bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutational analysis of DNMT3A gene in acute leukemias and common solid cancers
Authors: Kim Min S. , Kim Yoo R. , Yoo Nam J. , Lee Sug H.
Published: July 2012

DNMT3A, a DNA methyltransferase that functions for de novo methylation, is important in development and many cellular processes related to tumorigenesis. Somatic mutations of
DNMT3A
gene, including recurrent mutations in its Arg‐882, were recently reported in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), strongly suggesting its role in development of AML. To see whether
DNMT3A
mutation occurs in other malignancies as well, we analyzed
DNMT3A
in 916 cancer tissues from 401 hematologic malignancies (AML, acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL), multiple myelomas and lymphomas) and 515 carcinomas (lung, breast, prostate, colorectal and gastric carcinomas) using a single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) assay. We identified
DNMT3A
mutations, especially the Arg‐882 mutations, in adulthood AML (9.4%). In addition, we found
DNMT3A
mutations in pre‐B‐ALL and three lung cancers at lower frequencies. Allelic loss of
DNMT3A
was frequently observed in most cancer types analyzed, including lymphomas (48.1%), gastric cancers (23.5%) and lung cancers (18.3%) irrespective of
DNMT3A
mutation. Also, loss of DNMT3A expression was common in lung cancers (46.4%), and was associated with the allelic loss. Our data indicate that
DNMT3A
gene is mutated mainly in AML, but it occurs in other cancers, such as ALL and lung cancer, despite the lower incidences. Also, the data suggest that DNMT3A is altered in many cancer types by various ways, including somatic mutations, allelic loss and loss of expression that might play roles in tumorigenesis.
Greater flamingo colonies around the Mediterranean form a single interbreeding population and share a common history
Authors: Geraci Julia , Béchet Arnaud , Cézilly Frank , Ficheux Sébastien , Baccetti Nicola , Samraoui Boudjema , Wattier Rémi
Published: July 2012

The greater flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus is a long‐lived colonial waterbird species, characterized by a large range encompassing three continents, a very limited number of breeding sites, and high dispersal abilities. We investigated both the phylogeographic history and the contemporary extent of genetic differentiation between eight different Mediterranean breeding colonies of greater flamingos sampled between 1995 and 2009, using both mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers. We found no significant differences in allelic richness or private allelic richness in relation to colony size. Overall, no genetic population differentiation was detected using either mitochondrial or microsatellite markers. F‐statistics and Bayesian clustering methods did not support any significant genetic structure. Analysis of both mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites indicated that populations have undergone a bottleneck followed by rapid growth and expansion. The average time since expansion was estimated to be 696 421 yr (90% CI: 526 316–1 131 579 yr). We discuss our results in relation to both the possible historical events accounting for the present genetic structure and relevance to conservation and management of the species.
Relationships between oral diseases and impacts on Thai schoolchildren's quality of life: Evidence from a Thai national oral health survey of 12‐ and 15‐year‐olds
Authors: Krisdapong Sudaduang , Prasertsom Piyada , Rattanarangsima Khanit , Sheiham Aubrey
Published: July 2012

Objectives

To assess the associations between oral disease and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a nationally representative sample of 12‐ and 15‐year‐old Thai populations.

Methods

The study was part of Thailand National Oral Health Survey. Data on oral diseases using WHO criteria and OHRQoL using the Child‐Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (Child‐OIDP) for 12‐year‐olds and Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) indexes for 15‐year‐olds were collected from 1063 12‐year‐olds and 811 15‐year‐olds. The associations of oral diseases and OHRQoL and perceived dental need were investigated using logistic regression models.

Results

Of 81.7% of 12‐year‐olds and 83.2% of 15‐year‐olds had impacts on OHRQoL. For both age groups, gingivitis was the most common oral disease (79.3% in 12‐year‐olds, 81.5% in 15‐year‐olds). Oral impacts were significantly associated with high levels of untreated decay. Perceived dental needs were significantly associated with untreated decay and extensive gingivitis for both age groups, and with calculus for 12‐year‐olds. Having decayed teeth was statistically associated with impacts on relaxing, emotion and study for both age groups. Gingivitis and calculus were significantly associated with impacts on smiling, study and social contact in 12‐year‐olds, and with impacts on smiling in 15‐year‐olds.

Conclusions

Gingivitis was the most common oral disease whereas dental caries affected children's quality of life most. Dental caries impacted on various daily life performances while gingivitis and calculus related to psychosocial aspects in 12‐year‐olds.
Innate immunity and the regulation and mobilization of keratinocyte stem cells: are the old players playing a new game?
Authors: Singh Ashok , Morris Rebecca J.
Published: July 2012

