bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Skills, Gender and Risk Preferences
Authors: Booth Alison L. , Katic Pamela
Published: January 2013

In this study, we utilise data from a unique new birth‐cohort study to see how the risk preferences of young people are affected by cognitive skills and gender. We find that cognitive ability (measured by the percentile ranking for university entrance at age 18) has no effect on risk preferences measured at age 20. This is in contrast to experimental studies that use IQ measures to proxy cognitive skills. However, we do find that gender matters. While young women are significantly more likely than young men to assess themselves as being prepared to take risks, women choose to invest significantly less when they are confronted with a clearly specified investment decision based on hypothetical lottery winnings. This difference between the impact of gender on risk attitudes and the hypothetical lottery investment suggests that impatience and framing affect young women and men differently.
Models of Site‐choice for Walks in Rural Ireland: Exploring Cost Heterogeneity
Authors: Doherty Edel , Campbell Danny , Hynes Stephen
Published: January 2013

Farmland can confer significant public good benefits to society aside from its role in agricultural production. In this article, we investigate preferences of rural residents for the use of farmland as a recreational resource. In particular, we use a choice experiment to determine preferences for the development of farmland walking trails. Our modelling approach uses a series of mixed logit models to assess the impact of alternative distributional assumptions for the cost coefficient on the welfare estimates associated with the provision of the trails. Our results reveal that using a mixture of discrete and continuous distributions to represent cost heterogeneity leads to a better model fit and lower welfare estimates. Our results further reveal that Irish rural residents show positive preferences for the development of farmland walking trails in the Irish countryside.
Is Input Mix Inefficiency Neglected in Agriculture? A Case Study of Pig‐based Farming Systems in England and Wales
Authors: Hadley David , Fleming Euan , Villano Renato
Published: January 2013

The principal concern of this article is the relative importance of input mix as a source of inefficiency. Emphasis in efficiency analysis studies in agricultural production has historically focused on technical inefficiency as a single concept until methodological advances enabled it to be decomposed into pure technical inefficiency and scale inefficiency. But, this advance was insufficient to identify what we consider to be the major source of inefficiency in agricultural production, namely mix inefficiency. We consider that farm enterprises may be particularly susceptible to input mix inefficiency because of restrictions on movement around the frontier isoquant; delays in the adoption of improved technologies embodied in new vintages of production processes; risk as a source of friction in input allocation decisions; and the potential for inconsistency in simultaneously attempting to reach points of allocative efficiency and mix efficiency in input use. We use non‐parametric methods to calculate a Hicks–Moorsteen productivity index using panel data for a sample of specialised pig producers in England and Wales. This index is then decomposed into measures of technology, technical efficiency, scale efficiency and mix efficiency for an input orientation. Results of the analysis show that the estimated mean mix inefficiency (0.736) was substantially larger than mean technical inefficiency (0.975) and mean scale inefficiency (0.957) over the study period.
H+‐ATPase‐Defective Variants of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus Contribute to Inhibition of Postacidification of Yogurt during Chilled Storage
Authors: Wang Xinhui , Ren Hongyang , Liu Dayu , Wang Bing , Zhu Wenyou , Wang Wei
Published: January 2013

Continued acid production by Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus during the chilled storage of yogurt is the major cause of postacidification, resulting in a short shelf life. Two H+‐ATPase defective variants of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus were successfully isolated and their H+‐ATPase activities were reduced by 51.3% and 34.3%, respectively. It was shown that growth and acid production of variants were remarkably inhibited. The variants were more sensitive to acidic condition and had a significant rate for inactivation of H+‐ATPase by N, N‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD), along with a low H+‐extrusion, suggesting that H+‐ATPase is direct response for H+‐extrusion. In addition, the variants were also more sensitive to NaCl, while H+‐ATPase activities of variants and parent strain were significantly enhanced by NaCl stress. Obviously, H+‐ATPase might be involved in Na+ transportation. Furthermore, variants were inoculated in fermented milk to ferment yogurt. There was no significant difference in flavor, whereas the postacidification of yogurt during chilled storage was remarkably inhibited. It is suggested that application of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus with reduced H+‐ATPase activity in yogurt fermentation is one of effect, economic and simple avenues of inhibiting postacidification of yogurt during refrigerated storage, giving a longer shelf life.

