bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitoxantrone exposure in pregnancy: a new case report in a multiple sclerosis patient
Authors: Frau Jessica , Coghe Giancarlo , Lorefice Lorena , Fenu Giuseppe , Marrosu Maria Giovanna , Cocco Eleonora
Published: March 2016

Background:

Mitoxantrone (MIX) is a chemotherapeutic agent used in aggressive multiple sclerosis (MS). It is considered a potential human teratogen and it is classified by the US Food and Drug Administration in pregnancy category D. There are some cases reported of MIX exposure in the pregnancy or preconception period, four in polytherapy in oncological patients and two in MS women. In the first MS case, the baby had low birth weight; in the second the infant suffered from the Pierre Robin sequence.

Case history:

We describe a 24-year-old female with MS. She started MIX treatment after 4 months from diagnosis, receiving a cumulative dose of 60 mg/m2 and a total of six infusions since discovering she was pregnant. The last infusion was after the supposed conception day. The pregnancy was regular, with growth restriction during the entire period. On week 39, the patient delivered a healthy baby. Her weight was 2.314 kg (<5th percentile), the length 45 cm (<5th percentile), and the cranial circumference 30 cm.

Conclusions:

We described the third case of MIX exposition in MS-pregnant patients. The only consequence was low birth weight. It is important to collect all the accidental MIX exposition in pregnancy to have more safety data.
Identification of problems of implementation of Lean concept in the SME sector
Authors: Ulewicz Robert , Kucęba Robert
Published: March 2016

The article presents identification of problems during the implementation of Lean concept in small and medium-sized enterprises in Poland. Although the Lean methodology is recognized all over the world as one of the best and most effective ways to improve the functioning of enterprises, in Polish conditions exist serious problems with its implementation. Development of small and medium-sized enterprises is regarded as one of the measures of economic growth and a sign of healthy competition. The needs of the economy and the limited resources characterizing this enterprise sector imply the need to adjust its capacities to the requirements of the turbulent environment. In the analysis of problems there were used the results of questionnaire surveys conducted among representatives of the companies participating in the largest Lean conference in Central Europe.
The situation on the credit market versus the rate of economic growth in chosen countries of East-Central Europe
Authors: Mikołajczak Paweł , Skikiewicz Robert
Published: March 2016

The article concerns the comparative analysis concerning credit market situation on the background of economic growth changes in Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Hungary. The main objective of this article is to identify the similarities and differences in the economic situation of the whole economies and credits market conditions in individual countries. This relationship has been verified for each country. To determine the strength of the relationship between the dynamics of changes in the value of credits and GDP, Pearson correlation analysis was used. The basis of the analysis presented in the article was data from central banks, Central Statistical Office and Eurostat. Time horizon under investigation covered the period of 2004-2013. The results of analysis indicate that both the economic condition of entire economies, as well as the situation in the credit market remained diverse in all analyzed countries. Among the most significant similarities there was found that changes in the rate of economic growth in the analyzed countries remained at a moderate depending on the dynamics of changes in the credit market. Although the analyzed countries experienced a financial crisis, not all of them recorded a negative growth rate of GDP and credits.
Topology from Neighbourhoods
Authors: Coghetto Roland
Published: March 2016

Using Mizar [9], and the formal topological space structure (FMT_Space_Str) [19], we introduce the three U-FMT conditions (U-FMT filter, U-FMT with point and U-FMT local) similar to those VI
, VII
, VIII
and VIV
of the proposition 2 in [10]:

If to each element x of a set X there corresponds a set B(x) of subsets of X such that the properties VI
, VII
, VIII
and VIV
are satisfied, then there is a unique topological structure on X such that, for each x ∈ X, B(x) is the set of neighborhoods of x in this topology.

We present a correspondence between a topological space and a space defined with the formal topological space structure with the three U-FMT conditions called the topology from neighbourhoods. For the formalization, we were inspired by the works of Bourbaki [11] and Claude Wagschal [31].
Non-Linear Analysis of Mode II Fracture in the end Notched Flexure Beam
Authors: Rizov V.
Published: March 2016

Analysis is carried-out of fracture in the End Notched Flex- ure (ENF) beam configuration, taking into account the material nonlin- earity. For this purpose, the J-integral approach is applied. A non-linear model, based on the Classical beam theory is used. The mechanical be- haviour of the ENF configuration is described by the Ramberg-Osgood stress-strain curve. It is assumed that the material possesses the same properties in tension and compression. The influence is evaluated of the material constants in the Ramberg-Osgood stress-strain equation on the fracture behaviour. The effect of the crack length on the J-integral value is investigated, too. The analytical approach, developed in the present paper, is very useful for parametric analyses, since the simple formulae obtained capture the essentials of the non-linear fracture in the ENF con- figuration.
Crystal structure of 2,2′-[(1E)-prop-1-ene-1,2-diyldisulfanediyl]bis(5-methyl-2,5-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazole, C9H10N4S4
Authors: Du Xi-Gang , Wang Chun-Wei
Published: March 2016