The skin provides an anatomical barrier to physical, chemical and biological agents. Hence, it is not surprising that it has well‐developed innate immunity. What we find surprising is that the CD49f+/CD34+ hair follicle stem cells should have an enriched expression profile of so many genes involved in innate immunity. Do these stem cells require extra protection from environmental insults? Or, could there be a new role for these genes? To probe these questions, we first summarize the roles of some key players in epidermal innate immunity. We next focus on their expression in CD49f+/CD34+ hair follicle stem cells. Then, we consider recent data suggesting a new role for these ‘old players’ in the regulation and mobilization of haematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells. Finally, we hypothesize that the ‘old players’ in these hair follicle stem cells may be playing a ‘new game’.
Invariant scaling relationship between functional dissimilarity and co‐occurrence in fish assemblages of the Patos Lagoon estuary (Brazil): environmental filtering consistently overshadows competitive exclusion
Authors: Mouchet Maud A. , Burns Marcelo D. M. , Garcia Alexandre M. , Vieira João P. , Mouillot David
Published: July 2012

Determining how assembly rules (e.g. limiting similarity, environmental filtering and neutrality) shape community structure along environmental gradients and across spatial scales is still controversial. The study of functional relationships between coexisting species may help to disentangle among these assembly rules. Here, we compared pairwise functional dissimilarities between fish species to their corresponding pairwise co‐occurrences. Fish assemblages (n = 835) were sampled monthly in Patos‐Mirim system (Brazil) using both bottom trawling and beach seining. Species occurrences were recorded and functional traits related to locomotion and food acquisition were measured on several individuals from each species. The region studied was divided in two areas corresponding to each side of a floodgate located in São Gonçalo Channel: a freshwater channel up the floodgate and, down the floodgate, the Patos Lagoon estuary. The relationship between functional dissimilarity and co‐occurrence between species pairs was assessed using quantile regressions for each month and at different spatial scales. Overall, quantile regression coefficients between functional dissimilarities (either based on locomotion types or feeding habits) and co‐occurrence values were negative, suggesting that co‐occurrence increases with functional redundancy regardless of spatial scale. Our results support the assumption that environmental filters have more influence than biotic interactions on the structure of fish assemblages even locally.
Retromer Regulates Postendocytic Sorting of β‐Secretase in Polarized Madin–Darby Canine Kidney Cells
Authors: Cuartero Yasmina , Mellado Maravillas , Capell Anja , Álvarez‐Dolado Manuel , Verges Marcel
Published: July 2012

β‐Amyloid (Aβ) peptides are generated from the successive proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the β‐APP cleaving enzyme (BACE or β‐secretase) and the γ‐secretase complex. Initial cleavage of APP by BACE leads into the amyloidogenic pathway, causing or exacerbating Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, their intracellular traffic can determine how easily and frequently BACE has access to and cleaves APP. Here, we have used polarized Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells stably expressing APP and BACE to examine the regulation of their polarized trafficking by retromer, a protein complex previously implicated in their endosome‐to‐Golgi transport. Our data show that retromer interacts with BACE and regulates its postendocytic sorting in polarized MDCK cells. Depleting retromer, inhibiting retromer function, or preventing BACE interaction with retromer, alters trafficking of BACE, which thereby increases its localization in the early endocytic compartment. As a result, this slows endocytosis of apically localized BACE, promoting its recycling and apical‐to‐basolateral transcytosis, which increases APP/BACE interaction and subsequent cleavage of APP toward generation and secretion of Aβ peptides.
Children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial comparing hospital versus home‐based care
Authors: Tiberg Irén , Katarina Steen Carlsson , Carlsson Annelie , Hallström Inger
Published: July 2012

Aim:  To compare two different regimens for children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes: hospital‐based care or hospital‐based home care (HBHC), referring to specialist care in a home‐based setting.

Method:  The trial took place in Sweden with a randomized controlled design and included 60 children, aged 3–15 years. After 2–3 days with hospital‐based care, children were randomized to either continued hospital‐based care or to HBHC for 6 days. The primary outcome was the child’s metabolic control after 2 years. Secondary outcomes were set to evaluate the family and child situation as well as the healthcare services. This article presents data 6 months after diagnosis.

Results:  Results showed equivalence between groups in terms of metabolic control, insulin dose, parents’ employment and working hours as well as parents’ and significant others’ absence from work related to the child’s diabetes. Parents in the HBHC were more satisfied with the received health care and showed less subsequent healthcare resource use. The level of risk for the family’s psychosocial distress assessed at diagnosis was associated with the subsequent use of resources, but not with metabolic control.

Conclusion:  HBHC was found to be an equally safe and effective way of providing care as hospital‐based care at the onset of type 1 diabetes for children who are medically stable.
Association of food allergy with asthma severity and atopic diseases in Jewish and Arab adolescents
Authors: Graif Yael , German Larissa , Livne Irit , Shohat Tamy
Published: July 2012

Aim:  To investigate the prevalence of reported food allergy and its association with atopic diseases and asthma severity among Jewish and Arab adolescents.

Subjects and methods:  The self‐report questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was administered to adolescents aged 13–14 years from randomly selected junior high schools in Israel. Questions regarding food allergy were added.

