bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of cyclooxygenase-2 expression and tumorigenesis by endogenous 5-methoxytryptophan
Authors: Cheng Huei-Hsuan , Kuo Cheng-Chin , Yan Jiann-Long , Chen Hua-Ling , Lin Wei-Chung , Wang Kai-Hsuan , Tsai Kelvin K.-C. , Guvén Hayrettin , Flaberg Emilie , Szekely Laszlo , Klein George , Wu Kenneth K.
Published: August 2012

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is induced by mitogenic and proinflammatory factors. Its overexpression plays a causal role in inflammation and tumorigenesis. COX-2 expression is tightly regulated, but the mechanisms are largely unclear. Here we show the control of COX-2 expression by an endogenous tryptophan metabolite, 5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP). By using comparative metabolomic analysis and enzyme-immunoassay, our results reveal that normal fibroblasts produce and release 5-MTP into the extracellular milieu whereas A549 and other cancer cells were defective in 5-MTP production. 5-MTP was synthesized from
l
-tryptophan via tryptophan hydroxylase-1 and hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase. 5-MTP blocked cancer cell COX-2 overexpression and suppressed A549 migration and invasion. Furthermore, i.p. infusion of 5-MTP reduced tumor growth and cancer metastasis in a murine xenograft tumor model. We conclude that 5-MTP synthesis represents a mechanism for endogenous control of COX-2 overexpression and is a valuable lead for new anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory drug development.
We have travelled a long distance and sorted out the mess in the drawers: Metaphors for moving towards the end in psychotherapy
Authors: Råbu Marit , Haavind Hanne , Binder Per-Einar
Published: August 2012

Aim: To explore the process of ending in psychotherapy, in particular how clients and therapists draw on their notions of client improvements and prepare for the upcoming end. Data: The data comes from an intensive process‐outcome study at the University of Oslo, Norway. The study includes audio‐recording from all sessions and separate post‐therapy interviews with clients and therapists. Twelve psychotherapy dyads were selected because they had reached a ‘good enough’ ending. Therapy duration ranged from 7–43 months. The number of sessions ranged from 10–67. Method and analysis: A hermeneutical‐phenomenological approach analysed and combined the observational and reflexive data. The analysis was carried out using a method for systematic text condensation and through reflexive dialogues with the material and between the researchers. Findings and discussion: The language of improvement towards the end of treatment seemed packed with metaphors conveying growth in both affective and relational management. Metaphors based on travel (how they have moved); cleaning (how they have cleaned up and sorted out things); sensing (how the clients have grown stronger, got their heads above water and see things differently); and the clients’ feeling of having received something (gifts or tools) are widely used. Such metaphors are created in the interaction with a mutual sensitivity to their capacity to confirm and regulate affect towards the end. In this sense, the metaphors celebrate accomplishments in a way that exceeds therapy, and the client can keep them to use afterwards.
PRISM: Pair-read informed split-read mapping for base-pair level detection of insertion, deletion and structural variants
Authors: Jiang Yue , Wang Yadong , Brudno Michael
Published: August 2012

Motivation: The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies has enabled novel methods for detecting structural variants (SVs). Current methods are typically based on depth of coverage or pair-end mapping clusters. However, most of these only report an approximate location for each SV, rather than exact breakpoints.

Results: We have developed pair-read informed split mapping (PRISM), a method that identifies SVs and their precise breakpoints from whole-genome resequencing data. PRISM uses a split-alignment approach informed by the mapping of paired-end reads, hence enabling breakpoint identification of multiple SV types, including arbitrary-sized inversions, deletions and tandem duplications. Comparisons to previous datasets and simulation experiments illustrate PRISM’s high sensitivity, while PCR validations of PRISM results, including previously uncharacterized variants, indicate an overall precision of ∼90%.

Availability: PRISM is freely available at http://compbio.cs.toronto.edu/prism.

Contact:  yue.jiang.hit@gmail.com (YJ); ydwang@hit.edu.cn (YW); brudno@cs.toronto.edu (MB)

Supplementary Information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
MetiTree: a web application to organize and process high-resolution multi-stage mass spectrometry metabolomics data
Authors: Rojas-Chertó Miguel , van Vliet Michael , Peironcely Julio E. , van Doorn Ronnie , Kooyman Maarten , te Beek Tim , van Driel Marc A. , Hankemeier Thomas , Reijmers Theo
Published: August 2012

Summary: Identification of metabolites using high-resolution multi-stage mass spectrometry (MSn) data is a significant challenge demanding access to all sorts of computational infrastructures. MetiTree is a user-friendly, web application dedicated to organize, process, share, visualize and compare MSn data. It integrates several features to export and visualize complex MSn data, facilitating the exploration and interpretation of metabolomics experiments. A dedicated spectral tree viewer allows the simultaneous presentation of three related types of MSn data, namely, the spectral data, the fragmentation tree and the fragmentation reactions. MetiTree stores the data in an internal database to enable searching for similar fragmentation trees and matching against other MSn data. As such MetiTree contains much functionality that will make the difficult task of identifying unknown metabolites much easier.

Availability: MetiTree is accessible at http://www.MetiTree.nl. The source code is available at https://github.com/NetherlandsMetabolomicsCentre/metitree/wiki.

