bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Renal Sympathetic Denervation on the Atrial Electrophysiology in Dogs with Pacing‐Induced Heart Failure
Authors: WANG XIAOZHAN , ZHAO QINGYAN , DENG HONGPING , WANG XULE , GUO ZONGWEN , DAI ZIXUAN , XIAO JINPING , WAN PEIXING , HUANG CONGXIN
Published: May 2014

Background

Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are associated with sympathetic activation. Renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) can suppress AF vulnerability. The impact of RSD on atrial electrophysiology in experimental HF is unclear.

Methods

Twenty‐two beagles were randomized into control, HF, and HF + RSD groups. Control dogs were implanted cardiac pacemakers without pacing. Dogs in the HF group underwent right ventricular pacing for 3 weeks at 240 beats/min to induce HF. The dogs in the HF + RSD group received RSD and underwent the same HF‐inducing procedure.

Results

The P‐wave dispersion was higher in HF dogs than in the control and HF + RSD dogs (19 ± 3.1 ms vs 13 ± 2.3 ms, 15 ± 2.9 ms, P = 0.04). Conduction time within the interatrium was significantly longer in the HF dogs than that in the control and HF + RSD dogs (39 ± 4 ms vs 31 ± 3 ms, 33 ± 4 ms; P = 0.03). Window of vulnerability (WOV) of AF was widened in the HF dogs than in the HF + RSD dogs (37 ± 5 ms vs 14 ± 3 ms; P < 0.01), while AF could not be induced (WOV = 0) in the control dogs during S1S2 stimulation. The voltage in the threshold for AF inducibility was lower during ganglionated plexi stimulation in the HF dogs than in the control and HF + RSD dogs (1.8 ± 0.6 V vs 2.5 ± 0.6 V, 2.4 ± 0.4 V; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

RSD could reverse the atrial electrical remodeling and decrease AF inducibility in dogs with pacing‐induced HF.
Inverse modulation of the energy sensor Snf1‐related protein kinase 1 on hypoxia adaptation and salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: IM JONG HEE , CHO YOUNG‐HEE , KIM GEUN‐DON , KANG GEUN‐HO , HONG JUNG‐WOO , YOO SANG‐DONG
Published: May 2014

Terrestrial plants are exposed to complex stresses of high salt‐induced abscisic acid (ABA) and submergence‐induced hypoxia when seawater floods fields. Many studies have investigated plant responses to individual stress conditions, but not so much for coupled or sequentially imposed stresses. We examined molecular regulatory mechanisms of gene expression underlying the cellular responses involved in crosstalk between salt and hypoxia stresses. Salt/ABA‐ and AtMYC2‐dependent induction of a synthetic ABA‐responsive element and the native RD22 promoters were utilized in our cell‐based functional assays. Such promoter‐based reporter induction was largely inhibited by hypoxia and hypoxia‐inducible AKIN10 activity. Biochemical analyses showed that AKIN10 negatively modulates AtMYC2 protein accumulation via proteasome activity upon AKIN10 kinase activity‐dependent protein modification. Further genetic analysis using transgenic plants expressing AKIN10 provided evidence that AKIN10 activity undermined AtMYC2‐dependent salt tolerance. Our findings unravel a novel molecular interaction between the key signalling constituents leading crosstalk between salt and hypoxia stresses in Arabidopsis thaliana under the detrimental condition of submergence in saltwater.
How changing root system architecture can help tackle a reduction in soil phosphate (P) levels for better plant P acquisition
Authors: HEPPELL J. , TALBOYS P. , PAYVANDI S. , ZYGALAKIS K. C. , FLIEGE J. , WITHERS P. J. A. , JONES D. L. , ROOSE T.
Published: May 2014

The readily available global rock phosphate (P) reserves may run out within the next 50–130 years, causing soils to have a reduced P concentration which will affect plant P uptake. Using a combination of mathematical modelling and experimental data, we investigated potential plant‐based options for optimizing crop P uptake in reduced soil P environments.

By varying the P concentration within a well‐mixed agricultural soil, for high and low P (35.5–12.5 mg L−1 respectively using Olsen's P index), we investigated branching distributions within a wheat root system that maximize P uptake.

Changing the root branching distribution from linear (evenly spaced branches) to strongly exponential (a greater number of branches at the top of the soil) improves P uptake by 142% for low‐P soils when root mass is kept constant between simulations. This causes the roots to emerge earlier and mimics topsoil foraging. Manipulating root branching patterns, to maximize P uptake, is not enough on its own to overcome the drop in soil P from high to low P. Further mechanisms have to be considered to fully understand the impact of P reduction on plant development.
Gibberellin biosynthesis and signal transduction is essential for internode elongation in deepwater rice
Authors: AYANO MADOKA , KANI TAKAHIRO , KOJIMA MIKIKO , SAKAKIBARA HITOSHI , KITAOKA TAKUYA , KUROHA TAKESHI , ANGELES‐SHIM ROSALYN B. , KITANO HIDEMI , NAGAI KEISUKE , ASHIKARI MOTOYUKI
Published: May 2014

