bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simiduia litorea sp. nov., isolated from seashore sediments of the Sea of Japan
Authors: Tanaka Naoto , Romanenko Lyudmila A. , Svetashev Vassilii I. , Mikhailov Valery V.
Published: May 2014

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, agarolytic rod-shaped bacterium, designated KMM 9504T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from the seashore of the Sea of Japan. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain KMM 9504Tbelonged to the genusSimiduiaas it was most closely related toSimiduia areninigraeKCTC 23293T(97.3 % sequence similarity). Strain KMM 9504Twas characterized by the major ubiquinone Q-8, and by the predominance of C16 : 1ω7c, C17 : 1ω8c, followed by C16 : 0, C15 : 0, C17 : 0and C12 : 1in its fatty acid profile. Polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unknown aminophospholipid, an unknown aminolipid, unknown phospholipids, and unknown lipids. Based on the distinctive phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA–DNA hybridization results, it is concluded that strain KMM 9504Trepresents a novel species of the genusSimiduia, for which the nameSimiduialitoreasp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the species is strain KMM 9504T( = NRIC 0917T = JCM 19759T).
Paenibacillus selenii sp. nov., isolated from selenium mineral soil
Authors: Xiang Wanwan , Wang Gejiao , Wang Yuantao , Yao Rong , Zhang Fujun , Wang Rui , Wang Dan , Zheng Shixue
Published: May 2014

Strain W126T, a Gram-reaction-positive, spore-forming, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, motile by means of peritrichous flagella, was isolated from selenium mineral soil in Hubei province of China. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis demonstrated that this isolate belonged to the genus

Paenibacillus

, with 97.9 % sequence similarity to

Paenibacillus anaericanus

MH21T, while compared with the other species of the genus

Paenibacillus

, the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities were less than 96.0 %. DNA–DNA hybridization between strain W126T and

Paenibacillus anaericanus

DSM 15890T was 24 %. The major isoprenoid menaquinone was menaquinone-7. Anteiso-C15 : 0 was the major fatty acid. The DNA G+C content was 42.3 mol%. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, three unknown aminophospholipids and an unknown lipid. Strain W126T contained A1γ-meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data indicate that strain W126T represents a novel species of the genus

Paenibacillus

, for which the name Paenibacillus
selenii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is W126T ( = KCTC 33420T = CCTCC AB 2014003T).
Delivery of antiviral small interfering RNA with gold nanoparticles inhibits dengue virus infection in vitro
Authors: Paul Amber M. , Shi Yongliang , Acharya Dhiraj , Douglas Jessica R. , Cooley Amanda , Anderson John F. , Huang Faqing , Bai Fengwei
Published: May 2014

Dengue virus (DENV) infection in humans can cause flu-like illness, life-threatening haemorrhagic fever or even death. There is no specific anti-DENV therapeutic or approved vaccine currently available, partially due to the possibility of antibody-dependent enhancement reaction. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that target specific viral genes are considered a promising therapeutic alternative against DENV infection. However, in vivo, siRNAs are vulnerable to degradation by serum nucleases and rapid renal excretion due to their small size and anionic character. To enhance siRNA delivery and stability, we complexed anti-DENV siRNAs with biocompatible gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and tested them in vitro. We found that cationic AuNP–siRNA complexes could enter Vero cells and significantly reduce DENV serotype 2 (DENV-2) replication and infectious virion release under both pre- and post-infection conditions. In addition, RNase-treated AuNP–siRNA complexes could still inhibit DENV-2 replication, suggesting that AuNPs maintained siRNA stability. Collectively, these results demonstrated that AuNPs were able to efficiently deliver siRNAs and control infection in vitro, indicating a novel anti-DENV strategy.
Cosi2: An efficient simulator of exact and approximate coalescent with selection
Authors: Shlyakhter Ilya , Sabeti Pardis C. , Schaffner Stephen F.
Published: May 2014

Motivation

Efficient simulation of population genetic samples under a given demographic model is a prerequisite for many analyses. Coalescent theory provides an efficient framework for such simulations, but simulating longer regions and higher recombination rates remains challenging. Simulators based on a Markovian approximation to the coalescent scale well, but do not support simulation of selection. Gene conversion is not supported by any published coalescent simulators that support selection.

Results

We describecosi2, an efficient simulator that supports both exact and approximate coalescent simulation with positive selection.cosi2improves on the speed of existing exact simulators, and permits further speedup in approximate mode while retaining support for selection.cosi2supports a wide range of demographic scenarios including recombination hot spots, gene conversion, population size changes, population structure and migration.

cosi2implements coalescent machinery efficiently by tracking only a small subset of the Ancestral Recombination Graph, sampling only relevant recombination events, and using augmented skip lists to represent tracked genetic segments. To preserve support for selection in approximate mode, the Markov approximation is implemented not by moving along the chromosome but by performing a standard backwards-in-time coalescent simulation while restricting coalescence to node pairs with overlapping or near-overlapping genetic material. We describe the algorithms used bycosi2and present comparisons with existing selection simulators.