C9H10N4S4, monoclinic, P21/c, a = 5.668(2) Å, b = 23.957(9) Å, c = 10.160(4) Å, β = 100.215(4)°, Z = 4, Dc = 1.480 g/cm3, Formula weight = 302.45, F(000) = 624, V = 1357.7(9) Å3, R
gt
(F) = 0.036, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.090, T = 296 K.
Crystal structure of catena-poly[aqua(dicyanoazanido-2κN-μ2-dicyanoazanido-1κN:2κN′)(μ2-2-methoxy-6-(((2-((3-methoxy-2-oxidobenzylidene)amino)ethyl)imino)methyl)phenolato-1κ2N,N′,2κ2O,O′,1κ2O′′,O′′′:2κ2O′′,O′′′)cadmium(II)copper(II)], C22H20CdCuN8O5
Authors: Liu Yuhai , Li Weihua , Lu Hui , Sun Jianhua
Published: March 2016

C22H20CdCuN8O5, monoclinic, P21/c (No. 14), a = 9.6729(7) Å, b = 18.9327(13) Å, c = 15.0121(8) Å, β = 118.323(3)°, V = 2420.1(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0213, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.0560, T = 110(2) K.
The Role of a Domain-specific Language Mechanism in Learning Natural and Unnatural Stress
Authors: Carpenter Angela C.
Published: March 2016

In an artificial language-learning task, two groups of English and French participants learned
one of two language rules: 1) stress the first heavy (CVC) syllable, else the first syllable, or, 2) stress the first
light (CV) syllable, else the first syllable. French and English participants were chosen to compare learning
outcomes by speakers of different native stress systems, fixed and variable. Participants were trained on
the target language by listening to a set of nonsense familiarization words exemplifying the stress rule.
This was followed by a forced-choice task to choose the correct version of the words they had just learned.
Following the training procedure, participants were tested on novel words with the same stress pattern to
which they were familiarized. The result of the novel word testing was that the natural rule with stress on
heavy syllables was learned significantly better than the unnatural, stress light syllables, rule. To account
for the learnability of both the natural and the unnatural rules, I argue for the interaction of a general
cognitive mechanism that facilitates learning in general and a domain-specific language mechanism that
can access universal phonological principles to aid in learning a natural language rule.
Pulmonary barotrauma in divers vs procedures initiated by emergency medical personel
Authors: Krukowska Martyna , Jańczuk Katarzyna , Ślifirczyk Anna , Kowalenko Marta
Published: March 2016

Introduction: Pulmonary barotrauma consists in the damage of pulmonary tissues resulting from pressure differences in the body and the surroundings. Barotrauma may occur during diver's ascent with a held breath.

Objective: Presentation of symptoms in divers performing dives at shallow depths. A detailed description of pulmonary barotrauma as a direct hazard to life. Rescue procedure in the case of an occurrence of pulmonary barotrauma, methods of prevention.

Abridged description of the state of knowledge: Proper equipment preparation, systematic diving training, as well as systematic medical control aimed at conducting medical examinations with regard to staying under water, all constitute primary preventive measures. At the moment of an occurrence of pulmonary barotrauma in a diver it is necessary to perform first aid activities by qualified medical personnel and arrange for a quick transportation to the nearest hyperbaric centre.

Summary: Commonly, pulmonary barotrauma concerns individuals diving at depths up to 10 metres. Pulmonary barotrauma is a state of danger to one's health and life. Proper procedures at the scene of an accident as well as quick transportation to a hyperbaric chamber increase the chance of one's recovery and may constitute the necessary condition during rescue activities.
Sick boat syndrome
Authors: Dąbrowiecki Zbigniew , Dąbrowiecka Małgorzata , Olszański Romuald , Siermontowski Piotr , Jóźwiak Dariusz
Published: March 2016

Many pathogenic micro-organisms are likely to attack passengers of cruise ships and other vessels or travel between continents as a peculiar type of a “stowaway”. The epidemiological tests conducted since 1987 with regard to watercraft led to the coining of a term known as the Sick Boat Syndrome (SBS). The main illnesses encountered on watercraft include gastrointestinal diseases (foodborne) and Legionellosis. Additionally, the ventilation and airconditioning systems of old commercial ships (the so-called Tramps) constitute a real technical challenge. Conditioned air (with removed undesired odour and micro-organisms) should constitute ca. 25% of circulating air. In practice this situation is not typical for vessels of this class. Unclean air poses a real hazard for the crew.
Development of a Ga-68 labeled triptorelin analog for GnRH receptor imaging
Authors: Zoghi Masoumeh , Niazi Ali , R Jalilian Amir , Johari-daha Fariba , Alirezapour Behrouz , Ramezanpour Sorour
Published: March 2016

