bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β‐arrestin2/miR‐155/GSK3β regulates transition of 5′‐azacytizine‐induced Sca‐1‐positive cells to cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhao Jing , Feng Yimin , Yan Hui , Chen Yangchao , Wang Jinlan , Chua Balvin , Stuart Charles , Yin Deling
Published: June 2014

Stem‐cell antigen 1–positive (Sca‐1+) cardiac stem cells (CSCs), a vital kind of CSCs in humans, promote cardiac repair in vivo and can differentiate to cardiomyocytes with 5′‐azacytizine treatment in vitro. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. β‐arrestin2 is an important scaffold protein and highly expressed in the heart. To explore the function of β‐arrestin2 in Sca‐1+ CSC differentiation, we used β‐arrestin2–knockout mice and overexpression strategies. Real‐time PCR revealed that β‐arrestin2 promoted 5′‐azacytizine‐induced Sca‐1+ CSC differentiation in vitro. Because the microRNA 155 (miR‐155) may regulate β‐arrestin2 expression, we detected its role and relationship with β‐arrestin2 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3β), another probable target of miR‐155. Real‐time PCR revealed that miR‐155, inhibited by β‐arrestin2, impaired 5′‐azacytizine‐induced Sca‐1+ CSC differentiation. On luciferase report assay, miR‐155 could inhibit the activity of β‐arrestin2 and GSK3β, which suggests a loop pathway between miR‐155 and β‐arrestin2. Furthermore, β‐arrestin2‐knockout inhibited the activity of GSK3β. Akt, the upstream inhibitor of GSK3β, was inhibited in β‐arrestin2‐Knockout mice, so the activity of GSK3β was regulated by β‐arrestin2 not Akt. We transplanted Sca‐1+ CSCs from β‐arrestin2‐knockout mice to mice with myocardial infarction and found similar protective functions as in wild‐type mice but impaired arterial elastance. Furthermore, low level of β‐arrestin2 agreed with decreased phosphorylation of AKT and increased phophorylation of GSK3β, similar to in vitro findings. The β‐arrestin2/miR‐155/GSK3β pathway may be a new mechanism with implications for treatment of heart disease.
Predictability of food supply, but not ration, increases exploratory behaviour in zebrafish Danio rerio
Authors: Holley E. D. , Ludwig K. J. , McEwen D. C. , Wisenden B. D.
Published: June 2014

Individual zebrafish Danio rerio were assayed for exploratory tendency in a serial open field test before and after being maintained on one of four diet treatments that differed in ration and in predictability of food delivery. Danio rerio became more exploratory after being maintained on a diet with a predictable delivery schedule. There was no effect of ration. Thus, exploratory behaviour is inducible by environmental influences independent of genetic predisposition or social interactions. These results have implications for management of correlated behavioural syndromes of exploratory and boldness of animals reared in captivity for later release into wild populations.
Calcium ion supplementation increases brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis spermatozoa activation at the end of the spawning season
Authors: Bondarenko O. , Dzyuba B. , Cosson J. , Rodina M. , Linhart O.
Published: June 2014

The role of environmental ion composition and osmolality in calcium ion (Ca2+) signalling of spermatozoa activation over the course of the spawning period of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis was investigated. Motility at the end of spawning was low (mean ± s.d. of 5 ± 2% motile spermatozoa with curvilinear velocity of 25 ± 8 µm s−1). Addition of 10 mM Ca2+ to the activation medium resulted in values similar to those recorded during the middle of the spawning period (mean ± s.d. of 95 ± 6% motile spermatozoa with curvilinear velocity of 130 ± 15 µm s−1).
Identification of microRNAs in six solanaceous plants and their potential link with phosphate and mycorrhizal signaling
Authors: Gu Mian , Liu Wei , Meng Qi , Zhang Wenqi , Chen Aiqun , Sun Shubin , Xu Guohua
Published: June 2014

To date, only a limited number of solanaceous miRNAs have been deposited in the miRNA database. Here, genome‐wide bioinformatic identification of miRNAs was performed in six solanaceous plants (potato, tomato, tobacco, eggplant, pepper, and petunia). A total of 2,239 miRNAs were identified following a range of criteria, of which 982 were from potato, 496 from tomato, 655 from tobacco, 46 from eggplant, 45 were from pepper, and 15 from petunia. The sizes of miRNA families and miRNA precursor length differ in all the species. Accordingly, 620 targets were predicted, which could be functionally classified as transcription factors, metabolic enzymes, RNA and protein processing proteins, and other proteins for plant growth and development. We also showed evidence for miRNA clusters and sense and antisense miRNAs. Additionally, five Pi starvation‐ and one arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM)‐related cis‐elements were found widely distributed in the putative promoter regions of the miRNA genes. Selected miRNAs were classified into three groups based on the presence or absence of P1BS and MYCS cis‐elements, and their expression in response to Pi starvation and AM symbiosis was validated by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). These results show that conserved miRNAs exist in solanaceous species and they might play pivotal roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses.
Excitatory GABA induces BDNF transcription via CRTC1 and phosphorylated CREB‐related pathways in immature cortical cells
Authors: Fukuchi Mamoru , Kirikoshi Yuya , Mori Atsumi , Eda Reika , Ihara Daisuke , Takasaki Ichiro , Tabuchi Akiko , Tsuda Masaaki
Published: June 2014

