bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐ablative fractional photothermolysis in treatment of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
Authors: Rerknimitr P. , Chitvanich S. , Pongprutthipan M. , Panchaprateep R. , Asawanonda P.
Published: October 2014

Background

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a common pigmentary disorder affecting a large number of individuals. Many patients seek medical attention due to aesthetic concern. However, no standard treatment is available.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and side‐effects of non‐ablative fractional photothermolysis (FP) as a treatment of IGH.

Materials and methods

A total of 120 lesions from 30 patients with IGH were treated. In each patient, two lesions on the extremities were assigned to treatment group, while lesions from the other side served as control. The treatment was delivered by fractional 1550‐nm ytterbium/erbium fibre laser for four times at 4‐week intervals. Lesional skin colour was measured by colourimetry. Digital photographs and dermoscopic digital photographs were taken at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16. In addition, patient satisfaction score and side‐effects were recorded. All clinical photographs were evaluated by three experienced dermatologists to determine clinical improvement using a quartile grading scale.

Results

Colourimetry of the treatment side showed normalization of skin colour at each visit and was statistically significant when compared with control after two treatments (week 8) and continued to decrease until 4 weeks' follow‐up (week 16) (P = 0.047, 0.016 and 0.06 respectively). Physicians' improvement grading score showed that 83.34% of the lesions in treatment group vs. 18.34% in the control group showed some improvement. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Common side‐effects were erythema and oedema in treatment area, which were mild and transient. No post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed.

Conclusion

Non‐ablative FP appears to be an effective way to treat IGH. The improvements are documented by both objective and subjective measurements.
Dermoscopic difficult lesions: an objective evaluation of reflectance confocal microscopy impact for accurate diagnosis
Authors: Ferrari B. , Pupelli G. , Farnetani F. , De Carvalho N.T. , Longo C. , Reggiani C. , Argenziano G. , Pellacani G.
Published: October 2014

Background

Early detection of melanoma is the main objective to ensure a high survival rate. In some cases melanoma diagnosis still remain difficult and this leads to unnecessary excisions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to detect the most relevant Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features for the detection of dermoscopic difficult melanomas.

Method

A total of 322 lesions were selected from database and were evaluated on dermoscopy according to the 7‐point checklist score, in blind from histological diagnosis. We classified the lesions into three categories: (i) ‘featureless’ lesions with score ranging between 0 and 2; (ii) ‘positive‐borderline’ moles with score between 3 and 4 and (iii) ‘positive‐clear cut’ lesions with score from 5 to 10. We evaluated confocal features of the ‘featureless’ lesions and of the ‘positive‐borderline’ lesions. Evaluated confocal features were as follows: presence of pagetoid cells, cell shape (roundish or dendritic) and number (< 5 or >5 cells per mm2), overall architecture (ringed, meshwork, clods and non‐specific pattern); architectural disorder, presence of cytological atypia (>5 cells per mm2) and cells arranged in nests.

Results

Among 322 lesions 70 were melanomas and 252 were nevi. According to the classification based on the 7‐point checklist score, 130 ‘featureless lesions’ (score 0–2) including six melanomas, and 102 ‘positive‐borderline’ moles (score 3–4) including 17 melanomas, were identified. Round pagetoid cells >5 cells per mm2 and/or architectural disorder on RCM were found in all of six melanomas with featureless dermoscopy. Round pagetoid infiltration and five or more atypical cells at the DEJ were found in 16 positive ‘borderline melanomas’.

Conclusions

RCM represents a rapid non‐invasive technique that can aid early diagnosis of dermoscopic difficult melanomas. Use of RCM on lesions with clinical and/or dermoscopic suspect of malignancy may reduce the number of unnecessary excision increasing the rate of accurate diagnoses.
Size and growth rate differences of larval Baltic sprat Sprattus sprattus collected with bongo and MIK nets
Authors: Fey D. P.
Published: October 2014

The effect of sampling with bongo (0·6 m diameter frame with 500 µm mesh) and Methot Isaac Kidd (MIK) (2 m diameter frame with 2 mm mesh finished with 500 µm codend) nets on standard length (LS) range and growth rate differences was tested for larval Sprattus sprattus (n = 906, LS range: 7·0–34·5 mm) collected during four cruises in the summer months of 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010 in the southern Baltic Sea. Although the minimum size of larvae collected with the bongo and MIK nets was similar in each cruise (from c. 7 to 9 mm), the MIK nets permitted collecting larger specimens (up to c. 34 mm) than the bongo nets did (up to c. 27 mm). The growth rates of larvae collected with the bongo and MIK nets (specimens of the same size range were compared for three cruises) were not statistically different (mean = 0·55 mm day−1, n = 788, LS range: 7·0–27·4 mm), which means the material collected with these two nets can be combined and growth rate results between them were compared.
Genetic variant in 8q24 is associated with prognosis for gastric cancer in a Chinese population
Authors: Ma Gaoxiang , Gu Dongying , Lv Chunye , Chu Haiyan , Xu Zhi , Tong Na , Wang Meilin , Tang Cuiju , Xu Yong , Zhang Zhengdong , Wang Baolin , Chen Jinfei
Published: October 2014

Background and Aim

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in long noncoding RNA CASC8 gene may influence the process of splicing and stability of messenger RNA conformation, resulting in the modification of its interacting partners. Genome‐wide association studies have identified the SNP rs10505477 and SNP rs1562430 in CASC8 were associated with risk of the colorectal cancer (CRC) and breast cancer, respectively.

