bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prosocial behaviour emerges independent of reciprocity in cottontop tamarins
Authors: Cronin Katherine A. , Schroeder Kori K. E. , Snowdon Charles T.
Published: July 2010

The cooperative breeding hypothesis posits that cooperatively breeding species are motivated to act prosocially, that is, to behave in ways that provide benefits to others, and that cooperative breeding has played a central role in the evolution of human prosociality. However, investigations of prosocial behaviour in cooperative breeders have produced varying results and the mechanisms contributing to this variation are unknown. We investigated whether reciprocity would facilitate prosocial behaviour among cottontop tamarins, a cooperatively breeding primate species likely to engage in reciprocal altruism, by comparing the number of food rewards transferred to partners who had either immediately previously provided or denied rewards to the subject. Subjects were also tested in a non-social control condition. Overall, results indicated that reciprocity increased food transfers. However, temporal analyses revealed that when the tamarins' behaviour was evaluated in relation to the non-social control, results were best explained by (i) an initial depression in the transfer of rewards to partners who recently denied rewards, and (ii) a prosocial effect that emerged late in sessions independent of reciprocity. These results support the cooperative breeding hypothesis, but suggest a minimal role for positive reciprocity, and emphasize the importance of investigating proximate temporal mechanisms underlying prosocial behaviour.
Coincident ruddy turnstone migration and horseshoe crab spawning creates an ecological ‘hot spot’ for influenza viruses
Authors: Krauss Scott , Stallknecht David E. , Negovetich Nicholas J. , Niles Lawrence J. , Webby Richard J. , Webster Robert G.
Published: July 2010

Since 1985, avian influenza virus surveillance has been conducted annually from mid-May to early June in
charadriiform
species from the families
Scolopacidae
and
Laridae
(shorebirds and gulls) at Delaware Bay in the northeast United States. The mass migrations of shorebirds, gulls and horseshoe crabs (
Limulus polyphemus
) coincide at that time, and large numbers of migrating birds pause at Delaware Bay to feed on horseshoe crab eggs deposited at the high-tide line. Influenza viruses are consistently isolated from
charadriiform
birds at Delaware Bay, at an overall rate approximately 17 times the combined rate of isolation at all other surveillance sites worldwide (490 isolates/9474 samples, 5.2% versus 49 isolates per 15 848 samples, 0.3%, respectively; Proportion test,
p
< 0.0001). The likelihood of isolating influenza viruses at Delaware Bay is dependent on the presence of ruddy turnstone (
Arenaria interpres
) at the sampling site (
G
-test of independence,
p
< 0.001). The convergence of host factors and environmental factors results in a unique ecological ‘hot spot’ for influenza viruses in
Charadriiformes
.
Control of hair follicle cell fate by underlying mesenchyme through a CSL–Wnt5a–FoxN1 regulatory axis
Authors: Hu Bing , Lefort Karine , Qiu Wenying , Nguyen Bach-Cuc , Rajaram Renuga Devi , Castillo Einar , He Fenglei , Chen Yiping , Angel Peter , Brisken Cathrin , Dotto G. Paolo
Published: July 2010

Epithelial–mesenchymal interactions are key to skin morphogenesis and homeostasis. We report that maintenance of the hair follicle keratinocyte cell fate is defective in mice with mesenchymal deletion of the CSL/RBP-Jκ gene, the effector of “canonical” Notch signaling. Hair follicle reconstitution assays demonstrate that this can be attributed to an intrinsic defect of dermal papilla cells. Similar consequences on hair follicle differentiation result from deletion of Wnt5a, a specific dermal papilla signature gene that we found to be under direct Notch/CSL control in these cells. Functional rescue experiments establish Wnt5a as an essential downstream mediator of Notch–CSL signaling, impinging on expression in the keratinocyte compartment of FoxN1, a gene with a key hair follicle regulatory function. Thus, Notch/CSL signaling plays a unique function in control of hair follicle differentiation by the underlying mesenchyme, with Wnt5a signaling and FoxN1 as mediators.
The CNK1 scaffold binds cytohesins and promotes insulin pathway signaling
Authors: Lim Junghwa , Zhou Ming , Veenstra Timothy D. , Morrison Deborah K.
Published: July 2010

Protein scaffolds play an important role in signal transduction, regulating the localization of signaling components and mediating key protein interactions. Here, we report that the major binding partners of the Connector Enhancer of KSR 1 (CNK1) scaffold are members of the cytohesin family of Arf guanine nucleotide exchange factors, and that the CNK1/cytohesin interaction is critical for activation of the PI3K/AKT cascade downstream from insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptors. We identified a domain located in the C-terminal region of CNK1 that interacts constitutively with the coiled-coil domain of the cytohesins, and found that CNK1 facilitates the membrane recruitment of cytohesin-2 following insulin stimulation. Moreover, through protein depletion and rescue experiments, we found that the CNK1/cytohesin interaction promotes signaling from plasma membrane-bound Arf GTPases to the phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinases (PIP5Ks) to generate a PIP2-rich microenvironment that is critical for the membrane recruitment of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and signal transmission to the PI3K/AKT cascade. These findings identify CNK1 as a new positive regulator of insulin signaling.
No time to lose: workshop on circadian rhythms and metabolic disease
Authors: Silva Corinne M. , Sato Sheryl , Margolis Ronald N.
Published: July 2010