Contact:  m.rojas@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl or t.reijmers@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl
Cellulases Belonging to Glycoside Hydrolase Families 6 and 7 Contribute to the Virulence of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Van Vu Ba , Itoh Kenji , Nguyen Quoc Bao , Tosa Yukio , Nakayashiki Hitoshi
Published: August 2012

Upon infection, phytopathogenic fungi secrete an array of hydrolytic enzymes that can degrade components of the host epidermis, including waxes, the cuticle, and cell walls. Cellulases, which can hydrolyze crystalline cellulose in the plant cell wall, are among these hydrolytic enzymes. Here, we provide RNAi-based evidence to show that cellulases belonging to glycosyl hydrolase (GH) families 6 and 7 contribute to the penetration of the host epidermis and further invasion by the phytopathogenic fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. The GH6 and GH7 cellulases likely include all members of the cellobiohydrolase family and some endoglucanases in M. oryzae. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that more than half of the cellulases were highly induced during infection. We constructed knock-down (KD) mutants of these cellulases using the building blocks method we reported previously. The transcript levels of the target genes and cellulase activity were considerably reduced in the KD mutants. The KD mutants resulted in fewer lesions, less penetration, and infection of fewer cells compared with the parent strain. Cytological analyses showed that a high rate of papilla formation blocked invasion of the KD mutants into host cells. These results suggest that the GH6 and GH7 cellulases play roles in the virulence of M. oryzae.
Social familiarity modulates personality trait in a cichlid fish
Authors: Galhardo L. , Vitorino A. , Oliveira R. F.
Published: August 2012

Personality traits, such as exploration–avoidance, are expected to be adaptive in a given context (e.g. low-risk environment) but to be maladaptive in others (e.g. high-risk environment). Therefore, it is expected that personality traits are flexible and respond to environmental fluctuations, given that consistency across different contexts is maintained, so that the relative individual responses in relation to others remains the same (i.e. although the magnitude of the response varies the differences between high and low responders are kept). Here, we tested the response of male cichlid fish (
Oreochromis mossambicus
) to a novel object (NO) in three different social contexts: (i) social isolation, (ii) in the presence of an unfamiliar conspecific, and (iii) in the presence of a familiar conspecific. Males in the familiar treatment exhibited more exploratory behaviour and less neophobia than males in either the unfamiliar or the social isolation treatments. However, there were no overall correlations in individual behaviour across the three treatments, suggesting a lack of consistency in exploration–avoidance as measured by the NO test in this species. Moreover, there were no differences in cortisol responsiveness to an acute stressor between the three treatments. Together, these results illustrate how behavioural traits usually taken as measures of personality may exhibit significant flexibility and lack the expected consistency across different social contexts.
Pro-sociality without empathy
Authors: Vasconcelos Marco , Hollis Karen , Nowbahari Elise , Kacelnik Alex
Published: August 2012

Empathy, the capacity to recognize and share feelings experienced by another individual, is an important trait in humans, but is not the same as pro-sociality, the tendency to behave so as to benefit another individual. Given the importance of understanding empathy's evolutionary emergence, it is unsurprising that many studies attempt to find evidence for it in other species. To address the question of what should constitute evidence for empathy, we offer a critical comparison of two recent studies of rescuing behaviour that report similar phenomena but are interpreted very differently by their authors. In one of the studies, rescue behaviour in rats was interpreted as providing evidence for empathy, whereas in the other, rescue behaviour in ants was interpreted without reference to sharing of emotions. Evidence for empathy requires showing that actor individuals possess a representation of the receiver's emotional state and are driven by the psychological goal of improving its wellbeing. Proving psychological goal-directedness by current standards involves goal-devaluation and causal sensitivity protocols, which, in our view, have not been implemented in available publications. Empathy has profound significance not only for cognitive and behavioural sciences but also for philosophy and ethics and, in our view, remains unproven outside humans.
Vertically transmitted viral endosymbionts of insects: do sigma viruses walk alone?
Authors: Longdon Ben , Jiggins Francis M.
Published: August 2012

Insects are host to a wide range of vertically transmitted bacterial endosymbionts, but we know relatively little about their viral counterparts. Here, we discuss the vertically transmitted viral endosymbionts of insects, firstly examining the diversity of this group, and then focusing on the well-studied sigma viruses that infect dipterans. Despite limited sampling, evidence suggests that vertically transmitted viruses may be common in insects. Unlike bacteria, viruses can be transmitted through sperm and eggs, a trait that allows them to rapidly spread through host populations even when infection is costly to the host. Work onDrosophila melanogasterhas shown that sigma viruses and their hosts are engaged in a coevolutionary arms race, in which the spread of resistance genes in the host population is followed by the spread of viral genotypes that can overcome host resistance. In the long-term, associations between sigma viruses and their hosts are unstable, and the viruses persist by occasionally switching to new host species. It therefore seems likely that viral endosymbionts have major impacts on the evolution and ecology of insects.
Reassortant influenza A viruses in wild duck populations: effects on viral shedding and persistence in water
Authors: Lebarbenchon Camille , Sreevatsan Srinand , Lefèvre Thierry , Yang My , Ramakrishnan Muthannan A. , Brown Justin D. , Stallknecht David E.
Published: August 2012