Optimized total synthesis, radiolabeling and quality control of
[68Ga]-DOTA-Hyd-TRP as an efficient and possible PET
radiotracer for GnRH receptor imaging in various tumors is of great
interest. DOTA-Hyd-TRP was synthesized using solid phase peptide
synthesis followed by conjugation to DOTA using
pSCN-Bn-DOTA. [68Ga]-DOTA-Hyd-TRP was prepared using
generator-based [68Ga]GaCl3 and DOTA-Hyd-TRP
under optimized conditions for time, temperature, ligand amount,
gallium content and column cartridge purification followed by proper
formulation. The biodistribution of the tracer in rats was studied
using tissue counting up to
120 min. [68Ga]-DOTA-Hyd-TRP was prepared at
optimized conditions in 5–7 min at
95 ℃ followed by separation using C18 cartridge
(radiochemical purity ≈ 99 ± 0.88% ITLC,
> 99% HPLC, specific activity:
300 ± 15 MBq/nM). The biodistribution of the tracer
demonstrated high kidney uptake of the tracer in
10–20 min as well as significant testicular uptake
consistent with reported GnRH receptor mappings. Block test studies by
triptorelin pretreatment of the animals prior to tracer administration
demonstrated significant specific uptake in receptor rich organs
including testes and stomach.
Mixed Electoral Systems: A Hybrid or a New Family of Electoral Systems?
Authors: Michalak Bartłomiej
Published: March 2016

The main research question posed in the article is whether the mixed electoral systems are separate third class of electoral systems? Although, they were primarily designed as a tool for implementing completely contradictory objectives of the majoritarian and proportional representation, as a consequence, they created fully new quality, which cannot be reduced to the sum of effects being produced by their components. Reasons for this include, among others, their genesis and political purpose (the desire to combine the best features and characteristics of the majoritarian and proportional systems into one system), mechanics (multi-formula and multiple-tiered seat allocation mechanism), multiplicity of variants and detailed technical solutions (presence or lack of mandate transfer and/or of vote transfer between majoritarian and proportional subsystems). The distinctiveness of mixed electoral systems is, however, determined primarily by self-relevant political consequences generated within strategies of nominating party candidates (the number of candidates listed within single-mandate constituencies of the majority part has a positive effect on the party’s results in proportional subsystem), electorate voting behaviors (the psychological effect is acting on voters toward honest and not strategic voting), the level of disproportionality of election results (the mixed system are in general less proportional than traditional systems of proportional representation, however, they are more proportional than the majoritarian voting systems) and the degree of party dispersion (the mixed systems are usually correlated with three-body format of the party system).
The Extrastriate Body Area Computes Desired Goal States during Action Planning
Authors: Zimmermann Marius , Verhagen Lennart , de Lange Floris P. , Toni Ivan
Published: March 2016

How do object perception and action interact at a neural level? Here we test the hypothesis that perceptual features, processed by the ventral visuoperceptual stream, are used as priors by the dorsal visuomotor stream to specify goal-directed grasping actions. We present three main findings, which were obtained by combining time-resolved transcranial magnetic stimulation and kinematic tracking of grasp-and-rotate object manipulations, in a group of healthy human participants (N= 22). First, the extrastriate body area (EBA), in the ventral stream, provides an initial structure to motor plans, based on current and desired states of a grasped object and of the grasping hand. Second, the contributions of EBA are earlier in time than those of a caudal intraparietal region known to specify the action plan. Third, the contributions of EBA are particularly important when desired and current object configurations differ, and multiple courses of actions are possible. These findings specify the temporal and functional characteristics for a mechanism that integrates perceptual processing with motor planning.
Insulin-Independent GABAAReceptor-Mediated Response in the Barrel Cortex of Mice with Impaired Met Activity
Authors: Lo Fu-Sun , Erzurumlu Reha S. , Powell Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2016

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by genetic variants, susceptibility alleles, and environmental perturbations. The autism associated geneMETtyrosine kinase has been implicated in many behavioral domains and endophenotypes of autism, including abnormal neural signaling in human sensory cortex. We investigated somatosensory thalamocortical synaptic communication in mice deficient in Met activity in cortical excitatory neurons to gain insights into aberrant somatosensation characteristic of ASD. The ratio of excitation to inhibition is dramatically increased due to decreased postsynaptic GABAAreceptor-mediated inhibition in the trigeminal thalamocortical pathway of mice lacking active Met in the cerebral cortex. Furthermore, in contrast to wild-type mice, insulin failed to increase GABAAreceptor-mediated response in the barrel cortex of mice with compromised Met signaling. Thus, lacking insulin effects may be a risk factor in ASD pathogenesis.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTA proposed common cause of neurodevelopmental disorders is an imbalance in excitatory neural transmission, provided by the glutamatergic neurons, and the inhibitory signals from the GABAergic interneurons. Many genes associated with autism spectrum disorders impair synaptic transmission in the expected cell type. Previously, inactivation of the autism-associated Met tyrosine kinase receptor in GABAergic interneurons led to decreased inhibition. In thus report, decreased Met signaling in glutamatergic neurons had no effect on excitation, but decimated inhibition. Further experiments indicate that loss of Met activity downregulates GABAAreceptors on glutamatergic neurons in an insulin independent manner. These data provide a new mechanism for the loss of inhibition and subsequent abnormal excitation/inhibition balance and potential molecular candidates for treatment or prevention.
Sex-specific prenatal stress effects on the rat reproductive axis and adrenal gland structure
Authors: Ashworth Cheryl J , George Susan O , Hogg Charis O , Lai Yu-Ting , Brunton Paula J
Published: March 2016

