bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of inactive p53 protein in oral squamous cell carcinoma: stabilization by protein interaction
Authors: Francis Geo , Dileep Kumar U , Nalinakumari KR , Jayasree K , Kannan S
Published: November 2012

Our previous study showed that p53 protein is accumulated in >60% of cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its overexpression is related to poor prognosis. However, the mechanism behind this is still elusive. The present study attempts to dissect p53 alterations at various levels from gene to function in tumor biopsies to understand whether molecular alterations have any relationship with the accumulation of p53 protein in OSCC. Protein‐stabilizing mutations were observed in only 13.8% of the samples. Neither p53 polymorphisms nor human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (<2%) has any major role in augmented expression of p53 protein. Analysis of the p53 transcript demonstrated that alteration in the level of p53 mRNA (10%) is not the major mechanistic cause for accumulation of p53 protein, and p21 transcript status showed that the overexpressed p53 protein is functionally inactive. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that the known interactors of p53, such as MDM2 and HSP70, have no significant role in stabilizing p53 and the significant presence of some unknown interactors, sequestering p53, and leading to the aberrant accumulation of p53. Our study suggests that overexpression of inactive p53 protein could be manifested as a result of sequestering from degradation by an unknown interacting protein rather than by gene or transcript level of alteration.
Partial suppression of Oxa1 mutants by mitochondria‐targeted signal recognition particle provides insights into the evolution of the cotranslational insertion systems
Authors: Funes Soledad , Westerburg Heike , Jaimes‐Miranda Fabiola , Woellhaf Michael W. , Aguilar‐Lopez Jose L. , Janßen Linda , Bonnefoy Nathalie , Kauff Frank , Herrmann Johannes M.
Published: November 2012

The biogenesis of hydrophobic membrane proteins involves their cotranslational membrane integration in order to prevent their unproductive aggregation. In the cytosol of bacteria and eukaryotes, membrane targeting of ribosomes that synthesize membrane proteins is achieved by signal recognition particles (SRPs) and their cognate membrane‐bound receptors. As is evident from the genomes of fully sequenced eukaryotes, mitochondria generally lack an SRP system. Instead, mitochondrial ribosomes are physically associated with the protein insertion machinery in the inner membrane. Accordingly, deletion of ribosome‐binding sites on the Oxa1 insertase and the Mba1 ribosome receptor in yeast leads to severe defects in cotranslational protein insertion and results in respiration‐deficient mutants. In this study, we expressed mitochondria‐targeted versions of the bacterial SRP protein Ffh and its receptor FtsY in these yeast mutants. Interestingly, Ffh was found to bind to the large subunit of mitochondrial ribosomes, and could relieve, to some degree, the defect of these insertion mutants. Although FtsY could also bind to mitochondrial membranes, it did not improve membrane protein biogenesis in this strain, presumably because of its inability to interact with Ffh. Hence, mitochondrial ribosomes are still able to interact physically and functionally with the bacterial SRP system. Our observations are consistent with a model according to which the protein insertion system in mitochondria evolved in three steps. The loss of genes for hydrophilic polypeptides (step 1) allowed the development of ribosome‐binding sites on membrane proteins (step 2), which finally made the existence of an SRP‐mediated system dispensable (step 3).
Thermal waters of ‘tectonic origin’: the alkaline, Na‐HCO3 waters of the Rio Valdez geothermal area (Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina)
Authors: CAPACCIONI BRUNO , MENICHETTI MARCO , RENZULLI ALBERTO , TASSONE ALEJANDRO , HUERTAS ANTONIO D.
Published: November 2012

The geothermal area of Rio Valdez is located in the central portion of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (South Argentina), ten kilometers south of the southeastern sector of the Fagnano Lake. It consists of a series of thermal springs with low discharge rates (≤1 L/s) and temperatures in the range of 20–33°C distributed in an area of <1 km2. The thermal springs are characterized by alkaline, Na‐HCO3 waters with low salinity (0.53÷0.58 g/L), but relatively high fluoride contents (up to 19.4 mg/L). Their composition is the result of a slow circulation at depth, possibly through deep tectonic discontinuities connected with the Magallanes‐Fagnano Fault (MFF) system. According to geothermometric calculations, thermal waters reach temperatures in the range of 100–150°C and an almost complete chemical equilibrium with the alkali‐feldspars in the metavolcanic country rocks. The relatively high fluorine contents can be explained by the slow ascent and cooling of deep groundwaters followed by a progressive re‐equilibration with F‐bearing, hydrated Mg‐silicates, such as chlorite, which has been recognized as an abundant mineral in the metavolcanics of the Lemaire Formation and metapelites and metagraywackes of the Yahgán Formation. Finally, the isotopic composition of the investigated samples is consistent with the infiltration from local snow melting at altitudes in the range of 610–770 m asl. The comparison of our data with those collected in 1991 seems to suggest a possible progressive decline of the bulk thermal output in the near future. This possibility should be seriously considered before planning a potentially onerous exploitation of the resource. Presently, the only ways to exploit this geothermal resource by the population scattered in the area are the direct use of thermal waters and/or spa structures.
Pyridine‐2,6‐diamine‐functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a novel sorbent for determination of lead and cadmium ions in cosmetic samples
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Homeira , Moazzen Elahe , Amini Mostafa M. , Sadeghi Omid
Published: November 2012