Although the excitatory action of GABA has been shown to activate the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Using cultured rat cortical cells, we here demonstrated that GABA induced Bdnf mRNA expression mainly via L‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels (L‐VDCC) at the early stage and inhibited it at the late stage of the culture, which corresponded to the excitatory and inhibitory states of cortical cells. The excitatory GABA‐induced Bdnf mRNA expression was controlled by multiple Ca2+ signaling pathways including Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase (CaMK), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and calcineurin (CN). The Bdnf‐promoter IV (Bdnf‐pIV) was activated by GABA, mainly via cAMP‐response element (CRE)/CREB, and this was prevented by the over‐expression of a dominant negative CREB. The nuclear translocation of CREB‐regulated transcriptional coactivator 1 (CRTC1) was selectively induced by the GABA‐induced CN pathway to activate Bdnf‐pIV. On the other hand, GABA‐induced Gal4‐CREB‐dependent transcription, which was controlled by multiple Ca2+ signaling pathways, was prevented when the serine at position 133 of Gal4‐CREB was mutated to alanine. Taken together, the excitatory action of GABA transcriptionally activated Bdnf expression through the combination of nuclear‐localized CRTC1 and phosphorylated CREB in immature cortical cells, and may be the molecular mechanisms underlying Bdnf expression to control neuronal development.

image

We demonstrated that GABA induced Bdnf expression at the early stage of the culture, in which GABA exerted its excitatory action. The excitatory GABA‐induced Bdnf expression was controlled by multiple Ca2+ signaling pathways evoked via L‐VDCC. Both the CREB coactivator, CRTC1 and CREB phosphorylation participated in excitatory GABA‐induced Bdnf transcription. Our present study indicates the mechanism underlying the excitatory GABA‐induced Bdnf expression in immature neurons and provide new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying Bdnf expression to control neuronal development.
Primary glioblastoma cultures: can profiling of stem cell markers predict radiotherapy sensitivity?
Authors: Lemke Dieter , Weiler Markus , Blaes Jonas , Wiestler Benedikt , Jestaedt Leonie , Klein Ann‐Catherine , Löw Sarah , Eisele Günter , Radlwimmer Bernhard , Capper David , Schmieder Kirsten , Mittelbronn Michel , Combs Stephanie E. , Bendszus Martin , Weller Michael , Platten Michael , Wick Wolfgang
Published: June 2014

Human glioblastomas may be hierarchically organized. Within this hierarchy, glioblastoma‐initiating cells have been proposed to be more resistant to radiochemotherapy and responsible for recurrence. Here, established stem cell markers and stem cell attributed characteristics such as self‐renewal capacity and tumorigenicity have been profiled in primary glioblastoma cultures to predict radiosensitivity. Furthermore, the sensitivity to radiotherapy of different subpopulations within a single primary glioblastoma culture was analyzed by a flow cytometric approach using Nestin, SRY (sex‐determining region Y)‐box 2 (SOX2) and glial fibrillary acidic protein. The protein expression of Nestin and SOX2 as well as the mRNA levels of Musashi1, L1 cell adhesion molecule, CD133, Nestin, and pleiomorphic adenoma gene‐like 2 inversely correlated with radioresistance in regard to the clonogenic potential. Only CD44 protein expression correlated positively with radioresistance. In terms of proliferation, Nestin protein expression and Musashi1, pleiomorphic adenoma gene‐like 2, and CD133 mRNA levels are inversely correlated with radioresistance. Higher expression of stem cell markers does not correlate with resistance to radiochemotherapy in the cancer genome atlas glioblastoma collective. SOX2 expressing subpopulations exist within single primary glioblastoma cultures. These subpopulations predominantly form the proliferative pool of the primary cultures and are sensitive to irradiation. Thus, profiling of established stem cell markers revealed a surprising result. Except CD44, the tested stem cell markers showed an inverse correlation between expression and radioresistance.

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Markers used to define glioma‐initiating cells (GIC) are generally not defining a more resistant, but rather a more sensitive group of glioma cells. An exemption is CD44 expression. Also proliferation of the GIC culture itself was not systematically associated with radiosensitivity or – resistance, but a SOX‐2 positive, proliferative subgroup within a GIC culture is showing the highest radiosensitivity.
Executive functions in preschoolers with ADHD, ODD, and comorbid ADHD‐ODD: Evidence from ecological and performance‐based measures
Authors: Ezpeleta Lourdes , Granero Roser
Published: June 2014

Executive functioning in 3‐year‐old preschoolers with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional‐defiant disorder (ODD), comorbid ADHD+ODD, and children without any of these conditions (control group) was examined. A community sample including 622 children was diagnosed using a diagnostic interview following DSM‐IV criteria, and assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Preschool version (BRIEF‐P) and the Kiddie‐Conners' Continuous Performance Test. The children diagnosed with ADHD showed the poorest executive function (EF) profile in comparison with controls, and were closely followed up in this respect by the comorbid ADHD+ODD children. The ADHD and comorbid groups presented similar executive difficulties. The ODD group obtained mean scores statistically equal to those of controls in EF. These findings suggest that, in preschoolers, executive functioning deficits assessed with a performance‐based measure or with behavioural descriptions are specific to children with ADHD, in comparison with those with ODD. This study contributes knowledge about EFs in two prevalent and comorbid disorders in preschool children, ADHD and ODD, knowledge that can help our understanding of specific deficits and the design of specific early intervention initiatives.
Maxillary Rehabilitation Using a Removable Partial Denture with Attachments in a Cleft Lip and Palate Patient: A Clinical Report
Authors: Palmeiro Marina Rechden Lobato , Piffer Caroline Scheeren , Brunetto Vivian Martins , Maccari Paulo César , Shinkai Rosemary Sadami Arai
Published: June 2014

