bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel mitochondrial nuclease‐associated protein: A major executor of the programmed nuclear death in Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Osada Eriko , Akematsu Takahiko , Asano Tomoya , Endoh Hiroshi
Published: January 2014

Background Information

Programmed nuclear death (PND) in the ciliate Tetrahymena is an apoptosis‐like phenomenon that occurs in a restricted space of cytoplasm during conjugation. In the process, only the parental macronucleus is selectively eliminated from the progeny cytoplasm, in conjunction with differentiation of new macronuclei for the next generation. For the last decade, mitochondria have been elucidated to be a crucial executioner like apoptosis: apoptosis‐inducing factor and yet‐unidentified nucleases localised in mitochondria are major factors for PND.

Results

To identify such nucleases, we performed a DNase assay in a PAGE (SDS‐DNA‐PAGE) using total mitochondrial proteins. Some proteins showed DNase activity, but particularly a 17 kDa protein exhibited the highest and predominant activity. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed a novel mitochondrial nuclease, named TMN1, whose homologue has been discovered only in the ciliate Paramecium tetraurelia, but not in other eukaryotes. Gene disruption of TMN1 led to a drastic reduction of mitochondrial nuclease activity and blocked nuclear degradation during conjugation, but did not affect accumulation of autophagic and lysosomal machinery around the parental macronucleus.

Conclusions

These observations strongly suggest that the mitochondrial nuclease‐associated protein plays a key role in PND as a major executor. Taking the novel protein specific to ciliates in consideration, Tetrahymena would have diverted a different protein from common apoptotic factors shared in eukaryotes to PND in the course of ciliate evolution.
Immune deficiency in Ataxia-Telangiectasia: a longitudinal study of 44 patients
Authors: Chopra C , Davies G , Taylor M , Anderson M , Bainbridge S , Tighe P , McDermott E M
Published: January 2014

Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) is a genetic condition leading to neurological defects and immune deficiency. The nature of the immune deficiency is highly variable, and in some cases causes significant morbidity and mortality due to recurrent sinopulmonary infections. Although the neurological defects in A-T are progressive, the natural history of the immune deficiency in A-T has not been evaluated formally. In this study we analyse the clinical history and immunological data in 44 patients with A-T who attended the National Ataxia-Telangiectasia clinic in Nottingham between 2001 and 2011. Using patient medical records and Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) National Health Service Trust medical IT systems, data regarding clinical history, use of immunoglobulin replacement therapy, total immunoglobulin levels, specific antibody levels and lymphocyte subset counts were obtained. T cell receptor spectratyping results in some patients were already available and, where possible, repeat blood samples were collected for analysis. This study shows that subtle quantitative changes in certain immunological parameters such as lymphocyte subset counts may occur in patients with A-T over time. However, in general, for the majority of patients the severity of immune deficiency (both clinically and in terms of immunological blood markers) does not seem to deteriorate significantly with time. This finding serves to inform the long-term management of this cohort of patients because, if recurrent respiratory tract infections present later in life, then other contributory factors (e.g. cough/swallowing difficulties, underlying lung disease) should be investigated aggressively. Our findings also offer some form of reassurance for parents of children with A-T, which is otherwise a progressively severely debilitating condition.
Toll-like receptors and CD40 modulate each other's expression affecting Leishmania major infection
Authors: Chandel H S , Pandey S P , Shukla D , Lalsare K , Selvaraj S K , Jha M K , Saha B
Published: January 2014

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns and results in innate immune system activation that results in elicitation of the adaptive immune response. One crucial modulator of the adaptive immune response is CD40. However, whether these molecules influence each other's expression and functions is not known. Therefore, we examined the effects of TLRs on CD40 expression on macrophages, the host cell for the protozoan parasite Leishmania major. While polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)], a TLR-3 ligand, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a TLR-4 ligand, imiquimod, a TLR-7/8 ligand and cytosine–phosphate–guanosine (CpG), a TLR-9 ligand, were shown to enhance CD40 expression, CD40 stimulation enhanced only TLR-9 expression. Therefore, we tested the synergism between CD40 and CpG in anti-leishmanial immune response. In Leishmania-infected macrophages, CpG was found to reduce CD40-induced extracellular stress-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 activation; with the exception of interleukin (IL)-10, these ligands had differential effects on CD40-induced IL-1α, IL-6 and IL-12 production. CpG significantly enhanced the anti-leishmanial function of CD40 with differential effects on IL-4, IL-10 and interferon (IFN)-γ production in susceptible BALB/c mice. Thus, we report the first systematic study on CD40–TLR cross-talk that regulated the experimental L. major infection.
Effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on sexual function and serum testosterone in males with type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Knapp Arthur , Myhill Paul C. , Davis Wendy A. , Peters Kirsten E. , Hillman David , Hamilton Emma J. , Lim Ee Mun , Davis Timothy M. E.
Published: January 2014

Objective

There have been no studies of the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on erectile dysfunction (ED) and serum testosterone in men with type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a patient group at increased risk of ED and hypogonadism. The aim of this study was to determine whether CPAP improves sexual and gonadal function in males with type 2 diabetes and a pre‐CPAP apnoea–hypopnoea index >15/h.