Synopsis

A novel sorbent based on pyridine‐2,6‐diamine‐functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles was developed and characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The application of the sorbent was investigated for pre‐concentration and determination of lead and cadmium ions in aqueous samples. Effects of various factors such as the sample pH, eluent parameters (type, concentration and volume) and time (adsorption and desorption) were appraised. The effects of several interfering ions on method recovery were also investigated. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 1.3 and 0.089 μg L−1 for lead and cadmium ions, respectively. Recovery and precision (RSD%) of the method were above 97.9% and below 0.6%, respectively. Validation of the outlined method was performed by analysing several certified reference materials. This method was successfully used for determination of lead and cadmium ions in several cosmetic samples, which are usually contaminated by lead and cadmium ions.
Association of CXCL1 promoter polymorphism with ischaemic stroke in Korean population
Authors: Park H. J. , Yun D. H. , Kim S. K. , Chung J.‐H. , Lee J. S. , Park H.‐K. , Chon J. , Kim D. H. , Yoo S. D. , Kim H.‐S.
Published: November 2012

This is a pilot study analysing association of chemokine gene polymorphisms (CXCL1, rs3117604; CXCL2, rs3806792; CCL2, rs2857656 and rs3760396; CCL5, rs2107538) in Korean patients with ischemic stroke (IS) (n = 120) and age‐matched controls (n = 267). The CXCL1 gene and particularly T allele of rs3117604 was associated with IS.
Reproductive biology of the guitarfish Rhinobatos percellens (Chondrichthyes, Rhinobatidae) from the São Paulo Coast, Brazil, western South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Rocha F. , Gadig O. B. F.
Published: November 2012

The reproductive biology of the guitarfish Rhinobatos percellens was studied from 751 specimens caught by bottom pair trawlers off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil, between c. 24° 00′ S; 45° 15′ W and c. 25° 10′ S; 47° 52′ W, from September 2007 to August 2009. The total length (LT) and total mass (MT) relationship for males and females combined was MT = 1·29E‐06 LT3·15 (r = 0·99, n = 751). The mean LT of sexually mature specimens was 548 mm for males and 583 mm for females. Clasper growth was allometric and showed three distinct phases. Most claspers were calcified in specimens of c. 550 mm LT. The mean diameter of the largest oocyte was 29·8 mm, the mean ovarian fecundity was seven oocytes and ovulation occurred between August and November. Uterine fecundity ranged from two to 13 embryos (mean of five embryos). Larger females had higher litter sizes and larger embryos; the size‐at‐birth was c. 200 mm LT. The hepato‐somatic index oscillated seasonally for males and females; the gonado‐somatic index had little variation in males, but varied seasonally in females. The presence of many non‐pregnant adult females and of encapsulated eggs during two consecutive seasons suggests a resting period between gestations and the possibility of diapause.
Imaging interactions between macrophages and tumour cells that are involved in metastasis in vivo and in vitro
Authors: DOVAS A. , PATSIALOU A. , HARNEY A.S. , CONDEELIS J. , COX D.
Published: November 2012

Tumour‐associated macrophages participate in several protumour functions including tumour growth and angiogenesis, and facilitate almost every step of the metastatic cascade. Interfering with macrophage functions may therefore provide an important strategy in the clinical management of cancer and metastatic disease. Our understanding of macrophage functions has been greatly expanded by direct observations of macrophage–carcinoma cell interactions using light microscopy. Imaging approaches include intravital microscopy of tumours in mouse models of cancer and visualization of macrophage–carcinoma cell interactions in in vitro assays; whether atop 2D substrates, embedded in 3D matrices or in more complex assemblies of multiple cell types that mimic specific topologies of the tumour microenvironment. Such imaging and reconstitution approaches have provided us with a wealth of information on the motile behaviour and physical associations between macrophages and carcinoma cells and the role of the tumour microenvironment in influencing the movement of these cells. Finally, high‐resolution imaging techniques have permitted researchers to correlate motility patterns with specific gene signatures and biochemical pathways in cells, pointing to potential targets for intervention. Here, we review experimental approaches employed in the study of macrophage interactions with carcinoma cells with an emphasis on imaging invasive and metastatic cell motility in breast carcinomas.
Towards closing the remaining gaps in photorespiration – the essential but unexplored role of transport proteins
Authors: Eisenhut M. , Pick T. R. , Bordych C. , Weber A. P. M.
Published: November 2012

Photorespiration is an essential prerequisite for all autotrophic organisms performing oxygenic photosynthesis. In contrast to the well‐characterised enzymes accomplishing photorespiratory metabolism, current knowledge on the involved transport processes and the respective proteins is still quite limited. In this review, we focus on the status quo of translocators involved in photorespiratory metabolism. Although the transport of some of the photorespiratory intermediates could be characterised biochemically, using isolated organelles, the genes encoding these transporters have to date not been identified in most cases. Here, we describe the postulated transport processes, present information on established or hypothetical photorespiratory transporters, depict strategies on how to identify the transport proteins on the molecular level and, finally, discuss strategies for how to find the remaining candidates.
Knowledge and attitudes towards dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls in an urban school in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijesiri Hapuarachchige Sewvandi Maliga Sampath Kumari , Suresh Thusharie Sugandhika
Published: November 2012