Clefts of the lip and/or palate (CLP) are oral‐facial defects that affect health and overall quality of life. CLP patients often need multidisciplinary treatment to restore oral function and esthetics. This paper describes the oral rehabilitation of a CLP adult patient who had maxillary bone and tooth loss, resulting in decreased occlusal vertical dimension. Functional and cosmetic rehabilitation was achieved using a maxillary removable partial denture (RPD) attached to telescopic crowns. Attachment‐retained RPDs may be a cost‐effective alternative for oral rehabilitation in challenging cases with substantial loss of oral tissues, especially when treatment with fixed dental prostheses and/or dental implants is not possible.
Lung recruitment and endotracheal suction in ventilated preterm infants measured with electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Hough Judith L , Shearman Andrew D , Liley Helen , Grant Caroline A , Schibler Andreas
Published: June 2014

Aims

Although suctioning is a standard airway maintenance procedure, there are significant associated risks, such as loss of lung volume due to high negative suction pressures. This study aims to assess the extent and duration of change in end‐expiratory level (EEL) resulting from endotracheal tube (ETT) suction and to examine the relationship between EEL and regional lung ventilation in ventilated preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

Methods

A prospective observational clinical study of the effect of ETT suction on 20 non‐muscle‐relaxed preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) on conventional mechanical ventilation was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit. Ventilation distribution was measured with regional impedance amplitudes and EEL using electrical impedance tomography.

Results

ETT suction resulted in a significant increase in EEL post‐suction (P < 0.01). Regionally, anterior EEL decreased and posterior EEL increased post‐suction, suggesting heterogeneity. Tidal volume was significantly lower in volume‐guarantee ventilation compared with pressure‐controlled ventilation (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

ETT suction in non‐muscle‐relaxed and ventilated preterm infants with RDS results in significant lung volume increase that is maintained for at least 90 min. Regional differences in distribution of ventilation with ETT suction suggest that the behaviour of the lung is heterogeneous in nature.
Effect of added dietary threonine on growth performance, health, immunity and gastrointestinal function of weaning pigs with differing genetic susceptibility to Escherichia coli infection and challenged with E. coli K88ac
Authors: Trevisi P. , Corrent E. , Mazzoni M. , Messori S. , Priori D. , Gherpelli Y. , Simongiovanni A. , Bosi P.
Published: June 2014

Threonine (Thr) is important for mucin and immunoglobulin production. We studied the effect of added dietary Thr on growth performance, health, immunity and gastrointestinal function of weaning pigs with differing genetic susceptibility to E. coli K88ac (ETEC) infection and challenged with ETEC. Forty‐eight 24‐day‐old weaned pigs were divided into two groups by their ETEC susceptibility using mucin 4 (MUC4) gene as a marker (2 MUC4−/−, not‐susceptible, and 2 MUC4+/+, susceptible, pigs per litter). Within genotype, pigs were fed two different diets: 8.5 (LThr) or 9.0 (HThr) g Thr/kg. Pigs were orally challenged on day 7 after weaning and slaughtered on day 12 or 13 after weaning. Before ETEC challenge, HThr pigs ate more (p < 0.05). The diet did not affect post‐challenge growth, but HThr tended to increase post‐challenge feed efficiency (p = 0.087) and overall growth (p = 0.087) and feed efficiency (p = 0.055). Before challenge, HThr pigs excreted less E. coli (p < 0.05), while after challenge, diet did not affect the number of days with diarrhoea and ETEC excretion. MUC4+/+ pigs responded to the challenge with more diarrhoea, ETEC excretion and anti‐K88 IgA in blood and jejunal secretion (p < 0.001). HThr pigs had a higher increase of anti‐K88 IgA values in jejunal secretion (p = 0.089) and in blood (p = 0.089, in MUC4+/+ pigs only). Thr did not affect total IgA and IgM values, morphometry of jejunum, goblet cells count in colon, total mucin from jejunum and colon, but varied jejunal goblet cells counts (p < 0.05). In the first two post‐weaning weeks, 8.5 g Thr/kg diet may be not sufficient to optimize initial feed intake, overall feed efficiency and intestinal IgA secretion and to control the gut microbiota in the first post‐weaning week, irrespective of the pig genetic susceptibility to ETEC infection.
Sounds produced by the longsnout seahorse: a study of their structure and functions
Authors: Oliveira T. P. R. , Ladich F. , Abed‐Navandi D. , Souto A. S. , Rosa I. L.
Published: June 2014

Seahorses are known to produce sounds in different behavioural contexts, but information on the sound production in this fish group is scarce. Here we examined the acoustic behaviour of the longsnout seahorse Hippocampus reidi by analysing sound production when fish were introduced to a new environment and during feeding, handling and courtship. We show that males and females produce two distinct sound types: ‘clicks’ (main energy between 50 and 800 Hz) during feeding and courtship, and previously undescribed ‘growls’ (main energy concentrated below 200 Hz). The latter consists of series of sound pulses uttered in stress situations when the animals were handheld. Growls were accompanied by body vibrations, and may constitute an additional escape mechanism in seahorses, which might startle predators. During reproductive behaviour, clicks were most abundant on the third (last) day of courtship; they were particularly associated with the males’ pouch‐pumping behaviour, suggesting synchronization between sound production and courtship behaviour. This is consistent with the biology of Hippocampus species, which are mostly monogamous and form pair bonds. Thus, a courtship call may be used to signal readiness to mate.
Foreign Direct Investment Entry Modes, Development and Technological Spillovers
Authors: Alvarez Isabel , Marin Raquel , Santos‐Arteaga Francisco J.
Published: June 2014

