bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong responses of Southern Ocean phytoplankton communities to volcanic ash
Authors: Browning T. J. , Bouman H. A. , Henderson G. M. , Mather T. A. , Pyle D. M. , Schlosser C. , Woodward E. M. S. , Moore C. M.
Published: March 2014

Volcanic eruptions have been hypothesized as an iron supply mechanism for phytoplankton blooms; however, little direct evidence of stimulatory responses has been obtained in the field. Here we present the results of twenty‐one 1–2 day bottle enrichment experiments from cruises in the South Atlantic and Southern Ocean which conclusively demonstrated a photophysiological and biomass stimulation of phytoplankton communities following supply of basaltic or rhyolitic volcanic ash. Furthermore, experiments in the Southern Ocean demonstrated significant phytoplankton community responses to volcanic ash supply in the absence of responses to addition of dissolved iron alone. At these sites, dissolved manganese concentrations were among the lowest ever measured in seawater, and we therefore suggest that the enhanced response to ash may have been a result of the relief of manganese (co)limitation. Our results imply that volcanic ash deposition events could trigger extensive phytoplankton blooms, potentially capable of significant impacts on regional carbon cycling.
Fluorescent protein‐based reporters of the actin cytoskeleton in living plant cells: Fluorophore variant, actin binding domain, and promoter considerations
Authors: Dyachok Julia , Sparks J. Alan , Liao Fuqi , Wang Yuh‐Shuh , Blancaflor Elison B.
Published: March 2014

Genetically encoded filamentous actin (F‐actin) reporters designed based on fluorescent protein fusions to F‐actin binding domains of actin regulatory proteins have emerged as powerful tools to decipher the role of the actin cytoskeleton in plant growth and development. However, these probes could interfere with the function of endogenous actin binding proteins and in turn impact actin organization and plant growth. We therefore surveyed F‐actin labeling and compared organ growth in Arabidopsis thaliana lines expressing a variety of F‐actin markers. Here we show that the variant of fluorescent protein, type of actin binding domain, and the promoter that drives reporter expression can influence the quality of F‐actin labeling particularly in stable plant lines. For example, older red fluorescent protein (RFP)‐based probes such as DsRed2 and mOrange induced more aberrant labeling compared to the newer RFP‐based, mCherry, GFP, and GFP‐derived fluorophores such as YFP and CFP. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative analyses revealed differences in F‐actin organization in seedlings expressing Talin‐ and Lifeact‐based reporters in some cell types compared to the fimbrin actin binding domain 2 (ABD2)‐based reporters. Finally, the use of the ubiquitin10 (UBQ10) promoter to drive expression of the GFP‐ABD2‐GFP probe minimized loss of fluorescence and growth defects observed in the 35S‐driven version. Taken together, this study shows that care must be taken in the interpretation of data derived from stable expression of certain F‐actin reporters and that using alternative promoters such as UBQ10 can overcome some of the pitfalls that accompany the use of in vivo F‐actin probes in plants. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Murine Notch1 is required for lymphatic vascular morphogenesis during development
Authors: Fatima Anees , Culver Austin , Culver Ford , Liu Ting , Dietz William H. , Thomson Benjamin R. , Hadjantonakis Anna‐Katerina , Quaggin Susan E. , Kume Tsutomu
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND: The transmembrane receptor Notch1 is a critical regulator of arterial differentiation and blood vessel sprouting. Recent evidence shows that functional blockade of Notch1 and its ligand, Dll4, leads to postnatal lymphatic defects in mice. However, the precise role of the Notch signaling pathway in lymphatic vessel development has yet to be defined. Here we show the developmental role of Notch1 in lymphatic vascular morphogenesis by analyzing lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC)‐specific conditional Notch1 knockout mice crossed with an inducible Prox1CreERT2 driver. RESULTS: LEC‐specific Notch1 mutant embryos exhibited enlarged lymphatic vessels. The phenotype of lymphatic overgrowth accords with increased LEC sprouting from the lymph sacs and increased filopodia formation. Furthermore, cell death was significantly reduced in Notch1‐mutant LECs, whereas proliferation was increased. RNA‐seq analysis revealed that expression of cytokine/chemokine signaling molecules was upregulated in Notch1‐mutant LECs isolated from E15.5 dorsal skin, whereas VEGFR3, VEGFR2, VEGFC, and Gja4 (Connexin 37) were downregulated. CONCLUSIONS: The lymphatic phenotype of LEC‐specific conditional Notch1 mouse mutants indicates that Notch activity in LECs controls lymphatic sprouting and growth during development. These results provide evidence that similar to postnatal and pathological lymphatic vessel formation, the Notch signaling pathway plays a role in inhibiting developmental lymphangiogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 243:957–964, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A High‐resolution study of hippocampal and medial temporal lobe correlates of spatial context and prospective overlapping route memory
Authors: Brown Thackery I. , Hasselmo Michael E. , Stern Chantal E.
Published: March 2014