Under flooded conditions, the leaves and internodes of deepwater rice can elongate above the water surface to capture oxygen and prevent drowning. Our previous studies showed that three major quantitative trait loci (QTL) regulate deepwater‐dependent internode elongation in deepwater rice. In this study, we investigated the age‐dependent internode elongation in deepwater rice. We also investigated the relationship between deepwater‐dependent internode elongation and the phytohormone gibberellin (GA) by physiological and genetic approach using a QTL pyramiding line (NIL‐1 + 3 + 12). Deepwater rice did not show internode elongation before the sixth leaf stage under deepwater condition. Additionally, deepwater‐dependent internode elongation occurred on the sixth and seventh internodes during the sixth leaf stage. These results indicate that deepwater rice could not start internode elongation until the sixth leaf stage. Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass‐spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) method for the phytohormone contents showed a deepwater‐dependent GA1 and GA4 accumulation in deepwater rice. Additionally, a GA inhibitor abolished deepwater‐dependent internode elongation in deepwater rice. On the contrary, GA feeding mimicked internode elongation under ordinary growth conditions. However, mutations in GA biosynthesis and signal transduction genes blocked deepwater‐dependent internode elongation. These data suggested that GA biosynthesis and signal transduction are essential for deepwater‐dependent internode elongation in deepwater rice.
Hybridisation and introgression between Brassica napus and B. rapa in the Netherlands
Authors: Luijten S. H. , Schidlo N. S. , Meirmans P. G. , de Jong T. J.
Published: May 2014

We used flow cytometry, chromosome counting and AFLP markers to investigate gene flow from the crop plant oilseed rape, Brassica napus (AACC) to wild B. rapa (AA) in the Netherlands. From 89 B. napus source populations investigated, all near cropping fields or at transhipment sites, only 19 contained a B. rapa population within a 2.5‐km radius. During our survey we found only three populations with F1 hybrids (AAC), as recognized by their nine extra chromosomes and by flow cytometry. These hybrids were all collected in mixed populations where the two species grew in close proximity. Populations with F1 hybrids were not close to crops, but instead were located on road verges with highly disturbed soils, in which both species were probably recruited from the soil seed bank. Many plants in the F2, BC1 or higher backcrosses are expected to carry one to eight C chromosomes. However, these plants were not observed among the hybrids. We further investigated introgression with molecular markers (AFLP) and compared sympatric B. rapa populations (near populations of B. napus) with control populations of B. rapa (no B. napus within at least 7 km). We found no difference between sympatric and control populations in the number of C markers in B. rapa, nor did we find that these sympatric populations closely resembled B. napus. Our data show that hybrids occur but also suggest no recent introgression of alleles from the crop plant B. napus into wild B. rapa in the Dutch populations studied.
Biology and control of cephalosporium stripe of wheat
Authors: Quincke M. C. , Murray T. D. , Peterson C. J. , Sackett K. E. , Mundt C. C.
Published: May 2014

Cephalosporium stripe, caused by the fungus Cephalosporium gramineum, is the only known vascular wilt disease of small grain cereals. The pathogen causes characteristic striping of leaf blades and sheaths, but can also result in seedling death, stunting, and sterile seed heads (white heads). Cephalosporium stripe is a disease of autumn (fall)‐sown wheat, especially in cool and wet production regions. The disease is further favoured by early sowing, reduced tillage practices, low pH soils, and by frost heaving that damages roots. Infections occur almost entirely from spores produced on surface crop debris that are washed into the soil, although a low level of seed transmission can also occur. The pathogen colonizes root epidermis and cortical cells, subsequently moves into the vascular tissue, and eventually spreads throughout the entire plant. Production of fungal toxin(s) and extracellular polysaccharides probably play an important role in pathogenesis. Cultural practices such as delayed sowing, crop rotation, destruction of crop debris, liming of soil and fertilizer management all have potential to reduce the incidence of cephalosporium stripe. All of these cultural practices have negative economic impacts and/or increase soil erosion, and thus there is much interest in the development of resistant cultivars. There is potential for introgression of highly effective resistance from wild species into cultivated wheat. Genes for quantitatively inherited resistance can also be accumulated within cultivated wheat to attain moderate resistance. The continued use of cultivars with moderate resistance will probably be sufficient for long‐term control of the disease.
The Influence of Morphology, Follicle Size and Bcl‐2 and Bax Transcripts on the Developmental Competence of Bovine Oocytes
Authors: De Bem THC , Adona PR , Bressan FF , Mesquita LG , Chiaratti MR , Meirelles FV , Leal CLV
Published: May 2014

Contents

This study analysed two non‐invasive oocyte selection methods in relation to in vitro embryo development capacity and expression of apoptosis‐related genes. Selection was based on morphological quality of oocytes or follicle diameter. Oocytes were classified as grade I (GI ≥3 layers compact cumulus cells and homogeneous cytoplasm; grade II (GII ≤3 layers compact cells and homogeneous cytoplasm;, and grade III (GIII ≥3 layers, but cells with slight expansion and slightly granulated cytoplasm). Blastocyst development was lower for GII (28.5%) than for GIII (47.7%, p < 0.05), and GI was similar to both (36.9%, p > 0.05). Relative expression of Bcl‐2 gene was lower in the GI (1.0, p < 0.05) than in the GII (1.8) and GIII (2.2), which were not different (p > 0.05). There was no difference (p > 0.05) between GI (1.0), GII (0.92) and GIII (0.93) regarding the Bax transcript. However, the Bax and Bcl‐2 transcript ratios in GII (Bax; 0.92 and Bcl‐2; 1.8) and GIII (Bax; 0.93 and Bcl‐2; 2.2) were different (p < 0.05). Regarding oocytes from follicles of different sizes, cleavage and blastocyst rates for 1–3 mm (82.5; 23.7%) were lower (p < 0.05) than for 6–9 mm (95.6; 41.1%), but similar (p > 0.05) to 3–6 mm (93.7; 35.4%), which were not different (p > 0.05). Regarding Bax and Bcl‐2 expression, the oocytes were similar (p > 0.05) for 1–3 mm (Bax; 1.0 and Bcl‐2; 1.0), 3–6 mm (Bax; 1.0 and Bcl‐2; 0.93) and 6–9 mm (Bax; 0.92 and Bcl‐2; 0.91). In conclusion, oocyte selection based on morphological appearance does not guarantee the success of embryonic development. Additionally, the absence of apoptosis is not necessarily a benefit for the development of oocytes. Bovine COCs with initial signs of atresia may be used for the in vitro production of embryos, and COCs taken from follicles >3 mm in diameter are better suited to in vitro embryo development.
Genetic Parameters and Breeding Values for Semen Characteristics in Hanoverian Stallions
Authors: Labitzke D , Sieme H , Martinsson G , Distl O
Published: May 2014