This paper illustrates how wholly owned entry modes of multinational companies (MNCs) are jointly determined by both the strategic objectives of the MNC and the local firms' assets in the creation of value. In particular, the entry mode chosen is based on the potential reciprocal technological spillovers between local firms and MNC subsidiaries. M&As are preferred when host countries exhibit a certain level of development in their local systems of innovation, especially for technologically leading MNCs. Otherwise, for technological laggard MNCs, greenfield investments prevail and M&As may be carried out for meeting demand motives in developing local systems of innovation.
A novel elicitor protein from Phytophthora parasitica induces plant basal immunity and systemic acquired resistance
Authors: Chang Yi‐Hsuan , Yan Hao‐Zhi , Liou Ruey‐Fen
Published: June 2014

The interaction between Phytophthora pathogens and host plants involves the exchange of complex molecular signals from both sides. Recent studies of Phytophthora have led to the identification of various apoplastic elicitors known to trigger plant immunity. Here, we provide evidence that the protein encoded by OPEL of Phytophthora parasitica is a novel elicitor. Homologues of OPEL were identified only in oomycetes, but not in fungi and other organisms. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) revealed that OPEL is expressed throughout the development of P. parasitica and is especially highly induced after plant infection. Infiltration of OPEL recombinant protein from Escherichia coli into leaves of Nicotiana tabacum (cv. Samsun NN) resulted in cell death, callose deposition, the production of reactive oxygen species and induced expression of pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP)‐triggered immunity markers and salicylic acid‐responsive defence genes. Moreover, the infiltration conferred systemic resistance against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including Tobacco mosaic virus, the bacteria wilt pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum and P. parasitica. In addition to the signal peptide, OPEL contains three conserved domains: a thaumatin‐like domain, a glycine‐rich protein domain and a glycosyl hydrolase (GH) domain. Intriguingly, mutation of a putative laminarinase active site motif in the predicted GH domain abolished its elicitor activity, which suggests enzymatic activity of OPEL in triggering the defence response.
Absence of intestinal inflammation and postoperative ileus in a mouse model of laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Gomez‐Pinilla Pedro J. , Binda Maria M , Lissens Ann , Di Giovangiulio Martina , van Bree Sjoerd H. , Nemethova Andrea , Stakenborg Nathalie , Farro Giovanna , Bosmans Goele , Matteoli Gianluca , Deprest Jan , Boeckxstaens Guy E
Published: June 2014

Background

Postoperative ileus (POI) is characterized by impaired gastrointestinal motility resulting from intestinal handling‐associated inflammation. The introduction of laparoscopic surgery has dramatically reduced the duration of POI. However, it remains unclear to what extent this results in a reduction of intestinal inflammation. The aim of the present study is to compare the degree of intestinal inflammation and gastrointestinal transit following laparoscopic surgery and open abdominal surgery.

Methods

Mice were subjected to laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy alone or, in combination with standardized intestinal manipulation of the small bowel (IM). Gastrointestinal transit and intestinal inflammation were assessed 24 h after surgery by the number of myeloperoxidase (MPO) positive cells and the level of cytokine expression. The recovery time and the degree of inflammation were also analyzed in patients subjected to colectomy under open conditions (laparotomy) or laparoscopic conditions.

Key Results

Mice undergoing IM by laparotomy (open IM), but not by laparoscopy (Lap IM) developed a significant delay in gastrointestinal transit compared to laparotomy or laparoscopy alone. In addition, there was significant intestinal inflammation only after open IM. Similarly, cytokine levels in peritoneal lavage fluid were lower while recovery time was faster in patients subjected to colectomy under laparoscopic conditions compared to open colectomy.

Conclusions & Inferences

Our data confirms that intestinal inflammation is underlying the delayed gastrointestinal transit observed after open surgery. Most importantly, we demonstrate that intestinal inflammation under laparoscopic conditions is significantly lower compared to open surgery, most likely explaining the faster recovery following laparoscopic surgery.
Transcriptomic and physiological characterization of the fefe mutant of melon (Cucumis melo) reveals new aspects of iron–copper crosstalk
Authors: Waters Brian M. , McInturf Samuel A. , Amundsen Keenan
Published: June 2014

Iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) homeostasis are tightly linked across biology. In previous work, Fe deficiency interacted with Cu‐regulated genes and stimulated Cu accumulation.

The C940‐fe (fefe) Fe‐uptake mutant of melon (Cucumis melo) was characterized, and the fefe mutant was used to test whether Cu deficiency could stimulate Fe uptake. Wild‐type and fefe mutant transcriptomes were determined by RNA‐seq under Fe and Cu deficiency.