When navigating our world we often first plan or retrieve an ideal route to our goal, avoiding alternative paths that lead to other destinations. The medial temporal lobe (MTL) has been implicated in processing contextual information, sequence memory, and uniquely retrieving routes that overlap or “cross paths.” However, the identity of subregions of the hippocampus and neighboring cortex that support these functions in humans remains unclear. The present study used high‐resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (hr‐fMRI) in humans to test whether the CA3/DG hippocampal subfield and parahippocampal cortex are important for processing spatial context and route retrieval, and whether the CA1 subfield facilitates prospective planning of mazes that must be distinguished from alternative overlapping routes. During hr‐fMRI scanning, participants navigated virtual mazes that were well‐learned from prior training while also learning new mazes. Some routes learned during scanning shared hallways with those learned during pre‐scan training, requiring participants to select between alternative paths. Critically, each maze began with a distinct spatial contextual Cue period. Our analysis targeted activity from the Cue period, during which participants identified the current navigational episode, facilitating retrieval of upcoming route components and distinguishing mazes that overlap. Results demonstrated that multiple MTL regions were predominantly active for the contextual Cue period of the task, with specific regions of CA3/DG, parahippocampal cortex, and perirhinal cortex being consistently recruited across trials for Cue periods of both novel and familiar mazes. During early trials of the task, both CA3/DG and CA1 were more active for overlapping than non‐overlapping Cue periods. Trial‐by‐trial Cue period responses in CA1 tracked subsequent overlapping maze performance across runs. Together, our findings provide novel insight into the contributions of MTL subfields to processing spatial context and route retrieval, and support a prominent role for CA1 in distinguishing overlapping episodes during navigational “look‐ahead” periods. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A New Eu3+‐Labeled Method for Anticardiolipin Antibody IgM
Authors: Ye Yan , Hu Zhigang , Liu Jie , Chen Guoqian , Zhou Yaohong
Published: March 2014

Background

The anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) test has become a laboratory standard for the clinical diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). To better the quantitative detection of aCL‐IgM so as to classify patients correctly and timely as APS positive, we established herein a new immunoassay based on a time‐resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA).

Methods

The complex of cardiolipin plus bovine anti‐β2 glycoprotein‐I was used as antigen fixed on microtiter plates to detect serum aCL‐IgM, and Eu3+‐labeled rabbit antihuman IgM was used as conjugate. The precision, sensitivity, specificity, coefficient of recovery, and stability of the assay were evaluated, and comparison with the traditional, classical enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was also made.

Results

The detection limit of the aCL‐IgM TRFIA kit we established was 0.1 MPL U/ml, with a wider detectable range than commercial ELISA ones when a strong‐positive specimen was diluted from 2,630.9 to 0.08 MPL U/ml. There was a good liner range within 0.16 to 2,630.9 MPL U/ml, whereas it was within 5.14 to 328.86 MPL U/ml when using three commercial ELISA ones. The average intra‐ and interassay variability was 3.19 and 3.70%, respectively. The mean recovery rate was 101.95%. The clinical diagnostic specificity was 98%. Additionally, the established assay kit presented good characteristics of stability and correlated well with the ELISA, and the correlation coefficient was 0.955.

Conclusion

The aCL‐IgM TRFIA provides an approach to a more sensitive and reliable diagnosis of APS. Further validation of its use is required.
Investigation of Deletion of 22pb in KIR2DS4 Gene in a Population of Southern Brazil
Authors: Marangon Amanda Vansan , Visentainer Jeane Eliete Laguila , Guelsin Gláucia Andréia Soares , Clementino Samaia Laface , Rudnick Cristiane Conceição Chagas , de Melo Fabiano Cavalcante , Braga Marco Antonio , Sell Ana Maria
Published: March 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of full‐length and deleted variants of KIR2DS4 in a population of southern Brazil and compare the results with other populations, as well as comparing two techniques, PCR‐SSP and PCR‐SSO, for typing of variants.

Methods

258 individuals from southern Brazil were analysed by PCR‐SSO (“polymerase chain reaction‐sequence specific oligonucleotides”, One Lambda, Inc., Canoga Park, CA), of which 161 were also analysed by PCR‐SSP.

Results

The study population showed similarities with other Caucasian populations; 46.5% of individuals had only KIR2DS4 variants, 21.3% had the full‐length form and 25.1% had both forms.

Conclusion

The frequencies found in both groups (genotyped by PCR‐SSP and PCR‐SSO) were 100% concordant.
Clinical Relevance of Plasma miR‐21 in New‐Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Authors: Tang Zhao Ming , Fang Min , Wang Jin Ping , Cai Peng Cheng , Wang Ping , Hu Li Hua
Published: March 2014

Background

Plasma miR‐21 is widely investigated as biomarker in many diseases. Recent studies show that miR‐21 participates in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression profile of miR‐21 in the plasma of SLE patients.

Methods

Relative quantities of plasma miR‐21 both in SLE patients and healthy controls were determined by relative qRT‐PCR under endogenous and exogenous controls. The diagnostic value of plasma miR‐21 was evaluated in SLE patients. Data of some SLE‐associated clinical parameters were collected.

Results

Eighty participants from Central China were recruited. Forty‐four participants were new‐onset SLE patients and the others were healthy controls. Plasma miR‐21 level in SLE patients was higher than that of healthy controls (P = 0.031). Receiver operating characteristic analysis of plasma miR‐21 revealed an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.64 ± 0.06 (95% CI: 0.51–0.76, P = 0.03854) when differentiating SLE from healthy controls. The level of plasma miR‐21 was not associated with the level of white blood cells (P = 0.4284), red blood cells (P = 0.4079), and platelets (P = 0.4961), but significantly correlated with the level of plasma complement C3 (r = −0.5297, P = 0.0004), C4 (r = −0.4732, P = 0.0020), and serum uric acid (r = 0.3932, P = 0.0121) in SLE patients.

