bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-situ forming gel-like depot of a polyaspartamide-polylactide copolymer for once a week administration of sulpiride
Authors: Fiorica Calogero , Palumbo Fabio Salvatore , Pitarresi Giovanna , Giorgi Mario , Calascibetta Filippo , Giammona Gaetano
Published: September 2014

Objectives

An in-situ forming gel-like depot, prepared by using an appropriate polyaspartamide-polylactide graft copolymer, has been employed to release in a sustained way sulpiride.

Methods

α,β-poly(N-2-hydroxyethyl)-D,L-aspartamide-g-polylactic acid (PHEA-g-PLA) has been used as a polymer component. Its physicochemical properties make possible to dissolve it in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, with the obtainment of a solution able to form a gel-like depot once injected into a physiological medium. Cell compatibility of PHEA-g-PLA depot has been investigated, using murine dermal fibroblasts as cell model. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt assay and fluorescence microscopy have been employed to evaluate cell viability and morphology after contact with PHEA-g-PLA depot. Pharmacokinetic parameters of sulpiride released from depot have been determined following subcutaneous administration to rabbits and compared with corresponding parameters following administration of free sulpiride solution.

Key findings

It has been demonstrated that the system does not affect significantly the viability of fibroblasts and is able to sustain the release of sulpiride until a week, with a burst effect dependent on the initial weight ratio polymer/drug.

Conclusion

In-vivo release profiles and pharmacokinetic parameters suggest that PHEA-g-PLA depot could have interesting clinical applications for a once a week administration of poorly soluble drugs to humans or animals.
The effect of different high‐fat diets on erythrocyte osmotic fragility, growth performance and serum lipid concentrations in male, Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors: Donaldson J. , Pillay K. , Madziva M. T. , Erlwanger K. H.
Published: September 2014

Poultry diets are formulated with additional animal fat or vegetable oils to improve growth rate and feed conversion efficiency. High‐fat diet feeding in rats and fish has been shown to result in alterations in the phospholipid composition and cholesterol content of the erythrocyte membrane, in turn affecting erythrocyte osmotic fragility. In contrast, the few studies performed using high‐fat diet feeding in avian species show no changes in erythrocyte osmotic fragility. This study made use of the Japanese quail as no data exists on investigation of this species with respect to high‐fat diet feeding and erythrocyte osmotic fragility. Fifty‐seven male quail were randomly divided into six groups and fed either a standard diet (commercial poultry feed) or one of five high‐fat diets (commercial poultry feed with 22% of either coconut oil, lard, palm oil, soya bean oil or sunflower oil on a weight/weight basis) for 12 weeks. All birds on the high‐fat diets were significantly heavier (p < 0.05) after the 12‐week feeding period, than when commencing the dietary intervention. Serum triglyceride concentrations of birds in all high‐fat diet groups were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than birds in the standard diet group, whereas only birds in the palm oil group had significantly lower (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol concentrations compared to the standard diet group. Fragiligrams of erythrocytes from birds in the various dietary groups were similar. High‐fat diet feeding with different types of additional fat did not affect the osmotic fragility of the quail erythrocytes. Feeding quail high‐energy diets of varying degrees of fatty acid saturation was well tolerated and did not seem to affect the overall health status of the birds. Resistance of avian erythrocytes to modification by excess dietary fat may be a general characteristic of avian erythrocytes.
Long distance kelp rafting impacts seaweed biogeography in the Northeast Pacific: the kelp conveyor hypothesis
Authors: Saunders Gary W.
Published: September 2014

RoutineDNAbarcoding of theHaidaGwaii seaweed flora revealed “endemic species” attributed initially to this region's past as a glacial refugium. However, subsequent barcode records from centralCalifornia rapidly eroded this list leaving species characterized by disjunct distributions (DD) betweenCalifornia andHaidaGwaii. This observation prompted a more detailed look at species forCalifornia andBritishColumbia and revealed that 33 of 180DNA‐barcoded genetic groups in common between these regions (~18%) predominantly displayedDDbetweenCalifornia and northernBritishColumbia. A previous discovery that a red abalone shell found inHaidaGwaii (far north of its range) had a float‐bearing kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) holdfast attached to it prompted a closer consideration of theCOI‐5P barcode data in support of a “kelp conveyor hypothesis.” The hypothesis posits that there has been a net migration ofCalifornian species to northernBritishColumbia the vector being species growing on substrata carried along with kelp rafts on the winterDavidsonCurrent.
Sexual Dysfunction Management and Expectations Assessment in Multiple Sclerosis—Female (SEA-MS-F): Creation and Validation of a Specific Questionnaire
Authors: Bisseriex Hélène , Guinet-Lacoste Amandine , Chevret-Méasson Marie , Costa Pierre , Sheikh Ismael Samer , Rousseau Alexandra , Amarenco Gerard
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Until now, no questionnaire has been developed to study specific expectations concerning sexual dysfunction management and the availability of information on sexuality in the female population affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). Understanding and meeting the patient's expectations is an issue of considerable importance in the evaluation of medical care.

Aim and Main Outcome Measure

We present the development and validation of a specific questionnaire designed for women with MS in order to assess their expectations in terms of sexual dysfunction management: the SEA-MS-F (Sexual Dysfunction Management and Expectations Assessment in Multiple Sclerosis—Female).