Design

Substudy of a trial assessing the effect of 3 months of CPAP on cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes.

Patients

Of 35 males starting CPAP, 27 (mean ± SD age 65·4 ± 9·6 years, median [interquartile range] diabetes duration 12·1 [5·2–15·3] years) completed the trial.

Measurements

Serum total and free testosterone, responses to the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Aale (ADAM) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaires.

Results

There were no significant changes in mean total or free testosterone (baseline concentrations 12·7 ± 4·5 nm and 0·26 ± 0·07 pm, respectively), or SHIM score (baseline 13 [5–17]), after 3 months of CPAP (P > 0·20). The ADAM score (baseline 6·2 ± 2·1) fell after 1 month (to 5·0 ± 2·6) and was maintained at this level at 3 months (P = 0·015). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale score decreased and self‐reported physical activity increased over 3 months (P ≤ 0·017) without a change in body mass index (P = 1·00).

Conclusions

These findings imply that CPAP therapy improves somnolence and promotes exercise in men with type 2 diabetes, but that there is no direct benefit for gonadal or sexual function.
Mass Media Influence and the Regulation of Illegal Practices in the Seafood Market
Authors: Mariani Stefano , Ellis Jamie , O'Reilly Amy , Bréchon Amanda L. , Sacchi Carlotta , Miller Dana D.
Published: January 2014

Following media exposure on the issue of seafood mislabeling in Ireland, results of repeated forensic testing of cod product labeling suggest that media attention played an important role in determining significant improvements in the supermarket retail sector, but had no detectable effect on “take‐away” food services. Differences in the chains of production and in compliance requirements to European labeling laws may explain the divergent responses of the two sectors. The findings from this study indicate that it may be possible for mass media to occupy an influential role in fisheries and environmental management and policy, provided that (i) primary research findings are correctly reported by popular media and (ii) governmental agencies follow up the short‐term reaction to media exposure with appropriate enforcement measures.
Common marmoset as a new model animal for neuroscience research and genome editing technology
Authors: Kishi Noriyuki , Sato Kenya , Sasaki Erika , Okano Hideyuki
Published: January 2014

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a small New World primate; it originally comes from the Atlantic coastal forests in northeastern Brazil. It has been attracting much attention in the biomedical research field because of its size, availability, and unique biological characteristics. Its endocrinological and behavioral similarity to humans, comparative ease in handling, and high reproductive efficiency are very advantageous for neuroscience research. Recently, we developed transgenic common marmosets with germline transmission, and this technological breakthrough provides a potential paradigm shift by enabling researchers to investigate complex biological phenomena using genetically‐modified non‐human primates. In this review, we summarize recent progress in marmoset research, and also discuss a potential application of genome editing tools that should be useful toward the generation of knock‐out/knock‐in marmoset models.
Nuclease‐mediated genome editing: At the front‐line of functional genomics technology
Authors: Sakuma Tetsushi , Woltjen Knut
Published: January 2014

Genome editing with engineered endonucleases is rapidly becoming a staple method in developmental biology studies. Engineered nucleases permit random or designed genomic modification at precise loci through the stimulation of endogenous double‐strand break repair. Homology‐directed repair following targeted DNA damage is mediated by co‐introduction of a custom repair template, allowing the derivation of knock‐out and knock‐in alleles in animal models previously refractory to classic gene targeting procedures. Currently there are three main types of customizable site‐specific nucleases delineated by the source mechanism of DNA binding that guides nuclease activity to a genomic target: zinc‐finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). Among these genome engineering tools, characteristics such as the ease of design and construction, mechanism of inducing DNA damage, and DNA sequence specificity all differ, making their application complementary. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each method, one may make the best choice for their particular purpose.
Local adaptation and the potential effects of a contaminant on predator avoidance and antipredator responses under global warming: a space‐for‐time substitution approach
Authors: Janssens Lizanne , Dinh Van Khuong , Debecker Sara , Bervoets Lieven , Stoks Robby
Published: January 2014

The ability to deal with temperature‐induced changes in interactions with contaminants and predators under global warming is one of the outstanding, applied evolutionary questions. For this, it is crucial to understand how contaminants will affect activity levels, predator avoidance and antipredator responses under global warming and to what extent gradual thermal evolution may mitigate these effects. Using a space‐for‐time substitution approach, we assessed the potential for gradual thermal evolution shaping activity (mobility and foraging), predator avoidance and antipredator responses when Ischnura elegans damselfly larvae were exposed to zinc in a common‐garden warming experiment at the mean summer water temperatures of shallow water bodies at southern and northern latitudes (24 and 20°C, respectively). Zinc reduced mobility and foraging, predator avoidance and escape swimming speed. Importantly, high‐latitude populations showed stronger zinc‐induced reductions in escape swimming speed at both temperatures, and in activity levels at the high temperature. The latter indicates that local thermal adaptation may strongly change the ecological impact of contaminants under global warming. Our study underscores the critical importance of considering local adaptation along natural gradients when integrating biotic interactions in ecological risk assessment, and the potential of gradual thermal evolution mitigating the effects of warming on the vulnerability to contaminants.
Cleaning the ‘People's Home’: The Politics of the Domestic Service Market in Sweden
Authors: Bowman John R. , Cole Alyson M.
Published: January 2014