Availability

A free C++ implementation ofcosi2is available athttp://broadinstitute.org/∼ilya/cosi2.

Contact

ilya@broadinstitute.org
Locus architecture affects mRNA expression levels in Drosophila embryos
Authors: Lydiard-Martin Tara , Bragdon Meghan , Eckenrode Kelly B. , Wunderlich Zeba , DePace Angela H.
Published: May 2014

Structural variation in the genome is common due to insertions, deletions, duplications and rearrangements. However, little is known about the ways structural variants impact gene expression. Developmental genes are controlled by multiple regulatory sequence elements scattered over thousands of bases; developmental loci are therefore a good model to test the functional impact of structural variation on gene expression. Here, we measured the effect of rearranging two developmental enhancers from theeven-skipped (eve)locus inDrosophila melanogasterblastoderm embryos. We systematically varied orientation, order, and spacing of the enhancers in transgenic reporter constructs and measured expression quantitatively at single cell resolution in whole embryos to detect changes in both level and position of expression. We found that the position of expression was robust to changes in locus organization, but levels of expression were highly sensitive to the spacing between enhancers and order relative to the promoter. Our data demonstrate that changes in locus architecture can dramatically impact levels of gene expression. To quantitatively predict gene expression from sequence, we must therefore consider how information is integrated both within enhancers and across gene loci.
RNA-seq gene profiling - a systematic empirical comparison
Authors: Fonseca Nuno A. , Marioni John , Brazma Alvis
Published: May 2014

Accurately quantifying gene expression levels is a key goal of experiments using RNA-sequencing to assay the transcriptome. This typically requires aligning the short reads generated to the genome or transcriptome before quantifying expression of pre-defined sets of genes. Differences in the alignment/quantification tools can have a major effect upon the expression levels found with important consequences for biological interpretation. Here we address two main issues: do different analysis pipelines affect the gene expression levels inferred from RNA-seq data? And, how close are the expression levels inferred to the “true” expression levels?

We evaluate fifty gene profiling pipelines in experimental and simulated data sets with different characteristics (e.g, read length and sequencing depth). In the absence of knowledge of the ‘ground truth’ in real RNAseq data sets, we used simulated data to assess the differences between the “true” expression and those reconstructed by the analysis pipelines. Even though this approach does not take into account all known biases present in RNAseq data, it still allows to estimate the accuracy of the gene expression values inferred by different analysis pipelines. The results show that i) overall there is a high correlation between the expression levels inferred by the best pipelines and the true quantification values; ii) the error in the estimated gene expression values can vary considerably across genes; and iii) a small set of genes have expression estimates with consistently high error (across data sets and methods). Finally, although the mapping software is important, the quantification method makes a greater difference to the results.
Histone target selection within chromatin: an exemplary case of teamwork
Authors: Lalonde Marie-Eve , Cheng Xue , Côté Jacques
Published: May 2014

Histone modifiers like acetyltransferases, methyltransferases, and demethylases are critical regulators of most DNA-based nuclear processes, de facto controlling cell cycle progression and cell fate. These enzymes perform very precise post-translational modifications on specific histone residues, which in turn are recognized by different effector modules/proteins. We now have a better understanding of how these enzymes exhibit such specificity. As they often reside in multisubunit complexes, they use associated factors to target their substrates within chromatin structure and select specific histone mark-bearing nucleosomes. In this review, we cover the current understanding of how histone modifiers select their histone targets. We also explain how different experimental approaches can lead to conflicting results about the histone specificity and function of these enzymes.
The core and conserved role of MAL is homeostatic regulation of actin levels
Authors: Salvany Lara , Muller Julius , Guccione Ernesto , Rørth Pernille
Published: May 2014

The transcription cofactor MAL is regulated by free actin levels and thus by actin dynamics. MAL, together with its DNA-binding partner, SRF, is required for invasive cell migration and in experimental metastasis. Although MAL/SRF has many targets, we provide genetic evidence in bothDrosophilaand human cellular models that actin is the key target that must be regulated by MAL/SRF for invasive cell migration. By regulating MAL/SRF activity, actin protein feeds back on production of actin mRNA to ensure sufficient supply of actin. This constitutes a dedicated homeostatic feedback system that provides a foundation for cellular actin dynamics.
ParB spreading requires DNA bridging
Authors: Graham Thomas G.W. , Wang Xindan , Song Dan , Etson Candice M. , van Oijen Antoine M. , Rudner David Z. , Loparo Joseph J.
Published: May 2014

