bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geniposide Ameliorates Learning Memory Deficits, Reduces Tau Phosphorylation and Decreases Apoptosis via GSK3β Pathway in Streptozotocin‐Induced Alzheimer Rat Model
Authors: Gao Chong , Liu Yueze , Jiang Yuanhong , Ding Jianming , Li Lin
Published: December 2013

Intracerebral‐ventricular (ICV) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) induces an insulin‐resistant brain state that may underlie the neural pathogenesis of sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD). Our previous work showed that prior ICV treatment of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) could prevent STZ‐induced learning memory impairment and tau hyperphosphorylation in the rat brain. The Chinese herbal medicine geniposide is known to relieve symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Because geniposide is thought to act as a GLP‐1 receptor agonist, we investigated the potential therapeutic effect of geniposide on STZ‐induced AD model in rats. Our result showed that a single injection of geniposide (50 μM, 10 μL) to the lateral ventricle prevented STZ‐induced spatial learning deficit by about 40% and reduced tau phosphorylation by about 30% with Morris water maze test and quantitative immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. It has been known that tau protein can be phosphorylated by glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK3) and STZ can increase the activity of GSK3β. Our result with Western blot analysis showed that central administration of geniposide resulted in an elevated expression of GSK3β(pS‐9) but suppressed GSK3β(pY‐216) indicating that geniposide reduced STZ‐induced GSK3β hyperactivity. In addition, ultrastructure analysis showed that geniposide averted STZ‐induced neural pathology, including paired helical filament (PHF)‐like structures, accumulation of vesicles in synaptic terminal, abnormalities of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and early stage of apoptosis. In summary, our study suggests that the water soluble and orally active monomer of Chinese herbal medicine geniposide may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of sporadic AD.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Antidepressant Activity of Novel 2‐Methoxy 1, 8 Naphthyridine 3‐Carboxamides as 5‐HT3 Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Mahesh Radhakrishnan , Dhar Arghya Kusum , Jindal Ankur , Bhatt Shvetank
Published: December 2013

A series of novel 1,8‐naphthyridine‐3‐carboxamides as 5‐HT3 receptor antagonists were synthesized with an intention to explore the antidepressant activity of these compounds. The title carboxamides were designed using ligand‐based approach keeping in consideration the structural requirement of the pharmacophore of 5‐HT3 receptor antagonists. The compounds were synthesized using appropriate synthetic route from the starting material nicotinamide. 5‐HT3 receptor antagonism of all the compounds, which was denoted in the form of pA2 value, was determined in longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus preparation from guinea‐pig ileum against 5‐HT3 agonist, 2‐methyl‐5‐HT. Compound 8g (2‐methoxy‐1, 8‐naphthyridin‐3‐yl) (2‐methoxy phenyl piperazine‐1‐yl) methanone was identified as the most active compound, which expressed a pA2 value of 7.67. The antidepressant activity of all the compounds was examined in mice model of forced swim test (FST); importantly, none of the compounds was found to cause any significant changes in the locomotor activity of mice at the tested dose levels. In FST, the compounds with considerably higher pA2 value exhibited promising antidepressant‐like activity, whereas compounds with lower pA2 value did not show antidepressant‐like activity as compared to the control group.
Thermal Physiology, Disease, and Amphibian Declines on the Eastern Slopes of the Andes
Authors: CATENAZZI ALESSANDRO , LEHR EDGAR , VREDENBURG VANCE T.
Published: December 2013

Rising temperatures, a widespread consequence of climate change, have been implicated in enigmatic amphibian declines from habitats with little apparent human impact. The pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), now widespread in Neotropical mountains, may act in synergy with climate change causing collapse in thermally stressed hosts. We measured the thermal tolerance of frogs along a wide elevational gradient in the Tropical Andes, where frog populations have collapsed. We used the difference between critical thermal maximum and the temperature a frog experiences in nature as a measure of tolerance to high temperatures. Temperature tolerance increased as elevation increased, suggesting that frogs at higher elevations may be less sensitive to rising temperatures. We tested the alternative pathogen optimal growth hypothesis that prevalence of the pathogen should decrease as temperatures fall outside the optimal range of pathogen growth. Our infection‐prevalence data supported the pathogen optimal growth hypothesis because we found that prevalence of Bd increased when host temperatures matched its optimal growth range. These findings suggest that rising temperatures may not be the driver of amphibian declines in the eastern slopes of the Andes. Zoonotic outbreaks of Bd are the most parsimonious hypothesis to explain the collapse of montane amphibian faunas; but our results also reveal that lowland tropical amphibians, despite being shielded from Bd by higher temperatures, are vulnerable to climate‐warming stress.

Fisiología Termal, Enfermedades y Disminuciones de Anfibios en las Laderas Orientales de los Andes
Three‐dimensional high‐resolution anorectal manometry and diagnosis of excessive perineal descent: a comparative pilot study with defaecography
Authors: Benezech A. , Bouvier M. , Grimaud J.‐C. , Baumstarck K. , Vitton V.
Published: December 2013

Aim

Three‐dimensional high‐resolution anorectal manometry (3DHRAM) is a new technique that can simultaneously provide physiological and topographical data on the terminal part of the digestive tract. Our object was to assess whether 3DHRAM is able to reliably diagnose excessive perineal descent already diagnosed with conventional defaecography, which is considered to be the gold standard.

