bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bcr1 plays a central role in the regulation of opaque cell filamentation in Candida albicans
Authors: Guan Guobo , Xie Jing , Tao Li , Nobile Clarissa J. , Sun Yuan , Cao Chengjun , Tong Yaojun , Huang Guanghua 
Published: June 2013

SummaryThe human fungal pathogen Candida albicans has at least two types of morphological transitions: white to opaque cell transitions and yeast to hyphal transitions. Opaque cells have historically not been known to undergo filamentation under standard filament‐inducing conditions. Here we find that Bcr1 and its downstream regulators Cup9, Nrg1 and Czf1 and the cAMP‐signalling pathway control opaque cell filamentation in C. albicans. We have shown that deletion of BCR1, CUP9, NRG1 and CZF1 results in opaque cell filamentation under standard culture conditions. Disruption of BCR1 in white cells has no obvious effect on hyphal growth, suggesting that Bcr1 is an opaque‐specific regulator of filamentation under the conditions tested. Moreover, inactivation of the cAMP‐signalling pathway or disruption of its downstream transcriptional regulators, FLO8 and EFG1, strikingly attenuates filamentation in opaque cells of the bcr1/bcr1 mutant. Deletion of HGC1, a downstream gene of the cAMP‐signalling pathway encoding G1 cyclin‐related protein, completely blocks opaque cell filamentation induced by inactivation of BCR1. These results demonstrate that Bcr1 regulated opaque cell filamentation is dependent on the cAMP‐signalling pathway. This study establishes a link between the white‐opaque switch and the yeast‐filamentous growth transition in C. albicans.
A surface‐exposed neuraminidase affects complement resistance and virulence of the oral spirochaete Treponema denticola
Authors: Kurniyati Kurni , Zhang Weiyan , Zhang Kai , Li Chunhao 
Published: June 2013

SummaryNeuraminidases (sialidases) catalyse the removal of terminal sialic acid from glycoconjugates. Bacterial pathogens often utilize neuraminidases to scavenge host sialic acid, which can be utilized either as a nutrient or as a decorating molecule to disguise themselves from host immune attacks. Herein, a putative neuraminidase (TDE0471) was identified in Treponema denticola, an oral spirochaete associated with human periodontitis. TDE0471 is a cell surface‐exposed exo‐neuraminidase that removes sialic acid from human serum proteins; it is required for T. denticola to grow in a medium that mimics gingival crevice fluid, suggesting that the spirochaete may use sialic acid as a nutrient in vivo. TDE0471 protects T. denticola from serum killing by preventing the deposition of membrane attack complexes on the bacterial cell surface. Animal studies revealed that a TDE0471‐deficient mutant is less virulent than its parental wild‐type strain in BALB/C mice. However, it causes a level of tissue damage similar to the wild type in complement‐deficient B6.129S4‐C3tm1Crr/J mice albeit the damage caused by both bacterial strains is more severe in these transgenic mice. Based on these results, we propose that T. denticola has evolved a strategy to scavenge host sialic acid using its neuraminidase, which allows the spirochaete to acquire nutrients and evade complement killing.
Prevalence of myopia‐related retinal changes among 12–18 year old Hong Kong Chinese high myopes
Authors: Cheng Sam CK , Lam Carly SY , Yap Maurice KH 
Published: June 2013

AbstractPurposeTo determine the prevalence and risk factors of myopia‐related retinal changes in Hong Kong Chinese adolescents with high myopia.MethodsA cross‐sectional study on Hong Kong Chinese teenage subjects with high myopia was conducted between January 2005 and June 2009. Subjects were recruited via newspaper advertisements, invitation letters to schools, leaflets and posters. Data collected included history related to myopia progression and retinal characteristics.ResultsIn total, 120 subjects (61 boys and 59 girls) were recruited. The mean age was 14.8 ± 1.6 years (range: 12–18 years). The mean SER of the eyes was −8.41 ± 1.60 D. Ninety four of the 120 adolescents were found to have a retinal change of which 0.8% were sight‐threatening, 2.5% were posterior pole changes, and 61.7% were peripheral retinal changes. The five most frequent retinal changes found were optic nerve crescents (52.5%), white‐without‐pressure (51.7%), lattice degeneration (5.8%), microcystoid degeneration (5%) and pigmentary degeneration (4.2%). After adjusting for myopia over −8 D, age, gender, duration of myopia, family retinal history and intraocular pressure (IOP), binary logistic regressions showed that an axial length longer than 26.5 mm was a significant risk factor for peripheral retinal changes, optic nerve crescents and white‐without‐pressure.ConclusionsPeripheral retinal degenerative changes and optic nerve crescent were found in a significant proportion of high myopic teenage subjects. There is increased risk of retinal changes in eyes with an axial length >26.5 mm in 12–18 year‐olds.