The objective of the workshop was to gain a better understanding of the link between circadian rhythms and human health and disease. The impacts of circadian rhythms on metabolic gene regulation, as well as the effect of nutrient uptake and balance on the molecular components of the clock, were discussed. Topics included the neural circuitry underlying the central clock; the effect of the environment and diet on the central clock as well as peripheral, tissue-specific clocks; and the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational (e.g., epigenomic) mechanisms through which these signals are transduced. Evidence presented during the meeting demonstrated that circadian rhythms and metabolism are intricately linked, and that disruption in these rhythms have profound consequences—many times leading to metabolic disease. The mechanisms by which circadian rhythms are maintained and the cross-talk with metabolic signaling are just beginning to be elucidated. However, the interactions between these fields and the knowledge learned will clearly have a profound impact on our understanding of metabolic disease and lead to novel therapeutic approaches in the future
Gene amplification as double minutes or homogeneously staining regions in solid tumors: Origin and structure
Authors: Storlazzi Clelia Tiziana , Lonoce Angelo , Guastadisegni Maria C. , Trombetta Domenico , D'Addabbo Pietro , Daniele Giulia , L'Abbate Alberto , Macchia Gemma , Surace Cecilia , Kok Klaas , Ullmann Reinhard , Purgato Stefania , Palumbo Orazio , Carella Massimo , Ambros Peter F. , Rocchi Mariano
Published: July 2010

Double minutes (dmin) and homogeneously staining regions (hsr) are the cytogenetic hallmarks of genomic amplification in cancer. Different mechanisms have been proposed to explain their genesis. Recently, our group showed that the MYC-containing dmin in leukemia cases arise by excision and amplification (episome model). In the present paper we investigated 10 cell lines from solid tumors showing MYCN amplification as dmin or hsr. Particularly revealing results were provided by the two subclones of the neuroblastoma cell line STA-NB-10, one showing dmin-only and the second hsr-only amplification. Both subclones showed a deletion, at 2p24.3, whose extension matched the amplicon extension. Additionally, the amplicon structure of the dmin and hsr forms was identical. This strongly argues that the episome model, already demonstrated in leukemias, applies to solid tumors as well, and that dmin and hsr are two faces of the same coin. The organization of the duplicated segments varied from very simple (no apparent changes from the normal sequence) to very complex. MYCN was always overexpressed (significantly overexpressed in three cases). The fusion junctions, always mediated by nonhomologous end joining, occasionally juxtaposed truncated genes in the same transcriptional orientation. Fusion transcripts involving NBAS (also known as NAG), FAM49A, BC035112 (also known as NCRNA00276), and SMC6 genes were indeed detected, although their role in the context of the tumor is not clear.
Methylation profiling in individuals with uniparental disomy identifies novel differentially methylated regions on chromosome 15
Authors: Sharp Andrew J. , Migliavacca Eugenia , Dupre Yann , Stathaki Elisavet , Sailani Mohammad Reza , Baumer Alessandra , Schinzel Albert , Mackay Deborah J. , Robinson David O. , Cobellis Gilda , Cobellis Luigi , Brunner Han G. , Steiner Bernhard , Antonarakis Stylianos E.
Published: July 2010

The maternal and paternal genomes possess distinct epigenetic marks that distinguish them at imprinted loci. In order to identify imprinted loci, we used a novel method, taking advantage of the fact that uniparental disomy (UPD) provides a system that allows the two parental chromosomes to be studied independently. We profiled the paternal and maternal methylation on chromosome 15 using immunoprecipitation of methylated DNA and hybridization to tiling oligonucleotide arrays. Comparison of six individuals with maternal versus paternal UPD15 revealed 12 differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Putative DMRs were validated by bisulfite sequencing, confirming the presence of parent-of-origin-specific methylation marks. We detected DMRs associated with known imprinted genes within the Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome region, such asSNRPNandMAGEL2, validating this as a method of detecting imprinted loci. Of the 12 DMRs identified, eight were novel, some of which are associated with genes not previously thought to be imprinted. These include a site within intron 2 ofIGF1Rat 15q26.3, a gene that plays a fundamental role in growth, and an intergenic site upstream ofGABRG3that lies within a previously defined candidate region conferring an increased maternal risk of psychosis. These data provide a map of parent-of-origin-specific epigenetic modifications on chromosome 15, identifying DNA elements that may play a functional role in the imprinting process. Application of this methodology to other chromosomes for which UPD has been reported will allow the systematic identification of imprinted sites throughout the genome.
A Glucurono(arabino)xylan Synthase Complex from Wheat Contains Members of the GT43, GT47, and GT75 Families and Functions Cooperatively
Authors: Zeng Wei , Jiang Nan , Nadella Ramya , Killen Tara L. , Nadella Vijayanand , Faik Ahmed
Published: July 2010

