bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of metal organic chemical vapour deposition growth conditions on vibrational and luminescent properties of ZnO nanorods
Authors: Montenegro D. N. , Hortelano V. , Martínez O. , Martínez-Tomas M. C. , Sallet V. , Muñoz-Sanjosé V. , Jiménez J.
Published: April 2013

A detailed optical characterization by means of micro Raman and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy of catalyst-free ZnO nanorods grown by atmospheric-metal organic chemical vapour deposition has been carried out. This characterization has allowed correlating the growth conditions, in particular the precursors partial-pressures and growth time, with the optical properties of nanorods. It has been shown that a high Zn supersaturation can favor the incorporation of nonradiative recombination centers, which can tentatively be associated with ZnI-related defects. Characterization of individual nanorods has evidenced that ZnI-related defects have a tendency to accumulate in the tip part of the nanorods, which present dark cathodoluminescence contrast with respect to the nanorods bottom. The effect of a ZnO buffer layer on the properties of the nanorods has been also investigated, showing that the buffer layer improves the luminescence efficiency of the ZnO nanorods, revealing a significant reduction of the concentration of nonradiative recombination centers.
Temperature and pressure effects of multiferroic Bi2NiTiO6 compound
Authors: Zhu Jinlong , Feng Shaomin , Liu Qingqing , Zhang Jianzhong , Xu Hongwu , Li Yanchun , Li Xiaodong , Liu Jing , Huang Qingzhen , Zhao Yusheng , Jin Changqing
Published: April 2013

Bi2NiTiO6 compound which shows both magnetic (TM = 58 K) and ferroelectric properties (TC = 513 K) was synthesized under high pressure of 5 GPa and temperature of 1273 K. The crystal structure, as determined by X-ray powder diffraction and neutron powder diffraction, is a distorted A(B1B2)O3 type perovskite with space group Pn21a. Structural evolution of multiferroic Bi2NiTiO6 shows that there are two isostructural phase transitions at ∼2 GPa and ∼15 GPa under high pressure and at room temperature and indicates that isostructural phase transitions occurred with temperature higher than 823 K under ambient condition. All the isostructural phase transitions come from the Bi ion discontinuous shift, which identifies the phase transition at ∼15 GPa and at temperature higher than 823 K are the same. Using a modified high-T Birch-Murnaghan equation of state and a thermal-pressure approach, we have derived the thermoelastic parameters of high pressure phase Bi2NiTiO6, including the ambient bulk modulus K0, temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant pressure, volumetric thermal expansivity, pressure derivative of thermal expansion, and temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant volume.
Submicron patterning of epitaxial PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 heterostructures
Authors: Banerjee N. , Koster G. , Rijnders G.
Published: April 2013

Epitaxial PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT 52/48) heterostructures incorporating SrRuO3 electrodes were patterned through a single step epitaxial lift-off technique without using any acidic etching. This procedure enables patterning of high temperature grown perovskite multilayers through the use of a pre-patterned AlOx mask which acts as a high temperature sacrificial template. Ferroelectric properties of structured PZT grown on (001) SrTiO3 substrates as well as on commercially important platinized Si were investigated in capacitor configuration analogous to structures previously prepared through wet etching. In addition, the patterning technique is shown to be compatible with e-beam lithography for preparation of sub-micron device structures consisting of ferroelectric perovskite materials.
Laser-induced lensing effects in solid-state optical refrigerators
Authors: Silva J. R. , Andrade L. H. C. , Lima S. M. , Hehlen M. P. , Guyot Y. , Medina A. N. , Malacarne L. C. , Baesso M. L. , Astrath N. G. C.
Published: April 2013

Laser-induced thermal and population lensing effects in solid-state optical refrigerator materials are quantitatively evaluated. Time-resolved lensing transients in Yb3+ doped ZBLAN and aluminosilicate glasses are measured, and the model decouples thermal and population lensing effects. The analysis yields the net power density, the cooling efficiency, and important photo-physical parameters. The respective values are in good agreement with previously reported parameters for ZBLAN glass. Aluminosilicate glass is found to be a promising optical refrigerator material. We show that the measurement of laser-induced lensing is a valuable tool that can advance the characterization and optimization of materials for cryogenic optical refrigerators.
C/EBPα regulates osteoclast lineage commitment
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhu Guochun , Hao Liang , Wu Mengrui , Ci Hongliang , Li Yi-Ping
Published: April 2013