Practical Application:  During yogurt fermentation, continued acid production by Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus during the chilled storage of yogurt leads to milk fermentation with high postacidification, resulting in a short shelf life. In this work, 2 acid‐sensitive variant strains of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus were isolated. The characteristics related to H+‐ATPase were compared and it was observed that milk fermented by the variants had lower postacidification, giving a longer shelf life. Application of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus with reduced H+‐ATPase activity in yogurt fermentation might be one of effect, economic and simple avenues of inhibiting yogurt postacidification during chilled storage, giving a longer shelf life.
CT enterography in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Zhen , Chen Jun‐qiang , Liu Jin‐lu , Qin Xin‐gan , Huang Yuan
Published: January 2013

The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive and update overview of clinical application of CT enterography (CTE) in the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). We performed a systematic review of relevant literatures in PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library and pooled the yield of CTE and the incremental yield (IY) of CTE over an alternate modality. A total of 18 studies (n = 660) reported the yield of CTE in evaluating OGIB and the pooled yield was 40% (95% confidence interval (CI): 33–49%). Seven studies (n = 279) compared the yield of CTE with capsule endoscopy (CE). The yield for CTE and CE for all findings was 34% and 53%, respectively (IY = −19%, 95% CI = −34% to −4%). When considering the types of identified lesions, the yield was significantly different for vascular and inflammatory lesions but not significantly different for neoplastic or other lesions. Two studies (n = 63) compared the yield of CTE with double‐balloon enteroscopy (DBE). The yield for CTE and DBE was 38% and 78%, respectively (IY = −40%, 95% CI = −55% to −25%). Three studies (n = 49) compared the yield of CTE with digital subtraction angiography. The yield for CTE and digital subtraction angiography was 64% and 60%, respectively (IY = 4%, 95% CI = −40% to 47%). CTE is an excellent diagnostic tool in patients with OGIB. It may play a complementary role to CE and can be used as a triage tool prior to DBE in evaluating OGIB.
Autophagy mediates caloric restriction‐induced lifespan extension in Arabidopsis
Authors: Minina Elena A. , Sanchez‐Vera Victoria , Moschou Panagiotis N. , Suarez Maria F. , Sundberg Eva , Weih Martin , Bozhkov Peter V.
Published: January 2013

Caloric restriction (CR) extends lifespan in various heterotrophic organisms ranging from yeasts to mammals, but whether a similar phenomenon occurs in plants remains unknown. Plants are autotrophs and use their photosynthetic machinery to convert light energy into the chemical energy of glucose and other organic compounds. As the rate of photosynthesis is proportional to the level of photosynthetically active radiation, the CR in plants can be modeled by lowering light intensity. Here, we report that low light intensity extends the lifespan in Arabidopsis through the mechanisms triggering autophagy, the major catabolic process that recycles damaged and potentially harmful cellular material. Knockout of autophagy‐related genes results in the short lifespan and suppression of the lifespan‐extending effect of the CR. Our data demonstrate that the autophagy‐dependent mechanism of CR‐induced lifespan extension is conserved between autotrophs and heterotrophs.
Trichodysplasia spinulosa: A benign adnexal proliferation with follicular differentiation associated with polyomavirus
Authors: Lee Yvonne Y , Tucker Simon C , Prow Natalie A , Setoh Yin Xiang , Banney Leith A
Published: January 2013

Trichodysplasia spinulosa is a rare polyomavirus‐associated cutaneous eruption occurring in the setting of immunosuppression. Clinically it is characterised by multiple centrofacial folliculocentric papules with spinous protuberances. The histopathology is distinct and treatment with antiviral agents appears to be the most effective.
Political Parties and Representation of the Poor in the American States
Authors: Rigby Elizabeth , Wright Gerald C.
Published: January 2013

Motivated by recent work suggesting that low‐income citizens are virtually ignored in the American policymaking process, this article asks whether a similar bias shapes the policy positions adopted by political parties much earlier in the policymaking process. While the normative hope is that parties serve as linkage institutions enhancing representation of those with fewer resources to organize, the resource‐dependent campaign environment in which parties operate provides incentives to appeal to citizens with the greatest resources. Using newly developed measures of state party positions, we examine whether low‐income preferences get incorporated in parties’ campaign appeals at this early stage in the policymaking process—finding little evidence that they do. This differential responsiveness was most pronounced for Democratic parties in states with greater income inequality; it was least evident for Republicans’ social policy platforms. We discuss the implications of these findings for representation in this era of growing economic inequality.
Unexplained recurrent fever: when is autoinflammation the explanation?
Authors: Kallinich T. , Gattorno M. , Grattan C. E. , de Koning H. D. , Traidl‐Hoffmann C. , Feist E. , Krause K. , Lipsker D. , Navarini A. A. , Maurer M. , Lachmann H. J. , Simon A.
Published: January 2013

Recurrent fever can be the sole or leading manifestation of a variety of diseases including malignancies, autoimmune diseases and infections. Because the differential diagnoses are manifold, no formal guidelines for the approach of patients with recurrent fever exists. The newly recognized group of autoinflammatory diseases are often accompanied by repetitive fever attacks. As these episodes are frequently associated by a variety of divergent presentations, the differentiation of other causes for febrile illnesses can be difficult. In this article, we first review disease entities, which frequently present with the symptom of recurrent fever. In a next step, we summarize their characteristic pattern of disease presentation. Finally, we analyse key features of autoinflammatory diseases, which are helpful to distinguish this group of diseases from the other causes of recurrent fever. Recognizing these symptom patterns can provide the crucial clues and, thus, lead to the initiation of targeted specific diagnostic tests and therapies.
The antimicrobial peptide LL‐37 induces synthesis and release of cysteinyl leukotrienes from human eosinophils – implications for asthma
Authors: Sun J. , Dahlén B. , Agerberth B. , Haeggström J. Z.
Published: January 2013

Background

Eosinophils and their products, including leukotrienes and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), are well‐known mediators of inflammation and tissue damage in asthma. The antimicrobial peptide LL‐37 exhibits a variety of immunomodulatory activities. However, the role of LL‐37 in asthma has not been fully addressed. Here, we aim to investigate the effect of LL‐37 on inducing inflammatory mediators in human eosinophils, probe the underlying mechanisms, and search for a clinical correlate.