Glucuronoarabinoxylans (GAXs) are the major hemicelluloses in grass cell walls, but the proteins that synthesize them have previously been uncharacterized. The biosynthesis of GAXs would require at least three glycosyltransferases (GTs): xylosyltransferase (XylT), arabinosyltransferase (AraT), and glucuronosyltransferase (GlcAT). A combination of proteomics and transcriptomics analyses revealed three wheat (Triticum aestivum) glycosyltransferase (TaGT) proteins from the GT43, GT47, and GT75 families as promising candidates involved in GAX synthesis in wheat, namely TaGT43-4, TaGT47-13, and TaGT75-4. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments using specific antibodies produced against TaGT43-4 allowed the immunopurification of a complex containing these three GT proteins. The affinity-purified complex also showed GAX-XylT, GAX-AraT, and GAX-GlcAT activities that work in a cooperative manner. UDP Xyl strongly enhanced both AraT and GlcAT activities. However, while UDP arabinopyranose stimulated the XylT activity, it had only limited effect on GlcAT activity. Similarly, UDP GlcUA stimulated the XylT activity but had only limited effect on AraT activity. The [14C]GAX polymer synthesized by the affinity-purified complex contained Xyl, Ara, and GlcUA in a ratio of 45:12:1, respectively. When this product was digested with purified endoxylanase III and analyzed by high-pH anion-exchange chromatography, only two oligosaccharides were obtained, suggesting a regular structure. One of the two oligosaccharides has six Xyls and two Aras, and the second oligosaccharide contains Xyl, Ara, and GlcUA in a ratio of 40:8:1, respectively. Our results provide a direct link of the involvement of TaGT43-4, TaGT47-13, and TaGT75-4 proteins (as a core complex) in the synthesis of GAX polymer in wheat.
Corporate Governance, Audit Firm Reputation, Auditor Switches, and Client Stock Price Reactions: The Andersen Experience
Authors: Asthana Sharad C. , Balsam Steven , Krishnan Jagan
Published: July 2010

The financial scandal surrounding the collapse of Enron caused erosion in the reputation of its auditor, Arthur Andersen, leading to concerns about Andersen's ability to continue in existence and ultimately to the firm's demise. In this paper we investigate the role of corporate governance on the timing of the auditor switch by former Andersen clients. After controlling for factors associated with switching costs, we find clients with strong corporate governance were more likely to switch early. We also find that clients switching from Andersen experienced positive abnormal returns during the three‐day window surrounding the announcement of the switch. We attribute this positive response to the reduction in uncertainty associated with the cost of finding a new auditor.
Prevalence, knowledge and care patterns for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in United States minority populations
Authors: Yuen E. , Romney M. , Toner R. W. , Cobb N. M. , Katz P. O. , Spodik M. , Goldfarb N. I.
Published: July 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 645–654

Background  While there is evidence of ethnic variation in the prevalence of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, few population‐based studies examine GERD symptom prevalence amongst the growing Hispanic minority in the US as well as Asians in the West.

Aim  To examine the prevalence, awareness and care patterns for GERD across different ethnic groups.

Methods  A population‐based, cross‐sectional survey was fielded in English, Chinese and Spanish that assessed self‐reported GERD prevalence, awareness and care patterns in four ethnic groups (Caucasian, African American, Asian, Hispanic).

Results  A total of 1172 subjects were included for analysis: 34.6% experienced GERD symptoms at least monthly, 26.2% at least weekly and 8.2% at least daily. Statistically significant differences in raw prevalence rates between racial groups were found: 50% of Hispanics experienced heartburn at least monthly, compared with 37% of Caucasians, 31% of African Americans and 20% of Asians (P > 0.0001). Significant differences in knowledge and care‐seeking patterns by ethnicity were also observed.

Conclusions  This study confirms the high prevalence of GERD symptoms in the US and introduces Hispanics as the ethnicity with the highest prevalence rate. Asians in the US have higher rates of symptoms than in the Far East. These data demonstrate a need for culturally appropriate education about GERD symptoms and treatment.
Asylum‐seeking minors in interpreter‐mediated interviews: what do they say and what happens to their responses?
Authors: Keselman Olga , Cederborg Ann‐Christin , Lamb Michael E. , Dahlström Örjan
Published: July 2010

This study explored how asylum‐seeking minors report information when formally interviewed. Twenty‐six Russian‐speaking minors (mean = 16.0 years of age) were individually interviewed by officials assisted by one of 18 interpreters. A qualitative analysis of the responses was used to develop categories that were then analysed quantitatively to elucidate characteristics of the questions asked by the officials, the minors' responses to them and the accuracy with which the minors' responses were rendered. The asylum‐seeking minors distinguished themselves as active participants. They appeared eager to disclose relevant information despite being asked many potentially contaminating questions. Most of the children's responses were accurately rendered, but mistranslations can affect the fact‐finding process substantially. Both the minors and the officials involved in the asylum‐seeking process need to recognize that both the questions asked and the responses given may be influenced by the third parties involved, i.e. the interpreters.
Guidance for the assessment of risks to bees from the use of plant protection products under the framework of Council Directive 91/414 and Regulation 1107/2009
Authors: Alix Anne , Lewis Gavin
Published: July 2010

