bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severity of hyperacusis predicts individual differences in speech perception in Williams Syndrome
Authors: Elsabbagh M. , Cohen H. , Cohen M. , Rosen S. , Karmiloff‐Smith A. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground  Williams Syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder of genetic origin, characterised by relative proficiency in language in the face of serious impairment in several other domains. Individuals with WS display an unusual sensitivity to noise, known as hyperacusis.Methods  In this study, we examined the extent to which hyperacusis interferes with the perception of speech in children and adults with WS. Participants were required to discriminate words which differed in one consonant of a cluster when these contrasts were embedded in a background of noise.Results  Although the introduction of noise interfered with performance on a consonant cluster discrimination task equally in the WS and control groups, the severity of hyperacusis significantly predicted individual variability in speech perception within the WS group.Conclusions  These results suggest that alterations in sensitivity to input mediate atypical pathways for language development in WS, where hyperacusis exerts an important influence together with other non‐auditory factors.
If FST does not measure neutral genetic differentiation, then comparing it with QST is misleading. Or is it?
Authors: EDELAAR PIM , BJÖRKLUND MATS 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe comparison between neutral genetic differentiation (FST) and quantitative genetic differentiation (QST) is commonly used to test for signatures of selection in population divergence. However, there is an ongoing discussion about what FST actually measures, even resulting in some alternative metrics to express neutral genetic differentiation. If there is a problem with FST, this could have repercussions for its comparison with QST as well. We show that as the mutation rate of the neutral marker increases, FST decreases: a higher within‐population heterozygosity (He) yields a lower FST value. However, the same is true for QST: a higher mutation rate for the underlying QTL also results in a lower QST estimate. The effect of mutation rate is equivalent in QST and FST. Hence, the comparison between QST and FST remains valid, if one uses neutral markers whose mutation rates are not too high compared to those of quantitative traits. Usage of highly variable neutral markers such as hypervariable microsatellites can lead to serious biases and the incorrect inference that divergent selection has acted on populations. Much of the discussion on FST seems to stem from the misunderstanding that it measures the differentiation of populations, whereas it actually measures the fixation of alleles. In their capacity as measures of population differentiation, Hedrick’s G′ST and Jost’s D reach their maximum value of 1 when populations do not share alleles even when there remains variation within populations, which invalidates them for comparisons with QST.
Cysteine proteinase type I, encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles induces substantial protection against Leishmania major infection in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: DOROUD D. , ZAHEDIFARD F. , VATANARA A. , NAJAFABADI A. R. , RAFATI S. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryAppropriate adjuvant, proper antigen(s) and a suitable formulation are required to develop stable, safe and immunogenic vaccines. Leishmanial cysteine proteinase type I (CPB) is a promising vaccine candidate; nevertheless, it requires a delivery system to induce a potent immune response. Herein, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) have been applied for CPB [with and without C‐terminal extension (CTE)] formulation to utilize as a vaccine against Leishmania major infection in C57BL/6 mice. Therefore, SLN‐CPB and SLN‐CPB−CTE formulations were prepared from cetyl palmitate and cholesterol, using melt emulsification method. After intraperitoneal vaccination and subsequent L. major challenge, a strong antigen‐specific T‐helper type 1 (Th1) immune response was induced compared to control groups. Lymph node cells from immunized mice displayed lower parasite burden, higher IFN‐γ, IgG2a and lower IL‐4 production, indicating that robust Th1 immune response had been induced. Our results revealed that CTE is not necessary for inducing protective responses against L. major infection as the IFN‐γ/IL‐4 ratio was significantly higher, whereas IgG1 responses were lower in the SLN‐CPB−CTE vaccinated group, post‐challenge. Thus, SLN‐CPB−CTE was shown to induce specific Th1 immune responses to control L. major infection, through effective antigen delivery to the peritoneal antigen presenting cells.
Tracking Phytophthora infestans with SSR markers within and between seasons – a field study in Sweden
Authors: Widmark A.‐K. , Andersson B. , Sandström M. , Yuen J. E. 
