zydlewski J. D.
Published: August 2014

This study evaluated Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolt survival through the lower Penobscot River, Maine, U.S.A., and characterized relative differences in proportional use and survival through the main‐stem of the river and an alternative migration route, the Stillwater Branch. The work was conducted prior to removal of two main‐stem dams and operational changes in hydropower facilities in the Stillwater Branch. Survival and proportional use of migration routes in the lower Penobscot were estimated from multistate (MS) models based on 6 years of acoustic telemetry data from 1669 smolts and 2 years of radio‐telemetry data from 190 fish. A small proportion (0·12, 95% c.i. = 0·06–0·25) of smolts used the Stillwater Branch, and mean survival through the two operational dams in this part of the river was relatively high (1·00 and 0·97). Survival at Milford Dam, the dam that will remain in the main‐stem of the Penobscot River, was relatively low (0·91), whereas survival through two dams that were removed was relatively high (0·99 and 0·98). Smolt survival could decrease in the Stillwater Branch with the addition of two new powerhouses while continuing to meet fish passage standards. The effects of removing two dams in the main‐stem are expected to be negligible for smolt survival based on high survival observed from 2005 to 2012 at those locations. Survival through Milford Dam was been well below current regulatory standards, and thus improvement of passage at this location offers the best opportunity for improving overall smolt survival in the lower river.
A simplified method to estimate body growth parameters of the European eel Anguilla anguilla
Authors: Melià P. , Crivelli A. J. , Durif C. , Poole R. , Bevacqua D.
Published: August 2014

A simple approach is proposed to fit a body growth model for the European eel Anguilla anguilla to data‐poor case studies. The model is a modified von Bertalanffy curve allowing for delayed sex determination and sexual dimorphism. The proposed procedure provides preliminary estimates of model parameters on the basis of average age and body length of silver eels.
Factors associated with receiving treatment for dental decay among Medicaid‐enrolled children younger than 12 years of age in Iowa, 2010
Authors: Zilversmit Leah , Kane Debra J. , Rochat Roger , Rodgers Tracy , Russell Bob
Published: August 2014

Objectives

The Iowa Department of Public Health I‐Smile program provides dental screening and care coordination to over 23,000 low‐income and Medicaid‐enrolled children per year. The purposes of this study were to evaluate I‐Smile program effectiveness to ensure that Medicaid‐enrolled children obtained dental treatment after having been screened and to determine the factors associated with failure to receive dental care after screening through the I‐Smile program.

Methods

Based on I‐Smile program priorities, we limited our sample to children younger than 12 years of age who screened positive for decay and who linked to a paid Medicaid claim for dental treatment (n = 1,816). We conducted bivariate analyses to examine associations between children's characteristics who screened positive for decay and received treatment within 6 months of their initial screening. We also performed multivariate logistic regression to assess the association of sociodemographic characteristics with receipt of treatment among children who screened positive for decay.

Results

Eleven percent of children screened positive for decay. Nearly 24 percent of children with decay received treatment based on a Medicaid‐paid claim. Being 5 years or older [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.48, confidence interval (CI): 1.17, 1.88] and not having a dental home (aOR: 1.90, CI: 1.41, 2.58) were associated with higher odds of not receiving dental treatment.

Conclusions

Children 5 years and older and without a dental home were less likely to obtain dental treatment. Opportunities exist for the I‐Smile program to increase the numbers of at‐risk children with dental homes and who obtain dental care after screening.
Melatonin treatment further improves adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy for acute interstitial cystitis in rat
Authors: Chen Yen‐Ta , Chiang Hsin‐Ju , Chen Chih‐Hung , Sung Pei‐Hsun , Lee Fan‐Yen , Tsai Tzu‐Hsien , Chang Chia‐Lo , Chen Hong‐Hwa , Sun Cheuk‐Kwan , Leu Steve , Chang Hsueh‐Wen , Yang Chih‐Chao , Yip Hon‐Kan
Published: August 2014