FeFe‐regulated genes included core Fe uptake, metal homeostasis, and transcription factor genes. Numerous genes were regulated by both Fe and Cu. The fefe mutant was rescued by high Fe or by Cu deficiency, which stimulated ferric‐chelate reductase activity, FRO2 expression, and Fe accumulation. Accumulation of Fe in Cu‐deficient plants was independent of the normal Fe‐uptake system. One of the four FRO genes in the melon and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) genomes was Fe‐regulated, and one was Cu‐regulated. Simultaneous Fe and Cu deficiency synergistically up‐regulated Fe‐uptake gene expression.

Overlap in Fe and Cu deficiency transcriptomes highlights the importance of Fe–Cu crosstalk in metal homeostasis. The fefe gene is not orthologous to FIT, and thus identification of this gene will provide clues to help understand regulation of Fe uptake in plants.
The inflammophilic character of the periodontitis‐associated microbiota
Authors: Hajishengallis G.
Published: June 2014

In periodontitis, dysbiotic microbial communities exhibit synergistic interactions for enhanced protection from host defenses, nutrient acquisition, and persistence in an inflammatory environment. This review discusses evidence that periodontitis‐associated communities are ‘inflammo‐philic’ (=loving or attracted to inflammation) in that they have evolved to not only endure inflammation but also to take advantage of it. In this regard, inflammation can drive the selection and enrichment of these pathogenic communities by providing a source of nutrients in the form of tissue breakdown products (e.g. degraded collagen peptides and heme‐containing compounds). In contrast, those species that cannot benefit from the altered ecological conditions of the inflammatory environment, or for which host inflammation is detrimental, are likely to be outcompeted. Consistent with the concept that inflammation fosters the growth of dysbiotic microbial communities, the bacterial biomass of human periodontitis‐associated biofilms was shown to increase with increasing periodontal inflammation. Conversely, anti‐inflammatory treatments in animal models of periodontitis were shown to diminish the periodontal bacterial load, in addition to protecting from bone loss. The selective flourishing of inflammophilic bacteria can perpetuate inflammatory tissue destruction by setting off a ‘vicious cycle’ for disease progression, in which dysbiosis and inflammation reinforce each other. Therefore, the control of inflammation appears to be central to the treatment of periodontitis, as it is likely to control both dysbiosis and disease progression.
Breast cancer threat appraisal: design and psychometric analysis of a new scale for older women
Authors: Wood Robin Y. , Della‐Monica Nola R.
Published: June 2014

Background

The prospect of being diagnosed with breast cancer generates emotional responses associated with a high degree of health threat. When considering screening, older women are faced with physical and psychological consequences inherent in considering the threat of disease.

Aims and objectives

To describe the development and evaluate initial reliability and validity of the Breast Cancer Threat Appraisal Scale (BCTAS), a self‐report instrument measuring psychosocial and situational factors related to breast cancer threat appraisal in older women.

Design and methods

Preliminary survey items for the Breast Cancer Threat Appraisal Scale (BCTAS) were designed using content experts and focus groups and subsequently tested by a sample of older women. Two hundred forty‐three (n = 243) complete data sets were submitted to principal components analysis (PCA). Internal consistency reliability and construct validity of resulting factors were measured.

Results

PCA with orthogonal rotation resulted in four components defined by 34 items with loadings of ≥0.40. Internal consistency reliability was evident in all four components (Component # 1 = 0.87, Component # 2 = 0.81, Component # 3 = 0.70 and Component # 4 = 0.72). Correlations between Breast Cancer Fear and total BCTAS (r = 0.29, P < 0.001) and Component # 3 (r = 0.39, P < 0.001) provided partial construct validity.

Conclusions

Psychometric analysis provided initial evidence of reliability for four conceptually meaningful scales and partial construct validity for total score and one factor.

Implications for Practice

Using these empirically derived scales may clarify for health providers how older women perceive personal threat of breast cancer and inform collaborative decision‐making to foster screening.
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Hoyle P. , Steele J.C.
Published: June 2014

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), which was formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis, is a rare systemic condition with oral manifestations. This case report describes and discusses the oral presentation, investigations, diagnosis and management options in a patient who was diagnosed with GPA.
The effect of convective heating on evaporative heat loss in anesthetized children
Authors: Cassey John , Salter Jo , Colyvas Kim , Burstal Richard , Stanger Rohan
Published: June 2014

Background

Convective warming is effective in maintaining core temperature under anesthesia. It may increase evaporative water loss (EWL). If significant, further investigation of warming modifications to minimize this impact would be warranted.

Objectives

To quantify EWL in two groups of children (warmed and nonwarmed) having surgical procedures under anesthesia.

Methods

We performed an observational study of well children having general anesthesia for elective surgical procedures lasting ≥60 min. They were recruited sequentially to each of three age groups: 1–12 months, 13 months –5 years, and 5–12 years – with each age group divided into convectively warmed (43°C) and nonwarmed (21°C) subgroups. Evaporative heat loss (EHL) was calculated from accurate measurement of net EWL during the surgical period.

Results

Sixty children were studied. As a percentage of body mass, mean EWLs were 0.29 (warmed) and 0.09 (nonwarmed). Using an ancova model, only procedure duration had a significant impact and explained why the extended procedural time in some convectively warmed children led to higher mean EWLs for that group. For the nonwarmed group, the mean Tcore drop was 1.27°C with a contribution from EWL of 0.6°C over ~70 min.