Published: March 2011

The dynamics of a late blight epidemic and sexual reproduction in Phytophthora infestans were studied in an experimental field in mid‐Sweden. The field was inoculated with six isolates of P. infestans taken from another potato field where sexual reproduction of the pathogen was suspected. Three weeks after inoculation single‐lesion leaflets were sampled and the resulting isolates characterized using microsatellites (SSRs) and mating type as markers. Among the 151 isolates analysed, the inoculum genotypes constituted more than 80% of the genotypes found, with three other genotypes making up the remainder. The following year, P. infestans obtained from soil samples taken from this field were analysed, and six novel genotypes were identified. Genotypes from the previous summer’s population were not detected. Analysis of the genotypes recovered was consistent with them being recombinants, with the previous summer’s population acting as parents. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that oospores produced during a summer epidemic in Sweden can overwinter and cause infection the next year.
Alkali treatment for rapid preparation of plant material for reliable PCR analysis
Authors: Klimyuk Victor I. , Carroll Bernard J. , Thomas Colwyn M. , Jones Jonathan D.G. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryFor plant genetics, it would be useful to monitor easily the segregation of different alleles using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Preparation of DNA templates from individual plants needs to be rapid and reliable. A one tube protocol is described that involves subjecting plant tissue pieces to alkali, neutralization and heat denaturation prior to PCR analysis, and that proved to be much faster and more reliable than published protocols.
Need for improved antimicrobial and infection control stewardship in Vietnamese intensive care units
Authors: Johansson M. , Phuong D. M. , Walther S. M. , Hanberger H. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryObjective  Survey of antibiotic consumption, microbial resistance and hygiene precautions in the intensive care units of three hospitals in northern Vietnam.Methods  Observational study. Data were collected from the microbiological laboratories. Antibiotic consumption was determined based on quantities of drugs delivered from the pharmacy. A protocol to observe the application of hygiene precautions was developed and used. Bacteria were typed and tested for drug susceptibility using the disc‐diffusion method.Results  The mean antibiotic consumption was 811 defined daily doses per 1000 occupied bed days. The most commonly used antibiotics were third‐generation cephalosporins, followed by carbapenems, amoxicillin and ampicillin. Eighty per cent of bacterial isolates were Gram‐negative. The most common pathogens found in blood cultures were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas spp. were the two most frequently isolated bacteria from the respiratory tract and all other sources together. Seventy per cent of Acinetobacter species showed reduced susceptibility to imipenem, 80% to ciprofloxacin and 89% to ceftazidime. Forty‐four per cent of Pseudomonas spp. showed reduced susceptibility to imipenem, 49% to ciprofloxacin and 49% to ceftazidime. Escherichia coli was fully susceptible to imipenem, but 57% of samples were resistant to both ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime. Hygiene precautions were poor, and fewer than 50% of patient contacts incorporated appropriate hand hygiene.Conclusion  Low antibiotic consumption, poor hygiene precautions and the high level of antibiotic resistance indicate that there is room for improvement regarding antibiotic use and infection control.
Association analysis of vegetable soybean quality traits with SSR markers
Authors: Hou Jinfeng , Wang Chuanlin , Hong Xuejuan , Zhao Jinming , Xue Chenchen , Guo Na , Gai Junyi , Xing Han 
Published: March 2011

With 2 figures and 4 tables AbstractAssociation mapping is a useful alternative to linkage mapping for the detection of marker–phenotype associations. The main objective of this study is to identify simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with the vegetable soybean quality traits of 100‐pod weight, 100‐seed weight, sucrose content and free amino acid content. The four quality traits were evaluated in 323 soybean cultivar accessions from China, and the 323 accessions were genotyped with 101 SSR markers. Analysis of population structure revealed two subgroups in the population. The mean linkage disequilibrium (LD) value (D′) for all statistically significant loci pairs was 0.258. The decay of the LD based on the D′ value showed little change with the increasing genetic distance between pairs. A total of 79 marker–trait associations related to the four traits were identified, involving 44 different SSR markers. According to the results, the association analysis approach in this study can be an effective method for quantitative trait loci mapping and can help breeders to develop new strategies for improving vegetable soybean quality.