The parABS system is a widely employed mechanism for plasmid partitioning and chromosome segregation in bacteria. ParB binds to parS sites on plasmids and chromosomes and associates with broad regions of adjacent DNA, a phenomenon known as spreading. Although essential for ParB function, the mechanism of spreading remains poorly understood. Using single-molecule approaches, we discovered that Bacillus subtilis ParB (Spo0J) is able to trap DNA loops. Point mutants in Spo0J that disrupt DNA bridging are defective in spreading and recruitment of structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) condensin complexes in vivo. DNA bridging helps to explain how a limited number of Spo0J molecules per parS site (∼20) can spread over many kilobases and suggests a mechanism by which ParB proteins could facilitate the loading of SMC complexes. We show that DNA bridging is a property of diverse ParB homologs, suggesting broad evolutionary conservation.
Energy-resolved electron-yield XAS studies of nanoporous CoAlPO-18 and CoAlPO-34 catalysts
Authors: Martis Vladimir , Martis Martin , Lipp John , Detollenaere Dirk , Rayment Trevor , Sankar Gopinathan , Bras Wim
Published: May 2014

Energy-resolved electron-yield X-ray absorption spectroscopy is a promising technique for probing the near-surface structure of nanomaterials because of its ability to discriminate between the near-surface and bulk of materials. So far, the technique has only been used in model systems. Here, the local structural characterization of nanoporous cobalt-substituted aluminophosphates is reported and it is shown that the technique can be employed for the study of open-framework catalytically active systems. Evidence that the cobalt ions on the surface of the crystals react differently to those in the bulk is found.
Gender orientation and retail atmosphere: effects on value perception
Authors: Borges Adilson , Babin Barry J. , Spielmann Nathalie
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Evaluative processes made in retail environments have been shown to vary between groups, particularly between men and women. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that a hedonic or utilitarian store atmosphere leads to different evaluations depending on the consumer's gender orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

A pre‐test identifies hedonic and utilitarian store atmospheres. A main study uses an experimental design to compare the impact of these atmospheres on overall store quality, price perceptions and willingness to pay for products in these stores in function of the consumers' gender orientation.

Findings

The results show that hedonic atmospheres lead to higher quality perception, higher price perception and higher purchase intention among female‐oriented consumers. Moreover, female‐oriented consumers are willing to pay 32 per cent more for the same product when this product is offered in a hedonic store atmosphere. Retailers should consider carefully how store design affects evaluations among male versus female‐oriented consumers.

Research limitation/implications

The use of students reduces the generalisability of the results. Future research can test the propositions further.

Originality/value

The results suggest that perceptions of store atmospheres are moderated by gender orientation, which is a segmentation variable that may be more relevant in today's gender‐blurring retail environments. Furthermore, the results show how value can be perceived from store atmospheres and transferred to products.
Voters' Perceptions of Policy Convergence and the Short‐term Opportunities of Anti‐immigrant Parties: Examples from Sweden
Authors: Loxbo Karl
Published: May 2014

In contrast to previous studies on the political opportunity structures of anti‐immigrant parties, this article argues that voters’ perceptions of policy convergence between mainstream alternatives affect their short‐term propensity for supporting such partisan challengers. Drawing upon leading research in the field, two hypotheses about voters’ perceptions of policy convergence, in two policy areas (economic redistribution and immigration), are presented. The main findings in the article suggest that policy convergence between mainstream parties has a more immediate impact on the electorate than commonly recognised. Using unique data from Sweden, the article shows that perceived convergence between Swedish mainstream parties in the field of immigration policy increases potential support for the anti‐immigrant party, the Sweden Democrats (SD). Yet the results are the opposite when it comes to perceptions of convergence in the field of economic‐distributive policies. In contrast to widespread assumptions, the article thus finds that policy convergence between mainstream parties only appears to create short‐term opportunities for anti‐immigrant parties if it takes place on their own policy turf. These results indicate, in other words, that the potential electorate of the SD – which is a wider group than hard‐core xenophobes – is largely driven by preferences about immigration policy, rather than the short‐term urge to protest against mainstream parties. The article, therefore, concludes that the cordon sanitaire to isolate the SD in Sweden – which is underpinned by de facto convergence between mainstream parties on immigration policy – could improve, and is unlikely to curb, the short‐term electoral opportunities of this party.
Within‐party Allocation of Committee Seats: Evidence from Danish Local Elections
Authors: Baekgaard Martin
Published: May 2014

This article examines two traditional and four new explanations of committee composition. Using survey data on 541 Danish local politicians' pre‐election committee seat preferences and their actual post‐election committee seats, it is found that politicians are more likely to have their committee seat preferences fulfilled the less their preferences for the committees' policy domains differ from those of their fellow party members and the more specialised they are within the jurisdiction area of their preferred committee. Thus, the ex ante control of committee members sometimes observed in the American context is also relevant in the very different institutional setting of Danish local government. Moreover, a number of other explanations are found to be of equal relevance. In particular, individual‐level popular support is important to politicians' committee seat preference fulfilment and seats are distributed among party members in order to assure that everybody, at least to some extent, obtains a post that they find attractive. The findings thus suggest that ex ante control of committee members is but one of many concerns of parties. Accordingly, scholars should broaden their attention to other aspects of committee seat allocation, such as fair share norms and the popular support of politicians.
Is Part‐time Employment a Stepping Stone to Full‐time Employment?
Authors: Cai Lixin , Law Vincent , Bathgate Michael
Published: May 2014