Method

All patients referred to our centre for anorectal manometry and conventional defaecography were evaluated with a maximum of 6 months between the two examinations. Anorectal manometry was performed using the 3D High‐Resolution Given Imaging® probe. Excessive perineal descent was defined as the downward movement of the anal high‐pressure zone during straining. At the end of the straining effort, the high‐pressure zone regained its initial position, thereby indicating that the probe had not moved.

Results

Nineteen female patients of median age 53 (21–70) years were included in the study. All cases with excessive perineal descent diagnosed using defaecography were visualized with 3DHRAM. The degree of perineal descent determined by 3D and conventional defaecography was compared (Spearman correlation 0.726, P = 0.01). In contrast, the averages measured were significantly different; the average was 11.68 ± 3.3 mm for 3DHRAM but 34.21 ± 13.3 mm for conventional defaecography (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

The results of the study demonstrate that 3DHRAM can diagnose excessive perineal descent with the same degree of reliability as defaecography. Quantitative measures were not correlated, however, possibly because of methodological differences. The study confirms the value of the morphological data provided by 3DHRAM.
The reaction of sodium cyanate with wool and nylon and its effect on subsequent dyeing
Authors: Lewis David , Hawkes Jamie , Lu Yong
Published: December 2013

This paper describes the reaction of the simplest isocyanate, isocyanic acid, conveniently generated in situ from sodium cyanate, with nucleophilic carboxylate and amino residues in polyamide fibres. Changing the pH conditions greatly affects the outcome of these reactions: under acidic conditions the carboxylate residues are selectively carbamoylated, whereas under neutral conditions both residues are carbamoylated. Such modifications greatly change the dyeing behaviour of the treated substrates. The carboxylate carbamoylation reaction leads to the formation of amides rather than the carbamoylcarboxylate, which is a reactive intermediate.
Hypercalcemia in renal transplant patients: prevalence and management in Canadian transplant practice
Authors: Muirhead N. , Zaltman J. S. , Gill J. S. , Churchill D. N. , Poulin‐Costello M. , Mann V. , Cole E. H.
Published: December 2013

Hypercalcemia, occurring in up to 25% of patients within 12 months following renal transplantation, and persistent hyperparathyroidism were evaluated following renal transplantation, by retrospective chart review of 1000 adult patients transplanted between January 1, 2003 and January 31, 2008 with at least six months follow‐up. Serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, and phosphate levels were recorded at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. Average follow‐up was 766 (535) d (mean (SD); median 668 d). Majority were first transplants (85%); deceased donor 57%. Point prevalence of hypercalcemia (serum Ca2+ > 2.6 mM) was 16.6% at month 12, 13.6% at month 24, 9.5% at month 36, and 10.1% at month 48. Point prevalence of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) > 10 pM was 47.6% at month 12, 51.1% at month 24, 43.4% at month 36, and 39.3% at month 48. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was maintained throughout and was not different between patients with or without hypercalcemia or elevated PTH. Cinacalcet was prescribed in 12% of patients with hypercalcemia and persistent hyperparathyroidism; parathyroidectomy was performed in 112/1000 patients, 15 post‐transplant. Persistent hyperparathyroidism, often accompanied by hypercalcemia, is common following successful renal transplantation, but the lack of clear management suggests the need for further study and development of evidence‐based guidelines.
Long‐term trends in alcohol policy attitudes in Norway
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg , Storvoll Elisabet E.
Published: December 2013

Introduction and Aims

The aim of this study was to describe trends in attitudes to alcohol control policies in Norway over a period of 50 years and to discuss how these trends relate to developments in alcohol policy.

Design and Methods

Survey data from 17 national population surveys, national statistics and previous publications were applied to describe trends in attitudes to alcohol control polices (access to alcohol and price) and changes in these policies over the period 1962 to 2012.

Results

From 1962 to 1999, an increasing proportion of the population reported that regulations on availability of alcohol were too strict and that alcohol prices were too high, whereas in the 2000s this trend was reversed and support for existing control policies increased. Although the pillars of Norwegian alcohol policy—high prices, restricted access and a state monopoly on retail sales—remained, control policies were gradually relaxed throughout the entire period.

Discussion and Conclusions

Relaxation of strict alcohol control policies in Norway in the first four decades were probably, in part, the result of increasingly liberal public opinion. The subsequent reversed trend in opinions with increasing support for control policies may be due to several factors, for example, consumer‐oriented changes in the monopoly system, increased availability and affordability, increased awareness of alcohol‐related harm and the effectiveness of control policies. Thus, the dynamics of policies and attitudes may well change over time. [Rossow I, Storvoll E E. Long‐term trends in alcohol policy attitudes in Norway.Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:220–226]
Inhibition of carnitine palymitoyltransferase1b induces cardiac hypertrophy and mortality in mice
Authors: Haynie K. R. , Vandanmagsar B. , Wicks S. E. , Zhang J. , Mynatt R. L.
Published: December 2013

