bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Tranquil Moment: The Harmony of Goats and Nature
Authors: LI Sophia
Published: May 2024

This article delves into the serene and symbolic nature of goats, emphasizing their cultural significance and the harmonious relationship between humans and animals. Using a tranquil image of a goat as a focal point, the article explores themes of simplicity, traditional farm life, and the contrast between modern lifestyles and agricultural societies. It highlights how this peaceful moment captured in the photograph can inspire reflections on the role of animals in culture and history, enriching the reader's understanding of human-animal interactions.
Knowledge and Practice of Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures Management Among Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgeons in Nigeria
Authors: Ogunlusi JOHNSON , Yusuf MORUF , Hailu SAMUEL , Olasinde ANTHONY , Popoola SUNDAY Ogunsuyi , Esan OLUWADARE , Oluwadiya KEHINDE
Published: May 2024

Background: Pelvic-acetabular fractures are markers of high energy trauma and are associated with significant morbidity, mortality and management could be challenging. The inability to surgically manage these fractures appropriately in our centre and few publications on pelvic-acetabular fractures in Nigeria stimulated this study.
Objectives: to find out how pelvic and acetabular fractures are managed and availability of investigating tools in Nigeria.
Materials and methods: A questionnaire was uploaded for 7 weeks on the National orthopaedics and trauma surgeons’ forum. Questions on pelvic fractures management, knowledge and classification of pelvic fractures, preferred methods of pelvic fractures management- surgical or non-surgical, availability of advanced investigating tools and desire to acquire more skills /training were asked.
Results: Eighty-five (33.2%) of the 256 members participated in the study. Preferred classification were Tile and Young-Burgess 46 (56.8%) and 29 (35.8 %) respectively. Thirty-six (43.9%) had Computerize Tomography scan (CT) while 19 (23.2%) had Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) available in their place of practice. Twenty-eight (34.6%) would manage operatively, 8 (9.9%) would either operate or refer, while 23 (28.48%) would either manage non-operative or refer and outright non-operative in 7 (8.6%) of pelvic-acetabular fractures that require Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF). Forty-six (56.8%) would refer patients; because of non-availability of skilled surgeon in 30(65.2%) and non-availability of operating tools in 32(69.6 %). Seventy-four (90.2%) would like to acquire skills in pelvic surgery.
Conclusion: The health facilities were not adequately equipped with advanced imaging tools. Twenty-three percent of the respondents would consider managing pelvic fracture that requires ORIF non-operatively, while more than half would refer because of either non-availability of skilled pelvic surgeon or non-availably of operating tools.  Majority of the respondents are interested in acquiring skills in pelvic surgery.
Leadership Dynamics in Educational Settings: A Correspondence Article
Authors: Señeris Bea Nyxie
Published: May 2024

his correspondence article aims to discuss the dynamics of leadership in educational settings such as schools, colleges, or universities. It explores what an educational leader must be and should adapt to the fast-changing society brought about by globalization. The findings suggest that leaders in this present era should evolve so they can quickly respond to external and internal changes. Through this, they can lead dynamic educational organizations and help them craft strategies and policies for effectively running globalized schools or universities.
Activismo, auto-restricción judicial y control de convencionalidad en México
Authors: Quiñones Domínguez Júpiter
Published: May 2024

La presente obra aborda dos fenómenos de actuación de los órganos judiciales, en especial de las grandes Cortes y Tribunales de los Estados que, si bien no se pueden considerar novedosos, a juicio del autor, han tomado relieve dentro del contexto moderno del Estado constitucional, pues el desplazamiento de varios de los grandes temas jurídico-políticos del espacio parlamentario al espacio judicial exige una reflexión en torno al papel de los tribunales en este nuevo paradigma. Para ello se considera de utilidad tomar en cuenta la perspectiva de su actuación, ya sea activista o de deferencia, para con los otros poderes del Estado, reconociendo el papel político que ejercen, y con ello, abandonando el mito de la neutralidad. Todo esto en un contexto relativamente nuevo del control de la convencionalidad de leyes y actos al interior de cada Estado, basado en el derecho internacional de los derechos humanos, y que incluso para algunas voces, dicho control debe abarcar las Constitucionales Nacionales.
Behavioral Transformation Through "Aesthetic Education of Humanity"
Authors: Sonika Sonika
Published: May 2024