Social stress during pregnancy has profound effects on offspring physiology. This study examined whether an ethologically relevant social stress during late pregnancy in rats alters the reproductive axis and adrenal gland structure in post-pubertal male and female offspring. Prenatally stressed (PNS) pregnant rats (n=9) were exposed to an unfamiliar lactating rat for 10 min/day from day 16 to 20 of pregnancy inclusive, whereas control pregnant rats (n=9) remained in their home cages. Gonads, adrenal glands and blood samples were obtained from one female and one male from each litter at 11 to 12-weeks of age. Anogenital distance was measured. There was no treatment effect on body, adrenal or gonad weight at 11–12 weeks. PNS did not affect the number of primordial, secondary or tertiary ovarian follicles, numbers of corpora lutea or ovarian FSH receptor expression. There was an indication that PNS females had more primary follicles and greater ovarian aromatase expression compared with control females (both P=0.09). PNS males had longer anogenital distances (0.01±0.0 cm/g vs 0.008±0.00 cm/g; P=0.007) and higher plasma FSH concentrations (0.05 ng/mL vs 0.006 ng/mL; s.e.d.=0.023; P=0.043) compared with control males. There were no treatment effects on the number of Sertoli cells or seminiferous tubules, seminiferous tubule area, plasma testosterone concentration or testis expression of aromatase, FSH receptor or androgen receptor. PNS did not affect adrenal size. These data suggest that the developing male reproductive axis is more sensitive to maternal stress and that PNS may enhance aspects of male reproductive development.
Uncovering Adaptation from Sequence Data: Lessons from Genome Resequencing of Four Cattle Breeds
Authors: Boitard Simon , Boussaha Mekki , Capitan Aurélien , Rocha Dominique , Servin Bertrand
Published: March 2016

Detecting the molecular basis of adaptation is one of the major questions in population genetics. With the advance in sequencing technologies, nearly complete interrogation of genome-wide polymorphisms in multiple populations is becoming feasible in some species, with the expectation that it will extend quickly to new ones. Here, we investigate the advantages of sequencing for the detection of adaptive loci in multiple populations, exploiting a recently published data set in cattle (Bos taurus). We used two different approaches to detect statistically significant signals of positive selection: a within-population approach aimed at identifying hard selective sweeps and a population-differentiation approach that can capture other selection events such as soft or incomplete sweeps. We show that the two methods are complementary in that they indeed capture different kinds of selection signatures. Our study confirmed some of the well-known adaptive loci in cattle (e.g., MC1R, KIT, GHR, PLAG1, NCAPG/LCORL) and detected some new ones (e.g., ARL15, PRLR, CYP19A1, PPM1L). Compared to genome scans based on medium- or high-density SNP data, we found that sequencing offered an increased detection power and a higher resolution in the localization of selection signatures. In several cases, we could even pinpoint the underlying causal adaptive mutation or at least a very small number of possible candidates (e.g., MC1R, PLAG1). Our results on these candidates suggest that a vast majority of adaptive mutations are likely to be regulatory rather than protein-coding variants.
Natural Selection and Genetic Diversity in the Butterfly Heliconius melpomene
Authors: Martin Simon H , Möst Markus , Palmer William J , Salazar Camilo , McMillan W Owen , Jiggins Francis M , Jiggins Chris D
Published: March 2016

A combination of selective and neutral evolutionary forces shape patterns of genetic diversity in nature. Among the insects, most previous analyses of the roles of drift and selection in shaping variation across the genome have focused on the genus Drosophila. A more complete understanding of these forces will come from analyzing other taxa that differ in population demography and other aspects of biology. We have analyzed diversity and signatures of selection in the neotropical Heliconius butterflies using resequenced genomes from 58 wild-caught individuals of Heliconius melpomene and another 21 resequenced genomes representing 11 related species. By comparing intraspecific diversity and interspecific divergence, we estimate that 31% of amino acid substitutions between Heliconius species are adaptive. Diversity at putatively neutral sites is negatively correlated with the local density of coding sites as well as nonsynonymous substitutions and positively correlated with recombination rate, indicating widespread linked selection. This process also manifests in significantly reduced diversity on longer chromosomes, consistent with lower recombination rates. Although hitchhiking around beneficial nonsynonymous mutations has significantly shaped genetic variation in H. melpomene, evidence for strong selective sweeps is limited overall. We did however identify two regions where distinct haplotypes have swept in different populations, leading to increased population differentiation. On the whole, our study suggests that positive selection is less pervasive in these butterflies as compared to fruit flies, a fact that curiously results in very similar levels of neutral diversity in these very different insects.
Multiple Roles for Egalitarian in Polarization of the Drosophila Egg Chamber
Authors: Sanghavi Paulomi , Liu Guojun , Veeranan-Karmegam Rajalakshmi , Navarro Caryn , Gonsalvez Graydon B
Published: March 2016