Recent reports suggest that short‐term pharmacological carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (Cpt1) inhibition improves skeletal muscle glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Although this appears promising for the treatment of diabetes, these Cpt1 inhibitors are not specific to skeletal muscle and target multiple Cpt1 isoforms. To assess the effects of inhibiting the Cpt1b isoform we generated mice with a heart‐ and skeletal muscle‐specific deletion of the Cpt1b, Cpt1bHM−/−. These mice seem to develop normally with similar bodyweights as control mice. However, premature mortality was observed by 15 weeks of age in the Cpt1bHM−/− mice. The hearts of Cpt1bHM−/− mice were four times the size of controls. Cpt1bHM−/− mice were also subject to stress‐induced seizures that accompanied an increased risk for premature mortality. Our data suggests that prolonged Cpt1b inhibition poses severe cardiac risk and emphasizes that attempts to improve insulin sensitivity by targeting Cpt1 with current inhibitors is not viable.
Endothelial function and carotid intima‐media thickness in giant‐cell arteritis
Authors: Hafner Franz , Haas Elke , Belaj Klara , Froehlich Harald , Gary Thomas , Eller Philipp , Brodmann Marianne
Published: December 2013

Background

Vascular endothelial dysfunction and intima‐media thickness are characteristic aspects of several vasculitides. We investigated retrospectively the impact of steroid treatment on endothelial dysfunction and intima‐media thickness in giant‐cell arteritis.

Methods

Forty‐one patients with giant‐cell arteritis (28 female and 13 male) underwent flow‐mediated dilatation, a marker of endothelial function, and carotid intima‐media thickness within 24 h after diagnosis and 6 months thereafter. Both parameters were investigated in 41 patients of an age‐ and gender‐matched control group.

Results

Brachial flow‐mediated dilatation response at baseline was 3·4% (0·2, 8·0) and 1·7% (0·2, 4·8) in giant‐cell arteritis patients and control group, respectively. After 6 months treatment, flow‐mediated dilatation response was 2·8% (0·4, 4·8) in patients with giant‐cell arteritis (P = 0·066) and 1·4% (0·1, 5·5) in the control group (P = 0·741). In contrast, mean carotid intima‐media thickness of giant‐cell arteritis patients improved significantly between baseline [1·0 mm (0·79, 1·2)] and 6‐month follow‐up [0·82 mm (0·7, 1·04), P < 0·001]. Subjects with additional symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica had a notable enlargement of carotid intima‐media thickness [1·23 mm (1·14, 2·09)] compared to giant‐cell arteritis patients without polymyalgia rheumatica at baseline [0·91 mm (0·76, 1·04), P = 0·001] and 6‐month follow‐up [1·16 mm (0·80, 1·26) vs. 0·77 mm (0·68, 0·88), P = 0·009].

Conclusion

Steroid therapy has no influence on endothelial function but does significantly improve carotid intima‐media thickness in giant‐cell arteritis. This divergence of endothelial function and intima‐media thickness reflects the specifity of giant‐cell arteritis for cerebrovascular arteries thereby sparing the brachial arteries.
Returns from income strategies in rural Poland
Authors: Fałkowski Jan , Jakubowski Maciej , Strawiński Paweł
Published: December 2013

In order to stabilize and improve their income situation, rural households are strongly encouraged to diversify their activities both in and outside the agricultural sector. Often, however, this phenomenon takes on only moderate proportions. This article addresses issues of rural households' income diversification in the case of Poland. It investigates returns from rural households' income strategies using propensity score matching methods and extensive datasets spanning 1998–2008. Results suggest that returns from combining farm and off‐farm activities were lower than returns from concentrating on farming or on self‐employment outside agriculture. This differential is stable over time although returns from diversification have relatively improved after the accession of Poland to the European Union. This is also visible in the fact that since 2006, returns from combining farm and off‐farm activities have equalized with returns from relying solely on hired off‐farm labour, thus smoothing away the difference observed before the accession. Further, over the analysed period, households pursuing a diversification strategy performed better than those relying solely on unearned income. Finally, in general, incomes in households combining farm and off‐farm activities were higher than in those combining off‐farm income sources.
Tax reform in Georgia and the size of the shadow economy
Authors: Torosyan Karine , Filer Randall K.
Published: December 2013

This study applies three different methods widely used in the literature to track changes in shadow economic activity in Georgia following a drastic tax reform in 2005. The first method is a currency demand approach based on macrolevel data. The second and third methods rely on micro level data from household surveys. Overall, we find evidence that the amount of income underreporting decreased in the years following the reform. The biggest change is observed for households headed by a farmer, followed by ‘other’ types of households where the head does not report any working status. Employed and self‐employed households appear very similar before the tax reform and show minimal adjustment in income reporting in the post‐reform period. Results, however, suggest that much of any difference may have come from increased enforcement efforts rather than rate changes.
Ethnic patterns of returns to education in Bulgaria
Authors: Trentini Claudia
Published: December 2013

It is widely accepted that disparities in education contribute to the poor labour market outcomes experienced by ethnic minority groups and consequently to their poverty. In this article, I analyse differential educational benefits in Bulgaria and compare returns to education for the Roma minority with the majority population and the Turkish minority. I show that both ethnic minority groups have lower education levels and employment rates than the majority population and that they also have lower returns to education. This result could be related to minorities' lower education quality as well as to discrimination in the labour market. Integration policies should thus aim to improve employability and labour market competence of vulnerable groups starting from school.
A global assessment of knowledge of dental students about nicotine replacement therapy: findings from 43 countries
Authors: Agaku I. T. , Ayo‐Yusuf O. A.
Published: December 2013

Objectives

Knowledge of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a competency that is expected from receiving training in the treatment for tobacco dependence. This study therefore assessed the knowledge of dental students in 43 countries about NRT.