Education as a sub-system of the world must adapt, connect, and be compatible with the directions of the strategic environmental tendencies. Education was seen as an interdisciplinary context and a multidimensional development factor with human beings become both goals and instruments. Through education, the existence and the nature of human beings are constantly studied and explored from various disciplinary perspectives. Human beings as creatures and subjects of education that must be improved by quality and behavior through the transformation of moral education, and as a development instrument, that means human beings as developmental behavior that must have high ability, moral ethics, and high character to participate in the nation and state development. The needs of educational reforms that will bring a major impact on life bring us a new atmosphere of change that drives us to build new cultures, new civilizations, new life values, ​​and the new morality, organized a more civilized education of the future, by returning to nature, life balance, harmonization, naturalism, and love. Implementation of the concept: "Aesthetic Education of Humanity" will change the old paradigm to the new paradigm.
Analisis dan Implementasi Anupubbīkathā dalam Kurikulum Sekolah di Era Globalisasi
Authors: Karniawan Arya Whisnu , Joswidjaja Kartika
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
Entering the era of globalization makes the world like a small village. The current of globalization provides a lot of information, an example is the Buddhist education. Since Buddhism returned to Indonesia, Buddhist education has developed a lot. However, the current education of Buddhism is not sufficient, as evidenced by the number of children who claim to be Buddhists but their religious knowledge is minimal. This is very unfortunate, because this limitation means that the Buddha's Teachings cannot be described precisely so that it does not reveal the purpose of Buddhism itself. For this reason, it is necessary to have appropriate and gradual teaching methods, starting from easy to difficult material. That is why Buddhism must of course be studied in stages. This gradual teaching formula is known as Anupubbikatha. Through this research, we can see the discussion of Anupubbikatha according to the Pali Tipitaka to clarify the teachings of Buddhism in this era of globalization as well as contextually applicable solutions to be implemented in the Buddhist religious education curriculum. The limitations of this research are still based on the basic theories contained in the Pali Tipitaka and the implications of the sources. This research can be used as a reference and a foundation for further research to see the extent and how the implementation of this Anupubbikatha thematic in a teaching curriculum. The scope of this research is limited to studying the appropriate and gradual teaching materia ls of Buddhism based on the Pali Tipitaka, reviewing each of its points in detail, along with the solutions for its application so that it can be applied in the world of education.
Attahadi Medical Journal (AMJ): Starting Up a New Journal and Call for Paper
Authors: Atia Ahmed , Attabit Alhani
Published: May 2024

We are delighted to announce the launching of the first issue of Attahadi Medical Journal (AMJ). We are even more thrilled to have you on board as readers, writers, and reviewers. AMJ publishes original research papers, reviews, short communications, case reports, and editorials on dental and medical research, as well as clinical practices.
Stop Rubber Bullets. The use of kinetic energy projectiles and torture in the Spanish State
Authors: Franquesa Griso Anaïs , Guillot Campillo Carles , Quintana Porras Ester , Pérez Sales Pau , Urango Montilla Irene , Vigara Mas Serlinda
Published: May 2024

Rubber bullets are projectiles whose use is potentially lethal. Between 1976 and 2017, they have caused at least 23 deaths and dozens of injuries in Spain, many of them serious, with loss of sight being the main cause. In the period 2000 - 2020 alone, more than 40 people have been affected. However, the data available do not reflect, in quantitative terms, the reality of the problem which, far from the figures for other contexts, shows qualitative impacts, both individual and collective. This article reviews the trajectory of the last twenty years, emphasising those key aspects that have made a difference in the process towards the prohibition of this weapon in different territories of the state, as well as evaluating the psychosocial impacts that its use has caused.
Lecciones únicas e hipotexto del Catón en romance de Gonzalo García de Santa María: el incunable poético 93*CA
Authors: Marini Massimo
Published: May 2024

Resumen: El trabajo se propone estudiar una selección de glosas poéticas en romance que Gonzalo García de Santa María realizó sobre los Disticha Catonis y que vieron la luz en Zaragoza alrededor de 1493, en la imprenta de Pablo Hurus (93*CA). Siguiendo el método de la collatio subyacente, se demostrará la acción que el hipotexto latino pudo ejercer sobre el texto castellano, para estudiar las relaciones textuales que se establecen entre el modelo y su glosa tanto a nivel sincrónico, en la operación hermenéutica que lleva a cabo el traductor, como a nivel diacrónico, en la compleja estratificación que supone la historia de la transmisión de los Disticha. La reflexión crítica abordará tanto la sección de monóstico de la obra como la de los dísticos propiamente dichos. 
 
Palabras clave: Disticha Catonis, Gonzalo García de Santa María, glosa, traducción, imprenta incunable
 
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to study a selection of Spanish poetic glosses that Gonzalo García de Santa María made on the Disticha Catonis, published in Zaragoza around 1493, by Pablo Hurus (93*CA). Following the method of the underlying collatio, the action that the Latin hypotext could have exerted on the Castilian text will be demonstrated, in order to study the textual relations established between the model and its gloss both at a synchronic level, in the hermeneutic operation carried out by the translator, and at a diachronic level, in the complex stratification that the history of the transmission of the Disticha implies. Critical reflection will address both the monostic section of the work and the distichs themselves.
 
Keywords: Disticha Catonis; Gonzalo García de Santa María; gloss; traslation; incunable printing
Pere Vicent Sabata, autor anònim: sobre els goigs del Ms. 804 de la BHUV
Authors: Mahiques Climent Joan
Published: May 2024

Resum: El ms. 804 de la Biblioteca Històrica de la Universitat de València és una col·lecció factícia de goigs en castellà que, en bona part, són fulls impresos datats o datables del segle XVIII. L’article comença amb un esbós general sobre el contingut i les característiques d’aquest volum. Després, se centra en alguns goigs manuscrits atribuïts a Pere Vicent Sabata conservats en el ms. 804 o en el ms. 3619 de la Biblioteca de Catalunya. Finalment, a partir d’una anàlisi de l’estil i de les relacions intertextuals, es fa una proposta d’atribució de tres poesies més, dues d’elles impreses, que fins ara mai no havien estat assignades a Pere Vicent Sabata. L’article es clou amb la transcripció de vuit obres poètiques del gènere gogístic escrites o atribuïdes a l’autor susdit.
 