Results:  A total of 11 171 questionnaires were available for analysis. Food allergy was reported by 3.6% of participants: 1.9% milk, 0.6% egg, 0.6% peanut and 0.4% sesame. On multivariate analysis, food allergy was strongly associated with current asthma (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.8–3.3), atopic eczema (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.4–4.3) and allergic rhinitis (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.8–3.1). Arabs were significantly more allergic to peanut (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.5–4.1), egg (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 2.1–5.9) and sesame (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2–4.5) than Jews, and less allergic to milk (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4–0.9). Asthmatic subjects with food allergy had significantly more parameters of severe asthma than those without food allergy (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:  The prevalence of allergy to specific foods differs between Jews and Arabs. Asthmatic adolescents with food allergy report more severe asthma than those without food allergy.
A dose–response relationship between fish consumption and human milk DHA content among Filipino women in Cebu City, Philippines
Authors: Quinn EA , Kuzawa CW
Published: July 2012

Aims:  Human milk is the primary source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for most infants, an important fatty acid for neurological development. Milk DHA is largely incorporated from the maternal diet. Little is known about whether milk DHA varies within populations with differences in maternal fish consumption. Here, we investigate this association in a sample of marginally nourished Filipino women.

Methods:  Milk samples were collected during in‐home interviews with 117 lactating Filipino mothers from Cebu City, Philippines, nursing infants <24 months of age. Anthropometric data and dietary recalls were also collected. Samples were analysed for total fatty acid composition using gas chromatography. Multivariate regression was used to test the association between fish consumption and milk DHA.

Results:  Milk DHA showed a positive, dose–response relationship with maternal fish consumption (p < 0.011, r2 = 0.21). Milk DHA was also positively related to protein intake, likely reflecting the association between fish and protein intake (p < 0.009). Unlike prior studies, parity predicted increased milk DHA (p = 0.03).

Conclusions:  Increasing fish consumption during lactation may be a cost‐effective means of maximizing DHA delivery to infants particularly in populations with marginal energy intakes during lactation. However, this must be weighed against the potential dangers of increasing exposure to fish‐based pollutants.
Inflatable Penile Prosthesis and Salvage Protocol for Mechanical Failure: Is it Really Necessary?
Authors: Bartley Jamie , Zimmerman W. Britt , Dhabuwala Chirpriya B.
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Penile prosthesis patients with mechanical failure who wish continued treatment require device removal and replacement. Infection rates as high as 18% have been reported for procedures involving replacement of malfunctioning penile prosthesis compared with 2% for primary implantation.

Aim

The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of patients who have had a penile prosthesis replacement for mechanical failure to determine if those who had a mini-salvage washout procedure had better outcomes than those who did not.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis replacement for mechanical failure from 1997 to 2010. Demographics, past medical history, reason for device failure, type of device, time from original implantation to failure, operative details, culture results, and follow-up data were analyzed.

Main Outcome Measures

Infection rates for penile implant revisions with and without mini-salvage washout.

Results

Forty-two patients underwent a mini-salvage procedure for mechanical failure and 87 patients underwent standard sterile replacement. There were no infections in the mini-salvage group and two (2.3%) in the standard sterile group (P = 1.00). In patients with culture data available, two patients in each group had coagulase negative staphylococcus on culture, but none of these patients developed an infection. One patient who developed an infection had an intraoperative culture, which revealed no growth. The other patient with an infection did not undergo intraoperative culture testing. Operating room (OR) time was longer with the mini-salvage procedure (156 ± 36 minutes vs. 131 ± 31 minutes, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Performing a mini-salvage procedure for patients undergoing penile prosthesis replacement for mechanical failure adds to operative time but did not significantly change the infection rate and may not be indicated. Furthermore, intraoperative culture results were not predictive of postoperative infection.
The Therapeutic Role of VEGF-Expressing Muscle-Derived Stem Cells in Acute Penile Cavernosal Injury
Authors: An Geng , Ji Chenyang , Wei Zhe , Chen Hao , Zhang Jinming
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Traumatic penile injury is one of the urological emergencies. Surgery and conservative management are major treatment methods but are always accompanied by many complications.

Aim

To investigate the feasibility of repairing cavernous tissues in acute rabbit penile cavernosal injury model with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-expressing muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs).

Methods

MDSCs were isolated and transfected with hVEGF165 lentiviral gene vector in vitro. The expression of VEGF was confirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. After animal models were constructed, animals were randomly divided into four groups, which were administrated with MDSCs/VEGF, MDSCs/vector, MDSCs, and normal saline, respectively. A month later, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intracavernosal pressures (ICP) were performed on the animals. Then penile tissues were harvested and assayed with Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

Main Outcome Measures

Real-time PCR, Western blot, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, MRI, and ICP were performed in our experiments.

Results

The expression of VEGF significantly increased in the VEGF-expressing MDSCs group compared with those in the MDSCs/vector and MDSCs groups. VEGF protein expression in the injury sites of cavernous tissues were significantly higher in the MDSCs/VEGF group compared with those in other three groups. Immunohistochemical staining showed that α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells, von Willebrand factor-positive cells and capillary density markedly increased in the MDSCs/VEGF group. Animals receiving MDSCs/VEGF showed a significant improvement in cavernosal contractile function and structural repair.