Conclusions

Plasma miR‐21 in SLE patients from Central China is overexpressed. Since circulating miR‐21 is aberrantly expressed in many diseases, the applying of it as a disease biomarker should be considered carefully.
Digoxin Immunoassays on the ARCHITECT i2000SR and ARCHITECT c8000 Analyzers Are Free From Interferences of Asian, Siberian, and American Ginseng
Authors: Baugher Bennett W. , Berman Marvin , Dierksen Jennifer E. , Armbruster David A. , Dasgupta Amitava
Published: March 2014

Asian, Siberian, and American ginseng are known to interfere with serum digoxin measurements using fluorescence polarization technology, Digoxin II and Digoxin III assays (Abbott Laboratories, Green oaks, IL) as well as other digoxin assays. Abbott Laboratories more recently launched two new digoxin assays: iDigoxin, a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay for application on the ARCHITECT i1000SR and i2000SR immunoassay analyzers, and cDigoxin, a particle‐enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay for application on the ARCHITECT c4000, c8000, and c1600 clinical chemistry analyzers; and we studied potential interferences of ginsengs with these two assays in vitro. When aliquots of drug‐free serum pool treated with activated charcoal were supplemented with extracts of various ginsengs, no significant apparent digoxin values were observed. In addition, when aliquots of the digoxin pool prepared from patients taking digoxin were further supplemented with these ginseng extracts and the digoxin values were re‐measured, we observed no statistically significant difference in observed digoxin values compared to the original digoxin value of the pool. These results further establish that relatively new digoxin assays for application on the ARCHITECT analyzers that employ specific monoclonal antibodies against digoxin are free from interferences from Asian, Siberian, and American ginseng.
Is Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio an Indicator for Proteinuria in Chronic Kidney Disease?
Authors: Binnetoğlu Emine , Şengül Erkan , Halhallı Gökçen , Dindar Sevim , Şen Hacer
Published: March 2014

Background

Recent studies have shown that neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a strong indicator in determining inflammation in cardiac and non‐cardiac diseases. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between proteinuria and NLR in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients without diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

Between 2011 and 2012 files of a total of 1000 CKD patients attending outpatient clinic were retrospectively scanned. Patients with DM, chronic disease, malignancy or stage 5 CKD were excluded. After these patients were excluded, a total of 69 patients with stage 3 and 4 CKD were evaluated.

Results

The study comprised 27 patients with CKD without proteinuria (Group 1), 42 patients with CKD and proteinuria (Group 2) and 30 healthy volunteers (Group 3). NLR was highest in Group 2 and this was statistically significant compared with the control group (p = 0.012). The platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in Group 2 was higher than the control group at a significant level (p = 0.004). There was a moderate positive correlation found between proteinuria and NLR (p = 0.013, r = 0.3). There was a positive correlation found between proteinuria and PLR (p = 0.002, r = 0.306).

Conclusion

In conclusion, NLR, a parameter easily found in routine blood counts of CKD patients, is a marker with prognostic value for the presence and degree of proteinuria.
Inability of Monoclonal Anti‐light Chain Antibody to Detect Clonal B‐Cells in a Patient with Follicular Lymphoma by Multicolor Flow Cytometry
Authors: van Velzen Jeroen F. , van den Blink Dorine , Wiegers Ingrid E.H. , Bloem Andries C.
Published: March 2014

Background

Our recent publication “Inability of a monoclonal anti‐light chain antibody to detect clonal plasma cells in a patient with multiple myeloma by multicolor flow cytometry,” underlined the importance of choice of antibodies to detect cytoplasmic light chains. Our present study extends this finding for detection of surface immunoglobulin (SIg) light chains on clonal B‐cells.

Methods

Multicolor flow cytometry was used for analyzing bone marrow (BM) from a patient with a CD10‐positive follicular lymphoma for infiltrating clonal B‐cells.

Results

In the BM aspirate, B cells could be identified expressing CD19, CD10, and high levels of CD20. No SIg light chain expression was found on this population of B cells employing monoclonal antibodies. Re‐analysis using polyclonal antibodies against SIg light chains, revealed presence of lambda light chains on the CD10positive B‐cells.

Conclusions

These data illustrate when antibodies against SIg light chains are employed for B‐cell clonality assessment, polyclonal antibodies are preferred over monoclonal antibodies.
Serum Leptin is Associated With Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Mexican Subjects
Authors: García‐Jiménez Sara , Bernal Fernández German , Martínez Salazar Maria Fernanda , Monroy Noyola Antonio , Toledano Jaimes Cairo , Meneses Acosta Angelica , Gonzalez Maya Leticia , Aveleyra Ojeda Elizabeth , Terrazas Meraz Maria A. , Marie‐Catherine Boll , Sánchez‐Alemán Miguel A.
Published: March 2014

Background

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and abdominal adiposity. Obese patients develop leptin resistance, and an increased waist circumference (WC) due to deposition of abdominal fat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between circulating leptin levels and MetS among sample adult Mexican workers.

Method

A total of 204 workers aged 20–56 were evaluated. Anthropometric index, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Fasting insulin and leptin were measured by inmunoenzimatic methods. Furthermore, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was calculated.