Methods

The 2005–2011 dental Global Health Professions Student Survey data were analysed for 13,040 third‐year dental students from 43 countries. Knowledge about NRT was self‐reported and country‐specific prevalence estimates were calculated. To assess for correlates of knowledge about NRT amongst dental students, a multivariate logistic regression model was fitted (P < 0.05), with pooled data from all 43 countries. The model assessed for geographical location, gross national income, tobacco cessation training in school, sex, current tobacco use and survey year.

Results

Amongst all dental students, the proportion that knew about NRT ranged from 37.0% (Mongolia) to 97.6% (Slovakia). The odds of knowing about NRT were lower amongst dental students in the Eastern Mediterranean region (aOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.34–0.79) compared to those in the European region. Dental students in upper‐middle‐income (aOR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.57–3.85) and high‐income countries (aOR=4.55; 95% CI: 2.28–9.09) both had higher odds of knowing about NRT compared to dental students in low‐income countries. Also, current use of any tobacco product and receipt of tobacco cessation training in school were both associated with higher likelihood of knowing about NRT. No significant gender differences in knowledge of NRT were observed.

Conclusions

A large proportion of dental students in several countries knew about NRT. However, disparities in knowledge existed across regions. Enhanced efforts are needed to formally train dental students on tobacco cessation techniques.
Developmental tumors and adjacent cortical dysplasia: Single or dual pathology?
Authors: Palmini André , Paglioli Eliseu , Silva Vinicius Duval
Published: December 2013

Developmental tumors often lead to refractory partial seizures and constitute a well‐defined, surgically remediable epilepsy syndrome. Dysplastic features are often associated with these tumors, and their significance carries both practical and conceptual relevance. If associated focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) relates to the extent of the epileptogenic tissue, then presurgical evaluation and surgical strategies should target both the tumor and the surrounding dyslaminated cortex. Furthermore, the association has been included in the recently revised classification of FCD and the epileptogenicity of this associated dysplastic tissue is crucial to validate such revision. In addition to the possibility of representing dual pathology, the association of developmental tumors and adjacent dysplasia may instead represent a single developmental lesion with distinct parts distributed along a histopathologic continuum. Moreover, the possibility that this adjacent dyslamination is of minor epileptogenic relevance should also be entertained. Surgical data show that complete resection of the solid tumors and immediately adjacent tissue harboring satellites may disrupt epileptogenic networks and lead to high rates of seizure freedom, challenging the epileptogenic relevance of more extensive adjacent dyslaminated cortex. Whether the latter is a primary or secondary abnormality and whether dyslaminated cortex in the context of a second lesion may produce seizures after complete resection of the main lesion is still to be proven.
The medical and surgical treatment of tumoral seizures: Current and future perspectives
Authors: Guerrini Renzo , Rosati Anna , Giordano Flavio , Genitori Lorenzo , Barba Carmen
Published: December 2013

Epilepsy surgery represents the main treatment option for epileptogenic brain tumors. Scalp video–electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may suffice for defining lesional area and seizure‐onset zone in discrete, surgically resectable lesions. The choice of timing for surgery requires a multidisciplinary evaluation, especially in children, when a “wait and see” approach is chosen. Discordant electroclinical and neuroimaging data and an ill‐defined epileptogenic lesion require invasive investigations. A multimodal integrated approach may maximize the extent of resection while preserving cerebral function in the eloquent cortex. Radical removal of the tumor is the most important predictor of seizure freedom. Additional predictors include histopathology, age at surgery, duration of epilepsy, and seizure type. Patients with brain tumors are highly vulnerable in relation to the frequent drug‐resistance of seizures, the potential interactions between antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and chemotherapeutic agents (CMTs), and the risk of AED‐related cognitive adverse events (24% higher than in the rest of the epilepsy population), in addition to brain damage resulting from tumor itself, surgery, and radiotherapy. No robust, randomized, controlled evidence supports the choice of AEDs for the treatment of seizures in patients with brain tumors. Newer AEDs have limited or no enzyme‐inducing profile, prevalent renal excretion, lower plasma protein binding and, consequently, fewer interactions with CMTs. Enzyme‐inducing AEDs can lower serum levels of concomitantly administered CMTs. Class I evidence suggests that in patients with brain tumors who do not have a history of seizures, prophylactic use of AEDs is neutral or ineffective.
Chemotherapy and immunotherapy of brain tumors: What the epileptologist must know
Authors: Rogers Lisa R.
Published: December 2013

I present an overview of therapy for the most common brain tumors encountered in clinical practice if adult patients. Current therapy paradigms and evolving therapies are reviewed. The introduction of non–enzyme‐inducing antiepileptic drugs (NEIADs) has simplified the approach to combined medical treatment of epilepsy and brain tumors, but the major interactions between enzyme‐inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs) are included, to serve as guidance in selecting these medications if they are required.
Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors: Where are we now?
Authors: Chassoux Francine , Daumas‐Duport Catherine
Published: December 2013