This study tests the hypothesis that combined melatonin and adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC, 1.2 × 106 given intravenously) treatment offer superior protection against cyclophosphamide (CYP 150 mg/kg)‐induced acute interstitial cystitis (AIC) in rats. Male adult Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated as follows: sham controls, AIC alone, AIC + melatonin, AIC + ADMSC, and AIC + melatonin +ADMSC. When melatonin was used, it was given as follows: 20 mg/kg at 30 min after CYP and 50 mg/kg at 6 and 18 hr after CYP. Twenty‐four‐hour urine volume, urine albumin level, and severity of hematuria were highest in AIC rats and lowest in the controls; likewise urine volume was higher in AIC + melatonin rats than in AIC + ADMSC and AIC + melatonin + ADMSC treated rats; in all cases, P < 0.001. The numbers of CD14+, CD74+, CD68+, MIP+, Cox‐2+, substance P+, cells and protein expression of IL‐6, IL‐12, RANTES, TNF‐α, NF‐κB, MMP‐9, iNOS (i.e. inflammatory biomarkers), glycosaminoglycan level, expression of oxidized protein, and protein expression of reactive oxygen species (NOX‐1, NOX‐2, NOX‐4) in the bladder tissue exhibited an identical pattern compared with that of hematuria among the five groups (all P < 0.0001). The integrity of epithelial layer and area of collagen deposition displayed an opposite pattern compared to that of hematuria among all groups (P < 0.0001). The cellular expressions of antioxidants (GR, GPx, HO‐1, NQO 1) showed a significant progressive increase form controls to AIC + melatonin + ADMSC (all P < 0.0001). Combined regimen of melatonin and ADMSC was superior to either alone in protecting against CYP‐induced AIC.
Pancreatic surgical biopsy in 24 dogs and 19 cats: postoperative complications and clinical relevance of histological findings
Authors: Pratschke K. M. , Ryan J. , McAlinden A. , McLauchlan G.
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVE

To assess the immediate postoperative complications associated with pancreatic biopsy in dogs and cats and review the clinical relevance of biopsy findings.

METHODS

Retrospective review of clinical records from two referral institutions for cases undergoing pancreatic biopsy between 2000 and 2013.

RESULTS

Twenty‐four dogs and 19 cats that had surgical pancreatic biopsy had sufficient detail in their clinical records and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Postoperative complications were seen in 10 cases of which 5 were suggestive of post‐surgical pancreatitis. Two patients were euthanased within 10 days of surgery because of the underlying disease; neither suffered postoperative complications. Pancreatic pathology was found in 19 cases, 7 cases showed no change other than benign pancreatic nodular hyperplasia, and no abnormalities were seen in 18 cases.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Complications may be encountered following surgical pancreatic biopsy, although the risk should be minimal with good surgical technique. Pancreatic biopsy may provide a useful contribution to case management but it is not clear whether a negative pancreatic biopsy should be used to rule out pancreatic disease. Dogs were more likely to have no significant pathology found on pancreatic biopsy than cats, where chronic pancreatitis was the most common finding.
Suppressing the CDC37 cochaperone in hepatocellular carcinoma cells inhibits cell cycle progression and cell growth
Authors: Wang Zhanhui , Wei Wei , Sun Chris K. , Chua Mei‐Sze , So Samuel
Published: August 2014

Background & Aims

The molecular cochaperone CDC37 regulates the activities of multiple protein kinases, and is an attractive broad‐spectrum target in many types of cancers in which it is over‐expressed. This study investigates the antitumour effects of inhibiting CDC37 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A total of 91 patients were enrolled for CDC37 mRNA detection by using quantitative real‐time PCR. Cell proliferation, gene expression changes and tumourigenicity were determined by targeting CDC37 using RNA interference in human hepatoma cell lines.

Results

We confirmed the significant over‐expression of CDC37 transcript and protein in HBV‐associated HCC patients. Using a CDC37‐specific small oligo‐siRNA, we silenced CDC37 expression in HepG2 and Huh7 hepatoma cell lines, and observed inhibition of in vitro cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, and enhanced apoptosis. Specifically, we found concomitant down‐regulation of Cyclin D1, CDK4, and pRB (S807/811 and S795) upon CDC37 suppression, which could mediate the arrest of cell cycle progression at the G1 phase. Gene expression profiling further identified several genes involved in cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis that are regulated by CDC37 suppression. Huh7 cells with stable knockdown of CDC37 showed decreased in vitro colony formation ability, and significantly slowed xenograft growth in vivo.