Results

The prevalence of MetS according to the ATP‐III criteria was 33.8% and leptin concentrations were 2.5 times higher in women than men. Subjects with MetS had higher levels of leptin (26.7 ± 13.7) compared with those without MetS (20.1 ± 13.9; P <0.001). Leptin increased significantly while BMI increased as well (normal 14.0 ± 8.9, overweight 22.7 ± 11.7 and obese 31.4 ± 14.6) in addition to other variables such as WC, HDL‐C, insulin levels, and HOMA index. Each component of MetS was stratified by sex and submitted by linear regression with a 95% of accuracy. The 50% and 53% of the BMI is explained by the concentration of leptin in men and women, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study found that leptin was associated with the MetS, especially in obesity and insulin resistance, indicating a high risk for university workers to develop hypertension, DM2, and cardiovascular disease.
Serum Copeptin and Midregion Proadrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) After an Ultramarathon
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Schena Federico , Salvagno Gian Luca , Sanchis‐Gomar Fabian , Guidi Gian Cesare
Published: March 2014

Background

Although it is widely acknowledged that physical activity confers several health benefits, it remains uncertain whether strenuous and physically demanding exercise might determine biological effects that might turn to be ultimately unfavorable for health. Copeptin and midregion proadrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) are emerging cardiovascular and stress biomarkers, but little is known about the influence of strenuous physical exercise on their concentrations.

Methods

The present study was performed to investigate the variation of copeptin and MRproADM, along with that of serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate before and after a 60 km ultramarathon in 16 healthy Caucasian males.

Results

The serum concentrations of both copeptin and MR‐proADM remarkably increased after the 60 km run, by 6.4 times (interquartile range (IQR), 2.710.4) and 2.3 times (IQR, 1.8–2.6), respectively. A highly significant correlation was observed between the increase of creatinine and MR‐proADM, but not between serum creatinine and copeptin. The percentage of subjects exhibiting values above the upper limit of the reference range in male was 0% for both copeptin and MR‐proADM before the ultramarathon, but increased to respectively 81 and 63% postexercise.

Conclusion

The evidence that an ultramarathon causes a substantial increase of copeptin and MR‐proADM raises doubts as to whether exhaustive exercise might be considered globally beneficial or even safe, especially in unfit or/and untrained population.
Magnetic resonance imaging phenotyping of Becker muscular dystrophy
Authors: Faridian‐Aragh Neda , Wagner Kathryn R. , Leung Doris G. , Carrino John A.
Published: March 2014

Introduction: There is little information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phenotypes of Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). This study presents the MRI phenotyping of the upper and lower extremities of a large cohort of BMD patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, MRI images of 33 BMD subjects were evaluated for severity, distribution, and symmetry of involvement. Results: Teres major, triceps long head, biceps brachii long head, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, vasti, adductor longus, adductor magnus, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris muscles showed the highest severity and frequency of involvement. All analyzed muscles had a high frequency of symmetric involvement. There was significant variability of involvement between muscles within some muscle groups, most notably the arm abductors, posterior arm muscles, medial thigh muscles, and lateral hip rotators. Conclusions: This study showed a distinctive pattern of involvement of extremity muscles in BMD subjects. Muscle Nerve 50: 962–967, 2014
Upwind discontinuous Galerkin methods with mass conservation of both phases for incompressible two‐phase flow in porous media
Authors: Kou Jisheng , Sun Shuyu
Published: March 2014

Discontinuous Galerkin methods with interior penalties and upwind schemes are applied to the original formulation modeling incompressible two‐phase flow in porous media with the capillary pressure. The pressure equation is obtained by summing the discretized conservation equations of two phases. This treatment is very different from the conventional approaches, and its great merit is that the mass conservations hold for both phases instead of only one phase in the conventional schemes. By constructing a new continuous map and using the fixed‐point theorem, we prove the global existence of discrete solutions under the proper conditions, and furthermore, we obtain a priori hp error estimates of the pressures in and the saturations in and . © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 1674–1699, 2014
Consensus design of a NOD receptor leucine rich repeat domain with binding affinity for a muramyl dipeptide, a bacterial cell wall fragment
Authors: Parker Rachael , Mercedes‐Camacho Ana , Grove Tijana Z.
Published: March 2014

Repeat proteins have recently emerged as especially well‐suited alternative binding scaffolds due to their modular architecture and biophysical properties. Here we present the design of a scaffold based on the consensus sequence of the leucine rich repeat (LRR) domain of the NOD family of cytoplasmic innate immune system receptors. Consensus sequence design has emerged as a protein design tool to createde novoproteins that capture sequence‐structure relationships and interactions present in nature. The multiple sequence alignment of 311 individual LRRs, which are the putative ligand‐recognition domain in NOD proteins, resulted in a consensus sequence protein containing two internal and N‐ and C‐capping repeats named CLRR2. CLRR2 protein is a stable, monomeric, and cysteine free scaffold that without any affinity maturation displays micromolar binding to muramyl dipeptide, a bacterial cell wall fragment. To our knowledge, this is the first report of direct interaction of a NOD LRR with a physiologically relevant ligand.
Capping motifs stabilize the leucine‐rich repeat protein PP32 and rigidify adjacent repeats
Authors: Dao Thuy P. , Majumdar Ananya , Barrick Doug
Published: March 2014