About 15 years have passed since the implementation of Directive 91/414/EEC and the regulatory framework with regard to pesticide use and environmental protection aims, as well as the plant protection techniques involving pesticides, have evolved over this period. In the case of honey bees, further developments and updates with regards to larval testing have been undertaken. Experimental protocols for semi‐field and field testing have been reviewed in detail. Finally, a dedicated risk assessment scheme has been developed for seed coating and soil applications that involve systemic compounds. A revision of the original EPPO Standards: the Risk Assessment Scheme PP 3/10(2) Honeybees and the test guidelines PP1/170 (3) Side‐effects on honeybees has thus been undertaken in order to benefit from these improvements. This paper aims to provide the details of the reasoning on which the revised risk assessment scheme relies as well as providing the necessary references to the data which have been reviewed in the context of this revision.
Invasive alien plants in plant health: a review of the past ten years
Authors: Schrader G. , Unger J.‐G. , Starfinger U.
Published: July 2010

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) provides the background for National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) to regulate and control invasive alien species that are harmful to plants. This subject was specifically discussed for the first time 10 years ago at IPPC level, and further explored by an IPPC open‐ended working group. The resulting concept was considered at EU level, and the EU Council supported the suitability of the plant health framework for these species, requesting the EU Commission to further analyse the needs for regulatory work in the EU plant health regime. Subsequently the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) started a new working programme. The international conference ‘Invasive alien species and the IPPC’ set a signal for IPPC contracting parties to encourage their NPPOs to enforce actions on invasive alien species. IPPC standards on pest risk analysis (PRA) were adapted so as to include invasive alien species harmful to plants, and a memorandum of cooperation was adopted between the Secretariats of the IPPC and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). At present, the EU Commission, DG Environment is developing a European strategy on invasive alien species. The EU Plant Health Regulatory System is currently subjected to a major evaluation process in which a clearer inclusion of invasive alien species into the system is one of the strategic discussions.
Internal methods comparison study and inter‐laboratory study on Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in tomato seeds1
Authors: Olivier V. , Baloche A. , Drouin A. , Audusseau C. , Paillard S. , Soubelet H.
Published: July 2010

Bacterial canker of tomato is a disease caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, a quarantine bacterium, the spread of which has not been completely controlled in spite of the phytosanitary measures taken within the EPPO region. Since 2008 the French National Laboratory for Plant Health (LNPV) has been working on the assessment of the methods used in laboratories to detect the presence of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in tomato seeds i.e. dilution plating on semi‐selective media and immunofluorescence. In the 1st stage of the assessment, a methods comparison study was performed with reference strains to determine the performance criteria of the tests in optimal conditions. In the 2nd stage, an inter‐laboratory study on naturally and artificially contaminated seeds was performed with 8 laboratories from 6 European countries. This study demonstrated the strengths and weaknesses of the tests currently in use. Two laboratories took the opportunity the collaborative study offered to evaluate alternative tests: BIO‐PCR and IMS‐plating. These could offer interesting alternatives to optimise the detection procedure for Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis on tomato seeds.
Current progress in ABO‐incompatible liver transplantation
Authors: Tanabe Minoru , Kawachi Shigeyuki , Obara Hideaki , Shinoda Masahiro , Hibi Taizo , Kitagawa Yuko , Wakabayashi Go , Shimazu Motohide , Kitajima Masaki
Published: July 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (10): 943–949

Background  ABO‐incompatible (ABOi) living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in adult patients has been controversial because of the high risk of antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) mediated by preformed anti‐ABO antibodies. However, outcomes have recently improved owing to various treatment advances.

Materials and methods  This review article describes the history and current progress in ABOi liver transplantation, mainly from the viewpoint of the Japanese experience.

Results  The typical clinical manifestations of AMR are hepatic necrosis and intrahepatic biliary complication. The outcomes of early ABOi LDLT were poor, especially in older children and adult cases. Since we first introduced portal vein infusion therapy into adult ABOi LDLT in 1998, local graft infusion therapy has emerged in Japan as a crucial breakthrough to overcome the ABO blood group barrier. From 2003, rituximab prophylaxis has been widely used with local graft infusion, and has resulted in markedly improved patient survival. The novel approach of intravenous immunoglobulin induction may become another option to suppress AMR. Continued patient enrolment and controlled trials will allow further validation of these treatments.

Conclusions  The outcome of ABOi LDLT is now similar to that of blood‐type‐matched transplantation in Japan. However, infection is the major cause of morbidity and mortality after ABOi LDLT. Thus, evaluation of the patients' immune status and adjustment of immunosuppression will be the way forward in the future.
The paradigm of body condition: a critical reappraisal of current methods based on mass and length
Authors: Peig Jordi , Green Andy J.
Published: July 2010

1. Body condition is a major concept in ecology addressed in countless studies, and a variety of non‐destructive methods are used to estimate the condition of individuals based on the relationship between body mass M and measures of length L. There is currently no consensus about the most appropriate condition index (CI) method, and various traditions have been established within subdisciplines in which ecologists tend to apply that method used previously by their peers.

2. Here, we present a reappraisal of six conventional CI methods: Fulton’s index (K = M/L3), Quételet’s index (BMI = M/L2), Relative condition (Kn, computed as the observed individual mass divided by the predicted mass Mi* = a Lib where a and b are determined by ordinary least squares (OLS) regression of M against L), Relative mass (Wr, where a and b above are determined from a reference population), the Residual index (Ri, the residuals from an OLS regression of M against L) and ancova. We compare the performance of these methods with that of the Scaled mass index, a novel method which was previously shown to perform better than Ri as a predictor of fat and other body components [J. Peig & A.J. Green (2009) Oikos, 118, 1883].