Conclusions

On the basis of the observed antitumour effects of inhibiting CDC37 expression, we propose that CDC37 is a promising therapeutic target in HCC. Its ability to regulate multiple pathways makes it potentially valuable in treating the heterogeneous subtypes of this malignancy.
Chlorate reduction in Shewanella algae ACDC is a recently acquired metabolism characterized by gene loss, suboptimal regulation and oxidative stress
Authors: Clark Iain C. , Melnyk Ryan A. , Iavarone Anthony T. , Novichkov Pavel S. , Coates John D.
Published: August 2014

Previous work on respiratory chlorate reduction has biochemically identified the terminal reductase ClrABC and the chlorite detoxifying enzyme Cld. In Shewanella algae ACDC, genes encoding these enzymes reside on composite transposons whose core we refer to as the chlorate reduction composite transposon interior (CRI). To better understand this metabolism in ACDC, we used RNA‐seq and proteomics to predict carbon and electron flow during chlorate reduction and posit that formate is an important electron carrier with lactate as the electron donor, but that NADH predominates on acetate. Chlorate‐specific transcription of electron transport chain components or the CRI was not observed, but clr and cld transcription was attenuated by oxygen. The major chlorate‐specific response related to oxidative stress and was indicative of reactive chlorine species production. A genetic system based on rpsL‐streptomycin counter selection was developed to further dissect the metabolism, but ACDC readily lost the CRI via homologous recombination of the composite transposon's flanking insertion sequences. An engineered strain containing a single chromosomal CRI did not grow on chlorate, but overexpression of cld and its neighbouring cytochrome c restored growth. We postulate that the recently acquired CRI underwent copy‐number expansion to circumvent insufficient expression of key genes in the pathway.
Moonlighting proteins as virulence factors of pathogenic fungi, parasitic protozoa and multicellular parasites
Authors: Karkowska‐Kuleta J. , Kozik A.
Published: August 2014

The delicate balance between eukaryotic pathogens and their human hosts during the initiation and development of infection is a complex process involving many diverse interactions. Different infectious agents, including pathogenic fungi, parasitic protozoa and multicellular parasites, directly interact through their cell surface with epithelial or endothelial cells of the human host as well as various proteinaceous host ligands such as extracellular matrix or plasma proteins. Eukaryotic pathogens possess a number of virulence factors but a relatively recently recognized and particularly interesting group of factors capable of enhancing virulence is the set of so‐called ‘moonlighting proteins’. This term was coined for a relatively large collection of housekeeping enzymes lacking special targeting motifs that would determine their extracellular localization, but that are often present at the cell surface of pathogen. Several such enzymes with key metabolic functions in glycolysis, the pentose phosphate cycle or other fundamental intracellular processes perform entirely new, non‐catalytic roles often associated with adhesion to host ligands. Our current study summarizes some of the current knowledge of interesting moonlighting proteins which play putative or confirmed roles as virulence factors in pathogenic fungi, parasitic protozoa and multicellular parasites.
Populus GT43 family members group into distinct sets required for primary and secondary wall xylan biosynthesis and include useful promoters for wood modification
Authors: Ratke Christine , Pawar Prashant Mohan‐Anupama , Balasubramanian Vimal K. , Naumann Marcel , Duncranz Mathilda Lönnäs , Derba‐Maceluch Marta , Gorzsás András , Endo Satoshi , Ezcurra Ines , Mellerowicz Ewa J.
Published: August 2014

The plant GT43 protein family includes xylosyltransferases that are known to be required for xylan backbone biosynthesis, but have incompletely understood specificities. RT‐qPCR and histochemical (GUS) analyses of expression patterns of GT43 members in hybrid aspen, reported here, revealed that three clades of the family have markedly differing specificity towards secondary wall‐forming cells (wood and extraxylary fibres). Intriguingly, GT43A and B genes (corresponding to the Arabidopsis IRX9 clade) showed higher specificity for secondary‐walled cells than GT43C and D genes (IRX14 clade), although both IRX9 and IRX14 are required for xylosyltransferase activity. The remaining genes, GT43E, F and G (IRX9‐L clade), showed broad expression patterns. Transient transactivation analyses of GT43A and B reporters demonstrated that they are activated by PtxtMYB021 and PNAC085 (master secondary wall switches), mediated in PtxtMYB021 activation by an AC element. The high observed secondary cell wall specificity of GT43B expression prompted tests of the efficiency of its promoter (pGT43B), relative to the CaMV 35S (35S) promoter, for overexpressing a xylan acetyl esterase (CE5) or downregulating REDUCED WALL ACETYLATION (RWA) family genes and thus engineering wood acetylation. CE5 expression was weaker when driven by pGT43B, but it reduced wood acetyl content substantially more efficiently than the 35S promoter. RNAi silencing of the RWA family, which was ineffective using 35S, was achieved when using GT43B promoter. These results show the utility of the GT43B promoter for genetically engineering properties of wood and fibres.
CD8α−DC is the major DC subset which mediates inhibition of allergic responses by Schistosoma infection
Authors: Liu J.‐Y. , Lu P. , Hu L.‐Z. , Shen Y.‐J. , Zhu Y.‐J. , Ren J.‐L. , Ji W.‐H. , Zhang X.‐Z. , Wu Z.‐Q. , Yang X.‐Z. , Yang J. , Li L.‐Y. , Yang X. , Liu P.‐M.
Published: August 2014