Histone Deacetylase 1 Down‐Regulation on Developmental Capability and Histone Acetylation in Bovine Oocytes and Parthenogenetic Embryos
Authors: Wang Z , Zhao T , Zhang P , Zhang S , Guan J , Ma X , Yin Y , Zhang J , Tang B , Li Z 
Published: March 2011

ContentsHistone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) is one of the most conserved enzymes present in the nuclei of cells, including bovine oocytes and pre‐implantation embryos. However, the biological functions of HDAC1 in supporting the growth and development of bovine oocytes and embryos are still not fully elucidates. In this study, three siRNAs (si299, si672, and si1272) targeting to HDAC1 mRNA sequence were designed. After transfection into bovine fibroblast cells, si299, the most effective one in HDAC1 knock‐down, was selected. The selected siRNA was microinjected into bovine germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes to determine the functions of HDAC1 in the maturation of bovine oocytes. Finally, the siRNA was microinjected into mature oocytes, which were then parthenogenetically activated and cultured in vitro until the blastocyst stage. The rates of cleavage, blastocyst development and acetylation of lysine 14 of H3 (H3K14) state were checked. The results suggest that HDAC1 knock‐down in oocytes did not influence the rates of maturation or cleavage of parthenogenetic embryos. However, the rates of blastocyst decreased after siRNA microinjection. Furthermore, histone H3K14 acetylation level increased after siRNA microinjection into parthenogenetic embryos.
Cysteine‐rich secretory protein 3 and β‐microseminoprotein on prostate cancer needle biopsies do not have predictive value for subsequent prostatectomy outcome
Authors: Hoogland Agnes Marije , Dahlman Anna , Vissers Kees J. , Wolters Tineke , Schröder Fritz H. , Roobol Monique J. , Bjartell Anders S. , van Leenders Geert J.L.H. 
Published: March 2011

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Cysteine‐rich secretory protein 3 (CRISP‐3) and β‐microseminoprotein (β‐MSP) both have independent prognostic value for biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.The study investigates whether CRISP‐3 and β‐MSP have prognostic value on diagnostic prostate needle‐biopsies, which are more relevant for therapeutic decision‐making. On needle‐biopsies CRISP‐3 and β‐MSP do not have significant prognostic value.OBJECTIVES• To investigate whether cysteine‐rich secretory protein 3 (CRISP‐3) and/or β‐microseminoprotein (β‐MSP) expression in diagnostic prostate needle biopsies have predictive value for prostate cancer (PC) on radical prostatecomy (RP).• To evaluate their potential clinical implementation in a preoperative setting.PATIENTS AND METHODS• In total, 174 participants from the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer, Rotterdam section, treated by RP for PC were included in the present study.• CRISP‐3 and β‐MSP immunohistochemistry was performed on corresponding diagnostic needlebiopsies.• Outcome was correlated with clinicopathological parameters (prostate‐specific‐antigen, PSA; number of positive biopsies; Gleason score, GS; pT‐stage; surgical margins at RP) and significant PC at RP (pT3/4, or GS > 6, or tumour volume ≥0.5 mL) in the total cohort (n= 174) and in a subgroup with low‐risk features at biopsy (PSA ≤ 10 ng/ml, cT ≤ 2, PSA density <0.20 ng/mL/g, GS < 7 and ≤2 positive biopsy cores; n= 87).RESULTS• β‐MSP and CRISP‐3 expression in PC tissue was heterogeneous, with variable staining intensities occurring in the same tissue specimen.• High expression of β‐MSP significantly correlated with GS < 7 at RP; it was not a predictor for significant PC at RP neither in the total group (n= 174; odds ratio, OR, 0.319; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.060–1.695; P= 0.180), nor in the low‐risk group (n= 87; OR, 0.227; 95% CI, 0.040–1.274; P= 0.092).• CRISP‐3 expression was not related to clinicopathological parameters, and did not predict significant PC at RP in the total group (n= 174; OR, 1.056; 95% CI, 0.438–2.545; P= 0.904) or the low‐risk group (n= 87; OR, 1.856; 95% CI, 0.626–5.506; P= 0.265).CONCLUSIONS• High β‐MSP expression correlated with low GS in subsequent RP specimens, supporting the view that β‐MSP exerts a tumour‐suppressive effect.• No significant prognostic value of β‐MSP or CRISP‐3 in prostate needle biopsies for significant PC at RP was found.• β‐MSP or CRISP‐3 do not have additional value in the therapeutic stratification of patients with PC.