Methods

In the present study, we genotyped the 940 surgically resected gastric cancer patients to explore the association between these two SNPs (e.g. rs10505477 and rs1562430) and survival of gastric cancer in a Chinese population.

Results

We found that the patients carrying rs10505477 GG genotype survived for a longer time than those with the GA and AA genotypes (log‐rank P = 0.030). The similar result was also found in the dominant model (GA/AA vs GG, HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.08–1.63, log‐rank P = 0.008). This risk effect was more pronounced among patients with tumor size ≤ 5 cm, diffuse‐type gastric cancer, lymph node metastasis, no distant metastasis, and TNM stage III and IV. Furthermore, the area under the curve at five years was dramatically increased from 0.619 to 0.624 after adding the rs10505477 risk score to the traditional clinical risk score (TNM stage and lymph node metastasis). However, there was no association be found between the rs1562430 and the survival of gastric cancer.

Conclusion

These findings suggested the SNP rs10505477 may contribute to the survival of gastric cancer and be a potential prognostic biomarker of gastric cancer.
Agreement between student dietitians' identification of refeeding syndrome risk with refeeding guidelines, electrolytes and other dietitians: a pilot study
Authors: Matthews K. , Owers E. , Palmer M.
Published: October 2014

Background

Limited research exists concerning how consistently and accurately student and newly‐graduated dietitians are identifying refeeding syndrome risk in hospitalised patients. The present study aimed to determine the consistency of students' and newly‐graduated dietitians' classification of refeeding syndrome risk, as well as agreement with the application of comparison tools such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, patients' electrolytes and supplementation, and clinical dietitians previously surveyed.

Methods

Recently‐graduated and final‐year Griffith University dietetics students were invited to complete an online survey. The survey questioned demographics and asked respondents to classify the level of refeeding syndrome risk (i.e. none, some, high, unsure) in 13 case studies. Electrolytes and supplementation data were sourced from electronic patient records. Chi‐squared tests, t‐tests and linear regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Fifty‐three eligible people responded [n = 53 of 112, mean (SD) age 26 (4) years, 89% female, 34% graduates]. Respondents' answers were generally more consistent and more likely to agree with comparison tools when two tools showed the same level of refeeding syndrome risk (49–98%, β = 0.626–1.0994, P < 0.001) than when they differed (11–49%). Respondents' level of agreement with refeeding identification guidelines, electrolyte levels, supplementation and dietitians previously surveyed did not differ by graduate status, degree level, clinical placement status or having read refeeding syndrome guidelines recently (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Students' and new graduates' identification of refeeding syndrome risk improved when there was consistency between guidelines, electrolytes and dietitians' responses. More research is needed to improve the evidence behind refeeding guidelines, with the aim of enhancing the accuracy and consistency of assessment.
Development of a partnership causal model for couples undergoing fertility treatment
Authors: Asazawa Kyoko , Mori Akiko
Published: October 2014

Aim

The goals of this study were to develop a partnership causal model and verify the model's fitness for couples undergoing fertility treatment.

Methods

A purposive sample of 1004 consenting participants (502 couples) undergoing fertility treatment was selected from five fertility clinics across Japan. A mailed self‐administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The partnership causal model was examined with structural equation modeling.

Results

A total of 565 questionnaires were returned (56.3%) and the number of valid responses was 466 (46.4%). The factor “medical professionals' support (nurses and physicians)” influenced the couples' “partnership” (β = 0.16) and had a direct effect on the men's quality of life (QOL) and an indirect effect on the women's QOL (β = 0.20). Couples' partnership had a significant impact on couples' QOL (β = 0.20) and on “satisfaction in their relationship with their partner” (β = 0.48). The multi‐population path analysis revealed that married couples influenced each other's perceptions of their partnership (men, β = 0.84; women, β = 0.88). Additionally, the spouse's partnership influenced both individual's QOL (men, β = 0.77; women, β = 0.77) and the satisfaction with the relationship (men, β = 0.46; women, β = 0.59). The participants' “distress” significantly and negatively affected the participants' QOL.

Conclusion

The results revealed that for a couple undergoing fertility treatments, a strong partnership maintains their QOL, and this could decrease the couples' distress (particularly in women). Partnership was also related to the variability of “medical professionals' support”.
Role of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase‐Activating Polypeptide in Modulating Hypothalamus‐Pituitary Neuroendocrine Functions in Mouse Cell Models
Authors: Kanasaki H. , Oride A. , Kyo S.
Published: October 2014

Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) was originally identified as a hypothalamic activator of cyclic adenosine monophosphate production in pituitary cells. PACAP and its receptor are expressed not only in the central nervous system, but also in peripheral organs, and function to stimulate pituitary hormone synthesis and secretion as both a hypothalamic‐pituitary‐releasing factor and an autocrine‐paracrine factor within the pituitary. PACAP stimulates the expression of the gonadotrophin α, luteinising hormone (LH) β and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) β subunits, as well as the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor and its own PACAP type I receptor (PAC1R) in gonadotrophin‐secreting pituitary cells. In turn, GnRH, which is known to be a crucial component of gonadotrophin secretion, stimulates the expression of PACAP and PAC1R in gonadotrophs. In addition, PAC1R and PACAP modulate the functions of GnRH‐producing neurones in the hypothalamus. This review summarises the current understanding of the possible roles of PACAP and PAC1R in modulating hypothalamus and pituitary neuroendocrine cells in the mouse models.
Cervix assessment for the management of labor induction: Reliability of cervical length and Bishop score determined by residents
Authors: Garcia‐Simon Raquel , Oros Daniel , Gracia‐Cólera Daniel , Moreno Esther , Paules Cristina , Cañizares Silvia , Gascón Elena , Fabre Ernesto
Published: October 2014

Aim

To evaluate the reliability of two techniques of cervical ripeness assessment at the beginning of labor induction, as assessed by inexperienced observers.