Knowledge of and attitudes towards dysmenorrhea among adolescent school girls were assessed in this study. A descriptive study was conducted among 200 Year 12 girls at a school in the Nugegoda Educational Division in the district of Colombo. Data collection was done by using non‐probability convenience sampling. The results indicated that 84% of the study population had dysmenorrhea. Paracetamol was the drug of choice for pain relief. There was a statistically‐significant (P < 0.05) association between pain and poor mental health status (66%) of the adolescent girls, but there was no significant association between pain and poor physical health (P = 0.887) and poor social health status (P = 0.395). Bathing was found to affect pain, as reported by 95% of the students. Dysmenorrhea was common among adolescent girls in our study population, and was found to affect their mental status. Health‐education sessions are important to raise awareness among students of dysmenorrhea.
Intravesical therapies for bladder cancer – indications and limitations
Authors: Logan Callum , Brown Matthew , Hayne Dickon
Published: November 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Intravesical therapy is a well‐established treatment option for non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Whilst therapeutic options are well defined in national and international guidelines there is not always consensus on the best treatment regime. The choice of intravesical agent, schedule and duration of treatment remains contentious.

We provide a contemporary review of the intravesical agents that are currently used in the management of NMIBC and examine the indications and limitations of their use. Our study reiterates the current evidence base which supports:

A single dose of intravesical chemotherapy ≤24 h (ideally ≤6 h) after new bladder tumour resection.

For patients at intermediate‐ or high‐risk of progression, intravesical BCG with a maintenance regime is superior to induction‐only BCG therapy and intravesical chemotherapy.

Whilst evidence for thermo‐chemotherapy, electromotive drug administration and gemcitabine continues to grow, timely cystectomy is preferable in cases of BCG failure.

Intravesical therapy is a well‐established treatment option for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Choosing the appropriate intravesical agent, schedule and duration of treatment has long been an area of debate.

We review the intravesical agents that are currently used in the management of NMIBC and examine the indications and limitations of their use.

Given the relative high rates of toxicity, failure and non‐completion of traditional treatments we also examine some of the newer treatment options available.
HOW SHOULD MANAGERS SPEND THEIR TIME?: FINDING MORE TIME FOR REAL MANAGEMENT
Authors: Birkinshaw Julian , Caulkin Simon
Published: November 2012

What does a manager do most days? If your answer involves going to meetings, revising budgets, and checking and writing emails, you will greatly benefit from reading about one manager who changed this work pattern. She revamped her calendar so she could spend more time working directly with employees. Julian Birkinshaw and Simon Caulkin say there are lessons here for everyone.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: SELECTION AT THE GATE: GREAT TO GOOD
Authors: Stan Mihaela , Vermeulen Freek
Published: November 2012

Mihaela Stan and Freek Vermeulen, ‘Selection at the Gate: Difficult Cases, Spillovers, and Organisational Learning’, Organisation Science, July 2012 (published online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/orsc.1120.0763).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: FIRST IMPRESSIONS: KNOW (AND SHARE) THYSELF
Authors: Cable Daniel M. , Kay Virginia S.
Published: November 2012

Daniel M. Cable and Virginia S. Kay, ‘Striving for Self‐Verification during Organisational Entry’, Academy of Management Journal 55, no. 2, 2012.
VOICES: SUSTAINING TRUST: CAN WE REALLY TRUST TODAY'S BUSINESSES?
Authors: Ioannou Ioannis
Published: November 2012

Ioannis Ioannou argues that a commitment to sustainability must be more than skin deep if it is to engender trust in a corporation.
Development and Implementation of an Industry Foundation Classes‐Based Graphic Information Model for Virtual Construction
Authors: Zhang Jianping , Yu Fangqiang , Li Ding , Hu Zhenzhong
Published: November 2012

Virtual Construction (VC) applications encounter difficulty in sharing and exchanging information with one another due to the long periods of interoperability limitation. To address these issues, an Industrial Foundation Classes‐based graphic information model (IFC‐GIM) is developed according to the exchange requirement of VC, and using the representations of three models in the IFC schema and its extension by defining the dynamic property set and properties for animation. The three models include the physical object model, the construction information model, and the realistic model. An OpenGL‐based VC platform is developed and applied to a 440‐m‐high building to implement the IFC‐GIM. The results demonstrate that the proposed IFC‐GIM lays the foundation for data sharing and exchange among VC systems and other IFC‐compliant applications, which, in turn, significantly reduces the modeling effort for VC and increases the value of VC results. Furthermore, animation is applied to simulate construction activities by the VC platform in addition to color and transparency, enhancing realistic feelings in 4D applications.
Evaluation of the Effect of Distal Femoral Elevation on Radiographic Measurement of the Anatomic Lateral Distal Femoral Angle
Authors: Jackson Gregory M. , Wendelburg Kirk L.
Published: November 2012

Objective

To determine the effect of elevation of the distal femur on radiographic determination of the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) in anin vitrocanine model.

Study Design

In vitrostudy.

Sample Population

Cadaveric canine femora (n = 7 pairs).

Methods

Dissected femora were positioned in a custom‐mounting frame. The distal end of the frame was elevated in 5° increments from 0° to 45°, with craniocaudal (CrCd) radiographs obtained at each position. The aLDFAwas measured from the radiograph of each femur at each elevation. Statistical comparison of measured values was performed and radiographs were evaluated for radiographic indicators of positioning.