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) belong to the surgically treatable long‐term epilepsy–associated group of tumors. Based on cortical specimens provided through epilepsy surgery at Sainte‐Anne hospital, three histologic subtypes (simple, complex, and nonspecific) have been described. Electroclinical data, imaging, intralesional recordings (stereo–electroencephalography [EEG]) and histologic correlations have been recently reviewed in order to assess the relationship between the epileptogenic zone (EZ), the tumor, and associated focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), and to determine optimal strategy for curing epilepsy. Based on a large series (78 patients, 50 male, aged 3–54 years, temporal location 73%, nonspecific forms 68%), we found similar electroclinical data in all DNT subtypes, and demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features allow differentiation of histologic subtypes. Type 1 (cystic/polycystic‐like) always corresponded to complex or simple forms, whereas type 2 (nodular‐like) and type 3 (dysplastic‐like) corresponded to nonspecific forms. It is notable that we demonstrated intrinsic epileptogenicity in all cases, but found that the EZ differed significantly according to MRI subtype, colocalizing with the tumor in type 1 MRI, including perilesional cortex in type 2 MRI, and involving extensive areas in type 3 MRI. The main prognostic factors for favorable outcome (83% of seizure‐free patients) were complete tumor and EZ removal, short epilepsy duration, and lack of cortico‐subcortical damage. According to these findings, surgical resection may be restricted to the tumor in type 1 MRI but should be more extensive in other MRI subtypes, especially in type 3 MRI. This MRI‐based scheme may be helpful for optimal resection in epilepsy due to DNTs. In addition, we emphasize that early surgery is crucial in curing epilepsy.
Climate change and mammals: evolutionary versus plastic responses
Authors: Boutin Stan , Lane Jeffrey E.
Published: December 2013

Phenotypic plasticity and microevolution are the two primary means by which organisms respond adaptively to local conditions. While these mechanisms are not mutually exclusive, their relative magnitudes will influence both the rate of, and ability to sustain, phenotypic responses to climate change. We review accounts of recent phenotypic changes in wild mammal populations with the purpose of critically evaluating the following: (i) whether climate change has been identified as the causal mechanism producing the observed change; (ii) whether the change is adaptive; and (iii) the relative influences of evolution and/or phenotypic plasticity underlying the change. The available data for mammals are scant. We found twelve studies that report changes in phenology, body weight or litter size. In all cases, the observed response was primarily due to plasticity. Only one study (of advancing parturition dates in American red squirrels) provided convincing evidence of contemporary evolution. Subsequently, however, climate change has been shown to not be the causal mechanism underlying this shift. We also summarize studies that have shown evolutionary potential (i.e. the trait is heritable and/or under selection) in traits with putative associations with climate change and discuss future directions that need to be undertaken before a conclusive demonstration of plastic or evolutionary responses to climate change in wild mammals can be made.
Cumulative geoecological effects of 62 years of infrastructure and climate change in ice‐rich permafrost landscapes, Prudhoe Bay Oilfield, Alaska
Authors: Raynolds Martha K. , Walker Donald A. , Ambrosius Kenneth J. , Brown Jerry , Everett Kaye R. , Kanevskiy Mikhail , Kofinas Gary P. , Romanovsky Vladimir E. , Shur Yuri , Webber Patrick J.
Published: December 2013

Many areas of the Arctic are simultaneously affected by rapid climate change and rapid industrial development. These areas are likely to increase in number and size as sea ice melts and abundant Arctic natural resources become more accessible. Documenting the changes that have already occurred is essential to inform management approaches to minimize the impacts of future activities. Here, we determine the cumulative geoecological effects of 62 years (1949–2011) of infrastructure‐ and climate‐related changes in the Prudhoe Bay Oilfield, the oldest and most extensive industrial complex in the Arctic, and an area with extensive ice‐rich permafrost that is extraordinarily sensitive to climate change. We demonstrate that thermokarst has recently affected broad areas of the entire region, and that a sudden increase in the area affected began shortly after 1990 corresponding to a rapid rise in regional summer air temperatures and related permafrost temperatures. We also present a conceptual model that describes how infrastructure‐related factors, including road dust and roadside flooding are contributing to more extensive thermokarst in areas adjacent to roads and gravel pads. We mapped the historical infrastructure changes for the Alaska North Slope oilfields for 10 dates from the initial oil discovery in 1968–2011. By 2010, over 34% of the intensively mapped area was affected by oil development. In addition, between 1990 and 2001, coincident with strong atmospheric warming during the 1990s, 19% of the remaining natural landscapes (excluding areas covered by infrastructure, lakes and river floodplains) exhibited expansion of thermokarst features resulting in more abundant small ponds, greater microrelief, more active lakeshore erosion and increased landscape and habitat heterogeneity. This transition to a new geoecological regime will have impacts to wildlife habitat, local residents and industry.
Evaluation of sodium hypochlorite as a denture cleanser: a clinical study
Authors: de Sousa Porta Sheila Rodrigues , de Lucena‐Ferreira Sílvia Carneiro , da Silva Wander José , Del Bel Cury Altair Antoninha
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on biofilms, colour stability (ΔE) and surface roughness (Ra) of complete dentures and patient acceptability.