Conclusions

Within the age range 1 month–12 years, EHL is not significantly influenced by convective heating under anesthesia. There is no thermal advantage in exploring technique modifications such as humidifying the warming air. Previous estimates of the contribution of EHL to total heat loss in anesthetized children may require revision.
Differential expression of miRNAs and their target genes in senescing leaves and siliques: insights from deep sequencing of small RNAs and cleaved target RNAs
Authors: THATCHER SHAWN R. , BURD SHAUL , WRIGHT CHRISTOPHER , LERS AMNON , GREEN PAMELA J.
Published: June 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNAs, which typically function by guiding cleavage of target mRNAs. They are known to play roles in a variety of plant processes including development, responses to environmental stresses and senescence. To identify senescence regulation of miRNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana, eight small RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced at four different stages of development and senescence from both leaves and siliques, resulting in more than 200 million genome‐matched sequences. Parallel analysis of RNA ends libraries, which enable the large‐scale examination of miRNA‐guided cleavage products, were constructed and sequenced, resulting in over 750 million genome‐matched sequences. These large datasets led to the identification a new senescence‐inducible small RNA locus, as well as new regulation of known miRNAs and their target genes during senescence, many of which have established roles in nutrient responsiveness and cell structural integrity. In keeping with remobilization of nutrients thought to occur during senescence, many miRNAs and targets had opposite expression pattern changes between leaf and silique tissues during the progression of senescence. Taken together, these findings highlight the integral role that miRNAs may play in the remobilization of resources and alteration of cellular structure that is known to occur in senescence.
High Mobility Group Box1 (HMGB1) released from cancer cells induces the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in peritoneal fibroblasts
Authors: Abe Anna , Kuwata Takeshi , Yamauchi Chisako , Higuchi Youichi , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: June 2014

High Mobility Group Box1 protein (HMGB1), one of the mediators of inflammation, is associated with tumorigenesis. The HMGB1‐Receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE) in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues promoted gastric cancer growth, however, there are no reports concerning the relationship between the expression of HMGB1 in gastric cancer and cancer‐related inflammation. Fibroblasts exist most abundantly on cancer tissue where inflammation occurs. So, we studied the effects of HMGB1 released from cancer cells on the fibroblasts. The expression of HMGB1 in cancer cells and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐kB) in fibroblasts were evaluated immunohistochemically in human gastric cancer specimens. Cytoplasmic HMGB1 expression in the cancer cells and nuclear translocation of NF‐kB in fibroblasts were detected at deeper invasion. To determine whether HMGB1 released from cancer cells induces the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in fibroblasts, we analyzed the activation of Toll‐like receptor (TLR) signaling. Fibroblasts stimulated by recombinant HMGB1 and the HSC44PE‐conditioned medium showed the phosphorylation of Interleukin‐1 receptor associated‐kinase 4 (IRAK4), nuclear translocation of NF‐kB, and enhanced pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression. Treatment with HSC44PE‐conditioned‐medium transfected with siRNA‐HMGB1 reduced the expressions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the fibroblasts. We propose that HMGB1 released from cancer cells induces the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in peritoneal fibroblasts through the HMGB1‐TLR2/4 pathway.
Evaluation of Cheetah and Leopard Spermatozoa Developmental Capability after Interspecific ICSI with Domestic Cat Oocytes
Authors: Moro LN , Sestelo AJ , Salamone DF
Published: June 2014

Contents

The ICSI procedure is potentially of great value for felids, and it has not been extensively studied in these species. The objectives of this work were to determine the best conditions for ICSI in the domestic cat (DC) to generate interspecific embryos by injecting cheetah (Ch) and leopard (Leo) spermatozoa. Firstly, DC oocytes were matured with insulin–transferrin–selenium (ITS) or without it (MM) and cultured using atmospheric (21%) or low (5%) oxygen tension after ICSI. The group ITS‐5%O2 showed the highest blastocyst rate (p < 0.05), 20.9% vs 8.7%, 7% and 6.5%, for MM‐21%O2, MM‐5%O2 and ITS‐21%O2, respectively. The best conditions were used to generate the interspecific embryos, together with ionomycin activation (Io) after ICSI. Interspecific embryos resulted in high rates of blastocysts that were not positively affected by Io activation: 32.6% vs 21% for Ch and Ch‐Io, 9.8% vs 21% for Leo and Leo‐Io, and 20% vs 17.4% for DC and DC‐Io. We also evaluated DNA‐fragmented nuclei of experiment 1 and 2 blastocysts, using TUNEL assay. The fragmented nucleus proportion was higher in the ITS‐5%O2 group, 67.6%. Surprisingly, interspecific blastocysts showed the lowest fragmented nucleus proportion: 27% and 29.9% for Ch and Leo, respectively. We concluded that ITS and 5%O2 improve blastocyst formation in DC, although with a concomitant increase in DNA fragmentation. Most importantly, cheetah and leopard spermatozoa were able to generate blastocysts without artificial activation, which suggests that developmental capacity of wild felid spermatozoa can be evaluated by interspecific ICSI. This technique should be used to assist wild felid reproduction.
Muscle shape consistency and muscle volume prediction of thigh muscles
Authors: Mersmann F. , Bohm S. , Schroll A. , Boeth H. , Duda G. , Arampatzis A.
Published: June 2014

