bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surficial redistribution of fallout131iodine in a small temperate catchment
Authors: Landis Joshua D. , Hamm Nathan T. , Renshaw Carl E. , Dade W. Brian , Magilligan Francis J. , Gartner John D.
Published: March 2012

Isotopes of iodine play significant environmental roles, including a limiting micronutrient (127I), an acute radiotoxin (131I), and a geochemical tracer (129I). But the cycling of iodine through terrestrial ecosystems is poorly understood, due to its complex environmental chemistry and low natural abundance. To better understand iodine transport and fate in a terrestrial ecosystem, we traced fallout131iodine throughout a small temperate catchment following contamination by the 11 March 2011 failure of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power facility. We find that radioiodine fallout is actively and efficiently scavenged by the soil system, where it is continuously focused to surface soils over a period of weeks following deposition. Mobilization of historic (pre-Fukushima)137cesium observed concurrently in these soils suggests that the focusing of iodine to surface soils may be biologically mediated. Atmospherically deposited iodine is subsequently redistributed from the soil system via fluvial processes in a manner analogous to that of the particle-reactive tracer7beryllium, a consequence of the radionuclides’ shared sorption affinity for fine, particulate organic matter. These processes of surficial redistribution create iodine hotspots in the terrestrial environment where fine, particulate organic matter accumulates, and in this manner regulate the delivery of iodine nutrients and toxins alike from small catchments to larger river systems, lakes and estuaries.
Effect of nutritional intervention on body composition and performance in elite athletes
Authors: Garthe Ina , Raastad Truls , Refsnes Per Egil , Sundgot‐Borgen Jorunn
Published: March 2012

Strength training and positive energy intake are the most important factors related to lean body mass (LBM) gain. Most studies investigating weight‐gain interventions are based recreationally active subjects and less is known about optimal weight‐gain protocols in elite athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional guidance in an 8‐ to 12‐week weight‐gain period in elite athletes. Thirty‐nine elite athletes were randomised to either a ‘nutritional counseling group’ (NCG, n=21, 19.1±2.9 years, 70.9±8.9 kg) or ‘ad libitum group’ (ALG, n=18, 19.6±2.7 years, 75.0±5.9 kg). All athletes continued their sport‐specific training which included an additional four strength‐training sessions per week. NCG followed a meal plan providing a positive energy balance, while the ALG athletes had an ad libitum energy intake. Body weight (BW), body composition, one repetition maximum (1RM), 40 m sprint and counter movement jump (CMJ) were measured pre‐ and post‐intervention. Energy intake was higher in the NCG than in the ALG (3585±601 vs. 2964±884 kcal) and consequently BW increased more in NCG than in ALG (3.9±0.6% vs. 1.5±0.4%). Fat mass (FM) increased more in NCG than in ALG (15±4 vs. 3±3%), but gain in LBM was not different between groups. All 1RM results improved in both groups (6–12%), whereas 40 m sprint and CMJ remained unchanged, except for a significant decrease in 40 m sprint for the athletes in NCG. Athletes with nutritional guidance increased BW more, however, excess energy intake in a weight‐gain protocol should be considered carefully due to undesirable increases in body fat.
High-quality sequence clustering guided by network topology and multiple alignment likelihood
Authors: Miele Vincent , Penel Simon , Daubin Vincent , Picard Franck , Kahn Daniel , Duret Laurent
Published: February 2012

Motivation: Proteins can be naturally classified into families of homologous sequences that derive from a common ancestor. The comparison of homologous sequences and the analysis of their phylogenetic relationships provide useful information regarding the function and evolution of genes. One important difficulty of clustering methods is to distinguish highly divergent homologous sequences from sequences that only share partial homology due to evolution by protein domain rearrangements. Existing clustering methods require parameters that have to be set a priori. Given the variability in the evolution pattern among proteins, these parameters cannot be optimal for all gene families.

Results: We propose a strategy that aims at clustering sequences homologous over their entire length, and that takes into account the pattern of substitution specific to each gene family. Sequences are first all compared with each other and clustered into pre-families, based on pairwise similarity criteria, with permissive parameters to optimize sensitivity. Pre-families are then divided into homogeneous clusters, based on the topology of the similarity network. Finally, clusters are progressively merged into families, for which we compute multiple alignments, and we use a model selection technique to find the optimal tradeoff between the number of families and multiple alignment likelihood. To evaluate this method, called HiFiX, we analyzed simulated sequences and manually curated datasets. These tests showed that HiFiX is the only method robust to both sequence divergence and domain rearrangements. HiFiX is fast enough to be used on very large datasets.

Availability and implementation: The Python software HiFiX is freely available at http://lbbe.univ-lyon1.fr/hifix

Contact:  vincent.miele@univ-lyon1.fr

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Characteristics of Intestinal Habits in Children Younger Than 4 Years
Authors: Mota Denise M. , Barros Aluisio J.D. , Santos Iná , Matijasevich Alícia
Published: March 2012

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence of childhood constipation, stool characteristics, and their relationship with toilet training and age of introduction of cow's milk.

Methods:

A total of 4231 children born in 2004, from a birth cohort study, were assessed at 12, 24, and 48 months of age, when their mothers provided information on sociodemographic characteristics, bowel habits, toilet training, and age of introduction of cow's milk and other foods.