Contents

The objectives of this study were to show whether semen traits of 30 Hanoverian stallions regularly used in AI may be useful for breeding purposes. Semen characteristics were studied using 15 149 ejaculates from 30 Hanoverian stallions of the State Stud Celle of Lower Saxony. Semen samples were collected between 2005 and 2009. Traits analysed were gel‐free volume, sperm concentration, total and motile sperm number and progressive motility. A linear multivariate animal model was employed to estimate heritabilities and permanent environmental variances for stallions. The same model was used to predict breeding values for all traits simultaneously. Heritabilities were high for gel‐free volume (h2 = 0.43) and moderate for total number of sperm (h2 = 0.29) and progressive motility (h2 = 0.20). Gel‐free volume, sperm concentration and total number of sperm were genetically negatively correlated with progressive motility. The effect of the permanent environment for stallions accounted for 9–55% of the trait variance. The total variance among stallions explained 37–69% of the trait variance. The average reliabilities of the breeding values were 0.43–0.76 for the 30 Hanoverian stallions. In conclusion, the study could demonstrate large effects of stallions, routinely employed in a breeding programme, on semen characteristics analysed here. We could demonstrate that estimated breeding values (EBV) with sufficient high reliabilities can be predicted using data from these stallions and these EBV are useful in horse breeding programmes to achieve genetic improvement in semen quality.
Induction of Ram Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Germ Cell Lineage using Transforming Growth Factor‐β Superfamily Growth Factors
Authors: Ghasemzadeh‐Hasankolaei M , Sedighi‐Gilani MA , Eslaminejad MB
Published: May 2014

Contents

Several studies have proposed thatin vitrogeneration of germ cells (GCs) from stem cells can be considered a future option for infertility treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capability to differentiate into maleGCs with the use of inducers such as retinoic acid. Transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGFb1) has been shown to play important roles in male fertility and spermatogenesis. Bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) andBMP8b are also involved in the derivation of primordialGCs (PGCs) from epiblast cells. Therefore, this study aims to determine whetherTGFb1,BMP4 andBMP8b can initiate transdifferentiation ofMSCs intoGCsin vitroand to determine the type of changes that occur in the expression ofGC‐specific markers. In this study, we have divided passage‐3 ram bone marrow (BM)‐MSCs into three main groups (BMP4,BMP8b andTGFb1) which were separately treated with 10 ng/mlTGFb1, 100 ng/mlBMP4 and 100 ng/mlBMP8b for a period of 21 days. We have evaluated the ability of these groups to differentiate intoGCs by assessing expressions of GC‐specific markers with reverse transcriptionPCR(RT‐PCR), quantitativeRT‐PCR(qRT‐PCR), immunocytochemistry, morphological changes and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Our results showed thatBMP4 andBMP8b inducedPGCs properties in someBM‐MSCs andTGFb1 formed spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and spermatogonia‐like cells inBM‐MSCs culture. The important results of this study provide the basis for additional studies to determine the exact mechanism ofGCs differentiation and possibly solve the problem of infertility.
Does Coxiella burnetii Affect Reproduction in Cattle? A Clinical Update
Authors: Garcia‐Ispierto I , Tutusaus J , López‐Gatius F
Published: May 2014

Contents

Q fever is a zoonosis produced by Coxiella burnetii, a bacterium that is widely distributed worldwide. Domestic ruminants are the most important source of C. burnetii for human infection. In sheep and goats, abortion is the main clinical consequence of infection, yet the symptoms described in cattle have so far been inconsistent. Q fever has been also scarcely reported in cattle, most likely because of its difficult diagnosis at the farm level and because of the many existing responsible C. burnetii strains. In this report, the effects of C. burnetii infection or Q fever disease on the reproductive behaviour of dairy cattle are reviewed, with special emphasis placed on the scarcity of data available and possible control actions discussed.
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood natural killer and natural killer T‐like cells in cryptogenic organizing pneumonia
Authors: Papakosta Despina , Manika Katerina , Gounari Evdoxia , Kyriazis George , Kontakiotis Theodore , Spyropoulos George , Kontakioti Eirini , Zarogoulidis Konstantinos
Published: May 2014

Background and objective

Natural killer (NK) cells appear to be involved in the development of interstitial lung diseases (ILD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement of NK and natural killer T (NKT)‐like cells in two recognized cytotoxic ILD with systemic character, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), compared with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and controls.