The Drosophila egg chamber provides a useful model for examining mechanisms by which cell fates are specified and maintained in the context of a complex tissue. The egg chamber is also an excellent model for understanding the mechanism by which cytoskeletal filaments are organized and the critical interplay between cytoskeletal organization, polarity establishment, and cell fate specification. Previous work has shown that Egalitarian (Egl) is required for specification and maintenance of oocyte fate. Mutants in egl either completely fail to specify an oocyte, or if specified, the oocyte eventually reverts back to nurse cell fate. Due to this very early role for Egl in egg chamber maturation, it is unclear whether later stages of egg chamber development also require Egl function. In this report, we have depleted Egl at specific stages of egg chamber development. We demonstrate that in early-stage egg chambers, Egl has an additional role in organization of oocyte microtubules. In the absence of Egl function, oocyte microtubules completely fail to reorganize. As such, the localization of microtubule motors and their cargo is disrupted. In addition, Egl also appears to function in regulating the translation of critical polarity determining messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Finally, we demonstrate that in midstage egg chambers, Egl does not appear to be required for microtubule organization, but rather for the correct spatial localization of oskar, bicoid, and gurken mRNAs.
DNA Replication Stress Phosphoproteome Profiles Reveal Novel Functional Phosphorylation Sites on Xrs2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Huang Dongqing , Piening Brian D , Kennedy Jacob J , Lin Chenwei , Jones-Weinert Corey W , Yan Ping , Paulovich Amanda G
Published: March 2016

In response to replication stress, a phospho-signaling cascade is activated and required for coordination of DNA repair and replication of damaged templates (intra-S-phase checkpoint) . How phospho-signaling coordinates the DNA replication stress response is largely unknown. We employed state-of-the-art liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approaches to generate high-coverage and quantitative proteomic and phospho-proteomic profiles during replication stress in yeast, induced by continuous exposure to the DNA alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) . We identified 32,057 unique peptides representing the products of 4296 genes and 22,061 unique phosphopeptides representing the products of 3183 genes. A total of 542 phosphopeptides (mapping to 339 genes) demonstrated an abundance change of greater than or equal to twofold in response to MMS. The screen enabled detection of nearly all of the proteins known to be involved in the DNA damage response, as well as many novel MMS-induced phosphorylations. We assessed the functional importance of a subset of key phosphosites by engineering a panel of phosphosite mutants in which an amino acid substitution prevents phosphorylation. In total, we successfully mutated 15 MMS-responsive phosphorylation sites in seven representative genes including APN1 (base excision repair); CTF4 and TOF1 (checkpoint and sister-chromatid cohesion); MPH1 (resolution of homologous recombination intermediates); RAD50 and XRS2 (MRX complex); and RAD18 (PRR). All of these phosphorylation site mutants exhibited MMS sensitivity, indicating an important role in protecting cells from DNA damage. In particular, we identified MMS-induced phosphorylation sites on Xrs2 that are required for MMS resistance in the absence of the MRX activator, Sae2, and that affect telomere maintenance.
Extra Microchromosomes Play Male Determination Role in Polyploid Gibel Carp
Authors: Li Xi-Yin , Zhang Qi-Ya , Zhang Jun , Zhou Li , Li Zhi , Zhang Xiao-Juan , Wang Da , Gui Jian-Fang
Published: March 2016

Sex is generally determined by sex chromosomes in vertebrates, and sex chromosomes exhibit the most rapidly-evolving traits. Sex chromosome evolution has been revealed previously in numerous cases, but the association between sex chromosome origin and the reproduction mode transition from unisexual to sexual reproduction remains unclear. Here, we have isolated a male-specific sequence via analysis of amplified fragment length polymorphism from polyploid gibel carp (Carassius gibelio), a species that not only has the ability to reproduce unisexually but also contains males in wild populations. Subsequently, we have found through FISH analysis that males have several extra microchromosomes with repetitive sequences and transposable elements when compared to females. Moreover, we produced sex-reversed physiological females with a male-specific marker by using estradiol hormone treatment, and two gynogenetic families were established from them. In addition, the male incidence rates of two gynogenetic families were revealed to be closely associated with the extra microchromosome number of the sex-reversed physiological females. These results suggest that the extra microchromosomes in males might resemble a common feature of sex chromosomes and might play a significant role in male determination during the evolutionary trajectory of the reproduction mode transition from unisexual to sexual reproduction in the polyploid fish.
Multitasking of the piRNA Silencing Machinery: Targeting Transposable Elements and Foreign Genes in the Bdelloid Rotifer Adineta vaga
Authors: Rodriguez Fernando , Arkhipova Irina R
Published: March 2016

RNA-mediated silencing processes play a key role in silencing of transposable elements, especially in the germ line, where piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are responsible for suppressing transposon mobility and maintaining genome integrity. We previously reported that the genome of Adineta vaga, the first sequenced representative of the phylum Rotifera (class Bdelloidea), is characterized by massive levels of horizontal gene transfer, by unusually low transposon content, and by highly diversified RNA-mediated silencing machinery. Here, we investigate genome-wide distribution of pi-like small RNAs, which in A. vaga are 25–31 nucleotides in length and have a strong 5′-uridine bias, while lacking ping-pong amplification signatures. In agreement with expectations, 71% of mapped reads corresponded to annotated transposons, with 93% of these reads being in the antisense orientation. Unexpectedly, a significant fraction of piRNAs originate from predicted coding regions corresponding to genes of putatively foreign origin. The distribution of piRNAs across foreign genes is not biased toward 3′-UTRs, instead resembling transposons in uniform distribution pattern throughout the gene body, and in predominantly antisense orientation. We also find that genes with small RNA coverage, including a number of genes of metazoan origin, are characterized by higher occurrence of telomeric repeats in the surrounding genomic regions, and by higher density of transposons in the vicinity, which have the potential to promote antisense transcription. Our findings highlight the complex interplay between RNA-based silencing processes and acquisition of genes at the genome periphery, which can result either in their loss or eventual domestication and integration into the host genome.
Iron Overload Coordinately Promotes Ferritin Expression and Fat Accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wang Haizhen , Jiang Xue , Wu Jieyu , Zhang Linqiang , Huang Jingfei , Zhang Yuru , Zou Xiaoju , Liang Bin
Published: March 2016