Methods

This questionnaire was created and validated by an expert panel, using the Delphi method. The psychometric evaluation was obtained with a sample of 40 female MS patients. Cronbach's alpha index and principal component analysis were used to measure the questionnaire's internal consistency.

Results

A consensus on the questionnaire was reached with the Delphi method. The SEA-MS-F is fully compliant with the criteria for psychometric validation among female MS patients, and its internal consistency is excellent (Cronbach's alpha 0.948).

Conclusion

The SEA-MS-F appears to be a useful tool that could be used either in routine medical situations or in prospective studies of MS in order to ascertain women's expectations concerning the management of their sexual dysfunction.
P311 modulates hepatic stellate cells migration
Authors: Guimarães Eduardo L. , Stradiot Leslie , Mannaerts Inge , Schroyen Ben , van Grunsven Leo A.
Published: September 2014

Background & Aims

Liver fibrosis is induced by the accumulation of extracellular matrix, deposited mainly by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). One key characteristic of stellate cell activation is the directional migration to the site of injury during the wound‐healing process. P311 is a protein that has been shown to play a role in migration and we aimed to study a possible role for this protein during stellate cell migration.

Methods

Mouse stellate cells were isolated and cultured in vitro to investigate P311 protein and gene expression during HSC activation by immunocytochemistry and RT‐qPCR respectively. Expression of P311 during in vivo activation was evaluated in CCl4 and bile duct ligation‐induced liver fibrosis. Production of reactive oxygen species was determined using the fluorescent probe DCFH‐DA. By siRNA‐mediated knockdown of P311, we investigated a possible effect on proliferation by incorporation of EdU and on migration by Boyden chamber assays.

Results

P311 gene expression was increased during both in vitro and in vivo activation of HSCs. siRNA‐mediated knockdown led to a decrease in reactive oxygen production and cell proliferation. Migration induced by different chemokines, such as PDGF‐bb and MCP‐1 was inhibited by knockdown of P311.

Conclusions

P311 is central to reactive oxygen species‐mediated HSC migration induced by different chemokines.
Evaluating the genetic effects of the invasiveOcenebra inornataon the native oyster drillOcenebra erinacea
Authors: Pante Eric , Pascal Pierre‐Yves , Becquet Vanessa , Viricel Amélia , Simon‐Bouhet Benoit , Garcia Pascale
Published: September 2014

Studies focusing on the effect of invasive species on the genetic diversity of native marine invertebrates remain scant. Here we report diversity among French populations of the intertidal gastropodOcenebra erinacea(Linnaeus, 1758) sampled in the presence and absence of the invasiveOcenebra inornata(Recluz, 1851). Between 1999 and 2004, a total of 352 individuals ofO. erinaceawas collected from 15 sites (five of which had the invasive present) and was genotyped at the mitochondrial locusCytochrome Oxidase 1(cox1). No statistical difference was observed between polymorphism levels recorded within native populations exposed to the invasive, compared with populations sampled in the absence ofO. inornata. No sign of native population decline was detected in response to the invader. While significant shifts in nativeO. erinaceapopulation sizes have previously been reported in the literature, genetic effects may take longer to accumulate, or may be undetectable without a larger panel of genetic markers. By contrast, large genetic distances and significant population differentiation were recorded between Atlantic and MediterraneanO. erinaceasamples, suggesting that these populations have distinct evolutionary histories. Comparison of genetic divergence within the closely related genusNucellasuggests that the Atlantic populations ofO. erinaceaand those from Thau Lagoon in the Mediterranean may belong to different species or subspecies.
Environmental systems biology of cold‐tolerant phenotype inSaccharomycesspecies adapted to grow at different temperatures
Authors: Paget Caroline Mary , Schwartz Jean‐Marc , Delneri Daniela
Published: September 2014

Temperature is one of the leading factors that drive adaptation of organisms and ecosystems. Remarkably, many closely related species share the same habitat because of their different temporal or micro‐spatial thermal adaptation. In this study, we seek to find the underlying molecular mechanisms of the cold‐tolerant phenotype of closely related yeast species adapted to grow at different temperatures, namelyS. kudriavzeviiCA111 (cryo‐tolerant) andS. cerevisiae96.2 (thermo‐tolerant). Using two different systems approaches,i. thermodynamic‐based analysis of a genome‐scale metabolic model ofS. cerevisiaeandii. large‐scale competition experiment of the yeast heterozygote mutant collection, genes and pathways important for the growth at low temperature were identified. In particular, defects in lipid metabolism, oxidoreductase and vitamin pathways affected yeast fitness at cold. Combining the data from both studies, a list of candidate genes was generated and mutants for two predicted cold‐favouring genes,GUT2andADH3, were created in two natural isolates. Compared with the parental strains, these mutants showed lower fitness at cold temperatures, withS. kudriavzeviidisplaying the strongest defect. Strikingly, inS. kudriavzevii,these mutations also significantly improve the growth at warm temperatures. In addition, overexpression ofADH3inS. cerevisiaeincreased its fitness at cold. These results suggest that temperature‐induced redox imbalances could be compensated by increased glycerol accumulation or production of cytosolic acetaldehyde through the deletion ofGUT2orADH3, respectively.
Potato virus Y infection hinders potato defence response and renders plants more vulnerable to Colorado potato beetle attack
Authors: Petek Marko , Rotter Ana , Kogovšek Polona , Baebler Špela , Mithöfer Axel , Gruden Kristina
Published: September 2014