While there is a substantial scholarly literature depicting the abuses and exploitation of domestic workers in the informal cleaning sector, there is virtually no work that examines conditions in the formal market. This is not an oversight. For many, commodifying domestic labour entrenches gender and economic inequalities; we all should simply clean up after ourselves. We seek to offer a fresh approach: the vital question for those concerned with the women performing this work for pay is not whether to commodify reproductive labour, but rather what form the market will take and what conditions might render it a decent job. In order to make such an assessment, we need to look beyond worst‐case scenarios in the informal sector, and study instead the evolution of the formal market. Only by also examining the content and terms of the work can we address how not to perpetuate inequalities such as the gendered division of labour and its intersection with nationality, race and class. In this article, we analyse the market for household services in Sweden's gender egalitarian social democracy, where a recent tax policy fostered the rapid expansion of a formal market for domestic cleaning. We conclude that domestic cleaning can be a decent job and that there is no inherent contradiction between a market for household services and a social democratic political economy.
Innovative Environmental Tracer Techniques for Evaluating Sources of Spring Discharge from a Carbonate Aquifer Bisected by a River
Authors: Heilweil Victor M. , Sweetkind Donald S. , Gerner Steven J.
Published: January 2014

Littlefield Springs discharge about 1.6 m3/s along a 10‐km reach of the Virgin River in northwestern Arizona. Understanding their source is important for salinity control in the Colorado River Basin. Environmental tracers suggest that Littlefield Springs are a mixture of older groundwater from the regional Great Basin carbonate aquifer and modern (post‐1950s) seepage from the Virgin River. While corrected 14C apparent ages range from 1 to 9 ka, large amounts of nucleogenic 4He and low 3He/4He ratios suggest that the carbonate aquifer component is likely even older Pleistocene recharge. Modeled infiltration of precipitation, hydrogeologic cross sections, and hydraulic gradients all indicate recharge to the carbonate aquifer likely occurs in the Clover and Bull Valley Mountains along the northern part of the watershed, rather than in the nearby Virgin Mountains. This high‐altitude recharge is supported by relatively cool noble‐gas recharge temperatures and isotopically depleted δ2H and δ18O. Excess (crustal) SF6 and 4He precluded dating of the modern component of water from Littlefield Springs using SF6 and 3H/3He methods. Assuming a lumped‐parameter model with a binary mixture of two piston‐flow components, Cl−/Br−, Cl−/F−, δ2H, and CFCs indicate the mixture is about 60% Virgin River water and 40% groundwater from the carbonate aquifer, with an approximately 30‐year groundwater travel time for Virgin River seepage to re‐emerge at Littlefield Springs. This suggests that removal of high‐salinity sources upstream of the Virgin River Gorge would reduce the salinity of water discharging from Littlefield Springs into the Virgin River within a few decades.
Natural Attenuation of Perchlorate in Denitrified Groundwater
Authors: Robertson William D. , Roy James W. , Brown Susan J. , Van Stempvoort Dale R. , Bickerton Greg
Published: January 2014

Monitoring of a well‐defined septic system groundwater plume and groundwater discharging to two urban streams located in southern Ontario, Canada, provided evidence of natural attenuation of background low level (ng/L) perchlorate (ClO4−) under denitrifying conditions in the field. The septic system site at Long Point contains ClO4− from a mix of waste water, atmospheric deposition, and periodic use of fireworks, while the nitrate plume indicates active denitrification. Plume nitrate (NO3−‐N) concentrations of up to 103 mg/L declined with depth and downgradient of the tile bed due to denitrification and anammox activity, and the plume was almost completely denitrified beyond 35 m from the tile bed. The ClO4− natural attenuation occurs at the site only when NO3−‐N concentrations are <0.3 mg/L, after which ClO4− concentrations decline abruptly from 187 ± 202 to 11 ± 15 ng/L. A similar pattern between NO3−‐N and ClO4− was found in groundwater discharging to the two urban streams. These findings suggest that natural attenuation (i.e., biodegradation) of ClO4− may be commonplace in denitrified aquifers with appropriate electron donors present, and thus, should be considered as a remediation option for ClO4− contaminated groundwater.
Regional Flow and Deformation Analysis of Basin‐Fill Aquifer Systems Using Stress‐Dependent Parameters
Authors: Preisig Giona , Cornaton Fabien Joel , Perrochet Pierre
Published: January 2014

Changes in effective stress due to water pressure variations modify the intrinsic hydrodynamic properties of aquifers and aquitards. Overexploited groundwater systems, such as basins with heavy pumping, are subject to nonrecoverable modifications. This results in loss of permeability, porosity, and specific storage due to system consolidation. This paper presents (1) the analytical development of model functions relating effective stress to hydrodynamic parameters for aquifers and aquitards constituted of unconsolidated granular sediments, and (2) a modeling approach for the analysis of aquifer systems affected by effective stress variations, taking into account the aforementioned dependency. The stress‐dependent functions were fit to laboratory data, and used in the suggested modeling approach. Based on only few unknowns, this approach is computationally simple, efficiently captures the hydromechanical processes that are active in regional aquifer systems under stress, and readily provides an estimate of their consolidation.
Reverse Water‐Level Fluctuations Associated with Fracture Connectivity
Authors: Gellasch Christopher A. , Wang Herbert F. , Bradbury Kenneth R. , Bahr Jean M. , Lande Lauren L.
Published: January 2014