Methods

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood (PBL) cells and lymphocyte subsets of 83 patients (26 with COP, 19 with HP and 38 with IPF) and 10 controls were prospectively studied by flow cytometry.

Results

The percentage of NK and NKT‐like cells was lower in BALF than in PBL in all patient groups and controls. Patients with COP presented with statistically significantly higher NK and NKT‐like cell counts in BALF compared with controls (P = 0.044 and P = 0.05 respectively) and IPF (P = 0.049 and P = 0.045 respectively). BALF NKT‐like cell count correlated with PBL NKT‐like cell count only in COP (r = 0.627, P = 0.002). In addition, a significant positive correlation between BALF NKT‐like cell and PBL cytotoxic T CD8+ cell count was observed in COP (r = 0.562, P = 0.006) but not in HP, IPF or controls.

Conclusions

Our study provides for the first time evidence for the implication of NKT‐like cells in the pathogenesis of COP, as part of both localized and systemic cytotoxicity.
Introduction to propensity scores
Authors: Williamson Elizabeth J. , Forbes Andrew
Published: May 2014

Although randomization provides a gold‐standard method of assessing causal relationships, it is not always possible to randomly allocate exposures. Where exposures are not randomized, estimating exposure effects is complicated by confounding. The traditional approach to dealing with confounding is to adjust for measured confounding variables within a regression model for the outcome variable. An alternative approach—propensity scoring—instead fits a regression model to the exposure variable. For a binary exposure, the propensity score is the probability of being exposed, given the measured confounders. These scores can be estimated from the data, for example by fitting a logistic regression model for the exposure including the confounders as explanatory variables and obtaining the estimated propensity scores from the predicted exposure probabilities from this model. These estimated propensity scores can then be used in various ways—matching, stratification, covariate‐adjustment or inverse‐probability weighting—to obtain estimates of the exposure effect.

In this paper, we provide an introduction to propensity score methodology and review its use within respiratory health research. We illustrate propensity score methods by investigating the research question: ‘Does personal smoking affect the risk of subsequent asthma?’ using data taken from the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study.
Jointly Interventional and Observational Data: Estimation of Interventional Markov Equivalence Classes of Directed Acyclic Graphs
Authors: Hauser Alain , Bühlmann Peter
Published: May 2014

In many applications we have both observational and (randomized) interventional data. We propose a Gaussian likelihood framework for joint modelling of such different data types, based on global parameters consisting of a directed acyclic graph and corresponding edge weights and error variances. Thanks to the global nature of the parameters, maximum likelihood estimation is reasonable with only one or few data points per intervention. We prove consistency of the Bayesian information criterion for estimating the interventional Markov equivalence class of directed acyclic graphs which is smaller than the observational analogue owing to increased partial identifiability from interventional data. Such an improvement in identifiability has immediate implications for tighter bounds for inferring causal effects. Besides methodology and theoretical derivations, we present empirical results from real and simulated data.
Estimation of Hüsler–Reiss Distributions and Brown–Resnick Processes
Authors: Engelke Sebastian , Malinowski Alexander , Kabluchko Zakhar , Schlather Martin
Published: May 2014

Estimation of extreme value parameters from observations in the max-domain of attraction of a multivariate max-stable distribution commonly uses aggregated data such as block maxima. Multivariate peaks-over-threshold methods, in contrast, exploit additional information from the non-aggregated ‘large’ observations. We introduce an approach based on peaks over thresholds that provides several new estimators for processes η in the max-domain of attraction of the frequently used Hüsler–Reiss model and its spatial extension: Brown–Resnick processes. The method relies on increments η(·) − η(t  0) conditional on η(t  0) exceeding a high threshold, where t  0 is a fixed location. When the marginals are standardized to the Gumbel distribution, these increments asymptotically form a Gaussian process resulting in computationally simple estimates of the Hüsler–Reiss parameter matrix and particularly enables parametric inference for Brown–Resnick processes based on (high dimensional) multivariate densities. This is a major advantage over composite likelihood methods that are commonly used in spatial extreme value statistics since they rely only on bivariate densities. A simulation study compares the performance of the new estimators with other commonly used methods. As an application, we fit a non-isotropic Brown–Resnick process to the extremes of 12-year data of daily wind speed measurements.
How to more effectively lobby the legislative branch of government: report the extent of intellectual disability amongst a politician's constituents
Authors: Waldman H. Barry , Perlman Steven P.
Published: May 2014

The use of national numbers and percentages to describe the millions of people with intellectual disabilities is beyond the comprehension of most people. The challenge is to personalize these numbers if we are to bring increased attention to these individuals. Examples of Census Bureau report data for the States, Congressional Districts, Counties, and High School districts are suggested as a format to lobby legislators with the realities of the numbers of their constituents who are affected by intellectual disabilities.
Energy availability and the female athlete triad in elite endurance athletes
Authors: Melin A. , Tornberg Å. B , Skouby S. , Møller S. S. , Sundgot‐Borgen J. , Faber J. , Sidelmann J. J. , Aziz M. , Sjödin A.
Published: May 2014

