bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Respiration and ecological niche influence bacterial membrane lipid compositions
Authors: Bay Denice C. , Booth Sean C. , Turner Raymond J. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryBacterial membrane compositions vary widely between phyla and within related species. The types of lipids within membranes are as diverse as the selective pressures that influence bacterial lifestyles such as their mode of respiration and habitat. This study has examined the extent that respiration and habitat affect bacterial fatty acid (FA) and polar lipid (PL) compositions. To accomplish this, over 300 FA and PL profiles from 380 previously characterized species were assembled and subjected to multivariate statistical analyses in order to determine lipid to habitat/respiration associations. It was revealed that PL profiles showed a slight advantage over FA profiles for discriminating taxonomic relationships between species. FA profiles showed greater correlation with respiration and habitat than PL. This study identified that respiration did not consistently favour uniform FA or PL changes when lipid profiles were compared between examined phyla. This suggests that although phyla may adopt similar respiration methods, it does not result in consistent lipid attributes within one respiration state. Examination of FA and PL compositions were useful to identify taxonomic relationships between related species and provides insight into lipid variations influenced by the niche of its host.
Does 2‐phosphoglycolate serve as an internal signal molecule of inorganic carbon deprivation in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803?
Authors: Haimovich‐Dayan Maya , Lieman‐Hurwitz Judy , Orf Isabel , Hagemann Martin , Kaplan Aaron 
Published: October 2014

SummaryCyanobacteria possess CO2‐concentrating mechanisms (CCM) that functionally compensate for the poor affinity of their ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) to CO2. It was proposed that 2‐phosphoglycolate (2PG), produced by the oxygenase activity of Rubisco and metabolized via photorespiratory routes, serves as a signal molecule for the induction of CCM‐related genes under limiting CO2 level (LC) conditions. However, in vivo evidence is still missing. Since 2PG does not permeate the cells, we manipulated its internal concentration. Four putative phosphoglycolate phosphatases (PGPases) encoding genes (slr0458, sll1349, slr0586 and slr1762) were identified in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803. Expression of slr0458 in Escherichia coli led to a significant rise in PGPase activity. A Synechocystis mutant overexpressing (OE) slr0458 was constructed. Compared with the wild type (WT), the mutant grew slower under limiting CO2 concentration and the intracellular 2PG level was considerably smaller than in the wild type, the transcript abundance of LC‐induced genes including cmpA, sbtA and ndhF3 was reduced, and the OE cells acclimated slower to LC – indicated by the delayed rise in the apparent photosynthetic affinity to inorganic carbon. Data obtained here implicated 2PG in the acclimation of this cyanobacterium to LC but also indicated that other, yet to be identified components, are involved.
Construction of target‐specific virus‐like particles for the delivery of algicidal compounds to harmful algae
Authors: Kang Beom Sik , Eom Chi‐Yong , Kim Wonduck , Kim Pyoung il , Ju Sun Yi , Ryu Jaewon , Han Gui Hwan , Oh Jeong‐Il , Cho Hoon , Baek Seung Ho , Kim Gueeda , Kim Minju , Hyun Jaekyung , Jin EonSeon , Kim Si Wouk 
Published: October 2014

SummaryHarmful algal blooms (HABs) can lead to substantial socio‐economic losses and extensive damage to aquatic ecosystems, drinking water sources and human health. Common algicidal techniques, including ozonation, ultrasonic treatment and dispersion of algae‐killing chemicals, are unsatisfactory both economically and ecologically. This study therefore presents a novel alternative strategy for the efficient control of deleterious algae via the use of host‐specific virus‐like particles (VLPs) combined with chemically synthesized algicidal compounds. The capsid protein of HcRNAV34, a single‐stranded RNA virus that infects the toxic dinoflagellate, Heterocapsa circularisquama, was expressed in and purified from Escherichia coli and then self‐assembled into VLPs in vitro. Next, the algicidal compound, thiazolidinedione 49 (TD49), was encapsidated into HcRNAV34 VLPs for specific delivery to H. circularisquama. Consequently, HcRNAV34 VLPs demonstrated the same host selectivity as naturally occurring HcRNAV34 virions, while TD49‐encapsidated VLPs showed a more potent target‐specific algicidal effect than TD49 alone. These results indicate that target‐specific VLPs for the delivery of cytotoxic compounds to nuisance algae might provide a safe, environmentally friendly approach for the management of HABs in aquatic ecosystems.