This study examines the stepping stone effect of part‐time employment for working‐age Australians. Using the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, the study finds that part‐time employment increases the probability of future full‐time employment by approximately nine percentage points for males and approximately six percentage points for females, compared to those who were initially not in the labour force, after observed and unobserved individual heterogeneity is accounted for. However, part‐time employment does not appear to have a stepping stone effect when compared with unemployment.
Is There a Role for Ivabradine Beyond its Conventional Use?
Authors: Bonadei Ivano , Vizzardi Enrico , Sciatti Edoardo , Carubelli Valentina , Lombardi Carlo Mario , D'Aloia Antonio , Metra Marco
Published: May 2014

Results of recent clinical trials in patients with stable angina and chronic heart failure have successfully demonstrated a beneficial role of use of ivabradine in addition to the conventional therapy. Based on the results of these trials, the aim of our review was to give an overview of the literature about the use of ivabradine in clinical settings outside its usual purpose.
Gender differences in randomised, controlled trials in intensive care units
Authors: KRISTENSEN M. L. , VESTERGAARD T. R. , BÜLOW H.‐H.
Published: May 2014

There is a male dominance among patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Potentially, this will increase the risk of a skewed male/female distribution in randomised, controlled trials (RCTs). We have evaluated if this has in fact happened when randomising and whether the authors have been aware of that. We performed a systematic search on PubMed from 1 January 2011 to 31 May 2012 using the mesh terms ‘randomized controlled trial’ and ‘intensive care unit’. Twenty‐five RCTs with a total of 12,788 patients met the inclusion criteria, with an overall male dominance of 63.6% (P < 0.0001). Eighteen of the 25 papers had an individually statistically significant gender difference in their total trial population. None of the 18 trials with a significant gender difference in their overall trial population had calculated the P‐value for this overall difference. In the randomised groups, there was a significant gender difference in five papers. Seventeen had no significant gender difference in the randomised groups, and three papers did not state gender in the randomised groups. This study show that there is a marked male dominance in RCTs conducted in ICUs. We recommend that when planning future RCTs, the authors contemplate if their results can be used indiscriminately among ICU patients if the distribution of males and females is much skewed. It is relevant to determine if ones endpoint can be influenced by gender differences and if there is a risk of gender influence on data, proportional allocation or stratification should be considered.
Phagocytic ability declines with age in adult Drosophila hemocytes
Authors: Horn Lucas , Leips Jeff , Starz‐Gaiano Michelle
Published: May 2014

Most multicellular organisms show a physiological decline in immune function with age. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying these changes. We examined Drosophila melanogaster, an important model for identifying genes affecting innate immunity and senescence, to explore the role of phagocytosis in age‐related immune dysfunction. We characterized the localized response of immune cells at the dorsal vessel to bacterial infection in 1‐week‐ and 5‐week‐old flies. We developed a quantitative phagocytosis assay for adult Drosophila and utilized this to characterize the effect of age on phagocytosis in transgenic and natural variant lines. We showed that genes necessary for bacterial engulfment in other contexts are also required in adult flies. We found that blood cells from young and old flies initially engulf bacteria equally well, while cells from older flies accumulate phagocytic vesicles and thus are less capable of destroying pathogens. Our results have broad implications for understanding how the breakdown in cellular processes influences immune function with age.
Retail Investors and the Idiosyncratic Volatility Puzzle: Evidence from the Korean Stock Market
Authors: Kang Jangkoo , Lee Eunmee , Sim Myounghwa
Published: May 2014

If the trading of noise traders is highly correlated and arbitrage risk exists, stock prices can deviate from their fundamental value. In particular, due to the short‐selling impediments, stock prices tend to be overpriced. We hypothesize that the idiosyncratic volatility (IVOL) puzzle is due to this overpricing caused by noise traders that can be proxied by retail traders, and provide evidence supporting it. Our empirical findings are as follows. First, the IVOL puzzle is more prominent among stocks with a high retail trading proportion (RTP). Second, the negative relation between IVOL and stock returns is stronger following high retail sentiment. Finally, return reversals for stocks with high RTP and high IVOL are observed.
Bilastine vs. hydroxyzine: occupation of brain histamine H1‐receptors evaluated by positron emission tomography in healthy volunteers
Authors: Farré Magí , Pérez‐Mañá Clara , Papaseit Esther , Menoyo Esther , Pérez Marta , Martin Soraya , Bullich Santiago , Rojas Santiago , Herance José‐Raúl , Trampal Carlos , Labeaga Luis , Valiente Román
Published: May 2014

Aim

A close correlation exists between positron emission tomography (PET)‐determined histamine H1‐receptor occupancy (H1RO) and the incidence of sedation. Antihistamines with H1RO <20% are classified as non‐sedating. The objective was to compare the H1RO of bilastine, a second generation antihistamine, with that of hydroxyzine.