The trace element iron is crucial for living organisms, since it plays essential roles in numerous cellular functions. Systemic iron overload and the elevated level of ferritin, a ubiquitous intracellular protein that stores and releases iron to maintain the iron homeostasis in cells, has long been epidemiologically associated with obesity and obesity-related diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of this association remain unclear. Here, using Caenorhabditis elegans, we show that iron overload induces the expression of sgk-1, encoding the serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase, to promote the level of ferritin and fat accumulation. Mutation of cyp-23A1, encoding a homolog of human cytochrome P450 CYP7B1 that is related to neonatal hemochromatosis, further enhances the elevated expression of ftn-1, sgk-1, and fat accumulation. sgk-1 positively regulates the expression of acs-20 and vit-2, genes encoding homologs of the mammalian FATP1/4 fatty acid transport proteins and yolk lipoproteins, respectively, to facilitate lipid uptake and translocation for storage under iron overload. This study reveals a completely novel pathway in which sgk-1 plays a central role to synergistically regulate iron and lipid homeostasis, offering not only experimental evidence supporting a previously unverified link between iron and obesity, but also novel insights into the pathogenesis of iron and obesity-related human metabolic diseases.
Diverse Regulation of the CreA Carbon Catabolite Repressor in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Ries Laure N A , Beattie Sarah R , Espeso Eduardo A , Cramer Robert A , Goldman Gustavo H
Published: March 2016

Carbon catabolite repression (CCR) is a process that selects the energetically most favorable carbon source in an environment. CCR represses the use of less favorable carbon sources when a better source is available. Glucose is the preferential carbon source for most microorganisms because it is rapidly metabolized, generating quick energy for growth. In the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, CCR is mediated by the transcription factor CreA, a C2H2 finger domain DNA-binding protein. The aim of this work was to investigate the regulation of CreA and characterize its functionally distinct protein domains. CreA depends in part on de novo protein synthesis and is regulated in part by ubiquitination. CreC, the scaffold protein in the CreB-CreC deubiquitination (DUB) complex, is essential for CreA function and stability. Deletion of select protein domains in CreA resulted in persistent nuclear localization and target gene repression. A region in CreA conserved between Aspergillus spp. and Trichoderma reesei was identified as essential for growth on various carbon, nitrogen, and lipid sources. In addition, a role of CreA in amino acid transport and nitrogen assimilation was observed. Taken together, these results indicate previously unidentified functions of this important transcription factor. These novel functions serve as a basis for additional research in fungal carbon metabolism with the potential aim to improve fungal industrial applications.
Szegedi egyetemi hallgatók ismeretei a megbízható fogamzásgátlásról és a szexuális úton terjedő betegségekről
Authors: Devosa Iván , Kozinszky Zoltán , Vanya Melinda , Szili Károly , Fáyné Dombi Alice , Barabás Katalin
Published: March 2016

Introduction: Promiscuity and lack of use of reliable contraceptive methods increase the probability of sexually transmitted diseases and the risk of unwanted pregnancies, which are quite common among university students. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of university students about reliable contraceptive methods and sexually transmitted diseases, and to assess the effectiveness of the sexual health education in secondary schools, with specific focus on the education held by peers. Method: An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey was carried out in a randomized sample of students at the University of Szeged (n = 472, 298 women and 174 men, average age 21 years) between 2009 and 2011. Results: 62.1% of the respondents declared that reproductive health education lessons in high schools held by peers were reliable and authentic source of information, 12.3% considered as a less reliable source, and 25.6% defined the school health education as irrelevant source. Among those, who considered the health education held by peers as a reliable source, there were significantly more females (69.3% vs. 46.6%, p = 0.001), significantly fewer lived in cities (83.6% vs. 94.8%, p = 0.025), and significantly more responders knew that Candida infection can be transmitted through sexual intercourse (79.5% versus 63.9%, p = 0.02) as compared to those who did not consider health education held by peers as a reliable source. The majority of respondents obtained knowledge about sexual issues from the mass media. Conclusions: Young people who considered health educating programs reliable were significantly better informed about Candida disease. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(14), 539–546.
A campylobacteriosis és a salmonellosis heti átlaghőmérséklet által meghatározott szezonalitásának és az Eristalis tenax (Diptera: Syrphidae) éves fenológiájának összehasonlítása
Authors: Trájer Attila , Schoffhauzer Judit
Published: March 2016