Methods

A total of 120 women were prospectively studied at admission for labor induction. Two independent physicians examined consenting women successively but separately. One experienced consultant and one of the six first‐year obstetrics residents composed the pairs of observers. The trainees had very limited prior experience with cervical ultrasound scan or evaluating Bishop score. Cervical length and Bishop score were evaluated according to standard methodology. Reliability was described by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and coefficients of variation (COV). Ultrasound cervical length was plotted according to the Bland–Altman method.

Results

The median Bishop score and mean cervical length were similar for all observers. Ultrasound cervical length and Bishop score were highly reliable when evaluated by first‐year residents. Ultrasound cervical length showed the highest interobserver agreement, with ICC values over 0.9 and COV values of approximately 10% or less for all trainees. The Bishop score was also reliable, but with lower ICC and higher COV values.

Conclusion

Bishop score and ultrasound cervical length examination for the management of labor induction are accurate and easy to learn by inexperienced first‐year residents. However, cervical length showed higher reliability than the Bishop score.
Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome in pregnancy: A case of favorable mother–fetal outcome in a well‐controlled disease
Authors: Patti Simona , Perrone Giuseppina , De Pratti Valentina , Quinti Isabella , Milito Cinzia , Brunelli Roberto
Published: October 2014

The autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a disorder of abnormal lymphocyte survival caused by the dysregulation of the Fas apoptotic pathway. The Fas gene is expressed at the maternal–fetal interface and is involved in the regulation of immune response and implantation. Altered Fas expression may result in altered apoptosis and, ultimately, affect both the immune response and implantation; it is in fact associated with recurrent pregnancy loss, preterm premature rupture of membranes and pre‐eclampsia. Currently, there are over 500 cases of ALPS reported worldwide from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. Up to date, the published work contains no specific reports on pregnancy outcome in women affected by ALPS. We present a case of full‐term uneventful pregnancy in a patient affected by ALPS. A specific clinical follow‐up in a pregnant woman with primary immunologic disease is suggested.
Prevalence and risk factors for parent‐reported recurrent otitis media during early childhood in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study
Authors: Brennan‐Jones Christopher G , Whitehouse Andrew JO , Park Jae , Hegarty Mary , Jacques Angela , Eikelboom Robert H , Swanepoel De Wet , White Joanna D , Jamieson Sarra E
Published: October 2014

Aim

To describe the prevalence and risk factors of recurrent otitis media (rOM) in an urban Australian population at 3 years of age.

Methods

Cross‐sectional examination of prevalence and risk factors of rOM in 2280 participants from the Raine Study enrolled from public and private hospitals in Perth, Western Australia, between 1989 and 1991. Parental report questionnaires at 3 years of age were used for rOM identification, with secondary confirmation by otoscopic examination at 1, 2 or 3 years of age.

Results

The prevalence of parent‐reported rOM was 26.8% (611/2280) and 5.5% (125/2280) for severe rOM in the Study. Independent associations were found between rOM and the presence of older siblings, attendance at day care and the introduction of other milk products at ≤4 months of age. Independent associations for severe rOM were the presence of allergies and attendance at day care.

Conclusions

Prevalence rates of rOM within the Raine Study children are similar to a number of other known cohorts. Parity, presence of allergies, attendance at day care and introduction of other milk products at ≤4 months are highlighted as specific risk factors for rOM in this population and presence of allergies and attendance at day care being risk factors for severe rOM. Diagnosis of rOM by parent report and the delay between data collection and reporting are limitations of this study. However, as there is very limited data on OM in urban, non‐Indigenous Australian children, this study improves our understanding of OM for this group.
A new taxonomic system of the Campanulaceae s.s.
Authors: Hong De‐Yuan , Wang Qiang
Published: October 2014

The Campanulaceae s.s. have been proved to be monophyletic, but the subdivision of the family is still controversial among authors. To investigate the intrafamilial structure of the Campanulaceae s.s., four chloroplast DNA fragments, atpB, matK, rbcL, and petD with the petB‐petD spacer region, were chosen for molecular phylogenetic analysis, and 90 taxa representing 36 genera of this family were sampled. The result shows that the Campanulaceae s.s. consist of three strongly supported monophyletic clades. This result is highly correlated with the data from palynology and external morphology. Therefore, we propose to establish a new three tribal classification system of Campanulaceae s.s. The Cyanantheae is characterized by colpate or colporate pollen with elongate apertures and a loculicidal capsule which is dehiscent by apical valves, or a berry. The other two tribes have porate pollen with poroid apertures, but the Campanuleae possesses a poricidal capsule which is dehiscent by lateral pores or valves, or a dry indehiscent fruit, whereas the Wahlenbergieae possesses a loculicidal capsule which is dehiscent by apical valves, pores, or opercula. In the Cyanantheae, we recognize 6 subtribes and 10 genera. In addition, keys to tribes of Campanulaceae s.s. and to subtribes and genera of the Cyanantheae are presented.
Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α and Interleukin‐6 Concentrations in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Dogs After Seizures
Authors: Merbl Y. , Sommer A. , Chai O. , Aroch I. , Zimmerman G. , Friedman A. , Soreq H. , Shamir M.H.
Published: October 2014

Background

Idiopathic and acquired epilepsy are common in dogs. Up to 30% of these dogs are refractory to pharmacological treatment. Accumulating experimental evidence indicates that brain immune response and presence of inflammatory mediators decrease the threshold for individual seizures and contribute to epileptogenesis.