Background

Denture cleansers should be able to reduce the accumulation of biofilms without affecting the acrylic resin properties. Patient satisfaction is important to maintaining their daily use.

Materials and methods

Fifteen participants were instructed to keep their dentures immersed daily in a 0.5% NaOCl solution for 3 min over 90 days. Swabs were taken from dentures and inoculated on CHROMagar and blood agar. The number of colony‐forming units (cfu) was counted after a 48‐h incubation period. ΔE was assessed using the CIE L*a*b* system. Ra was measured using a profilometer. Patient acceptability was checked based on their degree of satisfaction. Cell counts, ΔE and Ra were analysed using anova, Friedman's and Kruskal–Wallis tests, respectively (α = 0.05).

Results

A significant reduction in the total number of microorganisms (p = 0.001) and Candida spp. was noticed. No significant differences were found for ΔE (p = 0.68) and for Ra (p = 0.47). The level of the patient satisfaction increased throughout the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

The 0.5% NaOCl solution was effective in reducing microorganisms without significant changes in colour or roughness of denture resin. The participants reported satisfaction with the cleaning results.
Valuing Casinos as a Local Amenity
Authors: Wenz Michael
Published: December 2013

This paper employs a Rosen–Roback model to evaluate the bottom line impact of casinos on quality of life and on business productivity in their local area. This approach provides a large practical improvement over the cost–benefit accounting style approach that dominates previous research on casino impacts. Additionally, this study extends the literature by distinguishing among casino types and finds different effects associated with Native American gaming, isolated non‐Native American gaming, and competitive gaming towns. Two‐stage least squares estimation suggests that casinos of all types do very little to affect household quality of life in either direction, although Native American casinos and gaming towns have generated positive business productivity effects. Isolated non‐Native American casinos have not generated productivity effects, but the analysis shows that they could generate positive productivity effects if they located in less densely populated areas and if they are of sufficient size.
Fission yeast IQGAP maintains F‐actin‐independent localization of myosin‐II in the contractile ring
Authors: Takaine Masak , Numata Osamu , Nakano Kentaro
Published: December 2013

During cytokinesis in many eukaryotic cells, myosin‐II concentrates at the equatorial cortex with actin filaments (F‐actin) and is supposed to generate forces to divide the cell into two, which is called the contractile ring (CR) hypothesis. Several lines of evidence indicate that the myosin‐II is recruited independently of F‐actin and interacts specifically with the equatorial F‐actin. Molecular details of these mechanisms are still unknown. We used the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe to investigate the regulation of myosin‐II localization. We demonstrate that the CR myosin‐II was composed of F‐actin‐dependent and ‐independent fractions by simultaneously observing F‐actin and myosin. The F‐actin‐independent fraction was visualized as cortical dots in the absence of F‐actin. IQGAP Rng2, an indispensable element of CR, was implicated in maintenance of the F‐actin‐independent fraction of myosin‐II, whereas anillin Mid1 was required for assembly but not for maintenance of the fraction. In the CR of the rng2 mutant, myosin‐II was less concentrated, unstable, and nonhomogeneous, which often resulted in cytokinesis failure. These results suggest that Rng2 tethers myosin‐II to the cortex along the CR independently of F‐actin to provide a sufficient concentration. The robust localization of myosin‐II would ensure successful cytokinesis.
Significance of healthy viscous dietary fibres on the performance of gluten‐free rice‐based formulated breads
Authors: Pérez‐Quirce Sandra , Collar Concha , Ronda Felicidad
Published: December 2013

The impact of associated viscous dietary fibres (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose semi‐firm – SFE‐ and weak – NE‐gel forming, and barley ß‐glucan, BBG) incorporated at different amounts (1.6–7.5%, flour basis) into gluten‐free rice‐based dough formulations on the breadmaking performance and staling behaviour of hydrated (70–110%, flour basis) fibre‐flour composite blends has been investigated. Single BBG addition fails to mimic gluten visco‐elasticity properly, but simultaneous incorporation of either SFE or NE contributes to bread improvement in terms of bigger volume and smoother crumb. 3.3 g of BBG (70% purity) and 104 mL of water addition to 100 g rice flour provided sensorially accepted breads (7.6/10) with a theoretical ß‐glucan content of 1.24 g per 100 g GF bread that would allow a daily ß‐glucan intake of 3 g provided a bread consumption of 240 g day−1. Complementary tests should be carried out to know the amount and molecular weight of ß‐glucan in the final bread before assuring the nutritional benefit of this addition.
Rheological properties and gel strength of Phaseolus lunatus protein/carboxymethylated flamboyant gum systems
Authors: Corzo‐Rios Luis Jorge , Solorza‐Feria Javier , Betancur‐Ancona David , Chel‐Guerrero Luis
Published: December 2013