In the field, plants are challenged by more than one biotic stressor at the same time. In this study, the molecular interactions between potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say; CPB) and Potato virus YNTN (PVYNTN) were investigated through analyses of gene expression in the potato leaves and the gut of the CPB larvae, and of the release of potato volatile compounds. CPB larval growth was enhanced when reared on secondary PVYNTN‐infected plants, which was linked to decreased accumulation of transcripts associated with the antinutritional properties of potato. In PVYNTN‐infected plants, ethylene signalling pathway induction and induction of auxin response transcription factors were attenuated, while no differences were observed in jasmonic acid (JA) signalling pathway. Similarly to rearing on virus‐infected plants, CPB larvae gained more weight when reared on plants silenced in JA receptor gene (coi1). Although herbivore‐induced defence mechanism is regulated predominantly by JA, response in coi1‐silenced plants only partially corresponded to the one observed in PVYNTN‐infected plants, confirming the role of other plant hormones in modulating this response. The release of β‐barbatene and benzyl alcohol was different in healthy and PVYNTN‐infected plants before CPB larvae infestation, implicating the importance of PVYNTN infection in plant communication with its environment. This was reflected in gene expression profiles of neighbouring plants showing different degree of defence response. This study thus contributes to our understanding of plant responses in agro‐ecosystems.
Effects of Oleuropein and Pinoresinol on Microvascular Damage Induced by Hypoperfusion and Reperfusion in Rat Pial Circulation
Authors: Lapi Dominga , Di Maro Martina , Mastantuono Teresa , Battiloro Laura , Sabatino Lina , Muscariello Espedita , Colantuoni Antonio
Published: September 2014

Objective

The present study was aimed to assess the in vivo acute effects of oleuropein or/and pinoresinol, polyphenols widely diffused in natural sources, on rat pial microvascular responses during transient BCCAO and reperfusion.

Methods

Rat pial microcirculation was visualized by fluorescence microscopy through a closed cranial window. Pial arterioles were classified into five orders of branching. Capillaries were assigned order 0, the smallest arterioles order 1 and the largest ones order 5.

Results

Rats subjected to BCCAO and reperfusion showed: arteriolar diameter decrease, microvascular leakage, leukocyte adhesion in venules, and reduction in capillary perfusion. Pretreatment with oleuropein or pinoresinol, a higher dose before BCCAO determined dilation in all arteriolar orders RE. Microvascular leakage was reduced as well as leukocyte adhesion and ROS formation, while capillary perfusion was protected. Inhibition of endothelium nitric oxide synthase prior to oleuropein or pinoresinol reduced the effect of these polyphenols on pial arteriolar diameter and leakage. These substances, administered together, prevented microvascular damage to a larger extent.

Conclusion

Oleuropein and pinoresinol were both able to protect pial microcirculation from I‐reperfusion injury, to increase nitric oxide release and to reduce oxidative stress preserving pial blood flow distribution.
National stereotypes and music
Authors: Lajosi Krisztina
Published: September 2014

Music became a marker of national identity in nineteenth‐century Europe. Western art music consists of tonal systems that are universally intelligible, but certain rhythms and musical idioms have been associated with national styles. How, when, and why does a musical phrase or piece become national? What political and cultural circumstances contributed to the development of national styles and facilitated the emergence of resonant topographies? What was the relationship between music as cultural practice and nineteenth‐century national thought as discursive space? These questions are addressed with a particular focus on verbunkos, which came to be characteristic of Hungarian national style, and on the Rákóczy March which became famous thanks to Berlioz's Faust. This essay traces the complex process of cultural transfer through which these martial tunes of mixed ethnic origins have become emblematic of Hungarian music.
Cryoballoon Pressure Waveform Change during Balloon Inflation is not a Reliable Predictor of Adequate Pulmonary Vein Occlusion
Authors: SAFAVI‐NAEINI PAYAM , SHANOON FARAH , NAZERI ALIREZA , RASEKH ABDI , SAEED MOHAMMAD , RAZAVI MEHDI , MASSUMI ALI
Published: September 2014

Background

Cryoballoon ablation of pulmonary veins (PVs) is widely used to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). Successful ablation requires occluding the PVs by cryoballoon. Angiography is a standard method of assessing PV occlusion. To decrease contrast doses and overcome potential contraindications (e.g., allergy to contrast, renal disease), alternative methods have been tested, including intracardiac echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography‐color flow Doppler, and distal cryoballoon pressure monitoring.

Objective

We evaluated pressure monitoring's accuracy in detecting PV occlusion during cryoballoon ablation.

Methods

We studied 72 PVs in 18 nonconsecutive patients (mean age 68 ± 8 years; 13 male) who underwent cryoballoon ablation for paroxysmal AF. In 67 PVs, we documented the point at which the recorded pressure waveform at the distal tip of the inflated cryoballoon transformed from a left atrial into a pulmonary arterial pressure waveform. PV occlusion was confirmed by concurrent PV angiography through the distal balloon channel. Occlusion was rated on a I–IV scale in which I indicated poor occlusion with major leakage and IV indicated complete occlusion without leakage.