Methods

Primary eosinophils were isolated from peripheral blood. Leukotriene and ECP levels were measured using EIAs or ELISAs. Activation of leukotriene‐synthesizing enzymes and signaling kinases was analyzed by Western blot or immunofluorescent imaging. LL‐37/its proform hCAP18 expression was analyzed by Western blot.

Results

LL‐37, via formyl peptide receptor‐2 (FPR‐2), triggered the release of cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys‐LTs) from eosinophils. The release was more prominent in cells primed with the eosinophilopoietic cytokine GM‐CSF or IL‐5 or cells from asthmatic patients. LL‐37 stimulates lipid body formation and activates cys‐LT‐synthesizing enzymes by multiple mechanisms: enhancing cPLA2 activity by pERK1/2‐mediated phosphorylation and inducing intracellular translocation and assembly of 5‐LO and LTC4S at perinuclear locations and lipid bodies. In addition to cys‐LTs, LL‐37 enhances ECP release from eosinophils via pERK1/2. The expression of hCAP18 and its release following leukotriene stimulation are significantly higher in eosinophils from asthmatics.

Conclusions

This study identifies LL‐37 as an eosinophil‐activating peptide that triggers release of inflammatory mediators. The clinical correlation suggests that LL‐37/hCAP18 and its signaling pathway represent potential therapeutic targets for this disease.
Associated social factors of prevalent asthma in adults and the very old in the UK
Authors: Shiue I.
Published: January 2013

Social determinants of asthma in adults and the very old have received little attention. Hence, it was aimed to examine social determinants of asthma in adults and the very old in a national population‐based setting. Data were analyzed in the UK Longitudinal Household Survey, 2009–2010. Information on demographics, living and work conditions, self‐reported ever asthma and age of onset was obtained by household interview. Regional difference was also examined. Analysis involved t‐test and logistic regression modeling. Of 50 994 people included in the cohort, 6269 (12.3%) had ever asthma. In 2977 people, it occurred in the adulthood (16+ years) and only 91 people had their first asthma (incident asthma) at the age when they were interviewed. Education was borderline associated with asthma in the very old. In the young and middle‐aged adults, however, birth place had a significant impact. Additionally, there was no regional difference in asthma prevalence across the entire UK.
Importance of serum basal tryptase levels in children with insect venom allergy
Authors: Yavuz S. T. , Sackesen C. , Sahiner U. M. , Buyuktiryaki B. , Arik Yilmaz E. , Sekerel B. E. , Soyer O. U. , Tuncer A.
Published: January 2013

Background

The importance of serum basal tryptase (sBT) levels on patients with venom allergy is highlighted in recent adulthood studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sBT levels of venom‐allergic children with varying severity of clinical reactions. We also aimed to document the association between sBT levels and severe systemic reactions (SR).

Methods

Serum basal tryptase levels were estimated by UniCAP (Pharmacia & Upjohn, Uppsala, Sweden). Children who suffered from large local reaction (LLR) or SR after insect stings were included along with healthy control subjects without a history of any local or SR after insect stings.

Results

A total of 128 children (55 with SR, 18 with LLR, and 55 age and sex‐matched control subjects) with a median age of 8.9 years (range 3.2–17.4) were enrolled. Severe SR was encountered in 24 (44%) patients with SRs. The median level of sBT in children with SRs (median, interquartile range) [4.2 μg/l (3.6–4.9)] was significantly higher than in children with LLRs [3.1 μg/l (2.5–4.0)] and healthy control subjects [2.9 μg/l (2.3–3.4)] (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed sBT ≥ 4.8 μg/l as a significant risk factor for severe SR (5.7 [1.5–21.4]; P = 0.01) in children with venom allergy.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that sBT levels are associated with a higher risk of severe SR in children with insect venom hypersensitivity. Determination of sBT levels may help clinicians to identify patients under risk of severe SRs and optimal and timely use of therapeutic interventions in children with venom allergy.
Conservative management of abnormally invasive placenta: four case reports
Authors: Ramoni Angela , Strobl Eva‐Maria , Tiechl Johanna , Ritter Magdalena , Marth Christian
Published: January 2013

Prenatal diagnosis of placenta increta and percreta is essential to avoid potentially life‐threatening hemorrhage by optimizing peripartal management. Invasive placentation presents significant challenges at cesarean section even for highly skilled surgeons. In the four cases of placenta increta/percreta presented here we tried to avoid hysterectomy by leaving the placenta behind and tried to accelerate regression of placental tissue by administering methotrexate. The outcome in each of the four women was different, but no major bleeding occurred in any of the cases. Close follow‐up for many weeks is mandatory.
Early sudden unexpected death in infancy (ESUDI) – three case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Gnigler Maria , Ralser Elisabeth , Karall Daniela , Reiter Gernot , Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer Ursula
Published: January 2013

Aim

Early sudden unexpected death in infancy (ESUDI) is a rare cause of death occurring in newborns during the first hours of life. Our aim was to find additional data for the identification of risk factors and establishment of prevention strategies.