Conclusions

The transplantation of VEGF-expressing MDSCs could repair the actuely injured cavernous tissue. We believed that it could be a novel therapeutic strategy for acute rabbit penile cavernosal injury.
Autism and the Cognitive Processing Triad: A Case for Revising the Criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
Authors: Cashin Andrew , Gallagher Hilary , Newman Claire , Hughes Mark
Published: July 2012

TOPIC:  The next iteration of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is due for release in May 2013. The current diagnostic criteria for autism are based on a behavioral triad of impairment, which has been helpful for diagnosis and identifying the need for intervention, but is not useful with regard to developing interventions. Revised diagnostic criteria are needed to better inform research and therapeutic intervention.

PURPOSE:  This article examines the research underpinning the behavioral triad of impairment to consider alternative explanations and a more useful framing for diagnosis and intervention.

SOURCES:  Contemporary research and literature on autism were used in this study.

CONCLUSIONS:  It is proposed that the cognitive processing triad of impaired abstraction, impaired theory of mind, and impaired linguistic processing become the triad of impairment for autism in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. These are investigable at the diagnostic level and can usefully inform intervention. Further, in addressing the debate on whether restrictive and repetitive behavior should remain central to diagnosis or be replaced by a deficit in imagination, the authors argue that both behavioral manifestations are underpinned by impaired abstraction.
Edge Effects Act Differentially on Multiple Early Regeneration Stages of a Shade‐tolerant Tree Tapirira mexicana
Authors: Sugiyama Anna , Peterson Chris J.
Published: July 2012

Forest fragmentation is pervasive in tropical landscapes, and one pathway by which fragmentation may negatively impact populations is via edge effects. Early life‐stages are particularly important for species regeneration as they act as bottlenecks, but how edge effects may act differentially on different life‐stages is unknown. This study evaluated edge effects on multiple early life‐stages of a currently common animal‐dispersed, shade‐tolerant tree Tapirira mexicana (Anacardiaceae). The study was conducted in tropical premontane wet forest fragments in a highly deforested region of Costa Rica. The stages assessed were pre‐dispersal predation, primary dispersal, post‐dispersal predation, secondary dispersal, ex situ germination, in situ seed longevity, first and second year seedling abundance, second year seedling survivorship, and basal diameter growth. Results showed that impacts of edge effects were not equal across stages, but were limited to specific stages and times. One stage which may act as a bottleneck for species regeneration was pre‐dispersal predation. Over 60 percent of the seeds were predated by larvae, and predation was higher near the edge than interior habitat. Seeds lost viability within 10 d in the forest. Germination to first year seedling stage was also lower near edges, but such effect was eliminated within a year after that. Primary dispersal, seedling survivorship, and growth were not affected by proximity to edges, and both secondary dispersal and post‐dispersal predation were rare. This study demonstrates that current population abundance may not guarantee future species persistence and the importance of considering multiple life‐stages for a comprehensive assessment of forest fragmentation effects on species regeneration.
Functional Roles of Centridini Oil Bees and Malpighiaceae Oil Flowers in Biome‐wide Pollination Networks
Authors: Mello Marco A. R. , Bezerra Elisângela L. S. , Machado Isabel C.
Published: June 2012

Interactions between oil‐collecting bees and oil‐producing flowers are a very specialized mutualism, whose natural history is well known at the organism and population levels. In this study, we assessed these interactions at the biome level with a network approach, and hypothesized that widespread bee and plant species would occupy different ecological functional roles (Eltonian niches) in different biomes. Furthermore, we expected the most important functional roles in each network to be occupied more frequently by
Byrsonima oil flowers and Centris oil bees, which share the longest coevolutionary history in the Neotropics. By compiling data from 40 articles on oil flower interactions within the Malpighiaceae family, we built six networks for different Brazilian biomes. We assessed the ecological functional role of each species in pollination networks of oil flowers through the metric known as ‘network functional role’. Although 90 percent of the species occupied peripheral roles in each network, some were found to occupy highly central roles. Oil flowers of the genera
Byrsonima and
Banisteriopsis and oil bees of the genera
Centris and
Epicharis were the most important species in all networks, as they made a disproportionally high number of interactions (hubs), or helped bind together different modules (connectors). Our findings suggest that functional roles vary geographically and seem to be affected by local conditions in different biomes. Furthermore, coevolutionary history seems to play an important role in determining functional roles in oil flower networks, although other factors are probably also important, especially the degree of specialization in this kind of interaction.
MEASURING CHILDREN'S FOOD PREFERENCES: USING PICTURES IN A COMPUTERIZED CONJOINT ANALYSIS
Authors: OLSEN A. , KILDEGAARD H. , GABRIELSEN G. , THYBO A.K. , MØLLER P.
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study is to investigate if children's food preferences can be reliable measured by using pictures of foods presented on a computer screen in a conjoint layout. We investigate reproducibility (test–retest) and infer validity by comparison with traditional hedonic evaluations of tangible products and a choice test. In total, 300 children from schools in Copenhagen participated in the study. Two product cases were included: 32 buns and 8 juices. Pictures of the products were presented and evaluated on a computer screen using a conjoint layout. Right after the test, four buns and two juices (tangible products), chosen to span the preference spectrum, were hedonically evaluated for appearance and taste. Finally, an actual product choice was performed by having the children choose between two buns and two juices. Results showed that the computer evaluations with pictures of foods provided reproducible information about the children's visual food preferences, which were in concordance with both hedonic measures and products choices, and can thus be considered valid.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The paper describes a new combination of methods for measuring food preferences in children using pictures of foods manipulated on visually apparent product attributes in a computerized conjoint layout. Results were reproducible, and products choices performed in the picture‐based computer program were in concordance with hedonic evaluations of appearance and taste, as well as actual product choices of tangible products. Thus, using pictures in a computerized conjoint analysis facilitates fast and reliable measurement of food preferences in children and enables direct evaluation of the impact of individual product attributes. The method is easy and inexpensive to use, requires little time and effort from participants, is suitable for online testing and can quickly be applied to high numbers of participants.
Comprehensive Assessment for Autonomic Dysfunction in Different Phases after Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Xiong Li , Leung Howan H. W. , Chen Xiang Yan , Han Jing Hao , Leung Thomas W. H. , Soo Yannie O. Y. , Chan Anne Y. Y. , Lau Alexander Y. L. , Wong Lawrence K. S.
Published: July 2012

