bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple and rapid characterization of novel large germline deletions in SDHB, SDHC and SDHD‐related paraganglioma
Authors: Hoekstra A.S. , van den Ende B. , Julià X.P. , van Breemen L. , Scheurwater K. , Tops C.M. , Malinoc A. , Devilee P. , Neumann H.P.H. , Bayley J.‐P.
Published: August 2016

Germline mutations in genes encoding subunits of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) are associated with hereditary paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma. Although most mutations in SDHB, SDHC and SDHD are intraexonic variants, large germline deletions may represent up to 10% of all variants but are rarely characterized at the DNA sequence level. Additional phenotypic effects resulting from deletions that affect neighboring genes are also not understood. We performed multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification, followed by a simple long‐range PCR ‘chromosome walking’ protocol to characterize breakpoints in 20 SDHx‐linked paraganglioma‐pheochromocytoma patients. Breakpoints were confirmed by conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing. Heterozygous germline deletions of up to 104 kb in size were identified in SDHB, SDHC, SDHD and flanking genes in 20 paraganglioma‐pheochromocytoma patients. The exact breakpoint could be determined in 16 paraganglioma‐pheochromocytoma patients of which 15 were novel deletions. In six patients proximal genes were also deleted, including PADI2, MFAP2, ATP13A2 (PARK9), CFAP126, TIMM8B and C11orf57. These genes were either partially or completely deleted, but did not modify the phenotype. This study increases the number of known SDHx deletions by over 50% and demonstrates that a significant proportion of large gene deletions can be resolved at the nucleotide level using a simple and rapid method.
Effects of melatonin and gonadal androgens on cell proliferation in the pituitary of viscachas (Lagostomus maximus maximus)
Authors: Rosales G. J. , Busolini F. I. , Mohamed F. H. , Filippa V. P.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Melatonin and androgens are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation. However, effects of these hormones on pituitary pars distalis (PD) of male viscachas is not fully understood. In the present study, we analysed melatonin and gonadal androgens’ effects on proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression.

Materials and methods

Pituitary glands from foetuses, immature individuals, prepubertal individuals and adult viscachas during their reproductive cycle, after melatonin administration and after castration, were used. PCNA‐ir cells were detected by immunocytochemistry and morphometrically quantified using image analysis.

Results

Total percentage of PCNA‐ir cells varied seasonally in the adult pituitary, with maximum values during the reproductive period and minima during gonadal regression periods. Percentages of PCNA‐ir cells increased after melatonin administration, whereas it decreased after castration. Caudal end and ventral regions were the PD zones which were most affected by seasonal variations and castration. PCNA expression was highest in foetal pituitary from midpregnancy. Numbers of PCNA‐ir cells decreased during sexual maturity.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the effect of gonadal androgens on cell proliferation during the reproductive period and sexual maturity of these animals. Exogenous melatonin increased PD cell proliferation in adults. Thus, these hormones seem to be involved in different mechanisms that regulate cell renewal of PD in this seasonally breeding rodent.
IGFBP5 enhances osteogenic differentiation potential of periodontal ligament stem cells and Wharton's jelly umbilical cord stem cells, via the JNK and MEK/Erk signalling pathways
Authors: Wang Yuejun , Jia Zhi , Diao Shu , Lin Xiao , Lian Xiaomeng , Wang Liping , Dong Rui , Liu Dayong , Fan Zhipeng
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐mediated tissue regeneration represents a promising strategy for repair of tissue defects, but its molecular mechanisms remain unclear, restricting the use of MSCs. Our previous study indicated that insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) exerted a valuable effect on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, but its molecular mechanisms underlying directed differentiation remained unclear. In this study, we have investigated the molecular role of IGFBP5 in regulating this osteogenic differentiation potential.

Materials and methods

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were isolated from periodontal ligament tissue. Wharton's jelly of umbilical cord stem cells (WJCMSCs) was obtained commercially. Lentiviral IGFBP5 shRNA was used to silence IGFBP5. Retroviruses expressing wild‐type IGFBP5 were used to overexpress IGFBP5 in the WJCMSCs. Recombinant human IGFBP5 protein (rhIGFBP5) was used to treat PDLSCs for 24 h. Western blot analysis was used to detect the MAPK signalling pathway, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin Red staining and quantitative calcium analysis were used to study osteogenic differentiation potentials.

Results

Overexpression of IGFBP5 or rhIGFBP5 increased expression levels of phosphorylated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (p‐JNK), phosphorylated mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1 and 2 (p‐MEK1/2) and phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinases (p‐Erk1/2) in both WJCMSCs and PDLSCs. Consistently, silenced IGFBP5 was found to effectively inhibit expression of p‐JNK, p‐Erk1/2 and p‐MEK1/2 in PDLSCs and WJCMSCs. Furthermore, inhibition of JNK by its inhibitor, SP600125, or MEK/Erk signalling by its inhibitor, PD98059, dramatically blocked IGFBP5‐enhanced ALP activity and in vitro mineralization in both PDLSCs and WJCMSCs.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that IGFBP5 promoted osteogenic differentiation potentials of PDLSCs and WJCMSCs via the JNK and MEK/Erk signalling pathways.
The carbon fertilization effect over a century of anthropogenic CO2 emissions: higher intracellular CO2 and more drought resistance among invasive and native grass species contrasts with increased water use efficiency for woody plants in the US Southwest
Authors: Drake Brandon L. , Hanson David T. , Lowrey Timothy K. , Sharp Zachary D.
Published: August 2016