Methods

We describe three cases of ESUDI and give an overview of the literature.

Results

ESUDI was observed in term babies with normal birth weight after good postnatal adaptation within the first four hours of life. Maternal age was between 29 and 36 years, mothers were primiparous and of normal weight. All three events occurred during unobserved early skin‐to‐skin contact. Autopsy and post‐mortem metabolic screening revealed no cause of death. A search of the MEDLINE and Web of Science (Thomson Reuters) databases brought to light 132 cases of ESUDI reported in the literature from 1985 to 2012. Concurrent with our observations, first parity and unobserved early skin‐to‐skin contact seem to be prime predictors of ESUDI. Other pre‐described risk factors such as mode of delivery, birth weight, mother's age and body mass index were not seen in our patients.

Conclusion

Close observation during the first hours of life is essential and can be life‐saving, especially during early skin‐to‐skin contact.
The Interplay of Matching and Non‐Matching Job Demands and Resources on Emotional Exhaustion among Teachers
Authors: Feuerhahn Nicolas , Bellingrath Silja , Kudielka Brigitte M.
Published: January 2013

Background: We investigated how matching and non‐matching demands and resources are related to emotional exhaustion (EE) in teachers. Theoretically, we draw on the Demand‐Induced Strain Compensation (DISC) model that proposes that demands, resources, and strains are multidimensional and comprise emotional, cognitive, and physical components. We first tested whether resources compensate aversive effects of demands. Second, as proposed by the triple‐match principle, we tested whether interaction effects between job demands and resources are most likely if demands, resources, and outcomes relate to the same dimension. Methods: We retrieved data from 177 school teachers; a subsample was re‐examined after a time lag of about 21 month (N = 56). Results: Linear regression analyses reveal concurrent and longitudinal main and interaction effects of teacher‐specific emotional and cognitive job demands and resources on EE. Conclusion: Results support the compensation principle and triple‐match principle. Therefore, the DISC model seems to provide a valuable framework for the study of interaction effects in job stress research and, in particular, for interventions to reduce job strain in teachers.
Generation and characterization of a monoclonal antibody that cross‐reacts with the envelope protein from the four dengue virus serotypes
Authors: León‐Juárez Moisés , García‐Cordero Julio , Santos‐Argumedo Leopoldo , Romero‐Ramírez Héctor , García‐Machorro Jazmín , Bustos‐Arriaga José , Gutiérrez‐Castañeda Benito , Sepúlveda Nicolás V. , Mellado‐Sánchez Gabriela , Cedillo‐Barrón Leticia
Published: January 2013

Dengue viruses (DENVs; serotypes 1–4) are members of the flavivirus family. The envelope protein (E) of DENV has been defined as the principal antigenic target in terms of protection and diagnosis. Antibodies that can reliably detect the E surface glycoprotein are necessary for describing and mapping new DENV epitopes as well as for developing more reliable and inexpensive diagnostic assays. In this study, we describe the production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against a recombinant DENV‐2 E protein that recognizes a sequential antigen in both native and recombinant form located in domain II of the E protein of all four DENV serotypes. We confirmed that this mAb, C21, recognizes a sequence located in the fusion peptide. In addition, C21 does not have neutralizing activity against DENV‐2 in an in vitro system. Furthermore, the C21 mAb is an ideal candidate for the development of research reagents for studying DENV biology because it cross‐reacts with the four dengue serotypes.
Isolation and characterization of quorum‐sensing signalling molecules in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates recovered from nosocomial infections
Authors: Lakshmana Gowda Krishnappa , John James , Marie Mohammed A. M. , Sangeetha Gopalkrishnan , Bindurani Shanta Range
Published: January 2013

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common pathogens in nosocomial infections. Many studies have documented the role of quorum‐sensing (QS) systems in antibiotic tolerance of P. aeruginosa. N‐acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) serve as QS signalling molecules and can be a target for modulating bacterial pathogenicity. In this study, nosocomial isolates of P. aeruginosa were characterized for the presence of different types of QS signalling molecules. AHLs were solvent extracted and quantified by determination of β‐galactosidase activity using the Escherichia coli MG4 reporter strain. Further characterization was performed by analytical thin layer chromatography coupled with detection using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens A136 biosensor strain. All P. aeruginosa isolates produced AHLs, but there were differences in the quantity and nature of AHLs. We identified AHLs belonging to C4‐homoserine lactone (HSL), C6‐HSL, C8‐HSL, C10‐HSL and C12‐HSL. AHL profiling of P. aeruginosa isolates showed differences in the amounts and types of AHLs, suggesting differences in the virulence factors and the potential for infection. Our results may be investigated further using animal model systems.
Review article: the management of long‐term parenteral nutrition
Authors: Dibb M. , Teubner A. , Theis V. , Shaffer J. , Lal S.
Published: January 2013

Background

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is currently the management of choice for patients with chronic intestinal failure.