Paraules clau: segle XVIII, goigs, poesia anònima, autoria, Pere Vicent Sabata, edició
 
 
Abstract: The Ms. 804 of the Biblioteca Històrica of the University of Valencia is a miscellany volume of “goigs” (popular religious songs) printed, for the most part, in Spanish as broadsides dated from the 18th century, explicitly or not. This paper begins with an overview of the content and characteristics of this volume. Then it focuses on a few handwritten “goigs” attributed to Pere Vicent Sabata which have been preserved in the Ms. 804 or in the Ms. 3619 of the Biblioteca de Catalunya. Finally, three more poems -two of them printed- are attributed to him through an analysis of the style and intertextual relationships. Until now any of them had never been attributed to Pere Vicent Sabata. This paper concludes with the transcription of eight “goigs” written or attributed to the aforementioned author.
 
Keywords: 18th century, “goigs” (popular religious songs), anonymous poetry, authorship, Pere Vicent Sabata, editing
МЕДИЈАТИЗАЦИЈА ПОЛИТИКЕ: ПОЛИТИКА У МЕДИЈСКОМ ОДИЈЕЛУ
Authors: Ратковић Стефан З.
Published: May 2024

Научна монографија Изазови медијатизације политике резул- тат је настојања аутора, професора Вука Вучетића да се темом односа медија и политике бави обједињујући неколико приступа. Први се огледа у научно-истраживачким циљевима рада – постављању теме медијатизације на дневни ред домаће научно-истраживачке зајед- нице. Овакав аспект рада обраћа се научној и стручној јавности. Други приступ, који је присутан у методолошким фазама научне дес- крипције и класификације појмова, произлази из ауторовог настав- ног универзитетског искуства и очитава се у прегледној структури најзначајнијих медијских теорија и концепата смјештених у језгровит оквир. Овај аспект дјела намијењен је превасходно студентима друштвених дисциплина. Уџбенички карактер књиге ствара потенци- јале да она послужи и као приручник за саме политичаре. Најзад, трећи аспект дјела обраћа се широј стручној и читалачкој јавности, што се огледа у разумљивости језичке форме и илустративности која олакшава разумијевање сложенијих теоријских концепата. Ово је ре- зултат и комуниколошког педигреа савремених аутора из ове научне области јер пред њих поставља универзални задатак – адекватно и успјешно декодирање текста и што потпунија рецепција код читаоца, што дјелу даје метакомуникационо одређење.
Chinese calligraphy in music: from gesture to sound
Authors: Ding Chong
Published: May 2024

The article explores the problem of embodying the calligraphic gesture, as well as the main attributes of Chinese traditional writing - ink, brush and paper in the space of musical art. The object of the study is the chamber instrumental music by contemporary Asian composers Lee Chie Tsang (“Interfusion IV – Variegation in Colour” for solo viola), Lei Liang (“Brushstroke” for chamber orchestra) and Yi-hsien Chen (“Sparking” for 12 instruments). The purpose of the work is to identify and substantiate the principles of transferring the philosophical, aesthetic and visual-semantic properties of calligraphy into the musical fabric of instrumental compositions. Research methodology: the interdisciplinary nature predetermined the use of the comparative method to identify and substantiate the typical features of calligraphic writing in the musical fabric of named works. Selected chamber-instrumental opuses of contemporary Asian composers are considered in Russian musicology for the first time and are intended to expand understanding of the methods of refracting the art of Chinese calligraphy in music. In the aforementioned chamber-instrumental works by Lee Chie Tsang, Lei Liang and Yi-hsien Chen, the specificity of the refraction of individual graphic elements of the hieroglyph in music is considered; different types of consistency and shades of mascara (dry, wet, concentrated, light, broken), as well as the manner of working with it (spraying); the features of the sound reflection of a brush stroke are identified using texture organization and sound production techniques, the brush stroke is presented as a musical gesture, a sign reflecting the choreography of a plastic gesture; the principles of transposition of calligraphic laws of space organization were formulated, the idea of ordering the score sheet using calligraphy methods using pauses and fermata to separate “imaginary squares” (metric grid) and “adjusting” the ratio of time intervals between musical gestures was substantiated.
Tuning apicobasal polarity and junctional recycling in the hemogenic endothelium orchestrates the morphodynamic complexity of emerging pre-hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Torcq Léa , Majello Sara , Vivier Catherine , Schmidt Anne A
Published: May 2024