From 1890 to 2015, anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions have increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations from 270 to 400 mol mol−1. The effect of increased carbon emissions on plant growth and reproduction has been the subject of study of free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiments. These experiments have found (i) an increase in internal CO2 partial pressure (ci) alongside acclimation of photosynthetic capacity, (ii) variable decreases in stomatal conductance, and (iii) that increases in yield do not increase commensurate with CO2 concentrations. Our data set, which includes a 115‐year‐long selection of grasses collected in New Mexico since 1892, is consistent with an increased ci as a response to historical CO2 increase in the atmosphere, with invasive species showing the largest increase. Comparison with Palmer Drought Sensitivity Index (PDSI) for New Mexico indicates a moderate correlation with Δ13C (r2 = 0.32, P < 0.01) before 1950, with no correlation (r2 = 0.00, P = 0.91) after 1950. These results indicate that increased ci may have conferred some drought resistance to these grasses through increased availability of CO2 in the event of reduced stomatal conductance in response to short‐term water shortage. Comparison with C3 trees from arid environments (Pinus longaeva and Pinus edulis in the US Southwest) as well as from wetter environments (Bromus and Poa grasses in New Mexico) suggests differing responses based on environment; arid environments in New Mexico see increased intrinsic water use efficiency (WUE) in response to historic elevated CO2 while wetter environments see increased ci. This study suggests that (i) the observed increases in ci in FACE experiments are consistent with historical CO2 increases and (ii) the CO2 increase influences plant sensitivity to water shortage, through either increased WUE or ci in arid and wet environments, respectively.
Abundant immunoglobulin (Ig)G4‐positive plasma cells in interstitial pneumonia without extrathoracic lesions of IgG4‐related disease: is this finding specific to IgG4‐related lung disease?
Authors: Ikeda Satoshi , Sekine Akimasa , Baba Tomohisa , Okudela Koji , Iwasawa Tae , Sakai Fumikazu , Notohara Kenji , Ohashi Kenichi , Takemura Tamiko , Ogura Takashi
Published: August 2016

Aims

There have been few reports on immunoglobulin‐G4 (IgG4)‐related interstitial pneumonia (IP), and its clinical features remain unclear. The objective of this study was to assess whether IP with marked IgG4‐positive plasma cell infiltration without extrathoracic lesions of IgG4‐related disease (RD) should be diagnosed as a subtype of IgG4‐RD or a separate entity.

Methods and results

All consecutive patients with surgical lung biopsy‐proven idiopathic IP with an IgG4/IgG‐positive cell ratio of >40% and >50 IgG4+ plasma cells in a high‐power field without extrathoracic lesions of IgG4‐RD were reviewed retrospectively. Five patients were enrolled into this study. All patients were male with a history of smoking. Four patients met the comprehensive diagnostic criteria for IgG4‐RD. The remaining patient lacked data related to the serum IgG4 level. Histologically, a non‐specific IP pattern was observed in all patients. The key morphological features of IgG4‐RD, such as storiform fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration in a loose background texture, were absent in every patient. In contrast, venule obstruction by densely packed lymphoplasmacytic infiltration was observed in two patients. Marked scarring and remodelling of the lung were also noted, which is not seen typically in IgG4‐RD. A favourable response to corticosteroid monotherapy was observed in all patients; however, two patients developed lung cancer during the course of observation.

Conclusions

IP with marked IgG4‐positive plasma cell infiltration without extrathoracic lesions of IgG4‐RD had different pathological features from those of IgG4‐RD, and it is appropriate to regard this as a separate entity.
Investigating obesity as a risk factor for influenza‐like illness during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic using the Health Survey for England
Authors: Murphy Rachel , Fragaszy Ellen B. , Hayward Andrew C. , Warren‐Gash Charlotte
Published: August 2016

Background

Following the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, obesity was shown to be associated with severe influenza outcomes. It remains unclear whether obesity was a risk factor for milder influenza‐like illness (ILI).

Objectives

To determine whether obesity was associated with an increased risk of self‐reported ILI during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic using Health Survey for England (HSE) 2010 cross‐sectional data.

Methods

This study used HSE data collected from English households between January and December 2010. Weight and height measurements were taken by trained fieldworkers to determine obesity. ILI was defined as a positive response to the question “Have you had a flu‐like illness where you felt feverish and had a cough or sore throat?” with illness occurring between May and December 2009. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between obesity and ILI.

Results

The study comprised 8407 participants (6984 adults, 1436 children), among whom 24.7% (95% CI: 23.6–25.9) were classified as obese. Of obese participants, 12.8% (95% CI: 11.1–14.8) reported ILI compared to 11.8% (95% CI: 10.8–12.8) of non‐obese participants. The adjusted OR for ILI associated with obesity was 1.16 (95% CI: 0.98–1.38, P=.093). For adults and children, the adjusted ORs were 1.16 (95% CI: 0.97–1.38, P=.101) and 1.26 (95% CI: 0.72–2.21, P=.422), respectively.