Different Effects of Fenofibrate on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Mixed Dyslipidemic Women With Normal Thyroid Function and Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Gilowski Wojciech , Szkrobka Witold , Okopien Bogusław 
Published: October 2014

SummaryAimsSubclinical hypothyroidism is suggested to increase cardiovascular risk. No previous study compared the effect of any fibrate on plasma levels of lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients with different thyroid function status.MethodsThe study included three age‐, weight‐ and lipid‐matched groups of women with mixed dyslipidemia in different thyroid function status: patients with untreated subclinical hypothyroidism (group 1, n = 18), women with treated hypothyroidism (group 2, n = 15), and subjects without thyroid disorders (group 3, n = 19). Plasma lipids, glucose homeostasis markers, as well as plasma levels of uric acid, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), homocysteine, and fibrinogen were determined before and after 12 weeks of fenofibrate therapy.ResultsDespite similar plasma lipid levels, mixed dyslipidemic patients with untreated hypothyroidism had decreased insulin sensitivity, as well as higher circulating levels of uric acid, hsCRP, homocysteine, and fibrinogen in comparison with the other groups. The effect of fenofibrate on plasma lipids and, with the exception of homocysteine, on circulating levels of all investigated risk factors was stronger in patients from groups 2 and 3 than in patients from group 1.ConclusionsThe obtained results indicate that the effect of fenofibrate on plasma lipids and circulating levels of cardiovascular risk factors is partially related to thyroid function. They also suggest that to improve the strength of fibrate action in dyslipidemic patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, they should be administered together with l‐thyroxine.
Aberrant GITR expression on different T cell subsets and the regulation by glucocorticoid in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sun Jiafeng , Yu Ning , Li Xiangpei , Wang Li , Pan Yun , Li Xiaomei , Tao Jinhui , Chen Zhu , Wang Guosheng 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimThe dysfunction of T regulatory cells is important for the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Glucocorticoid‐induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family‐related protein (GITR) is expressed at low levels on resting responder T lymphocytes (Tresps) and is up‐regulated on T regulatory cells (Tregs) and activated T cells, diminishing suppressive activity of Tregs and/or leading to resistance to suppression of Tregs by activated effector T cells. We aimed to explore whether SLE patients had an aberrant expression of GITR on Tregs and responder T cells (Tresps) and the regulation by glucocorticoids.MethodsThe surface GITR expression on Tregs and Tresps cells were analyzed by flow cytometry in 32 patients and 15 normal controls. Purified Tregs or Tresps were cultured with glucocorticoid. Apoptosis of the cells were determined by the staining of Annexin V.ResultsSystemic lupus erythematosus patients had higher levels of GITR expressed on CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD25high and CD4+CD25+CD127low/− Tregs as well as on CD4+CD25− Tresps compared to healthy controls. The expression of GITR on Tregs and Tresps were positively correlated with score of SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). In vitro glucocorticoid induced GITR expression on purified Tresp cells, but not on Tregs, and almost all of the GITR positive cells induced by glucocorticoid encountered apoptosis.ConclusionAberrant expression of GITR may contribute to SLE pathogenesis. Glucocorticoid may achieve its therapeutic effect partly by inducing GITR expression on Tresps rather than Tregs, which initiates the apoptosis of Tresp cells in SLE patients.