Hematopoietic stem cells emerge in the embryo from an aortic-derived tissue called the hemogenic endothelium (HE). The HE appears to give birth to cells of different nature and fate but the molecular principles underlying this complexity are largely unknown. Here we show, in the zebrafish embryo, that two cell types emerge from the aortic floor with radically different morphodynamics. With the support of live imaging, we bring evidence suggesting that the mechanics underlying the two emergence types rely, or not, on apicobasal polarity establishment. While the first type is characterized by reinforcement of apicobasal polarity and maintenance of the apical/luminal membrane until release, the second type emerges via a dynamic process reminiscent of trans-endothelial migration. Interfering with Runx1 function suggests that the balance between the two emergence types depends on tuning apicobasal polarity at the level of the HE. In support of this and unexpectedly, we show that Pard3ba – one of the four Pard3 proteins expressed in the zebrafish – is sensitive to interference with Runx1 activity, in aortic endothelial cells. This supports the idea of a signaling cross talk controlling cell polarity and its associated features, between aortic and hemogenic cells. In addition, using new transgenic fish lines that express Junctional Adhesion Molecules and functional interference, we bring evidence for the essential role of ArhGEF11/PDZ-RhoGEF in controlling the HE-endothelial cell dynamic interface, including cell-cell intercalation, which is ultimately required for emergence completion. Overall, we highlight critical cellular and dynamic events of the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition that support emergence complexity, with a potential impact on cell fate.
Root-specific theanine metabolism and regulation at the single-cell level in tea plants (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Lin Shijia , Zhang Yiwen , Zhang Shupei , Wei Yijie , Han Mengxue , Deng Yamei , Guo Jiayi , Zhu Biying , Yang Tianyuan , Xia Enhua , Wan Xiaochun , Lucas William J , Zhang Zhaoliang
Published: May 2024

Root-synthesized secondary metabolites are critical quality-conferring compounds of foods, plant-derived medicines, and beverages. However, information at a single-cell level on root-specific secondary metabolism remains largely unexplored. L-Theanine, an important quality component of tea, is primarily synthesized in roots, from which it is then transported to new shoots of tea plant. In this study, we present a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)-derived map for the tea plant root, which enabled cell-type-specific analysis of glutamate and ethylamine (two precursors of theanine biosynthesis) metabolism, and theanine biosynthesis, storage, and transport. Our findings support a model in which the theanine biosynthesis pathway occurs via multicellular compartmentation and does not require high co-expression levels of transcription factors and their target genes within the same cell cluster. This study provides novel insights into theanine metabolism and regulation, at the single-cell level, and offers an example for studying root-specific secondary metabolism in other plant systems.
Neurons enhance blood–brain barrier function via upregulating claudin-5 and VE-cadherin expression due to glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor secretion
Authors: Yang Lu , Lin Zijin , Mu Ruijing , Wu Wenhan , Zhi Hao , Liu Xiaodong , Yang Hanyu , Liu Li
Published: May 2024

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) prevents neurotoxins from entering central nervous system. We aimed to establish and characterize an in vitro triple co-culture BBB model consisting of brain endothelial cells hCMEC/D3, astrocytoma U251 cells, and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Co-culture of SH-SY5Y and U251 cells markedly enhanced claudin-5 and VE-cadherin expression in hCMEC/D3 cells, accompanied by increased transendothelial electrical resistance and decreased permeability. Conditioned medium (CM) from SH-SY5Y cells (S-CM), U251 cells (U-CM), and co-culture of SH-SY5Y and U251 cells (US-CM) also promoted claudin-5 and VE-cadherin expression. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels in S-CM and US-CM were significantly higher than CMs from hCMEC/D3 and U-CM. Both GDNF and US-CM upregulated claudin-5 and VE-cadherin expression, which were attenuated by anti-GDNF antibody and GDNF signaling inhibitors. GDNF increased claudin-5 expression via the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 and MAPK/ERK pathways. Meanwhile, GDNF promoted VE-cadherin expression by activating PI3K/AKT/ETS1 and MAPK/ERK/ETS1 signaling. The roles of GDNF in BBB integrity were validated using brain-specific Gdnf silencing mice. The developed triple co-culture BBB model was successfully applied to predict BBB permeability. In conclusion, neurons enhance BBB integrity by upregulating claudin-5 and VE-cadherin expression through GDNF secretion and established triple co-culture BBB model may be used to predict drugs’ BBB permeability.
Circular RNA HMGCS1 sponges miR-4521 to aggravate type 2 diabetes-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Zhang Ming , Du Guangyi , Xie Lianghua , Xu Yang , Chen Wei
Published: May 2024

Noncoding RNA plays a pivotal role as novel regulators of endothelial cell function. Type 2 diabetes, acknowledged as a primary contributor to cardiovascular diseases, plays a vital role in vascular endothelial cell dysfunction due to induced abnormalities of glucolipid metabolism and oxidative stress. In this study, aberrant expression levels of circHMGCS1 and miR-4521 were observed in diabetes-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction. The overexpression of circHMGCS1 or silencing of miR-4521 expedited the onset of diabetes and aggravated vascular endothelial dysfunction. Mechanistically, circHMGCS1 upregulated arginase 1 by sponging miR-4521, leading to decrease in vascular nitric oxide secretion and inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity, and an increase in the expression of adhesion molecules and generation of cellular reactive oxygen species, reduced vasodilation and accelerated the impairment of vascular endothelial function. Collectively, these findings illuminate the physiological role and interacting mechanisms of circHMGCS1 and miR-4521 in diabetes-induced cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that modulating the expression of circHMGCS1 and miR-4521 could serve as a potential strategy to prevent diabetes-associated cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, our findings provide a novel technical avenue for unraveling ncRNAs regulatory roles of ncRNAs in diabetes and its associated complications.
NE contribution to rebooting unconsciousness caused by midazolam
Authors: Gu LeYuan , Shao WeiHui , Liu Lu , Xu Qing , Wang YuLing , Gu JiaXuan , Yang Yue , Zhang ZhuoYue , Wu YaXuan , Shen Yue , Yu Qian , Lian XiTing , Ma HaiXiang , Zhang YuanLi , Zhang HongHai
Published: May 2024