Hypothesis

Dogs with seizures have higher cerebrospinal interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentrations compared to dogs with no seizures.

Methods

A prospective double blinded study; cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum IL‐6, TNF‐α and total protein (TP) concentrations were measured by a blinded investigator for the study group and CSF IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels and TP concentrations were measured in the control group (CG).

Animals

Dogs presented with seizures that had enough CSF collected to allow analysis were included in the study group. Twelve apparently healthy, quarantined, stray dogs served as control (CG).

Results

Cerebrospinal fluid TNF‐α and IL‐6 concentrations were significantly higher (P = .011, P = .039) in dogs with seizures (0 ± 70.66, 0.65 ± 10.93 pg/mL) compared to the CG (0 ± 19, 0.73 ± 0.55 pg/mL). When assessing cytokine concentrations of specifically the idiopathic epilepsy (IE) dogs compared to the CG, only TNF‐α concentrations (8.66 ± 62, 0 ± 19 pg/mL) were significantly higher (P = .01). CSF TP concentrations were not significantly higher in the study dogs compared to the CG.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Higher TNF‐α and IL‐6 concentration in the CSF of dogs with naturally occurring seizures. The higher supports the hypothesis that inflammatory processes through certain mediators play a role in the pathogenesis of seizures in dogs.
Prevalence and Heritability of Symptomatic Syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Long‐term Outcome in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Littermates
Authors: Thøfner M.S. , Stougaard C.L. , Westrup U. , Madry A.A. , Knudsen C.S. , Berg H. , Jensen C.S.E. , Handby R.M.L. , Gredal H. , Fredholm M. , Berendt M.
Published: October 2014

Background

Syringomyelia (SM) is common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS). Dogs with syringes express clinical signs or might be clinically silent.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence and heritability of symptomatic SM, the association between clinical signs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and long‐term outcome.

Animals

All CKCS registered in the Danish Kennel Club in 2001 (n = 240).

Methods

A cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based prevalence study validated by telephone interviews and clinically investigated clinical signs of SM. Dogs were 6 years at the time of investigation. A prospective observational litter study including clinical investigations, MRI and 5‐year follow‐up of symptomatic and asymptomatic siblings. Heritability was estimated based on the scale of liability in the study population and litter cohort.

Results

The cross‐sectional study estimated a prevalence of symptomatic SM at 15.4% in the population. Thirteen symptomatic and 9 asymptomatic siblings participated in the litter study. Spinal cord syringes were confirmed in 21 of 22 littermates (95%). Syrinx diameter and mean syrinx : spinal cord ratio were significantly correlated with clinical signs (P < .01). Estimated heritability of symptomatic SM was 0.81. Symptomatic SM motivated euthanasia in 20%. Dogs with syringes, which expressed no clinical signs at the age of 6, remained asymptomatic in 14/15 cases (93%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The prevalence of symptomatic SM is high and genetics have a high impact on clinical disease expression. Further investigations of factors influencing the outbreak threshold of clinical signs of SM are desirable.
Preoperative and Postoperative L‐Lactatemia Assessment for the Prognosis of Right Abomasal Disorders in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Buczinski S. , Boulay G. , Francoz D.
Published: October 2014

Background

Preoperative L‐lactatemia and heart rate have been suggested as prognostic indicators of outcome for cows with right dilatation of the abomasum or volvulus (RDA/AV). However, postoperative L‐lactatemia has not been assessed as a potential prognostic tool.

Objectives

To determine the prognostic value of postoperative L‐lactatemia (LAC2), duration of treatment (Dt), relative L‐lactatemia difference (compared with preoperative L‐lactatemia [LAC1]) ([LAC2 − LAC1]/LAC2) and change in L‐lactate over time ([LAC2 − LAC1]/Dt) as compared to preoperative findings (LAC1and heart rate [HR]) as prognostic factors in dairy cows withRDA/AV.

Animals

A total of 41 dairy cows were included: 19 withAVand 22 withRDA; 11 cows had a negative outcome (NO) and 30 cows had a positive outcome (PO) based on telephone follow‐up with owners 30 days after surgery.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. Analysis was performed using logistic regression and comparison of area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) using nonparametric tests.