Despite recent insights gained from the effects of targeted deletion of the
Finkel-Biskis-Jinkins osteosarcoma oncogene (c-fos)
,
Spleen focus-forming virus
(
SFFV
)
proviral integration 1 (PU.1)
,
microphthalmia-associated transcription factor
,
NF-κB
, and
nuclear factor of activated cells cytoplasmic 1
(
NFATc1
) transcription factor genes, the mechanism underlying transcription factors specifying osteoclast (OC) lineage commitment from monocyte/macrophage remains unclear. To characterize the mechanism by which transcription factors regulate OC lineage commitment, we mapped the critical
cis
-regulatory element in the promoter of
cathepsin K
(
Ctsk
), which is expressed specifically in OCs, and found that CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) is the critical
cis
-regulatory element binding protein. Our results indicate that C/EBPα is highly expressed in pre- OCs and OCs. The combined presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand significantly induces high C/EBPα expression. Furthermore,
C/EBPα
−/−
newborn mice exhibited impaired osteoclastogenesis, and a severe osteopetrotic phenotype, but unaffected monocyte/macrophage development. Impaired osteoclastogenesis of
C/EBPα
−/−
mouse bone marrow cells can be rescued by
c-fos
overexpression. Ectopic expression of C/EBPα in mouse bone marrow cells and monocyte/macrophage cells, in the absence of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand, induces expression of
receptor activator of NF-κB, c-fos, Nfatc1
, and
Ctsk
, and it reprograms monocyte/macrophage cells to OC-like cells. Our results demonstrate that C/EBPα directly up-regulates
c-fos
expression. C/EBPα
+/−
mice exhibit an increase in bone density compared with C/EBPα
+/+
controls. These discoveries establish C/EBPα as the key transcriptional regulator of OC lineage commitment, providing a unique therapeutic target for diseases of excessive bone resorption, such as osteoporosis and arthritis.
Visualization of uncorrelated, tandem symmetry mismatches in the internal genome packaging apparatus of bacteriophage T7
Authors: Guo Fei , Liu Zheng , Vago Frank , Ren Yue , Wu Weimin , Wright Elena T. , Serwer Philip , Jiang Wen
Published: April 2013

Motor-driven packaging of a dsDNA genome into a preformed protein capsid through a unique portal vertex is essential in the life cycle of a large number of dsDNA viruses. We have used single-particle electron cryomicroscopy to study the multilayer structure of the portal vertex of the bacteriophage T7 procapsid, the recipient of T7 DNA in packaging. A focused asymmetric reconstruction method was developed and applied to selectively resolve neighboring pairs of symmetry-mismatched layers of the portal vertex. However, structural features in all layers of the multilayer portal vertex could not be resolved simultaneously. Our results imply that layers with mismatched symmetries can join together in several different relative orientations, and that orientations at different interfaces assort independently to produce structural isomers, a process that we call combinatorial assembly isomerism. This isomerism explains rotational smearing in previously reported asymmetric reconstructions of the portal vertex of T7 and other bacteriophages. Combinatorial assembly isomerism may represent a new regime of structural biology in which globally varying structures assemble from a common set of components. Our reconstructions collectively validate previously proposed symmetries, compositions, and sequential order of T7 portal vertex layers, resolving in tandem the 5-fold gene product 10 (gp10) shell, 12-fold gp8 portal ring, and an internal core stack consisting of 12-fold gp14 adaptor ring, 8-fold bowl-shaped gp15, and 4-fold gp16 tip. We also found a small tilt of the core stack relative to the icosahedral fivefold axis and propose that this tilt assists DNA spooling without tangling during packaging.
Soil and water management.
Authors: Funt R. C. , Ross D. S.
Published: April 2013

The primary goals of soil management are to maintain fertility, reduce erosion of the topsoil and maintain good soil structure with minimum tillage. The primary goal of water management is to maintain adequate soil moisture for producing an optimal canopy for maximum fruit production. The soil management, fertility and fertilization, irrigation and water management, (water supply, water quality, water requirements, moisture monitoring, and irrigation business plan), and weed management on raspberry production are discussed.
The roles of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in immune responses
Authors: Nguyen Nam Trung , Hanieh Hamza , Nakahama Taisuke , Kishimoto Tadamitsu
Published: April 2013

A number of recent studies have examined the functions of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) in the immune system. Also known as dioxin receptor, Ahr is a ligand-activated transcription factor that serves as a receptor for various environmental toxins. The functions of Ahr in T cells depend on the specific ligand bound to the receptor. For instance, binding of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin to Ahr suppresses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by promoting the development of Foxp3+ Treg cells, whereas 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole enhances EAE by inducing the differentiation of IL-17-producing T cells. Furthermore, specifically deleting Ahr in T cells inhibits collagen-induced arthritis in mice. In macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), Ahr is anti-inflammatory. In response to LPS, Ahr-deficient macrophages show increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, and Ahr-deficient DCs produce less of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In this review, we discuss the roles of Ahr in macrophages and T cells. Moreover, studies examining Ahr activation in other cell types have revealed additional contributions to B cell and osteoblast/osteoclast differentiation. We also briefly summarize the current understanding of regulatory mechanisms underlying Ahr activation in various cells and discuss the potential clinical implications of cell-specific targeting of Ahr in pathologic conditions of the immune system.
Protective role of Mycobacterium leprae small heat-shock protein in heterologous hosts, Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis, grown under stress
Authors: Maheshwari Jayapal Jeya , Dharmalingam Kuppamuthu
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study is to examine thein vivorole of a small heat-shock protein (sHsp18) fromMycobacterium lepraein the survival of heterologous recombinant hosts carrying the gene encoding this protein under different environmental conditions that are normally encountered byM. lepraeduring its infection of the human host. Using anEscherichia colisystem whereshsp18expression is controlled by its native promoter, we show that expression ofshsp18is induced under low oxygen tension, nutrient depletion and oxidative stress, all of which reflect the natural internal environment of the granulomas where the pathogen resides for long periods. We demonstrate thein vivochaperone activity of sHsp18 through its ability to confer survival advantage to recombinantE. coliat heat-shock temperatures. Additional evidence for the protective role of sHsp18 was obtained whenMycobacterium smegmatisharbouring a copy ofshsp18was found to multiply better in human macrophages. Furthermore, the autokinase activity of sHsp18 protein demonstrated for what is believed to be the first time in this study implies that some of the functions of sHsp18 might be controlled by the phosphorylation state of this protein. Results from this study suggest thatshsp18might be one of the factors that facilitate the survival and persistence ofM. lepraeunder stress and autophosphorylation of sHsp18 protein could be a mechanism used by this protein to sense changes in the external environment.
A conservative and fertility preserving treatment for interstitial ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Wright Sarah D. , Busbridge Romy C. , Gard Gregory B.
Published: April 2013