Results:

The prevalence of constipation was 27.3% and 31.0% at 24 and 48 months of age, respectively. Among girls, at 48 months of age, it was 34.4% versus 27.4% in boys (P < 0.001). The most common features of constipation were scybalous stools (47.7% and 41.0% at 24 and 48 months, respectively), evacuation difficulty (24.3% and 23.1%), and hard stools (17.8% and 34.1%). Toilet training starting before 24 months was associated with constipation at 24 months and its persistence up to 48 months. Among children who did not receive cow's milk in their first year of life, 22% had constipation at 24 months, 22.6% at 48 months, and 8.3% at 24 and 48 months. Among children who started cow's milk before 30 days of life, the respective proportions of children with constipation was 28.2%, 33%, and 12.4%.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of constipation increases with age and cannot be detected using only information on evacuation interval. Toilet training before 24 months and introduction of cow's milk before 1 year of age is positively associated with constipation at 24 months and its persistence up to 48 months.
Detection of mosquito-only flaviviruses in Europe
Authors: Calzolari Mattia , Zé-Zé Líbia , Růžek Daniel , Vázquez Ana , Jeffries Claire , Defilippo Francesco , Osório Hugo Costa , Kilian Patrik , Ruíz Santiago , Fooks Anthony R. , Maioli Giulia , Amaro Fátima , Tlustý Martin , Figuerola Jordi , Medlock Jolyon M. , Bonilauri Paolo , Alves Maria João , Šebesta Oldřich , Tenorio Antonio , Vaux Alexander G. C. , Bellini Romeo , Gelbič Ivan , Sánchez-Seco Maria Paz , Johnson Nicholas , Dottori Michele
Published: March 2012

The genusFlavivirus, familyFlaviviridae, includes a number of important arthropod-transmitted human pathogens such as dengue viruses, West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus and yellow fever virus. In addition, the genus includes flaviviruses without a known vertebrate reservoir, which have been detected only in insects, particularly in mosquitoes, such as cell fusing agent virus, Kamiti River virus,Culexflavivirus,Aedesflavivirus, Quang Binh virus, Nakiwogo virus and Calbertado virus. Reports of the detection of these viruses with no recognized pathogenic role in humans are increasing in mosquitoes collected around the world, particularly in those sampled in entomological surveys targeting pathogenic flaviviruses. The presence of six potential flaviviruses, detected from independent European arbovirus surveys undertaken in the Czech Republic, Italy,Portugal, Spain and the UK between 2007 and 2010, is reported in this work. Whilst theAedesflaviviruses, detected in Italy fromAedes albopictusmosquitoes, had already been isolated in Japan, the remaining five viruses have not been reported previously: one was detected in Italy, Portugal and Spain fromAedesmosquitoes (particularly fromAedes caspius), one in Portugal and Spain fromCulex theilerimosquitoes, one in the Czech Republic and Italy fromAedes vexans, one in the Czech Republic fromAedes vexansand the last in the UK fromAedes cinereus. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the close relationship of these putative viruses to other insect-only flaviviruses.
Preparation and Mounting of Adult Drosophila Structures in Canada Balsam
Authors: Stern David L. , Sucena Elio
Published: March 2012

The Drosophila cuticle carries a rich array of morphological details. Thus, cuticle examination has had a central role in the history of genetics. To prepare fine “museum-quality,” permanent slides, it is best to mount specimens in Canada Balsam. It is difficult to give precise recipes for Canada Balsam, because every user seems to prefer a slightly different viscosity. Dilute solutions spread easily and do not dry too rapidly while mounting specimens. The disadvantage is that there is actually less Balsam in a “drop” of the solution, and when dried, it can contract from the sides of the coverslip, sometimes disturbing the specimen. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for experience when using Canada Balsam. This protocol describes a procedure for mounting adult cuticles in Canada Balsam.
Isolation and Regeneration of Protoplasts from Ectocarpus: Figure 1.
Authors: Coelho Susana M. , Scornet Delphine , Rousvoal Sylvie , Peters Nick , Dartevelle Laurence , Peters Akira F. , Cock J. Mark
Published: March 2012

This article describes how to obtain isolated cells with no surrounding cell wall by enzymatic digestion of Ectocarpus filaments. The resultant protoplasts are totipotent and regenerate to produce individual algae under appropriate culture conditions. The yield of protoplasts and their capacity to regenerate are highly dependent on the Ectocarpus strain used, the stage of the life cycle, and the culture conditions. The highest yields are obtained with young gametophyte filaments cultivated at low density. The naked, wall-less cells produced by this protocol can be used for several applications, including studies of cell wall regeneration, investigation of the role of the cell wall in determining cell fate, and as a source of naked cells for the development of methods for introducing diverse molecules into the cell.
Parent–adolescent dyads: association of parental autonomy support and parent–adolescent shared diabetes care responsibility
Authors: Hanna K. M. , Dashiff C. J. , Stump T. E. , Weaver M. T.
Published: March 2012

Purpose  Parent–adolescent shared responsibility for diabetes care is advocated by experts to achieve beneficial diabetes and psychosocial outcomes for adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Parental autonomy support may be a way to facilitate this sharing. In this dyadic study, we examined parental diabetes‐specific autonomy support experienced by adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their parents (n= 89 dyads), and its association with their experience of shared diabetes care responsibility.