Conclusion

Household survey data showed no evidence that obesity was associated with an increase in self‐reported ILI during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic in England. Further studies using active prospective ILI surveillance combined with laboratory reporting would reduce bias and improve accuracy of outcome measurements.
Deposition of Nanostructured Fluorine‐Doped Hydroxyapatite Coating from Aqueous Dispersion by Suspension Plasma Spray
Authors: Liu Guanxiong , Geng Xin , Pang Huan , Li Xinran , Li Xiaotian , Zhu Peizhi , Zhang Chao
Published: August 2016

In this study, we prepared an aqueous dispersion of fluorine‐doped hydroxyapatite (FHA) nanoparticles by a wet chemical method. For the first time, the as‐prepared aqueous dispersion of FHA nanoparticles was directly used as suspension for depositing nanostructured FHA coating on stainless steel substrate by suspension plasma spray (SPS) method. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy images confirm that the coating was nanostructured. X‐ray Diffraction pattern, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectra show that the as‐sprayed coating was FHA phases. The experimental result confirmed that OH− and F− ions have been well kept in FHA crystal lattice and structural integrity has been maintained during SPS process by using an aqueous dispersion of FHA nanoparticles. The potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results prove that the nanostructured FHA coating can greatly enhance the anticorrosion performance of stainless steel in phosphate‐buffered saline solution.
Comment on “The Impact of Composite Effect on Dielectric Constant and Tunability in Ferroelectric‐Dielectric System”
Authors: Padurariu Leontin , Mitoseriu Liliana
Published: August 2016

A comparison between 2D and 3D Finite Element Method based simulations on the tunability properties of ferroelectric – linear dielectric composites is presented. Dependences of the effective permittivity and tunability on the concentration of the linear phases are presented and it is shown that there are important differences between the two approaches. The appropriateness of such simulations in describing realistic composite systems is discussed, too.
Enhancing the quality of oral nutrition support for hospitalized patients: a mixed methods knowledge translation study (The EQONS study)
Authors: Gerrish Kate , Laker Sara , Taylor Carolyn , Kennedy Fiona , McDonnell Ann
Published: August 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to report a multifaceted knowledge translation intervention to facilitate use of the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and innovation in nutritional care for patients at risk of malnutrition.

Background

Malnutrition among hospitalized patients is a widespread problem leading to adverse health outcomes. Despite evidence of the benefits of malnutrition screening and recommendations for achieving good nutrition, shortfalls in practice continue.

Design

A mixed method integrated knowledge translation study.

Methods

The knowledge translation intervention comprised nutrition champions supported by knowledge translation facilitators and an action planning process. Data collection was undertaken over 18 months between 2011‐2012 in a hospital in England. Data comprised observation of mealtimes, audit of patient records, survey of nurses and semi‐structured interviews with nutrition champions, knowledge translation facilitators, senior ward nurses and nurse managers.

Findings

Statistically significant relationships (Chi Square) were observed between self‐reported confidence of nurses (a) to assess patients using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, (b) to teach colleagues how to use the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and (c) to ensure that patients were assessed within 24 hours of admission. Ward‐based nutrition champions facilitated successful innovation in nutrition support. Contextual factors operating at micro (ward), meso (organization) and macro (healthcare system) levels acted as barriers and enablers for change.

Conclusion

Nutrition champions were successful in increasing the timely assessment of patients at risk of malnutrition and promoting innovation in nutritional care. Support from knowledge translation facilitators helped nutrition champions develop their role and work collaboratively with senior ward nurses to implement action plans for improving nutrition.
Sexual transmission‐risk behaviour among HIV‐positive persons: a multisite study using social action theory
Authors: Sullivan Kathleen M. , Dawson Rose Carol , Phillips J. Craig , Holzemer William L. , Webel Allison R. , Nicholas Patrice , Corless Inge B. , Kirksey Kenn , Sanzero Eller Lucille , Voss Joachim , Tyer‐Viola Lynda , Portillo Carmen , Johnson Mallory O. , Brion John , Sefcik Elizabeth , Nokes Kathleen , Reid Paula , Rivero‐Mendez Marta , Chen Wei‐Ti
Published: August 2016

Aim

Sexual risk behaviour was explored and described using Social Action Theory.

Background

The sexual transmission of HIV is complex and multi‐factorial. Social Action Theory provides a framework for viewing self‐regulation of modifiable behaviour such as condom use. Condom use is viewed within the context of social interaction and interdependence.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Self‐report questionnaire administered to adults living with HIV/AIDS, recruited from clinics, service organizations and by active outreach, between 2010 ‐ 2011.

Findings

Having multiple sex partners with inconsistent condom use during a 3‐month recall period was associated with being male, younger age, having more years of education,substance use frequency and men having sex with men being a mode of acquiring HIV. In addition, lower self‐efficacy for condom use scores were associated with having multiple sex partners and inconsistent condom use.