The female athlete triad (Triad), links low energy availability (EA), with menstrual dysfunction (MD), and impaired bone health. The aims of this study were to examine associations between EA/MD and energy metabolism and the prevalence of Triad‐associated conditions in endurance athletes. Forty women [26.2 ± 5.5 years, body mass index (BMI) 20.6 ± 2.0 kg/m2, body fat 20.0 ± 3.0%], exercising 11.4 ± 4.5 h/week, were recruited from national teams and competitive clubs. Protocol included gynecological examination; assessment of bone health; indirect respiratory calorimetry; diet and exercise measured 7 days to assess EA; eating disorder (ED) examination; blood analysis. Subjects with low/reduced EA (< 45 kcal/kg FFM/day), had lower resting metabolic rate (RMR) compared with those with optimal EA [28.4 ± 2.0 kcal/kg fat‐free mass (FFM)/day vs 30.5 ± 2.2 kcal/kg FFM/day, P < 0.01], as did subjects with MD compared with eumenorrheic subjects (28.6 ± 2.4 kcal/kg FFM/day vs 30.2 ± 1.8 kcal/kg FFM/day, P < 0.05). 63% had low/reduced EA, 25% ED, 60% MD, 45% impaired bone health, and 23% had all three Triad conditions. 53% had low RMR, 25% hypercholesterolemia, and 38% hypoglycemia. Conclusively, athletes with low/reduced EA and/or MD had lowered RMR. Triad‐associated conditions were common in this group of athletes, despite a normal BMI range. The high prevalence of ED, MD, and impaired bone health emphasizes the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment of energy deficiency.
Binding Domain‐Driven Intracellular Trafficking of Sterols for Synthesis of Steroid Hormones, Bile Acids and Oxysterols
Authors: Midzak Andrew , Papadopoulos Vassilios
Published: May 2014

Steroid hormones, bioactive oxysterols and bile acids are all derived from the biological metabolism of lipid cholesterol. The enzymatic pathways generating these compounds have been an area of intense research for almost a century, as cholesterol and its metabolites have substantial impacts on human health. Owing to its high degree of hydrophobicity and the chemical properties that it confers to biological membranes, the distribution of cholesterol in cells is tightly controlled, with subcellular organelles exhibiting highly divergent levels of cholesterol. The manners in which cells maintain such sterol distributions are of great interest in the study of steroid and bile acid synthesis, as limiting cholesterol substrate to the enzymatic pathways is the principal mechanism by which production of steroids and bile acids is regulated. The mechanisms by which cholesterol moves within cells, however, remain poorly understood. In this review, we examine the subcellular machinery involved in cholesterol metabolism to steroid hormones and bile acid, relating it to both lipid‐ and protein‐based mechanisms facilitating intracellular and intraorganellar cholesterol movement and delivery to these pathways. In particular, we examine evidence for the involvement of specific protein domains involved in cholesterol binding, which impact cholesterol movement and metabolism in steroidogenesis and bile acid synthesis. A better understanding of the physical mechanisms by which these protein‐ and lipid‐based systems function is of fundamental importance to understanding physiological homeostasis and its perturbation.
Regulation of Dynamin Oligomerization in Cells: The Role of Dynamin–Actin Interactions and Its GTPase Activity
Authors: Gu Changkyu , Chang Joann , Shchedrina Valentina A. , Pham Vincent A. , Hartwig John H. , Suphamungmee Worawit , Lehman William , Hyman Bradley T. , Bacskai Brian J. , Sever Sanja
Published: May 2014

Dynamin is a 96‐kDa protein that has multiple oligomerization states that influence its GTPase activity. A number of different dynamin effectors, including lipids, actin filaments, and SH3‐domain‐containing proteins, have been implicated in the regulation of dynamin oligomerization, though their roles in influencing dynamin oligomerization have been studied predominantly in vitro using recombinant proteins. Here, we identify higher order dynamin oligomers such as rings and helices in vitro and in live cells using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). FLIM detected GTP‐ and actin‐dependent dynamin oligomerization at distinct cellular sites, including the cell membrane and transition zones where cortical actin transitions into stress fibers. Our study identifies a major role for direct dynamin–actin interactions and dynamin's GTPase activity in the regulation of dynamin oligomerization in cells.
Temporal predictability enhances auditory detection
Authors: Lawrance Emma L. A. , Harper Nicol S. , Cooke James E. , Schnupp Jan W. H.
Published: May 2014

Periodic stimuli are common in natural environments and are ecologically relevant, for example, footsteps and vocalizations. This study reports a detectability enhancement for temporally cued, periodic sequences. Target noise bursts (embedded in background noise) arriving at the time points which followed on from an introductory, periodic “cue” sequence were more easily detected (by ∼1.5 dB SNR) than identical noise bursts which randomly deviated from the cued temporal pattern. Temporal predictability and corresponding neuronal “entrainment” have been widely theorized to underlie important processes in auditory scene analysis and to confer perceptual advantage. This is the first study in the auditory domain to clearly demonstrate a perceptual enhancement of temporally predictable, near-threshold stimuli.
Electron-hole asymmetric integer and fractional quantum Hall effect in bilayer graphene
Authors: Kou A. , Feldman B. E. , Levin A. J. , Halperin B. I. , Watanabe K. , Taniguchi T. , Yacoby A.
Published: May 2014

Breaking down graphene degeneracy

Bilayer graphene has two layers of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms stacked on top of each other in a staggered configuration. This spatial arrangement results in degenerate electronic states: distinct states that have the same energy. Interaction between electrons can cause the states to separate in energy, and so can external fields (see the Perspective by LeRoy and Yankowitz). Kou
et al.
, Lee
et al.
, and Maher
et al.
used three distinct experimental setups that clarify different parameter regimes of bilayer graphene.