Results

There was significant increase in measured aLDFAat all elevations >5° when compared to 0° elevation. The mean value for aLDFAincreased from 92.3° at 0° elevation to 95.0° at 45° elevation. The femoral trochlear ridges and walls of the intercondylar fossa were identified as the most useful radiographic landmarks. The fabellae, though extrafemoral and inconsistently retained in the current study, may also be beneficial. The lesser trochanter and nutrient foramen were less useful landmarks because of anatomic variability.

Conclusion

Elevation of the distal femur had a significant effect on measured aLDFAat all elevations greater than 5°.
Acculturating Contexts and Anglo Opposition to Immigration in the United States
Authors: Newman Benjamin J.
Published: November 2012

This article explores the impact of novel change in the ethnic composition of Americans’ local context on their attitudes toward immigrants and immigration policy preferences. Adapting the “defended‐neighborhoods hypothesis” regarding residential integration and black‐white interracial relations to the context of immigration and intercultural relations, this article advances the acculturating‐contexts hypothesis. This hypothesis argues that a large influx of an immigrant group will activate threat among white citizens when it occurs in local areas where the immigrant group had largely been absent. This theoretical argument is explored within the context of Hispanic immigration and tested using national survey and census data. This article demonstrates that over‐time growth in local Hispanic populations triggers threat and opposition to immigration among whites residing in contexts with few initial Hispanics but reduces threat and opposition to immigration among whites residing in contexts with large preexisting Hispanic populations.
Telecommunications Consumers: A Behavioral Economic Analysis
Authors: LUNN PETER D.
Published: November 2012

This article offers a commentary on consumer behavior in modern telecommunications markets, based on advances in behavioral economics. An original analysis of the decision‐making environment faced by telecommunications consumers identifies four specific properties of the market, of which rapid technological change is just one. The core argument is that this combination of properties, which is unique to telecommunications, is likely to foment decision‐making biases established by behavioral economics. This central insight is used to address two issues of concern from a pro‐consumer perspective: low levels of switching between providers and failure to select optimum tariffs. Competing explanations for low switching and accumulating evidence of consumer detriment in tariff choice are outlined. The commentary concludes by considering ways that consumers might be helped to meet the challenges identified.
Immunofluorescent characterization of meiotic recombination in human males with variable spermatogenesis
Authors: de Vries M. , Ramos L. , de Boer P.
Published: November 2012

Homologous recombination is the key to meiotic functioning. The basis of this process is provided by numerous SPO11‐induced DNA double‐strand breaks. Repair of these breaks occurs via the crossover (CO) and non‐crossover (NCO) pathways. By means of immunofluorescence staining of Replication protein A (RPA) and MutL homolog 1 (MLH1) in combination with the DNA damage marker γH2AX, we studied transitional (CO and NCO) and late (CO) recombination nodules, respectively. Testicular samples were from non‐obstructive azoospermic probands (testicular spermatozoa were found) and probands that had a history of normal fertility prior to a vasectomy. All probands were ICSI candidates. γH2AX foci mostly colocalized with delayed transitional nodules (RPA) for which variation was found among probands. Highest incidences of colocalization were found in patients. The level of MLH1 signal intensity was lower in probands who showed more frequent γH2AX RPA colocalization in late pachytene, suggesting communication between the CO and NCO pathways. Our results suggest the presence of a genetic risk pathway for children conceived from non‐obstructive azoospermic probands and urge for follow‐up studies investigating the level of recombination involved de novo mutations in these children.
Pollinator‐mediated selection in a specialized hummingbird–Heliconiasystem in the Eastern Caribbean
Authors: Temeles E. J. , Rah Y. J. , Andicoechea J. , Byanova K. L. , Giller G. S. J. , Stolk S. B. , Kress W. J.
Published: November 2012

Phenotypic matches between plants and their pollinators often are interpreted as examples of reciprocal selection and adaptation. For the two co‐occurring plant species,Heliconia bihaiandH. caribaeain the Eastern Caribbean, we evaluated for five populations over 2 years the strength and direction of natural selection on corolla length and number of bracts per inflorescence. These plant traits correspond closely to the bill lengths and body masses of their primary pollinators, female or male purple‐throated carib hummingbirds (Eulampis jugularis). InH. bihai, directional selection for longer corollas was always significant with the exception of one population in 1 year, whereas selection on bract numbers was rare and found only in one population in 1 year. In contrast, significant directional selection for more bracts per inflorescence occurred in all three populations of the yellow morph and in two populations of the red morph ofH. caribaea, whereas significant directional selection on corolla length occurred in only one population of the red morph and one population of the yellow morph. Selection for longer corollas inH. bihaimay result from better mechanical fit, and hence pollination, by the long bills of femaleE. jugularis, their sole pollinator. In contrast, competition between males ofE. jugularisfor territories may drive selection for more bracts inH. caribaea. Competitive exclusion of femaleE. jugularisby territorial males also implicates pollinator competition as a possible ecological mechanism for trait diversification in these plants.
On the genetic parameter determining the efficiency of purging: an estimate for Drosophila egg‐to‐pupae viability
Authors: Bersabé D. , García‐Dorado A.
Published: November 2012