Results

In 43 of 67 PVs (64%), the change in the pressure waveform from left atrial to pulmonary arterial was associated with complete PV occlusion (grade IV), confirmed by angiography. In the other 24 PVs, complete occlusion was achieved by further movement of the cryoballoon under intracardiac echocardiographic guidance and angiographic confirmation. All 67 PVs were electrically isolated with cryoballoon.

Conclusions

The change in pressure waveforms at the distal tip of inflated cryoballoon is not a reliable predictor of complete PV occlusion during cryoballoon ablation.
Perioperative Anticoagulation Management in Patients on Chronic Oral Anticoagulant Therapy Undergoing Cardiac Devices Implantation: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: DU LING , ZHANG YONG , WANG WEIZONG , HOU YINGLONG
Published: September 2014

The perioperative anticoagulation strategy during cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) implantation is highly variable without consensus among implanting physicians. A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library to identify clinical trials in patients on chronic oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy undergoing CIEDs implantation. Bleeding and thromboembolic events were compared among heparin bridging, continued OAC, and interrupted OAC groups. Data were expressed as relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random effects model. According to the inclusion criteria, totally 14 studies involving 3,744 patients were identified and included in the study. The heparin bridging group showed a significantly higher risk of bleeding events (relative risk [RR] 3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02–4.76, P < 0.00001), especially pocket hematoma (RR 3.58, 95% CI, 2.17–5.91, P < 0.00001), but no significantly lower incidence of thromboembolism (RR 1.16, 95% CI, 0.36–3.67, P = 0.81) compared with OAC continuation group. Meanwhile, both unfractionated heparin‐bridged and low‐molecular‐weight heparin‐bridged subgroup exhibited a higher risk of bleeding. There was no significant difference between OAC continuation and OAC interruption group in bleeding (RR 0.90, 95% CI, 0.65–1.24, P = 0.52) and thromboembolic (RR 0.57, 95% CI, 0.16–2.01, P = 0.38) complications. The OAC interruption group had an obviously lower incidence of bleeding in comparison with the heparin bridging group and no statistical significance was observed in thrombus occurrence. Implantation of CIEDs with continuous OAC therapy may offer the best option by combining the lower risk of bleeding with rare thromboembolism compared with heparin bridging and OAC interruption therapy.
Tinea Imbricata as a Clue to Occult Immunodeficiency
Authors: Maroñas Jiménez Lidia , Monsálvez Verónica , Gutiérrez García‐Rodrigo Carlota , Postigo Llorente Concepción
Published: September 2014

Tinea imbricata (TI) is a geographically restricted dermatophytosis with distinctive clinical and immunologic features. We present a case of TI occurring in a native Brazilian child with previously undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus infection. Physicians should bear in mind that diagnosis of TI may be a clinical clue to potentially serious underlying immunodeficiency.
Class III/IV POU transcription factors expressed in small cell lung cancer cells are involved in proneural/neuroendocrine differentiation
Authors: Ishii Jun , Sato Hanako , Yazawa Takuya , Shishido‐Hara Yukiko , Hiramatsu Chie , Nakatani Yukio , Kamma Hiroshi
Published: September 2014

One‐third of lung malignancies demonstrate a proneural/neuroendocrine phenotype or type of differentiation. However, it has not been clearly elucidated how proneural/neuroendocrine differentiation is controlled in lung cancers. We recently demonstrated that the POU3F2 gene plays a significant role in proneural/neuroendocrine differentiation of lung cancers. Because class III POU genes (POU3F1, POU3F2, POU3F3, and POU3F4) and class IV POU genes (POU4F1, POU4F2, and POU4F3) share similar properties in neural development, we analyzed the association between class III/IV POU genes and a proneural/neuroendocrine phenotype in lung cancers using seven small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines and twelve non‐SCLC (NSCLC) cell lines. Class III/IV POU gene expression was generally restricted to SCLC cells. However, the forced expression of class III/IV POU genes in the NSCLC cell lines induced the expression of neuroendocrine‐specific markers (neural call adhesion molecule 1, synaptophysin, and chromogranin A) and proneural transcription factors (achaete‐scute homolog‐like 1, NeuroD1, and thyroid transcription factor 1) in various degrees. Furthermore, each class III/IV POU gene induced other class III/IV POU genes, suggesting the mutual induction of class III/IV POU genes. These findings suggest that the expression of class III/IV POU genes is important for the proneural/neuroendocrine differentiation of lung cancer cells.
Human papillomavirus‐stratified analysis of the prognostic role of miR‐21 in oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ko Yoon Ho , Won Hye Sung , Sun Der Sheng , An Ho Jung , Jeon Eun Kyoung , Kim Min Sik , Lee Han Hong , Kang Jin Hyoung , Jung Chan Kwon
Published: September 2014