Wild ducks of the genus
Anas
represent the natural hosts for a large genetic diversity of influenza A viruses. In these hosts, co-infections with different virus genotypes are frequent and result in high rates of genetic reassortment. Recent genomic data have provided information regarding the pattern and frequency of these reassortant viruses in duck populations; however, potential consequences on viral shedding and maintenance in the environment have not been investigated. On the basis of full-genome sequencing, we identified five virus genotypes, in a wild duck population in northwestern Minnesota (USA), that naturally arose from genetic reassortments. We investigated the effects of influenza A virus genotype on the viral shedding pattern in Mallards (
Anas platyrhynchos
) and the duration of infectivity in water, under different temperature regimens. Overall, we found that variation in the viral genome composition of these isolates had limited effects on duration, extent and pattern of viral shedding, as well as on the reduction of infectivity in water over time. These results support that, in wild ducks, functionally equivalent gene segments could be maintained in virus populations with no fitness costs when genetic reassortments occur.
Reconstructing past species assemblages reveals the changing patterns and drivers of extinction through time
Authors: Bromham Lindell , Lanfear Robert , Cassey Phillip , Gibb Gillian , Cardillo Marcel
Published: August 2012

Predicting future species extinctions from patterns of past extinctions or current threat status relies on the assumption that the taxonomic and biological selectivity of extinction is consistent through time. If the driving forces of extinction change through time, this assumption may be unrealistic. Testing the consistency of extinction patterns between the past and the present has been difficult, because the phylogenetically explicit methods used to model present-day extinction risk typically cannot be applied to the data from the fossil record. However, the detailed historical and fossil records of the New Zealand avifauna provide a unique opportunity to reconstruct a complete, large faunal assemblage for different periods in the past. Using the first complete phylogeny of all known native New Zealand bird species, both extant and extinct, we show how the taxonomic and phylogenetic selectivity of extinction, and biological correlates of extinction, change from the pre-human period through Polynesian and European occupation, to the present. These changes can be explained both by changes in primary threatening processes, and by the operation of extinction filter effects. The variable patterns of extinction through time may confound attempts to identify risk factors that apply across time periods, and to infer future species declines from past extinction patterns and current threat status.
Social bonds affect anti-predator behaviour in a tolerant species of macaque,Macaca nigra
Authors: Micheletta Jérôme , Waller Bridget M. , Panggur Maria R. , Neumann Christof , Duboscq Julie , Agil Muhammad , Engelhardt Antje
Published: August 2012

Enduring positive social bonds between individuals are crucial for humans' health and well being. Similar bonds can be found in a wide range of taxa, revealing the evolutionary origins of humans' social bonds. Evidence suggests that these strong social bonds can function to buffer the negative effects of living in groups, but it is not known whether they also function to minimize predation risk. Here, we show that crested macaques (Macaca nigra) react more strongly to playbacks of recruitment alarm calls (i.e. calls signalling the presence of a predator and eliciting cooperative mobbing behaviour) if they were produced by an individual with whom they share a strong social bond. Dominance relationships between caller and listener had no effect on the reaction of the listener. Thus, strong social bonds may improve the coordination and efficiency of cooperative defence against predators, and therefore increase chances of survival. This result broadens our understanding of the evolution and function of social bonds by highlighting their importance in the anti-predator context.
Caatinga Revisited: Ecology and Conservation of an Important Seasonal Dry Forest
Authors: de Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino , de Lima Araújo Elcida , El-Deir Ana Carla Asfora , de Lima André Luiz Alves , Souto Antonio , Bezerra Bruna Martins , Ferraz Elba Maria Nogueira , Maria Xavier Freire Eliza , Sampaio Everardo Valadares de Sá Barreto , Las-Casas Flor Maria Guedes , de Moura Geraldo Jorge Barbosa , Pereira Glauco Alves , de Melo Joabe Gomes , Alves Ramos Marcelo , Rodal Maria Jesus Nogueira , Schiel Nicola , de Lyra-Neves Rachel Maria , Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega , de Azevedo-Júnior Severino Mendes , Telino Júnior Wallace Rodrigues , Severi William
Published: August 2012

Besides its extreme climate conditions, the Caatinga (a type of tropical seasonal forest) hosts an impressive faunal and floristic biodiversity. In the last 50 years there has been a considerable increase in the number of studies in the area. Here we aimed to present a review of these studies, focusing on four main fields: vertebrate ecology, plant ecology, human ecology, and ethnobiology. Furthermore, we identify directions for future research. We hope that the present paper will help defining actions and strategies for the conservation of the biological diversity of the Caatinga.
Student Classroom Misbehavior: An Exploratory Study Based on Teachers' Perceptions
Authors: Sun Rachel C. F. , Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: August 2012