Aim

To summarise the major issues in delivering long‐term parenteral nutrition (>3 months) and assess outcome as per complications, mortality and quality of life. To assess the evidence for the therapeutic use of trophic factors such as teduglutide and to review evolving therapeutic options in the treatment of chronic intestinal failure.

Methods

A literature search using PubMed and MEDLINE databases was performed.

Results

Safe delivery of HPN relies upon individualised formulations of parenteral nutrition administered via carefully maintained central venous catheters by trained patients or carers, supported by a skilled multidisciplinary team. Early diagnosis and treatment of complications including catheter‐associated blood stream infection (reported incidence 0.14–0.83 episodes/patient‐year on HPN) and central venous thrombosis (reported incidence 0.03 episodes/patient‐year) is important to minimise mortality and morbidity. There is a significant variation in the reported incidence of both hepatobiliary complications (19–75%) and advanced liver disease (0–50%). Five‐year survival rates in large centres are reported between 60% and 78% with survival primarily related to underlying diagnosis. Long‐term survival remains higher on HPN than with intestinal transplantation. The role of intestinal lengthening procedures is yet to be validated in adults.

Conclusions

Home parenteral nutrition delivered by skilled nutrition teams has low incidences of catheter‐related complications. Most deaths relate to the underlying disease. Therapies such as teduglutide and small bowel transplantation appear promising, but home parenteral nutrition appears likely to remain the bedrock of management in the near term.
Milk production, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in lactating cows fed total mixed ration silages containing steam‐flaked brown rice as substitute for steam‐flaked corn, and wet food by‐products
Authors: Miyaji Makoto , Matsuyama Hiroki , Hosoda Kenji , Nonaka Kazuhisa
Published: January 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substituting brown rice grain for corn grain in total mixed ration (TMR) silage containing food by‐products on the milk production, whole‐tract nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in dairy cows. Six multiparous Holstein cows were used in a crossover design with two dietary treatments: a diet containing 30.9% steam‐flaked corn (corn TMR) or 30.9% steam‐flaked brown rice (rice TMR) with wet soybean curd residue and wet soy sauce cake. Dietary treatment did not affect the dry matter intake, milk yield and compositions in dairy cows. The dry matter and starch digestibility were higher, and the neutral detergent fiber digestibility was lower for rice TMR than for corn TMR. The urinary nitrogen (N) excretion as a proportion of the N intake was lower for rice TMR than for corn TMR with no dietary effect on N secretion in milk and fecal N excretion. These results indicated that the replacement of corn with brown rice in TMR silage relatively reduced urinary N loss without adverse effects on feed intake and milk production, when food by‐products such as soybean curd residue were included in the TMR silage as dietary crude protein sources.
The effects of feeding a low level of distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to yearling Holstein steers
Authors: Nade Toshihiro , Uchida Kyouhei , Omori Kouhei , Kimura Nobuhiro
Published: January 2013

We examined the effects of feeding a low percentage of distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to yearling Holstein beef steers during the late stage of the fattening period on growth performance and carcass quality. Fifteen animals were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) feed plus a DDGS supplement equal to 10% of the total feed weight for 3 months (DDGS group). The other 15 animals were fed TMR with no DDGS (Control group). The vitamin E (VE) levels in the blood from the DDGS group showed a tendency to be higher in the DDGS group (P = 0.056). Blood urea nitrogen levels in the DDGS group were also higher (P < 0.05). The Beef Color Standard (BCS) number for the DDGS group was also higher than that for the Control group (P < 0.05). Forty‐eight hours after cutting, the yellowness (b*) value for Longissimus muscle in the DDGS group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) and the redness (a*) value in the DDGS group tended to be higher than that in the Control group (P = 0.05). The study results show a potential for adding value to yearling beef by improving the ability to maintain meat color with an increase in VE content.
The impact of non‐aggressive behaviour early in aggressive interactions: Sex differences in direct and indirect aggression in response to provocation
Authors: Lawrence Claire , Hutchinson Laura
Published: January 2013