Our and others' previous studies have shown that Schistosoma japonicum (SJ) infection can inhibit allergic reactions. We recently reported that DCs played an important role in SJ infection‐mediated inhibition of allergy, which was associated with enhanced IL‐10 and T regulatory cell responses. Here, we further compared the role of CD8α+ DC and CD8α− DC subsets for the inhibitory effect. We sorted CD8α+ DC (SJCD8α+ DC) and CD8α− DC (SJCD8α− DC) from SJ‐infected mice and tested their ability to modulate allergic responses in vivo. The data showed that the adoptive transfer of SJCD8α− DC was much more efficient than SJCD8α+ DC for the suppression of allergic airway eosinophilia, mucus overproduction, antigen‐specific IgE responses, and Th2 cytokines (IL‐4 and IL‐5). More importantly, we found that the transfer of SJCD8α− DC, but not SJCD8α+ DC, significantly increased IL‐10 and TGF‐β production following OVA exposure. As control, the transfer of DC subsets from naïve mice had no significant effect on allergic inflammation. In addition, SJCD8α‐DC expressed significantly higher IL‐10 but lower IL‐12, CD80 and CD86 than SJCD8α+ DC, fitting a tolerogenic phenotype. The results suggest that CD8α− DC is the predominant DC subset which is involved in the parasitic infection‐mediated inhibition of allergic inflammation and possibly through enhancing immunomodulatory cytokine (IL‐10 and TGF‐β) production.
Importance of root infection in guava wilt caused by Nalanthamala psidii
Authors: Hong C. F. , Hsieh H. Y. , Chen K. S. , Huang H. C.
Published: August 2014

Guava (Psidium guajava) wilt, caused by Nalanthamala psidii, has been a destructive disease in Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia and South Africa since it was first reported in guava in 1926. However, the primary infection site of the pathogen remains controversial. This study was conducted to elucidate the importance of root infection by N. psidii in guava orchards in Taiwan. During 2010–2012, a total of 23 guava trees were sampled from three orchards and the isolation frequency of N. psidii from wounded twigs and roots was analysed. The overall isolation frequency of N. psidii was significantly higher (P < 0·01) from roots than trimmed and pruned twigs. Nalanthamala psidii was detected in 53·5% of the root samples from a guava tree showing mild symptoms of wilt and in 0·9% of the root samples from another guava tree without visible symptoms of wilt; however, no N. psidii was detected in the tissues of the trimming and pruning wounds in either tree. Cross sections of diseased guava branches showed that N. psidii colonized the lower part more heavily than the upper part of the branch. When guava trees were inoculated by applying N. psidii‐infested soil to injured roots, wilt symptoms developed within 6–13 months. Furthermore, N. psidii infection of guava seedlings via root contact with wilted guava trunks was recorded for the first time in Taiwan, demonstrating the importance of root infection in guava wilt disease.
Taking the pulse of aging: Mapping pulse pressure and elasticity in cerebral arteries with optical methods
Authors: Fabiani Monica , Low Kathy A. , Tan Chin‐Hong , Zimmerman Benjamin , Fletcher Mark A. , Schneider‐Garces Nils , Maclin Edward L. , Chiarelli Antonio M. , Sutton Bradley P. , Gratton Gabriele
Published: August 2014