This is a case series of women presenting to a tertiary care centre with a diagnosis of interstitial pregnancy. Dilatation and evacuation was performed under ultrasound control with systemic methotrexate post‐operatively. All women had successful termination of their interstitial pregnancy. Although described in the international literature, this is the first time that this technique has been documented in Australia, and it may ultimately prove to be a relatively safe and simple fertility preserving method of treating women with unruptured interstitial pregnancies.
Why Vote with the Chief? Political Connections and Public Goods Provision in Zambia
Authors: Baldwin Kate
Published: April 2013

Why are voters influenced by the views of local patrons when casting their ballots? The existing literature suggests that coercion and personal obligations underpin this form of clientelism, causing voters to support candidates for reasons tangential to political performance. However, voters who support candidates preferred by local patrons may be making sophisticated political inferences. In many developing countries, elected politicians need to work with local patrons to deliver resources to voters, giving voters good reason to consider their patron's opinions of candidates. This argument is tested using data from an original survey of traditional chiefs and an experiment involving voters in Zambia. Chiefs and politicians with stronger relationships collaborate more effectively to provide local public goods. Furthermore, voters are particularly likely to vote with their chief if they perceive the importance of chiefs and politicians working jointly for local development.
Field independence: Reviewing the evidence
Authors: Evans Carol , Richardson John T. E. , Waring Michael
Published: April 2013

Background

The construct of field independence (FI) remains one of the most widely cited notions in research on cognitive style and on learning and instruction more generally. However, a great deal of confusion continues to exist around the definition of FI, its measurement, and the interpretation of research results, all of which have served to limit our understanding of and practice in education.

Aims

This study reviews research evidence on FI and highlights key issues to frame a more informed agenda for future research.

Arguments

Caution needs to be exercised over the interpretation of the evidence around FI and field dependence (FD). In tests measuring FI only, it is inappropriate to use the term FD. FI is clearly correlated with measures of spatial ability; however, whether FI is just a measure of perceptual and more specifically spatial ability is a matter of debate. Furthermore, whether FI is just a cognitive ability or a cognitive style is not the central issue, as both can be developed. FI has a significant relationship with aspects of working memory and with other variables. It is especially important in the management and interpretation of complex cognitive tasks.

Conclusions

Field independence has an important role to play in the navigation of the complex and information‐rich learning environments of the 21st century. It is therefore important to move beyond the present narrow focus on FI as a style or trait by acknowledging, embracing, and exploring the complexity of the interaction between individual and contextual variables.
Affective judgement about information relating to competence and warmth: An embodied perspective
Authors: Freddi Sébastien , Tessier Marie , Lacrampe Rémy , Dru Vincent
Published: April 2013

Several studies have shown that social judgement may be defined by two dimensions, competence and warmth. From a functional perspective, embodied theories have proposed that warmth may be associated with physical distance, whereas competence may be connected to a vertical motion (UPWARD/DOWNWARD). Two main studies were conducted to examine if approach–avoidance and vertical motion could influence affective judgements about traits representing these two social dimensions. Valence judgements about warmth traits that were moving towards the subject resulted in more positive judgement than when they were moving away (approach/avoidance). Furthermore, competence traits were judged more positively when they moved in an UPWARD direction, compared with when they moved DOWNWARD. A metacognitive account of confidence is offered to explain how cognitions about warmth and competence are connected to the physical world.
An analysis of patients with T2 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) according to tumour size: a population‐based analysis
Authors: Bianchi Marco , Becker Andreas , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Abdollah Firas , Tian Zhe , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Montorsi Francesco , Perrotte Paul , Graefen Markus , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Sun Maxine
Published: April 2013

Objective

To examine the discriminant properties of the most contemporary version of the Tumour‐Node‐Metastasis (TNM) staging for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) sub‐classification of T2 lesions according to a threshold size of 10 cm. Other thresholds were also assessed.