3. To be reliable, a CI method must successfully account for the changing relationship between M and L as body size changes and growth occurs (i.e. for the scaling relationship between M and L). Using data from three species of small mammals we show that, unlike the Scaled mass index, all six conventional methods fail to do this, and as a result they consistently lead to significant differences in CIs between age classes and sex that are a mere consequence of changes in body size. The Scaled mass index was also particularly successful at detecting changes in CI resulting from high levels of contaminants.
Survival selection imposed by predation on a physiological trait underlying escape speed
Authors: Strobbe Francis , McPeek Mark A. , De Block Marjan , Stoks Robby
Published: July 2010

1. In contrast to other phenotypic traits, selection on physiological traits remains largely undocumented. We have evaluated survival selection imposed by predation by dragonflies on the activity of arginine kinase (Ak), a key enzyme delivering energy for escape performance in invertebrates.

2. To accomplish this, we conducted a semi‐natural field enclosure experiment in which we manipulated predation by large dragonfly predators, and quantified escape swimming speed and Ak in the prey, the damselflyEnallagma vesperum. To avoid confounding selection on Ak with selection on other swimming speed‐related variables, we also scored all morphological and behavioural traits thought to underlie swimming speed in these damselflies.

3. Dragonfly predators imposed considerable mortality and selected for faster swimming speed and higher activity levels of Ak. Furthermore, higher Ak levels contributed to higher swimming speeds, confirming the mechanistic role of Ak for escape performance. Although morphological (size of the caudal lamellae which generate trust) and behavioural (number of beats made by the abdomen during swimming and the start angle of the C‐start) variables contribute to increasing swimming speed, we detected no selection on these variables. This may be due to functional redundancy.

4. Taken together, our results indicated selection on Ak and suggested that selection on physiological traits may be as strong as selection on morphology and life history traits.
Emergence of mammals by emergency: exaptation
Authors: Okada Norihiro , Sasaki Takeshi , Shimogori Tomomi , Nishihara Hidenori
Published: July 2010

With the development of molecular embryology and the coming of the post‐genomic era, the molecular mechanisms of morphological evolution have recently begun to be elucidated. Whole genome sequences of many vertebrate species have been determined, and comparative genomics has suggested that one source of biodiversity is conserved non‐coding elements (CNEs), which may be involved in generating new networks of gene expression. Nishihara et al. (Genome Res. 2006; 16, 864) discovered retroposon (AmnSINE1s)‐derived CNEs in the human genome, and suggested that the AmnSINE1s obtained their function (i.e., exapted) in a common mammalian ancestor and are involved in generating mammalian‐specific morphology. Therefore, investigation of the function of AmnSINE1‐derived CNEs in morphogenesis helps us understand the molecular events of how mammals obtained their specific morphological characters by exaptation that occurred when the first mammalian ancestor emerged about 250 Ma (million years ago). Because there are more than 100 AmnSINE1‐derived CNE loci in the mammalian genome, a burst of exaptation of AmnSINE1s must have occurred, possibly triggered by the Permian‐Triassic mass extinction 250 Ma. In this review, we discuss morphological evolution of the mammalian‐specific characters including brain that were exapted after retrotransposition of AmnSINE1s by referring to two CNE loci described by Sasaki et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2008; 105, 4220).
The influence of regulatory T cells and diurnal hormone rhythms on T helper cell activity
Authors: Bollinger Thomas , Bollinger Annalena , Naujoks Julius , Lange Tanja , Solbach Werner
Published: July 2010

Symptoms of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, which is T helper 1 (Th1) dependent, and asthma, which is T helper 2 (Th2) dependent, are influenced by diurnal rhythms and natural regulatory T cells (nTreg). However, the mechanisms responsible for the diurnal rhythm of disease activity have not been identified and it is unclear whether nTreg activity is diurnal rhythm‐dependent. We therefore investigated whether a 24‐hr diurnal cycle affected the ability of various helper T‐cell populations to generate immunomodulatory and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, as well as its suppression by nTreg cells. Using a within‐subject crossover design, sleep versus continuous wakefulness was compared over a 24‐hr period in healthy young volunteers under defined environmental conditions. Venous blood was drawn periodically every 5 hr and the function of T cells was explored in vitro. We demonstrated that interleukin (IL)‐2, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and IL‐10 secretion by naïve CD4+ T cells follows a diurnal rhythm. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis, as well as subsequent in vitro experiments, suggested that serum levels of cortisol and prolactin are part of the underlying mechanism. Additionally, we observed that nTreg suppressed the secretion of IFN‐γ, IL‐2 and TNF‐α, but not the secretion of IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10 and IL‐17A. However, the abrogation of IL‐2 release was reversed upon inhibiting CD25 on nTreg. Highly purified nTreg secreted IL‐6, IL‐10 and IL‐17A, but not IL‐2, IL‐4, IFN‐γ or TNF‐α. Taken together, our results demonstrate that hormones and nTreg modulate the diurnal rhythm of T helper cell activity.
Inhibition of a C‐rich oligodeoxynucleotide on activation of immune cells in vitro and enhancement of antibody response in mice
Authors: Yang Guang , Wan Min , Zhang Yongsheng , Sun Luguo , Sun Ran , Hu Dali , Zhou Xiaojing , Wang Li , Wu Xiuli , Wang Liying , Yu Yongli
Published: July 2010