Capping motifs are found to flank most β‐strand‐containing repeat proteins. To better understand the roles of these capping motifs in organizing structure and stability, we carried out folding and solution NMR studies on the leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) domain of PP32, which is composed of five tandem LRR, capped by α‐helical and β‐hairpin motifs on the N‐ and C‐termini. We were able to purify PP32 constructs lacking either cap and containing destabilizing substitutions. Removing the C‐cap results in complete unfolding of PP32. Removing the N‐cap has a much less severe effect, decreasing stability but retaining much of its secondary structure. In contrast, the dynamics and tertiary structure of the first two repeats are significantly perturbed, based on 1H‐15N relaxation studies, chemical shift perturbations, and residual dipolar couplings. However, more distal repeats (3 to C‐cap) retain their native tertiary structure. In this regard, the N‐cap drives the folding of adjacent repeats from what appears to be a molten‐globule‐like state. This interpretation is supported by extensive analysis using core packing substitutions in the full‐length and N‐cap‐truncated PP32. This work highlights the importance of caps to the stability and structural integrity of β‐strand‐containing LRR proteins, and emphasizes the different contributions of the N‐ and C‐terminal caps.
Genomic Counseling in the Newborn Period: Experiences and Views of Genetic Counselors
Authors: Nardini Monica D. , Matthews Anne L. , McCandless Shawn E. , Baumanis Larisa , Goldenberg Aaron J.
Published: March 2014

As newborn screening (NBS) technology expands, genetic counselors will become more involved in counseling for NBS results, including those potentially generated from whole exome sequencing (WES) and eventually whole genome sequencing (WGS). Members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) responded to an online survey (n = 208) regarding genomic counseling in the context of NBS. The majority of participants (82.1 %) did not feel prepared to counsel for WGS results from NBS. Counselors with previous WES/WGS counseling experience felt more prepared (p = 0.005) to counsel for WGS results from NBS than those without WES/WGS experience. Overall, counselors expressed ethical and practical concerns regarding WGS in NBS, as well as a need for additional training regarding this application of the technology before it is implemented. Based on the results of this study, genetic counselors voice caution to the larger genetics community regarding expansion of NBS to incorporate genomic sequencing and advocate for additional education prior to initiating WGS into NBS.
Comparison of the Lipid Content, Fatty Acid Profile and Sterol Composition in Local Italian and Commercial Royal Jelly Samples
Authors: Ferioli Federico , Armaforte Emanuele , Caboni Maria Fiorenza
Published: March 2014

Royal jelly (RJ) is a beehive product that has gained a significant scientific and commercial interest due to its healthy properties. In the present study, lipid content, fatty acid profile and phytosterol amount were determined in eight local and four commercial pure RJ samples. A mixture of diethyl ether/isopropanol 50/1 (v/v) was chosen to extract fat matter from RJ. Lipid amounts ranged from 2.3 and 7.2 % and from 2.0 to 3.2 % of the fresh product in local and commercial RJ, respectively. Fourteen fatty acids and three phytosterols were identified. About 70 % of the total fatty acids consisted of (E)‐10‐hydroxy‐2‐decenoic and 10‐hydroxydecanoic acid. No significant difference was observed between local and commercial samples in regards to the relative amount of individual fatty acids. Sterols were in the range 179–701 and 329–1,097 mg kg−1 of fat in local and commercial RJ, respectively. A significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was observed within RJ types in regards to the 24‐methylenecholesterol fraction, amounting to 77 and 67 % of identified sterols in local and commercial products, respectively.
Direct Conversion of Pretreated Straw Cellulose into Citric Acid by Co-cultures of Yarrowia lipolytica SWJ-1b and Immobilized Trichoderma reesei Mycelium
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Lv Jinshun , Zhang Tong , Deng Yuanfang
Published: March 2014

The immobilized cellulase-producing mycelium of Trichoderma reesei was found to produce 2.9 U/ml of cellulase activity within 144 h while 2.1 U/ml of cellulase activity was produced within 120 h by the free mycelium of the same strain. When the immobilized mycelium of T. reesei was co-cultivated with the free cells of Yarrowia lipolytica SWJ-1b in flask, Y. lipolytica SWJ-1b could yield 10.7 g/l of citric acid and 3.9 g/l of isocitric acid from 40.0 g/l pretreated straw within 240 h. Under the similar conditions, Y. lipolytica SWJ-1b could yield 32.8 g/l of citric acid and 4.7 g/l of isocitric acid from 40.0 g/l pretreated straw supplemented with 20.0 g/l glucose within 288 h. When the co-cultures were grown in 10-l fermentor, Y. lipolytica SWJ-1b could yield 83.4 g/l of citric acid and 8.7 g/l of isocitric acid from 100.0 g/l of pretreated straw supplemented with 50.0 g/l glucose within 312 h.
Determinants of adolescents' ineffective and improved coping with cyberbullying: A Delphi study
Authors: Jacobs Niels C.L. , Dehue Francine , Völlink Trijntje , Lechner Lilian
Published: March 2014

The study's aim was to obtain an overview of all relevant variables involved in ineffective coping behavior and improvement in coping behavior as it pertains to cyberbullying among adolescents, in order to systematically develop a theory‐ and evidence‐based intervention. This was done by means of a three round online Delphi study. First, 20 key experts listed possible relevant determinants. Next, 70 experts scored these determinants on their relevance and finally, experts rerated relevance of each determinant based on group median scores. The experts agreed that 115 items are relevant for ineffective (62) or improvement in (53) coping behavior. New found determinants were the extent to which one can adjust behavior upon feedback, impulsivity, self‐confidence, communication style, personality, decision‐making skills, conflict resolution skills, previous participation in personal resilience training, social relationships, rumors and self‐disclosure. We conclude that the Delphi technique is useful in discovering new and relevant determinants of behavior.
International note: Parenting, academic achievement and problem behaviour among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Li Haibin , Walker Richard , Armstrong Derrick
Published: March 2014