Patients and Methods

Between 1988 and 2006, within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, patients with T2 N0–2 M0–1 RCC treated with a nephrectomy were abstracted.

Tumour size was evaluated according to several thresholds: ≥8, ≥9, ≥10, ≥11, and ≥12 cm. Kaplan–Meier and life tables for cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) were computed.

Several Cox regression modes were fitted for prediction of CSM, using different thresholds.

The predictive accuracy of various thresholds was compared using the area under the curve and methods of calibration.

Results

In all, 4963 patients were identified. Kaplan–Meier analyses showed statistically significant CSM‐free survival differences between all examined thresholds.

In multivariable Cox‐regression models, all tested tumour size thresholds emerged as independent predictors of CSM.

Of all thresholds, the values of 9 (0.55) and 11 cm (0.55) achieved the highest discrimination in univariable analysis, followed by 10 (0.539), 12 (0.539), and 8 cm (0.531).

When the thresholds were combined with all other variables, the 11 cm (0.688) achieved the highest discrimination.

Conclusion

The discriminant properties of all examined thresholds showed very similar discriminant properties, which brings into questioning whether a dichotomization of pT2 tumours is really necessary.
The role of chronic prostatic inflammation in the pathogenesis and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Authors: Gandaglia Giorgio , Briganti Alberto , Gontero Paolo , Mondaini Nicola , Novara Giacomo , Salonia Andrea , Sciarra Alessandro , Montorsi Francesco
Published: April 2013

Several different stimuli may induce chronic prostatic inflammation, which in turn would lead to tissue damage and continuous wound healing, thus contributing to prostatic enlargement.

Patients with chronic inflammation and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have been shown to have larger prostate volumes, more severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and a higher probability of acute urinary retention than their counterparts without inflammation.

Chronic inflammation could be a predictor of poor response to BPH medical treatment. Thus, the ability to identify patients with chronic inflammation would be crucial to prevent BPH progression and develop target therapies.

Although the histological examination of prostatic tissue remains the only available method to diagnose chronic inflammation, different parameters, such as prostatic calcifications, prostate volume, LUTS severity, storage and prostatitis‐like symptoms, poor response to medical therapies and urinary biomarkers, have been shown to be correlated with chronic inflammation.

The identification of patients with BPH and chronic inflammation might be crucial in order to develop target therapies to prevent BPH progression. In this context, clinical, imaging and laboratory parameters might be used alone or in combination to identify patients that harbour chronic prostatic inflammation.
Percutaneous cryoablation of renal tumours: outcomes from 171 tumours in 147 patients
Authors: Breen David J. , Bryant Timothy J. , Abbas Ausami , Shepherd Beth , McGill Neil , Anderson Jane A. , Lockyer Richard C. , Hayes Matthew C. , George Steve L.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To evaluate the technical and oncological efficacy of an image‐guided cryoablation programme for renal tumours.

Patients and Methods

A prospective analysis of technical and radiological outcomes was undertaken after treatment of 171 consecutive tumours in 147 patients.

Oncological efficacy in a subset of 125 tumours in 104 patients with >6 months' radiological follow‐up and a further subset of 62 patients with solitary, biopsy‐proven renal carcinoma was also analysed.

Factors influencing technical success, as determined by imaging follow‐up, and complication rates were statistically analysed using a statistics software package and logistic regression analyses.

Results

No variables were found to predict subtotal treatment, although gender (P = 0.08), tumour size of >4 cm (P = 0.09) and central location of tumour (P = 0.07) approached significance.

Upper pole location was the single variable that was found to predict complications (P = 0.006).

Among the 104 patients (125 tumours), radiologically assessed at ≥6 months and with a mean radiological follow‐up of 20.1 months, we found a single case of unexpected late local recurrence.

Conclusion

Percutaneous image‐guided cryoablation, at a mean of 20.1 months' follow‐up, appears to provide a safe and effective treatment option with a low complication rate.

Anteriorly sited tumours should not be considered a contraindication for percutaneous image‐guided cryoablation.
Chronology of Late Weichselian glaciation in the western part of the East European Plain
Authors: Lasberg Katrin , Kalm Volli
Published: April 2013

A database consisting of radiocarbon (14C), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), thermoluminescence (TL) and beryllium (10Be) dates was used for timing the advance of the Late Weichselian Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS), determining the age of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the rate of deglaciation. The study area encompasses the southeastern sector of the last SIS between the Baltic Sea and the LGM position in the western part of the East European Plain, covering the Karelian Ice‐Stream Complex (ISC) area in the east and the Baltic ISC area in the west. The linear advance and recession rates of the last SIS were estimated to be between 110 and 330 m a−1 and between 50 and 170 m a−1, respectively. The onset of the last SIS in the Karelian ISC area reached the western shores of Latvia not before 26 OSL ka, and in the Baltic ISC area, on the southern shores of the Gulf of Finland, not before 21 OSL ka. The last SIS reached close to the LGM position earliest in NW Belarus, not earlier than 22.6 cal. 14C ka BP, and latest in the NE of Belarus, not earlier than 19.1 cal. 14C ka BP. The Baltic ISC area between the LGM position and the western shores of Latvia was deglaciated in about 8 ka, and in the Karelian ISC area, between the LGM position and the southern shores of the Gulf of Finland, in about 2.6 ka. The whole area between the LGM position and the Baltic Sea was deglaciated between 14.2 10Be ka and 13.3 cal. 14C ka BP.
Increasing doxorubicin activity against breast cancer cells using PPARγ‐ligands and by exploiting circadian rhythms
Authors: Arif I S , Hooper C L , Greco F , Williams A C , Boateng S Y
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose

Doxorubicin is effective against breast cancer, but its major side effect is cardiotoxicity. The aim of this study was to determine whether the efficacy of doxorubicin on cancer cells could be increased in combination with PPARγ agonists or chrono‐optimization by exploiting the diurnal cycle.

Experimental Approach

We determined cell toxicity using MCF‐7 cancer cells, neonatal rat cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts in this study.

Key Results

Doxorubicin damages the contractile filaments of cardiac myocytes and affects cardiac fibroblasts by significantly inhibiting collagen production and proliferation at the level of the cell cycle. Cyclin D1 protein levels decreased significantly following doxorubicin treatment indicative of a G1/S arrest. PPARγ agonists with doxorubicin increased the toxicity to MCF‐7 cancer cells without affecting cardiac cells. Rosiglitazone and ciglitazone both enhanced anti‐cancer activity when combined with doxorubicin (e.g. 50% cell death for doxorubicin at 0.1 μM compared to 80% cell death when combined with rosiglitazone). Thus, the therapeutic dose of doxorubicin could be reduced by 20‐fold through combination with the PPARγ agonists, thereby reducing adverse effects on the heart. The presence of melatonin also significantly increased doxorubicin toxicity, in cardiac fibroblasts (1 μM melatonin) but not in MCF‐7 cells.

Conclusions and Implications

Our data show, for the first time, that circadian rhythms play an important role in doxorubicin toxicity in the myocardium; doxorubicin should be administered mid‐morning, when circulating levels of melatonin are low, and in combination with rosiglitazone to increase therapeutic efficacy in cancer cells while reducing the toxic effects on the heart.
Synthesis, Hypoglycaemic, Hypolipidemic and PPARγ Agonist Activities of 5‐(2‐Alkyl/aryl‐6‐Arylimidazo[2,1‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazol‐5‐yl)methylene‐1,3‐Thiazolidinediones
Authors: Khazi Mohammed Iqbal A. , Belavagi Ningaraddi S. , Kim Kwang R. , Gong Young‐Dae , Khazi Imtiyaz Ahmed M.
Published: April 2013

A novel series of 5‐(2‐alkyl/aryl‐6‐arylimidazo[2,1‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazol‐5‐yl)methylene‐1,3‐thiazolidinediones were synthesized as possible PPARγ agonists. The structures of these target molecules were established by spectral and analytical data. All the newly synthesized compounds were screened for their in vivo hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic activity in male Wistar rats. Further, compounds with good activity were screened for PPARγ agonist activity. Among the screened compounds, 5‐{[2‐Cyclohexyl‐6‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1‐b] [1,3,4]thiadiazol‐5‐yl]methylene}‐1,3‐thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione (3i) exhibits promising hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic activity via potential PPARγ agonist activity.
A Serious New Threat to Brazilian Freshwater Ecosystems: The Naturalization of Nonnative Fish by Decree
Authors: Pelicice Fernando Mayer , Vitule Jean Ricardo Simões , Lima Junior Dilermando Pereira , Orsi Mário Luis , Agostinho Angelo Antonio
Published: April 2013

As Brazil undergoes rapid economic growth, short‐sighted political decisions can threaten biological diversity and ecosystem services. Recently, the Brazilian Congress proposed a law to allow the rearing of nonnative fish in aquaculture cages in any hydroelectric reservoir of the country. This initiative may “naturalize by decree” some of the worst invasive species in the world (e.g., carps and tilapias) as a means of developing inland aquaculture and economy. The spread of aquaculture facilities will create opportunities for fish invasions to occur throughout the country, with the risk of damaging native biodiversity, ecosystem services, and environmental quality on a continental scale. The proposal ignores ecological theory, historical and/or empirical data concerning fish invasion, including dispersal, establishment, propagule pressure, invasiveness and invasibility, and all the negative consequences that may follow the invasion and establishment of nonnative organisms. This situation inspires reflection about the future of tropical biodiversity worldwide, particularly because Brazil, like many other developing countries, possesses a remarkable diversity of fish and other freshwater organisms yet has taken some political measures that are in conflict with important conservation issues.
Spillover Effects of Carbon Footprint Labelling on Less Developed Countries: The Example of the East Asia Summit Region
Authors: Shi Xunpeng
Published: April 2013