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection plays a significant role in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Expression of miR‐21 has a prognostic role in a wide variety of cancers. The upregulation of miR‐21 suppresses a number of target genes, including phosphatase tensin homologue (PTEN) and programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4). We investigated the association between the expression of miR‐21 and the clinical features of HNSCC using stratified analysis based on HPV infection status. HPV status and miR‐21 expression in HNSCC tissues from 167 patients were evaluated using in situ hybridization. The expression of PDCD4 and PTEN was examined by immunohistochemistry. The up‐regulation of stromal miR‐21 expression occurred in 40.6% of HPV‐negative samples and 28.3% of the HPV‐positive group. In HPV‐stratified multivariate analysis, high miR‐21 expression was associated with poor cancer‐specific survival in HPV‐negative tumors, but not in HPV‐positive tumors. There was a significant association between miR‐21 and cytoplasmic PDCD4 overexpression in HPV‐negative HNSCCs. We suggest that stromal miR‐21 expression is an independent prognostic factor in HPV‐negative tumors and miR‐21 may play different roles depending on HPV infection status.
The impact of Pseudomonas syringae type III effectors on transient protein expression in tobacco
Authors: Buyel J. F. , Buyel J. J. , Haase C. , Fischer R.
Published: September 2014

The production of recombinant proteins in plants is often achieved by transient expression, e.g. following the injection or vacuum infiltration of Agrobacterium tumefaciens into tobacco leaves. We investigated the associated plant defence responses, revealing that callose deposition is triggered by T–DNA transfer and that subsets of secondary metabolites accumulate in response to mechanical wounding or the presence of bacteria. We also tested the ability of five co‐expressed type III effector proteins from Pseudomonas syringae to modulate these defence responses and increase the yield of two model proteins, the fluorescent marker DsRed and monoclonal antibody 2G12. HopF2 and AvrRpt2 induced necrotic lesions 5 days post‐injection (dpi) even at low doses (OD600 nm = 0.0078), and increased the concentration of certain secondary metabolites. HopAO1 significantly reduced the number of callose deposits at 2 dpi compared to cells expressing DsRed and 2G12 alone, whereas HopI1 reduced the concentration of several secondary metabolites at 5 dpi compared to cells expressing DsRed and 2G12 alone. Co‐expression with HopAO1, AvrPtoB or HopI1 increased the concentrations of DsRed and 2G12 increased by ~6% but this was not a significant change. In contrast, HopF2 and AvrRpt2 significantly reduced the concentrations of DsRed and 2G12 by 34% and 22%, respectively. Our results show that type III effector proteins can modulate plant defence responses and secondary metabolite profiles but that transient co‐expression is not sufficient to increase the yields of target recombinant proteins in tobacco.
Significant host jump of Xanthomonas vasicola from sugarcane to a Eucalyptus grandis clone in South Africa
Authors: Coutinho T. A. , van der Westhuizen L. , Roux J. , McFarlane S. A. , Venter S. N.
Published: September 2014

A number of bacterial pathogens have previously been shown to cause blight and die‐back of Eucalyptus species. These include Pantoea ananatis, Pseudomonas cichorii, Xanthomonas axonopodis and Xanthomonas dyei pv. eucalypti. In 2003 a newly established compartment of a Eucalyptus grandis clone in the Mtunzini area of South Africa showed extensive leaf blight and die‐back. The plantation was located in an area where sugarcane is extensively cultivated. Bacteria were commonly found exuding from leaves and petioles. Numerous insects in the family Miridae were observed in the plantation and collected. Isolations from diseased material and mirid insects yielded two distinct bacterial species. The objectives of this study were to identify these bacterial species and determine their aetiology. Phenotypic methods as well as 16S rRNA and gyrB sequencing were performed on all isolates, confirming the presence of P. ananatis and Xanthomonas vasicola, of which the pathovar vasculorum (Xvv) is known to infect sugarcane and maize. Xanthomonas vasicola isolates from E. grandis and a strain of Xvv, previously isolated from sugarcane, were inoculated into the susceptible Eucalyptus clone and three sugarcane cultivars. All isolates were found to be pathogenic. This study thus suggests that X. vasicola has made a significant host jump from sugarcane to eucalypts in South Africa.
Regreening in spathes of Zantedeschia after anthesis: its physiology and control by fructification and hormones
Authors: Chen Jianyu , Funnell Keith A. , Lewis David H. , Eason Jocelyn R. , Woolley David J.
Published: September 2014

The mature pigmented spathe of Zantedeschia is characterized by a developmental process, wherein the spathe regreens after anthesis and prior to senescence of the inflorescence. Previous research has shown that spathe regreening involves redifferentiation of chloroplasts and re‐accumulation of chlorophyll, but the detailed physiological changes associated with regreening are still largely unknown. Using Zantedeschia aethiopica and the Zantedeschia pentlandii variety ‘Best Gold’ as models, this study explores the physiological mechanism and possible roles of fructification, 6‐benzylaminopurine (BAP) and gibberellin (GA3) in induction or progression of spathe regreening. Application of BAP stimulated regreening in spathe tissue of ‘Best Gold’ by enhancing accumulation of carotenoid and chlorophyll, and also increasing stacking of grana. In contrast, GA3 retarded formation of double‐membrane lamella during chloroplast redifferentiation, thus delaying the onset of regreening. We suggest that these actions of BAP and GA3 have a synergistic effect in delaying the onset of regreening in ‘Best Gold’ so that when applied together retardation of chlorophyll accumulation, chloroplast redifferentiation and accumulation of carotenoids were enhanced. The elimination of fructification did not prevent the occurrence of regreening in either Zantedeschia model plants, indicating that fructification was not a prerequisite for the induction of regreening. It is still unclear how regreening in Zantedeschia is triggered. We propose that the onset of regreening in Zantedeschia is likely to be a genetically programmed event.
Support for Performance‐Based Funding: The Role of Political Ideology, Performance, and Dysfunctional Information Environments
Authors: Rabovsky Thomas
Published: September 2014

