bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infection of Mammalian Cells with Retroviral shRNAs
Authors: Chang Kenneth , Marran Krista , Valentine Amy , Hannon Gregory J.
Published: August 2013

Viral infection is a quite simple approach for stably introducing transgenes (e.g., those encoding short-hairpin RNAs [shRNAs]) into the genome. The critical aspects are that the virus and the target cell should be appropriately matched. For example, a virus bearing an ecotropic envelope protein will not infect a human cell line unless the appropriate receptor has been purposefully expressed. VSV-G (vesicular stomatitus virus glycoprotein) pseudotyped viruses have the greatest host range. Nondividing cells can only be infected with lentiviruses, but the additional safety precautions necessary for the use of these tools should dissuade their application to routinely cultured cell lines.
Imaging Mouse Cancer Models In Vivo Using Reporter Transgenes
Authors: Lyons Scott K. , Patrick P. Stephen , Brindle Kevin M.
Published: August 2013

Imaging mouse models of cancer with reporter transgenes has become a relatively common experimental approach in the laboratory, which allows noninvasive and longitudinal investigation of diverse aspects of tumor biology in vivo. Our goal here is to outline briefly the principles of the relevant imaging modalities, emphasizing particularly their strengths and weaknesses and what the researcher can expect in a practical sense from each of these techniques. Furthermore, we discuss how relatively subtle modifications in the way reporter transgene expression is regulated in the cell underpin the ability of reporter transgenes as a whole to provide readouts on such varied aspects of tumor biology in vivo.
Multisite Light-Induced Phosphorylation of the Transcription Factor PIF3 Is Necessary for Both Its Rapid Degradation and Concomitant Negative Feedback Modulation of Photoreceptor phyB Levels in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ni Weimin , Xu Shou-Ling , Chalkley Robert J. , Pham Thao Nguyen D. , Guan Shenheng , Maltby Dave A. , Burlingame Alma L. , Wang Zhi-Yong , Quail Peter H.
Published: August 2013

Plants constantly monitor informational light signals using sensory photoreceptors, which include the phytochrome (phy) family (phyA to phyE), and adjust their growth and development accordingly. Following light-induced nuclear translocation, photoactivated phy molecules bind to and induce rapid phosphorylation and degradation of phy-interacting basic Helix Loop Helix (bHLH) transcription factors (PIFs), such as PIF3, thereby regulating the expression of target genes. However, the mechanisms underlying the signal-relay process are still not fully understood. Here, using mass spectrometry, we identify multiple, in vivo, light-induced Ser/Thr phosphorylation sites in PIF3. Using transgenic expression of site-directed mutants of PIF3, we provide evidence that a set of these phosphorylation events acts collectively to trigger rapid degradation of the PIF3 protein in response to initial exposure of dark-grown seedlings to light. In addition, we show that phyB-induced PIF3 phosphorylation is also required for the known negative feedback modulation of phyB levels in prolonged light, potentially through codegradation of phyB and PIF3. This mutually regulatory intermolecular transaction thus provides a mechanism with the dual capacity to promote early, graded, or threshold regulation of the primary, PIF3-controlled transcriptional network in response to initial light exposure, and later, to attenuate global sensitivity to the light signal through reductions in photoreceptor levels upon prolonged exposure.
Vascular effects of aldosterone: Sorting out the receptors and the ligands
Authors: Feldman Ross D , Gros Robert
Published: August 2013

Aldosterone has actions far beyond its role as a renal regulator of sodium reabsorption, and broader mechanisms of action than simply a transcriptional regulator. Aldosterone has a number of vascular effects, including regulation of vascular reactivity and vascular growth and/or development.

Aldosterone‐mediated effects on vascular reactivity reflect a balance between its endothelial‐dependent vasodilator effects and its direct smooth muscle vasoconstrictor effects. The endothelial vasodilator effects of aldosterone are mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐dependent activation of nitric oxide synthase.

G‐Protein oestrogen receptor (GPER) is a recently recognized G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that is activated by steroid hormones. It was first recognized as the GPCR mediating the rapid effects of oestrogens. Activation of GPER also mediates at least some of the vascular effects of aldosterone in smooth muscle and endothelial cells. In vascular endothelial cells, aldosterone activation of GPER mediates vasodilation. In contrast, activation of endothelial mineralocorticoid receptors has been linked to enhanced vasoconstrictor and/or impaired vasodilator responses.
Investigation of practices to support the complex communication needs of children with hearing impairment and cerebral palsy in a rural district of Kenya: a case series
Authors: Bunning Karen , Gona Joseph K. , Buell Susan , Newton Charles R. , Hartley Sally
Published: August 2013

Background

Rehabilitation services are scarce in low‐income countries, where under‐representation of some specialist professions has led to the role extension of others. An example of this can be found in Kilifi in Kenya where the role of speech and language therapy has been taken on by occupational therapists and teachers.

Aims

To investigate the communication practices used by these professional groups to support children with complex communication needs in a rural part of Kenya and to explore the ways in which this might be seen to facilitate or obstruct improved communication by asking the following questions: What are the critical features of interactional discourse in practitioner–child dyads with caregiver–child dyads providing a natural comparison? What communicative modalities and practice techniques are invoked? And how does this information relate to extending professional roles?

Methods & Procedures

An in‐depth, descriptive study of a case series was conducted in a school for deaf children and the occupational therapy department of a district general hospital. A mixed methodology was used involving naturalistic observation and applied linguistics analysis. A convenience sample was established comprising six practitioner–child dyads assigned to partnership types: (A) three children with hearing impairment and their teachers; and (B) three children with cerebral palsy and their occupational therapists. As a natural comparator, the same three children in B were also observed with their mothers (partnership type C). Dyadic interaction was video recorded on three occasions. The video data were sampled, transcribed into standard orthography and translated. Codes were applied to determine turn structure, linguistic move types and communicative modalities. Sequential analysis was conducted on the move types.

Outcomes & Results

Partnership type A dyads showed a fairly even turn distribution between teacher and child. A common pattern was teacher‐initiated Instruct and Model/Prompt, followed by child response in the form of an Action. The most frequently used modality was Sound Production and Hands‐on‐Articulators, which corresponded to articulation drill practice. Partnership type B dyads revealed a tendency towards adult domination of turns. The majority of adult‐initiated moves required no response from the child. The practice technique Hands‐on‐Articulators involved manipulating the oral musculature of the child. Partnership type C dyads showed resonances of type B dyads, although focused more on Motor‐Action in relation to task performance.

Conclusions & Implications

The assignment of speech and language therapy duties to teachers and occupational therapists has resulted in suboptimal practice for children with complex communication needs.
Interactions among the early Escherichia coli divisome proteins revealed by bimolecular fluorescence complementation
Authors: Pazos Manuel , Natale Paolo , Margolin William , Vicente Miguel
Published: August 2013

We used bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays to detect protein‐protein interactions of all possible pairs of the essential Escherichia coli proto‐ring components, FtsZ, FtsA and ZipA, as well as the non‐essential FtsZ‐associated proteins ZapA and ZapB. We found an unexpected interaction between ZipA and ZapB at potential cell division sites, and when co‐overproduced, they induced long narrow constrictions at division sites that were dependent on FtsZ. These assays also uncovered an interaction between ZipA and ZapA that was mediated by FtsZ. BiFC with ZapA and ZapB showed that in addition to their expected interaction at midcell, they also interact at the cell poles. BiFC detected interaction between FtsZ and ZapB at midcell and close to the poles. Results from the remaining pairwise combinations confirmed known interactions between FtsZ and ZipA, and ZapB with itself.
Host signature effect on plant root‐associated microbiomes revealed through analyses of resident vs. active communities
Authors: Ofek Maya , Voronov‐Goldman Milana , Hadar Yitzhak , Minz Dror
Published: August 2013

Plant roots create specific microbial habitat in the soil – the rhizosphere. In this study, we characterized the rhizosphere microbiome of four host plant species to get insight into the impact of the host (host signature effect) on resident vs. active communities. Results show a distinct plant host specific signature found among wheat, maize, tomato and cucumber, based on the following three parameters: (i) each plant promoted the activity of a unique suite of soil bacterial populations; (ii) significant variations were observed in the number and the degree of dominance of active populations; and (iii) the level of contribution of active (rRNA‐based) populations to the resident (DNA‐based) community profiles. In the rhizoplane of all four plants, a significant reduction of diversity was observed, relative to the bulk soil. Moreover, an increase in DNA–RNA correspondence indicated higher representation of active bacterial populations in the residing rhizoplane community. This study demonstrates that the host plant determines the bacterial community composition in its immediate vicinity, especially with respect to the active populations.
Geographic and Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer–Related Outcomes in Georgia
Authors: Markossian Talar W. , Hines Robin B. , Bayakly Rana
Published: August 2013

Objective

To measure the effects of race/ethnicity, area measures of socioeconomic status (SES) and geographic residency status, and health care supply (HCS) characteristics on breast cancer (BC)‐related outcomes.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Female patients inGeorgia diagnosed withBCin the years 2000–2009.

Study Design

Multilevel regression analysis with adjustment for variables at the county, census tract (CT), and individual level. The county represents the spatial unit of analysis forHCS.SESand geographic residency status were grouped at theCTlevel.

Principal Findings

Even after controlling for area‐level characteristics, racial and ethnic minority women suffered an unequalBCburden. Despite inferior outcomes for disease stage and receipt of treatment,Hispanics had a marginally significant decreased risk of death compared with non‐Hispanics. HigherCTpoverty was associated with worseBC‐related outcomes. Residing in small, isolated rural areas increased the odds of receiving surgery, decreased the odds of receiving radiotherapy, and decreased the risk of death. A higher per‐capita availability ofBCcare physicians was significantly associated with decreased risk of death.

Conclusions

Race/ethnicity and area‐level measures ofSES, geographic residency status, andHCScontribute to disparities inBC‐related outcomes.
Does Winning a Pay‐for‐Performance Bonus Improve Subsequent Quality Performance? Evidence from the Hospital Quality Incentive Demonstration
Authors: Ryan Andrew , Sutton Matthew , Doran Tim
Published: August 2013

Objective

To test whether receiving a financial bonus for quality in the Premier Hospital Quality Incentive Demonstration (HQID) stimulated subsequent quality improvement.

Data

Hospital‐level data on process‐of‐care quality from Hospital Compare for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure, and pneumonia for 260 hospitals participating in the HQID from 2004 to 2006; receipt of quality bonuses in the first 3 years of HQID from the Premier Inc. website; and hospital characteristics from the 2005 American Hospital Association Annual Survey.

Study Design

Under the HQID, hospitals received a 1 percent bonus on Medicare payments for scoring between the 80th and 90th percentiles on a composite quality measure, and a 2 percent bonus for scoring at the 90th percentile or above. We used a regression discontinuity design to evaluate whether hospitals with quality scores just above these payment thresholds improved more in the subsequent year than hospitals with quality scores just below the thresholds. In alternative specifications, we examined samples of hospitals scoring within 3, 5, and 10 percentage point “bandwidths” of the thresholds. We used a Generalized Linear Model to estimate whether the relationship between quality and lagged quality was discontinuous at the lagged thresholds required for quality bonuses.

Principal Findings

There were no statistically significant associations between receipt of a bonus and subsequent quality performance, with the exception of the 2 percent bonus for AMI in 2006 using the 5 percentage point bandwidth (0.8 percentage point increase, p < .01), and the 1 percent bonus for pneumonia in 2005 using all bandwidths (3.7 percentage point increase using the 3 percentage point bandwidth, p < .05).

Conclusions

We found little evidence that hospitals' receipt of quality bonuses was associated with subsequent improvement in performance. This raises questions about whether winning in pay‐for‐performance programs, such as Hospital Value‐Based Purchasing, will lead to subsequent quality improvement.
Health Care Utilization and Costs Associated with Adherence to Clinical Practice Guidelines for Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging among Workers with Acute Occupational Low Back Pain
Authors: Graves Janessa M. , Fulton‐Kehoe Deborah , Jarvik Jeffrey G. , Franklin Gary M.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To estimate health care utilization and costs associated with adherence to clinical practice guidelines for the use of early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; within the first 6 weeks of injury) for acute occupational low back pain (LBP).

Data Sources

Washington State Disability Risk Identification Study Cohort (D‐RISC), consisting of administrative claims and patient interview data from workers’ compensation claimants (2002–2004).

Study Design

In this prospective, population‐based cohort study, we compared health care utilization and costs among workers whose imaging was adherent to guidelines (no early MRI) to workers whose imaging was not adherent to guidelines (early MRI in the absence of red flags).

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We identified workers (age >18) with work‐related LBP using administrative claims. We obtained demographic, injury, health, and employment information through telephone interviews to adjust for baseline differences between groups. We ascertained health care utilization and costs from administrative claims for 1 year following injury.

Principal Findings

Of 1,770 workers, 336 (19.0 percent) were classified as nonadherent to guidelines. Outpatient and physical/occupational therapy utilization was 52–54 percent higher for workers whose imaging was not adherent to guidelines compared to workers with guideline‐adherent imaging; utilization of chiropractic care was significantly lower (18 percent).

Conclusions

Nonadherence to guidelines for early MRI was associated with increased likelihood of lumbosacral injections or surgery and higher costs for out‐patient, inpatient, and nonmedical services, and disability compensation.
The spontaneously developing numb lower lip
Authors: Kingon AM
Published: August 2013

A case of a patient with impaired sensation in the distribution of the left mental nerve, having had no recent dental treatment, is presented. The cause proved to be a secondary tumour with the primary lesion being an adenocarcinoma of the lung in an individual who had never smoked. The radiological appearance suggested a possible dental abscess. The need for diagnostic vigilance is emphasized.
The use of virtual planning and navigation in the treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis
Authors: Jones RHB
Published: August 2013

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is not common in our community but can occur as a result of severe facial trauma or significant connective tissue disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, and unfortunately as a result of iatrogenic causes. Ankylosis surgery is aimed at gap arthroplasty and mobilization of the joints. However, the removal of the bony ankylosis and the production of a gap between the ramus of the mandible and the base of the skull is often difficult because of the size of the ankylosis and the anatomy on the inner aspect of the mandible. As a result of this, the author has found that surgical navigation has been useful with the removal of the ankylosis, both on the medial side of the mandible and the cranial base. Once the ankylosis has been freed and the mandible mobilized, the gap arthroplasty needs to be maintained or the release of the ankylosis will fail and the joints will re‐ankylose. It is important to maintain the space produced by the arthroplasty but this is difficult when autogenous materials such as temporalis muscle, dermis fat and other like materials are used. The gap ultimately closes under the influence of the masseter and medial pterygoid muscles and the ankylosis may return. This case report presents three representative patients in whom ankylosis has been released and the gap reconstructed with a total alloplastic joint replacement. All patients have had their ankylosis removed with the aid of a navigation system and all patients have been reconstructed with bilateral Biomet prosthesis. One patient has had their implant selected using virtual planning and the production of templates to help with placement of the stock implant.
N‐substituted Piperazinopyridylsteroid Derivatives as Abiraterone Analogues Inhibit Growth and Induce Pro‐apoptosis in Human Hormone‐independent Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Brossard Dominique , Zhang Ying , Haider Shozeb M. , Sgobba Miriam , Khalid Mohamed , Legay Rémi , Duterque‐Coquillaud Martine , Galera Philippe , Rault Sylvain , Dallemagne Patrick , Moslemi Safa , El Kihel Laïla
Published: August 2013

Nine new 17‐(piperazin‐1‐yl)pyridin‐5‐yl)steroids as abiraterone analogues were synthesized. Compounds 5d and 5g showed selective activities against 17α‐hydroxylase/C17,20‐lyase (CYP17A1) and aromatase (CYP19), respectively. IC50 values of 5d were 5.09 and >50 μm, whereas these values for 5g were >50 μm and 7.40 μm, respectively, for CYP17A1 and CYP19. Molecular modelling highlighted that the inhibitor designed to bind cytochrome P450 haem iron is a necessary condition but not the only rationale to explain inhibitory activity. These abiraterone analogues were then evaluated on hormone‐independent prostate cancer cell lines DU‐145 and PC‐3 and on hormone‐dependent breast and prostate cancer cell lines MCF‐7 and LNCaP, respectively. Compounds 5e, 5g and 5i have showed potent activities only on hormone‐independent prostate cancer cell lines DU‐145 and PC‐3 with 60–85% inhibition of both cell viability and growth at 10 nm with pro‐apoptotic mechanism as illustrated in PC‐3 cells by DNA ladder assay and Western blotting of Bax, Casp‐3 and its substrate, the poly (ADP–ribose) polymerase. We conclude that hybrid heterocycle steroids could be good lead compounds in the drug design especially against hormone‐independent prostate cancer.
Survival Rates and Bone Level Changes around Porous Oxide‐Coated Implants (TiUnite™)
Authors: Becker William , Hujoel Philippe , Becker Burton E. , Wohrle Peter
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This prospective study evaluated implant survival rates and crestal bone changes for porous oxide‐coated (TiUnite, Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden), parallel‐walled implants.

Materials and Methods

All patients receiving TiUnite (porous oxide‐surfaced implants [POS]) implants were entered into a database (Triton Tracking System) starting February 1999. Survival rates were calculated from the date of implant placement and related to surgical method of placement (two‐stage buried, flapless, immediate placement, immediate placement flapless, one stage), bone quality, and implant characteristics. Failed and nonfailed implants were compared with respect to changes in mean proximal bone levels and the presence of radiolucent areas around the implant apex (shadows).

Results

Four hundred nine patients received 817 porous oxide‐coated implants, of which 38 failed. Using the last office visit as the censoring date, the cumulative survival date was 93%. The failure rate was independent of bone quality or quantity; implant diameter or length; and surgical method. For the 102 surviving implants, there was no significant change in the average crestal bone loss (+0.13 mm with a standard error, 0.17). For the 17 failing implants, the average crestal bone loss was −4.14 mm (standard error, 0.55). This difference between bone levels of failing and nonfailing implants was highly significant (p < .0001). There was no difference in the prevalence of radiographic shadows around failing and nonfailing implants at time of placement (p < .16).

Conclusion

Results from this prospective clinical study indicate that 7% of TiUnite surfaced implants failed for unknown reasons. Failing implants were characterized by significant bone loss but not by the presence of shadows.
Hyperglycaemia during exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Koskela Heikki O , Salonen Päivi H , Niskanen Leo
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Hyperglycaemia is a well‐known phenomenon among patients with an exacerbation of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It may be associated with increased risks of death and complications.

Objectives

To define the prevalence and determinants of hyperglycaemia in patients with an exacerbation of asthma or COPD.

Methods

This was a prospective, cross‐sectional study including 153 hospitalised patients with an exacerbation of asthma or COPD. All received inhaled beta‐2‐adrenergic bronchodilators and oral glucocorticoids in internationally recommend doses. Plasma glucose was measured seven times during the first day. Hyperglycaemia was defined as fasting glucose >6.9 mmol/L or postprandial glucose >11.1 mmol/L. In addition, the family history for diabetes and the Karnofsky performance score were assessed. Height, weight, waist circumference, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, temperature and heart rate were measured. Glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (gHbA1c), C‐reactive protein, leucocytes, urea and arterial blood gas values were analysed.

Results

Eighty‐two per cent of the patients demonstrated hyperglycaemia, with similar prevalence between asthma and COPD. Of the 130 patients without a previous diagnosis of diabetes, 79% showed hyperglycaemia. In binary logistic regression analysis, high gHbA1c, high C‐reactive protein and Karnofsky score less than 80% associated with the presence of fasting hyperglycaemia. High gHbA1c and current smoking associated with postprandial hyperglycaemia.

Conclusions

Hyperglycaemia is very common among hospitalised patients with an exacerbation of asthma or COPD. It is probably triggered by the medication and the patient's metabolic predisposition mainly determines its presence. Current smoking is the main treatable contributor to hyperglycaemia.
COPD assessment test (CAT): simple tool for evaluating quality of life of chemical warfare patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Lari Shahrzad M. , Ghobadi Hassan , Attaran Davood , Mahmoodpour Afsoun , Shadkam Omid , Rostami Maryam
Published: August 2013

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the serious late pulmonary complications caused by sulphur mustard exposure. Health status evaluations of chemical warfare patients with COPD are important to the management of these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the COPD assessment test (CAT) in evaluating the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of chemical warfare patients with COPD.

Methods

Eighty‐two consecutive patients with stable COPD were enrolled in this study. All subjects were visited by one physician, and the HRQOL was evaluated by the CAT and St. George Respiratory Questionnaires (SGRQs). In addition, a standard spirometry test, 6‐min walk distance test and pulse oxymetry were conducted. The severity of the COPD was determined using Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) staging and the body mass index, obstruction, dyspnoea and exercise (BODE) index.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 47.30 ± 7.08 years. The mean CAT score was 26.03 ± 8.28. Thirty‐five (43%) patients were in CAT stage 3. There were statistically significant correlations between the CAT and the SGRQ (r = 0.70, P = 0.001) and the BODE index (r = 0.70, P = 0.001). A statistically significant inverse correlation was found between the CAT score and the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (r = −0.30, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that the CAT is a simple and valid tool for assessment of HRQOL in chemical warfare patients with COPD and can be used in clinical practice.
Histogenesis of pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma and significance of P63 expression
Authors: Zhang Jiayu , Wang Jian
Published: August 2013

Abstrsct

Objective

To investigation of the histogenesis and the significance of expression of P63 in pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma (SH).

Methods

Eighteen cases of SH were retrospectively studied, and P63, surfactant protein B (SPB), thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytokeratin (CKpan), vimentin, SMA, chromagranin (CgA), Syn and CD34 were immunohistochemically labelled with EnVision method.

Results

There are mainly four types of structures in SH tissue: solid, papillary, angiomatous (haemorrhagic), and sclerotic pattern. The tumour cells are composed mainly of two types of cells: cuboidal tumour cells and polygonal cells. The immunohistochemistry showed that cuboidal tumour cells expressed P63 (+++) in 16 cases of SH (16/18 cases). Polygonal cells and cuboidal cells of all cases express both TTF‐1 and EMA at the same time (18/18 cases); cuboidal tumour cells express SPB (18/18 cases); polygonal tumour cells express vimentin (18/18 cases). In one case, a polygonal tumour cell weakly expressed Chromogranin (CgA) and Syn.

Conclusion

The P63 positive cuboidal tumour cells may be pluripotent original respiratory epithelial cells, with multidirectional differentiation capacity. Immunohistochemically labelling of P63 may have important value for SH diagnosis.
Antiphospholipid IgM antibody response in acute and chronic Mycobacterium tuberculosis mouse infection model
Authors: Goodridge Amador , Zhang Tianyi , Miyata Toshiko , Lu Sangwei , Riley Lee W.
Published: August 2013

Background and Aims

The clinical management of tuberculosis (TB) could be greatly improved by an affordable biomarker test to monitor treatment response. Here, we examined changes in immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody response to lipids as a potential biomarker for monitoring TB treatment in an experimental mouse model.

Methods

We performed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to investigate changes in IgM antibody response against cardiolipin (CL), phosphatidylcholine (PTC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and sphingolipid (SL) in BALB/c mice that were treated after being infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis for 4 weeks (acute infection) and 20 weeks (chronic infection). Cytokine levels [interleukin (IL)‐5, IL‐10, interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1)] in lung and spleen homogenates as well as in blood were also compared.

Results

In both acutely and chronically infected mice, lungs were sterilised of M. tuberculosis infection after 8 weeks of treatment. The IgM response to CL, PTC, PE, PI and SL were consistently elevated throughout the course of infection in chronically infected mice compared with acutely infected mice. In acutely infected mice, the IgM antibody response against CL significantly decreased after 8 weeks of treatment, but not against other lipids. In chronically infected mice, the IgM response showed no significant changes against any of the lipids after 8 weeks of treatment. Of the cytokines examined, only MCP‐1 levels in lungs decreased significantly after treatment.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that antilipid IgM antibody can remain elevated in chronically infected mice, but with treatment, only anti‐CL IgM antibody levels decreased together with M. tuberculosis bacterial burden in acutely infected mice. Treatment did not affect antilipid IgM levels in chronically infected mice.
Submucosal tumors: Comprehensive guide for the diagnosis and therapy of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors
Authors: Nishida Toshirou , Kawai Naoki , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Nishida Yoshiki
Published: August 2013

Small submucosal tumors (SMT) without symptoms are frequently found by endoscopic and radiological examinations. To find proper diagnostic measures and therapeutic indications for histologically undiagnosed SMT, we reviewed published articles in PubMed between 1990 and March 2013 using the key words ‘submucosal tumor’ and the name of a specific disease. SMT is observed in a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and conditions, including compression by extra‐GI organs and lesions, congenital tumors, inflammation, and benign as well as malignant neoplastic lesions. In the diagnosis of diseases and decision‐making for therapy, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) may play a key role. Symptomatic SMT and SMT histologically diagnosed as malignant or potentially malignant tumors such as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) should be treated by surgery. SMT >5 cm, SMT increasing in size and those with‘high‐risk features’ including irregular border, heterogeneous internal echo such as anechoic area, and heterogeneous enhancement by contrast media may also be removed by surgery. Laparoscopic approach is feasible for gastric GIST <5 cm and this is considered less invasive than the open approach. Emerging techniques using flexible endoscopes appear less invasive, but require further evidence and are still under clinical study. Correct diagnosis of SMT is challenging; however, EUS and EUS‐FNA are useful in the histological diagnosis and clinical decision‐making. In the future, minimally invasive approaches may be a mainstream of surgical treatment for small SMT.
Does Education Expansion Increase Intergenerational Mobility?
Authors: Zhong Hai
Published: August 2013

Education expansion may lead to ‘over‐education’, where the social connections of parents may exert more significant influence on the return to education of children. With the assumption of a positive correlation between return on human capital and parental income in the presence of over‐education, we show that: (i) the expansion of education may cause horizontal inequity in education opportunities and inefficiency in human capital accumulation; (ii) the positive correlation between return on human capital and parental income causes a more persistent intergenerational immobility; (iii) an expansion of education (especially higher education) leads to more persistent intergenerational immobility.
Solar radiation directly affects larval performance of a forest insect
Authors: BATTISTI ANDREA , MARINI LORENZO , PITACCO ANDREA , LARSSON STIG
Published: August 2013

Solar radiation can affect the performance of insect herbivores directly by increasing body temperature, or indirectly through alteration of either host plant quality or natural enemy activity.

To test for the direct effect of solar radiation on larval performance, youngPinus sylvestristrees growing on the island ofGotland (Sweden) were assigned to one of four shading treatments for the whole duration of the first larval instar of the northern pine processionary mothThaumetopoea pinivora.

There was a strong, linear relationship between shading and the temperature of the first‐instar colonies ofT. pinivora, resulting in higher growth of the larvae exposed to full sunlight, but there were no effects on developmental rate or larval mortality. Putative negative effects ofUVradiation on the larvae are not consistent with higher growth in full sunlight, but it is possible thatUVeffects might have modulated the response.

Thaumetopoea pinivorahas a strong preference for light and open pine stands, i.e. habitats with frequent intense incoming solar radiation. The data in the present study suggest that the opportunity for young larvae to bask in the sun during cold spring weather is an important determinant of the spatial distribution ofT. pinivora.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase p38 and retinoblastoma protein signalling is required for DNA damage‐mediated formation of senescence‐associated heterochromatic foci in tumour cells
Authors: Zhang Yu , Gao Yanyan , Zhao Li , Han Liping , Lu Yang , Hou Pingfu , Shi Xi , Liu Xin , Tian Baoqing , Wang Xiuli , Huang Baiqu , Lu Jun
Published: August 2013

DNA‐damaging agents are able to induce irreversible cell growth arrest and senescence in some types of tumour cells, thus contributing to the static feature of cancer. However, senescent tumour cells may re‐enter the cell cycle, leading to tumour relapse. Understanding the mechanisms that control the viability of senescent cells may be critical for tumour suppression. Primary human fibroblasts undergoing oncogene‐induced or replicative senescence are known to form senescence‐associated heterochromatin foci (SAHF), which contribute to the stability of the senescent state. However, it is unclear whether SAHF formation is universal in tumour cells. We report that the DNA‐damaging agents doxorubicin and 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin were able to induce the formation of SAHF in some tumour cell types, and this induction was accompanied by activation of the retinoblastoma protein pathway. By contrast, tumour cells in which the retinoblastoma protein pathway could not be activated by doxorubicin or 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin failed to form SAHF. In parallel, tumour cells with deficient retinoblastoma protein were also unable to form SAHF. In addition, we show that the mitogen‐activated protein kinase p38 pathway was involved in tumour cell SAHF formation in response to doxorubicin and 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin. Furthermore, HMG box transcription factor 1 (HBP1), a downstream target of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase p38‐mediated senescence pathway, was required for SAHF formation. Taken together, the results of the present study highlight the roles of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase p38/retinoblastoma protein pathway in tumour cell SAHF formation in response to DNA‐damaging agents, and provide new insights into the mechanisms of DNA damage‐mediated tumour suppression.

Structured digital abstract

HBP1 physically interacts with RB by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1, 2)
Role of conformational entropy in the activity and regulation of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A
Authors: Veglia Gianluigi , Cembran Alessandro
Published: August 2013

Protein kinase A (PKA) is the archetypical phosphokinase, sharing a catalytic core with the entire protein kinase superfamily. In eukaryotes, the ubiquitous location of PKA makes it one of the most important cellular signaling molecules, involved in a myriad of events. The catalytic subunit of PKA (PKA‐C) is one of the most studied enzymes and was the first kinase to be crystallized; however, the effects of ligand binding, post‐translational modifications and mutations on the activity of the kinase have been difficult to understand with only structural data. Here, we review our latest NMR studies on PKA‐C, the results of which underscore the role of fast and slow conformational dynamics in the activation and inhibition of the kinase.
On the Political Economy of Public Deficits and Debt
Authors: Kirchgässner Gebhard
Published: August 2013

In OECD countries, we have observed a considerable increase in public debt over recent decades caused by large and lasting deficits. What is the reason for this development and why is it rather different by country? There are two approaches to explain this. Traditional economic theory explains why it makes sense to allow deficits of public budgets in certain situations, which might result in a limited amount of public debt. It also shows the conditions for the sustainability of public finances namely that public debt stays below certain limits and, in particular, does not - in the long run - increase faster than GDP. Following the recommendations of this approach, public budget surpluses should be run in economic upswings to compensate for deficits in recessions. By contrast, politico-economic approaches explain why democratic governments have incentives to allow deficits even in periods of economic upswings. In the long run, this can lead to ever-increasing public debt. To prevent this, institutional provisions are necessary. In this respect, Swiss debt brakes at the national and cantonal levels as well as the new German rules are of particular interest.
Ex Libris and Exchange: Immigrant Interventions in the German‐Jewish Renaissance
Authors: Block Nick
Published: August 2013

In this article I argue that behind the central image of theOstjudein the Weimar German‐Jewish renaissance were twenty years of collaboration and cultural exchange between German Jews and resident Eastern European Jews. I claim that a transnational examination of German‐Jewish visual culture reveals the way in which Eastern European Jews helped to fashion their own image in German society. I investigate the bookplate, or ex libris, as a cultural product in thefin‐de‐siècle, when Jewish iconography rose in popularity. Immigrant Eastern European Jews living in Germany produced and circulated the positive image of the bearded Jew with yarmulke, providing broader German‐Jewish society a visual vocabulary for conveying their own idealized selves.
Randomized comparison of prophylaxis and on‐demand regimens with FEIBA NF in the treatment of haemophilia A and B with inhibitors
Authors: Antunes S. V. , Tangada S. , Stasyshyn O. , Mamonov V. , Phillips J. , Guzman‐Becerra N. , Grigorian A. , Ewenstein B. , Wong W.‐Y.
Published: August 2013

Factor replacement therapy for the treatment of moderate to severe haemophilia A and B can be complicated by the production of inhibitory alloantibodies to factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX. Treatment with the nanofiltered anti‐inhibitor coagulant complex, Factor Eight Inhibitor Bypassing Activity (FEIBA NF), is a key therapeutic option for controlling acute haemorrhages in patients with high‐titre inhibitors or low‐titre inhibitors refractory to replacement therapy. Given the high risk for morbidity and mortality in haemophilia patients with inhibitors to FVIII or FIX, we conducted this Phase 3 prospective study to evaluate whether prophylaxis with FEIBA NF is a safe and effective treatment option. Over a 1‐year period, 17 subjects were treated prophylactically (85 ± 15 U kg−1 every other day) while 19 subjects were treated on demand. The median (IQR) annualized bleeding rate (ABR) during prophylaxis was 7.9 (8.1), compared to 28.7 (32.3) during on‐demand treatment, which amounts to a 72.5% reduction and a statistically significant difference in ABRs between arms (P = 0.0003). Three (17.6%) subjects (ITT) on prophylaxis experienced no bleeding episodes, whereas none treated on demand were bleeding episode‐free. Total utilization of FEIBA NF for the treatment of bleeding episodes was significantly higher during on‐demand therapy than prophylaxis (P = 0.0067). There were no differences in the rates of related adverse events between arms. This study demonstrates that FEIBA prophylaxis significantly reduces all types of bleeding compared with on‐demand treatment, and the safety of prophylaxis is comparable to that of on‐demand treatment.
Study of different fouling mechanisms during membrane clarification of red plum juice
Authors: Nourbakhsh Himan , Emam‐Djomeh Zahra , Mirsaeedghazi Hossein , Omid Mahmoud , Moieni Sohrab
Published: August 2013

In this study, the flux decline mechanisms were identified during membrane clarification of red plum juice at several processing parameters, including pore size, membrane type, transmembrane pressure, temperature and velocity. The results were used to investigate the effect of changes in operating conditions on the intensity of membrane fouling. Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for analysing fouling‐layer morphology. These results showed that the main mechanism responsible for membrane fouling was cake formation (over 95% fitness) occurring in the first stage of the process. Intermediate, standard and complete blockings were formed during most of the runs as filtration proceeded. The results also indicated that increasing the temperature from 30 to 40 °C was the most effective factor in decreasing cake‐layer fouling, reducing it by about 66.7%. Furthermore, an increase in processing velocity of up to 0.5 m s−1 had the greatest effect on intermediate blocking, reducing it by about 86.1%. Also, increasing pressure up to 2.9 bar completely eliminated standard blocking and complete blocking. Finally, microstructure analysis of membrane using SEM confirmed that cake formation had the greatest impact on membrane fouling.
Bacterial inactivation and quality changes of fresh‐cut avocados as affected by intense light pulses of specific spectra
Authors: Ramos‐Villarroel Ana , Aron‐Maftei Nicoleta , Martín‐Belloso Olga , Soliva‐Fortuny Robert
Published: August 2013

Intense light pulses (ILP) treatments have good prospects for becoming an alternative to traditional thermal methods for decontamination of food surfaces. The aim of this work was to evaluate which ranges of the light spectrum are responsible for bacterial inactivation and their effect on the quality of fresh‐cut avocado. Results show that the effectiveness of ILP treatment decreases when the ultraviolet (UV) spectral region is blocked (particularly UV‐C). ILP treatments without UV‐C light (305–1100 nm) and an overall fluence of 10.68 J cm−2 caused reductions of 2.47 and 1.35 log CFU g−1 in the initial counts of inoculated Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua, respectively, in comparison with those treated using only VIS–NIR light (0.83 and 0.68 log CFU g−1, respectively). Treatments applying light of a wavelength between 305 and 1100 nm had a more pronounced impact on colour, texture and headspace gas composition than treatments that did not contain UV light (400–1100 nm).
Acute bacterial prostatitis after transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy: Epidemiological, bacteria and treatment patterns from a 4‐year prospective study
Authors: Campeggi Alexandre , Ouzaid Idir , Xylinas Evanguelos , Lesprit Philippe , Hoznek Andras , Vordos Dimitri , Abbou Claude‐Clément , Salomon Laurent , de la Taille Alexandre
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence, and clinical and bacterial features of iatrogenic prostatitis within 1 month after transrectal ultrasound‐guided biopsy for detection of prostate cancer.

Methods

From January 2006 to December 2009, 3000 patients underwent a 21‐core transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy at Henri Mondor Hospital (Créteil, France) and were prospectively followed. All patients had a fluoroquinolone antimicrobial prophylaxis for 7 days. The primary study end‐point was to evaluate the incidence of iatrogenic acute prostatitis within 1 month after the biopsy. The secondary end‐point was to analyze the clinical and the bacterial features of the prostatitis.

Results

Overall, 20 patients of the entire study population (0.67%) had an acute bacterial prostatitis within 2.90 ± 1.77 days (range 1–7 days) after the transrectal ultrasound‐guided biopsy. The groups of patients with (n = 20) and without (n = 2980) infection were similar in terms of age, prostate‐specific antigen level and prostate volume. Escherichia coli was the only isolated bacteria. The subsequent tests for antibiotic susceptibility showed a 95% resistance for fluroquinolone and amoxicillin. Resistance to amoxiclav, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole, third generation cephalosporin and amikacin was 70%, 70%, 25% and 5% respectively. No resistance to imipenem was reported. They were all admitted for treatment without the need of intensive care unit referral. Complete recovery was achieved after 21.4 ± 7 days of antibiotic treatment.

Conclusions

A fluroquinolone‐based regimen still represents an appropriate prophylaxis protocol to minimize the risk of acute prostatitis secondary to prostate biopsy. Patients should be provided the appropriate care soon after the onset of the symptoms. An intravenous third generation cephalosporin or imipenem‐based therapy seem to provide satisfying results.
Greenfield or Acquisition Entry? The Roles of Policy Uncertainty and MNE Legitimacy in Host Countries
Authors: Slangen Arjen H.L.
Published: August 2013

Political constraints shortages in host countries facilitate policy changes and, hence, imply policy uncertainty for multinational enterprises (MNEs). I examine how such uncertainty influences MNEs' choice between wholly owned greenfield and full acquisition entry by combining real options and MNE legitimacy theory. I argue that acquisitions require MNEs to buy the needed external assets immediately upon entry while greenfields allow them to buy these assets sequentially, causing greenfields to temporarily have a real options advantage over acquisitions if policy uncertainty resolves unfavorably after the initiation of an entry. I expect the value of this advantage and, hence, the likelihood of greenfield entry, to increase with the level of policy uncertainty. I also expect this increase to be smaller for subsidiaries with greater expected legitimacy, since greater subsidiary legitimacy reduces the chance of adverse shifts in policy preferences and, therefore, the threat posed by a given political constraints shortage. I find support for most of these expectations in a sample of 172 foreign entries by Dutch MNEs, measuring policy uncertainty by Henisz's reverse‐coded POLCON index and a subsidiary's expected legitimacy by its planned autonomy level, its parent's host country experience, its industry's expected performance, and its parent country's religious closeness. I conclude that the POLCON index is an incomplete indicator of the policy threats faced by MNEs because it does not account for subsidiaries' legitimacy.