Methods  Path analysis was used to test an Actor–Partner Interdependence Model for parental autonomy support effects on shared responsibility. This was a secondary analysis of data from 89 parent–early/mid‐adolescent dyads.

Results  Actor effects were identified. Parents' and adolescents' perceptions of parental autonomy support were associated with their respective reports of shared diabetes care responsibility. One partner effect was identified. Adolescents' reports of parental autonomy support were associated with parents' reports of shared responsibility. Parents and adolescents held similar views of autonomy support but discrepant views of shared responsibility. Older adolescents perceived less parental autonomy support.

Conclusion  Increasing parental autonomy support may facilitate parent–adolescent sharing of diabetes care responsibility. Adolescent and parent perceptions influence each other and need to be considered when working with them to strengthen parental autonomy support.
Allo‐exposure status and leucocyte antibody positivity of blood donors show a similar relation with TRALI
Authors: Middelburg R. A. , Beckers E. A. M. , Porcelijn L. , Lardy N. , Wiersum‐Osselton J. C. , Schipperus M. R. , Vrielink H. , Briët E. , van der Bom J. G.
Published: March 2012

Introduction: The fraction of transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) cases preventable by deferral of allo‐exposed donors has previously been estimated, under the assumption this indirectly estimated the contribution of leucocyte antibodies to the occurrence of TRALI. Our aim was to estimate the fraction preventable by deferral of leucocyte antibody positive donors and to investigate the validity of allo‐exposure as a marker for leucocyte antibodies.

Methods: All donors involved in a series of previously published TRALI patients were tested for leucocyte antibodies. The observed number of antibody positive donors was compared to the expected number. From this comparison we estimated the contribution of leucocyte antibodies to the occurrence of TRALI and compared this to the previously reported estimate for allo‐exposed donors.

Results: Sixty‐one TRALI patients were included. Of 288 involved donors 43 were expected and 67 were observed to be leucocyte antibody positive. The observed percentage of positive donors was 8·3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 5·1–11·5%) in excess of the expected. Overall 59% (95% CI: 34–85%) of TRALI cases was estimated to be preventable by the exclusion of all leucocyte antibody positive donors. For plasma‐poor products this was 16% (95% CI: −5·0 to 36%).

Conclusions: These estimates were similar to those previously published for allo‐exposed donors. This suggests allo‐exposure status can effectively be used in donor deferral strategies.
Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for Fusarium ELISA compared to QTL for Fusarium head blight resistance and deoxynivalenol content in barley
Authors: Dahleen Lynn S. , Morgan William , Mittal Shipra , Bregitzer Phil , Brown Ryan H. , Hill Nicholas S.
Published: March 2012

With 1 figure and 3 tables

Fusarium head blight (FHB) and deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxin produced by Fusarium graminearum reduce barley yield and quality worldwide. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using an antibody specific to Fusarium was proposed as an alternative for measuring FHB instead of counting infected kernels per spike. Cleistogamy (closed flowering) may be an avoidance mechanism for FHB resistance. This study was conducted to determine whether quantitative trait loci (QTL) for Fusarium ELISA were colocated with QTL for FHB, DON, heading date, height and spike density and/or the gene for cleistogamy. Doubled haploid lines from Zhedar 2/ND9712//Foster were tested in ten environments and used to develop a 260‐marker linkage map. QTL analysis located 24 significant regions for the six traits. The effect of cleistogamy on resistance was unclear and environment specific. Of the two QTL located for ELISA, only one corresponded with a QTL for FHB, but large allelic differences in ELISA were found for the regions significantly associated with FHB and DON, indicating that ELISA could be a simpler method to identify lines with FHB resistance and low DON.
Histological structure of the female gonads and ovipositor of the European bitterling, Rhodeus amarus (Bloch, 1782) (Cyprinidae: Acheilognathinae)
Authors: Khlopova Anna V. , Kul'bachnyi Sergey
Published: March 2012

We investigated the histological structure of the female gonads and ovipositor of the European bitterling, Rhodeus amarus. The base of the ovipositor was formed by the conical organ or ‘eminence’. Based on the structure of the conical organ, including a special distribution of collagenous and muscular fibrils, a well‐developed vascular system and numerous scyphoid mucous cells in the internal epithelium, this organ was used for temporary storage of oocytes during the spawning period and for their movement along the ovipositor. An extensive network of blood vessels, muscular fibrils and numerous collagenous fibrils in the connective tissue of the ovipositor may make a functional contribution to the ovipositor by making it firmer during egg laying. Mucous cells were detected in the medial and distal regions of the ovipositor, which may play a role in facilitating insertion of the ovipositor into the exhalant siphon of a mussel during oviposition. European bitterling are batch spawners, and the female spawns eggs in clutches at intervals during the breeding season, which were visible as three distinct cohorts of oocytes in the ovary.
Systematic review of pre‐clinical models assessing implant integration in locally compromised sites and/or systemically compromised animals
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Martin Ignacio Sanz , Mühlemann Sven , Jung Ronald E.
Published: March 2012

Objective

The aim was to systematically search the dental literature for pre‐clinical models assessing implant integration in locally compromised sites (part 1) and systemically compromised animals (part 2), and to evaluate the quality of reporting of included publications.

