bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellular and functional specificity among ferritin‐like proteins in the multicellular cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme
Authors: Ekman Martin , Sandh Gustaf , Nenninger Anja , Oliveira Paulo , Stensjö Karin 
Published: August 2013

SummaryFerritin‐like proteins constitute a remarkably heterogeneous protein family, including ferritins, bacterioferritins and Dps proteins. The genome of the filamentous heterocyst‐forming cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme encodes five ferritin‐like proteins. In the present paper, we report a multidimensional characterization of these proteins. Our phylogenetic and bioinformatics analyses suggest both structural and physiological differences among the ferritin‐like proteins. The expression of these five genes responded differently to hydrogen peroxide treatment, with a significantly higher rise in transcript level for Npun_F3730 as compared with the other four genes. A specific role for Npun_F3730 in the cells tolerance against hydrogen peroxide was also supported by the inactivation of Npun_F3730, Npun_R5701 and Npun_R6212; among these, only the ΔNpun_F3730 strain showed an increased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide compared with wild type. Analysis of promoter‐GFP reporter fusions of the ferritin‐like genes indicated that Npun_F3730 and Npun_R5701 were expressed in all cell types of a diazotrophic culture, while Npun_F6212 was expressed specifically in heterocysts. Our study provides the first comprehensive analysis combining functional differentiation and cellular specificity within this important group of proteins in a multicellular cyanobacterium.
Robert Burns: Recovering Scotland's Memory of the Black Atlantic
Authors: MORRIS MICHAEL 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis article contributes to the reassessment of Scottish history and identity in light of the recovery of its connections with black Atlantic issues such as slavery and empire. The ‘paradox’ of the national bard seeking employment as a book‐keeper on Jamaica remains an uncomfortable area for modern Scotland. This article considers Burns's biographical and textual (dis‐)entanglement with the Caribbean in relation to the subsequent competition over his memory. It reads Robert Burns as a lieu de mémoire (Pierre Nora) that opens up a conflicted account of the nature of free labour ideology, slavery and abolition in the late eighteenth century.
Internet information on child oral health and the first dental visit
Authors: Yeap CK , Slack‐Smith LM 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluated the available online information regarding a child's first dental visit (CFDV) and compares this with internationally recognized guidelines for the timing of CFDV.MethodsOnline information regarding CFDV was searched using the Google search engine under the Australian domain for four selected search terms and limited to the first 50 results. The websites of selected professional dental associations were also investigated for recommended CFDV timing. Guidelines recommended the CFDV from when the first tooth erupts or by the age of one year.ResultsInformation on timing for CFDV was available on the internet and consistent with recognized guidelines for almost half of the 157 sites examined. Information on CFDV was consistent with guidelines when mentioned in professional dental association and public (government and corporate) sites. Misinformation regarding CFDV was primarily associated with dental forums and sites owned by dental professionals. The three most popular topics of additional information included oral hygiene instruction, procedures for age‐one CFDV and preparing the child for the CFDV.ConclusionsInternet information regarding a child's first dental visit was generally informative but not always in agreement with the recommendations of professional dental associations. Misinformation regarding CFDV was primarily associated with dental forums and dental professional owned sites.
Dental visiting by insurance and oral health impact
Authors: Brennan DS , Anikeeva O , Teusner DN 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore whether oral health has an influence on the association between dental insurance and dental visiting.MethodsA random sample of adults aged 30–61 years living in Australia was drawn from the Australian Electoral Roll. Data were collected by mailed survey in 2009–2010, including age, gender, household income, dental insurance status, dental visiting and oral health impact.ResultsResponses were collected from n = 1096 persons (response rate = 39.1%). Dental insurance was positively associated with visiting a dentist in the last 12 months (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.31–1.67), while oral health impact was not associated with recent visiting PR = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.89–1.14). Visiting for the purpose of pain relief was less prevalent among insured participants (PR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.44–0.81), but more prevalent among those with poor oral health (PR = 2.85; 95% CI: 2.15–3.76). It was found that oral health impact did not alter the relationship between dental insurance and visiting.ConclusionsOral health impacts were not associated with recent dental visits, but were associated with visits for pain relief. Dental insurance was associated with a greater likelihood of recent visits and lower levels of relief of pain visits.