The advent of midazolam holds profound implications for modern clinical practice. The hypnotic and sedative effects of midazolam afford it broad clinical applicability. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the modulation of altered consciousness by midazolam remain elusive. Herein, using pharmacology, optogenetics, chemogenetics, fiber photometry, and gene knockdown, this in vivo research revealed the role of locus coeruleus (LC)-ventrolateral preoptic nucleus noradrenergic neural circuit in regulating midazolam-induced altered consciousness. This effect was mediated by α1 adrenergic receptors. Moreover, gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor type A (GABAA-R) represents a mechanistically crucial binding site in the LC for midazolam. These findings will provide novel insights into the neural circuit mechanisms underlying the recovery of consciousness after midazolam administration and will help guide the timing of clinical dosing and propose effective intervention targets for timely recovery from midazolam-induced loss of consciousness.
Molecular determinants of Neu5Ac binding to a tripartite ATP independent periplasmic (TRAP) transporter
Authors: Goyal Parveen , Dhanabalan KanagaVijayan , Scalise Mariafrancesca , Friemann Rosmarie , Indiveri Cesare , Dobson Renwick C.J. , Vinothkumar Kutti R. , Ramaswamy Subramanian
Published: May 2024

N
-Acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) is a negatively charged nine-carbon amino-sugar that is often the peripheral sugar in human cell-surface glycoconjugates. Some bacteria scavenge, import, and metabolize Neu5Ac, or they redeploy it on their cell surfaces for immune evasion. The import of Neu5Ac by many bacteria is mediated by tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic (TRAP) transporters. We have previously reported the structures of SiaQM, a membrane-embedded component of the
Haemophilus influenzae
TRAP transport system (Currie, M J, et. al 2024). However, the published structures do not contain Neu5Ac bound to SiaQM. This information is critical for defining the mechanism of transport and for further structure-activity relationship studies. Here, we report the structure of
Fusobacterium nucleatum
SiaQM with and without Neu5Ac binding. Both structures are in an inward (cytoplasmic side) facing conformation. The Neu5Ac-bound structure reveals the interactions of Neu5Ac with the transporter and its relationship with the Na
+
binding sites. Two of the Na
+
-binding sites are similar to those described previously. We discover the presence of a third metal-binding site that is further away and buried in the elevator domain. Ser300 and Ser345 interact with the C1-carboxylate group of Neu5Ac. Proteoliposome-based transport assays showed that Ser300-Neu5Ac interaction is critical for transport, whereas Ser345 is dispensable. Neu5Ac primarily interacts with residues in the elevator domain of the protein, thereby supporting the elevator with an operator mechanism. The residues interacting with Neu5Ac are conserved, providing fundamental information required to design inhibitors against this class of proteins.
Assessing program outcomes from the bottom‐up approach: An innovative perspective to outcome evaluation
Authors: Chen Huey T. , Garbe Paul
Published: June 2011

The traditional top‐down approach to program outcome evaluation stresses the need for strong evidence to establish an intervention's effectuality. This approach's principles and methodology are rooted in Campbellian typology and have been applied intensively in outcome evaluation. Yet lessons learned from such applications suggest that in addressing stakeholders' interests and needs, this approach has limitations. To be stakeholder responsive, evaluation must go beyond the top‐down approach's focus and strategies. This chapter proposes an integrative validity model and a bottom‐up approach as an alternative perspective to outcome evaluation. The new perspective enables evaluations to meet both scientific and practical requirements and enhances evaluations' usefulness. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.1

This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Interaction among deer in a chronic wasting disease endemic zone
Authors: Silbernagel Erin R. , Skelton Nicole K. , Waldner Cheryl L. , Bollinger Trent K.
Published: June 2011