This study aimed to examine the conceptions of junior secondary school student misbehaviors in classroom, and to identify the most common, disruptive, and unacceptable student problem behaviors from teachers' perspective. Twelve individual interviews with teachers were conducted. A list of 17 student problem behaviors was generated. Results showed that the most common and disruptive problem behavior was talking out of turn, followed by nonattentiveness, daydreaming, and idleness. The most unacceptable problem behavior was disrespecting teachers in terms of disobedience and rudeness, followed by talking out of turn and verbal aggression. The findings revealed that teachers perceived student problem behaviors as those behaviors involving rule-breaking, violating the implicit norms or expectations, being inappropriate in the classroom settings and upsetting teaching and learning, which mainly required intervention from teachers.
Decreased Erythrocyte NA+,K+-ATPase Activity and Increased Plasma TBARS in Prehypertensive Patients
Authors: Malfatti Carlos Ricardo Maneck , Burgos Leandro Tibiriçá , Rieger Alexandre , Rüdger Cássio Luiz , Túrmina Janaína Angela , Pereira Ricardo Aparecido , Pavlak João Lang , Silva Luiz Augusto , Osiecki Raul
Published: August 2012

The essential hypertension has been associated with membrane cell damage. The aim of the present study is investigate the relationship between erythrocyte Na+,K+-ATPase and lipoperoxidation in prehypertensive patients compared to normotensive status. The present study involved the prehypertensive patients (systolic:136±7 mmHg; diastolic:86.8±6.3 mmHg;n=8) and healthy men with normal blood pressure (systolic:110±6.4 mmHg; diastolic:76.1±4.2 mmHg;n=8) who were matched for age (35±4years old). The venous blood samples of antecubital vein (5 mL) were collected into a tube containing sodium heparin as anticoagulant (1000 UI), and erythrocyte ghosts were prepared for quantifying Na+,K+-ATPase activity. The extent of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was determined in plasma. The statistical analysis was carried out by Student’st-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. AP<0.05was considered significant. The Na+,K+-ATPase activity was lower in prehypertensive patients compared with normotensive subjects (4.9 versus 8.0 nmol Pi/mg protein/min;P<0.05). The Na+,K+-ATPase activity correlated negatively with TBARS content (r=-0.6;P<0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (r=-0.84;P<0.05). The present study suggests that Na+,K+-ATPase activity reduction and elevation of the TBARS content may underlie the pathophysiological aspects linked to the prehypertensive status.
Effects of Chinese Liquors on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Healthy Young Humans
Authors: Zheng Ju-Sheng , Yang Jing , Huang Tao , Hu Xiao-Jie , Luo Ming , Li Duo
Published: August 2012

Objectives. To elucidate whether consumption of two Chinese liquors, tea-flavor liquor (TFL) and traditional Chinese liquor (TCL) have protective effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in healthy human subjects.Methods. Forty-five healthy subjects (23 men, 22 women), aged 23–28, were recruited and randomized into two groups: TFL and TCL, and consumed 30 mL/day (45% (v/v) alcohol) of either liquor for 28 days.Results. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol/low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C/LDL-C) and apolipoprotein A1 were significantly increased, and total cholesterol (TC) and TC/HDL-C were significantly decreased after the intervention in both groups (P<0.05). Serum uric acid (P=0.004for TFL,P=0.001for TCL), glucose (P<0.001for TFL,P<0.001for TCL) and endothelial adhesion molecules (P<0.05) were significantly decreased after the intervention. ADP-induced whole blood platelet aggregation was also significantly decreased after the intervention in both TFL and TCL groups (P<0.05).Conclusions. TFL and TCL consumption had protective effects on CVD risk factors in young humans. However, the results were valid only for 28 days, and that the possibility of adverse effect (liver, kidney) of chronic alcohol consumption should be considered.
The rs2071559 AAVEGFR-2Genotype Frequency Is Significantly Lower in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients
Authors: Lazzeri Stefano , Orlandi Paola , Figus Michele , Fioravanti Anna , Cascio Elisa , Di Desidero Teresa , Agosta Elisa , Canu Bastianina , Sartini Maria Sole , Danesi Romano , Nardi Marco , Bocci Guido
Published: August 2012

In this prospective, case-control genetic study, 120 consecutive neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) cases and 78 controls were enrolled. Two SNPs (rs2071559 and rs1870377) ofVEGF-Areceptor-2 (VEGFR-2) gene were analyzed with the technique of Real-Time PCR to investigate a genetic link between AMD andVEGFR-2gene polymorphisms in Italian patients. The frequency of theVEGFR-2genotype rs2071559 AA was significantly lower (18.33%) in patients with AMD than in the control subjects (34.62%;P=0.0095, chi-square test;Pcorr=0.038;OR=0.42, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.82). In conclusion, although with the limitations of a small sample size and the few SNPs studied, this study demonstrates a lower frequency ofVEGFR-2rs2071559 AA genotype in an AMD patient population, suggesting future studies on the roleVEGFR-2SNPs.
Relationship of Nitrogen Use Efficiency with the Activities of Enzymes Involved in Nitrogen Uptake and Assimilation of Finger Millet Genotypes Grown under Different Nitrogen Inputs
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Gupta Atul K. , Gaur Vikram S. , Kumar Anil
Published: August 2012