The present study investigated the applicability of a muscle volume prediction method using only the muscle length (LM), the maximum anatomical cross‐sectional area (ACSAmax), and a muscle‐specific shape factor (p) on the quadriceps vastii. LM, ACSAmax, muscle volume, and p were obtained from magnetic resonance images of the vastus intermedius (VI), lateralis (VL), and medialis (VM) of female (n = 20) and male (n = 17) volleyball athletes. The average p was used to predict muscle volumes (Vp) using the equation Vp = p × ACSAmax × LM. Although there were significant differences in the muscle dimensions between male and female athletes, p was similar and on average 0.582, 0.658, 0.543 for the VI, VL, and VM, respectively. The position of ACSAmax showed low variability and was at 57%, 60%, and 81% of the thigh length for VI, VL, and VM. Further, there were no significant differences between measured and predicted muscle volumes with root mean square differences of 5–8%. These results suggest that the muscle shape of the quadriceps vastii is independent of muscle dimensions or sex and that the prediction method could be sensitive enough to detect changes in muscle volume related to degeneration, atrophy, or hypertrophy.
Contrast and Island Sensitivity in Clausal Ellipsis
Authors: Griffiths James , Lipták Anikó
Published: June 2014

This paper offers a comprehensive and uniform theory of island repair in clausal ellipsis (sluicing and fragments). We show that the correct generalization defines the repairing and the nonrepairing types ofTPellipsis in terms ofcontrastivity:TPellipsis withcontrastiveremnants does not repair islands, whereasTPellipsis withnoncontrastiveremnants does. Contrary to the influential account of Merchant (), we base our explanation for the island sensitivity of contrastive fragments entirely on the notion of Parallelism. The island insensitivity of noncontrastive remnants, on the other hand, follows from the island node being deleted atPF. With this we simplify the theory of islands, and, by treating the different types of clausal ellipsis on a par, we move away from the construction‐specific study of ellipsis that has characterized syntactic theorizing for the last forty years.
Current characteristics and outcome of cytomegalovirus infections after kidney transplantation
Authors: Helanterä I. , Schachtner T. , Hinrichs C. , Salmela K. , Kyllönen L. , Koskinen P. , Lautenschlager I. , Reinke P.
Published: June 2014

Introduction

The clinical course of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in the current era is poorly described. We characterized the symptoms and outcome of all CMV infections in a large cohort of kidney transplant recipients. Among 1129 kidney transplant recipients transplanted between 2004 and 2011 in Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Helsinki University Hospital, 297 patients with CMV infection were characterized.

Results

CMV disease occurred in 217/1129 patients (19.2%), and CMV infection in 297/1129 (26.3%). Gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded in 58% and fever in 47% patients with primary CMV disease, compared to 46% and 27% patients with symptomatic CMV reactivation, whereas leukopenia or thrombocytopenia were seen in only 17–28% patients, and malaise in 9–10%. Tissue‐invasive CMV gastroenteritis was confirmed in 11% and CMV pneumonia in only 1% of patients with CMV disease. Only 1 patient died because of CMV infection (mortality 0.3%). Virus‐related factors or the use of secondary prophylaxis did not predict the risk of recurrence, which occurred in 33% patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CMV disease remains a common problem after kidney transplantation. Gastrointestinal symptoms were common, especially in patients with primary CMV infection, whereas bone marrow suppression, hepatopathy, or malaise were seen less frequently.
Adenovirus causing fever, upper respiratory infection, and allograft nephritis complicated by persistent asymptomatic viremia
Authors: Lachiewicz A.M. , Cianciolo R. , Miller M.B. , Derebail V.K.
Published: June 2014

A 20‐year‐old woman, with renal transplant complicated by recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, presented nearly 2 years after transplantation with fever, conjunctivitis, and sinus congestion. She was found to have severe adenovirus (ADV)‐induced granulomatous interstitial nephritis, confirmed by immunohistochemical staining for ADV in the renal biopsy, without urinary symptoms, hematuria, or laboratory evidence of a change in allograft function. Fever, upper respiratory tract symptoms, and evidence of adenoviral infection in the allograft resolved with decreased immunosuppression and treatment with cidofovir and intravenous immunoglobulin. Creatinine rose during treatment and remained elevated, possibly related to cidofovir nephrotoxicity. Despite therapy and continued reduction in immunosuppression, asymptomatic low‐level viremia persisted for a year. In renal transplant patients with ADV infection, allograft involvement should be highly suspected even without overt urinary symptoms or laboratory evidence of allograft dysfunction. Demonstration of allograft involvement may prompt alternative management that could limit continued allograft infection. No clear recommendations exist for management of asymptomatic ADV viremia in solid organ transplant patients.
Spontaneous resolution of post‐transplant localized cytomegalovirus lymphadenitis mimicking tumor recurrence
Authors: Kang K.W. , Lee J.H. , Choi J.S. , Lee S.R. , Park Y. , Kim B.S. , Kim I.
Published: June 2014

Compromised T‐cell immunity persists for up to 1 year after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and patients treated with ASCT are more likely to develop atypical lymphoid hyperplasia that mimics tumor recurrence. Here, we present a case of cervical lymphadenitis due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in a patient who had undergone ASCT for Burkitt lymphoma, which mimicked tumor recurrence on computed tomography and positron emission tomography‐computed tomography 6 months after ASCT. This lesion was confined to the regional lymph nodes and was not accompanied by signs of systemic involvement, such as fever, splenomegaly, an elevated C‐reactive protein level, or viremia. The localized CMV lymphadenitis resolved spontaneously without treatment after 6 months (12 months after ASCT) and the elevated CMV immunoglobulin‐M titer normalized 6 months after resolution. Our experience with this case suggests that cautious follow‐up without anti‐CMV treatment should be considered in cases of post‐ASCT localized CMV lymphadenitis without systemic involvement in patients with complete engraftment.
West Nile virus nucleic acid persistence in whole blood months after clearance in plasma: implication for transfusion and transplantation safety
Authors: Lanteri Marion C. , Lee Tzong‐Hae , Wen Li , Kaidarova Zhanna , Bravo Marjorie D. , Kiely Nancy E. , Kamel Hany T. , Tobler Leslie H. , Norris Philip J. , Busch Michael P.
Published: June 2014

Background

Previous reports of West Nile virus (WNV) RNA persistence in blood compartments have raised concerns around the remaining risk of WNV transfusion transmission. This study characterized the dynamics of WNV viremia in blood compartments in a longitudinal cohort of 54 WNV‐infected blood donors.