Using an adapted form of the Taylor competitive reaction time task (TCRT: Taylor, 1967), we examined the effect of initially non‐aggressive behaviour during aggressive encounters. Specifically, if a person is initially non‐aggressive, but becomes more aggressive later, does an opponent respond more or less aggressively in response? Participants (N = 148) played a competitive reaction time task against a bogus partner, who was either initially non‐aggressive, or initially moderately aggressive, and then delivered increasingly loud noise blasts to participants on trials when the participant lost. Both direct (noise blasts delivered to the partner) and indirect aggression (damage to partner's reputation) were assessed. The impact of whether or not participants expected to meet the partner on direct and indirect aggression was also examined. All participants reduced their direct aggression towards an initially non‐aggressive partner and a partner they expected to meet. However, for females, the switch from initial non‐aggression to later aggression generated a negative evaluation of the partner, exhibited by indirect but not direct aggression.
Consequences of choosing samples in hypothesis testing to ensure homogeneity of variance
Authors: Zimmerman Donald W.
Published: January 2013

The two‐sample Studentttest of location was performed on random samples of scores and on rank‐transformed scores from normal and non‐normal population distributions with unequal variances. The same test also was performed on scores that had been explicitly selected to have nearly equal sample variances. The desired homogeneity of variance was brought about by repeatedly rejecting pairs of samples having a ratio of standard deviations that exceeded a predetermined cut‐off value of 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3, while retaining pairs with ratios less than the cut‐off value. Despite this forced conformity with the assumption of equal variances, the tests on the selected samples were no more robust than tests on unselected samples, and in most cases substantially less robust. Under conditions where sample sizes were unequal, so that Type I error rates were inflated and power curves were atypical, the selection procedure produced still greater inflation and distortion of the power curves.
Endosomal recruitment of the WASH complex: Active sequences and mutations impairing interaction with the retromer
Authors: Helfer Emmanuèle , Harbour Michael E. , Henriot Véronique , Lakisic Goran , Sousa‐Blin Carla , Volceanov Larisa , Seaman Matthew N.J. , Gautreau Alexis
Published: January 2013

Background information

The Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein and scar homolog (WASH) complex is the major Arp2/3 activator at the surface of endosomes. The branched actin network, that the WASH complex induces, contributes to cargo sorting and scission of transport intermediates destined for most endosomal routes. A major challenge is to understand how the WASH molecular machine is recruited to the surface of endosomes. The retromer endosomal machinery has been proposed by us and others to play a role in this process.

Results

In this work, we used an unbiased approach to identify the endosomal receptor of the WASH complex. We have delineated a short fragment of the FAM21 subunit that is able to displace the endogenous WASH complex from endosomes. Using a proteomic approach, we have identified the retromer cargo selective complex (CSC) as a partner of the active FAM21 sequence displacing the endogenous WASH complex. A point mutation in FAM21 that abolishes CSC interaction also impairs WASH complex displacement activity. The CSC is composed of three subunits, VPS35, VPS29 and VPS26. FAM21 directly binds the VPS35 subunit of the retromer CSC. Additionally, we show that a point mutant of VPS35 that blocks binding to VPS29 also prevents association with FAM21 and the WASH complex revealing a novel role for the VPS35–VPS29 interaction in regulating retromer association with the WASH complex.

Conclusions

This novel approach of endogenous WASH displacement confirms previous suggestions that the retromer is the receptor of the WASH complex at the surface of endosomes and identify key residues that mediate this interaction. The interaction between these two endosomal machineries, the WASH complex and the retromer, is likely to play a critical role in forming platforms at the surface of endosomes for efficient sorting of cargoes.
Upregulation of transgelin is an independent factor predictive of poor prognosis in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhou Lin , Zhang Ruifeng , Zhang Lianfeng , Sun Yuling , Yao Weiyan , Zhao Ahong , Li Jiansheng , Yuan Yaozong
Published: January 2013

Transgelin is a known actin‐binding protein, which plays a role in regulating the functions of smooth muscle cells or fibroblasts. Recent evidence indicates that transgelin is involved in diverse human cancers, yet its role in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. We therefore evaluated the expression characteristics and function of transgelin in pancreatic cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis of benign (n = 30 patients) and malignant (n = 114 patients) pancreatic ductal cells showed significantly higher transgelin staining in malignant cells. Lymph node metastasis (P = 0.026) and diabetes (P = 0.041) were shown to significantly correlate with transgelin protein expression. Patients with high transgelin expression showed a shorter 5‐year overall survival and a lower tumor‐specific survival than those with low transgelin expression. Multivariate analysis revealed that transgelin was an independent factor affecting pancreatic tumor‐specific survival (P = 0.025).In vitro,RNAinterference‐mediated transgelin knockdown resulted in inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Depletion of transgelin expression could suppress pancreatic tumorigenicity and tumor growthin vivo, and produce enhanced cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine on pancreatic cancer cells bothin vitroandin vivo. Our results indicate that transgelin plays a promoting role in tumor progression, and appears to be a novel prognostic marker for advanced pancreatic cancer.
Semi‐Synthetic Mithramycin SA Derivatives with Improved AntiCancer Activity
Authors: Scott Daniel , Chen Jhong‐Min , Bae Younsoo , Rohr Jürgen
Published: January 2013