Cerebrovascular support is crucial for healthy cognitive and brain aging. Arterial stiffening is a cause of reduced brain blood flow, a predictor of cognitive decline, and a risk factor for cerebrovascular accidents and Alzheimer's disease. Arterial health is influenced by lifestyle factors, such as cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). We investigated new noninvasive optical measures of cerebrovascular health, which provide estimates of arterial pulse parameters (pulse pressure, transit time, and compliance/elasticity) within specific cerebral arteries and cortical regions, and low‐resolution maps of large superficial cerebral arteries. We studied naturally occurring variability in these parameters in adults (aged 55–87), and found that these indices of cerebrovascular health are negatively correlated with age and positively with CRF and gray and white matter volumes. Further, regional pulse transit time predicts specific neuropsychological performance.
Assessment of the relationship between transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and severity of clinical signs (CADESI‐03) in atopic dogs
Authors: Zając Marcin , Szczepanik Marcin P. , Wilkołek Piotr M. , Adamek Łukasz R. , Pomorski Zbigniew J. H. , Sitkowski Wiesław , Gołyński Marcin G.
Published: August 2014

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common allergic skin disease of dogs. Objective documentation of disease severity is important for the assessment of responses to therapeutic interventions. One common means of assessing the severity of clinical signs is the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)‐03. In addition, studies of the biophysical parameters of the skin suggest that assessment of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) may also have value for estimation of disease severity.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of the present study was to verify the correlation between TEWL and CADESI‐03 measured at 10 different body sites.

Animals

Twenty‐six dogs with AD (age range 1–7 years, median age 3 years).

Methods

The assessment was performed at the following 10 body sites: the lumbar, inguinal, ventral abdominal, interdigital regions, axillary fossa, lateral thorax, lateral aspect of the antebrachium, concave surface of the auricle, cheek and bridge of the nose.

Results

Positive correlations were found between TEWL and the total CADESI‐03 for the auricle (r = 0.59), bridge of nose (r = 0.62) and interdigital skin (r = 0.47). Positive correlations were also observed between TEWL and local CADESI‐03 scores for the axillary fossa (r = 0.73), inguinal region (r = 0.55) and interdigital skin (r = 0.77).

Conclusions and clinical importance

The results indicate that it may be possible to use measurement of TEWL to assess the severity of skin lesions, but a positive correlation was found in only five of 10 body regions examined.
Comparison of the results of intradermal test reactivity and serum allergen‐specificIgEmeasurement forMalassezia pachydermatisin atopic dogs
Authors: Oldenhoff Willam E. , Frank Glenn R. , DeBoer Douglas J.
Published: August 2014

Background

Malassezia pachydermatisis part of the normal flora of canine skin.Malasseziahypersensitivity is recognized as a trigger for clinical signs of atopic dermatitis (AD) in some dogs. Determinations ofMalasseziahypersensitivity are often made with intradermal testing (IDT), which may have limited availability in a first‐opinion veterinary practice.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare immediateIDTreactivity toM. pachydermatiswith results of an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) designed to detect anti‐MalasseziaIgE.

Animals

Eighty‐four dogs with a clinical diagnosis ofAD.

Methods

Multi‐allergenIDTwas performed on all dogs. Serum testing for allergen‐specificIgEagainst a panel of common environmental allergens andM. pachydermatiswas performed byELISAusing the FcεRIα receptor fragment as a detection reagent, with results reported as adjusted optical density (OD). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyse the results of the two tests.

Results

The median adjustedODof the anti‐MalasseziaIgEELISAfor dogs reactive and nonreactive toM. pachydermatisonIDTwas 0.137 and 0.024, respectively. Analysis of theROCcurve suggested a cut‐off point for the anti‐MalasseziaELISAthat yielded a sensitivity of 77.0% and a specificity of 89% relative toIDTresults.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Substantial agreement was demonstrated betweenIDTreactivity and anti‐MalasseziaIgEas detected by the FcεRIα receptor reagent. Although correlation with a clinical diagnosis ofMalasseziadermatitis was not attempted in this study, the results indicate that theELISAmay be used to demonstrate the presence of immediate‐typeMalasseziahypersensitivity in dogs withAD.
Biology and management of the fast‐emerging threat of broomrape in rapeseed–mustard
Authors: Rathore Sanjay Singh , Shekhawat Kapila , Premi Om Prakash , Kandpal Basant Kumar , Chauhan Jitendra Singh
Published: August 2014