Conclusion

Social Action Theory provided a framework for organizing data from an international sample of seropositive persons. Interventions for sexually active, younger, HIV positive men who have sex with men, that strengthen perceived efficacy for condom use, and reduce the frequency of substance use, may contribute to reducing HIV‐transmission risk.
White‐Coat Isolated Systolic Hypertension Is a Risk Factor for Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Manios Efstathios , Michas Fotios , Stamatelopoulos Kimon , Koroboki Eleni , Lykka Aikaterini , Vettou Charitini , Vemmos Konstantinos , Zakopoulos Nikolaos
Published: August 2016

The clinical importance of white‐coat hypertension (WCH) remains a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of isolated systolic, isolated diastolic, and systolic/diastolic WCH with common carotid artery intima‐media thickness (CCA‐IMT) and to compare each subgroup of WCH against other blood pressure (BP) phenotypes in terms of CCA‐IMT values. A total of 1382 consecutive patients underwent 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring and carotid artery ultrasonographic measurements. According to the type of elevated office BP, WCH was divided into three groups: isolated systolic, isolated diastolic, and systolic/diastolic WCH. Patients with isolated systolic WCH (n=112) had significantly higher CCA‐IMT values (0.737 mm) than those with isolated diastolic WCH (n=66) (0.685 mm) and nonsignificantly greater compared with those with systolic/diastolic WCH (n=228) (0.708 mm). Patients with isolated systolic WCH had CCA‐IMT values similar to those with hypertension, patients with isolated diastolic WCH had similar values to those with normotension, and patients with systolic/diastolic WCH had an intermediate risk between normotension and hypertension.
Capacity to improve fine motor skills in Williams syndrome
Authors: Berencsi A. , Gombos F. , Kovács I.
Published: August 2016

Background

Individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) are known to have difficulties in carrying out fine motor movements; however, a detailed behavioural profile of WS in this domain is still missing. It is also unknown how great the capacity to improve these skills with focused and extensive practice is.

Method

We studied initial performance and learning capacity in a sequential finger tapping (FT) task in WS and in typical development. Improvement in the FT task has been shown to be sleep dependent. WS subjects participating in the current study have also participated in earlier polysomnography studies, although not directly related to learning.

Results

WS participants presented with great individual variability. In addition to generally poor initial performance, learning capacity was also greatly limited in WS. We found indications that reduced sleep efficiency might contribute to this limitation.

Conclusions

Estimating motor learning capacity and the depth of sleep disorder in a larger sample of WS individuals might reveal important relationships between sleep and learning, and contribute to efficient intervention methods improving skill acquisition in WS.
Recommendations of Common Data Elements to Advance the Science of Self‐Management of Chronic Conditions
Authors: Moore Shirley M. , Schiffman Rachel , Waldrop‐Valverde Drenna , Redeker Nancy S. , McCloskey Donna Jo , Kim Miyong T. , Heitkemper Margaret M. , Guthrie Barbara J. , Dorsey Susan G. , Docherty Sharron L. , Barton Debra , Bailey Donald E. , Austin Joan K. , Grady Patricia
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Common data elements (CDEs) are increasingly being used by researchers to promote data sharing across studies. The purposes of this article are to (a) describe the theoretical, conceptual, and definition issues in the development of a set of CDEs for research addressing self‐management of chronic conditions; (b) propose an initial set of CDEs and their measures to advance the science of self‐management; and (c) recommend implications for future research and dissemination.

Design and Methods

Between July 2014 and December 2015 the directors of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)‐funded P20 and P30 centers of excellence and NINR staff met in a series of telephone calls and a face‐to‐face NINR‐sponsored meeting to select a set of recommended CDEs to be used in self‐management research. A list of potential CDEs was developed from examination of common constructs in current self‐management frameworks, as well as identification of variables frequently used in studies conducted in the centers of excellence.

Findings

The recommended CDEs include measures of three self‐management processes: activation, self‐regulation, and self‐efficacy for managing chronic conditions, and one measure of a self‐management outcome, global health.

Conclusions

The self‐management of chronic conditions, which encompasses a considerable number of processes, behaviors, and outcomes across a broad range of chronic conditions, presents several challenges in the identification of a parsimonious set of CDEs. This initial list of recommended CDEs for use in self‐management research is provisional in that it is expected that over time it will be refined. Comment and recommended revisions are sought from the research and practice communities.

Clinical Relevance

The use of CDEs can facilitate generalizability of research findings across diverse population and interventions.
Ten‐year alcohol consumption typologies and trajectories of C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist over the following 12 years: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Bell S. , Mehta G. , Moore K. , Britton A.
Published: August 2016

Background

Moderate alcohol consumption is thought to confer cardiometabolic protective effects. Inflammatory pathways are hypothesized to partly underlie this association.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the association between typologies of alcohol consumption and markers of inflammation, and their rate of change over time.

Methods

Data were collected from 8209 participants [69% men; mean age, 50 years (SD 6.1)] of the British Whitehall II study. Alcohol consumption typologies were defined using up to three measures during an approximately 10‐year period spanning from 1985 to 1994 as (i) stable nondrinkers, (ii) stable moderate drinkers (referent), (iii) stable heavy drinkers, (iv) nonstable drinkers and (v) former drinkers. C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1 RA) were measured up to three times in the following 12 years.