Reverse water‐level fluctuations (RWFs), a phenomenon in which water levels rise briefly in response to pumping, were detected in monitoring wells in a fractured siliciclastic aquifer system near a deep public supply well. The magnitude and timing of RWFs provide important information that can help interpret aquifer hydraulics near pumping wells. A RWF in a well is normally attributed to poroelastic coupling between the solid and fluid components in an aquifer system. In addition to revealing classical pumping‐induced poroelastic RWFs, data from pressure transducers located at varying depths and distances from the public supply well suggest that the RWFs propagate rapidly through fractures to influence wells hundreds of meters from the pumping well. The rate and cycling frequency of pumping is an important factor in the magnitude of RWFs. The pattern of RWF propagation can be used to better define fracture connectivity in an aquifer system. Rapid, cyclic head changes due to RWFs may also serve as a mechanism for contaminant transport.
Anti‐inflammatory Properties of Gastric‐derived Lactobacillus plantarum XB7 in the Context of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Thiraworawong Thien , Spinler Jennifer K. , Werawatganon Duangporn , Klaikeaw Naruemon , Venable Susan F. , Versalovic James , Tumwasorn Somying
Published: January 2014

Background

Helicobacter pylori colonization of the gastric epithelium induces interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) production and inflammation leading to host cell damage. We searched for gastric‐derived Lactobacillus with the ability to suppress H. pylori‐induced inflammation.

Materials and methods

Conditioned media from gastric‐derived Lactobacillus spp. were tested for the ability to suppress H. pylori‐induced IL‐8 production in AGS gastric epithelial cells. IL‐8 protein and mRNA levels were measured by ELISA and qPCR, respectively. The changes on host cell signaling pathway were analyzed by Western blotting and the anti‐inflammatory effect was tested in a Sprague–Dawley rat model.

Results

Conditioned media from L. salivarius B101, L. rhamnosus B103, and L. plantarum XB7 suppressed IL‐8 production and IL‐8 mRNA expression in H. pylori‐induced AGS cells without inhibiting H. pylori growth. Conditioned media from LS‐B101, LR‐B103, and LP‐XB7 suppressed the activation of NF‐κB in AGS cells, while strain LP‐XB7 also suppressed c‐Jun activation. The anti‐inflammatory effect of LP‐XB7 was further assessed in vivo using a H. pylori‐infected Sprague–Dawley rat model. Strain LP‐XB7 contributed to a delay in the detection and colonization of H. pylori in rat stomachs, attenuated gastric inflammation, and ameliorated gastric histopathology. Additionally, the administration of LP‐XB7 correlated with the suppression of TNF‐α and CINC‐1 in sera, and suppression of CINC‐1 in the gastric mucosa of H. pylori‐infected rats.

Conclusions

These results suggest that L. plantarum XB7 produces secreted factors capable of modulating inflammation during H. pylori infection, and this probiotic Lactobacillus strain shows promise as an adjunctive therapy for treating H. pylori‐associated disease.
Why do women not return family history forms when referred to breast cancer genetics services? A mixed‐method study
Authors: Hanning Kirstie A. , Steel Michael , Goudie David , McLeish Lorna , Dunlop Jackie , Myring Jessica , Sullivan Frank , Berg Jonathan , Humphris Gerry , Ozakinci Gozde
Published: January 2014

Background

Personal and family data forms, completed by women referred to breast cancer genetics clinics, are valuable tools for verification and extension of family history, crucial steps in accurate risk evaluation. A significant minority of women do not complete and return these forms, despite reminders, even when completion is a pre‐requisite for a clinic appointment.

Objective

To facilitate access of women at increased familial risk of breast cancer to screening and counselling services by investigating reasons for non‐return of the forms.

Participants and Design

Based on a single regional ‘breast cancer family’ service in the UK, Analysis of quantitative data comparing women who did not return forms (n = 55) with those who had done so (n = 59), together with qualitative evaluation of potential barriers to form‐completion through semi‐structured telephone interviews with a random subset of ‘non‐returners’ (n = 23).

Results

Non‐returners have higher proportions of the very young (below the age at which surveillance could be offered) and of women from lower social deprivation categories. Interviews revealed that the majority of non‐returners are anxious, rather than unconcerned about their breast cancer risk and circumstances and attitudes contributed to non‐compliance. Twenty‐one participants confirmed that they would welcome an appointment at a ‘breast cancer family’ clinic, but nine did not attend for the appointment. They were significantly younger than those who attend, but were not at lower familial risk.

Discussion and Conclusions

Many women who fail to complete and return a family history form would benefit from risk assessment and genetic counselling. Several steps are suggested that might help them access the relevant services.
Expectations in the context of gallbladder and hernia surgery: a descriptive report
Authors: Andrews Sara E. , Ghane Arezou , Legg Angela M. , Tabuenca Arnold , Sweeny Kate
Published: January 2014

Objective

Patients' expectations predict important health outcomes. The goal of this study is to describe the types of expectations that hernia and gallbladder patients have for the outcomes of their surgery and to identify relationships between these expectations and both patient‐ and surgeon‐reported variables.