As performance‐based mechanisms for accountability have become increasingly commonplace in the public sector, it is apparent that administrative reactions to these reforms are central in determining their effectiveness. Unfortunately, we know relatively little about the factors that drive acceptance of performance‐based accountability by administrative actors. This article employs data collected from an original survey instrument to examine the perceptions of presidents at American public colleges and universities regarding performance funding. The author finds that acceptance of performance as a basis for funding is driven by a variety of factors, including the partisanship of the state legislature, organizational performance (measured by institutional graduation rates), dysfunction in the external information environment, and the political ideology of university presidents.
Nurses’ fidelity to theory‐based core components when implementing Family Health Conversations – a qualitative inquiry
Authors: Östlund Ulrika , Bäckström Britt , Lindh Viveca , Sundin Karin , Saveman Britt‐Inger
Published: September 2014

Background and aim

A family systems nursing intervention, Family Health Conversation, has been developed in Sweden by adapting the Calgary Family Assessment and Intervention Models and the Illness Beliefs Model. The intervention has several theoretical assumptions, and one way translate the theory into practice is to identify core components. This may produce higher levels of fidelity to the intervention. Besides information about how to implement an intervention in accordance to how it was developed, evaluating whether it was actually implemented as intended is important. Accordingly, we describe the nurses’ fidelity to the identified core components of Family Health Conversation.

Intervention and research methods

Six nurses, working in alternating pairs, conducted Family Health Conversations with seven families in which a family member younger than 65 had suffered a stroke. The intervention contained a series of three‐1‐hour conversations held at 2–3 week intervals. The nurses followed a conversation structure based on 12 core components identified from theoretical assumptions. The transcripts of the 21 conversations were analysed using manifest qualitative content analysis with a deductive approach.

Results and conclusion

The ‘core components’ seemed to be useful even if nurses’ fidelity varied among the core components. Some components were followed relatively well, but others were not. This indicates that the process for achieving fidelity to the intervention can be improved, and that it is necessary for nurses to continually learn theory and to practise family systems nursing. We suggest this can be accomplished through reflections, role play and training on the core components. Furthermore, as in this study, joint reflections on how the core components have been implemented can lead to deeper understanding and knowledge of how Family Health Conversation can be delivered as intended.
Family‐centred care and traumatic symptoms in parents of children admitted to PICU
Authors: Mortensen Jesper , Simonsen Birgitte Olesen , Eriksen Sara Bek , Skovby Pernille , Dall Rolf , Elklit Ask
Published: September 2014

Background

Studies show that traumatic stress symptoms are common in parents of children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Family‐centred care (FCC) has shown promising potential in reducing levels of traumatic stress in this group of parents.

Objectives

To investigate the association between parents’ experience of nursing care and levels of traumatisation, to identify potential gender differences within this group, and to examine the possible relationships among the severity of a child's illness, the parents’ fear of losing their child, and the parents’ experience of support and development of acute stress disorder (ASD) symptoms.

Ethical issues/approval

This study was approved by The Central Denmark Regional Committee on Health Research Ethics and by the Danish Data Agency (#1‐16‐02‐87‐11) and data were stored, protected and destroyed according to their regulations.

Methodology/design

This cross‐sectional study involved 90 parents of children admitted to PICU at the University Hospital of Aarhus from August 2011 to August 2012. The parents filled out a self‐report questionnaire package at the time of their child's discharge from the hospital.

Results

The experience of support from the nurses was high in both parents and was associated with ASD. About one‐third of the parents had ASD or subclinical ASD. No significant gender differences existed when symptoms were measured dimensionally. When measured categorically, 17% of the mothers and 7% of the fathers had ASD. Mothers with very young children had higher levels of acute stress; fathers whose children had high illness severity scores exhibited more acute stress.

Study limitations

Limitations have been identified in relation to the sample size of the study, the cross‐sectional design and the short amount of time the families were in contact with PICU.

Conclusion

The fathers and mothers were very pleased with the perceived care at the unit. The experienced care was positively associated with acute stress, but not with illness severity, or fear of losing the child. More research is needed to understand the dynamics of family‐centred care.
Prevalence of Type D personality and factorial and temporal stability of the DS14 after myocardial infarction in a Swedish population
Authors: Condén Emelie , Rosenblad Andreas , Ekselius Lisa , Åslund Cecilia
Published: September 2014

This study examined the prevalence of Type D personality and the temporal stability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the DS14 at three time points after myocardial infarction. The prevalence was 14.0% during hospitalization, 25.1% at 1 month, and 19.2% at 12 months. A total of 6.1% of the patients were classified as Type D personality at all three assessments, whereas 68.4% were stable non‐Type D and 25.6% changed between personality classifications. The DS14 had stable structural validity, but low temporal stability over time, especially from hospitalization to the 1‐month and 12‐month follow‐ups (κ = 0.365 and 0.397, respectively).
The geo‐classifications of colonial statelessness: The anthropology of Kastom, land and citizenship in the decolonisation of Vanuatu
Authors: Rawlings Gregory
Published: September 2014