Introduction: Ambient temperature and the activity of Diptera species are the primary factors of the seasonality of bacterial enteral diseases. Aim: The authors analyzed the effect of the weekly mean ambient temperature on salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis incidence and the annual phenology of the potential vector Eristalis tenax. Method: Weekly case number data of the period between 2004 and 2014 were derived from the Hungarian National Center for Epidemiology. European Climate Assessment Dataset was the source of the weekly mean temperature data for the grid overlapping Hungary. Results: While in the case of campylobacteriosis weak correlation was found (r2 = 0.39), salmonellosis showed strong correlation with mean temperature (r2 = 0.71) using 8-weeks lag before the outbreak of the cases. Conclusions: Comparing the mean weekly incidence of campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis with the modeled weekly activity of Eristalis tenax it was found that vector Diptera species may influence the incidence of enteric diseases in late spring and summer, in July and August particularly. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(14), 529–538.
A fogászati ellátás finanszírozása Németországban, az Egyesült Királyságban, Magyarországon és Lengyelországban
Authors: Marada Gyula , Nagy Ákos , Sebestyén Andor , Endrei Dóra , Radnai Márta , Boncz Imre
Published: March 2016

Introduction: Dental treatments have the highest rate among medical interventions and their reimbursement is also significant. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the outcome of the reformed healthcare system process on public dental services in four European countries. Method: Assessment base for the comparison of reimbursement of dental treatments and dental fee schedules provided by the health insurance funds were used. The following indicators were examined: the ratio of public dental services and the main oral health indicators. Among dental fee schedules, reimbursement of general dental activity, prevention, operative dentistry, endodontic and oral surgery were selected. Results: The lowest value of population to active dentist ratio was found in Germany (population to active dentist ratio: 1247) and the highest in Hungary (population to active dentist ratio: 2020). Oral health indicators showed significant differences between the West-European and East-European countries. On the other hand, the ratio of completely edentulous people at the age of 65yrs did not show great variations. Reimbursement of public dental treatments indicated significantly higher value in Germany and the United Kingdom compared to the other countries. Conclusions: Reimbursement of public dental services varies considerably in the selected European countries. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(14), 547–553.
Inkretintengelyen ható antidiabetikumok és a pancreas betegségei (pancreatitis, pancreascarcinoma)
Authors: Jermendy György
Published: March 2016

In the last couple of years incretin-based antidiabetic drugs became increasingly popular and widely used for treating patients with type 2 diabetes. Immediately after launching, case reports and small case series were published on the potential side effects of the new drugs, with special attention to pancreatic disorders such as acute pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. As clinical observations accumulated, these side-effects were noted with nearly all drugs of this class. Although these side-effects proved to be rare, an intensive debate evolved in the literature. Opinion of diabetes specialists and representatives of pharmaceutical industry as well as position statements of different international scientific boards and health authorities were published. In addition, results of randomized clinical trials with incretin-based therapy and meta-analyses became available. Importantly, in everyday clinical practice, the label of the given drug should be followed. With regards to incretins, physicians should be cautious if pancreatitis in the patients’ past medical history is documented. Early differential diagnosis of any abdominal pain during treatment of incretin-based therapy should be made and the drug should be discontinued if pancreatitis is verified. Continuous post-marketing surveillance and side-effect analysis are still justified with incretin-based antidiabetic treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(14), 523–528.
New locality records for Guerrerostrongylus zetta (Travassos, 1937) Sutton & Durette-Desset, 1991 (Nematoda: Heligmonellidae) parasitizing Oligoryzomys nigripes (Olfers, 1818) (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) from southern Brazil
Authors: Werk Daniela F. de , Gallas Moisés , Silveira Eliane F. da , Périco Eduardo
Published: March 2016

Guerrerostrongylus zetta had been found in a number of different species of rodents from northern and southeastern Brazil as well as Argentina. Between 2008 and 2010, specimens of Oligoryzomys nigripes (n = 14) were collected and necropsied. The nematodes encountered were identified as G. zetta due their morphological traits. Prevalence was 78%, with a mean intensity of infection of 5.63 helminths/host. This report fills in a lacuna in the known distribution of G. zetta, and provides the first record of this parasite in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Mammals in tropical dry forest on the central coast of Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Briones-Salas Miguel , Martín-Regalado Natalia , Lavariega Mario C.
Published: March 2016

The tropical dry forests of Mexico are one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. To contribute to the knowledge of mammal diversity and conservation of the central coast of Oaxaca State, southern Mexico, we conducted field surveys in the area. Additional information was obtained from literature and museum databases. In order to compare the taxonomic similitude between areas along the Planicie Costera del Pacífico province we performed a taxonomic similarity analysis using data from the literature and the present study. A total of 49 species of mammals belonging to 19 families and eight orders were recorded. The maximum number of species was recorded in deciduous forest (n = 46), followed by semideciduous forest (n = 11). The similarity index was low (<50%) between areas along the Planicie costera del Pacífico, indicating higher species turnover. The high mammal diversity, the presence of endemic (8%), threatened species (16%), and voluntary conservation areas highlight the importance of this region.
Small mammals from Miri, northeastern region of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo: note on new locality records
Authors: Shazali Nursyafiqah , Habeebur Rahman Sultana Parvin , Ahmad Tahir Nurul Farah Diyana , Murni Rafik , Abdul Latip Nurshilawati , Naharuddin Nur Mukminah , Azhar Isham , McArthur Ellen , Khalik Mohd Zacaery , Abdul Rahman Mohd-Ridwan , Anwarali Khan Faisal Ali , Tawie Tingga Roberta Chaya
Published: March 2016