Nitrogen responsiveness of three-finger millet genotypes (differing in their seed coat colour) PRM-1 (brown), PRM-701 (golden), and PRM-801 (white) grown under different nitrogen doses was determined by analyzing the growth, yield parameters and activities of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate synthase; GOGAT, and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) at different developmental stages. High nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen utilization efficiency were observed in PRM-1 genotype, whereas high nitrogen uptake efficiency was observed in PRM-801 genotype. At grain filling nitrogen uptake efficiency in PRM-1 negatively correlated with NR, GS, GOGAT activities whereas it was positively correlated in PRM-701 and PRM-801, however, GDH showed a negative correlation. Growth and yield parameters indicated that PRM-1 responds well at high nitrogen conditions while PRM-701 and PRM-801 respond well at normal and low nitrogen conditions respectively. The study indicates that PRM-1 is high nitrogen responsive and has high nitrogen use efficiency, whereas golden PRM-701 and white PRM-801 are low nitrogen responsive genotypes and have low nitrogen use efficiency. However, the crude grain protein content was higher in PRM-801 genotype followed by PRM-701 and PRM-1, indicating negative correlation of nitrogen use efficiency with source to sink relationship in terms of seed protein content.
Effects of Experimental Conditions on Extraction Yield of Extracellular Polymeric Substances by Cation Exchange Resin
Authors: Cho Jinwoo , Hermanowicz Slawomir W. , Hur Jin
Published: August 2012

Effects of experimental conditions on the yield of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) extraction by cation exchange resin (CER) were investigated using activated sludge flocs. The experimental variables included resin dose, extraction time, sample dilution, and storage time. An empirical model was proposed to describe the kinetics of extraction process. The extraction yield increases with the extraction time and CER dose until it reached the maximum amount of EPS extraction. The maximum yield of EPS was affected as well by the sample dilution, exhibiting a decreasing trend with increasing dilution factor. It was also found that the amount of EPS extracted from a raw sample depends on the storage time. Once EPS was extracted from the sample, however, the EPS keeps its original quantity under storage at 4°C. Based on the model, the maximum amount of EPS extraction and yield rate could be estimated for different conditions. Comparing the model parameters allows one to quantitatively compare the extraction efficiencies under various extracting conditions. Based on the results, we recommend the original sample should be diluted with the volume ratio of above 1 : 2 and a raw sample should be treated quickly to prevent the reduction of sample homogeneity and original integrity.
Unraveling the KNOTTED1 regulatory network in maize meristems
Authors: Bolduc Nathalie , Yilmaz Alper , Mejia-Guerra Maria Katherine , Morohashi Kengo , O'Connor Devin , Grotewold Erich , Hake Sarah
Published: August 2012

KNOTTED1 (KN1)-like homeobox (KNOX) transcription factors function in plant meristems, self-renewing structures consisting of stem cells and their immediate daughters. We defined the KN1 cistrome in maize inflorescences and found that KN1 binds to several thousand loci, including 643 genes that are modulated in one or multiple tissues. These KN1 direct targets are strongly enriched for transcription factors (including other homeobox genes) and genes participating in hormonal pathways, most significantly auxin, demonstrating that KN1 plays a key role in orchestrating the upper levels of a hierarchical gene regulatory network that impacts plant meristem identity and function.
Autoregulation of TDP-43 mRNA levels involves interplay between transcription, splicing, and alternative polyA site selection
Authors: Avendaño-Vázquez S. Eréndira , Dhir Ashish , Bembich Sara , Buratti Emanuele , Proudfoot Nicholas , Baralle Francisco E.
Published: August 2012

TDP-43 is a critical RNA-binding factor associated with pre-mRNA splicing in mammals. Its expression is tightly autoregulated, with loss of this regulation implicated in human neuropathology. We demonstrate that TDP-43 overexpression in humans and mice activates a 3′ untranslated region (UTR) intron, resulting in excision of the proximal polyA site (PAS) pA1. This activates a cryptic PAS that prevents TDP-43 expression through a nuclear retention mechanism. Superimposed on this process, overexpression of TDP-43 blocks recognition of pA1 by competing with CstF-64 for PAS binding. Overall, we uncover complex interplay between transcription, splicing, and 3′ end processing to effect autoregulation of TDP-43.
Introduction to Stereology
Authors: West Mark J.
Published: August 2012

Just as astrology became astronomy and alchemy became chemistry through the application of mathematics, descriptive anatomy can be expected to become more and more quantitative in nature. This article describes the basics of stereology, which provides meaningful quantitative descriptions of the geometry of three-dimensional (3D) structures from measurements that are made on two-dimensional (2D) images. With precise mathematical descriptions such as those that can be obtained with unbiased stereological techniques, it will be possible to make concise descriptions of the relationships between structure and function, of the dynamics of structure, and to reassert the importance of quantitative morphology as an essential part of the evaluation of biological tissues.
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials to regulate glycaemia after stroke
Authors: Laird Elizabeth A. , Coates Vivien
Published: August 2012

Aim

This article presents the results of a systematic review of randomized controlled trials on the regulation of glycaemia among adults admitted to hospital with acute stroke.

Background

Hyperglycaemia is commonly observed in acute stroke. International stroke guidelines recommend that hyperglycaemia is treated after stroke. Nurses have a key role in the monitoring and management of glycaemia.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

A search for randomized controlled trials was conducted in MEDLINE and PubMed electronic databases, and original papers published between January 1996–June 2011 were identified. The search was performed using the terms ‘stroke’, ‘hyperglycaemia’, and ‘treatment’ combined. Searching of citations from identified studies was also used to supplement electronic searches. The search was limited to adults and English language publications.