Design

Patients (N = 143) at an out‐patient surgery clinic completed self‐report questionnaires before and after a pre‐surgical consultation in which they learned they would be scheduled for surgery. After indicating their general expectations for their surgical outcomes (positive or negative), patients reported specific outcome expectations, which were coded into eight categories: functional improvement, symptom relief, quality‐of‐life improvement, emotional improvement, general health, no effect expected, no response (or unsure) and negative expectations.

Results

Functional improvement and symptom relief were the most common types of expectations mentioned by patients. A key finding was a significant difference in the pattern of expectations provided by Hispanic versus non‐Hispanic patients, as well as between patients across the range of health literacy.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing hernia and gallbladder surgery have a variety of expectations, and these expectations vary across demographic groups. Patients who are particularly vulnerable to poor physician communication have positive but diffuse expectations.
Pathology of the liver sinusoids
Authors: Brunt Elizabeth M , Gouw Annette S H , Hubscher Stefan G , Tiniakos Dina G , Bedossa Pierre , Burt Alastair D , Callea Francesco , Clouston Andrew D , Dienes Hans P , Goodman Zachary D , Roberts Eve A , Roskams Tania , Terracciano Luigi , Torbenson Michael S , Wanless Ian R
Published: January 2014

The hepatic sinusoids comprise a complex of vascular conduits to transport blood from the porta hepatis to the inferior vena cava through the liver. Under normal conditions, portal venous and hepatic artery pressures are equalized within the sinusoids, oxygen and nutrients from the systemic circulation are delivered to the parenchymal cells and differentially distributed throughout the liver acini, and proteins of liver derivation are carried into the cardiac/systemic circulation. Liver sinusoid structures are lined by endothelial cells unique to their location, and Kupffer cells. Multifunctional hepatic stellate cells and various immune active cells are localized within the space of Disse between the sinusoid and the adjacent hepatocytes. Flow within the sinusoids can be compromised by physical or pressure blockage in their lumina as well as obstructive processes within the space of Disse. The intimate relationship of the liver sinusoids to neighbouring hepatocytes is a significant factor affecting the health of hepatocytes, or transmission of the effects of injury within the sinusoidal space. Pathologists should recognize several patterns of injury involving the sinusoids and surrounding hepatocytes. In this review, injury, alterations and accumulations within the liver sinusoids are illustrated and discussed.
The utility of immunostaining for NUT, GAGE7 and NY‐ESO‐1 in the diagnosis of spermatocytic seminoma
Authors: Kao Chia‐Sui , Badve Sunil S , Ulbright Thomas M
Published: January 2014

Aims

To identify specific positive immunohistochemical markers for spermatocytic seminoma (SS).

Methods and results

We studied the reactivity of 94 (total) cases of SS, seminoma, embryonal carcinoma and solid yolk sac tumour with antibodies against nuclear protein in testis (NUT) and two cancer/testis antigens, GAGE7 and NY‐ESO‐1. When tumour positivity was defined as an extent plus intensity score of ≥4, NUT was positive in 71% of SSs, 19% of seminomas, and 5% of solid yolk sac tumours. GAGE7 was positive in 67% of SSs and 4% of seminomas. NY‐ESO‐1 was positive in 82% of SSs, 13% of seminomas, and 5% of solid yolk sac tumours. The sensitivity and specificity, respectively, of these antibodies for SSs were as follows: NUT, 71% and 92%; GAGE7, 67% and 99%; and NY‐ESO‐1, 82% and 94%. When positivity criteria were stricter, NUT and GAGE7 positivity occurred exclusively in SS, but the sensitivity decreased to 41% and 60%, respectively, and NY‐ESO‐1 was 59% sensitive and 97% specific. Neither the sarcomatous component of three SSs nor any embryonal carcinoma showed reactivity with any antibody.

Conclusions

All three antibodies are variably sensitive for SS, and high specificity is attained when there is multifocal and strong nuclear labelling.
The Advanced Locking Plate System (ALPS): A Retrospective Evaluation in 71 Small Animal Patients
Authors: Guerrero Tomás G. , Kalchofner Karin , Scherrer Nicole , Kircher Patrick
Published: January 2014

Objective

To evaluate use of the Advanced Locking Plate System (ALPS) in dogs and cats and report outcome.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 29) and cats (n = 42).

Methods

The medical records (April 2007–April 2010) of dogs and cats treated with ALPS were reviewed evaluated. Data retrieved included signalment, indication for surgery, complications, and outcome.

Results

ALPS was used for 54 fractures, 12 tarsal or carpal ligament injuries and in 6 cases, to prevent or treat fractures during total hip replacement. Complications needing revision surgery occurred in 4 cases (5.5%): fixation failure was identified in 3 (2 fracture‐fixations, 1 pancarpal arthrodesis), and a fracture occurred through a screw hole. The most common complication after tarsal arthrodesis was suture dehiscence. All cases had healed by study end.