Background and purpose

Studies mostly use the analysis of heart rate variability to measure cardiovascular autonomic regulation in ischemic stroke. Besides power spectral analysis of heart rate variability, this study sought to determine whether autonomic function was impaired during different phases in ischemic stroke by Ewing's battery of autonomic function tests.

Methods

Ninety-four patients with ischemic stroke (34 patients in acute phase and 60 patients in chronic phase, average six-months after stroke onset) and thirty-seven elderly controls were recruited. Ewing's battery autonomic function tests and power spectral analysis of heart rate variability were performed in all the subjects.

Results

From power spectral analysis of heart rate variability, stroke patients of both acute and chronic phases had significantly lower low frequency power spectral density than controls. From Ewing's battery of autonomic function tests, patients in acute phase showed impairment in two parasympathetic tests (Valsalva ratio: P = 0·002; heart rate response to deep breathing: P < 0·001) and those in chronic phase showed impairment in all parasympathetic tests (all P < 0·05) in comparison with controls.

Conclusions

The comprehensive assessment indicates that autonomic dysfunction occurs in acute phase of ischemic stroke and may persist up to six-months after stroke. Parasympathetic dysfunction rather than sympathetic dysfunction is predominant after ischemic stroke.
The Benefit of Hypothermia in Experimental Ischemic Stroke is Not Affected by Pethidine
Authors: Sena Emily S. , Jeffreys Amy L. , Cox Susan F. , Sastra Stephen A. , Churilov Leonid , Rewell Sarah , Batchelor Peter E. , van der Worp H. Bart , Macleod Malcolm R. , Howells David W.
Published: July 2012

Background

Hypothermia is a promising experimental treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Human trials are still at an early stage, with the focus now on using hypothermia in awake patients. Pethidine (meperidine) is the principle agent used to control shivering in humans; however, whether it has any modulating effects on the neuroprotective efficacy of hypothermia is unknown.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine if pethidine influences the neuroprotective effect of hypothermia in experimental stroke.

Methods

Seventy-two male spontaneously hypertensive rats were anesthetized with isoflurane and randomly assigned to either normothermia (37·4°C rectal temperature); hypothermia (33°C maintained for 130 mins); normothermia plus pethidine (2·5 mg/kg); or hypothermia plus pethidine. Temporary (90 mins) endovascular occlusion of the middle cerebral artery was induced blinded to treatment allocation and was confirmed with laser Doppler flowmetry. Pethidine and cooling were started immediately after vessel occlusion. Animals in the normothermia group had active temperature management using a heat lamp and fan. Assessments of outcome were carried out 24 after the induction of injury.

Results

Thirteen animals met our prespecified criteria for exclusion, and data for 59 rats were presented here. Hypothermia was associated with a 63% reduction in infarct size, and pethidine had no significant impact on the efficacy of hypothermia. No effects were observed in neurobehavioral outcome or edema volume across experimental groups.

Conclusions

The effects of hypothermia in a model of focal ischemia are not affected by administration of pethidine.
Trauma Patients Over‐Triaged to Helicopter Transport in an Established Midwestern State Trauma System
Authors: Smith Hayden L. , Sidwell Richard A.
Published: July 2012

Purpose: To characterize helicopter transport use in a mature Midwestern trauma system located in a low population density state, examine characteristics of patients over‐triaged to helicopter transport, and determine predictors of over‐triage to helicopter transport.

Methods: A retrospective observational study conducted using State Trauma Registry data for years 2008‐2009. Study sample included patients with medical helicopter transportation. Bivariate analyses compared patients defined and not defined as over‐triaged to helicopter transport. Multivariate regression was used to determine predictors of over‐triage.