The spillover effects of carbon footprint (CFP) labelling are particularly significant in the East Asia Summit (EAS) region which has closely integrated production networks, wide development gaps and predominantly small and medium‐sized enterprises. Poor management of the effects would undermine not only the effectiveness of CFP labelling, but also EAS efforts towards economic integration and the narrowing of development gaps. Well‐designed labelling schemes, accessible and affordable data and transparent certification processes are essential, as well as capacity‐building and engagement of non‐labelling countries, in particular LDCs.
Guidelines and considerations for conducting experiments using tissue microarrays
Authors: Ilyas Mohammad , Grabsch Heike , Ellis Ian O , Womack Chris , Brown Robert , Berney Dan , Fennell Dean , Salto‐Tellez Manuel , Jenkins Martin , Landberg Goran , Byers Richard , Treanor Darren , Harrison David , Green Andrew R , Ball Graham , Hamilton Peter
Published: April 2013

Tissue microarrays (TMAs) represent a powerful method for undertaking large‐scale tissue‐based biomarker studies. While TMAs offer several advantages, there are a number of issues specific to their use which need to be considered when employing this method. Given the investment in TMA‐based research, guidance on design and execution of experiments will be of benefit and should help researchers new to TMA‐based studies to avoid known pitfalls. Furthermore, a consensus on quality standards for TMA‐based experiments should improve the robustness and reproducibility of studies, thereby increasing the likelihood of identifying clinically useful biomarkers. In order to address these issues, the National Cancer Research Institute Biomarker and Imaging Clinical Studies Group organized a 1‐day TMA workshop held in Nottingham in May 2012. The document herein summarizes the conclusions from the workshop. It includes guidance and considerations on all aspects of TMA‐based research, including the pre‐analytical stages of experimental design, the analytical stages of data acquisition, and the postanalytical stages of data analysis. A checklist is presented which can be used both for planning a TMA experiment and interpreting the results of such an experiment. For studies of cancer biomarkers, this checklist could be used as a supplement to the REMARK guidelines.
Swedish ambulance nurses' experiences of nursing patients suffering cardiac arrest
Authors: Larsson Ricard , Engström Åsa
Published: April 2013

Effective pre‐hospital treatment of a person suffering cardiac arrest is a challenging task for the ambulance nurses. The aim of this study was to describe ambulance nurses’ experiences of nursing patients suffering cardiac arrest. Qualitative personal interviews were conducted during 2011 in Sweden with seven ambulance nurses with experience of nursing patients suffering cardiac arrests. The interview texts were analyzed using qualitative thematic content analysis, which resulted in the formulation of one theme with six categories. Mutual preparation, regular training and education were important factors in the nursing of patients suffering cardiac arrest. Ambulance nurses are placed in ethically demanding situations regarding if and for how long they should continue cardio‐pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to accord with pre‐hospital cardiac guidelines and patients’ wishes. When a cardiac arrest patient is nursed their relatives also need the attention of ambulance nurses. Reflection is one way for ambulance nurses to learn from, and talk about, their experiences. This study provides knowledge of ambulance nurses’ experiences in the care of people with cardiac arrest. Better feedback about the care given by the ambulance nurses, and about the diagnosis and nursing care the patients received after they were admitted to the hospital are suggested as improvements that would allow ambulance nurses to learn more from their experience. Further development and research concerning the technical equipment might improve the situation for both the ambulance nurses and the patients. Ambulance nurses need regularly training and education to be prepared for saving people's lives and also to be able to make the right decisions.
In silico cloning and annotation of genes involved in the digestion, detoxification and RNA interference mechanism in the midgut of Bactrocera dorsalis [Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae)]
Authors: Shen G.‐M. , Dou W. , Huang Y. , Jiang X.‐Z. , Smagghe G. , Wang J.‐J.
Published: April 2013

As the second largest organ in insects, the insect midgut is the major tissue involved in the digestion of food and detoxification of xenobiotics, such as insecticides, and the first barrier and target for oral RNA interference (RNAi). In this study, we performed a midgut‐specific transcriptome analysis in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, an economically important worldwide pest, with many populations showing high levels of insecticide resistance. Using high‐throughput sequencing, 52 838 060 short reads were generated and assembled to 25 236 unigenes with a mean length of 758 bp. Interestingly, 34 unique sequences encoding digestion enzymes were newly described and these included aminopeptidase and trypsin, genes associated with Bacillus thuringiensis resistance and fitness cost. Second, 41 transcripts were annotated to particular detoxification genes such as glutathione S‐transferases, carboxylesterases and cytochrome P450s, and the subsequent phylogenetic analysis indicated homology with tissue‐specific and insecticide resistance‐related genes of Drosophila melanogaster. Third, we identified the genes involved in the mechanism of RNAi and the uptake of double‐stranded RNA. The sequences encoding Dicer‐2, R2D2, AGO2, and Eater were confirmed, but SID and SR‐CI were absent in the midgut transcriptome. In conclusion, the results provide basic molecular information to better understand the mechanisms of food digestion, insecticide resistance and oral RNAi in this important pest insect in agriculture. Specific genes in these systems can be used in the future as potential targets for pest control, for instance, with RNAi technology.
Anti‐Gal: an abundant human natural antibody of multiple pathogeneses and clinical benefits
Authors: Galili Uri
Published: April 2013