Results

LAC1 > 1.4 mmol/L or LAC2 > 2.2 mmol/L had the same accuracy with sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 75.1–100%) and specificity of 80% (95% CI, 61.4–92.3%) for predictingNO. The relative L‐lactatemia difference ([LAC2 − LAC1]/LAC1) or lactate kinetics ([LAC2 − LAC1]/Dt) were not associated with prognosis. TheAUCof the preoperative model (which includedHRand lnLAC1) was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.83–1.0) and that of the postoperative model (including only lnLAC2) was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.88–1.0); these were not significantly different.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Postoperative L‐lactatemia is helpful to predict outcome in cows withRDA/AV. The short‐term change in blood L‐lactate is not a useful prognostic indicator,at least during the period of time spent on the farm for surgery and treatment.
The Capabilities of Academics and Academic Poverty
Authors: Mooken Malida , Sugden Roger
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a novel analysis about the capabilities of academic researchers and academic poverty. Adopting the capability approach, which Amartya Sen developed to address concerns such as poverty, inequality and development, we shift the focus of analysis and discussion around evaluating academic research and academics in the social sciences from measures of so‐called ‘quality’, ‘impact’ or ‘excellence’ to the capabilities of academics. For us, the conceptualization and evaluation of academic research is a question about what academics have reasons to value, and about their ability to achieve valuable beings and doings. It is also about determining what might constitute academic poverty, and what academics are required to do in order to avoid that poverty.

Relating our analysis to debates around universities, in particular about quasi‐market pressures, we identify the possibility of basic capabilities in academic research, namely: the capabilities that are necessary to fulfill basic academic needs. Our proposition is that there is academic poverty when an academic researcher is not capable of fulfilling basic academic needs, such as: adhering to standards of coherence, robustness and rigour; searching for and disseminating the spirit of the truth. Moreover, if the academic has the capabilities to fulfill those basic academic needs and yet chooses not to do so, she renders herself in a state akin to academic poverty.
miR‐122 decreases HCV entry into hepatocytes through binding to the 3′ UTR of OCLN mRNA
Authors: Sendi Hossein , Mehrab‐Mohseni Marjan , Foureau David M. , Ghosh Sriparna , Walling Tracy L. , Steuerwald Nury , Zamor Philippe J. , Kaplan Keith J. , Jacobs Carl , Ahrens William A. , Russo Mark W. , Clemens Mark G. , Schrum Laura W. , Bonkovsky Herbert L.
Published: October 2014

Background & Aims

Analysis in silico suggests that occludin (OCLN), a key receptor for HCV, is a candidate target of miR‐122; the most abundant hepatic micro RNA. We aimed to determine if miR‐122 can decrease HCV entry through binding to the 3′ UTR of OCLN mRNA.

Design

Huh7.5 cells were cotransfected with luciferase construct containing 3′ UTR of OCLN (pLuc‐OCLN) and with selected miRNAs (0–50 nM) and luciferase activity was measured. Huh7.5 cells were also infected by viral particles containing lenti‐miR122 genome or control virus. After 48 h, the cells were infected with HCV pseudo‐particles (HCVpp) and VSV pseudo‐particles (VSVpp). After 72 h of infection, luciferase activity was measured and HCVpp activity was normalized to VSVpp activity.

Results

miR‐122 binds to the 3′‐UTR of OCLN and down‐regulates its expression; cotransfection of miR‐122 mimic with pLuc‐OCLN resulted in a significant decrease in luciferase activity [by 55% (P < 0.01)], while a non‐specific miRNA and a mutant miR‐122 did not have any effect. miR‐122 mimic significantly down‐regulated [by 80% (P < 0.01)] OCLN protein in Huh7.5 cells. Accordingly, patients with chronic hepatitis C and higher levels of hepatic miR‐122 have lower hepatic expression of OCLN. Immuno‐fluorescence imaging showed a decrease in colocalization of OCLN and CLDN following miR‐122 over‐expression in HCV infected cells. Huh7.5 cells transiently expressing Lenti‐miR122 system showed 42% (P < 0.01) decrease in HCV entry.

Conclusion

This study uncovers a novel antiviral effect of miR‐122 on human liver cells and shows that over‐expression of miR‐122 can decrease HCV entry into hepatocytes through down‐regulation of OCLN.
An NAD synthetic reaction bypasses the lipoate requirement for aerobic growth of Escherichia coli strains blocked in succinate catabolism
Authors: Hermes Fatemah A. , Cronan John E.
Published: October 2014

The lipoate coenzyme is essential for function of the pyruvate (PDH) and 2‐oxoglutarate (OGDH) dehydrogenases and thus for aerobic growth of Escherichia coli. LipB catalyzes the first step in lipoate synthesis, transfer of an octanoyl moiety from the fatty acid synthetic intermediate, octanoyl‐ACP, to PDH and OGDH. E. coli also encodes LplA, a ligase that in presence of exogenous octanoate (or lipoate) can bypass loss of LipB. LplA imparts ΔlipB strains with a ‘leaky’ growth phenotype on aerobic glucose minimal medium supplemented with succinate (which bypasses the OGDH‐catalyzed reaction), because it scavenges an endogenous octanoate pool to activate PDH. Here we characterize a ΔlipB suppressor strain that did not require succinate supplementation, but did require succinyl‐CoA ligase, confirming the presence of alternative source(s) of cytosolic succinate. We report that suppression requires inactivation of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), which greatly reduces the cellular requirement for succinate. In the suppressor strain succinate is produced by three enzymes, any one of which will suffice in the absence of SDH. These three enzymes are: trace levels of OGDH, the isocitrate lyase of the glyoxylate shunt and an unanticipated source, aspartate oxidase, the enzyme catalyzing the first step of nicotinamide biosynthesis.
Self‐reported emotional and behavioral problems in Nepalese adolescents from urban and rural areas
Authors: Karki Suyen , Laukkanen Eila , Länsimies‐Antikainen Helena , Voutilainen Ari , Pietilä Anna‐Maija
Published: October 2014