Results

Stable moderate drinkers had lower levels of CRP than stable nondrinkers, stable heavy drinkers, former drinkers and nonstable drinkers, but there were no differences in the rate of change in CRP over time between groups. Stable nondrinkers had higher levels of IL‐6 as did stable heavy drinkers; rates of change in IL‐6 over time were also increased in the latter group. Stable nondrinkers also had higher levels of IL‐1 RA. These associations were robust to adjustment for confounding factors.

Conclusion

Our novel investigation of 10‐year drinking typologies shows that stable moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a long‐term inflammatory marker profile that is consistent with conferring a reduced risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Bank Taxes and Loan Monitoring: A Cautionary Tale
Authors: Dia Enzo , VanHoose David
Published: August 2016

This paper analyzes a model in which there is excessive bank lending and in which regulators attempt to correct the problem with a tax. A tax on lending can correct the over‐lending problem by reducing the returns from lending. Imposition of the tax has a perverse effect on the composition of lending, however, because it falls more heavily on banks that incur expenses to reduce loan losses. Hence, along the external margin, the share of banks that voluntarily monitor loans decreases. In contrast, monetary policy tightening can produce the optimal level of lending without generating any distortion of monitoring incentives.
A Naturalistic Assessment of the Organization of Children's Memories Predicts Cognitive Functioning and Reading Ability
Authors: Mota Natália Bezerra , Weissheimer Janaína , Madruga Beatriz , Adamy Nery , Bunge Silvia A. , Copelli Mauro , Ribeiro Sidarta
Published: August 2016

To explore the relationship between memory and early school performance, we used graph theory to investigate memory reports from 76 children aged 6–8 years. The reports comprised autobiographical memories of events days to years past, and memories of novel images reported immediately after encoding. We also measured intelligence quotient (IQ) and theory of mind (ToM). Reading and Mathematics were assessed before classes began (December 2013), around the time of report collection (June 2014), and at the end of the academic year (December 2014). IQ and ToM correlated positively with word diversity and word‐to‐word connectivity, and negatively with word recurrence. Connectivity correlated positively with Reading in June 2014 as well as December 2014, even after adjusting for IQ and ToM. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating a link between the structure of children's memories and their cognitive or academic performance.
Specific alleles at immune genes, rather than genome‐wide heterozygosity, are related to immunity and survival in the critically endangered Attwater's prairie‐chicken
Authors: Bateson Zachary W. , Hammerly Susan C. , Johnson Jeff A. , Morrow Michael E. , Whittingham Linda A. , Dunn Peter O.
Published: August 2016

The negative effects of inbreeding on fitness are serious concerns for populations of endangered species. Reduced fitness has been associated with lower genome‐wide heterozygosity and immune gene diversity in the wild; however, it is rare that both types of genetic measures are included in the same study. Thus, it is often unclear whether the variation in fitness is due to the general effects of inbreeding, immunity‐related genes or both. Here, we tested whether genome‐wide heterozygosity (20 990 SNPs) and diversity at nine immune genes were better predictors of two measures of fitness (immune response and survival) in the endangered Attwater's prairie‐chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri). We found that postrelease survival of captive‐bred birds was related to alleles of the innate (Toll‐like receptors, TLRs) and adaptive (major histocompatibility complex, MHC) immune systems, but not to genome‐wide heterozygosity. Likewise, we found that the immune response at the time of release was related to TLR and MHC alleles, and not to genome‐wide heterozygosity. Overall, this study demonstrates that immune genes may serve as important genetic markers when monitoring fitness in inbred populations and that in some populations specific functional genes may be better predictors of fitness than genome‐wide heterozygosity.
COSTS OF UNCOORDINATED SITE SELECTION WITH MULTIPLE ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Authors: DRECHSLER MARTIN , WÄTZOLD FRANK
Published: August 2016

Models to spatially optimize land use measures for achieving multiple ecosystem service and biodiversity goals typically assume that a single actor optimizes land use measures to achieve the different goals. However, in reality public administrations are frequently divided into different units, each of which has its own budget and is responsible for one specific ecosystem service or biodiversity conservation target. Frequently these administrative units do not cooperate, even if they are implementing similar land use measures to achieve their respective goal. This lack of coordination may lead to cost‐effectiveness losses in comparison to a coordinated optimization strategy where the weighted conservation and ecosystem service goals are maximized for the total budget available to all administrative units. Considering the problem of selecting land patches for ecosystem service preservation, this paper analyzes with a conceptual model how cost‐effectiveness losses of the uncoordinated strategy in comparison to the coordinated strategy depend on changes in selected parameters (budget, mean and standard deviation of ecosystem services, correlation of ecosystem services on patches and weighting of different ecosystem services) that determine the ecological and socio‐economic context of the decision situation.
Cell wall biochemical alterations during Agrobacterium‐mediated expression of haemagglutinin‐based influenza virus‐like vaccine particles in tobacco
Authors: Le Mauff François , Loutelier‐Bourhis Corinne , Bardor Muriel , Berard Caroline , Doucet Alain , D'Aoust Marc‐André , Vezina Louis‐Philippe , Driouich Azeddine , Couture Manon M.‐J. , Lerouge Patrice
Published: August 2016