Broomrapes (Phelipanche and Orobanche spp.) are obligate root parasites of the family Orobanchaceae. The natural variation in Orobanchaceae exists in plants involving Triphysaria versicolor (facultative hemiparasite), Striga hermonthica (obligate hemiparasite) and Phelipanche aegyptiaca, formerly Orobanche aegyptiaca (holoparasite). The family Orobanchaceae has 90 genera. The four major parasitic species of broomrape are Phelipanche ramosa in the Brassicas, especially in rapeseed, Phelipanche cernua in tobacco and sunflower, P. aegyptiaca in solanacious crops and in Brassica juncea and Phelipanche crenata in leguminous crops. They are prevalent, infesting nearly 1.2% of the world's arable land. In India, P. ramosa and P. aegyptiaca cause severe infestations of Brassica and have threatened its cultivation in major growing areas. In addition, a single broomrape plant can release >100 000 seeds that remain viable for decades in the soil. This provides the parasite with a great genetic adaptability to environmental changes, including host resistance, agronomical practices and herbicide treatments. Different control measures, such as manual weeding, herbicide applications, solarization, crop rotation and integrated broomrape management practices, have been proposed in order to reduce the broomrape menace and improve yields in farmers' fields. Breeding for broomrape resistance also could be an economic, feasible and environmental friendly control method. The present article reviews the current status of research on broomrape in India and abroad, as well as suggests strategies for its effective management.
The Relationship Among Evidence‐Based Practice and Client Dyspnea, Pain, Falls, and Pressure Ulcer Outcomes in the Community Setting
Authors: Doran Diane , Lefebre Nancy , O'Brien‐Pallas Linda , Estabrook Carole A. , White Peggy , Carryer Jennifer , Sun Winnie , Qian Gan , Bai Yu Qing (Chris) , Li Mingyang
Published: August 2014

Background

There are gaps in knowledge about the extent to which home care nurses’ practice is based on best evidence and whether evidence‐based practice impacts patient outcomes.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between evidence‐based practice and client pain, dyspnea, falls, and pressure ulcer outcomes in the home care setting. Evidence‐based practice was defined as nursing interventions based on best practice guidelines.

Methods

The Nursing Role Effectiveness model was used to guide the selection of variables for investigation. Data were collected from administrative records on percent of visits made by Registered Nurses (RN), total number of nursing visits, and consistency of visits by principal nurse. Charts audits were used to collect data on nursing interventions and client outcomes. The sample consisted of 338 nurses from 13 home care offices and 939 de‐identified client charts. Hierarchical generalized linear regression approaches were constructed to explore which variables explain variation in client outcomes.

Results

The study found documentation of nursing interventions based on best practice guidelines was positively associated with improvement in dyspnea, pain, falls, and pressure ulcer outcomes. Percent of visits made by an RN and consistency of visits by a principal nurse were not found to be associated with improved client outcomes, but the total number of nursing visits was.

Linking Evidence to Action

Implementation of best practice is associated with improved client outcomes in the home care setting. Future research needs to explore ways to more effectively foster the documentation of evidence‐based practice interventions.
Modular Multibody Formulation for Simulating Off-Road Tracked Vehicles
Authors: Omar Mohamed A
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a formulation and procedure for incorporating the multibody dynamics analysis capability of tracked vehicles in large-scale multibody system.  The proposed self-contained modular approach could be interfaced to any exiting multibody simulation code without need to alter the existing solver architecture.  Each track is modeled as a super-component that can be treated separate from the main system.  The super-component can be efficiently used in parallel processing environment to reduce the simulation time.  In the super-component, each track-link is modeled as separate body with full 6 degrees of freedom (DoF).  To improve the solution stability and efficiency, the joints between track links are modeled as complaint connection.  The spatial algebra operator is used to express the motion quantities and develop the link’s nonlinear kinematic and dynamic equations of motion.  The super-component interacts with the main system through contact forces between the track links and the driving sprocket, the support rollers and the idlers using self-contained force modules.  Also, the super-component models the interaction with the terrain through force module that is flexible to include different track-soil models, different terrain geometries, and different soil properties.  The interaction forces are expressed in the Cartesian system, applied to the link’s equation of motion and the corresponding bodies in the main system.  For sake of completeness, this paper presents dynamic equations of motion of the links as well as the main system formulated using joint coordinates approach.
Direct growth of a 40 nm InAs thin film on a GaAs/Ge heterostructure by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Yu Hung-Wei , Wang Tsun-Ming , Nguyen Hong-Quan , Wong Yuen-Yee , Tu Yung-Yi , Chang Edward Yi
Published: August 2014