Review methods

A systematic review was conducted for eight studies, meeting the inclusion criteria that: (i) insulin protocols were subjected to randomized controlled trial; and that (ii) only adults admitted to hospital with acute stroke were sampled. The review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis reporting standards.

Results

Intensive insulin therapy regimes have been investigated in a total of eight trials. Intravenous insulin therapy significantly lowers glucose levels when compared with controls but adherence to glucose monitoring and treatment protocols appeared to pose considerable challenge on nurses in routine stroke care. Trials conducted to date have been on poor to sound quality.

Conclusion

There is currently no substantive evidence to support aggressive glucose lowering in the acute phase of stroke. Well‐conducted, large randomized controlled trials are required.
Individual, situational and lifestyle factors related to shift work tolerance among nurses who are new to and experienced in night work
Authors: Saksvik‐Lehouillier Ingvild , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Hetland Hilde , Sandal Gro Mjeldheim , Moen Bente E. , Magerøy Nils , Åkerstedt Torbjørn , Pallesen Ståle
Published: August 2012

Aim

To identify individual, situational and lifestyle variables related to shift work tolerance among nurses who have worked night shifts for less than 1 year and nurses who have worked night shift for more than 6 years, all engaged in rotating shift work.

Background

Working shifts is related to negative health consequences. Factors related to shift work tolerance may differ between nurses with little experience and nurses with extensive experience in night work.

Design

Cross‐sectional questionnaire study.

Methods

A questionnaire including established instruments measuring shift work tolerance, personality, work schedule and lifestyle factors was administered between November 2008–May 2010. Randomly selected Norwegian nurses (n = 749) participated in the study; 322 were new and 427 were experienced in night work.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in shift work tolerance between the new to night work nurses and the nurses who were experienced in night work. Young age was related to higher shift work tolerance. Hardiness was positively related to shift work tolerance in both groups. For the new to night work nurses, morningness was positively related to shift work tolerance. For the experienced in night work nurses, languidity, work hours per week and caffeine consumption were negatively, but flexibility was positively, related to shift work tolerance.

Conclusion

Several variables were related to shift work tolerance among rotating shift working nurses, especially hardiness. Somewhat different variables were related to shift work tolerance for nurses who were new to night work than for nurses with more experience in night work.
Validity of the ‘protocol of oro‐facial myofunctional evaluation with scores’ for young and adult subjects
Authors: DE FELÍCIO C. M. , MEDEIROS A. P. M. , DE OLIVEIRA MELCHIOR M.
Published: August 2012

Summary  The aims of this study were to analyse the validity, sensitivity and specificity of the protocol of oro‐facial myofunctional evaluation with scores (OMES) for oro‐facial myofunctional disorder (OMD) diagnosis in young and adult subjects. Eighty subjects were examined. The OMES was validated against the Nordic Orofacial Test‐Screening (NOT‐S) protocol (criterion validity) (Spearman correlation test). The construct validity was tested by analysis of the ability of the OMES (i) to differentiate healthy subjects (n = 22) from temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients (n = 22), which frequently have OMD (Mann–Whitney test) and (ii) to measure the changes that occurred in a subgroup with TMD between the period before and after oro‐facial myofunctional therapy (T group, n = 15) (Wilcoxon test). Two speech therapists trained with the OMES participated as examiners (E). There was a statistically significant correlation between the OMES and NOT‐S protocols, which was negative because the two scales are inverse (r = −0·86, P < 0·01). There was a significant difference between the healthy and TMD subjects regarding the oro‐facial myofunctional status (OMES total score, P = 0·003). After therapy, the T group showed improvement in the oro‐facial myofunctional status (OMES total score, P = 0·001). Inter‐ and intra‐examiner agreement was moderate, and the reliability coefficients ranged from good to excellent. The OMES protocol presented mean sensitivity and specificity = 0·80, positive predictive value = 0·76 and negative predictive value = 0·84. Conclusion: The OMES protocol is valid and reliable for clinical evaluation of young and adult subjects, among them patients with TMD.
Oscillatory entrainment of subthalamic nucleus neurons and behavioural consequences in rodents and primates
Authors: Syed E. C. J. , Benazzouz A. , Taillade M. , Baufreton J. , Champeaux K. , Falgairolle M. , Bioulac B. , Gross C. E. , Boraud T.
Published: August 2012

We investigated the functional role of oscillatory activity in the local field potential (LFP) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). It has been postulated that beta (15–30 Hz) oscillatory activity in the basal ganglia induces PD motor symptoms. To assess this hypothesis, an LFP showing significant power in the beta frequency range (23 Hz) was used as a stimulus both in vitro and in vivo. We first demonstrated in rat brain slices that STN neuronal activity was driven by the LFP stimulation. We then applied beta stimulation to the STN of 16 rats and two monkeys while quantifying motor behaviour. Although stimulation‐induced behavioural effects were observed, stimulation of the STN at 23 Hz induced no significant decrease in motor performance in either rodents or primates. This study is the first to show LFP‐induced behaviour in both rats and primates, and highlights the complex relationship between beta power and parkinsonian symptoms.
Genetic variants of LPIN1 indicate an association with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhang R. , Jiang F. , Hu C. , Yu W. , Wang J. , Wang C. , Ma X. , Tang S. , Bao Y. , Xiang K. , Jia W.
Published: August 2012

Diabet. Med. 30, 118–122 (2013)

Aims  Metabolic disorders are independent risk factors for the development of Type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study is to test the association of LPIN1 variants with Type 2 diabetes and clinical characteristics in large samples of the Chinese population.