The rheological behaviour and gel strength of hydrocolloid mixture systems (HMSs) of carboxymethylated flamboyant gum (CFG) with protein hydrolysates (PHs) of Phaseolus lunatus were examined to evaluate the influence of the protein/polysaccharide ratio (2:1 and 3:1), pH (3 and 9) and concentration of solids, according to a 23 factorial design. The protein concentrate of P. lunatus was hydrolysed with pepsin–pancreatin enzymes. The flow curve results were fitted to the Ostwald–de Waele model. The flow behaviour index (0.66–0.78) for all conditions studied was indicative of the shear‐thinning behaviour. For the HMS, the consistency index (k) values ranged from 0.4 Pa sn to 1.2 Pa sn. The analyses of variance showed that the ratio of PH/CFG and pH were the main variables that had significant effect on k values (P < 0.05). Only PH system presented a weak gel‐like viscoelastic behaviour. Both functional properties were affected by the protein degree of hydrolysis (DH).
Physical and chemical properties of encapsulated rosemary essential oil by spray drying using whey protein–inulin blends as carriers
Authors: Fernandes Regiane Victória de Barros , Borges Soraia Vilela , Botrel Diego Alvarenga , Oliveira Cassiano Rodrigues de
Published: December 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of whey protein isolate (WPI) and inulin blends on the properties of rosemary essential oil microencapsulated by spray drying. The following ratios (w/w) of WPI to inulin were evaluated: 1:1, 1:3 and 3:1. Increasing the WPI concentration increased the particle instantanisation times and decreased the moisture content. The samples did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in hygroscopicity and porosity. The microcapsules produced at higher inulin concentration showed the highest bulk density and tapped density and were significantly different from other treatments. WPI/inulin blends of 1:1 and 3:1 proved to be effective carriers to entrap rosemary essential oil. The encapsulated oil composition in particles proved to be quite similar to pure oil, and no interaction between wall matrix and encapsulated oil was demonstrated. The analysis of particle size distribution revealed that the particle size varied from 11.5 to 11.9 μm and that all samples had an amorphous structure.
Mycobacterium mimicking metastatic melanoma
Authors: Teh R.‐W. , Feeney K. , Francis R. J. , Phillips M. , Millward M. J.
Published: December 2013

We present three patients with lung nodules with an antecedent history of primary cutaneous melanoma or metastasis of melanoma to extrathoracic lymph nodes. Based on radiological findings, it was suspected that these patients had metastatic disease. Subsequent investigations confirmed the cause of the nodules was non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infection. We discuss the similarities in symptoms and radiological features between atypical mycobacterial infections and metastatic disease and why a biopsy is important prior to planning a patient's treatment.
Product information for generic drugs: old, unloved and sometimes unsafe
Authors: Doogue M. P. , Thynne T. R. J.
Published: December 2013

Product information is often at odds with current evidence and guidelines and inconsistent between products and within classes. There is no single ‘owner’ responsible for up‐to‐date medicines product information. Outdated product information increases the risk of inappropriate prescribing.
Adoptive immunotherapy with genetically modified lymphocytes in allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Cieri Nicoletta , Mastaglio Sara , Oliveira Giacomo , Casucci Monica , Bondanza Attilio , Bonini Chiara
Published: December 2013

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a healthy donor (allo‐HSCT) represents the most potent form of cellular adoptive immunotherapy to treat malignancies. In allo‐HSCT, donor T cells are double edge‐swords: highly potent against residual tumor cells, but potentially highly toxic, and responsible for graft versus host disease (GVHD), a major clinical complication of transplantation. Gene transfer technologies coupled with current knowledge on cancer immunology have generated a wide range of approaches aimed at fostering the immunological response to cancer cells, while avoiding or controlling GVHD. In this review, we discuss cell and gene therapy approaches currently tested in preclinical models and in clinical trials.
The use of endogenous T cells for adoptive transfer
Authors: Yee Cassian
Published: December 2013

Adoptive T‐cell therapy involves the ex vivo enrichment and expansion of tumor‐reactive T cells for infusion. As an immune‐based approach, adoptive therapy has become an increasingly attractive modality for the treatment of patients with cancer due to its potential for high specificity, non‐cross resistance with conventional therapies, and promise of long‐term immunoprotection. In recent years, a resurgence in discoveries underlying T‐cell recognition, tumor immune evasion, and T‐cell memory and differentiation coupled with the development of several enabling technologies have facilitated a renewed focus in the field of adoptive therapy and its transition to the clinical arena as a treatment modality for patients with cancer. In this review, endogenous T cells derived from peripheral blood or tumor sites will be presented as a source of effector cells for adoptive therapy and strategies to isolate, manipulate, and enhance the function of antigen‐specific T cells in vitro and to augment their in vivo efficacy and persistence by host immunomodulation are presented in the context of an ever‐increasing inventory of preclinical and clinically available reagents. Optimizing the combination of adoptive cellular therapy and other immune‐based and conventional approaches will herald a new generation of research and clinical opportunities for cancer immunotherapy.
Re‐adapting T cells for cancer therapy: from mouse models to clinical trials
Authors: Stromnes Ingunn M. , Schmitt Thomas M. , Chapuis Aude G. , Hingorani Sunil R. , Greenberg Philip D.
Published: December 2013