Influenza virus‐like particles (VLPs) have been shown to induce a safe and potent immune response through both humoral and cellular responses. They represent promising novel influenza vaccines. Plant‐based biotechnology allows for the large‐scale production of VLPs of biopharmaceutical interest using different model organisms, including Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Through this platform, influenza VLPs bud from the plasma membrane and accumulate between the membrane and the plant cell wall. To design and optimize efficient production processes, a better understanding of the plant cell wall composition of infiltrated tobacco leaves is a major interest for the plant biotechnology industry. In this study, we have investigated the alteration of the biochemical composition of the cell walls of N. benthamiana leaves subjected to abiotic and biotic stresses induced by the Agrobacterium‐mediated transient transformation and the resulting high expression levels of influenza VLPs. Results show that abiotic stress due to vacuum infiltration without Agrobacterium did not induce any detectable modification of the leaf cell wall when compared to non infiltrated leaves. In contrast, various chemical changes of the leaf cell wall were observed post‐Agrobacterium infiltration. Indeed, Agrobacterium infection induced deposition of callose and lignin, modified the pectin methylesterification and increased both arabinosylation of RG‐I side chains and the expression of arabinogalactan proteins. Moreover, these modifications were slightly greater in plants expressing haemagglutinin‐based VLP than in plants infiltrated with the Agrobacterium strain containing only the p19 suppressor of silencing.
Diurnal changes in the histone H3 signature H3K9ac|H3K27ac|H3S28p are associated with diurnal gene expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Baerenfaller Katja , Shu Huan , Hirsch‐Hoffmann Matthias , Fütterer Johannes , Opitz Lennart , Rehrauer Hubert , Hennig Lars , Gruissem Wilhelm
Published: August 2016

Post‐translational chromatin modifications are an important regulatory mechanism in light signalling and circadian clock function. The regulation of diurnal transcript level changes requires fine‐tuning of the expression of generally active genes depending on the prevailing environmental conditions. We investigated the association of histone modifications H3K4me3, H3K9ac, H3K9me2, H3S10p, H3K27ac, H3K27me3 and H3S28p with diurnal changes in transcript expression using chromatin immunoprecipitations followed by sequencing (ChIP‐Seq) in fully expanded leaves 6 of Arabidopsis thaliana grown in short‐day optimal and water‐deficit conditions. We identified a differential H3K9ac, H3K27ac and H3S28p signature between end‐of‐day and end‐of‐night that is correlated with changes in diurnal transcript levels. Genes with this signature have particular over‐represented promoter elements and encode proteins that are significantly enriched for transcription factors, circadian clock and starch catabolic process. Additional activating modifications were prevalent in optimally watered (H3S10p) and in water‐deficit (H3K4me3) plants. The data suggest a mechanism for diurnal transcript level regulation in which reduced binding of repressive transcription factors facilitates activating H3K9ac, H3K27ac and H3S28p chromatin modifications. The presence of activating chromatin modification patterns on genes only at times of the day when their expression is required can explain why some genes are differentially inducible during the diurnal cycle.
An example of ambivalent seventeenth‐century Dante reception: Arcangela Tarabotti's uses of the Commedia in her Semplicità ingannata
Authors: Robarts Julie
Published: August 2016

This article considers Venetian author Arcangela Tarabotti's dependence upon, and ambivalent reception of, Dante's Commedia in her Semplicità ingannata (1654). Through close reading and intertextual analysis, Tarabotti's engagement with the Commedia is situated in contemporary pro‐woman discourse, and post‐Tridentine textual criticism of imaginative literature. From within the convent Tarabotti entered the querelle des femmes, building on the pro‐woman texts of Venetian authors Moderata Fonte and Lucrezia Marinella. She clothed her text in the authority of the Commedia, through quotation and literary allusion, while manipulating that work to put her own case against women being placed in convents without religious vocations.
Rethinking Homophobia and Deviant Youth Masculinities: Constructing and Interrogating Progress Toward Equality
Authors: Levesque Amie
Published: August 2016

In this article, I examine the discourse of progress toward equality for gender and sexually deviant youths to show that overemphasizing progress decenters the lived experiences of these young people. A survey of masculinity theories like hegemonic masculinity, inclusive masculinity, and fag discourse illuminates divergent ways of thinking about progress as it relates to youth masculinities and social inequality. While young people may have more opportunities to explore meanings of gender and sexuality in schools or in the media, current scholarly debates complicate the presumptions that marginalized youths have reached full equality within these institutions. Cases of bullying based on gender presentation or sexual orientation appear in daily news feeds, and this phenomenon is supported by empirical data. Harder to detect are the less visible, emergent homophobias and microaggressions which must be considered when theorizing about masculinities and progress toward equality.
The prosodic phrasing of parenthetical comment clauses in spontaneous spoken language: evidence from icelandic held ég
Authors: Dehé Nicole
Published: August 2016