Non‐carious cervical lesions: influence of morphology and load type on biomechanical behaviour of maxillary incisors
Authors: Soares PV , Santos‐Filho PCF , Soares CJ , Faria VLG , Naves MF , Michael JA , Kaidonis JA , Ranjitkar S , Townsend GC 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to measure the effect of simulating two different loads on maxillary incisors displaying eight morphological types of non‐carious cervical lesions, unrestored and restored with an adhesive restoration, by quantifying the stress distributions generated using finite element analysis.MethodsVirtual models of maxillary incisors were generated using the CAD software (RhinoCeros). After composing virtual dental and supporting structures with and without non‐carious cervical lesions, each model was meshed using a control mesh device (ANSYS Finite Element Analysis Software). All of the virtual models were subjected to two load types, oblique load and vertical load, to simulate occlusal forces of 100 N each. Comparisons were made between simulated teeth with non‐carious cervical lesions, with and without composite resin restorations, and a simulated sound tooth. Data summarizing the stress distributions were obtained in MPa using von Mises criteria.ResultsOblique loading on simulated non‐carious cervical lesions resulted in greater stress concentration compared with vertical loading, and non‐carious cervical lesions with acute angles displayed higher stress concentrations at the depth of the lesion. Restoring the lesions with an adhesive restoration, such as composite resin, appeared to overcome this stress concentration.ConclusionsRestoring NCCLs with adhesive restorative materials, such as a nanohybrid composite resin, appears to recover the biomechanical behaviour similar to sound teeth.
Performance of a new oxygen delivery device for potentially infectious critically ill patients
Authors: Yip Y. Y. , Kwok W. H. , Gomersall C. D. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryIn patients with highly contagious diseases that are spread by respiratory droplets or air‐borne particles, the use of high‐flow oxygen may carry a significant risk of nosocomial transmission. We tested a new oxygen delivery device designed to address these problems by simulating 108 patients with sepsis and respiratory failure. The device being tested consisted of an airtight mask, a bacterial and viral filter, a T‐shaped reservoir (50 and 100 ml) and oxygen delivery tubing connected directly to the mask. When tested with a 50‐ml reservoir, a high fractional oxygen concentration was achieved: mean (SD) 0.83 (0.11) at a flow of 15 l.min−1 oxygen. The 50‐ml reservoir, when compared with the 100‐ml reservoir, was associated with reduced carbon dioxide rebreathing (mean (SD) inspired fractional carbon dioxide concentration 2.5 (1.0) vs 3.0 (1.1), respectively, p = 0.009) and reduced inspiratory resistive work of breathing (mean (SD) 1.0 (0.6) J.l−1 vs 1.2 (0.5) J.l−1, respectively, p = 0.028). However, rebreathing and work of breathing were relatively high if a high respiratory rate was simulated. We conclude that the novel oxygen device we describe, equipped with the 50‐ml T‐shaped reservoir, is suitable for potentially infectious patients with type‐1 respiratory failure but without marked tachypnoea.
In Vitro Evaluation of Aortic Insufficiency With a Rotary Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Gregory Shaun D. , Stevens Michael C. , Wu Eric , Fraser John F. , Timms Daniel 
Published: August 2013

Abstract: Aortic insufficiency (AI) is usually repaired prior to rotary blood pump (RBP) implantation but can develop during support due, in part, to the sustained RBP‐induced high pressure gradient across the aortic valve. Repair of the aortic valve before or during RBP support predisposes these critically ill patients to even higher risks. This study used an in vitro mock circulation loop to identify the severity of AI and/or left heart failure (LHF) that might benefit from valve repair while investigating RBP operating strategies to reduce the hemodynamic influence of AI. Reproduction of AI with RBP‐supported LHF reduced device efficiency, particularly in the more severe cases of AI and LHF. The requirement for repair or closure of the aortic valve was demonstrated in all conditions other than those with only mild AI. When a sinusoidal RBP speed pulse was induced, small changes in systemic flow rate and regurgitant volume were observed with all degrees of AI. Variation of the pulse phase delay only resulted in minor changes to systemic flow rate, with a maximum difference of 0.17 L/min. Although the clinical implications of these small changes may be insignificant, changes in systemic flow rate and transvalvular pressure were shown when the sinusoidal RBP speed pulse was applied with no AI. In these cases, transvalvular pressure was reduced by up to 8% through sinusoidal copulsation of the RBP, which may prevent or delay the onset of AI. This in vitro study suggests that surgical intervention is required with moderate or worse AI and that RBP operating strategies should be further explored to delay the onset and reduce the harmful effects of AI.