Mithramycin (MTM) is a potent anti‐cancer agent that has recently garnered renewed attention. This manuscript describes the design and development of mithramycin derivatives through a combinational approach of biosynthetic analogue generation followed by synthetic manipulation for further derivatization. Mithramycin SA is a previously discovered analogue produced by the M7W1 mutant strain alongside the improved mithramycin analogues mithramycin SK and mithramycin SDK. Mithramycin SA shows decreased anti‐cancer activity compared to mithramycin and has a shorter, two carbon aglycon side chain that is terminated in a carboxylic acid. The aglycon side chain is responsible for an interaction with the DNA‐phosphate backbone as mithramycin interacts with its target DNA. It was therefore decided to further functionalize this side chain through reactions with the terminal carboxylic acid in an effort to enhance the interaction with the DNA phosphate backbone and improve the anti‐cancer activity. This side chain was modified with a variety of molecules increasing the anti‐cancer activity to a comparable level to mithramycin SK. This work shows the ability to transform the previously useless mithramycin SA into a valuable molecule and opens the door to further functionalization and semi‐synthetic modification for the development of molecules with increased specificity and/or drug formulation.
4‐Aminoquinoline‐Triazine‐Based Hybrids with Improved In Vitro Antimalarial Activity Against CQ‐Sensitive and CQ‐Resistant Strains of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Manohar Sunny , Khan Shabana I. , Rawat Diwan S.
Published: January 2013

A systematic chemical modification in the triazine moiety covalently attached via suitable linkers to 4‐amino‐7‐chloroquinolines yielded a series of new 7‐chloro‐4‐aminoquinoline‐triazine hybrids exhibiting high in vitro activity against W2 (chloroquine‐resistant) and D6 (chloroquine‐sensitive) strains of Plasmodium falciparum without any toxicity against mammalian cell lines (Vero, LLC‐PK11, HepG2). Many of the compounds (6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 27, 29 and 33) showed excellent potency against chloroquine sensitive and resistant strains. In particular, compounds 6, 8, 14, 16 and 29 were found to be significantly more active than chloroquine against the chloroquine‐resistant strains (W2 clone) of P. falciparum.
The Biological Residue of Childhood Poverty
Authors: Miller Gregory E. , Chen Edith
Published: January 2013

Children raised in poverty are prone to physical health problems late in life. To understand these findings and address the scientific challenge they represent, we must formulate integrative conceptual frameworks at the crossroads of behavioral and biomedical science, with a strong developmental emphasis. In this article, we outline such a framework and discuss research bearing on its validity. We address how childhood poverty gets under the skin, at the level of tissues and organs, in a manner that affects later disease risks. We also tackle questions about resilience; even with lengthy exposure to childhood poverty, why does only a subset of people acquire diseases? Why are some individuals protected whereas others remain vulnerable? Maternal nurturance might be a source of resilience, buffering children from the long‐term health consequences of poverty. We conclude with research priorities.
Effects of combination therapy with dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and histone deacetylase inhibitors in the non-obese diabetic mouse model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Cabrera S M , Colvin S C , Tersey S A , Maier B , Nadler J L , Mirmira R G
Published: January 2013

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from T helper type 1 (Th1)-mediated autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β cells. Novel experimental therapies for T1D target immunomodulation, β cell survival and inflammation. We examined combination therapy with the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor MK-626 and the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of T1D. We hypothesized that combination therapy would ameliorate T1D by providing protection from β cell inflammatory destruction while simultaneously shifting the immune response towards immune-tolerizing regulatory T cells (Tregs). Although neither mono- nor combination therapies with MK-626 and vorinostat caused disease remission in diabetic NOD mice, the combination of MK-626 and vorinostat increased β cell area and reduced the mean insulitis score compared to diabetic control mice. In prediabetic NOD mice, MK-626 monotherapy resulted in improved glucose tolerance, a reduction in mean insulitis score and an increase in pancreatic lymph node Treg percentage, and combination therapy with MK-626 and vorinostat increased pancreatic lymph node Treg percentage. We conclude that neither single nor combination therapies using MK-626 and vorinostat induce diabetes remission in NOD mice, but combination therapy appears to have beneficial effects on β cell area, insulitis and Treg populations. Combinations of vorinostat and MK-626 may serve as beneficial adjunctive therapy in clinical trials for T1D prevention or remission.
Application of the Red‐List Index at a National Level for Multiple Species Groups
Authors: JUSLÉN AINO , HYVÄRINEN ESKO , VIRTANEN LAURA K.
Published: January 2013

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Index (RLI) is recognized as one of the key indicators of trends in the status of species. The red‐list assessment done by Finnish authorities of species in Finland is taxonomically one of the most extensive national assessments. We used the Finnish Red Lists from 2000 and 2010 to calculate for the first time the national RLIs for 11 taxonomic groups at different trophic levels and with different life cycles. The red‐list index is calculated on the basis of changes in red‐list categories and indicates trends in the status of biological diversity of sets of species. The RLI value ranges from 0 to 1. The lower the value the faster the set of species is heading toward extinction. If the value is 1, all species in the set are least concern and if the value is 0, all species are (regionally) extinct. The overall RLI of Finnish species decreased. This means that, in Finland, these taxonomic groups were heading toward extinction faster in 2010 than in 2000. Of the analyzed groups of organisms, RLIs of 5 decreased and RLIs of 6 increased. At the national level, the RLIs and status trends varied markedly between species groups. Thus, we concluded that generalizations on the basis of RLIs of a few taxa only may yield a biased view of ongoing trends in the status of biological diversity at the species level. In addition, one overall RLI that includes many different species groups may also be misleading if variation in RLI among species groups is not considered and if RLI values are not presented separately for each group.