Methods

A Medline search (1966–2011) was performed, complimented by additional hand searching. The quality of reporting of the included publications was evaluated using the 20 items of the ARRIVE (Animals in Research In Vivo Experiments) guidelines.

Results

One‐hundred and seventy‐six (part 1; mean ARRIVE score = 15.6 ± 2.4) and 104 (part 2; 16.2 ± 1.9) studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall mean score for all included studies amounted to 15.8 ± 2.2. Housing (38.3%), allocation of animals (37.9%), numbers analysed (50%) and adverse events (51.4%) of the ARRIVE guidelines were the least reported. Statistically significant differences in mean ARRIVE scores were found depending on the publication date (p < 0.05), with the highest score of 16.7 ± 1.6 for studies published within the last 2 years.

Conclusions

A large number of studies met the inclusion criteria. The ARRIVE scores revealed heterogeneity and missing information for selected items in more than 50% of the publications. The quality of reporting shifted towards better‐reported pre‐clinical trials within recent years.
Systematic review of outcome measurements and reference group(s) to evaluate and compare implant success and failure
Authors: Needleman Ian , Chin Sarah , O'Brien Tim , Petrie Aviva , Donos Nikos
Published: March 2012

Background

There is a lack of consensus on measures to assess implant performance in clinical research.

Objectives

To investigate the outcomes measures and reference groups employed to evaluate and compare implant success and failure.

Data Sources

MEDLINE (OVID) and Web of Science with searching reference lists of included papers.

Study Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion: root form, titanium implants in dentate or edentulous individuals. Longitudinal studies reporting survival or success outcomes on at least 20 participants ≥ mean 5 years.

Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods

Descriptive statistics.

Results

Two‐hundred and sixteen studies were included. Implant survival was the most commonly reported primary outcome (60%) with success at 15.7%. Success constituted a wide variety of measures with little consistency. A percentage of 98.6% of studies employed the implant as the unit of analysis with little consideration of clustering within patients. The status of periodontal and general heath of study groups was unclear for more than 80% studies. The proportion of studies comprising randomized trials or using appropriate analytical methods increased from 1980 to 2011.

Limitations

Considers only English language and there was no author contact.

Conclusion

In view of the disparate outcome measures employed to assess dental implant performance, agreement is needed both on a core set of implant outcomes and their statistical management.
Quality of reporting of randomized clinical trials in implant dentistry. A systematic review on critical aspects in design, outcome assessment and clinical relevance
Authors: Cairo Francesco , Sanz Ignacio , Matesanz Paula , Nieri Michele , Pagliaro Umberto
Published: March 2012

Background

The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to assess the quality of reporting randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in the field of implant dentistry, its evolution over time and the possible relations between quality items and reported outcomes.

Material and Methods

RCTs in implant dentistry were retrieved through electronic and hand searches. Risk of bias in individual studies was assessed focusing on study design, outcome assessment and clinical relevance. Associations between quality items and year of publication of RCTs or reporting of statistically significant outcomes were tested.

Results

Among the 495 originally screened manuscripts published from 1989 to April 2011, 276 RCTs were assessed in this SR; 59% of them were published between 2006 and 2011. RCTs were mainly parallel (65%), with a single centre (83%) and a superiority design (88%). Trials in implant dentistry showed several methodological flaws: only 37% showed a random sequence generation at low risk of bias, 75% did not provide information on allocation concealment, only 12% performed a correct sample size calculation, the examiner was blind solely in 42% of studies where blinding was feasible. In addition, only 21% of RCTs declared operator experience and 31% reported patient‐related outcomes. Many quality items improved over time. Allocation concealment at high risk of bias (p = 0.0125), no information on drop‐out (p = 0.0318) and lack of CONSORT adherence (p = 0.0333) were associated with statistically significant reported outcomes.

Conclusions

The overall quality of reporting of RCTs in implant dentistry is poor and only partially improved in the last years. Caution is suggested when interpreting these RCTs since risk of bias was associated with higher chance of reporting of statistically significant results.
Training and bone – from health to injury
Authors: Karlsson M. K. , Rosengren B. E.
Published: March 2012

Mechanical load through physical activity has been shown to be one of the best stimuli to increase the bone strength. This effect of mechanical load accounts for both the accrual of bone mineral and structural skeletal adaptations. Exercise prescription also includes a “window of opportunity” in the late pre‐ and early peri‐pubertal period, where exercise is supposed to insert the most obvious beneficial effects, even if physical activity provides recordable skeletal benefits during all growth. There is also evidence that benefits in bone mass and bone structure obtained by mechanical load during growth may be maintained at advanced age. The notion that former male athletes have lower fracture risk than expected by age, support this view. Physical activity could therefore to be recommended at growth and adolescence as one possible strategy to reduce the future burden of fragility fractures.
Caller Characteristics, Call Contents, and Types of Assistance Provided By Caller Sex and Age Group in a Canadian Inuit Crisis Line in Nunavut, 1991–2001
Authors: Tan Josephine C. H. , Maranzan Kathryn Amanda , Boone Margaret , Vander Velde John , Levy Sheila
Published: March 2012