Study Design and Methods

Blood samples were collected throughout the year after WNV RNA–positive blood donation (index) and characterized for WNV immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG antibodies and for WNV RNA by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. WNV viral loads were compared in plasma and whole blood samples and correlated with blood groups and clinical outcomes.

Results

WNV RNA persisted in the red blood cell (RBC) compartment up to 3 months postindex in 42% of the donors. Donors with the highest WNV RNA levels in plasma at index maintained the highest WNV RNA levels in whole blood over the 3 months postindex. Blood group A donors maintained higher postindex WNV viral load in whole blood than blood group O individuals (p = 0.027). Despite a trend for WNV RNA to persist longer in whole blood from symptomatic subjects, no significant association was found between WNV RNA levels in whole blood and disease outcome.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that WNV RNA persists in the RBC fraction in whole blood and further suggested that the level of persistence in whole blood may be a reflection of initial viral burden in plasma. The association with blood groups suggests that WNV adherence to RBCs may be mediated by molecules overrepresented at the surface of blood group A RBCs.
Effects of outgassing of loader chamber walls on hydriding of thin films for commercial applications
Authors: Provo James L.
Published: June 2014

An important aspect of understanding industrial processing is to know the characteristics of the materials used in such processes. A study was performed to determine the effects of hydriding chamber material on the degree of hydriding for the commercial production of thin film hydride targets for various research universities, commercial companies, and government national laboratories. The goal was to increase the degree of hydriding of various thin film hydrides and to study the vacuum environment during air-exposure hydriding. For this purpose, dynamic residual gas analysis during deuterium gas hydride processing was utilized with erbium thin films, employing a special set-up for direct dynamic hydride gas sampling during processing at elevated temperature and full loading gas pressure. Complete process data for (1) a copper–(1.83 wt. %)beryllium wet hydrogen fired passivated (600 °C–1 h) externally heated pipe hydriding chamber are reported. Dynamic residual gas analysis comparisons during hydriding are presented for hydriding chambers made from (2) alumina (99.8 wt. %), (3) copper (with an interior aluminum coating ∼10 k Å thick, and (4) for a stainless-steel air-fired passivated (900 °C–1 h) chamber. Dynamic data with deuterium gas in the chamber at the hydriding temperature (450 °C) showed the presence and growth of water vapor (D2O) and related mixed ion species(H2O+, HDO+, D2O+, and OD+) from hydrogen isotope exchange reactions during the 1 h process time. Peaks at mass-to-charge ratios (i.e., m/e) of 12(C+), 16(CD2+), 17(CHD2+), and 18(CD3+, OD+) increased for approximately the first half hour of a 1 h hydriding process and then approach steady state. Mass-to-charge peaks at 19(HDO+) and 20(D2O+) continue to increase throughout the process cycle. Using the m/e = 20 (D2O+) peak intensity from chamber (1)–Cu(1.83 wt. %)Be as a standard, the peak intensity from chamber (4)—stainless-steel (air-fired) was 7.1× higher, indicating that the surface of stainless-steel had a larger concentration of reactive oxygen and/or water than hydrogen. The (D2O+) peak intensity from chamber (3)—Cu (interior Al coating) was 1.55× larger and chamber (2)—alumina(99.8%) was 1.33× higher than Cu(1.83 wt. %)Be. Thus copper–(1.83 wt. %)beryllium was the best hydriding chamber material studied followed closely by the alumina (99.8 wt. %) chamber. Gas take-up by Er occluder targets processed in Cu(1.83 wt. %)Be hydriding chambers (i.e., gas/metal atomic ratios) correlate with the dynamic RGA data.
Influence of dosing sequence and film thickness on structure and resistivity of Al-ZnO films grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Pollock Evan B. , Lad Robert J.
Published: June 2014

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) films were deposited onto amorphous silica substrates using an atomic layer deposition process with diethyl zinc (DEZ), trimethyl aluminum (TMA), and deionized water at 200 °C. Three different Al doping sequences were used at a ZnO:Al ratio of 11:1 within the films. A minimum film resistivity of 1.6 × 10−3 Ω cm was produced using sequential dosing of DEZ, TMA, DEZ, followed by H2O for the Al doping step. This “ZAZW” sequence yielded an AZO film resistivity that is independent of film thickness, crystallographic texture, and grain size, as determined by high resolution x-ray diffraction (XRD). A pseudo-Voigt analysis method yields values for grain sizes that are smaller than those calculated using other XRD methods. Anisotropic grain sizes or variations in crystallographic texture have minimal influence on film resistivity, which suggests that factors other than film texture, such as intragrain scattering, may be important in influencing film resistivity.