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, crossover study used PET imaging with [11C]‐doxepin to evaluate H1RO in 12 healthy males (mean age 26.2 years), after single oral administration of bilastine (20 mg), hydroxyzine (25 mg) or placebo. Binding potentials and H1ROs were calculated in five cerebral cortex regions of interest: frontal, occipital, parietal, temporal, insula. Plasma bilastine concentrations, subjective sedation (visual analogue scale), objective psychomotor performance (digital symbol substitution test), physiological variables and safety (adverse events, AEs), were also evaluated.

Results

The mean binding potential of all five regions of interest (total binding potential) was significantly greater with bilastine than hydroxyzine (mean value 0.26 vs. 0.13, P < 0.01; mean difference and 95% CI −0.130 [−0.155, 0.105]). There was no significant difference between bilastine and placebo. Overall H1RO by bilastine was significantly lower than that by hydroxyzine (mean value −3.92% vs. 53.95%, P < 0.01; mean difference and 95% CI 57.870% [42.664%, 73.075%]). There was no significant linear relationship between individual bilastine plasma concentrations and total binding potential values. No significant between‐treatment differences were observed for sedation and psychomotor performance. Twenty‐six non‐serious AEs were reported. Sleepiness or sedation was not reported with bilastine but appeared in some subjects with hydroxyzine.

Conclusions

A single oral dose of bilastine 20 mg had minimal H1RO, was not associated with subjective sedation or objective impairment of psychomotor performance and was devoid of treatment‐related sedative AEs, thus satisfying relevant subjective, objective and PET criteria as a non‐sedating antihistamine.
Quality of life in children with adverse drug reactions: a narrative and systematic review
Authors: Del Pozzo‐Magaña Blanca R. , Rieder Michael J. , Lazo‐Langner Alejandro
Published: May 2014

Aims

Adverse drug reactions are a common problem affecting adults and children. The economic impact of the adverse drug reactions has been widely evaluated; however, studies of the impact on the quality of life of children with adverse drug reactions are scarce. The aim was to evaluate studies assessing the health‐related quality of life of children with adverse drug reactions.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review that included the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library (including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and the Health Technology Assessment Databases).

Results

Nine studies were included. Four of the studies were conducted in children with epilepsy; the rest of them involved children with chronic viral hepatitis, Crohn's disease, paediatric cancer and multiple adverse drug reactions compared with healthy children. Based on their findings, authors of all studies concluded that adverse drug reactions had a negative impact on the quality of life of children. No meta‐analysis was conducted given the heterogeneous nature of the studies.

Conclusions

To date, there is no specific instrument that measures quality of life of children with adverse drug reactions, and the information available is poor and variable. In general, adverse drug reactions have a negative impact on the quality of life of affected children. For those interested in this area, more work needs to be done to improve tools that help to evaluate efficiently the health‐related quality of life of children with adverse drug reactions and chronic diseases.
The role of experiential avoidance in paranoid delusions: An experience sampling study
Authors: Udachina Alisa , Varese Filippo , Myin‐Germeys Inez , Bentall Richard P.
Published: May 2014

Objectives

The study examined (1) the role of experiential avoidance (EA), conceptualized as intolerance towards aversive mental states, in paranoid delusions and (2) the mechanisms underlying EA.

Design

A 6‐day prospective momentary assessment study.

Methods

Paranoid patients (N = 41) were studied using the experience sampling method (ESM), a structured diary technique, assessing psychopathology and current context in daily life.

Results

The results showed that both low self‐esteem and EA contributed to paranoid thinking. The relationship between low self‐esteem and paranoia was partially mediated by EA and the relationship between EA and paranoia was partially mediated by low self‐esteem. The detrimental effect of EA on self‐esteem was more pronounced under high activity‐related stress. Both EA and social stress were independently associated with low self‐esteem. EA was associated with self‐esteem instability.

Conclusions

Our results implicate mental control strategies in the development of paranoia and are compatible with the attributional model of paranoia, which suggests that persecutory delusions arise as a result of dysfunctional attempts to avoid unpleasant thoughts about the self.

Practitioner points

Interventions for paranoid individuals should target low tolerance towards negative mental states, for example using mindfulness and ACT therapeutic approaches.

Interventions designed for individuals suffering from persecutory delusions should also address unfavourable views about the self.

Limitations

Avoidance of unpleasant mental states may operate outside the individual's awareness and self‐report measures of EA may be unable to adequately tap this process.

Self‐reflection abilities of psychotic patients may be impaired.
A randomized controlled trial of the computerized CBT programme, MoodGYM, for public mental health service users waiting for interventions
Authors: Twomey Conal , O'Reilly Gary , Byrne Michael , Bury Matthew , White Aisling , Kissane Sheila , McMahon Aisling , Clancy Nicola
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of the computerized CBT (cCBT) programme, MoodGYM, for the reduction in symptoms of general psychological distress (the primary outcome), depression, anxiety, stress, and impaired daily functioning.

Design

A randomized controlled trial, with a waiting list control condition, in a routine clinical setting.

Methods

Participants were 149 public mental health service users (aged 18–61 [M = 35.3 years; SD = 10.3]) waiting for interventions. Self‐report outcome measures were administered online at baseline and post‐intervention (i.e., after 32 days).