Although it is known that chronic wasting disease (CWD) can be transmitted by both direct animal‐to‐animal contact and contact with contaminated environments, the relative role of each mechanism in the spread of CWD in free‐ranging populations has yet to be defined. We investigated patterns of interaction between mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in order to understand how factors such as season and landscape may influence patterns of disease spread in these populations. Using location data from male and female Global Positioning System (GPS)‐collared mule deer in 5 study areas located in and around a CWD‐endemic zone in southern Saskatchewan, Canada, we quantified close proximity events, or events involving both spatial and temporal overlap of individuals. We defined close proximity events as occurrences in which 2 deer were located <25 m apart at the same point in time. We looked at seasonal variation in the probability of close proximity events, as well as landscape factors associated with these events when compared to areas of shared space use, or spatial overlap alone. Overall probability of an individual GPS‐collared deer being located in close proximity to another GPS‐collared deer was 0.092 (n = 107). The early gestation (16 Dec–31 Mar) and late gestation (1 Apr–15 May) seasons had the highest probability of close proximity events occurring, and same‐sex pairs were more likely to be found in close proximity than between‐sex pairs during all seasons aside from the rut (1 Nov–15 Dec). High probability of close proximity events during the gestation seasons agrees with the tendency of mule deer to aggregate into large groups during late winter and suggests that this may be an important time period for CWD transmission to occur. Close proximity events occurred more in cropland and wetland than expected based on availability, whereas close proximity events occurred less than expected in grassland. The opposite was true for spatial overlap between individuals, which occurred more than expected in areas of low elevation and rugged terrain and in grassland or shrub–wood habitats. These results suggest that cropland may be a higher risk habitat for direct and indirect CWD transmission between individuals and that, although coulees and other areas of rugged topography are less likely to be associated with close proximity events, those areas may be more likely to contain environmental contamination in CWD‐affected areas due to common use by multiple deer. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Reduced expression of MUTYH with suppressive activity against mutations caused by 8‐hydroxyguanine is a novel predictor of a poor prognosis in human gastric cancer
Authors: Shinmura Kazuya , Goto Masanori , Suzuki Masaya , Tao Hong , Yamada Hidetaka , Igarashi Hisaki , Matsuura Shun , Maeda Matsuyoshi , Konno Hiroyuki , Matsuda Tomonari , Sugimura Haruhiko
Published: June 2011

The MUTYH gene encodes a DNA glycosylase that can initiate the excision repair of adenine mispaired with 8‐hydroxyguanine (8OHG) and is responsible for a susceptibility to multiple colorectal adenomas and carcinomas. To determine whether the MUTYH gene is involved in gastric carcinogenesis, we first examined the expression level of MUTYH in gastric cancer. The reduced expression of MUTYH mRNA transcript was detected in both gastric cancer cell lines and primary gastric cancers using qRT–PCR analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed a significant reduction in MUTYH protein expression in gastric cancer, compared with non‐cancerous gastric epithelium (immunohistochemical score, 175.5 ± 43.0 versus 281.5 ± 24.8; p < 0.0001). Among the gastric cancers, the MUTYH expression level was significantly associated with the histopathology (p < 0.0001) and the pT stage (p < 0.001). The outcome of patients with gastric cancer exhibiting low MUTYH expression was significantly worse than the outcome of patients with gastric cancer exhibiting high MUTYH expression (p = 0.0007, log‐rank test) and a multivariate analysis revealed that reduced MUTYH expression was an independent predictor of a poor survival outcome among the gastric cancer patients (hazard ratio, 1.865; 95% confidence interval, 1.028–3.529; p = 0.0401). We next compared the functional effects of MUTYH on gastric cancer cells, based on their MUTYH expression levels. MUTYH‐over‐expressing stable clones of the gastric cancer cell line AGS showed: (a) higher DNA cleavage activity towards adenine:8OHG mispair‐containing substrates; (b) higher suppressive activity against mutations caused by 8OHG in a supF forward mutation assay; and (c) higher suppressive activity for cellular proliferation than empty vector‐transfected AGS clones. These results suggested that MUTYH is a suppressor of mutations caused by 8OHG in gastric cells and that its reduced expression is associated with a poor prognosis in gastric cancer. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why does institutionalised care not appeal to Indian families? Legislative and social answers from urban India
Authors: BRIJNATH BIANCA
Published: June 2011

In India, although notions of ageing and care are changing, there is a continued preference among families for home-based care of elderly relatives. The legislative policies and cultural practices that shape this preference will be examined in this paper with specific reference to aged-care facilities and the 2007Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act. Using qualitative data from a study on dementia care in urban India it will be shown how the Act and old-age homes are understood and experienced by Indian families and key service providers. In juxtaposing policy and practice it will be argued that while notions of care are being redefined by processes like migration and urbanisation, the preference for home care remains, indicating that existing services need to be re-oriented and expanded to support families in providing this care.
A 2.45-GHz dual-diode rectenna and rectenna arrays for wireless remote supply applications
Authors: Takhedmit Hakim , Cirio Laurent , Merabet Boubekeur , Allard Bruno , Costa François , Vollaire Christian , Picon Odile
Published: June 2011

This paper describes a compact and efficient rectenna based on a dual-diode microstrip rectifier at 2.45 GHz. This circuit has been designed and optimized using a global analysis technique which associates electromagnetic and circuit approaches. Due to the differential topology of the rectifier, neither input low-pass filter nor via-hole connections are needed. This makes the structure more compact reducing losses. Measurements of a single rectenna element show 83% efficiency over an optimal load of 1050 Ω at a power density of 0.31 mW/cm2. To increase the received RF power and then increase dc power over the load, identical rectennas have been interconnected to form arrays. Two and four elements rectenna arrays, connected either in parallel or in series, have been developed. It was shown that by properly choosing the interconnection topology and the optimal output load, higher dc voltage or dc power have been obtained. The four-element series-connected array can provide experimentally up to 3.85 times output dc voltage compared to the single rectenna. The parallel-connected rectenna arrays generate approximately 2.15 and 3.75 times output dc power for two and four elements, respectively.
Hepatitis C virus infection induces the expression of amphiregulin, a factor related to the activation of cellular survival pathways and required for efficient viral assembly
Authors: Pei Rongjuan , Chen Honghe , Lu Lu , Zhu Wandi , Beckebaum Susanne , Cicinnati Vito , Lu Mengji , Chen Xinwen
Published: June 2011