Anthropological accounts of Vanuatu's independence have emphasised both the materiality of land alienation and the importance of kastom (custom) as a symbol of cultural practice, political resistance and national unity in accounts of decolonisation and postcolonial nation‐making. For 74 years indigenous ni‐Vanuatu were stateless and lacked all forms of citizenship and nationality in the Anglo‐French Condominium of the New Hebrides (1906–1980). This article situates anthropological accounts of land, kastom and the state in Vanuatu's transition to independence in relation to statelessness, citizenship and hierarchies of ethnographic authenticity within the geo‐classificatory frameworks of colonial rule established by the condominium. The embodiment of citizenship and demands to end the cumulative humiliations of statelessness that ni‐Vanuatu experienced in the condominium illuminate both tensions and continuities in idealist and materialist accounts of Melanesian nationalisms evident in kastom and land as they were mediated by the emancipatory claims and promises of postcolonial citizenship.
Teaching Very Large Classes
Authors: DeRogatis Amy , Honerkamp Kenneth , McDaniel Justin , Medine Carolyn , Nyitray Vivian‐Lee , Pearson Thomas
Published: September 2014

The editor of Teaching Theology and Religion facilitated this reflective conversation with five teachers who have extensive experience and success teaching extremely large classes (150 students or more). In the course of the conversation these professors exchange and analyze the effectiveness of several active learning strategies they have employed to overcome the passivity and anonymity of the large lecture format. A major point of debate emerges that contrasts the dynamically performative and highly informed and skilled lecturer with the “wasted time and money” that results from encouraging students to participate through various active learning strategies. Other themes include the importance of story telling in the religious studies classroom, the significance of the differences between students' learning styles, and the challenge of teaching and assessing critical thinking and communication skills.
Teaching Comparative Theology from an Institution's Mission
Authors: Bidlack Bede Benjamin , Brecht Mara , Krokus Christian S. , Scheid Daniel P. , Locklin Reid B.
Published: September 2014

Although comparative theology is a continuously growing method in the study of religion, it is still relatively new and not widely accepted in either confessional or secular institutions. Scholars may face difficulty when seeking their institutions' acceptance for a comparative theology course. One way of generating interest and approval for such a course is by designing it from the center of the institution's mission. Professors can look to the institution's mission as a resource for teaching comparatively. We offer four examples from Catholic institutions of how this might be done. Reid Locklin offers further insights in his response to our explorations.
Adaptive divergence with gene flow in incipient speciation of Miscanthus floridulus/sinensis complex (Poaceae)
Authors: Huang Chao‐Li , Ho Chuan‐Wen , Chiang Yu‐Chung , Shigemoto Yasumasa , Hsu Tsai‐Wen , Hwang Chi‐Chuan , Ge Xue‐Jun , Chen Charles , Wu Tai‐Han , Chou Chang‐Hung , Huang Hao‐Jen , Gojobori Takashi , Osada Naoki , Chiang Tzen‐Yuh
Published: September 2014

Young incipient species provide ideal materials for untangling the process of ecological speciation in the presence of gene flow. The Miscanthus floridulus/sinensis complex exhibits diverse phenotypic and ecological differences despite recent divergence (approximately 1.59 million years ago). To elucidate the process of genetic differentiation during early stages of ecological speciation, we analyzed genomic divergence in the Miscanthus complex using 72 randomly selected genes from a newly assembled transcriptome. In this study, rampant gene flow was detected between species, estimated as M = 3.36 × 10−9 to 1.20 × 10−6, resulting in contradicting phylogenies across loci. Nevertheless, beast analyses revealed the species identity and the effects of extrinsic cohesive forces that counteracted the non‐stop introgression. As expected, early in speciation with gene flow, only 3–13 loci were highly diverged; two to five outliers (approximately 2.78–6.94% of the genome) were characterized by strong linkage disequilibrium, and asymmetrically distributed among ecotypes, indicating footprints of diversifying selection. In conclusion, ecological speciation of incipient species of Miscanthus probably followed the parapatric model, whereas allopatric speciation cannot be completely ruled out, especially between the geographically isolated northern and southern M. sinensis, for which no significant gene flow across oceanic barriers was detected. Divergence between local ecotypes in early‐stage speciation began at a few genomic regions under the influence of natural selection and divergence hitchhiking that overcame gene flow.
Potential risk of blood transfusion‐transmitted brucellosis in an endemic area of China
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Liao Qingyu , Wu Xiaoxia , Hou Shuiping , Wang Yuanzhi , Wu Jingbo , Shen Chuanwei , Chen Shouyi , Allain Jean‐Pierre , Li Chengyao
Published: September 2014

Background

Brucellosis is a severe zoonotic disease that is increasingly prevalent in north China. A study evaluating Brucella infection in blood donors was conducted at Kashi central blood station, Xinjiang, China.

Study Design and Methods

Four serologic and two molecular methods of detection of Brucella infection were used in plasma samples from blood donations collected from Kashi in northwest China, considered a brucellosis‐endemic area. Blood donor samples collected in Shenzhen, southern China, a brucellosis‐nonendemic area, were tested as a negative control group.