Science
, this issue p.
55
, p.
58
, p.
61
; see also p.
31
Foundations of human reasoning in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Donoso Maël , Collins Anne G. E. , Koechlin Etienne
Published: May 2014

Selecting the most successful strategy

The brain's prefrontal cortex helps us to make decisions in an uncertain and constantly changing environment. Donoso
et al.
present a model of human reasoning as an algorithm implemented in the prefrontal cortex (see the Perspective by Hare). Brain-imaging experiments supported this model. Depending on the prevailing circumstances, human reasoning can either adapt ongoing behavioral strategies or switch to previously learned strategies. Only when neither approach is appropriate will the brain create new strategies.

Science
, this issue p.
1481
, see also p.
1446
Complete Genome Sequences of Nine Mycobacteriophages
Authors: Franceschelli Jorgelina Judith , Suarez Cristian Alejandro , Terán Lucrecia , Raya Raúl Ricardo , Morbidoni Héctor Ricardo
Published: May 2014

Genome analyses of a large number of mycobacteriophages, bacterial viruses that infect members of the genus
Mycobacterium
, yielded novel enzymes and tools for the genetic manipulation of mycobacteria. We report here the complete genome sequences of nine mycobacteriophages, including a new singleton, isolated using
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155 as a host strain.
Genome Sequencing of Ralstonia solanacearum Biovar 3, Phylotype I, Strains Rs-09-161 and Rs-10-244, Isolated from Eggplant and Chili in India
Authors: Ramesh Raman , Gaitonde Sapna , Achari Gauri , Asolkar Trupti , Singh Narendra Pratap , Carrere Sebastien , Genin Stephane , Peeters Nemo
Published: May 2014

Ralstonia solanacearum
Indian strains Rs-09-161 and Rs-10-244 were isolated from the coastal region of Goa and from the Andaman Islands. We report the draft genome sequences of these representative isolates infecting solanaceous vegetables in India.
Full-Genome Sequence of Human Betacoronavirus 2c Jordan-N3/2012 after Serial Passage in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Frey Kenneth G. , Redden Cassie L. , Bishop-Lilly Kimberly A. , Johnson Reed , Hensley Lisa E. , Raviprakash Kanakatte , Luke Thomas , Kochel Tad , Mokashi Vishwesh P. , Defang Gabriel N.
Published: May 2014

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is the etiologic agent of a highly lethal pneumonia. Here, we report the full-genome sequence of the Jordan-N3/2012 strain after serial passage in two distinct mammalian cell lines. The genome exhibits noteworthy stability, which may inform the development of vaccines and therapeutics used to treat infection with this virus.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus cereus Strain BcFL2013, a Clinical Isolate Similar to G9241
Authors: Gee Jay E. , Marston Chung K. , Sammons Scott A. , Burroughs Mark A. , Hoffmaster Alex R.
Published: May 2014

Bacillus cereus
strains, such as G9241, causing anthrax-like illnesses have recently been discovered. We report the genome sequence of a clinical strain,
B. cereus
BcFL2013, which is similar to G9241, recovered from a patient in Florida.
Complete Genome Sequence of K14JB01, a Novel Variant Strain of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in South Korea
Authors: Cho Yoon-Young , Lim Seong-In , Kim Yong Kwan , Song Jae-Young , Lee Joong-Bok , An Dong-Jun
Published: May 2014

A novel variant strain of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) emerged on pig farms in South Korea during late 2013. Genomic DNA isolated from a K14JB01 strain identified in a diarrheal pig showed high sequence similarity to PEDV strains prevailing in the United States in 2013. This is the first study to identify the complete genome sequence of a novel variant PEDV in South Korea.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Subsurface, Mesophilic Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium Desulfovibrio aespoeensis Aspo-2
Authors: Pedersen Karsten , Bengtsson Andreas , Edlund Johanna , Rabe Lisa , Hazen Terry , Chakraborty Romy , Goodwin Lynne , Shapiro Nicole
Published: May 2014

Desulfovibrio aespoeensis
Aspo-2, DSM 10631
T
, is a mesophilic, hydrogenotrophic sulfate-reducing bacterium sampled from a 600-m-deep subsurface aquifer in hard rock under the island of Äspö in southeastern Sweden. We report the genome sequence of this bacterium, which is a 3,629,109-bp chromosome; plasmids were not found.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Attenuated Novobiocin-Resistant Streptococcus iniae Vaccine Strain ISNO
Authors: Pridgeon Julia W. , Zhang Dunhua , Zhang Lee
Published: May 2014

Streptococcus iniae
ISNO is an attenuated novobiocin-resistant vaccine strain. Its full genome is 2,070,182 bp in length. The availability of this genome will allow comparative genomics to identify potential virulence genes important for pathogenesis of
S. iniae
and potential mechanisms associated with novobiocin resistance in this strain.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Two Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolates of ST395 Epidemic Strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Obtained 12 Years Apart
Authors: Valot Benoit , Rohmer Laurence , Jacobs Michael A. , Miller Samuel I. , Bertrand Xavier , Hocquet Didier
Published: May 2014

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
can cause large and prolonged outbreaks in hospitals. We have sequenced and annotated the genomes of two multidrug-resistant
P. aeruginosa
isolates from the same strain obtained 12 years apart from different patients. Genomic analysis provided insight on the genes acquired and lost by
P. aeruginosa
during its spread.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium farcinogenes NCTC 10955
Authors: Croce Olivier , Robert Catherine , Raoult Didier , Drancourt Michel
Published: May 2014