Amphiregulin (AREG) is a ligand of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and may play a role in the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). AREG showed an enhanced expression in HCV-infected human hepatoma cells according to gene array analysis. Therefore, we addressed the question about the role of AREG in HCV infection. AREG expression level was elevated in hepatoma cells containing a subgenomic HCV replicon or infected by HCV. Using a reporter assay, AREG promoter activity was found to be upregulated upon HCV infection. The enhanced AREG expression in hepatoma cells was partly caused by dsRNAs, HCV NS3 protein and autocrine stimulation. AREG was able to activate cellular signalling pathways including ERK, Akt and p38, promote cell proliferation, and protect cells from HCV-induced cell death. Further, knockdown of AREG expression increased the efficiency of HCV entry, as proven by HCV pseudoparticles reporter assay. However, the formation and release of infectious HCV particles were reduced by AREG silencing with a concomitant accumulation of intracellular HCV RNA pool, indicating that the assembly and release of HCV progeny may require AREG expression. Blocking the MAPK–ERK pathway by U0126 in Huh7.5.1 cells had a similar effect on HCV replication. In conclusion, HCV infection leads to an increase in AREG expression in hepatocytes. AREG expression is essential for efficient HCV assembly and virion release. Due to the activation of the cellular survival pathways, AREG may counteract HCV-induced apoptosis of infected hepatocytes and facilitate the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
A comparison of doctors', parents' and children's reports of health states and health‐related quality of life in children with chronic conditions
Authors: Morrow A. M. , Hayen A. , Quine S. , Scheinberg A. , Craig J. C.
Published: June 2011

Background  Health‐related quality of life is an important outcome. Self‐report is the gold standard, but in the paediatric setting we often rely on proxy reporting. Our understanding of the differences between self‐ and proxy reports and the factors that influence them is limited. These differences can impact on treatment choices and the patient–doctor relationship.

Objective  To evaluate differences between children's, parents' and doctors' perceptions of health states and health‐related quality of life in children with chronic illness and explore factors which explain these differences.

Methods  Consecutive families attending eligible clinics at a tertiary paediatric centre were invited to complete the Health Utilities Index (HUI) 23 questionnaire. Percentage agreement and kappas were calculated as a measure of the agreement between pairs. Chi‐squared tests or Fisher's exact test, if appropriate, were performed to determine if there was an association between level of agreement and participant variables.

Results  Data were collected for 130 parent–doctor pairs, 59 child–parent pairs and 59 child–doctor pairs. Overall health‐related quality of life scores did not differ between responders, but there was poorer agreement for subjective domains. Doctor–child agreement was lower than parent–child agreement. Children with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy or chronic neurological condition were more likely to have lower inter‐rater agreement for both subjective and objective domains. On the HUI2, agreement was lower for parent–child pairs when the father was the respondent. For child–doctor pairs, an increased frequency of patient–doctor visits and doctors' seniority were predictors of poorer agreement on the HUI3 and HUI2 respectively.

Conclusions  We identified factors associated with level of agreement for self‐ and proxy reporting on the HUI23. Parent–child agreement was higher than doctor–child agreement. Patients with significant pain or emotional distress and patients with a diagnosis of severe cerebral palsy or chronic neurological conditions were more susceptible to under‐reporting of subjective aspects of well‐being by doctors and parents and may benefit from formal assessment of health‐related quality of life in the clinical setting.
Are consumer profiling techniques equivalent for some product categories? The case of orange‐flavoured powdered drinks
Authors: Ares Gastón , Varela Paula , Rado Germán , Giménez Ana
Published: June 2011

Taking into account consumers’ perception in new product development has been regarded as a key strategy to developing more successful food products. In this context, consumer profiling techniques have increased their popularity in the last decade. The aim of the present work was to compare four consumer profiling techniques (sorting, projective mapping, intensity scales and check‐all‐that‐apply questions) in orange‐flavoured powdered juice drinks. A consumer study was carried out with 200 regular consumers of the category, which were divided into four groups. Each group used a different methodology to evaluate seven commercial powdered drinks. After completing the task consumers were asked to rate its difficulty on a nine‐point hedonic scale. Results showed that the four evaluated methodologies were able to identify differences in consumers’ perception of the sensory characteristics of the drinks, providing similar information. However, the application of CATA questions and intensity scales was regarded as easier for consumers. Advantages and disadvantages of the evaluated methodologies are discussed.
Close encounters: contact‐dependent interactions in bacteria
Authors: Konovalova Anna , Søgaard‐Andersen Lotte
Published: June 2011