In light of differing findings regarding the relations between parenting and adolescent academic/behavioural outcomes and the dearth of such research in a Chinese context, we conducted research to examine the relationship between parental supervision/attachment and academic achievement/problem behaviour among mainland Chinese adolescents. In the study, 636 Grade 11 students completed a questionnaire comprising parenting and problem behaviour variables complemented by academic achievement (GPA) data drawn from school records. The study found that the relations between parenting (parental supervision and attachment) and Chinese adolescents' academic and behavioural outcomes are very weak.
Inteligencia colectiva: enfoque para el análisis de redes
Authors: Toca Torres Claudia Eugenia
Published: March 2014

La revisión de la literatura anglosajona producida durante los últimos 16 años sobre inteligencia colectivay otras metaheurísticas permite la construcción del estado del arte de 3 de sus características: autoor-ganización, flexibilidad y robustez. Dicho recorrido teórico aporta a la comprensión de las posibilidadesde aplicación de la inteligencia colectiva no solo en especies sino en niveles de vida superiores comocomunidades y ecosistemas. Dado que en el largo plazo la flexibilidad y la robustez emergen de laautoorganización, se sugiere el estudio de los asuntos de esta última característica en redes empresaria-les (información, comunicación, liderazgo, potencial creativo, pertenencia, autonomía, acción colectiva,cooperación, interacción, libertad y diversidad), así como el análisis de redes soportado en grafos eindicadores.
Atrial fibrillation‐linked GJA5/connexin40 mutants impaired gap junctions via different mechanisms
Authors: Bai Donglin
Published: March 2014

The gap junctions (GJs) formed by Cx40 and Cx43 provide a low resistance passage allowing for rapid propagation of action potentials. Sporadic somatic mutations in GJA5 (encoding Cx40) have been identified in lone atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. More recently germline autosomal dominantly inherited mutations in GJA5 have been found in early onset lone AF patients in several families over generations. Characterizations of these AF‐linked Cx40 mutants in model cells and in patient tissues revealed that some of the mutants reduced GJ channel function due to an impaired trafficking or channel formation. While others showed a gain‐of‐function in hemichannels. These functional alterations in GJs or hemichannel may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AF in the mutant carriers.
Essential role of a family‐32 carbohydrate‐binding module in substrate recognition by Clostridium thermocellum mannanase CtMan5A
Authors: Mizutani Kimiya , Sakka Makiko , Kimura Tetsuya , Sakka Kazuo
Published: March 2014

The family‐5 glycoside hydrolase domain (GH5) and the family‐32 carbohydrate‐binding module (CBM32) of Clostridium thermocellum mannanase CtMan5A, along with their genetically inactivated derivatives, were collectively or separately expressed. Their catalytic and substrate‐binding abilities were measured to investigate importance of CBM32 in substrate recognition by CtMan5A. Characterization of the truncated derivatives of CtMan5A and isothermal calorimetry analysis of the interaction between the inactivated proteins and mannooligosaccharides suggested that GH5 and CBM32 collectively formed a substrate‐binding site capable of accommodating a mannotetraose unit in CtMan5A. This suggested that CBM32 directly participated in the substrate recognition required for catalytic action.
Protein kinase Cθ gene expression is oppositely regulated by GCN5 and EBF1 in immature B cells
Authors: Kikuchi Hidehiko , Nakayama Masami , Kuribayashi Futoshi , Imajoh-Ohmi Shinobu , Nishitoh Hideki , Takami Yasunari , Nakayama Tatsuo
Published: March 2014

In this study, we revealed that GCN5 and early B cell factor 1 (EBF1) participate in regulation of protein kinase Cθ (PKCθ) gene expression in an opposite manner in immature B cells. GCN5‐deficiency in DT40 caused drastic down‐regulation of transcription of PKCθ. In contrast, EBF1‐deficiency brought about remarkable up‐regulation of that of PKCθ, and re‐expression of EBF1 dramatically suppressed transcription of PKCθ. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that GCN5 binds to the 5′‐flanking region of the chicken PKCθ gene and acetylates histone H3, and EBF1 binds to the 5′‐flanking region of the gene surrounding putative EBF1 binding motifs.
Crystal structures of human CtBP in complex with substrate MTOB reveal active site features useful for inhibitor design
Authors: Hilbert Brendan J. , Grossman Steven R. , Schiffer Celia A. , Royer William E.
Published: March 2014

The oncogenic corepressors C‐terminal Binding Protein (CtBP) 1 and 2 harbor regulatory d‐isomer specific 2‐hydroxyacid dehydrogenase (d2‐HDH) domains. 4‐Methylthio 2‐oxobutyric acid (MTOB) exhibits substrate inhibition and can interfere with CtBP oncogenic activity in cell culture and mice. Crystal structures of human CtBP1 and CtBP2 in complex with MTOB and NAD+ revealed two key features: a conserved tryptophan that likely contributes to substrate specificity and a hydrophilic cavity that links MTOB with an NAD+ phosphate. Neither feature is present in other d2‐HDH enzymes. These structures thus offer key opportunities for the development of highly selective anti‐neoplastic CtBP inhibitors.
Piceatannol attenuates cardiac hypertrophy in an animal model through regulation of the expression and binding of the transcription factor GATA binding factor 6
Authors: Kee Hae Jin , Park Sangha , Kang Wanseok , Lim Kyung Seob , Kim Jung Ha , Ahn Youngkeun , Jeong Myung Ho
Published: March 2014