Analysis of calls made to a northern Canadian Inuit crisis line in the territory of Nunavut between 1991 and 2001 revealed that the majority of users were adult females who called to discuss problems primarily related to relationships and loneliness/boredom. Younger callers tended to make prank calls. The volunteer staff used mostly empathetic listening and suggestions. Referral recommendations made were primarily to social services. Although some callers experienced a language barrier, others found the service to be helpful. Results suggest that the crisis line was underused by young Inuit males who represent a group that are most in need of crisis intervention.
Students' Accuracy of Measurement Estimation: Context, Units, and Logical Thinking
Authors: Jones M. Gail , Gardner Grant E. , Taylor Amy R. , Forrester Jennifer H. , Andre Thomas
Published: March 2012

This study examined students' accuracy of measurement estimation for linear distances, different units of measure, task context, and the relationship between accuracy estimation and logical thinking. Middle school students completed a series of tasks that included estimating the length of various objects in different contexts and completed a test of logical thinking ability. Results found that the students were not able to give accurate estimations for the lengths of familiar objects. Students were also less accurate in estimating in metric units as compared to English or novel units. Estimation accuracy was dependent on the task context. There were significant differences in estimation accuracy for two‐ versus three‐dimensional estimation tasks. There were no significant differences for estimating objects with different orientations or embedded objects. For the tasks requiring the students to estimate in English units, the embedded task and the three‐dimensional tasks were correlated with logical thinking. For estimation tasks with novel units, three‐dimensional and two‐dimensional estimation tasks were significantly correlated with the logical thinking.

In order to interact effectively with our environment it is essential to possess an intuitive grasp of both dimension and scale and to be able to manipulate such information. Estimation, approximating and measuring are all components of such intuition (Forrester, Latham, & Shire, 1990, p. 283).
Voices from the Front Lines: Exemplary Science Teachers on Education Reform
Authors: Burton Erin Peters , Frazier Wendy Michelle
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the experiences that nationally award‐winning, exemplary science teachers have had over their career and examine the alignment of their responses with calls for K‐12 science education reform from a selection of prominent commissioned government reports since 1980. From an assessment of the alignment of exemplary teachers, calls for reform have had a limited effect and highlight the weakness of using national reports as a wide‐scale, nationalized approach to science education reform. Findings are focused on seven different areas of teacher development: classroom issues, teaching scientific inquiry, use of technology, preservice experiences, professional development of in‐service teachers, vertical articulation, and science education reform over time. Among other issues, the teachers indicated one of the biggest barriers to inquiry teaching is the pressure to conform to high‐stakes testing and the lack of examples of inquiry teaching during teacher education experiences.
Multisite Performance Evaluation of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detection of Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba histolytica Antigens in Human Stool
Authors: Christy Nathaniel C. V. , Hencke Janice D. , Escueta-De Cadiz Aleyla , Nazib Forida , von Thien Heidrun , Yagita Kenji , Ligaba Segni , Haque Rashidul , Nozaki Tomoyoshi , Tannich Egbert , Herbein Joel F. , Petri William A.
Published: March 2012

A novel fecal antigen detection assay for fresh and frozen human samples that detects but does not differentiate
Giardia
spp,
Cryptosporidium
spp, and
Entamoeba histolytica
, the Tri-Combo parasite screen, was compared to three established enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) at three international sites. It exhibited 97.9% sensitivity and 97.0% specificity, with positive and negative predictive values of 93.4% and 99.1%, respectively. The Tri-Combo test proved a reliable means to limit the use of individual parasite ELISAs to positive samples.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Epstein-Barr Virus Rta DNA Binding
Authors: Heilmann Andreas M. F. , Calderwood Michael A. , Portal Daniel , Lu Yong , Johannsen Eric
Published: March 2012

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic transactivator Rta activates promoters through direct binding to cognate DNA sites termed Rta response elements (RREs). Rta also activates promoters that apparently lack Rta binding sites, notably Zp and Rp. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of endogenous Rta expressed during early replication in B95-8 cells was performed to identify Rta binding sites in the EBV genome. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis showed strong enrichment for known RREs but little or no enrichment for Rp or Zp, suggesting that the Rta ChIP approach enriches for direct Rta binding sites. Rta ChIP combined with deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) identified most known RREs and several novel Rta binding sites. Rta ChIP-seq peaks were frequently upstream of Rta-responsive genes, indicating that these Rta binding sites are likely functioning as RREs. Unexpectedly, the BALF5 promoter contained an Rta binding peak. To assess whether BALF5 might be activated by an RRE-dependent mechanism, an Rta mutant (Rta K156A), deficient for DNA binding and RRE activation but competent for Zp/Rp activation, was used. Rta K156A failed to activate BALF5p, suggesting this promoter can be activated by an RRE-dependent mechanism. Rta binding to late gene promoters was not seen at early time points but was specifically detected at later times within the Rta-responsive BLRF2 and BFRF3 promoters, even when DNA replication was inhibited. Our results represent the first characterization of Rta binding to the EBV genome during replication, identify previously unknown RREs, such as one in BALF5p, and highlight the complexity of EBV late gene promoter activation by Rta.
Assessment of adverse drug event recognition by emergency physicians in a French teaching hospital
Authors: Roulet Lucien , Ballereau Françoise , Hardouin Jean-Benoît , Chiffoleau Anne , Moret Leïla , Potel Gilles , Asseray Nathalie
Published: February 2012

Objectives

The frequency and the severity of drug-related visits in emergency department (ED) make the improvement of adverse drug event (ADE) recognition a crucial issue. As part of a research project aiming to improve the diagnosis and the management of ADEs in ED, the authors conducted a pilot study whose primary objective was to assess ADE recognition by emergency physicians.