Findings: Of the 2,084 helicopter‐transported study patients, 552 (26%) were defined as over‐triaged. Differences in patients based on over‐triaged status included race, age, injury mechanism, injury type, and injury intent (P < .05). Multivariate‐based significant predictors of over‐triage were transfer status, patient age, and injury mechanism (P= .0223; <.0001; and .0007, respectively). Patients transported from scene had a greater odds (OR: 1.29; 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 1.60) of being over‐triaged to helicopter transport than interfacility transfers. Younger patients were also more likely to be over‐triaged. Interactions between patient age and injury mechanism demonstrated varied likelihoods for over‐triage. Younger patients injured in falls were more likely over‐triaged than younger patients injured in a motor vehicle crash or by other non‐fall causes.

Conclusion: Study data showed over‐triage to helicopter transport was substantial in a mature trauma system. It is recommended that trauma systems develop and monitor compliance with criteria for appropriate use of air medical transport. These actions can assist in refinements to prehospital and interfacility transfer protocols.
Flavonoids and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Galleano Monica , Calabro Valeria , Prince Paula D. , Litterio María C. , Piotrkowski Barbara , Vazquez‐Prieto Marcela A. , Miatello Roberto M. , Oteiza Patricia I. , Fraga Cesar G.
Published: July 2012

Increasing evidence indicates that several mechanisms, associated or not with antioxidant actions, are involved in the effects of flavonoids on health. Flavonoid‐rich beverages, foods, and extracts, as well as pure flavonoids are studied for the prevention and/or amelioration of metabolic syndrome (MS) and MS‐associated diseases. We summarize evidence linking flavonoid consumption with the risk factors defining MS: obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Nevertheless, a number of molecular mechanisms have been identified; the effects of flavonoids modifying major endpoints of MS are still inconclusive. These difficulties are explained by the complex relationships among the risk factors defining MS, the multiple biological targets controlling these risk factors, and the high number of flavonoids (including their metabolites) present in the diet and potentially responsible for the in vivo effects. Consequently, extensive basic and clinical research is warranted to assess the final relevance of flavonoids for MS.
Rottlerin and curcumin: a comparative analysis
Authors: Maioli Emanuela , Torricelli Claudia , Valacchi Giuseppe
Published: July 2012

Rottlerin and curcumin are natural plant polyphenols with a long tradition in folk medicine. Over the past two decades, curcumin has been extensively investigated, while rottlerin has received much less attention, in part, as a consequence of its reputation as a selective PKCδ inhibitor. A comparative analysis of genomic, proteomic, and cell signaling studies revealed that rottlerin and curcumin share a number of targets and have overlapping effects on many biological processes. Both molecules, indeed, modulate the activity and/or expression of several enzymes (PKCδ, heme oxygenase, DNA methyltransferase, cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase) and transcription factors (NF‐κB, STAT), and prevent aggregation of different amyloid precursors (α‐synuclein, amyloid Aβ, prion proteins, lysozyme), thereby exhibiting convergent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiamyloid actions. Like curcumin, rottlerin could be a promising candidate in the fight against a variety of human diseases.
Experimental basis for discriminating between thermal and athermal effects of water‐filtered infrared A irradiation
Authors: Jung Tobias , Grune Tilman
Published: July 2012

Considering the widespread application of water‐filtered infrared A (wIRA) irradiation in medicine, cosmetics, and wellness, we have conluded that the biological effects of this electromagnetic spectrum, ranging from 780 nm to 1400 nm, have become an important focus of experimental research. Two main effects of wIRA on single cells are discussed: thermal effects, caused by absorption of energy by cellular water and the aqueous medium surrounding the irradiated sample that result in warming, and supposed athermal effects that result from a direct interaction of wIRA with cellular molecules/structures excluding water. In the following, we discuss different experimental setups and highlight some cellular responses to thermal and athermal wIRA effects, as well as the experimental problems in differentiating between them.
Molecular medicine and the development of cancer chemopreventive agents
Authors: Izzotti Alberto
Published: July 2012