The consequences of inbreeding on fitness can be crucial in evolutionary and conservation grounds and depend upon the efficiency of purging against deleterious recessive alleles. Recently, analytical expressions have been derived to predict the evolution of mean fitness, taking into account both inbreeding and purging, which depend on an ‘effective purging coefficient (de)’. Here, we explore the validity of that predictive approach and assay the strength of purging by estimating de for egg‐to‐pupae viability (EPV) after a drastic reduction in population size in a recently captured base population of Drosophila melanogaster. For this purpose, we first obtained estimates of the inbreeding depression rate (δ) for EPV in the base population, and we found that about 40% was due to segregating recessive lethals. Then, two sets of lines were founded from this base population and were maintained with different effective size throughout the rest of the experiment (N = 6; N = 12), their mean EPV being assayed at different generations. Due to purging, the reductions in mean EPV experienced by these lines were considerably smaller than the corresponding neutral predictions. For the 60% of δ attributable to nonlethal deleterious alleles, our results suggest an effective purging coefficient de > 0.02. Similarly, we obtain that de > 0.09 is required to roughly account for purging against the pooled inbreeding depression from lethal and nonlethal deleterious alleles. This implies that purging should be efficient for population sizes of the order of a few tens and larger, but might be inefficient against nonlethal deleterious alleles in smaller populations.
Clinical dietetic practice in the treatment of severe acute malnutrition in a high HIV setting
Authors: Biggs C.
Published: November 2012

Background

In Sub‐Saharan Africa, children commonly present with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) complicated by HIV/AIDS. In 2005, the South African Department of Health implemented the World Health Organization (WHO) Ten Step programme for the inpatient treatment of SAM. Dietary management with F75 and F100 (where the terms F75 and F100 refer to a mixture of milk, sugar, oil and a vitamin and mineral mix) may not be appropriate for relatively well resourced settings such as South Africa.

Methods

A structured questionnaire aiming to determine current clinical practice was e‐mailed to all dietitians working in hospitals (n = 53) in KwaZulu‐Natal who routinely treated SAM.

Results

When initially refeeding with no diarrhoea (ND), F75 was used exclusively by 16% of dietitians to treat infants, and by 42% of dietitians to treat children. If diarrhoea, 16% of dietitians used F75 to treat infants/children. Acidified infant formula (IF) was given if ND and lactose‐free IF was given if diarrhoea. Children were often started on a lactose‐free F100 equivalent omitting cautious refeeding. Some gave reduced amounts for cautious refeeding; however, the feeds osmolality was too high. The use of partially hydrolysed feeds increased if the child/infant presented with diarrhoea and/or hypoalbuminea. In the post‐initial feeding phase, approximately 14% of dietitians used F100 to treat infants/children. Most gave F100 equivalents as high‐energy infant/paediatric formulas.

Conclusions

The dietetic practices for infants with SAM followed current expert opinion closely rather than the WHO protocol. The omission of cautious refeeding follows neither current expert opinion, nor the WHO protocol, and may predispose to the refeeding syndrome. Limited evidence indicates that partially hydrolysed formulas are less effective than low lactose low osmolality feeds in the treatment of SAM.
Nutritional inadequacies of the gluten‐free diet in both recently‐diagnosed and long‐term patients with coeliac disease
Authors: Shepherd S. J. , Gibson P. R.
Published: November 2012

Background

Life‐long gluten‐free diet (GFD) is the only recognised treatment for coeliac disease (CD). The present study aimed to determine the nutritional adequacy of the ‘no detectable gluten’ diet.

Methods

Seven‐day prospective food intake was assessed in 55 patients who were adherent to a GFD for more than 2 years and in 50 newly‐diagnosed age‐ and sex‐matched patients (18–71 years, 24% male) studied prospectively over 12 months on GFD. Historical precoeliac intake was also assessed in the latter group. Intake was compared with Australian Nutritional Recommendations and the Australian population data.

Results

Nutritional intake was similar between groups. Of macronutrients, only starch intake fell over 12 months (26% to 23%, P = 0.04). Fibre intake was inadequate for all except in diet‐experienced men. More than one in 10 of both newly‐diagnosed and experienced women had inadequate thiamin, folate, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium and iron intakes. More than one in 10 newly‐diagnosed men had inadequate thiamin, folate, magnesium, calcium and zinc intakes. Inadequate intake did not relate to nutrient density of the GFD. Inadequacies of folate, calcium, iron and zinc occurred more frequently than in the Australian population. The frequency of inadequacies was similar pre‐ and post‐diagnosis, except for thiamin and vitamin A, where inadequacies were more common after GFD implementation.

Conclusions

Dietary intake patterns at 12 months on a GFD are similar to longer‐term intake. Dietary inadequacies are common and may relate to habitual poor food choices in addition to inherent deficiencies in the GFD. Dietary education should also address the achievement of adequate micronutrient intake. Fortification of GF foods also need to be considered.
AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)–induced preconditioning in primary cortical neurons involves activation of MCL‐1
Authors: Anilkumar Ujval , Weisová Petronela , Düssmann Heiko , Concannon Caoimhín G. , König Hans‐Georg , Prehn Jochen H. M.
Published: November 2012