Results

In 3896 plasma samples collected from Kashi central blood station, 135 (3.5%) plasma samples were reactive by the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), and 120 (3.1%) of the 135 RBPT‐reactive sample were also reactive with the standard tube agglutination test (SAT), respectively. All samples of the control group of 399 blood samples from Shenzhen blood center tested negative with RBPT and SAT. Of 135 seroreactive plasma samples, 39 (1.0%) reacted with B. melitensis membrane protein extracts by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and 25 were reactive to either rBP26 or rOMP31 by Western blot. Thirteen plasma samples and two follow‐up blood samples were identified as carrying Brucella DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR. Overall 15 (1:300) Kashi blood donations were found positive by nucleic acid testing, confirmed specific by DNA sequencing.

Conclusions

The data indicate a probable high rate of Brucella bacteremia, suggesting a potential risk of transfusion‐transmitted brucellosis. Blood donation screening for Brucella infection may be considered in the high Brucella‐endemic areas of China.
Overnight, room temperature hold of whole blood followed by 42‐day storage of red blood cells in additive solution‐7
Authors: Dumont Larry J. , Cancelas Jose A. , Maes Lou Ann , Rugg Neeta , Whitley Pamela , Herschel Louise , Siegal Alan H. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Hess John R. , Zia Majid
Published: September 2014

Background

Overnight, room temperature hold (ONH) of whole blood before component processing offers several benefits. This study evaluated the storage and in vivo recovery characteristics of ONH red blood cells (RBCs) stored in additive solution‐7 (AS‐7).

Study Design and Methods

We conducted a three‐center, three‐arm evaluation of a new blood collection system with AS‐7 compared to leukoreduced RBCs processed within 8 hours and stored in AS‐1 (control). Whole blood (500 ± 50 mL) from healthy research subjects (n = 240) was held at room temperature 0 to 2 hours, 6 to 8 hours, or ONH (18‐24 hr) before component processing and storage at 1 to 6°C. RBCs were evaluated on Days 42 and 56 with a panel of in vitro assays. Subsets of the AS‐7–stored RBCs were evaluated for 51Cr 24‐hour in vivo recovery and long‐term survival.

Results

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in ONH RBCs were not different than AS‐7 RBCs prepared within 8 hours. ATP was higher in the ONH group on Day 42 than control, and ATP was maintained in all AS‐7 groups through Day 56. ONH units had 0.36 ± 0.14% on Day 42 hemolysis (60/60 < 0.8%), and 0.54 ± 0.22% on Day 56 (10/60 > 0.8%, 2/60 > 1%). In vivo recoveries of stored RBCs were not different between the AS‐7 arms at 42 days (p = 0.16; 27/27 ONH units > 75%), but the Day 56 ONH was significantly less than ONH on Day 42 (p = 0.008; 7/28 < 75%).

Conclusions

Overnight hold of whole blood at room temperature before component processing meets current regulatory requirements when RBCs are stored up to 42 days in AS‐7.
Genetic and mechanistic evaluation for the weak A phenotype in Ael blood type with IVS6 + 5G>A ABO gene mutation
Authors: Chen D.‐P. , Sun C.‐F. , Ning H.‐C. , Peng C.‐T. , Wang W.‐T. , Tseng C.‐P.
Published: September 2014

Background and Objectives

Ael is a rare blood type that is characterized by weak agglutination of RBCs when reacts with anti‐A antibody in adsorption–elution test. Although IVS6 + 5G→A mutation is known to associate with the Ael blood type, genetic and mechanistic evaluation for the weak agglutination of Ael with IVS6 + 5G→A mutation has not yet been completely addressed.

Materials and Methods

In this study, five cases of confirmed Ael individuals were analysed. The cDNAs for the Ael alleles were obtained by cloning method for sequence analyses. The erythroleukemia K562 cells were used as the cell study model and were transfected with the Ael expression construct. Flow cytometry analysis was then performed to determine the levels of surface antigen expression.

Results

The results indicated that IVS6 + 5G→A attributes to all cases of Ael. RT‐PCR analyses revealed the presence of at least 10 types of aberrant Ael splicing transcripts. Most of the transcripts caused early termination and produced non‐functional protein during translation. Nevertheless, the transcript without exons 5–6 was predicted to generate functional Ael glycosyltransferase lacking 57 amino acids at the N‐terminal segment. When the exons 5–6 deletion transcript was stably expressed in the K562 cells, weak agglutination of the cells can be induced by adding anti‐A antibody followed by adsorption–elution test.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that aberrant splicing of A transcripts contributes to weak A expression and the weak agglutination of Ael‐RBCs, adding to the complexity for the regulatory mechanisms of ABO gene expression.
Microstructure Feature Recognition for Materials Using Surfacelet-Based Methods for Computer-Aided Design-Material Integration
Authors: Jeong Namin , Rosen David W.
Published: September 2014

With the material processing freedoms of additive manufacturing (AM), the ability to characterize and control material microstructures is essential if part designers are to properly design parts. To integrate material information into Computer-aided design (CAD) systems, geometric features of material microstructure must be recognized and represented, which is the focus of this paper. Linear microstructure features, such as fibers or grain boundaries, can be found computationally from microstructure images using surfacelet based methods, which include the Radon or Radon-like transform followed by a wavelet transform. By finding peaks in the transform results, linear features can be recognized and characterized by length, orientation, and position. The challenge is that often a feature will be imprecisely represented in the transformed parameter space. In this paper, we demonstrate surfacelet-based methods to recognize microstructure features in parts fabricated by AM. We will provide an explicit computational method to recognize and to quantify linear geometric features from an image.