The Eschatical Perfection of the World in God
Authors: MÜHLING MARKUS 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis article introduces the distinction between pre‐eschatical and eschatical horizons as the basis for the criteria of Christian ‘future‐talk’. Whereas pre‐eschatic horizons are constituted by everyday experience on the logic of extrapolation, eschatical horizons are constituted by the experience of the self‐disclosure of the triune God as the ultimate, as the eschatoi. Different types of concepts in the tradition to grasp the future have to be valued as pre‐eschatical. However, eternity has to be identified eschatically with the inner‐trinitarian relationships of the love and life of the triune God. The ultimate future of human beings consists in becoming included in the inner‐trinitarian relationships in a direct manner. The natural world will also partake, but to an unknown extent.
Beach lifeguards: visual search patterns, detection rates and the influence of experience
Authors: Page Jenny , Bates Victoria , Long Geoff , Dawes Peter , Tipton Mike 
Published: March 2011

Citation information: Page J, Bates V, Long G, Dawes P & Tipton M. Beach lifeguards: visual search patterns, detection rates and the influence of experience. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 216–224. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00824.xAbstractPurpose:  Lifeguard surveillance is critical to any water safety program. This study determined the rates of detection of a ‘drowning’ individual by beach lifeguards, and whether scanning patterns differed between groups of lifeguards (experienced/less experienced, male/females, surf/non‐surf). It was hypothesized that (1) Experienced lifeguards would perform better and produce less fixations of longer duration than inexperienced; (2) A greater detection rate would be seen in a ‘biased’ compared to a ‘non‐biased’ condition; (3) There would be no differences between the surf compared to non‐surf lifeguards, and male compared to female lifeguards with regard to scanning patterns or detection rates.Method:  A mobile eye tracker was worn by each lifeguard (n = 69, 52 males, 17 females) as they watched 12 min of animated beach footage projected onto a screen in two conditions: a. ‘Non‐biased’ (uniform scene). b. ‘Biased’ (uniform scene with presumed ‘rip’ on right side of screen). The lifeguards were informed that at any point during the 12 min a person may or may not disappear and to highlight if and where, a person disappeared. Unknown to the participants, a person always disappeared after 10 min at the same position within, but not between, conditions. Data were analysed using anova, t‐tests and binary logistic regression.Results:  Experienced lifeguards were five times (p < 0.05) more likely to detect the drowning individual than inexperienced lifeguards. There were no significant differences between the visual search patterns of the groups between 2 and 10 min. The detection rates averaged 16% in the non‐biased condition and 29% in biased conditions (p < 0.1), probably because lifeguards searched more on the right of the water. Furthermore, 40% (biased) and 42% (non‐biased) did not detect the person disappearing, even though they fixated in the correct location in the 3.5 s before the person completely disappeared. This suggests that some lifeguards may have fixated on, but not processed, relevant visual data (‘looked at but not seen’). 25% (biased) and 36% (non‐biased) of the lifeguards did not fixate in the location of the person disappearing, but were able to identify their disappearance.Conclusions:  Visual search patterns used by lifeguards can be altered by instruction and detection rates improve as a consequence. Peripheral vision is used effectively by some lifeguards, but cue extraction may be problematic for others.