Neuronal preconditioning is a phenomenon where a previous exposure to a sub‐lethal stress stimulus increases the resistance of neurons towards a second, normally lethal stress stimulus. Activation of the energy stress sensor, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been shown to contribute to the protective effects of ischaemic and mitochondrial uncoupling‐induced preconditioning in neurons, however, the molecular basis of AMPK‐mediated preconditioning has been less well characterized. We investigated the effect of AMPK preconditioning using 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide riboside (AICAR) in a model of NMDA‐mediated excitotoxic injury in primary mouse cortical neurons. Activation of AMPK with low concentrations of AICAR (0.1 mM for 2 h) induced a transient increase in AMPK phosphorylation, protecting neurons against NMDA‐induced excitotoxicity. Analysing potential targets of AMPK activation, demonstrated a marked increase in mRNA expression and protein levels of the anti‐apoptotic BCL‐2 family protein myeloid cell leukaemia sequence 1 (MCL‐1) in AICAR‐preconditioned neurons. Interestingly, over‐expression of MCL‐1 protected neurons against NMDA‐induced excitotoxicity while MCL‐1 gene silencing abolished the effect of AICAR preconditioning. Monitored intracellular Ca2+ levels during NMDA excitation revealed that MCL‐1 over‐expressing neurons exhibited improved bioenergetics and markedly reduced Ca2+ elevations, suggesting a potential mechanism through which MCL‐1 confers neuroprotection. This study identifies MCL‐1 as a key effector of AMPK‐induced preconditioning in neurons.
Phenotyping of Partial Physiological Resistance to Rice Sheath Blight
Authors: Lore Jagjeet Singh , Hunjan Mandeep Singh , Singh Pritpal , Willocquet Laetitia , Sri Srinivasachary , Savary Serge
Published: November 2012

Sheath blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is one of the most important rice diseases worldwide especially under irrigated agro‐ecosystems. To date, no rice accession with complete resistance to sheath blight has been reported. However, a number of genotypes with varying levels of resistance have been reported. Twelve genotypes (including mega varieties) viz. Tetep, Jasmine 85, Te‐Qing, Duduruchi, Betichikon, Khatochalani, D‐6766, D‐256, Swarna, Sarju‐52, MTU‐1010 and Samba Mashuri were evaluated for quantitative measurement of partial physiological resistance to sheath blight under controlled conditions using detached tiller method. Three independent experiments, each involving three replications, were conducted. Seven days after inoculation, the following disease variables were measured: number of lesions, lesion length, vertical sheath colonization (VSC) on the tiller, disease severity, relative vertical sheath colonization (RVSC) and survival of the leaf blade. Variation between rice genotypes was observed for all the disease variables. Disease severity and VSC were the two most correlated variables, whereas the number of lesions and mean lesion length were the least correlated variables. The ranking of varieties often differed depending on the disease variable considered. Amongst the genotypes tested, D‐256, Tetep and Jasmin‐85 had the lowest number of lesions and disease severity. Similarly, Tetep and D‐256 showed the lowest levels of RVSC, whilst Jasmine‐85 was found to be intermediate. D‐6766, Samba Mashuri and Betichikon showed the highest levels of disease variables. The fraction of dead leaves ranged from 0.00 to 0.38. No dead leaves were observed in Te‐Qing, Swarna and MTU‐1010. The highest fraction of dead leaves was observed for Betichikon (0.38) followed by Duduruchi and D‐6766 (0.33). Our results suggest that this method in combination with other phenotyping methods could be used to quantify partial resistance to rice sheath blight.
Diagnosing multiple drug hypersensitivity in children
Authors: Atanasković‐Marković Marina , Gaeta Francesco , Gavrović‐Jankulović Marija , Čirković Veličković Tanja , Valluzzi Rocco Luigi , Romano Antonino
Published: November 2012

Background

Multiple drug hypersensitivity (MDH) has been defined as a hypersensitivity to two or more chemically different drugs. Two types ofMDHhave been reported: the first one, which develops to different drugs administered simultaneously and the second type, in which sensitizations develop sequentially. In children, studies which diagnoseMDHon the basis of positive allergologic tests to 2 or more chemically different drugs are lacking.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study evaluating children with histories ofMDHby skin tests, patch tests, serum‐specific IgE assays, and drug provocation tests.

Results

AMDHwas diagnosed in 7 (2.5%) of the 279 children evaluated who completed the study. The responsible drugs were β‐lactams (penicillins and cephalosporins) in 5 episodes, ibuprofen and anticonvulsants in 3, and erythromycin, fentanyl, methylprednisolone, and cotrimoxazole in 1. Sensitivity to 2 chemically different drugs was diagnosed in 6 children and to 3 drugs in 1 child. Two of the 7 children presented the first type ofMDH, whereas 5 displayed the second one.