Chemoprevention is effective in inhibiting the onset of cancer in experimental animal models, but the transferability of similar results to humans is questionable. Therefore, reliable intermediate molecular biomarkers are needed to evaluate the efficacy of chemopreventive agents before the onset of cancer. The use of genomic biomarkers is limited by their poor predictive value. Although post‐genomic biomarkers (i.e., gene‐expression analyses) are useful for evaluating the safety, efficacy, and mechanistic basis of chemopreventive agents, the biomarkers are often poorly related to the phenotype, due to posttranscriptional regulation. Proteome analyses can evaluate preclinical phenotype alterations, but only at low protein counts. MicroRNA alterations, which are essential for the development of cancer, may be modulated by chemopreventive agents. Furthermore, microRNA delivery may be used to counteract carcinogenesis. Exposure to cigarette smoke induces microRNA let‐7 downregulation and cell proliferation that can be converted to cell growth arrest and apoptosis upon let‐7a transfection. Therefore, microRNAs are reliable biomarkers for evaluating chemoprevention efficacy and may be used to counteract carcinogenesis.
Use of Images in Shelf Life Assessment of Fruit Salad
Authors: Manzocco Lara , Rumignani Alberto , Lagazio Corrado
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  Fruit salads stored for different lengths of time as well as their images were used to estimate sensory shelf life by survival analysis. Shelf life estimates obtained using fruit salad images were longer than those achieved by analyzing the real product. This was attributed to the fact that images are 2‐dimensional representations of real food, probably not comprehensive of all the visual information needed by the panelists to produce an acceptability/unacceptability judgment. Images were also subjected to image analysis and the analysis of the overall visual quality by a trained panel. These indices proved to be highly correlated to consumer rejection of the fruit salad and could be exploited for routine shelf life assessment of analogous products. To this regard, a failure criterion of 25% consumer rejection could be equivalent to a score 3 in a 5‐point overall visual quality scale.

Practical Application:  Food images can be used to assess product shelf life. In the case of fruit salads, the overall visual quality assessed by a trained panel on product images and the percentage of brown pixels in digital images can be exploited to estimate shelf life corresponding to a selected consumer rejection.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oil from Pine Needle (Cedrus deodara)
Authors: Zeng Wei‐Cai , Zhang Zeng , Gao Hong , Jia Li‐Rong , He Qiang
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  The chemical composition of essential oil from pine needles (Cedrus deodara) was determined, and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. Twenty‐three components, representing 95.79% of the oil, were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The main components include α‐terpineol (30.2%), linalool (24.47%), limonene (17.01%), anethole (14.57%), caryophyllene (3.14%), and eugenol (2.14%). Pine needle essential oil showed remarkable antioxidant activity in scavenging free radicals, in lipid peroxidation, and in reducing power assays. Moreover, the essential oil revealed strong antimicrobial activity against typical food‐borne microorganisms, with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values of 0.2 to 1.56 and 0.39 to 6.25 μg/mL, respectively. Transmission electron microscope observation ascertained that the bactericidal mechanism of pine needle essential oil may be the induction of cytoplasmic outflow and plasmolysis. These results suggest that the essential oil from pine needles has potential to be used as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in food processing.

Practical Application:  The present study provides a theoretical basis for the potential application of essential oil from pine needles (C. deodara) to be used as a natural resource of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents in food industry.
Alternative Bleaching Methods for Cheddar Cheese Whey
Authors: Kang E. J. , Smith T. J. , Drake M. A.
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  Residual annatto colorant (norbixin) in fluid Cheddar cheese whey can be bleached. The 2 approved chemical bleaching agents for whey, hydrogen peroxide (HP) and benzoyl peroxide (BP), negatively impact the flavor of dried whey protein. The objective of this study was to evaluate alternative methods for bleaching liquid whey: ultraviolet radiation (UV), acid‐activated bentonite (BT), and ozone (OZ). Colored Cheddar cheese whey was manufactured followed by pasteurization and fat separation. Liquid whey was subjected to one of 5 treatments: control (CT) (no bleaching; 50 °C, 1 h), HP (250 mg/kg; 50 °C, 1 h), UV (1 min exposure; 50 °C), BT (0.5% w/w; 50 °C, 1 h), or OZ (2.2g/h, 50 °C, 1 h). The treated whey was then ultrafiltered, diafiltered, and spray‐dried to 80% whey protein concentrate (WPC80). The entire experiment was replicated 3 times. Color (norbixin extraction and measurement), descriptive sensory, and instrumental volatile analyses were conducted on WPC80. Norbixin elimination was 28%, 79%, 39%, and 15% for HP, BT, UV, and OZ treatments, respectively. WPC80 from bleached whey, regardless of bleaching agent, had lower sweet aromatic and cooked/milky flavors compared to unbleached CT (P < 0.05). The HP and BT WPC80 had higher fatty flavor compared to the CT WPC80 (P < 0.05), and the UV and OZ WPC80 had distinct mushroom/burnt and animal flavors. Volatile compound results were consistent with sensory results and confirmed higher relative abundances of volatile aldehydes in UV, HP, and OZ WPC80 compared to CT and BT WPC80. Based on bleaching efficacy and flavor, BT may be an alternative to chemical bleaching of fluid whey.