Adoptive T‐cell therapy involves the isolation, expansion, and reinfusion of T lymphocytes with a defined specificity and function as a means to eradicate cancer. Our research has focused on specifying the requirements for tumor eradication with antigen‐specific T cells and T cells transduced to express a defined T‐cell receptor (TCR) in mouse models and then translating these strategies to clinical trials. Our design of T‐cell‐based therapy for cancer has reflected efforts to identify the obstacles that limit sustained effector T‐cell activity in mice and humans, design approaches to enhance T‐cell persistence, develop methods to increase TCR affinity/T‐cell functional avidity, and pursue strategies to overcome tolerance and immunosuppression. With the advent of genetic engineering, a highly functional population of T cells can now be rapidly generated and tailored for the targeted malignancy. Preclinical studies in faithful and informative mouse models, in concert with knowledge gained from analyses of successes and limitations in clinical trials, are shaping how we continue to develop, refine, and broaden the applicability of this approach for cancer therapy.
Territory quality affects the relative importance of habitat heterogeneity and interference competition in a long‐lived territorial songbird
Authors: Grünkorn Thomas , Potiek Astrid , Looft Volker , Jonker Rudy M. , Chakarov Nayden , Krüger Oliver
Published: December 2013

Density‐dependent reproduction is commonly explained by either the habitat heterogeneity (HHH) or individual adjustment (IAH) hypothesis. Under the HHH, high quality territories are assumed to be occupied first. At higher density, occupation of low‐quality territories increases due to lower availability of high‐quality territories, which reduces mean reproductive success. Alternatively, the IAH assumes that increased competition at higher densities reduces reproductive success in all territories. For birds of prey, HHH plays an important role in territorial species, and IAH in socially breeding species. To test the generality of this hypothesis, we studied the mechanism behind density dependence in raven Corvus corax, a long‐lived passerine bird, using long‐term population data from a large number of territories.

Population density decreased reproduction, which was explained by increased usage of low quality territories at higher density, supporting the HHH. Density reduced reproduction in low quality territories, but not in high and intermediate quality territories. We additionally compared the explanatory power of different models describing brood size, representing IAH, HHH, or a combination of both. The best model represented a combination of both hypotheses, in which the effect of density depended on territory quality. Our conclusion that both IAH and HHH are supported can be explained by the biology of ravens, where territorial adults not only experience interference competition with other territorial adults, but also with social groups of juveniles and floaters. We conclude that the relative importance of IAH and HHH may depend on variation in territory quality and social structure.
Influence of ecosystem engineers on ecosystem processes is mediated by lake sediment properties
Authors: Nogaro Geraldine , Steinman Alan D.
Published: December 2013

Invasive species may impact biotic community structure, ecosystem processes, and associated goods and services. Their impact may be especially strong when they also serve as ecosystem engineers (i.e. organisms affecting the physical habitat and resources for other species). Dreissenid mussels fill both these roles, having invaded the Laurentian Great Lakes in the late 1980s, and also serve as ecosystem engineers by altering nutrient fluxes and influencing the microbial food web through direct nutrient release and excretion of feces and pseudo‐feces at the water–sediment interface. We conducted laboratory experiments to investigate how the different functional traits of invasive quagga mussels (filtering activity and direct nutrient release) and native chironomid larvae (tube building and bioirrigation) interact with lake sediment of differing organic matter content to influence biogeochemical fluxes and water quality. Our results showed that sediment reworking and ventilation activities by chironomid larvae increased oxygen penetration in the sediment, affecting primarily pore water chemistry, whereas invasive mussels enhanced nutrient releases in the surface water. However, sediment organic matter modulated the effects of ecosystem engineers on system‐level processes; chironomids had a greater influence on sediment reworking and microbial‐mediated processes in organic‐rich sediments, whereas quagga mussels enhanced nutrient concentrations in the overlying water of organic‐poor sediments. These results have management implications, as the effects of invasive mussels on the biogeochemical functioning in the Great Lakes region and elsewhere can alter system bioenergetics and promote harmful algal blooms.
Structural Investigation and Functional Properties of MgxNi1−xFe2O4 Ferrites
Authors: Airimioaei Mirela , Palamaru Mircea‐Nicolae , Iordan Alexandra Raluca , Berthet Patrick , Decorse Claudia , Curecheriu Lavinia , Mitoseriu Liliana
Published: December 2013

The preparation, structural, microstructural, dielectric, and low temperature magnetic properties of MgxNi1−xFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.17, 0.34, 0.50, 0.66, 0.83, 1) ferrites synthesized by using a self‐combustion sol–gel method is presented. Good insulating properties were found for all the compositions at high frequencies (kHz and MHz range), which might drive the present ceramics as interesting for RF/microwaves applications. By increasing the Mg2+ concentration, the total resistivity strongly increases (from ~106 Ωm for the Ni ferrite to 109 Ωm for the Mg ferrite), corresponding to conductivities in the range 10−9–10−6 S/m at f = 1 Hz. Typical ferrimagnetic character with a small coercivity and saturation magnetization in the range (30–50) Am2/kg, which slightly decreases with increasing the Mg content, were found. On the basis of the combined results from the infrared spectroscopy and XRD analysis, it was shown that the magnetic properties depend on the Mg2+ ions distribution on the octahedral and tetrahedral sites and the experimental saturation magnetization allowed to compute the cation distribution for the MgxNi1−xFe2O4 ferrites.