We report the draft genome sequence of
Mycobacterium farcinogenes
NCTC 10955 (=DSM 43637
T
), a nontuberculosis species responsible for bovine farcy. The strain described here is composed of 6,139,893 bp, with a G+C content of 65.73%, and contains 5,816 protein-coding genes and 76 RNA genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Canine Papillomavirus Type 11
Authors: Zhou Dan , Luff Jennifer , Usuda Yukari , Affolter Verena , Moore Peter , Schlegel Richard , Yuan Hang
Published: May 2014

Papillomaviruses with the features of epitheliotropic, nonenveloped, circular, and double-stranded DNA belong to the family
Papillomaviridae
, which contributes to benign and malignant tumors in humans and animals. We report the whole-genome sequence of canine papillomavirus type 11 found at a pigmented plaque located on the skin of a mixed-breed bloodhound.
Metagenomic Approach for Understanding Microbial Population from Petroleum Muck
Authors: Joshi M. N. , Dhebar S. V. , Dhebar S. V. , Bhargava P. , Pandit A. S. , Patel R. P. , Saxena A. K. , Bagatharia S. B.
Published: May 2014

Petroleum products play a major role in fueling the economy of the world but the pollution they create has become a critical issue. Understanding the diversity present in pipeline muck will help with the exploration of new microbial strains with better hydrocarbon degrading capacities for bioremediation of polluted sites. This study provides an analysis of petroleum muck using next generation sequencing.
A young pregnant woman with spontaneous carotid artery dissection––unknown mechanisms
Authors: Mohammed Ishaq , Aaland Maria , Khan Nasrin , Crossley Ian
Published: May 2014

Spontaneous carotid artery dissection in pregnancy has not been reported before. We present a case of a 31-year-old Caucasian woman who was 11 weeks pregnant and presented with neck pain, headache, vomiting and left side Horner's syndrome. Subsequent investigations with MR angiography confirmed spontaneous left internal carotid artery dissection.
Ureteric access sheath aided insertion of resonance metal ureteric stent
Authors: Winter Matthew , Strahan Stephen , Wines Michael
Published: May 2014

Ureteral obstruction caused by malignancy is a challenging and often complicated problem for urologists. We present a novel technique of ureteric access sheath aided insertion of a Resonance metal ureteric stent in the setting of a difficult obstruction.
Recruitment of renal transplant patients into patrolling police roles using orthotic shields
Authors: Levene Sara , Levene Charlotte Amy , Makanjuola David , Rajakariar Ravi
Published: May 2014

Renal allografts are transplanted to an anatomically unnatural site where they are exposed to trauma, and may fail if damaged. Individuals with renal allografts have been excluded from patrolling police roles as these often necessitate confrontation. We describe two patients with renal allografts who have been recruited by the Metropolitan Police Service, using bespoke orthotic shields to protect the grafts.
Endoscopic (video) demonstration of hookworm infestation of the stomach
Authors: Boopathy Vinoth , Balasubramanian Padhmini , Phansalkar Manjiri , Varghese Renu G’ Boy
Published: May 2014

Hookworm infestation is common in southern India. The adult worms normally reside in the duodenum, graze the intestinal mucosa with their large buccal cavities and ingest the intestinal epithelial cells and blood. Depending on the number of worms the infection may be either asymptomatic or can cause iron deficiency anaemia due to chronic blood loss. Adult worms live in the small intestine and are not usually seen in the stomach. There are only very few case reports in the literature reporting hookworm infestation of the stomach. In this case report we present an endoscopic (video) demonstration of hookworm infestation of the stomach in a woman who presented with chronic anaemia.
Higher risk of incident hepatitis C virus among young women who inject drugs compared with young men in association with sexual relationships: a prospective analysis from the UFO Study cohort
Authors: Tracy Daniel , Hahn Judith A , Fuller Lewis Crystal , Evans Jennifer , Briceño Alya , Morris Meghan D , Lum Paula J , Page Kimberly
Published: May 2014

Background

Female injection drug users (IDUs) may report differences in injection behaviours that put them at greater risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Few studies have examined these in association with HCV incidence.

Methods

Longitudinal data from a cohort of 417 HCV-uninfected IDU aged 30 or younger were analysed. Cox proportional hazards was used to model female sex as a predictor of new HCV infection. General estimating equation (GEE) analysis was used to model female sex as a predictor of HCV-associated risk behaviour prospectively.

Results

Women were significantly more likely than men to become infected with HCV during study follow-up (HR 1.4, p<0.05), and were also more likely than men to report high-risk injecting behaviours, especially in the context of sexual and injecting relationships. Sex differences in injecting behaviours appeared to explain the relationship between sex and HCV infection.

Conclusions

Young women’s riskier injection practices lead to their higher rates of HCV infection. Further study on the impact of intimate partnership on women’s risk behaviour is warranted.
Mind the gap between recommendation and implementation—principles and lessons in the aftermath of incident investigations: a semi-quantitative and qualitative study of factors leading to the successful implementation of recommendations
Authors: Wrigstad Jonas , Bergström Johan , Gustafson Pelle
Published: May 2014

Objectives

Using the findings of incident investigations to improve patient safety management is well-established and mandatory under Swedish law. This study seeks to identify the mechanisms behind successful implementation of the recommendations of incident investigations.

Setting

This study was based in a university hospital in southern Sweden.