Aplicación del Índice de la Lista Roja a Nivel Nacional para Grupos de Especies Múltiples
Evaluation of a collaborative chronic care approach to improve outcomes in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Bissonnette J. , Woodend K. , Davies B. , Stacey D. , Knoll G. A.
Published: January 2013

Several studies found that renal transplant recipients with chronic kidney disease have untreated complications and do not attain recommended clinical targets. Using a before/after design with propensity score–matched controls, we evaluated whether an advanced practice nurse‐led interprofessional collaborative chronic care approach could improve clinical outcomes for CKD transplant patients compared with a traditional physician‐led model. The intervention included strategies for disease self‐management, shared decision making, and healthcare system reorganization. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients attaining at least seven of nine targets as per published guidelines. A greater proportion of intervention patients achieved the outcome (68% vs. 10%; p = 0.0001) and had discussions about end‐stage treatment options (88% vs. 13%; p = 0.0001) compared with controls. The intervention patients had significantly fewer emergency room visits (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.53; 95% CI 0.29–0.91; p = 0.02) and hospital admissions (IRR 0.34; 95% CI 0.16–0.68; p = 0.001) compared with the control patients. There were no significant differences found between the groups in systolic/diastolic blood pressure, carbon dioxide, hemoglobin, or phosphate parameters. An advanced practice nurse‐led approach, based on the chronic care model, has the potential to improve clinical outcomes for renal transplant recipients and needs to be tested in a multicenter randomized controlled trial.
Increased complications and morbidity in children with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Naithani Rahul , Asim Muhammad , Naqvi Ahmed , Weitzman Sheila , Gassas Adam , Doyle John , Schechter Tal
Published: January 2013

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative option for patients with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and for patients with secondary HLH who fail to respond to therapy.

Methods

Retrospective study of HSCT for HLH with focus on complications and outcome.

Results

Eighteen children (10 males), with a median age of 1.2 yr (5 months–16 yr), received HSCT for HLH. Fourteen children had primary HLH. Four children underwent transplant while not in remission. Sixteen received myeloablative and two received reduced intensity conditioning regimen. A high incidence of complications was found: 13 (72%) children had 22 episodes of culture‐proven infections; seven (38%) had hepatic veno‐occlusive disease; nine (50%) developed respiratory complications; and nine (50%) required intensive care unit admission. Eight children had acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), and three developed chronic GVHD. Three patients died from multi‐organ failure before day +100, and another patient died from pulmonary hemorrhage after day 100.

Three patients failed to engraft (two developed recurrent HLH and died from complications after a second HSCT). Three of four children not in remission at the time of transplantation died. Actuarial survival at three yr was 61%.

Conclusion

HSCT for HLH carries significant risks with high infection, organ dysfunction, and ICU admissions rates.
Churg‐Strauss syndrome presenting as scar reactivation: histopathologic features and an illustration of ‘locus minoris resistentiae’
Authors: Gee Sarah N. , Harris Anna C. , Zimarowski Mary Jane
Published: January 2013

We report a 33‐year‐old female with cutaneous involvement by Churg‐Strauss syndrome confined to surgical scars that were obtained 13 years before. She presented to the emergency department with 2‐day history of fever, night sweats, right‐sided weakness, hoarseness and worsening asthma symptoms. She was found to have an eosinophilia and two sub‐5‐mm pulmonary nodules. The patient also reported that the scars on her right thumb, inner wrist and back had been swollen, red and painful for 2 days. Examination revealed tender, erythematous, well‐healed edematous scars studded with small skin colored papules. She had no clinical findings that were classic for cutaneous vasculitis. A skin biopsy of a scar revealed perivascular and palisading granulomatous inflammation consisting of histiocytes and neutrophils with leukocytoclasia. Focal vascular injury was identified. Scattered tissue eosinophils were seen. Special stains were negative for infection. Thereafter, she was started on intravenous steroids, at which point the fever, pulmonary and cutaneous symptoms subsided. Although scar sarcoidosis is a well‐described phenomenon, granulomatous inflammation and vasculitis seen in Churg‐Strauss syndrome exclusively manifesting in well‐healed surgical scars highlights the unique features seen in this case and draws attention to the concept of locus minoris resistentiae. This case also highlights how a skin biopsy in the setting of suspected systemic vasculitis can confirm the presence of vasculitis and/or granulomatous inflammation and obviate the need for more invasive, higher risk procedures such as lung biopsy.