Taxation: The Lost History
Authors: Dwyer Terence 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRegular, periodic taxation is a function of modern government, a practice that arose only because the rent of land and natural resources was transformed from the traditional source of public revenue in the Middle Ages to private property, starting in the 17th century. In the earlier era, taxes (special exactions on ordinary income and daily necessities) were imposed only under unusual circumstances, usually to fight wars. The French Physiocrats and their student, Adam Smith, proposed that the best form of modern taxation would be based on the same principle as the medieval system—a fee derived entirely from surpluses, not imposed as a burden on production. This was actually what Adam Smith meant by “ability to pay.” Smith's sophisticated understanding of economic rent was, however, simplified and distorted by numerous economists throughout the 19th century, who buried the concept under layers of obfuscation. In particular, the substitution of “Paretian rent” for “Ricardian rent” committed the fallacy of composition by shifting rent from a social concept to a private, unit‐level concept, which caused social surplus to simply “disappear.” Bringing this “lost history” to light permits us to re‐evaluate how modern societies might benefit from Smith's physiocratic concept of taxation. This work not only traces debates about rent—for example, whether rent arises from risk‐taking, or whether a tax on rent raises commodity prices—but also discusses the practical benefits of taxing it today.
Sexual function in women before and after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Glavind Karin , Larsen Thomas , Lindquist Anna Sofie Inger 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate sexual function in women before and after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) using native tissue repair.DesignA prospective observational study.SettingDanish university hospital, between December 2008 and May 2010.PopulationEighty‐one patients who had a POP operation with native tissue repair performed.MethodsThe patients completed a validated Danish questionnaire on prolapse, the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire – 12 Short Form (PISQ‐12‐SF), and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ‐UI‐SF) before undergoing surgery and six months postoperatively.Main outcome measuresDifferences in PISQ‐12‐SF measures six months after the operation in different types of POP operations.ResultsPreoperatively, the PISQ‐12‐SF score (mean ± SD) was 35.2 ± 4.6 and postoperatively 38.3 ± 3.9, giving a significant difference of 3.0 ± 3.8. (p < 0.05). Thirty‐seven women (72%) improved their PISQ‐12‐SF score postoperatively, nine (18%) had an equal score, and five (10%) reported a lower score. There was no significant difference in the PISQ‐12‐SF scores between different operations. The ICIQ‐UI‐SF showed an overall improvement in incontinence postoperatively with a small correlation to PISQ‐12‐SF.ConclusionsThe majority of patients who undergo operation for different kinds of POP using native tissue repair, experience an improvement in their sexual life postoperatively. Most women with preoperative urinary incontinence experienced cure or improvement after POP surgery.
Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: Educating surgeons about advanced laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Nakamura Yoshiharu , Matsushita Akira , Katsuno Akira , Sumiyoshi Hiroki , Yoshioka Masato , Shimizu Tetsuya , Mizuguchi Yoshiaki , Uchida Eiji 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (Lap‐DP) has been recognized worldwide as a feasible and highly beneficial procedure. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Lap‐DP techniques are being implemented safely by surgeons training to perform this procedure.MethodsWe retrospectively compared the perioperative outcomes of Lap‐DP in patients operated on by the surgeon originating this procedure at our hospital (expert surgeon group [E group], n = 47) and patients operated on by surgeons training to perform this procedure (training surgeons group [T group], n = 53).ResultsThe median operating times for the E group and T group were 321 min (range, 150–653 min) and 314 min (range, 173–629 min), respectively; these times were not significantly different (P = 0.4769). The median blood loss in the T group (100 mL; range, 0–1950 mL) was significantly smaller than in the E group (280 mL; range, 0–1920 mL) (P = 0.0003). There were no significant intergroup differences in other operative results: combined operation ratio, spleen‐ and splenic vessels‐preserving ratio, hand‐assisted procedure ratio, and the ratio of transition to open. The frequency of pancreatic fistulas in the E group and T group was 12.8% and 16.9%, respectively; these rates were not significantly different (P = 0.5886). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of other complications and reoperation rates. The median hospital stay for the E group was significantly shorter than for the T group (10 vs 13 days; P = 0.0307).ConclusionThis retrospective analysis shows that teaching safe Lap‐DP techniques to surgeons is reflected in stable perioperative outcomes.