Vergence dysfunction in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI): a review
Authors: Thiagarajan Preethi , Ciuffreda Kenneth J , Ludlam Diana P 
Published: March 2011

Citation information:Thiagarajan P, Ciuffreda KJ & Ludlam DP. Vergence dysfunction in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI): a review.Ophthalmic Physiol Opt2011,31, 456–468. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00831.xAbstractVergence eye movements are used to track objects that move in depth in one’s binocular visual field to attain and maintain a fused and single percept. The mechanism and control of vergence eye movements involves complex neurological processes that may be compromised in individuals with traumatic brain injury, thus frequently resulting in a wide range of vergence dysfunctions and related near‐work symptoms, such as oculomotor‐based reading problems. This paper presents a review of the vergence system and its anomalies in mild traumatic brain injury, as well as their diagnostic and therapeutic clinical ramifications. Implications related to brain imaging and human neuroplasticity are also considered.
Proteomannans in Biofilm of Helicobacter pylori ATCC 43504
Authors: Yang Feng‐Ling , Hassanbhai Ammar Mansoor , Chen Hong‐Yu , Huang Zih‐You , Lin Tzu‐Lung , Wu Shih‐Hsiung , Ho Bow 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground:  The human bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pylori forms biofilms. However, the constituents of the biofilm have not been extensively investigated. In this study, we analyzed the carbohydrate and protein components of biofilm formed by H. pylori strain ATCC 43504 (NCTC 11637).Materials and Methods:  Development of H. pylori biofilm was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantified using crystal violet staining. The extracted extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) matrix was analyzed using GC‐MS and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. Proteomic profiles of biofilms were examined by SDS–PAGE while deletion mutants of upregulated biofilm proteins were constructed and characterized.Results:  Formation of H. pylori biofilm is time dependent as shown by crystal violet staining assay and SEM. NMR reveals the prevalence of 1,4‐mannosyl linkages in both developing and mature biofilms. Proteomic analysis of the biofilm indicates the upregulation of neutrophil‐activating protein A (NapA) and several stress‐induced proteins. Interestingly, the isogenic mutant napA revealed a different biofilm phenotype that showed reduced aggregated colonial structure when compared to the wild type.Conclusions:  This in vitro study shows that mannose‐related proteoglycans (proteomannans) are involved in the process of H. pylori biofilm formation while the presence of upregulated NapA in the biofilm implies the potency to increase adhesiveness of H. pylori biofilm. Being a complex matrix of proteins and carbohydrates, which are probably interdependent, the H. pylori biofilm could possibly offer a protective haven for the survival of this gastric bacterial pathogen in the extragastric environments.
Antigenic Diversity Among Portuguese Clinical Isolates of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Vitoriano Inês , Rocha‐Gonçalves Alexandra , Carvalho Teresa , Oleastro Mónica , Calado Cecília R. C. , Roxo‐Rosa Mónica 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground:  The human gastroduodenal pathogen, Helicobacter pylori, is characterized by an unusual extent of genetic heterogeneity. This dictates differences in the antigenic pattern of strains resulting in heterogeneous human humoral immune responses. Here, we examined the antigenic variability among a group of 10 strains isolated from Portuguese patients differing in age, gender, and H. pylori‐associated gastric diseases.Material and Methods:  Immunoassays were performed on two‐dimensional electrophoresis gels obtained for the proteome of each strain, using a commercial pool of antibodies produced in rabbit, against the whole cell lysate of an Australian H. pylori strain. Relevant proteins were identified by mass spectrometry.Results:  Immunoproteomes of the Portuguese strains showed no correlation between the number of antigenic proteins or the antigenic profile, and the disease to which each strain was associated. The Heat shock protein B was the unique immunoreactive protein common to all of them. Additionally, seven proteins were found to be antigenic in at least 80% of strains: enoyl‐(acyl‐carrier‐protein) reductase (NADH); Catalase; Flagellin A; 2 isoforms of alkyl hydroperoxide reductase; succinyl‐CoA transferase subunit B; and an unidentified protein. These proteins were present in the proteome of all tested strains, suggesting that differences in their antigenicity are related to antigenic variance.Conclusions:  This study showed evidence of the variability of antigenic pattern among H. pylori strains. We believe that this fact contributes to the failure of anti‐H. pylori vaccines and the low accuracy of serological tests based on a low number of proteins or antigens of only one strain.