Human spinal cord injury: motor unit properties and behaviour
Authors: Thomas C. K. , Bakels R. , Klein C. S. , Zijdewind I. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) results in widespread variation in muscle function. Review of motor unit data shows that changes in the amount and balance of excitatory and inhibitory inputs after SCI alter management of motoneurons. Not only are units recruited up to higher than usual relative forces when SCI leaves few units under voluntary control, the force contribution from recruitment increases due to elevation of twitch/tetanic force ratios. Force gradation and precision are also coarser with reduced unit numbers. Maximal unit firing rates are low in hand muscles, limiting voluntary strength, but are low, normal or high in limb muscles. Unit firing rates during spasms can exceed voluntary rates, emphasizing that deficits in descending drive limit force production. SCI also changes muscle properties. Motor unit weakness and fatigability seem universal across muscles and species, increasing the muscle weakness that arises from paralysis of units, motoneuron death and sensory impairment. Motor axon conduction velocity decreases after human SCI. Muscle contractile speed is also reduced, which lowers the stimulation frequencies needed to grade force when paralysed muscles are activated with patterned electrical stimulation. This slowing does not necessarily occur in hind limb muscles after cord transection in cats and rats. The nature, duration and level of SCI underlie some of these species differences, as do variations in muscle function, daily usage, tract control and fibre‐type composition. Exploring this diversity is important to promote recovery of the hand, bowel, bladder and locomotor function most wanted by people with SCI.
The production of the eosinophil proteins ECP and EPX/EDN are regulated in a reciprocal manner
Authors: Jönsson Ulla‐Britt , Blom Kristin , Stålenheim Gunnemar , Håkansson Lena Douhan , Venge Per 
Published: July 2013

Previous studies showed that the biological activity and the eosinophil content of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP, RNase 3) are determined by single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ECP (RNase3) gene. In this study, we report the prevalence of a common SNP in the eosinophil protein x/eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EPX/EDN, RNase2) and the association with the cellular contents of EPX/EDN and ECP. The genes were sequenced and the EPX/EDN405(G>C) rs2013109 SNPs were also determined by TaqMan 5′nuclease allelic discrimination assay. ECP and EPX/EDN in purified eosinophils or in whole blood extracts were analysed by sensitive immunoassays. The study included 379 non‐allergic and allergic subjects. The genotype prevalence of the EPX/EDN405(G>C) polymorphism was GG 59%, GC 36% and CC 6%. The cellular contents of ECP and EPX/EDN were related in a reciprocal fashion with the sums of the protein contents being constant. The contents were associated with the ECP562(G>C) rs2233860 and EPX/EDN405(G>C) gene polymorphisms. The cellular content of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) was not associated with the ECP and EPX/EDN genotypes. The prevalence of the EPX/EDN405(G>C) genotypes and the contents of the proteins were similar in non‐allergic and allergic subjects.The production and storage of the two ancestral proteins, ECP and EPX/EDN likely share common regulatory mechanisms, which result in opposing productions of the two proteins.