Conclusions

ALPS offers a reliable alternative for fracture treatment and some other orthopedic conditions in small animals.
Electrical Conduction of a Single Electrospun ZnO Nanofiber
Authors: Stafiniak Andrzej , Boratyński Bogusław , Baranowska‐Korczyc Anna , Fronc Krzysztof , Elbaum Danek , Tłaczała Marek
Published: January 2014

The dc electrical characterization of single electrospun ZnO nanofibers (NFs) calcined at various temperatures was investigated. The linearity of Ti/Au ohmic contacts was confirmed for a wide range of voltage values. Parameters such as dc fibers resistivity in an atmosphere of dry air and nitrogen were determined. The studies have shown that the entire volume of fiber is depleted of charge carriers. The I–V dependence of fibers and contacts showed a linear behavior for a wide range of temperatures. Temperature dependence of conductivity was evaluated. Arrhenius plots revealed that the electrical conduction is mainly thermally assisted in the extended states. The activation energy was found to be strongly dependent on the grain size, which in turn depends on the fiber annealing temperature. This could be caused by segregation of point defect in nanocrystalline ZnO and changes in carrier concentration. To explain this effect, the authors proposed a model of donor depletion in grain based on the Mott–Schottky approximation. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first systematic study related to electrical characterization of single electrospun ZnO NFs, calcined at various temperatures, which allows for estimation of resistivity and activation energies in dry air and nitrogen atmosphere.
The Relationship Between Phase Structure and Electrical Properties in (1 − x)(Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–Ba0.5K0.5TiO3–BaTiO3)‐ xK0.5Na0.5NbO3 Quaternary Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Dai Ye‐Jing , He Si‐Si , Lao Xun , Zhang Shi‐Zheng
Published: January 2014

(1 − x)(0.85Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.11Ba0.5K0.5TiO3–0.04BaTiO3)‐ xK0.5Na0.5NbO3 lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics with x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.10 were prepared by a conventional solid state method. A coexistence of rhombohedral (R) and tetragonal (T) phases was found in the system, which tended to evolve into pseudocubic symmetry when x increases. The x = 0.04 sample exhibited improved electrical properties: the dielectric constant εr = 1900 with the low loss tangents 0.06, the Smax/Emax of ~400 and ~460 pm/V under unipolar and bipolar electric field, respectively. Meanwhile, piezoelectric constant d33 still maintained ~160 pC/N. These could be owed to the formation of polar nanoregions for relaxor phase.
Parallel Plate Viscometry for Glass at High Viscosity
Authors: Joshi Dhananjay , Joseph Paul F.
Published: January 2014

A simple formula is provided to estimate viscosity of glass using parallel plate viscometry well above 108 Pa·s, which is the upper limit of the recommended range. The formula is based on computational studies that account for viscoelastic material behavior and frictional slip that justify using linear interpolation to estimate viscosity between established upper and lower bounds. The formula accounts for variations in friction coefficient and cylinder aspect ratio for viscosity from 107 to 1011 Pa·s.
Telocytes express PDGFRα in the human gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Vannucchi Maria‐Giuliana , Traini Chiara , Manetti Mirko , Ibba‐Manneschi Lidia , Faussone‐Pellegrini Maria‐Simonetta
Published: January 2014

Telocytes (TC), a cell population located in the connective tissue of many organs of humans and laboratory mammals, are characterized by a small cell body and extremely long and thin processes. Different TC subpopulations share unique ultrastructural features, but express different markers. In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, cells with features of TC were seen to be CD34‐positive/c‐kit‐negative and several roles have been proposed for them. Other interstitial cell types with regulatory roles described in the gut are the c‐kit‐positive/CD34‐negative/platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα)‐negative interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and the PDGFRα‐positive/c‐kit‐negative fibroblast‐like cells (FLC). As TC display the same features and locations of the PDGFRα‐positive cells, we investigated whether TC and PDGFRα‐positive cells could be the same cell type. PDGFRα/CD34, PDGFRα/c‐kit and CD34/c‐kit double immunolabelling was performed in full‐thickness specimens from human oesophagus, stomach and small and large intestines. All TC in the mucosa, submucosa and muscle coat were PDGFRα/CD34‐positive. TC formed a three‐dimensional network in the submucosa and in the interstitium between muscle layers, and an almost continuous layer at the submucosal borders of muscularis mucosae and circular muscle layer. Moreover, TC encircled muscle bundles, nerve structures, blood vessels, funds of gastric glands and intestinal crypts. Some TC were located within the muscle bundles, displaying the same location of ICC and running intermingled with them. ICC were c‐kit‐positive and CD34/PDGFRα‐negative. In conclusion, in the human GI tract the TC are PDGFRα‐positive and, therefore, might correspond to the FLC. We also hypothesize that in human gut, there are different TC subpopulations probably playing region‐specific roles.
Sliced Bread Preservation through Oregano Essential Oil‐Containing Sachet
Authors: Passarinho Amanda Tafuri Paniago , Dias Natália Fialho , Camilloto Geany Peruch , Cruz Renato Souza , Otoni Caio Gomide , Moraes Allan Robledo Fialho , Soares Nilda de Fátima Ferreira
Published: January 2014

Traditional packaging concepts are reaching their limits in enhancing food safety, quality and shelf life. Active, antimicrobial sachets containing different concentrations of oregano essential oil (OEO) were developed, and their antimicrobial efficiency was evaluated on agar medium – against Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis and Penicillium sp. – and on sliced bread – against yeasts and molds. Residual OEO on treated bread was quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Bread slices were also evaluated as to texture and sensory properties. Sachets containing OEO showed in vitro antimicrobial effect against the tested microorganisms, as well as reduced the growth rates of yeasts and molds on sliced bread. Compared with untreated samples, γ‐terpinene and ρ‐cymene contents on treated bread increased throughout storage, whereas their acceptance was reduced. Our findings indicate the potential application of antimicrobial sachets as an antimicrobial packaging system for sliced bread preservation.