Methods  In the first stage, 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms within the LPIN1 region were selected and genotyped in 3700 Chinese Han participants. In the second stage, the single nucleotide polymorphisms showing significant association or trends towards association were genotyped in an additional 3122 samples for replication. Meta‐analyses and genotype–phenotype association studies were performed after combining the data from the two stages.

Results  In the first stage, we detected that rs16857876 was significantly associated with Type 2 diabetes with an odds ratio of 0.806 (95% CI 0.677–0.958, P = 0.015), while rs11695610 showed a trend with Type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 0.846, 95% CI 0.709–1.009, P = 0.062). In the second stage, a similar effect of rs11695610 on Type 2 diabetes was observed (odds ratio 0.849, 95% CI 0.700–1.030, P = 0.096). The meta‐analyses combining the information from the two stages showed a significant effect of rs11695610 on Type 2 diabetes with an odds ratio of 0.847 (95% CI 0.744–0.965, P = 0.012). Finally, the phenotype–genotype association analyses showed that rs11695610 was associated with 2‐h plasma glucose (P = 0.040) and triglyceride levels (P = 0.034).

Conclusions  Our data implied that common single nucleotide polymorphisms within the LPIN1 region were associated with Type 2 diabetes and metabolic traits in the Chinese population.
Articulating Climate Justice in Copenhagen: Antagonism, the Commons, and Solidarity
Authors: Chatterton Paul , Featherstone David , Routledge Paul
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Articulations of climate justice were central to the diverse mobilisations that opposed the Copenhagen Climate Talks in December 2009. This paper contends that articulations of climate justice pointed to the emergence of three co‐constitutive logics: antagonism, the common(s), and solidarity. Firstly, we argue that climate justice involves an antagonistic framing of climate politics that breaks with attempts to construct climate change as a “post‐political” issue. Secondly, we suggest that climate justice involves the formation of pre‐figurative political activity, expressed through acts of commoning. Thirdly, we contend that climate justice politics generates solidarities between differently located struggles and these solidarities have the potential to shift the terms of debate on climate change. Bringing these logics into conversation can develop the significance of climate justice for political practice and strategy. We conclude by considering what is at stake in different articulations of climate justice and tensions in emerging forms of climate politics.
The Pervasive Nature of Heterodox Economic Spaces at a Time of Neoliberal Crisis: Towards a “Postneoliberal” Anarchist Future
Authors: White Richard J. , Williams Colin C.
Published: August 2012

Abstract: Re‐reading the economic landscape of the western world as a largely non‐capitalist landscape composed of economic plurality, this paper demonstrates how economic relations in contemporary western society are often embedded in non‐commodified practices such as mutual aid, reciprocity, co‐operation and inclusion. By highlighting how the long‐overlooked lived practices in the contemporary world of production, consumption and exchange are heavily grounded in the very types and essences of non‐capitalist economic relations that have long been proposed by anarchistic visions of employment and organization, this paper displays that such visions are far from utopian: they are embedded firmly in the present. Through focusing on the pervasive nature of heterodox economic spaces in the UK in particular, some ideas about how to develop an anarchist future of work and organization will be proposed. The outcome is to begin to engage in the demonstrative construction of a future based on mutualism and autonomous modes of organization and representation.
Swim training attenuates oxidative damage and promotes neuroprotection in cerebral cortical slices submitted to oxygen glucose deprivation
Authors: Leite Hércules R. , Mourão Flávio A. G. , Drumond Luciana E. , Ferreira‐Vieira Talita H. , Bernardes Danielle , Silva Josiane F. , Lemos Virgínia S. , Moraes Márcio F. D. , Pereira Grace S. , Carvalho‐Tavares Juliana , Massensini André R.
Published: August 2012

Although it is well known that regular exercise may promote neuroprotection, the mechanisms underlying this effect are still not fully understood. We investigated if swim training promotes neuroprotection by potentiating antioxidant pathways, thereby decreasing the effects of oxidative stress on glutamate and nitric oxide release. Male Wistar rats (n=36) were evenly randomized into a trained group (TRA) (5 days/week, 8 weeks, 30 min) and a sedentary group (SED). Forty‐eight hours after the last session of exercise, animals were killed and brain was collected for in vitro ischemia. Cortical slices were divided into two groups: a group in which oxidative stress was induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD), and a group of non‐deprived controls (nOGD). Interestingly, exercise by itself increased superoxide dismutase activity (nOGD, SED vs. TRA animals) with no effect on pro‐oxidative markers. In fact, TRA‐OGD slices showed lowered levels of lactate dehydrogenase when compared with SED‐OGD controls, reinforcing the idea that exercise affords a neuroprotective effect. We also demonstrated that exercise decreased glutamate and nitrite release as well as lipid membrane damage in the OGD cortical slices. Our data suggest that under conditions of metabolic stress, swim training prevents oxidative damage caused by glutamate and nitric oxide release.
A New Air Quality Perception Scale for Global Assessment of Air Pollution Health Effects
Authors: Deguen Séverine , Ségala Claire , Pédrono Gaëlle , Mesbah Mounir
Published: August 2012