To explore the possibility that human mitochondrial genomic DNA‐mimicking oligodeoxynucleotides could regulate the immune response, a series of mitochondrial DNA‐based oligodeoxynucleotides (MTODNs) were designed and studied to determine their immunoregulatory effects on immune cells activated by toll‐like receptor (TLR) stimulation. The results showed that a C‐rich MTODN, designated MT01, was able to inhibit the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) induced by cytosine–phosphate–guanosine (CpG) oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) and the production of type I interferon (IFN) from human PBMCs stimulated by TLR agonists, including inactivated influenza virus, imiquimod, inactivated herpes simplex virus‐1 (HSV‐1) and CpG ODNs. In addition, MT01 inhibited the CpG ODN‐enhanced antibody response and this inhibition could be related to the antagonism of TLR9‐activation pathways in B cells. Notably, unlike the G‐rich suppressive ODNs reported, MT01 is composed of ACCCCCTCT repeats. These data imply that MT01 represents a novel class of immunosuppressive ODNs that could be candidate biologicals with therapeutic use in TLR activation‐associated diseases.
An evaluation of the effect of blood and human serum on the surface microhardness and surface microstructure of mineral trioxide aggregate
Authors: Nekoofar M. H. , Oloomi K. , Sheykhrezae M. S. , Tabor R. , Stone D. F. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: July 2010

Nekoofar MH, Oloomi K, Sheykhrezae MS, Tabor R, Stone DF, Dummer PMH. An evaluation of the effect of blood and human serum on the surface microhardness and surface microstructure of mineral trioxide aggregate. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 849–858, 2010.

Aim  Short‐term and long‐term evaluation of the effect of whole human blood or serum contamination on the surface microhardness value and microstructure of white and grey mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).

Methodology  Three groups of 10 samples for each type of MTA were prepared. The first group was mixed with and exposed to fresh whole human blood. The second and third groups were mixed with distilled water and exposed to fresh whole human blood or human serum, respectively. The control group samples were mixed with and exposed to distilled water. During preparation, 1 g of MTA was triturated with 0.33 g of the selected liquid using an amalgamator and placed inside borosilicate cylindrical moulds. The samples were treated with ultrasonic energy. Vickers surface microhardness values were compared after 4 and 180 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed after 4 days.

Results  White MTA had a greater microhardness value than grey MTA in all groups. There was a significant difference between the control and the experimental groups (P < 0.00001). There was no significant difference between the microhardness values obtained after 4 and 180 days, apart from grey MTA mixed with blood or exposed to serum (P < 0.00001). SEM analysis showed the contaminated samples were devoid of acicular crystals that were prominent in the control groups.

Conclusion  Blood contamination had a detrimental effect on the surface microhardness of MTA in the short and long term. If blood or serum contamination is unavoidable under clinical conditions, it might be preferable to use white MTA.
Monocyte chemotactic protein‐3: possible involvement in apical periodontitis chemotaxis
Authors: Dezerega A. , Osorio C. , Mardones J. , Mundi V. , Dutzan N. , Franco M. , Gamonal J. , Oyarzún A. , Overall C. M. , Hernández M.
Published: July 2010

Dezerega A, Osorio C, Mardones J, Mundi V, Dutzan N, Franco M, Gamonal J, Oyarzún A, Overall CM, Hernández M. Monocyte chemotactic protein‐3: possible involvement in apical periodontitis chemotaxis. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 902–908, 2010.

Aim  To study the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein‐3 (MCP‐3, also known as chemokine CCL‐7) in tissue from apical lesions (AL) and to associate MCP‐3 expression with symptomatic or asymptomatic apical periodontitis.

Methodology  To determine the expression of MCP‐3 in AL, biopsies obtained during tooth extraction procedures were fixed, subjected to routine processing and diagnosed as apical granuloma (AG) (n = 7) or radicular cyst (RC) (n = 5). As controls, apical periodontal ligament (PDL) specimens from healthy premolars extracted for orthodontics reasons were included (n = 7). All specimens were immunostained for MCP‐3 and examined under a light microscope. In addition, homogenates from AL (n = 14) and healthy PDL samples (n = 7) were studied through immunowestern blot. Finally, periapical exudates samples were collected from root canals of teeth having diagnosis of symptomatic (n = 14) and asymptomatic apical periodontitis (n = 14) during routine endodontic treatments and analysed by immunowestern blot and densitometry.

Results  MCP‐3 was detected in AG and RC and localized mainly to inflammatory leucocytes, whereas no expression was observed in healthy PDLs. MCP‐3 was also detected in periapical exudate, and its levels were significantly higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic apical periodontitis.