Methods

The patients presenting to the ED were included at randomised time periods between 1 October 2007 and 31 March 2008 in this prospective cross-sectional study. The primary outcome was the frequency of ADEs that were attributed to a medication-related problem by the emergency physician.

Results

A total of 423 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 95 experienced an ADE (22.5%; 95% CI 18.6% to 26.7%). Emergency physicians correctly attributed 33 of these cases (34.7%; 95% CI 25.3% to 45.2%) to a medication-related problem. Of the 28 cases in which the ADE was considered as a ‘direct drug effect’ (29.5%; 95% CI 20.6% to 39.7%), 16 were correctly identified by emergency physicians (57.1%; 95% CI 37.2% to 75.5%). Of the 67 cases in which the ADE was considered as a ‘drug involvement in a multifactorial pathological condition’ (70.5%; 95% CI 60.3% to 79.4%), 17 were correctly attributed (25.4%; 95% CI 15.5% to 37.5%).

Conclusions

ADEs are frequent in EDs and are not well recognised by emergency physicians, especially when the drug is involved in a multifactorial pathological condition.
Absence of linkage disequilibria between chromosomal arrangements and mtDNA haplotypes in natural populations ofDrosophila subobscurafrom the Balkan Peninsula
Authors: Jelić Mihailo , Castro José A. , Kurbalija Novičić Zorana , Kenig Bojan , Dimitrijević Danica , Savić Veselinović Marija , Jovanović Miloš , Milovanović Dragomir , Stamenković-Radak Marina , Andjelković Marko
Published: March 2012

The genetic structure of Drosophila subobscura from the Balkan Peninsula was studied with respect to restriction site polymorphism of mitochondrial DNA in populations from the Derventa River Gorge and Sicevo Gorge (Serbia). To investigate the role of cytonuclear interactions in shaping mitochondrial DNA variability in natural populations of this species, the study was complemented with the analysis of linkage disequilibria between mitochondrial haplotypes and chromosomal inversion arrangements. Similar to other populations of D. subobscura, two main haplotypes (I and II) were found, as well as a series of less common ones. The frequencies of haplotypes I and II accounted for 25.8% and 71.0%, respectively, in the population from the Derventa River Gorge, and for 32.4% and 58.1%, respectively, in the population from Sicevo Gorge. One of the haplotypes harbored a large insertion (2.7 kb) in the A+T rich region. The frequency distribution of both haplotypes did not depart from neutrality. Contrary to prior studies, we did not detect any significant linkage disequilibrium between the two most frequent mtDNA haplotypes and any of the chromosomal arrangements in either of the populations. We conclude that linkage disequilibrium is not a general occurrence in natural populations of D. subobscura, and we discuss how transient coadaptations, ecologically specific selective pressures, and demographics could contribute to population-specific patterns of linkage disequilibrium.
CONDITIONAL DENSITY MODELS FOR ASSET PRICING
Authors: FILIPOVIĆ DAMIR , HUGHSTON LANE P. , MACRINA ANDREA
Published: March 2012

We model the dynamics of asset prices and associated derivatives by consideration of the dynamics of the conditional probability density process for the value of an asset at some specified time in the future. In the case where the price process is driven by Brownian motion, an associated "master equation" for the dynamics of the conditional probability density is derived and expressed in integral form. By a "model" for the conditional density process we mean a solution to the master equation along with the specification of (a) the initial density, and (b) the volatility structure of the density. The volatility structure is assumed at any time and for each value of the argument of the density to be a functional of the history of the density up to that time. In practice one specifies the functional modulo sufficient parametric freedom to allow for the input of additional option data apart from that implicit in the initial density. The scheme is sufficiently flexible to allow for the input of various types of data depending on the nature of the options market and the class of valuation problem being undertaken. Various examples are studied in detail, with exact solutions provided in some cases.
US central Atlantic: new plays and petroleum prospectivity
Authors: Post Paul J. , Elliott Erin T. , Klazynski Ralph J. , Klocek Elizabeth S. , Decort Thierry M. , Riches Thomas J. , Li Kun
Published: March 2012

During the complex evolution and transition of the United States (US) Central Atlantic from a rift system to a passive margin, five post-rift sedimentary depocentres developed along its approximately 1850 km length. Varying in size, shape and thickness of sediment fill, these depocentres are separated by interbasin arches and regions lacking major post-rift sedimentary depocentres.

From 1976 until 1984, a single phase of exploratory drilling was carried out in three of these depocentres. Located primarily on the continental shelf, the tested play types resulted in a single, modest natural gas discovery. The drilling clarified the risks of various petroleum system elements and processes in the areas and plays tested.