Results

After high dropout rates, a post‐intervention completers analysis examined 28 MoodGYM participants and 38 waiting list control participants. MoodGYM was significantly more effective than the waiting list control for the reduction of symptoms of general psychological distress (F[1, 64] = 4.45; p < .05) and stress (F[1, 64] = 5.35; p < .05) but not depression, anxiety, or impaired daily functioning.

Conclusions

Due to their high associated dropout rates, self‐help cCBT programmes such as MoodGYM should not be provided as front‐line treatments. However, as it is likely to be agreeable and beneficial to some service users, perhaps self‐help cCBT should be provided as an additional treatment option.

Practitioner points

Computerized CBT has predominantly been evaluated in ‘efficacy’ trials which often include motivated, self‐referred participants unrepresentative of clinical populations. Multi‐site recruitment in the present trial allowed participants with characteristics typical of public mental health service users across Ireland to be included.

MoodGYM's effectiveness was demonstrated for the primary outcome, general psychological distress symptoms, and one of four secondary outcomes (i.e., stress symptoms). However, 56.3% of MoodGYM participants (and 85% of males) dropped out of the study, limiting the validity of findings.

Feedback to MoodGYM (for those who engaged with it) was generally positive (e.g., 68% of respondents would recommend MoodGYM to a friend if they needed some help). However, 73% of MoodGYM participants did not complete all five sessions.

Due to their limited effectiveness and high associated dropout rates, self‐help cCBT programmes such as MoodGYM should not be provided as front‐line treatments, in place of higher intensity interventions such as one‐to‐one psychotherapy. However, as it is likely to be agreeable and beneficial to some service users, self‐help cCBT is perhaps best offered as an additional treatment option.
Value creation in online communities for educators
Authors: Booth Sharon E. , Kellogg Shaun B.
Published: May 2014

The popularity and pervasiveness of online communities have led researchers and practitioners alike to closely examine the utility of online communities for supporting and facilitating professional learning. As economic constraints leave fewer resources available for professional development, educators in particular are examining the potential of online communities to enhance and extend traditional professional development opportunities. Leveraging the potential of online communities requires an in‐depth understanding of the value that members find through their participation. This study used Wenger, Trayner and de Laat's value creation framework to better understand cycles of value creation in online communities. Findings illuminate how members with varying perspectives and levels of expertise co‐construct new forms of meaning and understanding in ways that are individually and collectively valuable, and how they apply that knowledge to their professional practice. Additionally, the study offers insight into the ways in which actions of community leaders and a sponsoring organization support and facilitate value creation through different types of activities, tools and interactions.
Abrupt climate change and early lake development – the Lateglacial diatom flora at Hässeldala Port, southeastern Sweden
Authors: Ampel Linda , Kylander Malin E. , Steinthorsdottir Margret , Wohlfarth Barbara
Published: May 2014

The fossil diatom record from the Hässeldala Port palaeolake, southeastern Sweden, offers an excellent opportunity to investigate how past climatic shifts influenced catchment conditions and early lake development. The record, dating to between 13 900 and 11 200 cal. a BP, covers a climatically dynamic period, starting with deglaciation followed by oscillations between warmer and colder climate states. The stratigraphical changes in the fossil diatom assemblages show a trend of less open‐water taxa and a successively more complex periphytic community as the lake shallows and the aquatic habitat structure develops. A diatom‐based reconstruction of lake water pH indicates a natural acidification trend early in the record from 13 900 to 12 500 cal. a BP. From 12 500 cal. a BP, coincident with the start of climate cooling, to 11 300 cal. a BP this trend is disrupted and lake waters become more alkaline. A cooler and drier climate most likely resulted in reduced soil organic matter build‐up as well as more frozen ground that impeded hydrological flow and decreased the input of dissolved organic matter and organic acids into the lake system. This study demonstrates the importance of the hydrological system as a link between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems during early lake ontogeny.
Utilizing hydrogen sulfide as a novel anti‐cancer agent by targeting cancer glycolysis and pH imbalance
Authors: Lee Z‐W , Teo X‐Y , Tay E Y‐W , Tan C‐H , Hagen T , Moore P K , Deng L‐W
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose

Many disparate studies have reported the ambiguous role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in cell survival. The present study investigated the effect of H2S on the viability of cancer and non‐cancer cells.

Experimental Approach

Cancer and non‐cancer cells were exposed to H2S [using sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) and GYY4137] and cell viability was examined by crystal violet assay. We then examined cancer cellular glycolysis by in vitro enzymatic assays and pH regulator activity. Lastly, intracellular pH (pHi) was determined by ratiometric pHi measurement using BCECF staining.

Key Results

Continuous, but not a single, exposure to H2S decreased cell survival more effectively in cancer cells, as compared to non‐cancer cells. Slow H2S‐releasing donor, GYY4137, significantly increased glycolysis, leading to overproduction of lactate. H2S also decreased anion exchanger and sodium/proton exchanger activity. The combination of increased metabolic acid production and defective pH regulation resulted in an uncontrolled intracellular acidification, leading to cancer cell death. In contrast, no significant intracellular acidification or cell death was observed in non‐cancer cells.