Conclusions  MCP‐3 was expressed in AL and its levels associated with clinical symptoms. MCP‐3 might play a role in disease pathogenesis, possibly by stimulating mononuclear chemotaxis.
Comparison of dentine removal using V‐taper and K‐Flexofile instruments
Authors: Akhlaghi N. M. , Kahali R. , Abtahi A. , Tabatabaee S. , Mehrvarzfar P. , Parirokh M.
Published: July 2010

Akhlaghi NM, Kahali R, Abtahi A, Tabatabaee S, Mehrvarzfar P, Parirokh M. Comparison of dentine removal using V‐taper and K‐Flexofile instruments. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 1029–1036, 2010.

Aim  To compare the dentine removal ability of V‐Taper and K‐Flexofile instruments in mesiobuccal canals of extracted mandibular first molar teeth.

Methodology  Preoperative images of 40 mesiobuccal canals of mandibular first molars (with a curvature between 20° and 35°) were obtained at 2, 4.5, and 7 mm from the root apices by CT‐scan and divided into two groups. Group F was prepared with K‐Flexofiles and Gates Glidden drills and Group V with V‐Taper Ni–Ti rotary and stainless steel hand instruments. Post‐instrumentation images were then obtained and compared with the preoperative images. The ratio of dentine removal based on pre‐ and postoperative images was calculated, and data was analysed by anova and Tukey post hoc test.

Results  In group F in the coronal sections, the least ratio of the dentine removal to the initial root thickness was on the buccal aspect (15.14% ± 6.72), and the greatest ratio was found on the distolingual (29.38% ± 8.19). In group V in the coronal, the least ratio of the dentine removal to the initial root thickness was on the buccal aspect (9.81% ± 3.26); the greatest ratio was found on the distolingual surface in the coronal sections (34.38% ± 10.51). In the middle sections, the least ratio was on the buccal (10.51% ± 3.39) and the greatest on the distolingual aspects (27.46% ± 12.34) of the roots. In the apical sections, the amount of the dentine removed from the mesial and distal surfaces in group V was significantly more than group F (P < 0.01).

Conclusion  The distolingual aspect of the root canal is a danger zone for the mesiobuccal canal of the mesial root in mandibular molar teeth, and preparation of that area should be performed with caution. Except the apical part of the canal, no significant difference was found between the two preparation files or techniques used. Apart from the apical part of the canal, neither instrument maintained the original shape of the coronal and middle parts of the canal.
The role of support staff in promoting the social inclusion of persons with an intellectual disability
Authors: McConkey R. , Collins S.
Published: July 2010

Background  Past studies have found that people supported in more individualised housing options tend to have levels of community participation and wider social networks than those in other accommodation options. Yet, the contribution of support staff in facilitating social inclusion has received relatively scant attention.

Methods  In all 245 staff working in either supported living schemes, or shared residential and group homes, or in day centres completed a written questionnaire in which they rated in terms of priority to their job, 16 tasks that were supportive of social inclusion and a further 16 tasks that related to the care of the person they supported. In addition staff identified those tasks that they considered were not appropriate to their job.

Results  Across all three service settings, staff rated more care tasks as having higher priority than they did the social inclusion tasks. However, staff in supported living schemes rated more social inclusion tasks as having high priority than did staff in the other two service settings. Equally the staff who were most inclined to rate social inclusion tasks as not being applicable to their job were those working day centres; female rather than male staff, those in front‐line staff rather than senior staff, and those in part‐time or relief positions rather than full‐time posts. However, within each service settings, there were wide variations in how staff rated the social inclusion tasks.

Conclusions  Staff working in more individualised support arrangements tend to give greater priority to promoting social inclusion although this can vary widely both across and within staff teams. Nonetheless, staff gave greater priority to care tasks especially in congregated service settings. Service managers may need to give more emphasis to social inclusion tasks and provide the leadership, training and resources to facilitate support staff to re‐assess their priorities.
Prevalence of autism in an urban population of adults with severe intellectual disabilities – a preliminary study
Authors: Saemundsen E. , Juliusson H. , Hjaltested S. , Gunnarsdottir T. , Halldorsdottir T. , Hreidarsson S. , Magnusson P.
Published: July 2010

Background  Research on the prevalence of autism in Iceland has indicated that one possible explanation of fewer autism cases in older age groups was due to an underestimation of autism in individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs). The present study systematically searched for autism cases in the adult population of individuals with severe ID living in the city of Reykjavik, Iceland.

Methods  Potential participants (n = 256) were recruited through the Regional Office for the Affairs of the Handicapped in Reykjavik. First, a screening tool for autism was applied, followed by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and finally the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R).

Results  The point prevalence of severe ID was 3.7/1000 (95% CI 3.2–4.1) with a male–female ratio of 1.2:1. Participation rate in the study was 46.5%. Participants were younger than non‐participants and more often residents of group homes. The prevalence of autism was 21% (25/119) (95% CI 14.7–29.2) with a male–female ratio of 1.8:1. Of the individuals with autism, 10/25 (40%) were verbal according to the ADI‐R definition, and 18/25 (72%) had active epilepsy and/or other neurological conditions and handicaps.