Phenotypic evolution of an Atlantic Forest passerine (Xiphorhynchus fuscus): biogeographic and systematic implications
Authors: Cabanne Gustavo S. , Trujillo-Arias Natalia , Calderón Luciano , d'Horta Fernando M. , Miyaki Cristina Y. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
We studied the phenotypic variation of the Atlantic Forest passerine Xiphorhynchus fuscus (Aves: Dendrocolaptidae) with the broad aim of addressing whether the history and type of forest affected the evolution of endemic taxa. We also tested whether the different subspecies and genetic lineages of X. fuscus could be considered full species. We collected plumage and body size measurements and, in combination with genetic data, used multivariate tests to evaluate the working hypotheses. Our results, combined with previous biogeographic analyses, indicate that vicariant events have been important determinants in the evolution of phenotypic characters of X. fuscus, once genetic isolation was complete. Our analysis also suggests that forest heterogeneity and ecotones are important factors in the early evolution of Atlantic Forest taxa, perhaps via divergent selection. Forest instability during the Pleistocene was critical in the evolution of phenotypic traits. We confirm that the subspecies atlanticus should be considered a full species. Other lineages or populations are also phenotypically differentiated but we do not suggest considering them as full species. They share high levels of gene flow and are part of a continuous latitudinal cline of phenotypic variation. Our study suggests that not all the historic events in the Atlantic Forest that affected the evolution of genetic lineages also influenced the evolution of phenotypic characters in the same direction and intensity. Undoubtedly, natural selection played a major role in the evolution of Atlantic Forest organisms.
Urinary bladder inflammation induces changes in urothelial nerve growth factor andTRPV1 channels
Authors: Coelho A , Wolf‐Johnston A S , Shinde S , Cruz C D , Cruz F , Avelino A , Birder L A 
Published: October 2014

Background and PurposeThe urinary bladder urothelium expresses various receptors and in response to chemical and mechanical stimuli releases mediators, thereby modulating bladder sensory pathways. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channels and nerve growth factor (NGF) in those cells are implicated in this modulatory effect and play a role in sensitizing pain‐related afferent pathways during inflammation. In this study, we investigated the interaction betweenNGFandTRPV1 channels in urothelial cells.Experimental ApproachUrothelial cells from femaleSprague‐Dawley rat bladders were cultured to quantify membrane expression ofTRPV1 channels and capsaicin‐inducedATPrelease in the presence ofNGFalone or withTrKAor PI3K inhibitors. Pain scores from rats with cyclophosphamide (CYP)‐induced bladder inflammation were assessed after treatment with aTrkAantagonist. Bladders (from control andCYPrats) were collected and analysed forNGFcontent andTRPV1 channel expression.Key ResultsCultured cells responded toNGFwith increasedTRPV1 channel expression in the cell membrane and increased release ofATP. Both responses were blocked by either aTrkAantagonist or aPI3K inhibitor. Treatmentin vivowith theTrkAantagonist alleviated pain symptoms and reducedCYP‐inducedNGFoverexpression in the mucosa. Furthermore, in urothelial cells from animals with bladder inflammation, expression ofTRPV1 channels in the membrane was significantly increased.Conclusions and ImplicationsDuring bladder inflammation, increased production ofNGFin urothelial cells induced increased expression and activity ofTRPV1 channels in the cell membrane. This effect was primarily mediated by the PI3Kpathway.
Validation and randomized control trial of the e‐SAID, a computerized paediatric dental patient request form, to intervene in dental anxiety
Authors: Jones L. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundA rationale for, and pilot of a children's patient request form developed specifically for dental visits, has been previously reported. The SAID (survey of anxiety and information for dentists) is a questionnaire with three embedded subscales: dental anxiety, coping style and dental neglect. It includes children's requests for emotional support, information and treatment. The main, but not sole, response format is a facial image scale. A randomized control trial of a computer version is now reported. The aims were to validate items in the e‐SAID, and to assess it as an intervention in dental anxiety.MethodA total of 168 children aged 10–13, attending for routine dental checks in a community dental clinic, were randomly assigned to intervention (83) or control (85) groups. The intervention group completed the e‐SAID, in which the first and last questions measured anxiety; and printed a summary of their responses for the dentist. Control group children completed the same anxiety questions, but with a time‐lapse.ResultsMeans and SD were summarized for the 11 items showing a generally positive skew on the seven point scale. After removing the two‐item dental neglect subscale, the anxiety and coping subscales were shown to be relatively independent (r = 0.14) and factorially pure. The intervention group mean anxiety score decreased following completion of the e‐SAID, while the control group mean anxiety score increased with a small significant interaction effect; however, much of the change occurred in the positive‐affect end of the scale.ConclusionsTwo problems are discussed: defining anxiety as a bipolar score; and some children being so keen to be assigned to the intervention group that they circumvented the computer allocation process. Children wanted to actively engage in discussion of their dental treatment. The e‐SAID was an effective tool for that, regardless of initial low anxiety levels.