Based on the analysis of corpus data, this paper investigates the prosodic phrasing of the Icelandic parenthetical comment clause (CC) held ég (‘believe/think I’; I think, I believe) and relates the results to current prosodic theory. The main findings are as follows. (i) A variety of intonational phrasing patterns is possible with CCheld ég, allowing both for prosodic separation such that the CC is phrased in its own Intonational Phrase (IP), and prosodic integration, such that the CC is phrased in one IP with surrounding material. (ii) Prosodic integration is by far the more common pattern. (iii) The prosodic phrasing of CCs is related to their meaning via prominence. In particular, CCs which can be argued to have conventional implicatures (CI) semantics are prosodically prominent and phrased separately; CCs whose primary function is one of mitigation are unstressed and integrated. (iv) The observed intonational phrasing patterns can be accounted for in terms of the interaction of the syntax‐prosody interface constraint Match clause with prosodic markedness constraints.
Hepatitis E virus antibody prevalence, RNA frequency, and genotype among blood donors in Cambodia (Southeast Asia)
Authors: Nouhin Janin , Prak Sophearot , Madec Yoann , Barennes Hubert , Weissel Richard , Hok Kimcheng , Pavio Nicole , Rouet François
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Recent studies conducted in developed countries described hepatitis E virus (HEV) as an emerging infectious threat to blood safety. However, data on HEV among blood donors from southeast Asia are lacking.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Between July and August 2014, we assessed the presence of HEV immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM in 301 Cambodian blood donors. All samples were further tested for the presence of HEV RNA using an in‐house reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. ORF2/ORF3 phylogenetic analysis was performed on positive HEV RNA specimens.

RESULTS

We found HEV IgG in 28.2% of blood donors from Cambodia. Three blood donors tested positive for HEV IgM with three distinct patterns: IgM(+)/IgG(–)/RNA(–) (n = 1), IgM(+)/IgG(+)/RNA(–) (n = 1), and IgM(+)/IgG(+)/RNA(+) (n = 1). Thus, the prevalence rates of HEV IgM and HEV RNA were 1.0 and 0.3%. Interestingly, the viremic blood donor harbored a HEV strain that belonged to Genotype 3 (HEV‐3) and clustered with a Cambodian riverine HEV‐3 isolate.

CONCLUSION

Due to the high frequency of Cambodian blood donors with positive HEV IgG, we conclude that HEV is endemic in this country. Large‐scale studies must be considered to determine whether Cambodian blood donation screening is warranted to enhance blood safety in regard to HEV. In addition, our findings suggest that river water may be a significant source of exposure to HEV‐3.
Cover Image, Volume 14, Issue 3
Authors: Scarpa Filippo , Sabattini Silvia , Bettini Giuliano
Published: August 2016

The cover image, by Giuliano Bettini et al., is based on the Original Article Cytological grading of canine cutaneous mast cell tumours, DOI: 10.1111/vco.12090.

image
Prediction of far-field wind turbine noise propagation with parabolic equation
Authors: Lee Seongkyu , Lee Dongjai , Honhoff Saskia
Published: August 2016

Sound propagation of wind farms is typically simulated by the use of engineering tools that are neglecting some atmospheric conditions and terrain effects. Wind and temperature profiles, however, can affect the propagation of sound and thus the perceived sound in the far field. A better understanding and application of those effects would allow a more optimized farm operation towards meeting noise regulations and optimizing energy yield. This paper presents the parabolic equation (PE) model development for accurate wind turbine noise propagation. The model is validated against analytic solutions for a uniform sound speed profile, benchmark problems for nonuniform sound speed profiles, and field sound test data for real environmental acoustics. It is shown that PE provides good agreement with the measured data, except upwind propagation cases in which turbulence scattering is important. Finally, the PE model uses computational fluid dynamics results as input to accurately predict sound propagation for complex flows such as wake flows. It is demonstrated that wake flows significantly modify the sound propagation characteristics.
Large discrete jumps observed in the transition between Chern states in a ferromagnetic topological insulator
Authors: Liu Minhao , Wang Wudi , Richardella Anthony R. , Kandala Abhinav , Li Jian , Yazdani Ali , Samarth Nitin , Ong N. Phuan
Published: July 2016

A quantum Hall insulator is observed to execute large jumps between metastable Chern states.
Response to comment on “Cancer chemoprevention: Evidence of a nonlinear dose response for the protective effects of resveratrol in humans and mice”
Authors: Brown Karen , Rufini Alessandro , Gescher Andreas
Published: August 2016

Low-dose resveratrol did not have opposite effects on tumorigenesis in standard and high-fat diets.
Role of Wax Ester Synthase/Acyl Coenzyme A:Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase in Oleaginous Streptomyces sp. Strain G25
Authors: Röttig Annika , Strittmatter Carl Simon , Schauer Jennifer , Hiessl Sebastian , Poehlein Anja , Daniel Rolf , Steinbüchel Alexander
Published: July 2016