GATA6
physically interacts with
GATA4
by anti V5 tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
Pre‐pubertal serum leptin levels and sensitivity to central leptin injection of prenatally undernourished female rats
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Munkhzaya Munkhsaikhan , Tungalagsuvd Altankhuu , Kawami Takako , Murakami Masahiro , Yamasaki Mikio , Kato Takeshi , Kuwahara Akira , Yasui Toshiyuki , Irahara Minoru
Published: March 2014

It has been reported that intrauterine undernutrition is closely associated with the pathogeneses of certain diseases in adulthood; i.e., insulin resistance and diabetes, and that leptin resistance plays a pivotal role in the pathology of such intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)‐related conditions. Therefore, examinations of IUGR‐induced leptin resistance in early developmental period are important for protecting against future disease. In this study, the effects of prenatal undernutrition on the serum leptin levels and central leptin responses of rats during the neonatal and/or pre‐pubertal period were examined. The 50% food‐restricted undernourished dams' offspring (UNO) exhibited a significantly lower birth weight than the normal nutrition dams' offspring (NNO). However, the UNO grew rapidly, and their mean body weight had caught up with that of the NNO by postnatal day 8. Thus, there were no significant differences between the body weights of the two groups at postnatal day 12, 16, 20, or 28. The serum leptin levels of the UNO were significantly higher than those of the NNO at postnatal days 20 and 28. At postnatal day 28, no significant difference in the hypothalamic mRNA level of neuropeptide Y, which is the main target of leptin, or that of ObRb, which is the leptin receptor, was detected between the NNO and UNO. The chronic intracerebroventricular injection of leptin attenuated body weight gain in both the NNO and UNO; however, there were no significant differences between the body weights of the two groups at any of the examined postnatal time points, indicating that the UNO and NNO exhibited similar central sensitivity to leptin during the pre‐pubertal period. These results suggest that prenatal undernutrition induces leptin resistance until the neonatal to pre‐pubertal period and that these alterations might be caused by impaired transportation of leptin to central tissues.
Predicting why women have elective repeat cesarean deliveries and predictors of successful vaginal birth after cesarean
Authors: Mone Fionnuala , Harrity Conor , Toner Brenda , McNally Aine , Adams Beverley , Currie Aoife
Published: March 2014

Objective

To compare the characteristics of women who select elective repeat cesarean rather than trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) for delivery, and to determine individual predictors for success and failure within a TOLAC group and observe differences in maternal and neonatal morbidity.

Methods

The present descriptive, retrospective, observational study was performed in a regional obstetric unit in the United Kingdom. Data were collected from the Northern Ireland Maternity System database on all women who gave birth between April 2010 and April 2012, and had a previous cesarean delivery, and statistical analysis was performed.

Results

In total, 893 patients were included in the study: 385 underwent TOLAC and 493 underwent elective repeat cesarean. On comparison, women in the elective repeat cesarean group had a shorter inter‐delivery interval and fewer had had a previous vaginal delivery (P < 0.005). Predictors for success in the TOLAC group included previous vaginal delivery and a longer inter‐delivery interval (P < 0.05). Successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) did not have higher rates of maternal morbidity.

Conclusion

The majority of patients (56%) chose elective repeat cesarean rather than TOLAC, which has long‐term implications both clinically and financially. A validated prediction model might improve patient counseling and identify women with a high likelihood of successful VBAC.
Diagnostic accuracy and practice effects in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set neuropsychological battery
Authors: Mathews Melissa , Abner Erin , Kryscio Richard , Jicha Gregory , Cooper Gregory , Smith Charles , Caban‐Holt Allison , Schmitt Frederick A.
Published: March 2014

Introduction

The Uniform Data Set (UDS) neuropsychological battery is frequently used in clinical studies. However, practice effects, effectiveness as a measure of global cognitive functioning, and detection of mild cognitive impairment have not been examined.

Methods

A normative total score for the UDS has been developed. Linear discriminant analysis determined classification accuracy in identifying cognitively normal and impaired groups. Practice effects were examined in cognitively normal and cognitively impaired groups.

Results

The total score differentiates between cognitively normal participants and those with dementia, but does not accurately identify individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Mean total scores for test‐exposed participants were significantly higher than test‐naive participants in both the normal and MCI groups and were higher, but not significantly so, in the dementia group.