Anti‐Gal is the most abundant natural antibody in humans, constituting ~ 1% of immunoglobulins. Anti‐Gal is naturally produced also in apes and Old World monkeys. The ligand of anti‐Gal is a carbohydrate antigen called the ‘α‐gal epitope’ with the structure Galα1‐3Galβ1‐4GlcNAc‐R. The α‐gal epitope is present as a major carbohydrate antigen in non‐primate mammals, prosimians and New World monkeys. Anti‐Gal can contributes to several immunological pathogeneses. Anti‐Gal IgE produced in some individuals causes allergies to meat and to the therapeutic monoclonal antibody cetuximab, all presenting α‐gal epitopes. Aberrant expression of the α‐gal epitope or of antigens mimicking it in humans may result in autoimmune processes, as in Graves' disease. α‐Gal epitopes produced by Trypanosoma cruzi interact with anti‐Gal and induce ‘autoimmune like’ inflammatory reactions in Chagas' disease. Anti‐Gal IgM and IgG further mediate rejection of xenografts expressing α‐gal epitopes. Because of its abundance, anti‐Gal may be exploited for various clinical uses. It increases immunogenicity of microbial vaccines (e.g. influenza vaccine) presenting α‐gal epitopes by targeting them for effective uptake by antigen‐presenting cells. Tumour lesions are converted into vaccines against autologous tumour‐associated antigens by intra‐tumoral injection of α‐gal glycolipids, which insert into tumour cell membranes. Anti‐Gal binding to α‐gal epitopes on tumour cells targets them for uptake by antigen‐presenting cells. Accelerated wound healing is achieved by application of α‐gal nanoparticles, which bind anti‐Gal, activate complement, and recruit and activate macrophages that induce tissue regeneration. This therapy may be of further significance in regeneration of internally injured tissues such as ischaemic myocardium and injured nerves.
Cardiovascular effects of particulate air pollution exposure: time course and underlying mechanisms
Authors: Langrish J. P. , Bosson J. , Unosson J. , Muala A. , Newby D. E. , Mills N. L. , Blomberg A. , Sandström T.
Published: April 2013

Objective

Air pollution is now recognized as an important independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and may be responsible for up to 3 million premature deaths each year worldwide. The mechanisms underlying the observed effects are poorly understood but are likely to be multifactorial. Here, we review the acute and chronic effects of air pollution exposure on the cardiovascular system and discuss how these effects may explain the observed increases in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern in early life is associated with lower arterial stiffness in adulthood: the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study
Authors: van de Laar R. J. J. , Stehouwer C. D. A. , van Bussel B. C. T. , Prins M. H. , Twisk J. W. R. , Ferreira I.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To investigate whether adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern during adolescence and early adulthood affects arterial stiffness in adulthood, and the extent to which any such association may be attributed to a beneficial impact of this diet on cardiovascular disease risk factors such as blood pressure, central fatness and dyslipidaemia.

Setting

The Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study.

Design and subjects

We compared longitudinal levels of adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern (aMED score with range 0–9) during adolescence and adulthood (two to eight repeated measures obtained between the ages of 13 and 36) between individuals with different levels of arterial stiffness in adulthood. The study population included 373 (196 women) apparently healthy adults in whom properties of the carotid, brachial and femoral arteries were assessed using ultrasonography at 36 years of age.

Results

After adjustments for potential confounders, individuals with stiffer carotid arteries (defined on the basis of the most adverse tertile of, for instance, the distensibility coefficient) had lower aMED scores (−0.32, 95% CI −0.60; −0.06) and were less likely to have adhered to this dietary pattern (aMED score ≥5, odds ratio 0.69, 95% CI 0.50; −0.94) during the preceding 24 years compared with those with less stiff arteries. Differences in aMED scores were already present in adolescence and were only in part explained by the favourable associations between the Mediterranean dietary pattern and other cardiovascular disease risk factors (up to 26%), particularly mean blood pressure (up to 19%).

Conclusions

Promoting the Mediterranean diet in adolescence and early adulthood may constitute an important means of preventing arterial stiffness in adulthood.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy: a breakthrough in heart failure management
Authors: Ståhlberg M. , Lund L. H. , Zabarovskaja S. , Gadler F. , Braunschweig F. , Linde C.
Published: April 2013

Heart failure is now considered an epidemic. In patients with heart failure, electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony, evident primarily as prolongation of the QRS‐complex on the surface electrocardiogram, is associated with detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system at several levels. In the past 10 years, studies have demonstrated that by stimulating both cardiac ventricles simultaneously, or almost simultaneously [cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)], the adverse effects of dyssynchrony can be overcome. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of different aspects of CRT including the rationale behind and evidence for efficacy of the therapy. Issues with regard to gender effects and patient follow‐up as well as a number of unresolved concerns will also be discussed.
Oxidized LDL level is related to gene expression of tumour necrosis factor super family members in children and young adults with familial hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Narverud I. , Halvorsen B. , Nenseter M. S. , Retterstøl K. , Yndestad A. , Dahl T. B. , Ulven S. M. , Olstad O. K. , Ose L. , Holven K. B. , Aukrust P.
Published: April 2013

Objective

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is associated with increased risk of premature atherosclerosis. Inflammation is a key event in atherogenesis, and we have previously reported an inflammatory imbalance between tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α and interleukin‐10 in children with FH. Based on the potential role of TNF‐related molecules in inflammation, we investigated the regulation of other members of the TNF superfamily (TNFSF)/TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) in children and young adults with FH and matched healthy controls.