Stromal cells can be cultured and characterized from diagnostic bronchoalveolar fluid samples obtained from patients with various types of interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Lehtonen Siri T , Karvonen Henna M , Harju Terttu , Sormunen Raija , Lappi‐Blanco Elisa , Hilli Meeri , Risteli Juha , Merikallio Heta , Kaarteenaho Riitta 
Published: July 2013

Increased proliferation of stromal cells is a typical feature encountered in several lung diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the success of standardized process for culturing stromal cells from small volumes of diagnostic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples collected from various patients and to characterize the cultured cells. Small volumes (average 15 mL) of BAL fluid samples were collected from 98 patients who underwent bronchoscopy and BAL for diagnostic purposes. The cells were cultured in vitro and characterized by immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, flow cytometry and differentiation tests. Cells could be cultured from 62% of samples with the success rate varying with the disease (p = 0.003). Cultures from samples of the patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, non‐specific interstitial pneumonia, connective tissue disorder associated interstitial lung disease and allergic alveolitis had a higher success rate than samples derived from control lung (p < 0.001, 0.03, 0.03 and 0.044, respectively). Smokers had a higher success rate compared with non‐smokers (p = 0.035). The cultured cells were fibroblasts or myofibroblasts, but shared also similarities with progenitor‐type cells. The study shows that mesenchymal cells can be cultured and studied from small volumes of diagnostic BAL fluid samples from patients with several different types of lung diseases.
Sequential administration of the high affinity CXCR4 antagonist BKT140 promotes megakaryopoiesis and platelet production
Authors: Abraham Michal , Weiss Ido D. , Wald Hanna , Wald Ori , Nagler Arnon , Beider Katia , Eizenberg Orly , Peled Amnon 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPlatelets are the terminal differentiation product of megakaryocytes (MKs). Cytokines, such as thrombopoietin (TPO), are known to influence different steps in MK development; however, the complex differentiation and platelet localization processes are not fully understood. MKs express the receptor CXCR4 and have been shown to migrate in response to CXCL12 and to increase their platelet production. In this study, we studied the role of CXCR4 in platelet production with the high affinity CXCR4 antagonist, BKT140. Single and sequential administration of BKT140 significantly increased the number of MKs and haematopoietic progenitors (HPCs) within the bone marrow (BM). Increased megakaryopoiesis was associated with increased platelet production. Single and sequential administration of BKT140 also increased the number of HPCs in the blood. In a model of 5‐fluorouracil‐induced thrombocytopenia, BKT140 significantly reduced the severity and duration of thrombocytopenia and cytopenia when administered before and after chemotherapy. Our results demonstrated that the CXCR4 antagonist, BKT140, mediated unique beneficial effects by stimulating megakaryopoiesis and platelet production. These results provide evidence for the possible therapeutic use of BKT140 for modulating platelet numbers in thrombocytopenic conditions.
Comparison of dexmedetomidine and sufentanil for conscious sedation in patients undergoing awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation: a prospective, randomised and controlled clinical trial
Authors: Shen She‐Liang , Xie Yi‐hong , Wang Wen‐Yuan , Hu Shuang‐Fei , Zhang Yun‐Long 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIntroductionFibreoptic intubation is a valuable technique for difficult airway management in which conscious sedation is paramount.ObjectivesTo investigate the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine (DEX) and sufentanil (SUF) for conscious sedation during awake nasotracheal intubation under vision by a fibreoptic bronchoscope.MethodsForty patients with anticipated difficult airways of American Society of Anesthesiologists I‐II scheduled for awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation were randomised into two groups each containing 20 subjects. DEX group received DEX at a dose of 1.0 μg/kg over 10 min followed by a continuous infusion of 0.5 μg/kg per hour, while SUF group received SUF target controlled infusion in which the target plasma concentration was 0.3 ng/mL. The nasotracheal intubation conditions and the tolerance to nasotracheal intubation were observed; the occurrence of adverse events including hypertension, bradycardia and respiratory depression during nasotracheal intubation and post‐surgical throat pain and hoarseness, and post‐surgical memory score were recorded.ResultsBetter nasotracheal intubation conditions and higher tolerance to intubation were observed in DEX group than those in SUF group (P < 0.05). The incidence rates of hypertension, respiratory depression during intubation and throat pain after surgery were lower in DEX group than those in SUF group; however, the incidence of bradycardia was higher in DEX group than that in SUF group.ConclusionsDEX provides better nasotracheal intubation conditions, improves patients' tolerance to intubation and leads to lower occurrence of hypertension, respiratory depression and throat pain and post‐surgical memory score for sedation during awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation.