Conclusion

The total score's classification accuracy discriminates between cognitively normal versus participants who have dementia. The total score appears subject to practice effects.
Intra‐cardiac echocardiography guided catheter ablation of a right posterior accessory pathway in a patient with Ebstein's anomaly
Authors: Shimane Akira , Okajima Katsunori , Kiuchi Kunihiko , Kanda Gaku , Yokoi Kiminobu , Teranishi Jin , Aoki Kousuke , Chimura Misato , Yamada Shinichiro , Taniguchi Yasuyo , Kawai Hiroya , Yasaka Yoshinori , Yokoyama Mitsuhiro
Published: March 2014

We report a case of Ebstein's anomaly in which radiofrequency catheter ablation of an accessory pathway was successfully performed under intra‐cardiac echocardiography. A 50‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital for radiofrequency catheter ablation of a paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. A 12‐lead surface electrocardiogram revealed ventricular pre‐excitation associated with type B Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome. In the baseline electrophysiological study, an orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia with a right posterior accessory pathway was induced. A phased‐array intra‐cardiac echo probe was positioned in the right atrium to visualize the atrioventricular junction. The key structures for catheter ablation, such as the atrialized right ventricle, atrioventricular junction, and tricuspid valve, were clearly visualized on intra‐cardiac echocardiography. Radiofrequency current was successfully delivered at the atrioventricular junction, where a Kent potential was recorded. During a 6‐month follow‐up period, the patient was free from arrhythmias. The findings in this case suggest that phased‐array intra‐cardiac echocardiography is useful for ablation of right‐sided accessory pathways in patients with Ebstein's anomaly.
Garbage in, garbage out: A critical evaluation of strategies used for validation of immunohistochemical biomarkers
Authors: O'Hurley Gillian , Sjöstedt Evelina , Rahman Arman , Li Bo , Kampf Caroline , Pontén Fredrik , Gallagher William M. , Lindskog Cecilia
Published: March 2014

The use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in clinical cohorts is of paramount importance in determining the utility of a biomarker in clinical practice. A major bottleneck in translating a biomarker from bench‐to‐bedside is the lack of well characterized, specific antibodies suitable for IHC. Despite the widespread use of IHC as a biomarker validation tool, no universally accepted standardization guidelines have been developed to determine the applicability of particular antibodies for IHC prior to its use. In this review, we discuss the technical challenges faced by the use of immunohistochemical biomarkers and rigorously explore classical and emerging antibody validation technologies. Based on our review of these technologies, we provide strict criteria for the pragmatic validation of antibodies for use in immunohistochemical assays.
Sind (Schul-)Noten gerecht?
Authors: Hecke Marcus
Published: March 2014

Wir alle kennen Noten und manche mussten ihretwegen in der Schule eine „Ehrenrunde“ drehen. Spiegelt diese Art der Bewertung den tatsächlichen Leistungsstand von Lernenden wieder? Kann Leistungsvermögen und erworbene Kompetenz mit Zahlen von 1 bis 6 ausgedrückt werden? Sind Noten gerecht? Anhand eines Falles werden in diesem Artikel Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der klassischen Notengebung vorgestellt und bewertet. Dabei geht es nicht nur um die Situation von Lernenden, sondern auch um diejenigen, die Noten verteilen.
Denn sie wissen nicht, wie es sein wird
Authors: Kriesten Ursula
Published: March 2014

Die Stellungnahme setzt sich kritisch mit den Ergebnissen des Forschungsgutachtens zur Finanzierung eines neuen Pflegeberufegesetzes, speziell mit einer generalistischen Pflegeausbildung, auseinander. Auf mögliche unberücksichtigte Kosten, Probleme in der Finanzierung, (nicht) definierter Wertschöpfungsprozesse und auf Fragen, die das Gutachten aufwirft, wird hingewiesen. Vor allem wird auf Qualitätseinbußen durch den möglichen Verlust der Altenpflegeausbildung eingegangen.
Smart Girls, Dumb Boys!?
Authors: Latsch Martin , Hannover Bettina
Published: March 2014

We investigated effects of the media’s portrayal of boys as “scholastic failures” on secondary school students. The negative portrayal induced stereotype threat (boys underperformed in reading), stereotype reactance (boys displayed stronger learning goals towards mathematics but not reading), and stereotype lift (girls performed better in reading but not in mathematics). Apparently, boys were motivated to disconfirm their group’s negative depiction, however, while they could successfully apply compensatory strategies when describing their learning goals, this motivation did not enable them to perform better. Overall the media portrayal thus contributes to the maintenance of gender stereotypes, by impairing boys’ and strengthening girls’ performance in female connoted domains and by prompting boys to align their learning goals to the gender connotation of the domain.
Seeing Similarity or Distance?
Authors: Wilton Leigh , Sanchez Diana T. , Giamo Lisa
Published: March 2014

Biracial individuals threaten the distinctiveness of racial groups because they have mixed-race ancestry, but recent findings suggest that exposure to biracial-labeled, racially ambiguous faces may positively influence intergroup perception by reducing essentialist thinking among Whites ( Young, Sanchez, & Wilton, 2013 ). However, biracial exposure may not lead to positive intergroup perceptions for Whites who are highly racially identified and thus motivated to preserve the social distance between racial groups. We exposed Whites to racially ambiguous Asian/White biracial faces and measured the perceived similarity between Asians and Whites. We found that exposure to racially ambiguous, biracial-labeled targets may improve perceptions of intergroup similarity, but only for Whites who are less racially identified. Results are discussed in terms of motivated intergroup perception.
Optical three dimensional coherent spectroscopy
Authors: Cundiff Steven T.
Published: March 2014

Optical multdimensional coherent spectroscopy has recently been the subject of significant activity.
UK catchment nutrient loads 1993–2003, a new approach using harmonised monitoring scheme data: temporal changes, geographical distribution, limiting nutrients and loads to coastal waters
Authors: Earl Timothy J. , Upton Graham J. G. , Nedwell David B.
Published: March 2014

The work provides robust estimates of nutrient loads (nitrate and phosphate) from all UK catchments: as required by the Water Framework Directive to monitor catchments' health, and to inform management of these environments.