Practical Application:  The 2 approved chemical bleaching agents for whey, hydrogen peroxide (HP) and benzoyl peroxide (BP), negatively impact flavor of dried whey protein, and restrictions on these agents are increasing. This study evaluated 3 alternatives to chemical bleaching of fluid whey: UV radiation, ozone, and bentonite.
Direct Quantification and Distribution of Tetracycline‐Resistant Genes in Meat Samples by Real‐Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Guarddon Mónica , Miranda Jose M. , Vázquez Beatriz I. , Cepeda Alberto , Franco Carlos M.
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  The evolution of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria has become a threat to food safety and methods to control them are necessary. Counts of tetracycline‐resistant (TR) bacteria by microbiological methods were compared with those obtained by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in 80 meat samples. TR Enterobacteriaceae counts were similar between the count plate method and qPCR (P= 0.24), whereas TR aerobic mesophilic bacteria counts were significantly higher by the microbiological method (P < 0.001). The distribution of tetA and tetB genes was investigated in different types of meat. tetA was detected in chicken meat (40%), turkey meat (100%), pork (20%), and beef (40%) samples, whereas tetB was detected in chicken meat (45%), turkey meat (70%), pork (30%), and beef (35%) samples. The presence of tetracycline residues was also investigated by a receptor assay. This study offers an alternative and rapid method for monitoring the presence of TR bacteria in meat and furthers the understanding of the distribution of tetA and tetB genes.
Influence of Sodium Chloride, pH, and Lactic Acid Bacteria on Anaerobic Lactic Acid Utilization during Fermented Cucumber Spoilage
Authors: Johanningsmeier Suzanne D. , Franco Wendy , Perez‐Diaz Ilenys , McFeeters Roger F.
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  Cucumbers are preserved commercially by natural fermentations in 5% to 8% sodium chloride (NaCl) brines. Occasionally, fermented cucumbers spoil after the primary fermentation is complete. This spoilage has been characterized by decreases in lactic acid and a rise in brine pH caused by microbial instability. Objectives of this study were to determine the combined effects of NaCl and pH on fermented cucumber spoilage and to determine the ability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) spoilage isolates to initiate lactic acid degradation in fermented cucumbers. Cucumbers fermented with 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% NaCl were blended into slurries (FCS) and adjusted to pH 3.2, 3.8, 4.3, and 5.0 prior to centrifugation, sterile‐filtration, and inoculation with spoilage organisms. Organic acids and pH were measured initially and after 3 wk, 2, 6, 12, and 18 mo anaerobic incubation at 25 °C. Anaerobic lactic acid degradation occurred in FCS at pH 3.8, 4.3, and 5.0 regardless of NaCl concentration. At pH 3.2, reduced NaCl concentrations resulted in increased susceptibility to spoilage, indicating that the pH limit for lactic acid utilization in reduced NaCl fermented cucumbers is 3.2 or lower. Over 18 mo incubation, only cucumbers fermented with 6% NaCl to pH 3.2 prevented anaerobic lactic acid degradation by spoilage bacteria. Among several LAB species isolated from fermented cucumber spoilage, Lactobacillus buchneri was unique in its ability to metabolize lactic acid in FCS with concurrent increases in acetic acid and 1,2‐propanediol. Therefore, L. buchneri may be one of multiple organisms that contribute to development of fermented cucumber spoilage.

Practical Application:  Microbial spoilage of fermented cucumbers during bulk storage causes economic losses for producers. Current knowledge is insufficient to predict or control these losses. This study demonstrated that in the absence of oxygen, cucumbers fermented with 6% sodium chloride to pH 3.2 were not subject to spoilage. However, lactic acid was degraded by spoilage microorganisms in reduced salt, even with pH as low as 3.2. Efforts to reduce salt in commercial brining operations will need to include control measures for this increased susceptibility to spoilage. Lactobacillus buchneri was identified as a potential causative agent and could be used as a target in development of such control measures.
Plasma clozapine and norclozapine in relation to prescribed dose and other factors in patients aged <18 years: data from a therapeutic drug monitoring service, 1994–2010
Authors: Couchman Lewis , Bowskill Sally V.J. , Handley Simon , Patel Maxine X. , Flanagan Robert J.
Published: July 2012

Aim

Clozapine is used in children and adolescents to treat early onset schizophrenia, but data on efficacy and on the plasma clozapine concentrations attained are limited.

Methods

We studied data from a clozapine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) service, patients in the UK and Eire aged <18 years, 1994–2010. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between plasma clozapine concentration and dose, age, sex, body weight, plasma clozapine:norclozapine ratio (clozapine metabolic ratio (MR)) and smoking habit.

Results

There were 1408 samples from 454 patients, 267 (59%) males aged at time of first sample (median = 17; range = 8–17 years) and 187 (41%) females aged 16 (10–17) years. The plasma clozapine concentration was <0.35 mg L−1 in 36%, and ≥0.60 mg L−1 in 31% of samples (6.4% samples ≥1.0 mg L−1). Although plasma clozapine was broadly related to prescribed dose, there was much variation: 10% of samples had plasma clozapine >0.60 mg L−1 at prescribed clozapine doses of 50–150 mg d−1 (66% <0.35 mg L−1), while 12% of samples had plasma clozapine <0.35 mg L−1 at doses ≥650 mg d−1 (62% >0.6 mg L−1). The covariates studied in the 16–17‐year‐olds had proportionately similar influences to those observed in adults. Together they explained 48% of the variance observed in plasma clozapine, with dose, smoking habit, MR and sex being major influences. In the younger patients, there were very few smokers, and the influence of sex did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

As in adults, clozapine TDM may help in assessing adherence and in dose adjustment, for example if smoking habit changes.