Recently, we isolated a novel
Streptomyces
strain which can accumulate extraordinarily large amounts of triacylglycerol (TAG) and consists of 64% fatty acids (dry weight) when cultivated with glucose and 50% fatty acids (dry weight) when cultivated with cellobiose. To identify putative gene products responsible for lipid storage and cellobiose utilization, we analyzed its draft genome sequence. A single gene encoding a wax ester synthase/acyl coenzyme A (CoA):diacylglycerol acyltransferase (WS/DGAT) was identified and heterologously expressed in
Escherichia coli
. The purified enzyme Atf
G25
showed acyltransferase activity with C
12
- or C
16
-acyl-CoA, C
12
to C
18
alcohols, or dipalmitoyl glycerol. This acyltransferase exhibits 24% amino acid identity to the model enzyme AtfA from
Acinetobacter baylyi
but has high sequence similarities to WS/DGATs from other
Streptomyces
species. To investigate the impact of Atf
G25
on lipid accumulation, the respective gene,
atf
G25
, was inactivated in
Streptomyces
sp. strain G25. However, cells of the insertion mutant still exhibited DGAT activity and were able to store TAG, albeit in lower quantities and at lower rates than the wild-type strain. These findings clearly indicate that Atf
G25
has an important, but not exclusive, role in TAG biosynthesis in the novel
Streptomyces
isolate and suggest the presence of alternative metabolic pathways for lipid accumulation which are discussed in the present study.

IMPORTANCE
A novel
Streptomyces
strain was isolated from desert soil, which represents an extreme environment with high temperatures, frequent drought, and nutrient scarcity. We believe that these harsh conditions promoted the development of the capacity for this strain to accumulate extraordinarily large amounts of lipids. In this study, we present the analysis of its draft genome sequence with a special focus on enzymes potentially involved in its lipid storage. Furthermore, the activity and importance of the detected acyltransferase were studied. As discussed in this paper, and in contrast to many other bacteria, streptomycetes seem to possess a complex metabolic network to synthesize lipids, whereof crucial steps are still largely unknown. This paper therefore provides insights into a range of topics, including extremophile bacteria, the physiology of lipid accumulation, and the biotechnological production of bacterial lipids.
Two-Component Systems Involved in Susceptibility to Nisin A in Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Kawada-Matsuo Miki , Tatsuno Ichiro , Arii Kaoru , Zendo Takeshi , Oogai Yuichi , Noguchi Kazuyuki , Hasegawa Tadao , Sonomoto Kenji , Komatsuzawa Hitoshi
Published: July 2016

Two-component systems (TCSs) are regulatory systems in bacteria that play important roles in sensing and adapting to the environment. In this study, we systematically evaluated the roles of TCSs in the susceptibility of the group A
Streptococcus
(GAS;
Streptococcus pyogenes
) SF370 strain to several types of lantibiotics. Using individual TCS deletion mutants, we found that the deletion of
srtRK
(spy_1081–spy_1082) in SF370 increased the susceptibility to nisin A, which is produced by
Lactococcus lactis
ATCC 11454, but susceptibility to other types of lantibiotics (nukacin ISK-1, produced by
Staphylococcus warneri
, and staphylococcin C55, produced by
Staphylococcus aureus
) was not altered in the TCS mutants tested. The expression of
srtFEG
(spy_1085 to spy_1087), which is located downstream of
srtRK
and is homologous to ABC transporters, was increased in response to nisin A. However,
srtEFG
expression was not induced by nisin A in the
srtRK
mutant. The inactivation of
srtFEG
increased the susceptibility to nisin A. These results suggest that SrtRK controls SrtFEG expression to alter the susceptibility to nisin A. Further experiments showed that SrtRK is required for coexistence with
L. lactis
ATCC 11454, which produces nisin A. Our results elucidate the important roles of
S. pyogenes
TCSs in the interactions between different bacterial species, including bacteriocin-producing bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
In this study, we focused on the association of TCSs with susceptibility to bacteriocins in
S. pyogenes
SF370, which has no ability to produce bacteriocins, and reported two major new findings. We demonstrated that the SrtRK TCS is related to susceptibility to nisin A by controlling the ABC transporter SrtFEG. We also showed that
S. pyogenes
SrtRK is important for survival when the bacteria are cocultured with nisin A-producing
Lactococcus lactis
. This report highlights the roles of TCSs in the colocalization of bacteriocin-producing bacteria and non-bacteriocin-producing bacteria. Our findings provide new insights into the function of TCSs in
S. pyogenes
.
Glucocorticoids at the Olympic Games: state-of-the-art review
Authors: Fitch Ken
Published: July 2016

In this state-of-the-art review, the author discusses the history of prohibiting glucocorticoids (GCs) and how this has occurred over nearly three decades at the Olympic Games. He relates how prohibiting systemic GCs in sport was a major factor in the development of therapeutic use exemptions and the fluctuating status of non-systemic GCs (banned, not banned). Concern is expressed that for 2017, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is proposing to prohibit injecting GCs shortly prior to competition. The author notes that in 1986, when GCs were first prohibited, analytical chemistry techniques could not distinguish the route of GC administration from its urinary concentration. Thirty years later, this remains the case. Importantly, this article discusses how the desired pharmacological effects of injecting GCs locally and intra-articularly can be achieved and why exercising vigorously immediately or shortly after a GC injection is therapeutically unsound. The review concludes by agreeing that injecting GCs shortly prior to strenuous training or competition is medically unwise but stresses that this is a clinical matter that sport—not WADA—needs to address. Cycling and rowing have managed this successfully for the past 5 years.