Conclusions and Implications

Low and continuous exposure to H2S targets metabolic processes and pH homeostasis in cancer cells, potentially serving as a novel and selective anti‐cancer strategy.
Monocytes from Sjögren's syndrome patients display increased vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2 expression and impaired apoptotic cell phagocytosis
Authors: Hauk V , Fraccaroli L , Grasso E , Eimon A , Ramhorst R , Hubscher O , Pérez Leirós C
Published: May 2014

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by salivary and lacrimal gland dysfunction. Clinical observations and results from animal models of SS support the role of aberrant epithelial cell apoptosis and immune homeostasis loss in the glands as triggering factors for the autoimmune response. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) promotes potent anti-inflammatory effects in several inflammatory and autoimmune disease models, including the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of SS. With the knowledge that VIP modulates monocyte function through vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors (VPAC) and that immune homeostasis maintenance depends strongly upon a rapid and immunosuppressant apoptotic cell clearance by monocytes/macrophages, in this study we explored VPAC expression on monocytes from primary SS (pSS) patients and the ability of VIP to modulate apoptotic cell phagocytic function and cytokine profile. Monocytes isolated from individual pSS patients showed an increased expression of VPAC2 subtype of VIP receptors, absent in monocytes from control subjects, with no changes in VPAC1 expression. VPAC2 receptor expression could be induced further with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in pSS monocytes and VIP inhibited the effect. Moreover, monocytes from pSS patients showed an impaired phagocytosis of apoptotic epithelial cells, as evidenced by reduced engulfment ability and the failure to promote an immunosuppressant cytokine profile. However, VIP neither modulated monocyte/macrophage phagocytic function nor did it reverse their inflammatory profile. We conclude that monocytes from pSS patients express high levels of VPAC2 and display a deficient clearance of apoptotic cells that is not modulated by VIP.
Tranexamic acid as maintenance treatment for non-histaminergic angioedema: analysis of efficacy and safety in 37 patients
Authors: Wintenberger C , Boccon-Gibod I , Launay D , Fain O , Kanny G , Jeandel P Y , Martin L , Gompel A , Bouillet L
Published: May 2014

Angioedema (AE) is a clinical syndrome characterized by localised swelling lasting several hours. The swelling is often recurring and can be lethal if it is located in the laryngeal region. Much progress has been made recently in the treatment of acute episodes, but no consensus has been reached on maintenance treatment. We have performed a national retrospective observational study to assess the use of tranexamic acid (TA) as maintenance treatment for non-histaminergic AE [hereditary AE (HAE) or idiopathic non-histaminergic AE]. Records for 64 cases were collected from 1 October 2012 to 31 August 2013; 37 of these were included (12 HAE with C1-inhibitor deficiency, six with HAE with normal C1-inhibitor and 19 idiopathic non-histaminergic AE). When treated with TA over six months, the number of attacks was reduced by 75% in 17 patients, 10 patients showed a lower level of reduction and 10 had the same number of attacks. In no instances were symptoms increased. No thromboembolic events were observed, and the main side effects were digestive in nature. Thus, TA, which is well tolerated and inexpensive, appears to be an effective maintenance treatment for some patients with HAE or idiopathic non-histaminergic AE.
Pathogenetic role of glomerular CXCL13 expression in lupus nephritis
Authors: Worthmann K , Gueler F , von Vietinghoff S , Davalos-Mißlitz A , Wiehler F , Davidson A , Witte T , Haller H , Schiffer M , Falk C S , Schiffer L
Published: May 2014

Podocytes maintain the structure and function of the glomerular filtration barrier. However, podocytes have recently been implicated in the innate immune response, and their function as non-haematopoietic antigen-presenting cells was highlighted. We have shown previously that excessive expression of the chemokine CXCL13 is a distinctive early event for nephritis in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Furthermore, we found that CXCL13 is elevated significantly in the serum of patients with SLE-nephritis. In this study, we were able to show for the first time that (i) CXCL13 is expressed locally in glomeruli in a model for SLE-nephritis in mice and that (ii) incubation of human podocytes with CXCL13 induces receptor stimulation of CXCR5 with activation of signalling pathways, resulting in (iii) secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in culture supernatant. This cytokine/chemokine cocktail can lead to (iv) a neutrophil respiratory burst in isolated human granulocytes. Taken together, our results provide further evidence that CXCL13 is involved in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis and that podocytes can play an active role in local proinflammatory immune responses. Thus, CXCL13 could be a direct target for the therapy of glomerulonephritis in general and for SLE-nephritis in particular.
Toll-like receptor expression in crypt epithelial cells, putative stem cells and intestinal myofibroblasts isolated from controls and patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Brown M , Hughes K R , Moossavi S , Robins A , Mahida Y R
Published: May 2014