Rational Choice and the Transitivity of Betterness
Authors: Handfield Toby 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIf A is better than B and B is better than C, then A is better than C, right? Larry Temkin and Stuart Rachels say: No! Betterness is nontransitive, they claim. In this paper, I discuss the central type of argument advanced by Temkin and Rachels for this radical idea, and argue that, given this view very likely has sceptical implications for practical reason, we would do well to identify alternative responses. I propose one such response, which employs the idea that rational agents might regard some options as incommensurate in value, and will reasonably employ a heuristic of status quo maintenance to avoid suboptimal choices from incommensurate goods.
Cooled Storage of Canine Semen:in vitroEffects of Different Concentrations of an Antibiotic Combination on Growth of Mollicutes
Authors: Becher AC , Spergser J , Aurich C , Zottler E , Aurich JE , Schäfer‐Somi S 
Published: June 2013

ContentsThe aim of this study was to examine effects of an antibiotic combination at different concentrations on growth of mycoplasma and ureaplasma during cooled storage of canine semen (n = 20). Semen aliquots were diluted with Tris–citric acid–fructose–egg yolk extender containing either 1.0 g/l streptomycin and 0.6 g/l benzylpenicillin (control) or a combination of gentamycin, tylosin, lincomycin and spectinomycin (GTLS‐1: 0.25, 0.05, 0.15 and 0.3;GTLS‐2: 0.5, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.6;GTLS‐3: 1.0, 0.2, 0.6 and 1.2 g/l). Samples were assessed for motility and membrane integrity by computer‐assisted sperm analysis immediately after dilution and at 24, 48 and 72 h of cooled storage. Morphologically, normal spermatozoa were determined, and bacterial culture was performed at 24 and 72 h.Mycoplasma spp. were detected in 14 of 20 ejaculates (70%) with severe growth in 12 samples. A reduction but not total elimination of mycoplasma growth occurred in allGTLSextenders with the most pronounced reduction in groupGTLS‐3 (control vsGTLS‐1 andGTLS‐2 p < 0.05, control vsGTLS‐3 p < 0.001). Ureaplasmas were detected in four ejaculates, and growth was reduced to the same extent inGTLSand control extender. Progressive motility in all groups, total motility in groupsGTLS1–3 and percentage of membrane‐intact spermatozoa in groupsGTLS2 and 3 decreased slightly (p < 0.05) over time. In conclusion, dilution of canine semen withGTLSextender has no major detrimental effects on spermatozoa during cooled storage. It reduced the growth but did not totally eliminate mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas from cooled‐stored dog semen.
Semen Collection and Polymerase Chain Reaction‐Based Sex Determination of Black‐Headed and Straw‐Necked Ibis
Authors: Kaneko K , Uematsu E , Takahashi Y , Tong B , Takino S , Wajiki Y , Kimura T , Yamashiro H , Kaneko Y , Iwaisaki H , Sugiyama T , Yamada T , Yamagishi S 
Published: June 2013

ContentsThis study aimed to develop a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based sexing and effective semen collection methods for black‐headed and straw‐necked ibis species. However, most birds are not sexually dimorphic, that is, the sexes appear similar. Therefore, the gender should be determined before semen collection. DNA was extracted from the blood samples of 11 black‐headed and 4 straw‐necked ibis. The sex was determined after PCR amplification of the EE0.6 region of W‐chromosome. The PCR products were separated using gel electrophoresis. A single band indicated the presence of the EE0.6 region and that the individual was a female, while no band indicated that the individual was a male. Further, the single bands from seven specimens were amplified. Semen collection was performed by massage or a combination of massage with electro‐ejaculation and was attempted during all four seasons. The semen was successfully collected in March from male straw‐necked ibis using the massage method. Limited motility, viability and concentration of straw‐necked ibis sperm were observed. The sperm length was 180 μm and that of the nucleus was 30 μm with acrosome located at the tip of the nucleus. Thus, the PCR‐based sexing proved to be an accurate molecular sexing method for black‐headed and straw‐necked ibis. Furthermore, we successfully collected semen and observed the stained sperm nucleus and acrosome of the straw‐necked ibis sperm. We propose that the use of this PCR methodology can be applied as a routine method for sex determination and semen collection in ibis species for future ecological research. However, considering our limited success, further studies on semen collection method are required.