Participants

A sample of 55 incident investigations from 2008 to 2010 were selected from the hospital's incident reporting system by staff in the office of the chief medical officer. These investigations were initiated by 23 different commissioning bodies and contained 289 separate recommendations. We used a three-stage method: content analysis to code the recommendations, semi-structured interviews with the commissioning bodies focusing on which recommendations had been implemented and why, and data analysis of the coded recommendations together with data from the interviews.

Results

We found that a clear majority (70%) of the recommendations presented to the commissioning bodies were targeted at the micro-level of the organisation. In nearly half (45%) of all recommendations, actions had been taken and a clear majority (73%) of these were at the micro-level. Changes in the management positions of the commissioning bodies meant that very little further action was taken. Other actions, independent of incident investigations, were often taken within the organisation.

Conclusions

We conclude that two principles (‘close in space’ and ‘close in time’) seem to be important for bridging the gap between recommendation and implementation. The micro-level focus was expected because of the method of investigation used. Adverse events trigger organisational action independently of incident investigations.
Service configuration, unit characteristics and variation in intervention rates in a national sample of obstetric units in England: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Rowe Rachel E , Townend John , Brocklehurst Peter , Knight Marian , Macfarlane Alison , McCourt Christine , Newburn Mary , Redshaw Maggie , Sandall Jane , Silverton Louise , Hollowell Jennifer
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To explore whether service configuration and obstetric unit (OU) characteristics explain variation in OU intervention rates in ‘low-risk’ women.

Design

Ecological study using funnel plots to explore unit-level variations in adjusted intervention rates and simple linear regression, stratified by parity, to investigate possible associations between unit characteristics/configuration and adjusted intervention rates in planned OU births. Characteristics considered: OU size, presence of an alongside midwifery unit (AMU), proportion of births in the National Health Service (NHS) trust planned in midwifery units or at home and midwifery ‘under’ staffing.

Setting

36 OUs in England.

Participants

‘Low-risk’ women with a ‘term’ pregnancy planning vaginal birth in a stratified, random sample of 36 OUs.

Main outcome measures

Adjusted rates of intrapartum caesarean section, instrumental delivery and two composite measures capturing birth without intervention (‘straightforward’ and ‘normal’ birth).

Results

Funnel plots showed unexplained variation in adjusted intervention rates. In NHS trusts where proportionately more non-OU births were planned, adjusted intrapartum caesarean section rates in the planned OU births were significantly higher (nulliparous: R2=31.8%, coefficient=0.31, p=0.02; multiparous: R2=43.2%, coefficient=0.23, p=0.01), and for multiparous women, rates of ‘straightforward’ (R2=26.3%, coefficient=−0.22, p=0.01) and ‘normal’ birth (R2=17.5%, coefficient=0.24, p=0.01) were lower. The size of the OU (number of births), midwifery ‘under’ staffing levels (the proportion of shifts where there were more women than midwives) and the presence of an AMU were associated with significant variation in some interventions.

Conclusions

Trusts with greater provision of non-OU intrapartum care may have higher intervention rates in planned ‘low-risk’ OU births, but at a trust level this is likely to be more than offset by lower intervention rates in planned non-OU births. Further research using high quality data on unit characteristics and outcomes in a larger sample of OUs and trusts is required.
Patient complaints in healthcare systems: a systematic review and coding taxonomy
Authors: Reader Tom W , Gillespie Alex , Roberts Jane
Published: May 2014

Background

Patient complaints have been identified as a valuable resource for monitoring and improving patient safety. This article critically reviews the literature on patient complaints, and synthesises the research findings to develop a coding taxonomy for analysing patient complaints.

Methods

The PubMed, Science Direct and Medline databases were systematically investigated to identify patient complaint research studies. Publications were included if they reported primary quantitative data on the content of patient-initiated complaints. Data were extracted and synthesised on (1) basic study characteristics; (2) methodological details; and (3) the issues patients complained about.

Results

59 studies, reporting 88 069 patient complaints, were included. Patient complaint coding methodologies varied considerably (eg, in attributing single or multiple causes to complaints). In total, 113 551 issues were found to underlie the patient complaints. These were analysed using 205 different analytical codes which when combined represented 29 subcategories of complaint issue. The most common issues complained about were ‘treatment’ (15.6%) and ‘communication’ (13.7%). To develop a patient complaint coding taxonomy, the subcategories were thematically grouped into seven categories, and then three conceptually distinct domains. The first domain related to complaints on the safety and quality of clinical care (representing 33.7% of complaint issues), the second to the management of healthcare organisations (35.1%) and the third to problems in healthcare staff–patient relationships (29.1%).

Conclusions

Rigorous analyses of patient complaints will help to identify problems in patient safety. To achieve this, it is necessary to standardise how patient complaints are analysed and interpreted. Through synthesising data from 59 patient complaint studies, we propose a coding taxonomy for supporting future research and practice in the analysis of patient complaint data.
Are housestaff identifying malnourished hospitalized medicine patients?
Authors: Mitchell Michael A. , Duerksen Donald R. , Rahman Adam
Published: May 2014

Clinical nutrition and nutritional assessment are often a neglected component of medical school curriculums despite the high prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized patients. This study found that medical housestaff performed nutritional assessments in only 4% of admitted patients despite a high rate of malnutrition (57%). Survey results show housestaff lack knowledge in the area of malnutrition. Medical schools and training programs must place greater emphasis of providing qualified physician nutrition specialists to implement effective nutrition instruction.