Methods

Expression of TNFSF/TNFRSF genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was quantified in children and young adults with FH prior to (n = 42) and after statin treatment (n = 10) and in controls (n = 25) by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

First we found that, compared with controls, the mRNA levels of OX40L, BAFFR and TRAILR1 were significantly higher, whereas TRAIL and TRAILR3 were significantly lower in children and young adults with FH. Secondly, levels of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) were significantly raised in the FH group, and correlated with the expression of OX40L, BAFFR and TRAILR1. Thirdly, oxLDL increased mRNA levels of BAFFR, TRAILR1 and TRAILR4 in PBMCs ex vivo from individuals with FH. Fourthly, OX40, acting through OX40L, enhanced the oxLDL‐induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in THP‐1 monocytes in vitro. Finally, after statin treatment in children with FH (n = 10), mRNA levels of OX40L and TRAILR1 decreased, whereas levels BAFF, TRAIL and TRAILR3 increased.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the involvement of some TNFSF/TNFRSF members and oxLDL in the early stages of atherogenesis; this may potentially contribute to the accelerated rate of atherosclerosis observed in individuals with FH.
Identifying novel biomarkers for cardiovascular disease risk prediction
Authors: Ge Y. , Wang T. J.
Published: April 2013

The primary prevention of cardiovascular disease relies on the ability to identify at‐risk individuals long before the development of overt events. In the past decade, research into circulating, genetic and imaging biomarkers to augment traditional methods of risk prediction has only achieved modest success. Emerging technologies in the fields of genomics, metabolomics and proteomics are providing new platforms for biomarker discovery. Here, we review current concepts in the evaluation and discovery of cardiovascular biomarkers. Further research is needed to identify new biomarkers to successfully stratify risk of cardiovascular disease in low‐risk populations, as well as to test whether management strategies informed by biomarker testing are better than standard of care.
Cardiovascular disease event rates in patients with severe psoriasis treated with systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs: a Danish real‐world cohort study
Authors: Ahlehoff O. , Skov L. , Gislason G. , Lindhardsen J. , Kristensen S. L. , Iversen L. , Lasthein S. , Gniadecki R. , Dam T. N. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Hansen P. R.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs, including biological agents, are widely used in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and may attenuate the risk of cardiovascular disease events. We therefore examined the rate of cardiovascular disease events in patients with severe psoriasis treated with systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs.

Design, setting and participants

Individual‐level linkage of nationwide administrative databases was used to assess the event rates associated with use of biological agents, methotrexate or other therapies, including retinoids, cyclosporine and phototherapy, in Denmark from 2007 to 2009.

Main outcome measure

Death, myocardial infarction and stroke.

Results

A total of 2400 patients with severe psoriasis, including 693 patients treated with biological agents and 799 treated with methotrexate, were identified. Incidence rates per 1000 patient‐years and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the composite endpoint were 6.0 (95% CI 2.7–13.4), 17.3 (95% CI 12.3–24.3) and 44.5 (95% CI 34.6–57.0) for patients treated with biological agents, methotrexate and other therapies, respectively. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 0.28 (95% CI 0.12–0.64) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.42–1.00) for patients treated with biological agents and methotrexate, respectively, using other therapies as the reference cohort. Corresponding HRs for a secondary composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke were 0.48 (95% CI 0.17–1.38) and 0.50 (95% CI 0.26–0.97).

Conclusion

In this nationwide study of patients with severe psoriasis, systemic anti‐inflammatory treatment with biological agents or methotrexate was associated with lower cardiovascular disease event rates compared to patients treated with other anti‐psoriatic therapies.
‘Being there’: the Experiences of Staff in Dealing with Matters of Dying and Death in Services for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Todd Stuart
Published: April 2013

Background

Research on staffed housing for people with intellectual disability has identified the challenges in achieving postitive quality of life outcomes. However, a less well considered dimension of such services is that they are places of living and dying. This paper looks at the experiences of staff in dealing with issues of death and dying.

Method

In depth qualitative interviews were held with 22 staff in 5 different providers and who had experienced, in total, 27 deaths of people with intellectual disability.

Results

The data highlight that staff felt providing a good quality of care at the end of life was an important but unrecognised dimension of their work. This work could be broken down into several different phases, dying, death and beyond death. Bad deaths were felt to be those deaths which prevented staff from ‘being there’ with individuals over those phases.