Larger clutches of chemically defended butterflies reduce egg mortality: evidence from Battus philenor
Authors: DIMARCO ROMINA D. , FORDYCE JAMES A. 
Published: August 2013

Many toxic butterflies lay eggs in clusters and their eggs are aposematically coloured to warn predators. The pipevine swallowtail, Battus philenor (L.) (Papilionidae), is a specialist herbivore on plants in the genus Aristolochia, from which it sequesters toxic alkaloids (aristolochic acids, AAs). Eggs of this group of butterflies are laid singly or in clusters of different sizes, are aposematic and can possess AAs.
A field study was conducted during three consecutive summers in Tennessee where we manipulated the exposure of B. philenor eggs of different clutch sizes to predators to assess the defensive role of egg clustering.
It was found that larger egg clutches suffer less predation compared with small clutches. No relationship between clutch size and AA content in the eggs was detected. Crawling predators seem to play the most important role in egg mortality.
This study suggests that for toxic eggs there is a clear benefit in laying eggs in large clusters in areas where there are high levels of predator threat.
Aphids decelerate litter nitrogen mineralisation through changes in litter quality
Authors: KATAYAMA NOBORU , SILVA ALESSANDRO OLIVERIA , KISHIDA OSAMU , OHGUSHI TAKAYUKI 
Published: August 2013

Herbivorous insects may have significant impacts on litter decomposition through modification of plant litter quality and quantity. The effects of herbivorous insects on decomposition processes are of growing interest.
Here, experiments were conducted to examine how sap‐feeding aphids modify plant litter and whether the aphid‐induced modification influences litter decomposition processes, using a plant–herbivore system consisting of soybean [Glycine max (L.)] and soybean aphids (Aphis glycines Matsumura).
First, litter traits produced by aphid‐free and aphid‐infected plants were compared, and it was found that aphids did not affect litter mass and carbon concentration, but significantly decreased the nitrogen concentration. Such aphid‐mediated modification of litter quality may cause deceleration of litter decomposition as the higher C/N ratio inhibits litter decomposition.
A decomposition experiment was then carried out to compare the decomposition of litter between the aphid‐free and aphid‐infected plants. No impacts of aphid herbivory were found on litter carbon mineralisation but negative impacts were found on nitrogen mineralisation. Litter nitrogen mineralisation of aphid‐infected plants decreased by 40% and 28% compared with that of aphid‐free plants 1 and 3 months after commencement of the experiment, respectively.
The experimental results clearly showed that aphids decelerated litter nitrogen mineralisation by modifying litter quality.
Identification and characterization of the biochemical function of Agrobacterium T‐complex‐recruiting protein Atu5117
Authors: Gao Diankun , Bian Xiaowei , Guo Minliang , Wang Jing , Zhang Xin 
Published: August 2013

Atu5117 from Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a highly conserved protein with a putative nucleotidyltransferase domain in its N‐terminal region and a putative higher eukaryotes and prokaryotes nucleotide‐binding domain in its C‐terminal region. This protein has been shown to be a T‐complex‐recruiting protein that can recruit T‐complex from the cytosol to the polar VirB/D4 type IV secretion system (T4SS). However, the biochemical function of Atu5117 is still unknown. Here, we show that Atu5117 is a (d)NTPase. Although no proteins with nucleotidyltransferase and higher eukaryotes and prokaryotes nucleotide‐binding domains were identified as (d)NTPases, Atu5117 was able to convert all eight canonical NTPs and dNTPs to NDP, dNDP and inorganic phosphate in vitro, and required Mg2+ for its (d)NTPase activity. The kinetic parameters of Atu5117 (d)NTPase for eight substrates were characterized. Kinetic data showed that Atu5117 (d)NTPase preferred ATP as its substrate. The optimal conditions for (d)NTPase activity of Atu5117 were very similar to those required for Agrobacterium tumorigenesis. The kinetic parameters of (d)NTPase of Atu5117 for all four canonical NTPs were in the same orders of magnitude as the kinetic parameters of the ATPases identified in some components of the VirB/D4 T4SS. These results suggest that Atu5117 might function as an energizer to recruit T‐complex to the T4SS transport site.