Bacterial cells interact extensively within and between species. These interactions can be divided into those that rely on diffusible factors and those that depend on direct cell‐to‐cell contacts. An example of a contact‐dependent interaction is the transfer of lipoproteins between Myxococcus xanthus cells that leads to transient stimulation of motility in certain motility mutants. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Wei et al. (2011) provide mechanistic insights into this contact‐dependent transfer of lipoproteins. Briefly, a heterologous protein fused to a type II (lipoprotein) signal sequence that targets the protein to the outer membrane is required and sufficient for transfer. Moreover, evidence is provided that transfer may depend on specific contacts between donor and recipient cells. The data demonstrate that lipoprotein transfer in M. xanthus is not restricted to a few odd motility proteins but could be a wide‐spread phenomenon in M. xanthus and possibly other bacteria. Recent years have been fruitful in identifying contact‐dependent interactions between bacterial cells. These interactions can be grouped into those that involve delivery of cargo to a recipient and those that seem to be involved in cell‐to‐cell signalling. Several contact‐dependent interactions involve widely conserved proteins, suggesting that cell contact‐dependent processes may be widespread among bacteria.
SMC is recruited to oriC by ParB and promotes chromosome segregation in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Minnen Anita , Attaiech Laetitia , Thon Maria , Gruber Stephan , Veening Jan‐Willem
Published: June 2011

Segregation of replicated chromosomes is an essential process in all organisms. How bacteria, such as the oval‐shaped human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae, efficiently segregate their chromosomes is poorly understood. Here we show that the pneumococcal homologue of the DNA‐binding protein ParB recruits S. pneumoniae condensin (SMC) to centromere‐like DNA sequences (parS) that are located near the origin of replication, in a similar fashion as was shown for the rod‐shaped model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. In contrast to B. subtilis, smc is not essential in S. pneumoniae, and Δsmc cells do not show an increased sensitivity to gyrase inhibitors or high temperatures. However, deletion of smc and/or parB results in a mild chromosome segregation defect. Our results show that S. pneumoniae contains a functional chromosome segregation machine that promotes efficient chromosome segregation by recruitment of SMC via ParB. Intriguingly, the data indicate that other, as of yet unknown mechanisms, are at play to ensure proper chromosome segregation in this organism.
The N‐terminal amphipathic region of the Escherichia coli type III secretion system protein EspD is required for membrane insertion and function
Authors: Dasanayake Dayal , Richaud Manon , Cyr Normand , Caballero‐Franco Celia , Pittroff Sabrina , Finn Ron M. , Ausió Juan , Luo Wensheng , Donnenberg Michael S. , Jardim Armando
Published: June 2011

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli is a causative agent of gastrointestinal and diarrheal diseases. These pathogenic E. coli express a syringe‐like protein machine, known as the type III secretion system (T3SS), used for the injection of virulence factors into the cytosol of the host epithelial cell. Breaching the epithelial plasma membrane requires formation of a translocation pore that contains the secreted protein EspD. Here we demonstrate that the N‐terminal segment of EspD, encompassing residues 1–171, contains two amphipathic domains spanning residues 24–41 and 66–83, with the latter of these helices being critical for EspD function. Fluorescence and circular dichroism analysis revealed that, in solution, His6‐EspD1–171 adopts a native disordered structure; however, on binding anionic small unilamellar vesicles composed of phosphatidylserine, His6‐EspD1–171 undergoes a pH depended conformational change that increases the α‐helix content of this protein approximately sevenfold. This change coincides with insertion of the region circumscribing Trp47 into the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer. On the HeLa cell plasma membrane, His6‐EspD1–171 forms a homodimer that is postulated to promote EspD–EspD oligomerization and pore formation. Complementation of ΔespD null mutant bacteria with an espDΔ66–83 gene showed that this protein was secreted but non‐functional.
Bias of reduced‐effort community surveys for adult Odonata of lentic waters
Authors: BRIED JASON T. , HAGER BARBARA J. , HUNT PAMELA D. , FOX JENNETTE N. , JENSEN HEATHER J. , VOWELS KELLY M.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. 1. Repeat surveys are needed to capture a representative spectrum of adult odonate richness at a site, but specifics on frequency and duration of surveys and associated inferential biases are poorly understood.

2. Weekly 1 h surveys of mature male dragonflies and damselflies were repeated at least 15 times at 19 ponds, lakes and wetlands scattered throughout North America. For each site, we tallied the data remaining when the weekly frequency was reduced to 75% (every 1.5 weeks), 50% (biweekly), 33% (triweekly), and 25% (monthly) and the 1 h survey to 50, 40, 30, 20 and 10 min subsets.

3. Reducing the original effort by half (i.e. to 30 min biweekly) retained about 80% of the species on average. The smallest effort (10 min monthly) retained about 49% of species. The greatest rate of information loss occurred between 20 and 10 min.

4. Across‐site analysis found that data subsets correlated to the original data set (r > 0.81) despite up to 50% species loss. Strong correlations (r ≥ 0.98) remained with 10–15% species loss.

5. Biweekly surveys lasting 20–40 min each may provide a representative and cost‐effective sample of adult odonate richness in lentic study sites. Losing a handful of species should not greatly undermine richness and compositional comparisons among sites.