Practical Applications

Sliced bread is an important bakery product that is widely consumed as snack or meal. The shelf life of bakery products stored within natural atmosphere at room temperature is limited. Sachets added with oregano essential oil can be used to extend the shelf life and improve the sensory characteristics of foods, as well as in the development of new products. Directly from processing lines, one may obtain products with different flavors and extended shelf life provided by sachets included in the packaging stage. This is useful for food industries to avoid product recalls and to develop novel products, as there is an increasing understanding that innovations are essential for competitiveness.
Nutrigenomics – perspectives from registered dietitians: a report from the Quebec‐wide e‐consultation on nutrigenomics among registered dietitians
Authors: Cormier H. , Tremblay B. L. , Paradis A.‐M. , Garneau V. , Desroches S. , Robitaille J. , Vohl M.‐C.
Published: January 2014

Background

Not all healthcare professionals are familiar with nutrigenomics. However, they recognise that nutrigenomics has great potential for the development of preventive health approaches. The present study aimed to provide an overall picture of the current situation about nutrigenomics in the practice of registered dietitians (RDs) from the province of Quebec (Canada).

Methods

Three hundred and seventy‐three RDs members of the Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec completed an online survey that included 34 questions, most of which were closed‐ended questions.

Results

Overall, 76.9% of RDs knew about nutrigenomics. Among RDs with <5 years of experience, 49.2% knew about genetic testing related to nutrition compared to 11.7% for RDs with over 25 years of experience. Currently, 75.9% of RDs working in clinical nutrition in the public sector consider that they do not have the basic knowledge to integrate nutrigenomics in their practice compared to 62.9% for RDs in private practice. When asked about main limitations of genetic testing related to nutrition, RDs considered that genetic testing does not consider the other determinants of health, that genetic testing and their results have poor accuracy, and that there is a lack of scientific evidence. Concerns remained about ethical and legal aspects and its difficult application as a result of poor understanding and/or interpretation by professionals and/or customers. The high costs of these tests were also noted as a limitation.

Conclusions

Registered dietitians know and are interested in nutrigenomics, especially those with less experience, although they do not feel adequately qualified to integrate findings from nutrigenomics into their practice.
A questionnaire survey on the usage of low protein staple foods by people with phenylketonuria in Scotland
Authors: Cochrane B. , Schwahn B. , Galloway P. , Robinson P. , Gerasimidis K.
Published: January 2014

Background

There is scarce evidence available with respect to an evaluation of the role of low protein staple foods (LPSF) in the management of phenylketonuria (PKU). The present study explored beliefs, acceptability and issues around the use of LPSF by people with PKU or their carers.

Methods

A semi‐anonymous questionnaire was posted to 178 people with PKU in Scotland (104 children, aged 2–17 years, and 74 adults). Questions explored were: the type and amount of LPSF ordered; perceptions on use and usefulness of LPSF; acceptability of the LPSF sensory properties (i.e. taste, smell, texture, appearance); support for the supply and use of LPSF; and comments from primary healthcare professionals regarding dispensing and prescription.

Results

Eighty‐two individuals responded (46% response rate): 97% perceived that LPSF were useful for PKU management; more than 85% reported that LPSF were important for phenylalanine control, satisfying appetite, and diet variety. The most common LPSF ordered were pasta/rice/cous cous, flour, biscuits and bread. Fifty percent of respondents ordered <51% of the recommended unit allowance of LPSF. The sensory properties of LPSF were well perceived. Forty‐nine percent (n = 39) had received a comment from primary healthcare staff regarding the prescription or dispensing of LPSF; 59% (n = 23) received negative comments, the majority of which came within general practitioner surgeries.

Conclusions

There is a positive attitude and perception on the use and usefulness of LPSF in the management of PKU. Issues with respect to the supply and provision of LPSF within primary health care may indicate poor communication between specialists and primary healthcare professionals or a lack of scientific evidence demonstrating their clinical effectiveness.
Molecular Characterization and Expression Analysis of Triticum aestivum Squamosa‐Promoter Binding Protein‐Box Genes Involved in Ear Development
Authors: Zhang Bin , Liu Xia , Zhao Guangyao , Mao Xinguo , Li Ang , Jing Ruilian
Published: January 2014