In this study, the prevalence of self‐reported emotional/behavioral problems and the association of problem scales scores with demographic factors among 12–18 year old adolescents (n = 408) selected from urban and rural areas of the Western Developmental Region of Nepal, are discussed. The emotional/behavioral problems were assessed by the Youth Self‐Report questionnaire. Girls had higher scores than boys for anxiety/depression, while boys had higher scores for delinquent behavior. Adolescents from the urban area exhibited significantly higher scores on most of the problem scales. With the exception of somatic complaints, all problem scale scores appeared to increase with age. Most of the Youth Self‐Report scales revealed adequate internal consistencies. These findings might provide preliminary information on adolescents' emotional/behavioral problems. However, a detailed and comprehensive study is needed before an effective interventional program can be implemented. Further investigation, particularly taking into account the views of parents and teachers, is also needed, as this would provide novel perspectives on adolescents' problems.
Saucer Barrows: Places for Ritual within Wessex Early Bronze Age Chalkland Barrow Cemeteries
Authors: Jones Andy M. , Quinnell Henrietta
Published: October 2014

The Bronze Age barrow groups of Wessex have primarily been classified as places of burial where lineages were marked and mourners deployed to create mythologized links with the recently dead and the ancestors. These chalkland barrow cemeteries are associated with a range of barrow forms – bowl barrows and ‘fancy’ barrows, the latter comprising disc, bell, pond and saucer types. Whilst funerary activity was undoubtedly an important activity within these barrow groups, this paper examines the evidence for other forms of ritual practice within one particular barrow type, the saucer barrow, and considers whether there was more to ritual activity in Wessex barrow cemeteries than the disposal of the dead and the commemoration of ancestors.
Emergence of sexual size dimorphism and stage‐specific effects of elevated temperature on growth rate and development rate in Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Knapp Michal
Published: October 2014

Temperature is considered to be the most important environmental factor influencing the performance of ectotherms because it determines the rate of most biochemical reactions and thus the efficiency of metabolism and its function. Unfortunately, most studies investigate the effects of temperature on individuals exposed to a particular temperature regime during their whole pre‐imaginal development and detailed information on variation of the temperature effects during ontogeny is rare. In the present study, the effects of the timing of exposure to a transient period of elevated temperature during ontogeny on development rate and growth rate are investigated for the ladybird Harmonia axyridis Pallas. Control beetles are reared at a constant temperature of 20 °C, whereas treated beetles are reared at 20 °C but are exposed to 33 °C for 48 h either during the early‐larval stage, third‐larval instar, fourth‐larval instar or the pupal stage. The rate of development and the growth rate are both accelerated because the timing of exposure to elevated temperature occurred later in pre‐imaginal development (i.e. development rate and growth rate are highest in individuals exposed to elevated temperature during the pupal stage). An exception to this pattern is the lowering of development rate in individuals exposed to elevated temperature during the fourth‐larval instar. Female H. axyridis have a significantly higher development rate and growth rate than males. However, the relative difference in growth rate between the sexes is much higher than the difference in development rate between sexes, resulting in a female‐biased size (mass) dimorphism in adult beetles.
The laboratory mouse and wild immunology
Authors: Viney M. , Lazarou L. , Abolins S.
Published: October 2014

The laboratory mouse, Mus musculus domesticus, has been the workhorse of the very successful laboratory study of mammalian immunology. These studies – discovering how the mammalian immune system can work – have allowed the development of the field of wild immunology that is seeking to understand how the immune responses of wild animals contributes to animals' fitness. Remarkably, there have hardly been any studies of the immunology of wild M. musculus domesticus (or of rats, another common laboratory model), but the general finding is that these wild animals are more immunologically responsive, compared with their laboratory domesticated comparators. This difference probably reflects the comparatively greater previous exposure to antigens of these wild‐caught animals. There are now excellent prospects for laboratory mouse immunology to make major advances in the field of wild immunology.
The Effect of Partisanship, Sophistication, and Political Contexts on Belief in Democracy Promotion
Authors: Kim Dukhong
Published: October 2014

This article examines the questions of who believes in democracy promotion, what makes individuals change their belief in this ideal, and how that change occurs. I propose an interaction model where both political contexts and individuals' characteristics (partisanship and sophistication) work together in accounting for individuals' acceptance of democracy promotion. To explore the question, I use the surveys conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs from 1998 to 2008. The results show that partisanship moderates the effect of political events on individuals' acceptance of the ideal. Furthermore, sophistication‐level conditions the effect of the interaction between partisanship and events in accounting for acceptance of democracy promotion. Specifically, compared with less‐sophisticated Democrats and Republicans, the more‐sophisticated partisans interpret the Iraq war differently and, in turn, their belief in democracy promotion is significantly influenced by this event.