Conclusions

MDHcan occur in children, even to drugs other than antibiotics. It is crucial to evaluate children with histories ofMDHusing bothin vivoandin vitroallergologic tests, including challenges. In fact, such approach allows the physician to confirm the diagnosis ofMDHin a small percentage of children with histories ofMDH, as well as to rule it out in the great majority of them.
Ultraviolet Reflection Irradiances and Exposures in The Constructed Environment For Horizontal, Vertical and Inclined Surfaces
Authors: Turner Joanna , Parisi Alfio V.
Published: November 2012

Ultraviolet (UV) reflection in the urban constructed environment is not well understood for topical issues such as measuring and modeling the received UV exposure due to that UV reflection for outdoor workers. Both predominantly specular and diffuse reflecting surface types have been identified and investigated for the erythemal UV reflection ratio variation due to solar zenith angle and orientation. This paper presents relationships between erythemal UV reflection ratios measured for non‐horizontal and horizontal surfaces, with predominantly specular surface types indicating stronger relationships with solar zenith angles than diffuse reflecting surfaces types. Erythemal UV exposures caused by the same reflecting surface types at three inclinations are also investigated. Non‐horizontal surfaces can increase erythemal UV exposures compared to erythemal UV exposures received from the same horizontal surface by factors of 1.07–1.46 for specific body sites and by 1.01–1.70 for averages of group body sites for zinc aluminium coated steel sheeting.
Photosynthetic response of sweet sorghum to drought and re‐watering at different growth stages
Authors: Zegada‐Lizarazu Walter , Monti Andrea
Published: November 2012

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a C4 drought resistant species with a huge potential for bioenergy. Accentuated reductions in water availability for crop production and altered rainfall distribution patterns, however, will have direct impact on its physiological attributes, metabolic functions and plant growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of drought and re‐watering on the photosynthetic efficiency of sweet sorghum. Durable or short transient drought stress periods were imposed at early and late growth stages and compared with well‐watered plants. In spite of very similar drought levels at early and late growth stages (Ψsoil = −1.6 and −1.7 MPa), the decrements in maximum quantum yield (ϕPo) and performance index (PI) were about twice at late than at early growth stages. All the PI components, that is, density of active reaction centers (RCs), excitation energy trapping and conversion of excitation energy into electron flow followed a similar decreasing pattern. Upon re‐watering and regardless the duration and growth stage of the drought period, all the photosynthetic functions, and particularly those of photosystem II (PSII), fully recovered. Such effective self‐regulating functional activity by PSII photochemistry likely contributes to both high drought resistance and photosynthetic recovery capacity of sweet sorghum. At vegetative growth stages, the down regulation of the photochemistry seems to be the main photoprotective/regulative mechanisms, while at late growth stages, the accumulation of compatible solutes likely has a more preponderant role. The observed sugar concentration increments likely contributed to prevent permanent photo‐oxidative destruction of the PSII RCs of mature droughted sweet sorghum plants.
Prevalence and aetiology of juvenile skeletal fluorosis in the south‐west of the Hai district, Tanzania – a community‐based prevalence and case–control study
Authors: Jarvis Helen G. , Heslop Peta , Kisima John , Gray William K. , Ndossi Godwin , Maguire Anne , Walker Richard W.
Published: November 2012

Introduction

Fluorosis is endemic throughout the East African Rift valley, including parts of Tanzania. The aim of the study was to identify all cases of deforming juvenile skeletal fluorosis (JSF) in a northern Tanzanian village and to document the extent of dental fluorosis (DF).

Methods

Door‐to‐door prevalence survey of all residents of the village. Residents were assessed for the presence of DF and JSF. Those with JSF and randomly selected controls from the same age range were further assessed for possible JSF risk factors.

Results

The village had a population of 1435. DF was endemic within the population, being present in 911 (75.5%; 95% CI, 73.0–77.9) of dentate individuals who were examined (n = 1207). JSF was present in 56 of 1263 people examined, giving a prevalence of 4.4% (95% CI, 3.3–5.6) and was more common in males. Low body mass index, drinking predominantly well water 3 years previously, not being weaned on bananas, the use of fluoride salts in cooking during childhood and drinking more cups of tea per day were independent predictors of JSF.

Conclusions

Juvenile skeletal fluorosis is a common and preventable public health problem. Providing clean, low‐fluoride, piped water to affected communities is of obvious health benefit.
Natively Inhibited
Trypanosoma brucei
Cathepsin B Structure Determined by Using an X-ray Laser
Authors: Redecke Lars , Nass Karol , DePonte Daniel P. , White Thomas A. , Rehders Dirk , Barty Anton , Stellato Francesco , Liang Mengning , Barends Thomas R.M. , Boutet Sébastien , Williams Garth J. , Messerschmidt Marc , Seibert M. Marvin , Aquila Andrew , Arnlund David , Bajt Sasa , Barth Torsten , Bogan Michael J. , Caleman Carl , Chao Tzu-Chiao , Doak R. Bruce , Fleckenstein Holger , Frank Matthias , Fromme Raimund , Galli Lorenzo , Grotjohann Ingo , Hunter Mark S. , Johansson Linda C. , Kassemeyer Stephan , Katona Gergely , Kirian Richard A. , Koopmann Rudolf , Kupitz Chris , Lomb Lukas , Martin Andrew V. , Mogk Stefan , Neutze Richard , Shoeman Robert L. , Steinbrener Jan , Timneanu Nicusor , Wang Dingjie , Weierstall Uwe , Zatsepin Nadia A. , Spence John C. H. , Fromme Petra , Schlichting Ilme , Duszenko Michael , Betzel Christian , Chapman Henry N.
Published: November 2012

Diffraction Before Destruction

A bottleneck in x-ray crystallography is the growth of well-ordered crystals large enough to obtain high-resolution diffraction data within an exposure that limits radiation damage. Serial femtosecond crystallography promises to overcome these constraints by using short intense pulses that out-run radiation damage. A stream of crystals is flowed across the free-electron beam and for each pulse, diffraction data is recorded from a single crystal before it is destroyed.

Redecke
et al.