During 2010, a new resource inventory covering the area was completed by a team of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management geologists and engineers. The inventory incorporated and applied modern exploration concepts and key new learnings from NE-adjacent offshore Nova Scotia, conjugate NW Africa and the African transform margin. Nine new conceptual plays and a single proven high-risk play have been identified and their resources inventoried.
East Indian margin evolution and crustal architecture: integration of deep reflection seismic interpretation and gravity modelling
Authors: Nemčok M. , Sinha S. T. , Stuart C. J. , Welker C. , Choudhuri M. , Sharma S. P. , Misra A. A. , Sinha N. , Venkatraman S.
Published: March 2012

The segmented East Indian continental margin developed after the Early Cretaceous break-up from Antarctica. Its continental crust terminates abruptly without considerable thinning along the Coromondal strike-slip segment and thins considerably before it terminates in the orthogonal rifting segments. The segments have an exhumed continental mantle corridor oceanwards of them. This, proto-oceanic crust, corridor varies in width from segment to segment, indicating a relationship with varying break-up-controlling tectonics of the adjacent margin segments.

The top of the proto-oceanic crust is imaged by a higher reflectivity zone, while its base does not have any distinct signature. A contorted system of reflectors represents its internal structure. Its gravity signature is a longer-wavelength anomaly with peak values up to 30 mGal less negative than surrounding values. Its magnetic signature is represented by a positive anomaly with peak values of 0–56 nT. Wide proto-oceanic segments are adjacent to margin segments that are preceded by the orthogonally rifting Cauvery, Krishna–Godavari and Mahanadi rift zones. A narrow proto-oceanic segment is adjacent to the margin segment initiated by the dextral Coromondal transfer zone. A combination of seismic interpretation and gravity/magnetic forward modelling indicates that proto-oceanic crust is most probably composed of lower crust slivers and unroofed hydrated upper mantle, being formed between the late rifting and the organized sea-floor spreading.
Modulation of KV1.3 channels by protein kinase A I in T lymphocytes is mediated by the disc large 1-tyrosine kinase Lck complex
Authors: Kuras Zerrin , Kucher Vladimir , Gordon Scott M. , Neumeier Lisa , Chimote Ameet A. , Filipovich Alexandra H. , Conforti Laura
Published: March 2012

The cAMP/PKA signaling system constitutes an inhibitory pathway in T cells and, although its biochemistry has been thoroughly investigated, its possible effects on ion channels are still not fully understood. KV1.3 channels play an important role in T-cell activation, and their inhibition suppresses T-cell function. It has been reported that PKA modulates KV1.3 activity. Two PKA isoforms are expressed in human T cells: PKAI and PKAII. PKAI has been shown to inhibit T-cell activation via suppression of the tyrosine kinase Lck. The aim of this study was to determine the PKA isoform modulating KV1.3 and the signaling pathway underneath. 8-Bromoadenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (8-BrcAMP), a nonselective activator of PKA, inhibited KV1.3 currents both in primary human T and in Jurkat cells. This inhibition was prevented by the PKA blocker PKI6–22. Selective knockdown of PKAI, but not PKAII, with siRNAs abolished the response to 8-BrcAMP. Additional studies were performed to determine the signaling pathway mediating PKAI effect on KV1.3. Overexpression of a constitutively active mutant of Lck reduced the response of KV1.3 to 8-Br-cAMP. Moreover, knockdown of the scaffolding protein disc large 1 (Dlg1), which binds KV1.3 to Lck, abolished PKA modulation of KV1.3 channels. Immunohistochemistry studies showed that PKAI, but not PKAII, colocalizes with KV1.3 and Dlg1 indicating a close proximity between these proteins. These results indicate that PKAI selectively regulates KV1.3 channels in human T lymphocytes. This effect is mediated by Lck and Dlg1. We thus propose that the KV1.3/Dlg1/Lck complex is part of the membrane pathway that cAMP utilizes to regulate T-cell function.
Current Updates on Oxazolidinone and Its Significance
Authors: Pandit Neha , Singla Rajeev K. , Shrivastava Birendra
Published: February 2012

Oxazolidinone is a five-member heterocyclic ring exhibiting potential medicinal properties with preferential antibacterial activity. Scientists reported various synthetic procedures for this heterocyclic structure. Current review articles tried to cover each and every potential aspect of oxazolidinone like synthetic routes, pharmacological mechanism of action, medicinal properties, and current research activities.
Fourier Multipliers on Triebel-Lizorkin-Type Spaces
Authors: Yang Dachun , Yuan Wen , Zhuo Ciqiang
Published: February 2012

The authors study the mapping properties of Fourier multipliers, with symbols satisfying some generalized Hörmander's condition, on Triebel- Lizorkin-type spaces and Triebel-Lizorkin-Hausdorff spaces. To this end, the authors first establish a new characterization of these spaces via some generalized (weighted)gλ∗functions, which essentially improves the known result for Triebel-Lizorkin spaces even whenτ=0. Applying this new characterization, the authors then obtain the boundedness of Fourier multipliers on Triebel-Lizorkin-type spaces and Triebel-Lizorkin-Hausdorff spaces, which also give a new proof of the Sobolev embedding theorems for these spaces.
Nanoparticulate Adjuvants and Delivery Systems for Allergen Immunotherapy
Authors: De Souza Rebouças Juliana , Esparza Irene , Ferrer Marta , Sanz María Luisa , Irache Juan Manuel , Gamazo Carlos
Published: February 2012