Related Articles

Collins, Stephen D. 2010. “.” Politics & Policy 38 (): 737‐764. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00256.x/abstract

Quinn, Adam. 2007. “.” Politics & Policy 35 (): 522‐547. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00071.x/abstract

Dolan, Chris J. 2008. “.” Politics & Policy 36 (): 542‐585. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00121.x/abstract

Related Media

Diamond, Larry. 2010. “.” . http://www.newsweek.com/doing‐democracy‐promotion‐right‐82937

Drake, Bruce. 2013. “.” http://www.pewresearch.org/fact‐tank/2013/12/04/americans‐put‐low‐priority‐on‐promoting‐democracy‐abroad/

Bakerfeb, Peter. 2014. “.” http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/25/world/europe/wary‐stance‐from‐obama.html?_r=0
Spectral effects of LEDs on chlorophyll fluorescence and pigmentation in Phalaenopsis ‘Vivien’ and ‘Purple Star’
Authors: Ouzounis Theoharis , Fretté Xavier , Ottosen Carl‐Otto , Rosenqvist Eva
Published: October 2014

We examined the effect of light emitting diode (LED) lighting in greenhouse facilities on growth, chlorophyll fluorescence and pigmentation in Phalaenopsis ‘Vivien’ and ‘Purple Star’ under purpose‐built LED arrays yielding c. 200 µmol m−2 s−1 at plant height for 14 h per day and 24/18°C day/night temperature, respectively, from January to April 2013. The light treatments were (1) 40% blue in 60% red (40% B/R), (2) 0% blue in 100% red (0% B/R) and (3) white LEDs with 32% blue in white (32% B/W, control), with background daylight under shade screens. The plants were harvested twice for leaf growth and pigmentation. There was no clear pattern in the spectral effect on growth since the order of leaf size differed between harvests in March and April. Fv/Fm was in the range of 0.52–0.72, but overall slightly higher in the control, which indicated a permanent downregulation of PSII in the colored treatments. The fluorescence quenching showed no acclimation to color in ‘Purple Star’, while ‘Vivien’ had lower ETR and higher NPQ in the 40% B/R, resembling low light acclimation. The pigmentation showed corresponding spectral response with increasing concentration of lutein while increasing the fraction of blue light, which increased the light absorption in the green/yellow part of the spectrum. The permanent downregulation of PSII moved a substantial part of the thermal dissipation from the light regulated NPQ to non‐regulated energy losses estimated by ΦNPQ and ΦNO and the difference found in the balance between ΦPSII and ΦNPQ in ‘Vivien’ disappeared when ΦNO was included in the thermal dissipation.
Comparison of PNA clamping and direct sequencing for detecting KRAS mutations in matched tumour tissue, cell block, pleural effusion and serum from patients with malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Kang Ji Young , Park Chan Kwon , Yeo Chang Dong , Lee Hea Yeon , Rhee Chin Kook , Kim Seung Joon , Kim Seok Chan , Kim Young Kyoon , Park Mi Sun , Yim Hyeon Woo
Published: October 2014

Background and objective

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA)‐mediated real‐time polymerase chain reaction clamping was recently developed to improve mutation detection sensitivity. Pleural effusion could be a good sample candidate for mutation analysis. To establish if PNA clamping could be used to detect KRAS mutation in particular in pleural effusion, we analysed its diagnostic performance.

Methods

We studied 57 patients with malignant effusion. KRAS mutation was evaluated in samples of matched tumour tissue, cell block, pleural effusion and serum using PNA clamping and direct sequencing.

Results

The detection rate of KRAS mutation using pleural effusion was 14% for PNA clamping and 10.5% for direct sequencing. The κ coefficient between the two methods was 0.76 (P value < 0.0001), 1.00 (P value < 0.0001) and 0.87 (P value < 0.0001) in pleural effusion, tissue and cell block, respectively. The diagnostic performance of KRAS mutation detection from pleural effusion compared with the results obtained for all samples combined showed that the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were as follows: 89, 100, 100 and 98%, respectively for PNA clamping; 67, 100, 100 and 94%, respectively for directing sequencing.

Conclusions

The current study suggests that PNA clamping had a good concordance with direct sequencing for the detection of KRAS mutation in patients with malignant effusion. Furthermore, the good diagnostic performance obtained from pleural effusion samples provides evidence that pleural effusion can be a useful source for detecting KRAS mutation in a clinical setting, in which the collection of tumour tissues is challenging.
Ammonium accumulation in soil: the long‐term effects of tillage, rotation and N rate in a Mediterranean Vertisol
Authors: López‐Bellido L. , Muñoz‐Romero V. , Fernández‐García P. , López‐Bellido R. J.
Published: October 2014

Plant nutrition requires organic nitrogen to be mineralized before roots can absorb it. A 13‐year field study was conducted on typical rain‐fed Mediterranean Vertisol to determine the effects of tillage system, crop rotation and N fertilizer rate on the long‐term NH4+–N content in the soil profile (0–90 cm). The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block with a split–split plot arrangement and three replications. The main plots tested the effects from the tillage system (no‐tillage and conventional tillage); the subplots tested crop rotation with 2‐year rotations (wheat–wheat, wheat–fallow, wheat–chickpea, wheat–faba bean and wheat–sunflower) and the sub‐subplots examined the N fertilizer rate (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N/ha). Soil NH4+–N content was greatest in the rainiest years and greater under the no‐tillage (NT) system than the conventional tillage (CT) system (57 and 48 kg/ha, respectively). The deepest soil (30–60 and 60–90 cm) contained a greater NH4+–N content (21.0 and 21.4 kg/ha, respectively) than the shallowest soil (19.5 kg/ha in 0–30 cm). This observation may be related to Vertisol characteristics, especially crack formation that allows greater mineralization in the deepest layers by displacing organic matter.
A new HLA‐A*30 allele, A*30:81, identified by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Yoon Y. A. , Kim J. S. , Yoon C. E. , Jang J. H. , Kang E. S.
Published: October 2014

The new allele, HLA‐A*30:81, differs from A*30:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at codon 272 (CTG→ATG).
Discussion of ‘are Statisticians Cold‐blooded Bosses? A New Perspective on the “Old” Concept of Statistical Population’ by Y. Lu and K. S. S. Henning
Authors: Kaimi Irene
Published: October 2014