Ethnic Diversity, Political Stability and Productive Efficiency: Empirical Evidence from the African Countries
Authors: Repkine Alexandre 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWhile ethnic diversity has been shown to produce numerous negative effects on the economic performance due to disagreement on the production of the public good, nepotism in making employment decisions, increased corruption and rent‐seeking behaviour, its positive effects appear to have received much less attention. We hypothesise and test several explanations why higher levels of ethnic diversity may be associated with better socio‐economic outcomes. We find that productive efficiency will be higher in the societies where ethnicities can benefit from the complementarity of skills. Incentives to engage in an ethnic conflict will be lower and the extent of political stability higher in those countries where the opportunity costs of ethnic conflict are more substantial. We also find some evidence in support of the political aspirations hypothesis that attributes the negative effects of ethnic diversity to the strife by ethnic groups for more political influence.
Oceanographic and eustatic control of carbonate platform evolution and sequence stratigraphy on the Cretaceous (Valanginian–Campanian) passive margin, northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Phelps Ryan M. , Kerans Charles , Loucks Robert G. , Da Gama Rui O.B.P. , Jeremiah Jason , Hull David 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAn integrated sequence stratigraphic study based on outcrop, core and wireline log data documents the combined impact of Cretaceous eustacy and oceanic anoxic events on carbonate shelf morphology and facies distributions in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The diverse facies and abundant data of the Comanche platform serve as a nearly complete global reference section and provide a sensitive record of external processes affecting Cretaceous platform development. Regional cross‐sections across the shoreline to shelf‐margin profile provide a detailed record of mixed carbonate–siliciclastic strata for the Hauterivian to lower Campanian stages (ca 136 to 80 Ma). The study window on the slowly subsiding passive margin allows the stratigraphic response to external forcing mechanisms to be isolated from regional structural processes. Three second‐order supersequences comprised of eight composite sequences are recognized in the Valanginian–Barremian, the Aptian–Albian and the Cenomanian–Campanian. The Valanginian–Barremian supersequence transitioned from a siliciclastic ramp to carbonate rimmed shelf and is a product of glacial ice accumulation and melting, as well as variable rates of mid‐ocean ridge volcanism. The Aptian–Albian supersequence chronicles the drowning and recovery of the platform surrounding oceanic anoxic events 1a and 1b. The Cenomanian–Campanian supersequence similarly documents shelf drowning following oceanic anoxic event 1d, after which the platform evolved to a deep‐subtidal system consisting of anoxic/dysoxic shale and chalk in the time surrounding oceanic anoxic event 2. Each period of oceanic anoxia is associated with composite sequence maximum flooding, termination of carbonate shelf sedimentation and deposition of condensed shale units in distally steepened ramp profiles. Composite sequences unaffected by oceanic anoxic events consist of aggradational to progradational shelves with an abundance of grain‐dominated facies and shallow‐subtidal to intertidal environments. Because they are products of eustacy and global oceanographic processes, the three supersequences and most composite sequences defined in the south Texas passive margin are recognizable in other carbonate platforms and published eustatic sea‐level curves.