The aim of our studies was to investigate the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and TLR-4 (and in some studies TLR-5) in myofibroblasts and small and large intestinal crypt epithelial cells from control patients and those affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Isolated and disaggregated crypt epithelial cells and monolayers of myofibroblasts were used for studies by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), real-time RT–PCR, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. Compared to control cells, crypt epithelial cells isolated from active ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease colonic mucosal samples showed significantly higher expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4 transcripts and protein (on the cell surface). There was also enhanced expression of TLR-4 in crypt cells from ileal Crohn's disease. Expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4 transcripts in crypt epithelial cells isolated from inflamed mucosa of distal ulcerative colitis did not differ significantly from such cells obtained from the normal proximal colon. Crypt epithelial cells with side population characteristics (putative stem cells) also expressed transcripts and protein for TLR-2, TLR-4 and TLR-5. Colonic myofibroblast expression of these TLRs was much weaker than in crypt epithelial cells. In conclusion, enhanced TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression by crypt epithelial cells in active inflammatory bowel disease likely reflects greater ability to respond to microbial products. Results from our studies using mucosal samples from patients with distal ulcerative colitis suggest that the enhanced expression of these TLRs could be constitutive. TLR-2, TLR-4 and TLR-5 expression by stem cells imply ability to respond to distinct bacterial products.
Enhancement of T cell recruitment and infiltration into tumours
Authors: Oelkrug C , Ramage J M
Published: May 2014

Studies have documented that cancer patients with tumours which are highly infiltrated with cytotoxic T lymphocytes show enhanced survival rates. The ultimate goal of cancer immunotherapy is to elicit high-avidity tumour-specific T cells to migrate and kill malignant tumours. Novel antibody therapies such as ipilumimab (a cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 blocking antibody) show enhanced T cell infiltration into the tumour tissue and increased survival. More conventional therapies such as chemotherapy or anti-angiogenic therapy and recent therapies with oncolytic viruses have been shown to alter the tumour microenvironment and thereby lead to enhanced T cell infiltration. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the migration of high-avidity tumour-specific T cells into tumours will support and provide solutions for the optimization of therapeutic options in cancer immunotherapy.
Chemosystematics in the Opiliones (Arachnida): a comment on the evolutionary history of alkylphenols and benzoquinones in the scent gland secretions of Laniatores
Authors: Raspotnig Günther , Bodner Michaela , Schäffer Sylvia , Koblmüller Stephan , Schönhofer Axel , Karaman Ivo
Published: May 2014

Large prosomal scent glands constitute a major synapomorphic character of the arachnid order Opiliones. These glands produce a variety of chemicals very specific to opilionid taxa of different taxonomic levels, and thus represent a model system to investigate the evolutionary traits in exocrine secretion chemistry across a phylogenetically old group of animals. The chemically best‐studied opilionid group is certainly Laniatores, and currently available chemical data allow first hypotheses linking the phylogeny of this group to the evolution of major chemical classes of secretion chemistry. Such hypotheses are essential to decide upon a best‐fitting explanation of the distribution of scent‐gland secretion compounds across extant laniatorean taxa, and hence represent a key toward a well‐founded opilionid chemosystematics.
Cytological nuclear atypia classification can predict prognosis in patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Yamaguchi T. , Kawahara A. , Hattori S. , Taira T. , Abe H. , Sanada S. , Akiba J. , Nishio S. , Ushijima K. , Kamura T. , Kage M.
Published: May 2014

Objective

Endometrial cancer is one of the leading causes of malignancy in females. Nuclear findings are important for patients with cancer, and can provide valuable information to treating oncologists. We investigated whether nuclear findings were a useful prognostic factor in patients with endometrial cancer.

Method

We investigated 71 cases of endometrial carcinoma with paired histology and cytology at Kurume University Hospital. We classified endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EEC) G1 and G2 as type I carcinomas, and uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC), clear cell carcinoma (CC) and EEC G3 as type II carcinomas. For the establishment of the cytological nuclear atypia classification, we examined the following nuclear factors on the cytological smears: mitotic figures, prominent nucleoli, nuclear area and anisonucleosis.

Results

There was a significant difference in mitotic figures (P < 0.001) and anisonucleosis (P = 0.026) in cytological smears between type I and type II carcinomas. Based on these findings, we categorized cytological nuclear atypia into three groups, nuclear atypia‐1 (57.7%), nuclear atypia‐2 (19.7%) and nuclear atypia‐3 (22.5%), and this classification system correlated well with prognosis in patients with endometrial cancer (P < 0.001). Furthermore, this classification system was able to extract patients with a good prognosis from those with high‐grade carcinomas, such as UPSC+CC+EEC G3, and patients with a poor prognosis from those with EEC G1.

Conclusions

Our system of cytological nuclear atypia classification based on endometrial cytology can predict patient prognosis. Cytological nuclear atypia classification and histological typing may be useful for the treatment and follow‐up of patients with endometrial cancer, and should be routinely incorporated into cytological reports.