This articles argues in favour of a recently introduced approach to statistical inference which focuses on understanding the data generating process. A comprehensive example supports the discussion.
Participation in medical research as a resource‐seeking strategy in socio‐economically vulnerable communities: call for research and action
Authors: Ravinetto Raffaella M. , Afolabi Muhammed O. , Okebe Joseph , Van Nuil Jennifer Ilo , Lutumba Pascal , Mavoko Hypolite Muhindo , Nahum Alain , Tinto Halidou , Addissie Adamu , D'Alessandro Umberto , Grietens Koen Peeters
Published: October 2014

The freedom to consent to participate in medical research is a complex subject, particularly in socio‐economically vulnerable communities, where numerous factors may limit the efficacy of the informed consent process. Informal consultation among members of the Switching the Poles Clinical Research Network coming from various sub‐Saharan African countries, that is Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Benin, seems to support the hypothesis that in socio‐economical vulnerable communities with inadequate access to health care, the decision to participate in research is often taken irrespectively of the contents of the informed consent interview, and it is largely driven by the opportunity to access free or better quality care and other indirect benefits. Populations' vulnerability due to poverty and/or social exclusion should obviously not lead to exclusion from medical research, which is most often crucially needed to address their health problems. Nonetheless, to reduce the possibility of exploitation, there is the need to further investigate the complex links between socio‐economical vulnerability, access to health care and individual freedom to decide on participation in medical research. This needs bringing together clinical researchers, social scientists and bioethicists in transdisciplinary collaborative research efforts that require the collective input from researchers, research sponsors and funders.
Potential deleterious role of anti‐Neu5Gc antibodies in xenotransplantation
Authors: Salama Apolline , Evanno Gwénaëlle , Harb Jean , Soulillou Jean‐Paul
Published: October 2014

Human beings do not synthesize the glycolyl form of the sialic acid (Neu5Gc) and only express the acetylated form of the sugar, whereas a diet‐based intake of Neu5Gc provokes a natural immunization and production of anti‐Neu5Gc antibodies in human serum. However, Neu5Gc is expressed on mammal glycoproteins and glycolipids in most organs and cells. We review here the relevance of Neu5Gc and anti‐Neu5Gc antibodies in the context of xenotransplantation and the use of animal‐derived molecules and products, as well as the possible consequences of a long‐term exposure to anti‐Neu5Gc antibodies in recipients of xenografts. In addition, the importance of an accurate estimation of the anti‐Neu5Gc response following xenotransplantation and the future contribution of knockout animals mimicking the human situation are also assessed.
Twenty Whole-Genome
Bacillus
sp. Assemblies
Authors: Daligault H. E. , Davenport K. W. , Minogue T. D. , Bishop-Lilly K. A. , Broomall S. M. , Bruce D. C. , Chain P. S. , Coyne S. R. , Frey K. G. , Gibbons H. S. , Jaissle J. , Koroleva G. I. , Ladner J. T. , Lo C.-C. , Munk C. , Palacios G. F. , Redden C. L. , Rosenzweig C. N. , Scholz M. B. , Johnson S. L.
Published: October 2014

Bacilli are genetically and physiologically diverse, ranging from innocuous to highly pathogenic. Here, we present annotated genome assemblies for 20 strains belonging to
Bacillus anthracis
,
B. atrophaeus
,
B. cereus
,
B. licheniformis
,
B. macerans
,
B. megaterium
,
B. mycoides
, and
B. subtilis
.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Sphingobacterium
sp. Strain PM2-P1-29, a Tetracycline-Degrading TetX-Expressing Aerobic Bacterium Isolated from Agricultural Soil
Authors: Ghosh Sudeshna , LaPara Timothy M. , Sadowsky Michael J.
Published: October 2014

The genome of
Sphingobacterium
sp. strain PM2-P1-29 was sequenced. The bacterium contains a physiologically active
tet
(X) gene, encoding a tetracycline-degrading monooxygenase. To our knowledge, this is the only bacterium naturally harboring
tet
(X) for which tetracycline degradation has been demonstrated.
Genome Sequence of the Sponge-Associated Ruegeria halocynthiae Strain MOLA R1/13b, a Marine
Roseobacter
with Two Quorum-Sensing-Based Communication Systems
Authors: Doberva Margot , Sanchez-Ferandin Sophie , Ferandin Yoan , Intertaglia Laurent , Croué Julie , Suzuki Marcelino , Lebaron Philippe , Lami Raphaël
Published: October 2014

Ruegeria halocynthiae
MOLA R1/13b is an alphaproteobacterium isolated from the Mediterranean sea sponge
Crambe crambe
. We report here the genome sequence and its annotation, revealing the presence of quorum-sensing genes. This is the first report of the full genome of a
Ruegeria halocynthiae
strain.
Draft Genome Sequence of the First Isolate of Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Ireland
Authors: Roycroft Emma , Mac Aogáin Micheál , O'Toole Ronan F. , Fitzgibbon Margaret , Rogers Thomas R.
Published: October 2014

Extensive drug resistance is an emerging threat to the control of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide, even in countries with low TB incidence. We report the draft whole-genome sequence of the first reported extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) strain isolated in Ireland (a low-incidence setting) and describe a number of single-nucleotide variations that correlate with its XDR phenotype.