Conclusion  The study identified twice the number of autism cases than those previously recognised within the service system. Autism is a prevalent additional handicap in individuals with severe ID, which should always be considered in this population. There are indications that the estimated prevalence of autism found should be considered minimal.
Work stress and depression among direct support professionals: the role of work support and locus of control
Authors: Gray‐Stanley J. A. , Muramatsu N. , Heller T. , Hughes S. , Johnson T. P. , Ramirez‐Valles J.
Published: July 2010

Background  Although work stress can impede the capacity of direct support professionals and contribute to mental health challenges, external (i.e. work social support) and internal resources (i.e. an internal locus of control) have been shown to help DSPs cope more actively. We examined how work stress was associated with depression, with a particular focus on the role of resources.

Method  Direct support professionals (n = 323) who serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from five community‐based organisations completed a cross‐sectional, self‐administered survey which measured work stress, work support, locus of control, and depression.

Results  Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that work stress was positively associated with depression, while resources were negatively associated with depression. In particular, work support moderated the effects of client disability stress, supervisory support lessened the effects of role conflict, and locus of control moderated the effects of workload.

Conclusions  Such findings suggest the importance of external and internal resources for staff mental health. This research underscores the need for strong work social support systems and interventions to help staff manage work stressors.
Borate promotes the formation of a complex between legume AGP‐extensin and Rhamnogalacturonan II and enhances production of Rhizobium capsular polysaccharide during infection thread development in Pisum sativum symbiotic root nodules
Authors: REGUERA MARÍA , ABREU ISIDRO , BREWIN NICHOLAS J. , BONILLA ILDEFONSO , BOLAÑOS LUIS
Published: July 2010

The capacity to bind to biomolecules is considered to be the basis for any physiological role of boron (B). Legume arabinogalactan protein‐extensin (AGPE), a major component of the infection thread matrix of legume nodules is a potential B‐ligand. Therefore, its role in infection threads development was investigated in Pisum sativum grown under B deficiency. Using the AGPE‐specific antibody MAC265, immunochemical analysis revealed that a 175 kDa MAC265 antigen was abundant in +B but much weaker in –B nodule extracts. A B‐dependent complex involving AGPE and rhamnogalacturonan II (RGII) could be co‐purified using anti‐RGII antiserum. Following fractionation of –B nodules, MAC265 antigens were mostly associated with the bacterial pellet. Immunogold staining confirmed that AGPE was closely associated with the surface of rhizobia in the lumen of threads in −B nodules whereas in +B nodules, AGPE was separated from the bacterial surface by a sheath of capsular polysaccharide. Interestingly, colonies of rhizobia grown in free‐living culture without B developed low capsule production. Therefore, we propose that B could be important for apical growth of infection threads by strengthening thread wall through a B‐dependent AGPE‐RGII interaction and by promoting bacterial advance through a B‐dependent production of a stable rhizobial capsule that prevents AGPE attachment.
Regulation of subtilisin‐like protease prC expression by nematode cuticle in the nematophagous fungus Clonostachys rosea
Authors: Zou Cheng‐Gang , Tao Nan , Liu Wen‐Jing , Yang Jin‐Kui , Huang Xiao‐Wei , Liu Xian‐Yong , Tu Hui‐Hui , Gan Zhong‐Wei , Zhang Ke‐Qin
Published: July 2010

Nematophagous fungi have been used as biological control agents against nematodes parasitic to plants and animals. These fungi can secret subtilisin‐like extracellular serine proteases during the infection of nematodes. The expression of these subtilisin‐like serine proteases is regulated by nitrogen sources, including nematode cuticle. However, the mechanisms underlying the nitrogen sources‐induced expression of these serine proteases is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of nitrogen sources on the expression of a subtilisin‐like extracellular protease, prC, in the nematophagous fungus Clonostachys rosea. Disruption of prC attenuated infection of the fungus to nematodes, indicating that this gene functions as a virulence factor. The inhibition of basal expression of prC by the preferred nitrogen sources (glutamine, ammonia) occurred at the transcriptional level. In contrast, nematode cuticle induced the expression of prC at the post‐transcriptional level. The inducible expression of prC by nematode cuticle was significantly suppressed by glutamine, ammonia and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (an inhibitor of serine protease). Thus, the existence of active PrC, albeit at a low level in the medium, is probably essential for further induction of this gene by nematode cuticle. Moreover, the low molecule weight (< 3 kD) degradation products of nematode cuticle could significantly induce the expression of prC. Ammonia suppresses the virulence of C. rosea against nematodes, probably by inhibiting prC expression. Thus, the nematophagous fungi probably could not function well as biocontrol agents in fields fertilized with a large amount of ammonium salt.
The Councillor: Governor, Governing, Governance and the Complexity of Citizen Engagement
Authors: Copus Colin
Published: July 2010

Citizen participation in local government has the potential to augment local political efficacy, that is, the expectation among citizens of being able to wield effective political action. Locally, political efficacy is a product of the way councillors respond to citizen engagement and the attitudes they have to the means available to citizens to engage in politics and about what drives that engagement. Political efficacy is linked to councillors' willingness to transmit citizen attitudes to others in the governance network and to the way in which they perceive their role as a councillor and political representative. The article reports the findings of elite research which examined how councillors reconcile their role as an elected representative with citizen engagement and whether such engagement provides councillors with a way to influence governance networks.