(p.
227
, published online 29 November; see the Perspective by

Helliwell

) used this technique to determine the structure of an enzyme from
Trypanosoma brucei
, the parasite that causes sleeping sickness, from micron-sized crystals grown within insect cells. The structure shows how this enzyme, which is involved in degradation of host proteins, is natively inhibited prior to activation, which could help in the development of parasite-specific inhibitors.
The Closing Door of Climate Targets
Authors: Stocker Thomas F.
Published: November 2012

The linear relationship between cumulative carbon emissions and global climate warming implies that as mitigation is delayed, climate targets become unachievable.
Capsular Gene Typing of Streptococcus agalactiae Compared to Serotyping by Latex Agglutination
Authors: Yao Kaihu , Poulsen Knud , Maione Domenico , Rinaudo C. Daniela , Baldassarri Lucilla , Telford John L. , Sørensen Uffe B. Skov ,   Members of the DEVANI Study Group, Kilian Mogens
Published: November 2012

We evaluated three different PCR-based capsular gene typing methods applied to 312 human and bovine
Streptococcus agalactiae
(group B
Streptococcus
[GBS]) isolates and compared the results to serotyping results obtained by latex agglutination. Among 281 human isolates 27% could not be typed by latex agglutination. All 312 isolates except 5 could be typed by the three PCR methods combined. Two of these methods were multiplex assays. Among the isolates that were typeable by both latex agglutination and capsular gene typing, 94% showed agreement between the two methods. However, each of the PCR methods showed limitations. One of the methods did not include all 10 recognized serotypes, one misidentified eight isolates of serotypes Ib and IV as serotype Ia, and one did not distinguish between serotypes VII and IX. For five isolates that showed aberrant patterns in the capsular gene typing, long-range PCR targeting the
cps
operon disclosed large insertions or deletions affecting the
cps
gene cluster. A sensitive flow cytometric assay based on serotype-specific antibodies applied to 76 selected isolates that were nontypeable by latex agglutination revealed that approximately one-half of these did express capsular polysaccharide. A procedure for convenient and reliable capsular gene typing to be included in epidemiological and surveillance studies of
S. agalactiae
is proposed.
Reproducibility of Linear Array for Human Papillomavirus Genotyping
Authors: Koshiol Jill , Dunn S. Terence , Walker Joan L. , Zuna Rosemary E. , Schiffman Mark , Sherman Mark E. , Gold Michael A. , Allen Richard A. , Zhang Roy , Wang Sophia S. , Wentzensen Nicolas
Published: November 2012

We conducted a Linear Array test/retest analysis using cytologic specimens from 198 women. A total of 67.2% of samples had the same human papillomavirus (HPV) types detected in both tests (type-specific positive agreement was 83.3% overall [Kappa = 0.9] and 86.8% for carcinogenic types [Kappa = 0.92]). Discordance was highest with a low hybridization signal strength. Overall, Linear Array was highly reproducible.
Pandemic 2009 H1N1 Influenza A Virus Carrying a Q136K Mutation in the Neuraminidase Gene Is Resistant to Zanamivir but Exhibits Reduced Fitness in the Guinea Pig Transmission Model
Authors: Kaminski Michael M. , Ohnemus Annette , Staeheli Peter , Rubbenstroth Dennis
Published: November 2012

Resistance of influenza A viruses to neuraminidase inhibitors can arise through mutations in the neuraminidase (NA) gene. We show here that a Q136K mutation in the NA of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus confers a high degree of resistance to zanamivir. Resistance is accompanied by reduced numbers of NA molecules in viral particles and reduced intrinsic enzymatic activity of mutant NA. Interestingly, the Q136K mutation strongly impairs viral fitness in the guinea pig transmission model.
The Effect of Acupuncture on Post-Cancer Fatigue and Well-Being for Women Recovering from Breast Cancer: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Smith Caroline , Carmady Bridget , Thornton Charlene , Perz Janette , Ussher Jane M
Published: November 2012

Objective

To determine the feasibility and acceptability of acupuncture in managing fatigue and well-being in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial compared acupuncture was with sham acupuncture and wait list controls was performed in Sydney, Australia. A total of 30 women with fatigue following breast cancer treatment participated in the trial. Women received six sessions of acupuncture over 8 weeks. Outcomes related to an assessment of interest to participate in the trial and identification of appropriate recruitment strategies, appropriateness of eligibility criteria and compliance with treatment attendance. Clinical outcomes assessed fatigue and well-being. In-depth interviews were undertaken with seven women, who described their experience of acupuncture.

Results

Our study demonstrated feasibility with appropriate trial entry criteria, good acceptability and treatment compliance with the study interventions, and with the completion of outcome forms. There was a significant reduction in fatigue for women receiving acupuncture compared with control after 2 weeks mean difference (MD) 5.3, 95% CI 4.5 to 6.2, p=0.05, and a significant improvement in well-being at 6 weeks for acupuncture compared with the sham and wait list control, MD 2.7, 95% CI 2.1 to 3.2, p=0.006. Women described their experience of acupuncture positively, and interview data may also offer explanations for the improved outcomes of well-being, with women reporting an improvement in sleep, mood and relaxation.

Conclusions

Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by people recovering from treatment, and an appropriately powered trial to evaluate the effect of acupuncture is needed.

Clinical Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12610000720011.