Despite improvements in air quality in developed countries, air pollution remains a major public health issue. To fully assess the health impact, we must consider that air pollution exposure has both physical and psychological effects; this latter dimension, less documented, is more difficult to measure and subjective indicators constitute an appropriate alternative. In this context, this work presents the methodological development of a new scale to measure the perception of air quality, useful as an exposure or risk appraisal metric in public health contexts. On the basis of the responses from 2,522 subjects in eight French cities, psychometric methods are used to construct the scale from 22 items that assess risk perception (anxiety about health and quality of life) and the extent to which air pollution is a nuisance (sensorial perception and symptoms). The scale is robust, reproducible, and discriminates between subpopulations more susceptible to poor air pollution perception. The individual risk factors of poor air pollution perception are coherent with those findings in the risk perception literature. Perception of air pollution by the general public is a key issue in the development of comprehensive risk assessment studies as well as in air pollution risk management and policy. This study offers a useful new tool to measure such efforts and to help set priorities for air quality improvements in combination with air quality measurements.
A novel dual material mouthguard for patients with dental implants
Authors: Miyahara Takayuki , Dahlin Christer , Galli Silvia , Parsafar Shima , Koizumi Hiroyasu , Kasugai Shohei
Published: August 2012

Aim

Dental implant–supported reconstructions demonstrate significantly less physiological flexibility for loading and traumatic forces compared with a normal dentition because of their rigid integration with the adjacent bone. Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) material has become widely accepted as a mouthguard material; however, many studies indicate the necessity of improving the impact absorption ability by considering the design and developing new materials. The aim of this study was to compare the shock‐absorbing ability of a novel dual component material comprising EVA and porous rubber with that of EVA alone.

Materials and methods

Three groups of samples were tested: Group 1 = EVA (thickness, 4 mm), Group 2 = type 1 material (2‐mm thick porous rubber sheet sandwiched between two sheets of 1‐mm thick EVA sheets), and Group 3 = type 2 material (1‐mm thick porous rubber sheet sandwiched between EVA sheets with 1 and 2‐mm thickness, respectively). Shock absorption was determined by means of a hammer impact testing device equipped with strain gauge, accelerator, and load cell.

Results

The value of shock‐absorbing ability of group 2 (40.6 ± 12.5%) was significantly higher than those of group 1 (15.6 ± 2.1%) and group 3 (21.2 ± 9.2%). The material with thicker rubber sheet showed significantly higher shock‐absorbing ability compared with that of the material with thinner rubber sheet.

Conclusions

The novel dual material was superior to conventional EVA material in shock‐absorbing ability depending on the thickness of porous rubber, and it may be potentially effective as mouthguard material, in particular, for patients wearing implant‐supported constructions.
SEB‐3, a CRF receptor‐like GPCR, regulates locomotor activity states, stress responses and ethanol tolerance in Caenorhabditiselegans
Authors: Jee C. , Lee J. , Lim J. P. , Parry D. , Messing R. O. , McIntire S. L.
Published: August 2012

The CRF (corticotropin‐releasing factor) system is a key mediator of the stress response. Alterations in CRF signaling have been implicated in drug craving and ethanol consumption. The development of negative reinforcement via activation of brain stress systems has been proposed as a mechanism that contributes to alcohol dependence. Here, we isolated a gain‐of‐function allele of seb‐3, a CRF receptor‐like GPCR in Caenorhabditis elegans, providing an in vivo model of a constitutively activated stress system. We also characterized a loss‐of‐function allele of seb‐3 and showed that SEB‐3 positively regulates a stress response that leads to an enhanced active state of locomotion, behavioral arousal and tremor. SEB‐3 also contributed to acute tolerance to ethanol and to the development of tremor during ethanol withdrawal. Furthermore, we found that a specific CRF1 receptor antagonist reduced acute functional tolerance to ethanol in mice. These findings demonstrate functional conservation of the CRF system in responses to stress and ethanol in vertebrates and invertebrates.
Effective storage rates analysis of groundwater reservoir with surplus local and transferred water used in Shijiazhuang City, China
Authors: Du Shanghai , Su Xiaosi , Zhang Wenjing
Published: August 2012

Groundwater reservoir (GR) of both local precipitation and surplus water transferred from the Han River Basin is an effective method to prevent further lowering of the groundwater table. In this study, when the different volumes of infiltration water from the fuzzy mathematical analysis were input in the simulation, the rate at which the groundwater table rose ranged from 1.47 to 3.45 m/a. The effective storage rate (ESR) values of GR and the local reservoir was calculated, and ranged from 80.50 to 90.95% and from 49.66 to 80.90%, respectively. In GR, the ESR decreased as artificial recharge increased. Comparison of the ESR values between local reservoir and GR showed that if the volume of artificial recharge water available was < 7.86 × 108 m3/a, then GR was a better storage method than the local reservoir. According to our results, this situation would occur 80.30% of the time.