Social and Cognitive Factors Associated With Children's Secret‐Keeping for a Parent
Authors: Gordon Heidi M. , Lyon Thomas D. , Lee Kang 
Published: October 2014

This study examined children's secret‐keeping for a parent and its relation to trust, theory of mind, secrecy endorsement, and executive functioning (EF). Children (N = 107) between 4 and 12 years of age participated in a procedure wherein parents broke a toy and asked children to promise secrecy. Responses to open‐ended and direct questions were examined. Overall, secret‐keeping increased with age and promising to keep the secret was related to fewer disclosures in open‐ended questioning. Children who kept the secret in direct questioning exhibited greater trust and better parental ratings of EF than children who disclosed the secret. Findings highlight the importance of both social and cognitive factors in secret‐keeping development.
Placement breakdowns in long‐term foster care – a regional Swedish study
Authors: Vinnerljung Bo , Sallnäs Marie , Berlin Marie 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe used a regional sample of children in long‐term foster care to investigate the prevalence of placement breakdown in adolescence, and to assess risk factors/risk markers for placement disruption. The sample consisted of all 136 foster children in the region, born 1980–1992, who on their 12th birthday had been in the same foster family for at least 4 years. They were followed in case files until date of disruption or their 18th birthday. Data on conditions before and during placement were retrieved from case files, and analysed in bi‐ and multivariate models. Results showed that one in four placements broke down in adolescence. The median child who experienced a breakdown was 14 years old, and had been in the same foster home for more than 10 years. Prominent risk factors were (i) being placed after age 2 and (ii) having a birth sibling in the same foster home. We also uncovered strong risk markers that can be viewed as precursors of placement disruption. When the child or the foster parents repeatedly over time expressed dissatisfaction with the placement, this ended with a placement breakdown in 60% of cases. Implications for practice are discussed.
Defining Critical Habitats of Threatened and Endemic Reef Fishes with a Multivariate Approach
Authors: PURCELL STEVEN W. , CLARKE K. ROBERT , RUSHWORTH KELVIN , DALTON STEVEN J. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractUnderstanding critical habitats of threatened and endemic animals is essential for mitigating extinction risks, developing recovery plans, and siting reserves, but assessment methods are generally lacking. We evaluated critical habitats of 8 threatened or endemic fish species on coral and rocky reefs of subtropical eastern Australia, by measuring physical and substratum‐type variables of habitats at fish sightings. We used nonmetric and metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS, mMDS), Analysis of similarities (ANOSIM), similarity percentages analysis (SIMPER), permutational analysis of multivariate dispersions (PERMDISP), and other multivariate tools to distinguish critical habitats. Niche breadth was widest for 2 endemic wrasses, and reef inclination was important for several species, often found in relatively deep microhabitats. Critical habitats of mainland reef species included small caves or habitat‐forming hosts such as gorgonian corals and black coral trees. Hard corals appeared important for reef fishes at Lord Howe Island, and red algae for mainland reef fishes. A wide range of habitat variables are required to assess critical habitats owing to varied affinities of species to different habitat features. We advocate assessments of critical habitats matched to the spatial scale used by the animals and a combination of multivariate methods. Our multivariate approach furnishes a general template for assessing the critical habitats of species, understanding how these vary among species, and determining differences in the degree of habitat specificity.Definición de Hábitats Críticos para Peces Arrecifales Amenazados y Endémicos Mediante un Método Multivariado