In the last decades, significant progress in research and clinics has been made to offer possible innovative therapeutics for the management of allergic diseases. However, current allergen immunotherapy shows limitations concerning the long-term efficacy and safety due to local side effects and risk of anaphylaxis. Thus, effective and safe vaccines with reduced dose of allergen have been developed using adjuvants. Nevertheless, the use of adjuvants still has several disadvantages, which limits its use in human vaccines. In this context, several novel adjuvants for allergen immunotherapy are currently being investigated and developed. Currently, nanoparticles-based allergen-delivery systems have received much interest as potential adjuvants for allergen immunotherapy. It has been demonstrated that the incorporation of allergens into a delivery system plays an important role in the efficacy of allergy vaccines. Several nanoparticles-based delivery systems have been described, including biodegradable and nondegradable polymeric carriers. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of the current adjuvants used for allergen immunotherapy. Furthermore, nanoparticles-based allergen-delivery systems are focused as a novel and promising strategy for allergy vaccines.
Neurosyphilis Presenting as Asymptomatic Optic Perineuritis
Authors: Parker Sarah E. , Pula John H.
Published: February 2012

Introduction. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is known as “the great imitator” due to its wide variety of clinical presentations, including ocular disorders. There has been an increase in the rate of syphilis in the United States, especially in persons with HIV. We report a case of optic perineuritis in an asymptomatic male secondary to central nervous system (CNS) syphilis.Case Report. A 41-year-old man was found to have bilateral disc edema on a routine exam. Brain MRI was unremarkable, and lumbar puncture revealed a normal opening pressure, with an elevated cerebrospinal fluid white cell count. Orbit MRI showed optic nerve sheath expansion and enhancement, consistent with optic perineuritis. He tested positive for syphilis based on serum RPR and FTA-ABS.Conclusion. Ophthalmologic findings, including disc edema, may be the presenting features of CNS syphilis. Even in asymptomatic persons, perineuritis should be considered early, as diagnosis and treatment are imperative given the progressive nature of the disease.
Mammographic Findings after Intraoperative Radiotherapy of the Breast
Authors: Rivera Ronald , Smith-Bronstein Virginia , Villegas-Mendez Sylvia , Rayhanabad Jessica , Sheth Pulin , Rashtian Afshin , Holmes Dennis R.
Published: February 2012

Intraoperative Radiotherapy (IORT) is a form of accelerated partial breast radiation that has been shown to be equivalent to conventional whole breast external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in terms of local cancer control. However, questions have been raised about the potential of f IORT to produce breast parenchymal changes that could interfere with mammographic surveillance of cancer recurrence. The purpose of this study was to identify, quantify, and compare the mammographic findings of patients who received IORT and EBRT in a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial of women with early stage invasive breast cancer undergoing breast conserving therapy between July 2005 and December 2009. Treatment groups were compared with regard to the 1, 2 and 4-year incidence of 6 post-operative mammographic findings: architectural distortion, skin thickening, skin retraction, calcifications, fat necrosis, and mass density. Blinded review of 90 sets of mammograms of 15 IORT and 16 EBRT patients demonstrated a higher incidence of fat necrosis among IORT recipients at years 1, 2, and 4. However, none of the subjects were judged to have suspicious mammogram findings and fat necrosis did not interfere with mammographic interpretation.
ETosis: A Microbicidal Mechanism beyond Cell Death
Authors: Guimarães-Costa Anderson B. , Nascimento Michelle T. C. , Wardini Amanda B. , Pinto-da-Silva Lucia H. , Saraiva Elvira M.
Published: February 2012

Netosis is a recently described type of neutrophil death occurring with the release to the extracellular milieu of a lattice composed of DNA associated with histones and granular and cytoplasmic proteins. These webs, initially named neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), ensnare and kill microorganisms. Similarly, other cell types, such as eosinophils, mast cells, and macrophages, can also dye by this mechanism; thus, it was renamed as ETosis, meaning death with release of extracellular traps (ETs). Here, we review the mechanism of NETosis/etosis, emphasizing its role in diseases caused by protozoan parasites, fungi, and viruses.
AVE0991, a Nonpeptide Compound, Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation via Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 and Downregulation of p-38 MAPK Phosphorylation
Authors: Sheng-Long Chen , Yan-Xin Wu , Yi-Yi Huang , Ming Fang , Jian-Gui He , Yi-Li Chen , Wen-Jing Xia , Hong Ma
Published: February 2012

The nonpeptide AVE0991 is an agonist of the angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-(1–7)) Mas receptor and is expected to be a putative new drug for treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms involved in the antiproliferative effects of AVE0991 are not fully understood. We saw that the compound attenuated proliferation in an angiotensin II-induced rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) proliferation model. Moreover, treatment with AVE0991 (10−5 mol/L or10−7 mol/L) significantly attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, and dose-dependently (10−8to10−5 mol/L) inhibited Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation. Meanwhile, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression increased in the AVE0991 + Ang II group (10−5 mol/L or10−6 mol/L). However, the beneficial effects of AVE0991 were completely abolished when the VSMC were pretreated with A-779 (10−6 mol/L). Furthermore, treatment with the HO-1 inhibitor ZnPPIX attenuated the inhibitory effect of AVE0991 on Ang II-induced p38MAPK phosphorylation. These results suggest that AVE0991 attenuates Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion and that this effect is associated with the Mas/HO-1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway.