bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetrical proliferative pattern loss during malignant transformation of the oral mucosa
Authors: González‐Moles M. A. , Plaza‐Campillo J. , Ruiz‐Ávila I. , Herrera P. , Bravo M. , Gil‐Montoya J. A.
Published: February 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to study the loss of asymmetrical proliferation in oral tumorigenesis.

Materials and methods

Samples: 92 oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) with associated non‐tumor epithelia (NTE). NTE and tumor were classified as distant from or close to the invasion point. Immunohistochemistry was performed using Mib‐1 antibody. Ki‐67 was assessed in basal, parabasal layer, medium and upper third, counting total and positive cells. Proliferative patterns were classified according to the ki‐67 expression: 1 = expression in parabasal layers of well‐differentiated tumor nest (WDTN); 2 = expression in parabasal and basal layers of WDTN; 3 = ki‐67 expression in <20% cells in tumor tissue without WDTN; 4 = ki‐67 expression in ≥20% of cells in tumor tissue without WDTN; and 5 = ki‐67 expression exclusively found in basal layers of WDTN.

Results

Ki‐67 expression was highest in parabasal layers of both close and distant NTE (39.7 ± 27.6 and 30.1 ± 20) and was also elevated in the close (43.4 ± 21.3) and distant (48.8 ± 21.9) tumor tissue samples. Close tumors largely corresponded to proliferation patterns 2 and 4, while distant tumors generally followed pattern 4. Of the 92 close NTE samples, 23 showed reduced basal proliferation with increased parabasal proliferation. Tumors derived from these epithelia followed patterns 2 (52%, 12/23 cases) or 4 (30.4%, 7/23 cases). Parabasal proliferation in distant NTE was significantly increased in patients with multiple vs. single tumors (36.7% vs. 25.4%; P = 0.032).

Conclusion

The change from asymmetrical to symmetrical division appears to be an oncogenic mechanism in oral carcinogenesis.
Effect of combination of hydrophilic and lipophilic permeation enhancers on the skin permeation of kahalalide F
Authors: Shah Punit P , Desai Pinaki R , Patlolla Ram , Klevans Larry , Singh Mandip
Published: February 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of combination of various lipophilic and hydrophilic chemical enhancers on skin delivery of kahalalide F (KF).

Methods

KF formulations comprising a combination of lipophilic and hydrophilic chemical enhancers with varied per cent were prepared and evaluated for skin permeation studies. In vitro skin permeation of KF formulations was performed using Franz diffusion cell. Stability studies of KF formulations were performed according to the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use guideline, and the therapeutic efficacy of KF formulation was evaluated using allergic contact dermatitis animal model.

Key findings

The efficacy of KF formulations to improve skin delivery of KF was sequenced in the order of: formulation #4 > formulation #2 > formulation #1 > formulation #3, where formulation #4 contains labrasol (40% w/v), ethyl oleate (5% w/v) and span 80 (5% w/v) along with transcutol (40% w/v) and ethanol (10% w/v). Further, all the formulations were stable for 1 month when stored at 30°C/65% relative humidity.

Conclusions

The results of present study suggest that therapeutically effective concentrations of KF can be delivered in the skin using combination of lipophilic and hydrophilic chemical enhancers.
Influence of postharvest processing and storage conditions on key antioxidants in pūhā (S
onchus oleraceus L.)
Authors: Ou Zong-Quan , Schmierer David M , Strachan Clare J , Rades Thomas , McDowell Arlene
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To investigate effects of different postharvest drying processes and storage conditions on key antioxidants in Sonchus oleraceus L. leaves.

Methods

Fresh leaves were oven-dried (60°C), freeze-dried or air-dried (∼25°C) for 6 h, 24 h and 3 days, respectively. Design of experiments (DOE) was applied to study the stability of antioxidants (caftaric, chlorogenic and chicoric acids) in S. oleraceus leaves and leaf extracts stored at different temperatures (4, 25 and 50°C) and relative humidities (15%, 43% and 75%) for 180 days. The concentration of antioxidants was quantified by a HPLC–2,2′-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl post-column derivatisation method. Antioxidant activity was assessed by a cellular antioxidant activity assay.

Key findings

The three antioxidants degraded to unquantifiable levels after oven-drying. More than 90% of the antioxidants were retained by freeze-drying and air-drying. Both leaf and extract samples retained > 90% of antioxidants, except those stored at 75% relative humidity. Leaf material had higher antioxidant concentrations and greater cellular antioxidant activity than corresponding extract samples.

Conclusion

Freeze-drying and air-drying preserved more antioxidants in S. oleraceus than oven-drying. From DOE analysis, humidity plays an important role in degradation of antioxidants during storage. To preserve antioxidant activity, it is preferable to store S. oleraceus as dried leaf material.
Importance of CD44 in the proliferation and mineralization of periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Yeh Y. , Yang Y. , Yuan K.
Published: February 2014

Background and Objective

CD44 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that exhibits various biological functions. Histological studies have shown that CD44 is expressed in periodontal ligament (PDL). We investigated the role of CD44 in the in vitro biological functions of PDL cells.

Material and Methods

Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry were used to examine CD44 protein expression in mouse molars and human PDL cells, respectively. PDL cells isolated from human third molars were assayed for their proliferation and mineralization after stably silencing their expression of CD44 using the small hairpin RNA technique. An osteogenesis‐associated quantitative polymerase chain reaction array was used to identify downstream molecules of CD44 signaling in osteogenic medium. The PDL cells, transduced with control small hairpin RNA, were used as controls in all assays.

Results

PDLs expressed CD44 in vitro and in vivo. When CD44 expression was stably suppressed in PDL cells, their proliferation and mineralization activities in both media were substantially decreased. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction array and Western blotting verified that bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), fibroblast growth factor‐1 (FGF‐1) and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) were downregulated after CD44 was knocked down in PDL cells. Exogenous FGF‐1 attenuated the proliferative suppression of CD44 knockdown cells. Exogenous BMP‐2 rescued the suppressed mineralization of CD44 knockdown cells more than ICAM‐1 did.

Conclusion

The in vitro assays demonstrated that CD44 is crucial for the proliferation and mineralization of PDL cells and is possibly mediated by BMP‐2, FGF‐1 and ICAM‐1. Further studies are required to verify the mediators and identify the physiological ligands of CD44 for possible application in periodontal regeneration.
Complete uterine prolapse without uterine mucosal eversion in a queen
Authors: Bigliardi E. , Di Ianni F. , Parmigiani E. , Cantoni A. M. , Bresciani C.
Published: February 2014

A five‐year‐old female cat weighing 3 kg was presented by the owner after noticing a large pink, bilobed mass protruding through the vulva during labour. The cat was in good condition, with appropriate lactation, and the newborn kittens were nursing normally. The uterus was not reverted or invaginated at examination, and there was rupture of the mesovarium, mesometrium and uterine‐vaginal connection around the cervix. Manual reduction of the prolapsed uterus was not possible because of torn ligaments. A coeliotomy was performed to remove the ovaries, and the apex of the uterine horns was passed by the vaginal route. The remaining part of the mesometrium was disconnected, and the prolapsed uterus was removed. The queen and kittens were discharged from the hospital on the second day after surgery. An unusual feature of this case is that the prolapse was complete, without eversion of any part of the uterus through a vaginal tear.
Psychometric Properties of the Iranian Version of the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised in Women
Authors: Azimi Nekoo Elham , Burri Andrea , Ashrafti Farzaneh , Fridlund Bengt , Koenig Harold G. , Derogatis Leonard R. , Pakpour Amir H.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Several tools for the assessment of sexuality-related distress are now available. The Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and its revised version (FSDS-R) are extensively validated and among the most widely used tools to measure sexually related personal distress.

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the FSDS-R in a population sample of Iranian women.

Methods

A total of 2,400 married and potentially sexually active women were recruited and categorized into three groups including (i) a healthy control group; (ii) a group of women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD); and (iii) a group of women suffering from other female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Participants were asked to complete a set of questionnaires including the Iranian version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-IV), the FSDS-R, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Main Outcome Measures

Sexuality-related distress and FSD as assessed by the Iranian version of the FSDS-R and the FSFI-IV are the main outcome measures.

Results

Internal consistencies and test–retest reliability of the FSDS-R across the three assessments points for the three groups were >0.70. The FSDS-R correlated significantly with anxiety, depression, and the FSFI total score. Significant differences in the FSDS-R scores were found between healthy women, women with HSDD, and women with other types of FSD. Factor analysis of the FSDS-R yielded a single-factor model with an acceptable fit.

Conclusions

The Persian version of the FSDS-R is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of sexuality-related distress in Iranian women and can be used to screen patients with HSDD.
Prognostic Benefit of the Addition of a Quantitative Index of Hepatic Encephalopathy to the MELD score: the MELD‐EEG
Authors: Montagnese Sara , De Rui Michele , Schiff Sami , Ceranto Elena , Valenti Pietro , Angeli Paolo , Cillo Umberto , Zanus Giacomo , Gatta Angelo , Amodio Piero , Merkel Carlo
Published: February 2014

Background & Aims

A slowed electroencephalogram (EEG) is indicative of the presence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Since HE is not reflected in the MELD score and is an important prognostic parameter, we assess the prognostic benefit of the addition of an EEG‐based HE index to the MELD.

Methods

Three hundred and ninety‐two patients with cirrhosis underwent EEG and automated determination of its mean dominant frequency (MDF). MELD was calculated at the time of EEG recording. Patients were monitored for up to 18 months in relation to the occurrence of death/transplantation. The prognostic value of the stand‐alone/combined MELD and MDF was calculated using standard survival analysis techniques. Patients transplanted for hepatic decompensation were considered dead on the day of transplantation, those transplanted for hepatocellular carcinoma were censored. The findings were validated using a split‐sample technique (reference group: n = 256; test group: n = 136). During the follow‐up period, 107 patients died/were transplanted for hepatic decompensation.

Results

Both MELD and MDF predicted mortality on Kaplan–Meier analysis, and both were independent predictors of mortality on a Cox model. Based on Cox regression parameters, a novel prognostic index was devised, as follows: MELD‐EEG = 0.087*MELD–0.306*MDF. On ROC curve analysis, MELD‐EEG had higher prognostic accuracy in predicting 12‐ and 18‐month mortality compared to MELD (P = 0.016 and P = 0.018, respectively). In addition, it had better sensitivity and reduced the misclassification rate for given levels of specificity. On validation, no significant differences were observed between the reference/test groups.

Conclusions

The addition of an automatically obtained EEG‐based index improves the prognostic accuracy of the MELD score.
Calavita's Invitation to Law & Society: Introduction to the Symposium
Authors: Lempert Richard
Published: February 2014

This essay introduces a Law & Social Inquiry symposium on Kitty Calavita's book Invitation to Law & Society: An Introduction to the Study of Real Law (2010) that features comments on the law and society enterprise by Jeannine Bell, Austin Sarat, and Christopher Tomlins. It briefly discusses the commentators' views of this enterprise as revealed in their essays and challenges points made by each of them. It goes on to discuss the book's suitability as a student‐oriented introduction to the field of law and society, filling a gap the commentators left open.
Neutral and selective processes shape MHC gene diversity and expression in stocked brook charr populations (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Authors: Lamaze Fabien C. , Pavey Scott A. , Normandeau Eric , Roy Gabriel , Garant Dany , Bernatchez Louis
Published: February 2014

The capacity of an individual to battle infection is an important fitness determinant in wild vertebrate populations. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are crucial for a host's adaptive immune system to detect pathogens. However, anthropogenic activities may disrupt natural cycles of co‐evolution between hosts and pathogens. In this study, we investigated the dynamic sequence and expression variation of host parasite interactions in brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) in a context of past human disturbance via population supplementation from domestic individuals. To do so, we developed a new method to examine selection shapingMHCdiversity within and between populations and found a complex interplay between neutral and selective processes that varied between lakes that were investigated. We provided evidence for a lower introgression rate of domestic alleles and found that parasite infection increased with domestic genomic background of individuals. We also documented an association between individualMHCalleles and parasite taxa. Finally, longercis‐regulatory minisatellites were positively correlated withMHC IIdown‐regulation and domestic admixture, suggesting that inadvertent selection during domestication resulted in a lower immune response capacity, through a trade‐off between growth and immunity, which explained the negative selection of domestic alleles at least under certain circumstances.
A Cyber‐Physical System Simulator for Risk‐Free Transport Studies
Authors: Prendinger Helmut , Miska Marc , Gajananan Kugamoorthy , Nantes Alfredo
Published: February 2014

The article introduces a novel platform for conducting controlled and risk‐free driving and traveling behavior studies, called Cyber‐Physical System Simulator (CPSS). The key features of CPSS are: (1) simulation of multiuser immersive driving in a three‐dimensional (3D) virtual environment; (2) integration of traffic and communication simulators with human driving based on dedicated middleware; and (3) accessibility of multiuser driving simulator on popular software and hardware platforms. This combination of features allows us to easily collect large‐scale data on interesting phenomena regarding the interaction between multiple user drivers, which is not possible with current single‐user driving simulators. The core original contribution of this article is threefold: (1) we introduce a multiuser driving simulator based on DiVE, our original massively multiuser networked 3D virtual environment; (2) we introduce OpenV2X, a middleware for simulating vehicle‐to‐vehicle and vehicle‐to‐infrastructure communication; and (3) we present two experiments based on our CPSS platform. The first experiment investigates the “rubbernecking” phenomenon, where a platoon of four user drivers experiences an accident in the oncoming direction of traffic. Second, we report on a pilot study about the effectiveness of a Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems advisory system.
Wild yeast harbour a variety of distinct amyloid structures with strong prion‐inducing capabilities
Authors: Westergard Laura , True Heather L.
Published: February 2014

Variation in amyloid structures profoundly influences a wide array of pathological phenotypes in mammalian protein conformation disorders and dominantly inherited phenotypes in yeast. Here, we describe, for the first time, naturally occurring, self‐propagating, structural variants of a prion protein isolated from wild strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Variants of the [RNQ+] prion propagating in a variety of wild yeast differ biochemically, in their intracellular distributions, and in their ability to promote formation of the [PSI+] prion. [PSI+] is an epigenetic regulator of cellular phenotype and adaptability. Strikingly, we find that most natural [RNQ+] variants induced [PSI+] at high frequencies and the majority of [PSI+] variants elicited strong cellular phenotypes. We hypothesize that the presence of an efficient [RNQ+] template primes the cell for [PSI+] formation in order to induce [PSI+] in conditions where it would be advantageous. These studies utilize naturally occurring structural variants to expand our understanding of the consequences of diverse prion conformations on cellular phenotypes.
Regulation of amino sugar utilization in Bacillus subtilis by the GntR family regulators, NagR and GamR
Authors: Gaugué Isabelle , Oberto Jacques , Plumbridge Jacqueline
Published: February 2014

In Bacillus subtilis separate sets of genes are implicated in the transport and metabolism of the amino sugars, glucosamine and N‐acetylglucosamine. The genes for use of N‐acetylglucosamine (nagAB and nagP) are found in most firmicutes and are controlled by a GntR family repressor NagR (YvoA). The genes for use of glucosamine (gamAP) are repressed by another GntR family repressor GamR (YbgA). The gamR‐gamAP synton is only found in B. subtilis and a few very close relatives. Although NagR and GamR are close phylogenetically, there is no cross regulation between their operons. GlcN6P prevents all binding of GamR to its targets. NagR binds specifically to targets containing the previously identified dre palindrome but its binding is not inhibited by GlcN6P or GlcNAc6P. GamR‐like binding sites were also found in some other Bacilli associated with genes for use of chitin, the polymer of N‐acetylglucosamine, and with a gene for another GamR homologue (yurK). We show that GamR can bind to two regions in the chi operon of B. licheniformis and that GamR and YurK are capable of heterologous regulation. GamR can repress the B. licheniformis licH‐yurK genes and YurK can repress B. subtilis gamA.
Identification and characterization of LFD1, a novel protein involved in membrane merger during cell fusion in Neurospora crassa
Authors: Palma‐Guerrero Javier , Leeder Abigail C. , Welch Juliet , Glass N. Louise
Published: February 2014

Despite its essential role in development, molecular mechanisms of membrane merger during cell–cell fusion in most eukaryotic organisms remain elusive. In the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, cell fusion occurs during asexual spore germination, where genetically identical germlings show chemotropic interactions and cell–cell fusion. Fusion of germlings and hyphae is required for the formation of the interconnected mycelial network characteristic of filamentous fungi. Previously, a multipass membrane protein, PRM1, was characterized and acts at the step of bilayer fusion in N. crassa. Here we describe the identification and characterization of lfd‐1, encoding a single pass transmembrane protein, which is also involved in membrane merger. lfd‐1 was identified by a targeted analysis of a transcriptional profile of a transcription factor mutant (Δpp‐1) defective in germling fusion. The Δlfd‐1 mutant shows a similar, but less severe, membrane merger defect as a ΔPrm1 mutant. By genetic analyses, we show that LFD1 and PRM1 act independently, but share a redundant function. The cell fusion frequency of both Δlfd‐1 and ΔPrm1 mutants was sensitive to extracellular calcium concentration and was associated with an increase in cell lysis, which was suppressed by a calcium‐dependent mechanism involving a homologue to synaptotagmin.
Galectin‐1 deficiency improves axonal swelling of motor neurones in SOD1G93A transgenic mice
Authors: Kobayakawa Yuko , Sakumi Kunihiko , Kajitani Kosuke , Kadoya Toshihiko , Horie Hidenori , Kira Jun‐ichi , Nakabeppu Yusaku
Published: February 2014

Aims

Galectin‐1, a member of the β‐galactoside‐binding lectin family, accumulates in neurofilamentous lesions in the spinal cords of both sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with a superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1) mutation (A4V). The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of endogenous galectin‐1 in the pathogenesis of ALS.

Methods

Expression of galectin‐1 in the spinal cord of mutant SOD1 transgenic (SOD1G93A) mice was examined by pathological analysis, real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blotting. The effects of galectin‐1 deficiency were evaluated by cross‐breeding SOD1G93A mice with galectin‐1 null (Lgals1−/−) mice.

Results

Before ALS‐like symptoms developed in SOD1G93A/Lgals1+/+ mice, strong galectin‐1 immunoreactivity was observed in swollen motor axons and colocalized with aggregated neurofilaments. Electron microscopic observations revealed that the diameters of swollen motor axons in the spinal cord were significantly smaller in SOD1G93A/Lgals1−/− mice, and there was less accumulation of vacuoles compared with SOD1G93A/Lgals1+/+ mice. In symptomatic SOD1G93A/Lgals1+/+ mice, astrocytes surrounding motor axons expressed a high level of galectin‐1.

Conclusions

Galectin‐1 accumulates in neurofilamentous lesions in SOD1G93A mice, as previously reported in humans with ALS. Galectin‐1 accumulation in motor axons occurs before the development of ALS‐like symptoms and is associated with early processes of axonal degeneration in SOD1G93A mice. In contrast, galectin‐1 expressed in astrocytes may be involved in axonal degeneration during symptom presentation.
Structural and metabolic changes in Atp7b−/− mouse liver and potential for new interventions in Wilson's disease
Authors: Huster Dominik
Published: February 2014

Wilson's disease (WD) is caused by ATP7B mutations and results in copper accumulation and toxicity in liver and brain tissues. The specific mechanisms underlying copper toxicity are still poorly understood. Mouse models have revealed new insights into pathomechanisms of hepatic WD. Mitochondrial damage is observed in livers of WD patients and in mouse models; copper induces fragmentation of mitochondrial membrane lipids, particularly cardiolipin, with deleterious effects on both mitochondrial integrity and function. Copper accumulation also induces chronic inflammation in WD livers, which is followed by regeneration in parts of the liver and occasionally neoplastic proliferation. Gene expression studies using microarrays have aided our understanding of the molecular basis of these changes. Copper overload alters cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatocytes resulting in reduced liver and serum cholesterol. Experiments are currently underway to elucidate the link between copper and cholesterol metabolism. These findings may facilitate the development of specific therapies to ameliorate WD progression.
Assessing poverty‐alleviation outcomes of an enterprise‐led approach to sanitation
Authors: London Ted , Esper Heather
Published: February 2014

Inadequate sanitation negatively affects the lives of billions of people in the base of the pyramid (BoP) in the developing world, and has a particularly substantial impact on the well‐being of millions of young children. Given the magnitude of the challenge and the limitations of existing approaches, enterprise‐led approaches to providing public goods are generating growing interest. Emphasizing convergent innovation, enterprises targeting the BoP are presented as potentially sustainable and scalable interventions that generate positive poverty‐alleviation effects. Yet our understanding of who is affected, and how, remains limited. To begin to address this gap, we apply a multidimensional framework to an urban‐based, sanitation‐oriented BoP enterprise, focusing on its poverty‐alleviation effects on young children. Our analysis indicates that the enterprise's effects include changes in capability, economic, and relationship well‐being and that these changes can be positive or negative. We also find that the impact varies depending on the role of the stakeholder in the business model and the age of the child. Our results contribute to a better understanding of how to assess the effectiveness of a sanitation intervention and how to evaluate the poverty‐alleviation implications of an enterprise‐led approach.
Pathological mitochondrial copper overload in livers of Wilson's disease patients and related animal models
Authors: Zischka Hans , Lichtmannegger Josef
Published: February 2014

In Wilson's disease (WD) and related animal models, liver mitochondria are confronted with an increasing copper burden. Physiologically, the mitochondrial matrix may act as a dynamic copper buffer that efficiently distributes the metal to its copper‐dependent enzymes. Mitochondria are the first responders in the event of an imbalanced copper homeostasis, as typical changes of their structure are among the earliest observable pathological features in WD. These changes are due to accumulating copper in the mitochondrial membranes and can be reversed by copper‐chelating therapies. At the early stage, copper‐dependent oxidative stress does not seem to occur. On the contrary, however, when copper is massively deposited in mitochondria, severe structural and respiratory impairments are observed upon disease progression. This provokes reactive oxygen species and consequently causes the mitochondrial membranes to disintegrate, which triggers hepatocyte death. Thus, in WD mitochondria are prime targets for copper, and the excessive copper burden causes their destruction, subsequently provoking tissue failure and death.
Cnm is a major virulence factor of invasive Streptococcus mutans and part of a conserved three‐gene locus
Authors: Avilés‐Reyes A. , Miller J.H. , Simpson‐Haidaris P.J. , Lemos J.A. , Abranches J.
Published: February 2014

Cnm, a collagen‐ and laminin‐binding protein present in a subset of Streptococcus mutans strains, mediates binding to extracellular matrices (ECM), intracellular invasion and virulence in the Galleria mellonella model. Antibodies raised against Cnm were used to confirm expression and the cell surface localization of Cnm in the highly invasive OMZ175 strain. Sequence analysis identified two additional genes (cnaB and cbpA) encoding putative surface proteins immediately upstream of cnm. Inactivation of cnaB and cbpA in OMZ175, individually or in combination, did not decrease the ability of this highly invasive and virulent strain to bind to different ECM proteins, invade human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), or kill G. mellonella. Similarly, expression of cnaB and cbpA in the cnm− strain UA159 revealed that these genes did not enhance Cnm‐related phenotypes. However, integration of cnm in the chromosome of UA159 significantly increased its ability to bind to collagen and laminin, invade HCAEC, and kill G. mellonella. Moreover, the presence of antibodies against Cnm nearly abolished the ability of OMZ175 to bind to collagen and laminin and invade HCAEC, and significantly protected G. mellonella against OMZ175 infection. We concluded that neither CnaB nor CbpA is necessary for the expression of Cnm‐related traits. We also provided definitive evidence that Cnm is an important virulence factor and a suitable target for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies to combat invasive S. mutans strains.
NOT SO ‘ARM'S LENGTH’: REINTERPRETING AGENCIES IN UK CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
Authors: ELSTON THOMAS
Published: February 2014

Administrative decentralization to government agencies (so‐called ‘agencification’) has attracted much attention in recent years, increasingly for its longevity or evolution after the ‘high’ managerialism of the 1980s, and largely through a neo‐positivist epistemology. Drawing on techniques of narrative and discourse analysis, and a model of incremental ideational change, this article identifies the necessity of supplementing those existing large‐N analyses of agencification's expansion and decline with qualitative attention to the endurance of policy meaning. It demonstrates how the original foundations of managerialism, civil service empowerment and decentralization from the UK's seminal ‘Next Steps’ agency programme are eschewed in contemporary reform discourse, where agencification is instead advocated as centralized, politically proximate and departmentalized governance. This substantial reinterpretation of the arm's‐length concept not only challenges existing claims of continuity in UK administrative policy, but also demonstrates the utility of interpretive methods for exploring longevity in public management more widely.
A versatile system for functional analysis of genes and microRNAs in cotton
Authors: Gu Zhouhang , Huang Changjun , Li Fangfang , Zhou Xueping
Published: February 2014

Cotton is an important economic crop worldwide. Due to its long growth cycle, large genome size and recalcitrance to stable transformation, traditional methods for the analysis of gene function in this crop are difficult and labour intensive. Here, we report a cotton leaf crumple virus (CLCrV)‐based vector and its application in gene function analysis through virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) and overexpression of microRNAs (miRNAs), small tandem target mimic (STTM) and artificial miRNA (amiRNA) in cotton via an Agrobacterium‐mediated infiltration approach. Using this system, we were able to efficiently silence two endogenous genes, magnesium chelatase subunit I (CHLI) and elongation factor‐1α (EF‐1α), in Gossypium species and the Bacillus thuringiensis cry1A gene in transgenic cotton. Furthermore, our results show that this vector can be used to ectopically express endogenous miR156 in G. hirsutum, causing a reduction in miR156‐targeted RNA transcripts resulting in the development of abnormal leaf phenotypes. Ectopic expression of miR165/166 STTM with this vector led to downward curling and crumpled leaves, and a significant increase in the miR165/166 target mRNAs. This versatile system is easy to use and can provide more uniform and persistent gene silencing in cotton, thereby providing a powerful approach for gene discovery in cotton.
Evolutionary and biomedical consequences of internal melanins
Authors: Dubey Sylvain , Roulin Alexandre
Published: February 2014

The adaptive function of melanin located in the integument is well known. Although pigments are also deposited in various internal organs, their function is unclear. A review of the literature revealed that ‘internal melanin’ protects against parasites, pollutants, low temperature, oxidative stress, hypoxemia and UV light, and is involved in the development and function of organs. Importantly, several studies have shown that the amount of melanin deposited on the external body surface is correlated with the amount located inside the body. This finding raises the possibility that internal melanin plays more important physiological roles in dark than light‐colored individuals. Internal melanin and coloration may therefore not evolve independently. This further emphasizes the major role played by indirect selection in evolutionary processes.
Vagus nerve stimulation therapy in treatment‐resistant depression: A series report
Authors: Tisi Giuseppe , Franzini Angelo , Messina Giuseppe , Savino Mario , Gambini Orsola
Published: February 2014

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a therapeutic option for treatment‐resistant depression (TRD), with follow‐up periods of 1, 3 and 5 years after VNS surgery.

Methods

We examined 27 consecutive patients with unipolar TRD. Depressive symptoms were evaluated both at baseline and at follow‐up after the surgery by means of the 21‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM‐D 21).

Results

The mean HAM‐D preoperative score was 25.6. Twenty‐two patients were evaluated after 1 year of treatment, and the mean improvement of the HAM‐D score was of 10.3. Five patients (20%) went into complete remission (HAM‐D < 7) after 1 year, six patients (22.3%) were considered responders (50% reduction of HAM‐D scoring) and eight patients had score reduction of less then 20%. Nineteen patients were evaluated after 24–36 months: the average improvement on the HAM‐D score was of 12.1 points (47.2%). One patient went into complete remission and eight patients (42.1%) were responders. Up to the present date, seven patients have undergone re‐evaluation at 48–60 months from surgery showing an average score reduction of 14.2. Two more patients obtained complete remission, while four of them did not have any improvement since their last follow‐up control visit.

Conclusion

VNS antidepressant was successful in 20% of TRD patients, although some patients required several months to obtain clinical improvement or remission of symptomatology. Nonetheless this procedure can be considered as a useful option in treating TRD.
Nevus Comedonicus in Oral‐Facial‐Digital Syndrome Type 1: A New Finding or Overlapping Syndromes?
Authors: Baker Lauren A. , Agim Nnenna G.
Published: February 2014

We report a patient with oral‐facial‐digital syndrome type 1 (OFDS1) who exhibited features overlapping those of nevus comedonicus syndrome, an unusual presentation that may potentially represent a new variant of OFDS1. OFDS1 and nevus comedonicus syndrome represent two rare syndromes with numerous overlapping features that have yet to be described in relation to one another. The features present in our patient led us to propose the possibility of a new variant of OFDS1 in which nevus comedonicus represents a cutaneous manifestation of the syndrome. Knowledge of this potential relationship is important for identification and management of the syndromes' accompanying manifestations in affected patients and may offer further insight into crossroads of pathogenesis.
A Review of the Present State and Future Policy Alternatives for Home Visit Nursing Services in Korea
Authors: Lim Ji Young , Noh Wonjung , Kim Eunjoo , Choi Kyung Won
Published: February 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the current state of home visit nursing services in theKorean context and to suggest future policy directions.

Design

First, the three home visit nursing services that have developed inKorea are compared using the analytic framework provided byGilbert andTerrell in 2012. The framework is based on four dimensions of social welfare: users, services, source of funds, and service delivery process. Second, we perform a strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat analysis to suggest comprehensive and constructive home visit nursing service policies for the future.

Results

Specifically, we advocate the creation of an organization that steers the central government to operate an integrated management organization to distribute services and reduce redundancy for preventing the waste of both medical and state financial resources. This study also recommends the development of educational programs to improve the quality of services and service evaluation criteria for the objective assessment of those services.

Conclusions

These policy guidelines may prove useful both forKorea and for other countries that intend to prepare or revise their home visit nursing service systems.
Public Health Nurse Mentorship of Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents
Authors: Schaffer Marjorie A. , Mbibi Ngozi
Published: February 2014

Objective

This study explored the experience of the mentoring relationship for public health nurses (PHNs) and teen parents.

Design and Sample

PHNs and teen parents who participated in the Parenting and Teen Program provided qualitative data about mentorship provided by PHNs.

Measures

The participants were asked open‐ended questions that addressed interactions; meaning of success for the teen; and support, information given, and decisions made in the context of the mentoring relationship.

Results

Data analysis of the PHN (n = 7) data revealed eight mentorship themes: (1) being nonjudgmental, (2) working with strengths, (3) meeting the teens where they were, (4) sticking with the teen, (5) honoring persons, (6) giving information, (7) making referrals, and (8) facilitating decisions. Analysis of the teen data (n = 11) resulted in four mentorship themes: (1) trustworthiness of the PHN, (2) the PHN as part of their support network, (3) independence building, and (4) help with decision making.

Conclusions

Parenting teens viewed PHNs as contributing to their success in managing their lives and becoming successful parents. They viewed PHNs as trustworthy, supportive, encouraging their independence, and facilitating positive decision making.
Revealing the Voices of Public Health Nurses by Exploring Their Lived Experience
Authors: Joyce Barbara L. , O'Brien Karen , Belew‐LaDue Brene , Dorjee Tsering K. , Smith Claudia M.
Published: February 2014

Objective

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of the public health nurse and the value added by nurses working in public health roles.

Design

Focus groups were conducted using open ended questions to provide depth of understanding of the value of the public health nurse (PHN). Thematic categories emerged. Follow‐up telephone interviews were conducted with eleven public health nurses to further provide further depth and understanding.

Sample

The annual meeting of the Public Health Nurses Association of Colorado (PHNAC) was used to recruit volunteers for the study. Eighty‐eight public health nurses participated.

Measurements

Five questions were developed and a semi‐structured questionnaire was used to elicit discussion. Transcriptions were analyzed and coded for thrust and intent.

Results

Application of the study findings were used to develop an advocacy campaign for PHNs and provided foundation for development of an Interactive Learning Model a community/public health nursing course.

Conclusions

Application of study findings to the Cornerstones of Public Health Nursing (Keller, L., Strohschein, S., & Schaffer, M. Public Health Nursing. 28(3), 249–260, ) are explored with recommendations for future research. Role validation of the value of public health nurses in the community can provide understanding of and support for public health nursing positions.
Bystander Effect Induced by UVC Radiation in Chinese hamster V79 cells
Authors: Wu Shengwen , Jin Cuihong , Lu Xiaobo , Yang Jinghua , Liu Qiufang , Qi Ming , Lu Shuai , Zhang Lifeng , Cai Yuan
Published: February 2014

In past decades, researches on radiation‐induced bystander effect mainly focused on ionizing radiation such as α‐particle, β‐particle, X‐ray and γ‐ray. But few researches have been conducted on the ability of ultraviolet (UV) radiation‐induced bystander effect, and knowledge of UVC‐induced bystander effect is far limited. Here, we adopted medium transfer experiment to detect whether UVC could cause bystander effect in Chinese hamster V79 cells. We determined the cell viability, apoptosis rate, chromosome aberration and ultrastructure changes, respectively. Our results showed that: (1) the viability of UVC‐irradiated V79 cells declined significantly with the dosage of UVC; (2) similar to the irradiated cells, the main death type of bystander cells cultured in irradiation conditioned medium (ICMs) was also apoptosis; (3) soluble factors secreted by UVC‐irradiated cells could induce bystander effect in V79 cells; (4) cells treated with 4 h ICM collected from 90 mJ cm−2 UVC‐irradiated cells displayed the strongest response. Our data revealed that UVC could cause bystander effect through the medium soluble factors excreted from irradiated cells and this bystander effect was a novel quantitative and kinetic response. These findings might provide a foundation to further explore the exact soluble bystander factors and detailed mechanism underlying UVC‐induced bystander effect.
An Experimental Investigation of Pull Contracts in Supply Chains
Authors: Davis Andrew M.
Published: February 2014

In this study, I investigate supply chain contracts in a setting where a supplier uses its inventory to directly satisfy a retailer's demand. These “pull” contracts have increased in popularity in practice but have not been studied experimentally. In a controlled laboratory setting, I evaluate a wholesale price contract and two coordinating contracts. The data suggest that the benefit of the two coordinating contracts over the wholesale price contract is less than the standard theory predicts, and that retailers, in the two coordinating contracts, exhibit a systematic bias of setting the coordinating parameter too low, and the wholesale price too high, relative to the normative benchmarks. In an effort to explain this deviation, I explore three behavioral models and find that loss aversion and reference dependence fit the data well. I empirically test this result in a follow‐up experiment, which directly controls for loss aversion and reference dependence, and observe that retailers make significantly better decisions. Lastly, I administer a number of experiments which reduce the complexity of the problem, curtail the amount of risk, and increase the level of decision support, and find that none improve decisions relative to the treatment that controls for loss aversion and reference dependence.
The Effectiveness of Management‐By‐Walking‐Around: A Randomized Field Study
Authors: Tucker Anita L. , Singer Sara J.
Published: February 2014

Management‐by‐walking‐around (MBWA) is a widely adopted technique in hospitals that involves senior managers directly observing frontline work. However, few studies have rigorously examined its impact on organizational outcomes. This study examines an improvement program based on MBWA in which senior managers observe frontline employees, solicit ideas about improvement opportunities, and work with staff to resolve the issues. We randomly selected hospitals to implement the 18‐month‐long, MBWA‐based improvement program; 56 work areas participated. We find that the program, on average, had a negative impact on performance. To explain this surprising finding, we use mixed methods to examine the impact of the work area's problem‐solving approach. Results suggest that prioritizing easy‐to‐solve problems was associated with improved performance. We believe this was because it resulted in greater action‐taking. A different approach was characterized by prioritizing high‐value problems, which was not successful in our study. We also find that assigning to senior managers responsibility for ensuring that identified problems get resolved resulted in better performance. Overall, our study suggests that senior managers' physical presence in their organizations' front lines was not helpful unless it enabled active problem solving.
‘Characters reall’: Francis Bacon, China and the entanglements of curiosity
Authors: Lux Jonathan E.
Published: February 2014

This article explores Francis Bacon's numerous references to China, Chinese people and Chinese technologies in the context of the projected impression of China available to early modern England. Bacon knew a great deal about China and, rather than simple flights of fancy or empty rhetorical gestures, his descriptions of China were serious claims in keeping with orthodox intelligence on the subject. These claims have significant implications in the context of contemporary criticism on Bacon's philosophy of language and his reading of Chinese ‘Characters reall’. Furthermore, the hazy spectre of China that emerges from the collection of those scattered references provides a clear precedent for the scientocratic, utopian vision prefigured in the New Atlantis and central to Bacon's philosophical programme as a whole.
Pain in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Scoping Review
Authors: Davison Sara N. , Koncicki Holly , Brennan Frank
Published: February 2014

There is increasing international attention in efforts to integrate palliative care principles, including pain and symptom management, into the care of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this scoping review was to determine the extent, range, and nature of research activity around pain in CKD with the goal of (i) identifying gaps in current research knowledge; (ii) guiding future research; and (iii) creating a rich database of literature to serve as a foundation of more detailed reviews in areas where the data are sufficient. This review will specifically address the epidemiology of pain in CKD, analgesic use, pharmacokinetic data of analgesics, and the management of pain in CKD. It will also capture the aspects that pertain to specific pain syndromes in CKD such as peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
Dual Specificity of Human Plasma Lactose‐Binding Immunoglobulin to Anomers of Terminal Galactose Enables Recognition of Desialylated Lipoprotein(a) and Xenoantigens
Authors: Sabarinath P. S. , Chacko B. K. , Appukuttan P. S.
Published: February 2014

Human plasma lactose‐binding immunoglobulin (LIg) isolated by affinity chromatography on lactose‐Sepharose was largely IgG with significant IgA and IgM contents. LIg‐mediated agglutination of desialylated human RBC was inhibited equally by the α‐ and β‐anomers of methyl galactoside. Recognition of either the terminal α‐galactose (TAG)‐containing glycans of bovine thyroglobulin or the N‐acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc)‐terminating glycans of asialofetuin by LIg was inhibitable nearly as much by the α‐galactoside melibiose as by the β‐galactoside lactose. Melibiose covalently conjugated to protein and coated on polystyrene wells captured several times more LIg molecules than its lactose analogue. LIg binding to bovine thyroglobulin or rabbit RBC membrane proteins, both bearing TAG was substantially reduced by prior treatment of the proteins with α‐galactosidase to remove TAG though enzyme‐treated glycans contained newly exposed LacNAc moieties. Desialylated O‐linked oligosaccharides, however, were no ligand for LIg. Unlike LDL, plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] coated on polystyrene well and desialylated by neuraminidase was recognized by LIg through terminal LacNAc moieties exposed by the enzyme on its apo(a) subunit. Further, same amount of added fluorescence‐labelled LIg formed significantly more immune complex with Lp(a) in high Lp(a) plasma than in low Lp(a) plasma. Results suggest (1) possibility of a role for LIg in combating non‐primate molecules and cells bearing TAG moiety and (2) a mechanism for Lp(a)‐mediated vascular injury as diabetes, infections and inflammations induce greater release of neuraminidase into circulation.