Infection among adult small bowel and multivisceral transplant recipients in the 30‐day postoperative period
Authors: Primeggia J. , Matsumoto C.S. , Fishbein T.M. , Karacki P.S. , Fredette T.M. , Timpone J.G. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal transplantation is a potential option for patients with short gut syndrome (SGS), and infection is common in the postoperative period. The aim of our study was to identify the incidence and characteristics of bacterial and fungal infections of adult small bowel or multivisceral (SB/MV) transplantation recipients in the 30‐day postoperative period.MethodsThis retrospective chart review assessed the incidence and characteristics of bacterial and fungal infections in patients who underwent SB/MV transplant at our center between April 2004 and November 2008. Patient data were retrieved from computerized databases, flow‐charts, and medical records.ResultsA total of 40 adult patients with a mean age of 38.7 ± 13.4 years received transplants during this period: 27 patients received isolated SB, 12 received MV, and 1 received SB and kidney. Our immunosuppressive regimen included basiliximab for induction, and tacrolimus, sirolimus, and methylprednisolone for maintenance therapy. The most common indications for transplant were SGS, intestinal ischemia, Crohn's disease, trauma, motility disorders, and Gardner's syndrome. We report a 30‐day postoperative infection rate of 57.5% and mean time to first infection of 10.78 ± 8.99 days. A total of 36 infections were documented in 23 patients. Of patients who developed infections, 56.5% developed 1 infection, 30.4% developed 2 infections, and 13% developed 3 infections. The most common site of infection was the abdomen, followed by blood, urine, lung, and wound infection. The isolates were gram‐negative bacteria in 49.3%, gram‐positive bacteria in 39.4%, and 11.3% were fungi. The most common organisms were Pseudomonas (19%), Enterococcus (15%), and Escherichia coli (13%). Overall, 47% of infections were due to drug‐resistant pathogens; 31% of E. coli and Klebsiella species were extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing organisms, 36% of Pseudomonas was multidrug resistant (MDR), 75% of Enterococcus was vancomycin resistant, and 100% of Staphylococcus aureus was methicillin resistant.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that bacterial and fungal infections remain an important complication in SB/MV transplant recipients within the early postoperative period. Infections due to MDR organisms have emerged as an important clinical problem in this patient population.
Direct regulation of abiotic responses by the Arabidopsis circadian clock component PRR7
Authors: Liu Tiffany , Carlsson Jenny , Takeuchi Tomomi , Newton Linsey , Farré Eva M. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryUp to 30% of the plant transcriptome is circadian clock‐regulated in different species; however, we still lack a good understanding of the mechanisms involved in these genome‐wide oscillations in gene expression. Here, we show that PSEUDO‐RESPONSE REGULATOR 7 (PRR7), a central component of the Arabidopsis clock, is directly involved in the repression of master regulators of plant growth, light signaling and stress responses. The expression levels of most PRR7 target genes peak around dawn, in an antiphasic manner to PRR7 protein levels, and were repressed by PRR7. These findings indicate that PRR7 is important for cyclic gene expression by repressing the transcription of morning‐expressed genes. In particular we found an enrichment of the genes involved in abiotic stress responses, and in accordance we observed that PRR7 is involved in the oxidative stress response and the regulation of stomata conductance.
Keloid‐derived keratinocytes exhibit an abnormal gene expression profile consistent with a distinct causal role in keloid pathology
Authors: Hahn Jennifer M. , Glaser Kathryn , McFarland Kevin L. , Aronow Bruce J. , Boyce Steven T. , Supp Dorothy M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractKeloids are disfiguring scars that extend beyond the original wound borders and resist treatment. Keloids exhibit excessive extracellular matrix deposition, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To better understand the molecular basis of keloid scarring, here we define the genomic profiles of keloid fibroblasts and keratinocytes. In both cell types, keloid‐derived cells exhibit differential expression of genes encompassing a diverse set of functional categories. Strikingly, keloid keratinocytes exhibited decreased expression of a set of transcription factor, cell adhesion, and intermediate filament genes essential for normal epidermal morphology. Conversely, they exhibit elevated expression of genes associated with wound healing, cellular motility, and vascular development. A substantial number of genes involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition were also up‐regulated in keloid keratinocytes, implicating this process in keloid pathology. Furthermore, keloid keratinocytes displayed significantly higher migration rates than normal keratinocytes in vitro and reduced expression of desmosomal proteins in vivo. Previous studies suggested that keratinocytes contribute to keloid scarring by regulating extracellular matrix production in fibroblasts. Our current results show fundamental abnormalities in keloid keratinocytes, suggesting they have a profoundly more direct role in keloid scarring than previously appreciated. Therefore, development of novel therapies should target both fibroblast and keratinocyte populations for increased efficacy.