In this paper, the authors directly grew an InAs thin film (40 nm) by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on GaAs/Ge substrates by using flow-rate modulation epitaxy with an appropriate V/III ratio. The growth of a high-quality InAs thin film with periodic 90° misfit dislocations was related to a uniform monolayer In atom distribution at the InAs/GaAs interface. The In monolayer effectively minimized the difference between surface energy and strain energy, producing a stable interface during material growth. The authors also found that a tightly controlled V/III ratio can improve the quality of the InAs islands on the GaAs/Ge heterostructures, though it is not the key factor in InAs thin-film growth.
Use Patents Can Be Useful: The Case of Rescued Drugs
Authors: Rai Arti K. , Rice Grant
Published: August 2014

Contrary to conventional wisdom, use patents can have both commercial and therapeutic value.
Optimizing human apyrase to treat arterial thrombosis and limit reperfusion injury without increasing bleeding risk
Authors: Moeckel Douglas , Jeong Soon Soeg , Sun Xiaofeng , Broekman M. Johan , Nguyen Annie , Drosopoulos Joan H. F. , Marcus Aaron J. , Robson Simon C. , Chen Ridong , Abendschein Dana
Published: August 2014

APT102, an optimized human apyrase designed for treatment of myocardial infarction, improves recanalization of occluded arteries and decreases heart muscle damage, without an increased bleeding risk.
Nonhomologous Recombination between Defective Poliovirus and Coxsackievirus Genomes Suggests a New Model of Genetic Plasticity for Picornaviruses
Authors: Holmblat Barbara , Jégouic Sophie , Muslin Claire , Blondel Bruno , Joffret Marie-Line , Delpeyroux Francis
Published: August 2014

Most of the circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) implicated in poliomyelitis outbreaks in Madagascar have been shown to be recombinants between the type 2 poliovirus (PV) strain of the oral polio vaccine (Sabin 2) and another species C human enterovirus (HEV-C), such as type 17 coxsackie A virus (CA17) in particular. We studied intertypic genetic exchanges between PV and non-PV HEV-C by developing a recombination model, making it possible to rescue defective type 2 PV RNA genomes with a short deletion at the 3′ end by the cotransfection of cells with defective or infectious CA17 RNAs. We isolated over 200 different PV/CA17 recombinants, using murine cells expressing the human PV receptor (PVR) and selecting viruses with PV capsids. We found some homologous (H) recombinants and, mostly, nonhomologous (NH) recombinants presenting duplications of parental sequences preferentially located in the regions encoding proteins 2A, 2B, and 3A. Short duplications appeared to be stable, whereas longer duplications were excised during passaging in cultured cells or after multiplication in PVR-transgenic mice, generating H recombinants with diverse sites of recombination. This suggests that NH recombination events may be a transient, intermediate step in the generation and selection of the fittest H recombinants. In addition to the classical copy-choice mechanism of recombination thought to generate mostly H recombinants, there may also be a modular mechanism of recombination, involving NH recombinant precursors, shaping the genomes of recombinant enteroviruses and other picornaviruses.

IMPORTANCE
The multiplication of circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) in poorly immunized human populations can render these viruses pathogenic, causing poliomyelitis outbreaks. Most cVDPVs are intertypic recombinants between a poliovirus (PV) strain and another human enterovirus, such as type 17 coxsackie A viruses (CA17). For further studies of the genetic exchanges between PV and CA17, we have developed a model of recombination, making it possible to rescue defective PV RNA genomes with a short deletion by cotransfecting cells with the defective PV genome and CA17 genomic RNA. Numerous recombinants were found, including homologous PV/CA17 recombinants, but mostly nonhomologous recombinants presenting duplications of parental sequences preferentially located in particular regions. Long duplications were excised by passages in cultured cells or in mice, generating diverse homologous recombinants. Recombination leading to nonhomologous recombinants, which evolve into homologous recombinants, may therefore be seen as a model of genetic plasticity in enteroviruses and, possibly, in other RNA viruses.