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important crops in the world. Squamosa‐promoter binding protein (SBP)‐box genes play a critical role in regulating flower and fruit development. In this study, 10 novel SBP‐box genes (TaSPL genes) were isolated from wheat ((Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Yanzhan 4110). Phylogenetic analysis classified the TaSPL genes into five groups (G1–G5). The motif combinations and expression patterns of the TaSPL genes varied among the five groups with each having own distinctive characteristics: TaSPL20/21 in G1 and TaSPL17 in G2 mainly expressed in the shoot apical meristem and the young ear, and their expression levels responded to development of the ear; TaSPL6/15 belonging to G3 were upregulated and TaSPL1/23 in G4 were downregulated during grain development; the gene in G5 (TaSPL3) expressed constitutively. Thus, the consistency of the phylogenetic analysis, motif compositions, and expression patterns of the TaSPL genes revealed specific gene structures and functions. On the other hand, the diverse gene structures and different expression patterns suggested that wheat SBP‐box genes have a wide range of functions. The results also suggest a potential role for wheat SBP‐box genes in ear development. This study provides a significant beginning of functional analysis of SBP‐box genes in wheat.
Three‐dimensional structural imaging of starch granules by second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism
Authors: ZHUO G.‐Y. , LEE H. , HSU K.‐J. , HUTTUNEN M.J. , KAURANEN M. , LIN Y.‐Y. , CHU S.‐W.
Published: January 2014

Chirality is one of the most fundamental and essential structural properties of biological molecules. Many important biological molecules including amino acids and polysaccharides are intrinsically chiral. Conventionally, chiral species can be distinguished by interaction with circularly polarized light, and circular dichroism is one of the best‐known approaches for chirality detection. As a linear optical process, circular dichroism suffers from very low signal contrast and lack of spatial resolution in the axial direction. It has been demonstrated that by incorporating nonlinear interaction with circularly polarized excitation, second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism can provide much higher signal contrast. However, previous circular dichroism and second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism studies are mostly limited to probe chiralities at surfaces and interfaces. It is known that second‐harmonic generation, as a second‐order nonlinear optical effect, provides excellent optical sectioning capability when combined with a laser‐scanning microscope. In this work, we combine the axial resolving power of second‐harmonic generation and chiral sensitivity of second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism to realize three‐dimensional chiral detection in biological tissues. Within the point spread function of a tight focus, second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism could arise from the macroscopic supramolecular packing as well as the microscopic intramolecular chirality, so our aim is to clarify the origins of second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism response in complicated three‐dimensional biological systems.

The sample we use is starch granules whose second‐harmonic generation‐active molecules are amylopectin with both microscopic chirality due to its helical structure and macroscopic chirality due to its crystallized packing. We found that in a starch granule, the second‐harmonic generation for right‐handed circularly polarized excitation is significantly different from second‐harmonic generation for left‐handed one, offering excellent second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism contrast that approaches 100%. In addition, three‐dimensional visualization of second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism distribution with sub‐micrometer spatial resolution is realized. We observed second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism sign change across the starch granules, and the result suggests that in thick biological tissue, second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism arises from macroscopic molecular packing. Our result provides a new method to visualize the organization of three‐dimensional structures of starch granules. The second‐harmonic generation circular dichroism imaging method expands the horizon of nonlinear chiroptical studies from simplified surface/solution environments to complicated biological tissues.
Agreement of Try‐In Pastes and the Corresponding Luting Composites on the Final Color of Ceramic Veneers
Authors: Xu Binting , Chen Xiaodong , Li Rong , Wang Yining , Li Qing
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The aims of this study were to evaluate the influence of luting composites on the final color of ceramic veneers and to investigate the color matching of try‐in pastes to the corresponding luting composites.

Materials and Methods

Ceramic discs (shade A3, 1.0 mm thick) were fabricated and seated on composite specimens (shade A3) to mimic a complex of ceramic veneer lying on dentin substrate. The try‐in pastes and luting composites of 3M RelyX were applied into the interlayer of the ceramic and composite specimens. The colors of the complexes were measured using a spectrophotometer, and subsequently converted to CIE L*a*b* values. Color changes after luting composites were applied, and the changes between the try‐in pastes and the corresponding luting composites were calculated and registered as ΔEluting and ΔEpaste‐luting. Color measurements were repeated while the ceramic specimens were reduced to 0.7 mm and then 0.5 mm in thickness.

Results

The means of ΔEluting were 0.69 ± 0.21, 1.27 ± 0.48, and 1.40 ± 0.57 for the 1.0, 0.7, and 0.5 mm thicknesses, respectively. Two‐way ANOVA revealed that ΔEpaste‐luting values were significantly affected by the colors of luting composites and veneer thickness (p < 0.001). Lighter shades of luting composites showed less influence on ΔEpaste‐luting values.

Conclusions

Luting composites could slightly modify the final color of ceramic veneers. Color matching of a try‐in paste to the corresponding luting composite was not always achieved in the 0.7 or 0.5 mm thicknesses.
A Subregional Panel Data Analysis of Life Insurance Consumption in Italy
Authors: Millo Giovanni , Carmeci Gaetano
Published: January 2014

Abstract

We propose a subregional panel approach to the determinants of life insurance development, with new methodological tools, applied to Italian data. Our sample has enough variability in observables and less unobserved heterogeneity than cross‐country ones, but is potentially affected by spatial dependence and serial correlation. We propose an encompassing estimator, showing that the spatial diffusion process of life insurance is driven by idiosyncratic shocks in neighbors. Our results partly reconcile the aggregate perspective with survey evidence supporting, in contrast to international studies, a negative link between education and risk aversion, and identifying the positive effect of young dependents predicted by theory.