Characterization of a novel 2D array dosimeter for patient‐specific quality assurance with volumetric arc therapy
Authors: Stathakis Sotirios , Myers Pamela , Esquivel Carlos , Mavroidis Panayiotis , Papanikolaou Nikos 
Published: July 2013

Purpose:In this study, the authors are evaluating a new, commercially available 2D array that offers 3D dose reconstruction for patient specific intensity modulated radiation therapy quality assurance (IMRT QA).Methods:The OCTAVIUS 4D system and its accompanying software (VERISOFT) by PTW were evaluated for the accuracy of the dose reconstruction for patient specific pretreatment IMRT QA. OCTAVIUS 4D measures the dose plane at the linac isocenter as the phantom rotates synchronously with the gantry, maintaining perpendicularity with the beam, by means of an inclinometer and a motor. The measurements collected during a volumetric modulated arc therapy delivery (VMAT) are reconstructed into a 3D dose volume. The VERISOFT application is used to perform the analysis, by comparing the reconstructed dose against the 3D dose matrix from the treatment planning system (TPS) that is computed for the same geometry and beam arrangement as that of the measurement. In this study, the authors evaluated the 3D dose reconstruction algorithm of this new system using a series of tests. Using the Octavius 4D phantom as the patient, dose distributions for various field sizes, beam orientations, shapes, and combination of fields were calculated using the Pinnacle3, TPS, and the respective DICOMRT dose was exported to the VERISOFT analysis software. Measurements were obtained by delivering the test treatment plans and comparisons were made based on gamma index, dose profiles, and isodose distribution analysis. In addition, output factors were measured and the dose linearity of the array was assessed. Those measurements were compared against measurements in water using a single, calibrated ionization chamber as well as calculations from Pinnacle for the same delivery geometries.Results:The number of voxels that met the 3%/3 mm criteria for the volumetric 3D gamma index analysis ranged from 92.3% to 98.9% for all the patient plans that the authors evaluated. 2D gamma analysis in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes produced similar results to those in the 3D gamma analysis. The new detector system does not require an angular dependence correction because it rotates in synchrony with the gantry and the detector array maintains a constant SAD while always perpendicular to the beam axis. Output factors were within 2% when compared to ionization chamber measurements and Pinnacle calculations. Similar agreement was observed when testing the MU linearity (for MU values above 2) as well as dose rate effect.Conclusions:The OCTAVIUS 4D system has some unique characteristics that can potentially improve the patient specific pretreatment IMRT QA data collection and analysis. The ability of the software to reconstruct from the measurements the true 3D dose distribution in the phantom, provides a unique perspective for the medical physicist that evaluates a patient's QA plan.
How to exhaust your bone marrow
Authors: Salomo Louise , Salomo Morten , Andersen Steven A W , Kamper Anne-Lise 
Published: June 2013

A 32-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of oedema and 8 kg of gained weight. The oedema decreased spontaneously over weeks and there was no evidence for a nephrotic syndrome; however, the blood tests revealed a moderate pancytopenia. The patient practiced excessive physical activity at work and in his spare time, and kept a very thorough training and weight diary. Owing to a high intake of energy and protein drinks he tried to optimise his physical performance and kept a normal body mass index at 23.7. A bone marrow biopsy showed gelatinous bone marrow transformation, normally seen in critically ill patients or those with severe malnutrition. In this case, the cause is presumed to be excessive physical activity/overtraining in combination with relatively insufficient nutrition.
Brugada syndrome with elevated cardiac biomarkers
Authors: AlKendi Fatima , Jamil Mujgan , Qureshi Anwer , Jamil Gohar 
Published: June 2013

A 45-year-old man presented to our hospital with a history of palpitations, presyncope and chest pain. Vital signs and physical examination were unremarkable. Initial ECG revealed sinus rhythm with non-specific ST changes. Subsequent ECGs showed rsr′ in V1 and saddle-back pattern of ST elevation in lead V2, indicative of type 2 Brugada ECG pattern. Telemetry monitoring revealed multiple runs of asymptomatic non-sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Ajmaline challenge test confirmed the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome. The subsequent rise and fall of cardiac biomarkers was suggestive of acute myocardial infarction which was refuted by having normal coronaries by cardiac catheterisation. Echocardiogram showed normal cardiac structures and function without any evidence of myopericarditis. Automated intracardiac defibrillator was recommended which the patient declined.