Small mammal surveys were conducted at Niah National Park, Lambir Hills National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri Division, in the northeastern region of Sarawak, using ground-level and canopy mist-nets, harp traps, and cage traps. The main objective of these surveys was to assess small mammal diversity in the northeastern region of Sarawak. Gunung Mulu National Park recorded the highest diversity of small mammals with 29 species, followed by Niah National Park with 19 species, and Lambir Hills National Park, 17 species. These surveys revealed nine new locality records for Miri, including eight bat species (Dyacopterus spadiceus, Megaerops wetmorei, Nycteris tragata, Hipposideros cineraceus, Hesperoptenus blanfordi, Kerivoula pellucida, Murina suilla and Myotis muricola)and a squirrel (Sundasciurus brookei). Megaerops wetmorei is also reported for the first time in Sarawak.
Polygala irregularis Boiss.: a new record to the flora of Malwa region, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Meena K. L.
Published: March 2016

Polygala irregularis  Boiss. (Polygalaceae) was collected for the first time from the Malwa region, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Holocene crustaceans from the Tarioba shell mound, Rio das Ostras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Felipe Barta , Duarte Michelle Rezende , Souza Rosa Cristina Corrêa Luz de , Soares-Gomes Abílio , Silva Edson Pereira
Published: March 2016

Crustacean remains from the Tarioba shell mound (Sambaqui da Tarioba) archaeological site were investigated in order to produce a reference inventory of this taxonomic group. Information on past crustacean diversity is important for establishing baselines on biodiversity, as well as recovering paleoenvironmental information and comprehension of evolutionary change patterns for the Brazilian coast. The archaeological site was excavated by delayering the soil by artificial 10 cm sections which revealed five archaeological stratigraphic layers. A sample of mollusk shells for each of these layers was used for dating based on the C14 method. The results show an occupation period of 550 yr for the Tarioba shell mound, with dates ranging between 4,070 cal BP (beginning of occupation) and 3,520 cal BP (occupation ending) and record nine species of crustaceans from the shell mound. However, a reduction of biodiversity over time was found that was not statically significant. Therefore, it seems that patterns of composition, richness and distribution of crustaceans have been stable in the last 4,070 years BP.
EXPLORING MOTIVATIONAL STRATEGIES OF SUCCESSFUL TEACHERS
Authors: Astuti Sri Puji
Published: March 2016

This multiple case study investigated how teachers implemented motivational teaching strategies and the impact of these strategies on students’ motivation in an Indonesian high school context. The participants were four teachers and four groups of their students. The data were collected from teachers by conducting semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and stimulated recall, and from the students through focus group interviews. The findings of the research indicated that each teacher had unique strategies to motivate their students, and these strategies had a profound impact on students’ motivation. The students reported that the strategies influencing their motivation could be categorized into five main groups: teachers’ classroom behaviors, supportive classroom atmosphere, selection of learning resources and activities, the usefulness of English, and the way feedback was given. These findings suggest that teachers of English in an Indonesian high school context can influence their students’ motivation by understanding the effect of motivational teaching strategies on students' learning and behaviors.
SECOND LANGUAGE LITERACY PRACTICES: ￼A CASE STUDY OF A CHINESE STUDENT ￼IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Wahyudi Ribut
Published: March 2016

This article discusses the second-language literacy practice of an ESL student in Australia. It firstly explores the literacy practices (reading and writing) exercised both in China (the subject’s home country) and in Sydney, Australia, where the subject was taking an academic preparation course prior to her master study. Secondly, this article delves into literacy practices conducted inside and outside the classroom in the same contexts. This research aims to contribute to the existing literature on literacy practices by expanding the focus of investigation beyond writing and by bringing up a specific case study, which is hardly addressed in the literature: a Chinese student in non-American education setting. Through analyzing the results of semi-structured interview, it is revealed that the participant adopted several different literacy practices in reading and writing due to different learning objectives and contexts.
RE-CONCEPTUALIZING EFL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: ENHANCING COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE PEDAGOGY FOR THAI TEACHERS
Authors: Baker Lottie L.
Published: March 2016

The spread of globalization means an accompanying growth in the importance of English as a lingua franca. Efforts to increase English proficiency are especially pronounced in Southeast Asia with the opening of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. A common strategy to enhance English learning in Asian countries is to begin instruction at the primary level, but policymakers face the challenge of preparing teachers of young learners with the necessary content and pedagogical knowledge to provide high quality English education. This article reports on a professional development effort aimed to help Thai primary teachers of English integrate communicative language teaching approaches. After describing the Thai English education context and key project components, the author uses participant and trainer response data to identify factors that contribute to perceived quality of the project. From these findings, the author makes recommendations to re-conceptualize best practices in teacher professional development for Thai English teachers. Findings and recommendations are applicable both to Thailand and to other nations with EFL contexts.