bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rainfall in prior breeding seasons influences population size of a small marsupial
Authors: LADA HANIA , THOMSON JAMES R. , CUNNINGHAM SHAUN C. , MAC NALLY RALPH
Published: November 2012

The imposition of the stresses of climate change (higher temperatures and in many regions lower rainfall) on existing stressors, such as habitat loss and degradation, will increase pressures on native fauna already experiencing declines. We focused on assessing how the ‘Big Dry’ (severe drought, 1997–2010) in south‐eastern Australia affected populations of a small marsupial carnivore, the yellow‐footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes), in box‐ironbark forests, which suffer a range of anthropogenic disturbances. Trapping of the mammal was conducted on 136 (0.25 ha) sites in two box‐ironbark forests in 2004, 2005 and 2011 (46 or 64 sites per year). Capture rates of all distinct individuals, males and second‐year females with suckled teats, and the number of suckled teats were positively associated with rainfall in the previous September (time of lactation and deposition of young in nests). Despite differences between forests in capture rates of all individuals, the positive effect of rainfall was evident in both forests. Populations in one forest, Chiltern, were substantially larger than other locations surveyed in 2004 and 2005, yet crashed to small numbers in 2011. This crash was most likely due to low rainfall in the preceding years including the lowest recorded annual rainfall (2006), below‐average annual rainfall (2007, 2008 and 2009) and well‐below‐average rainfall in September (2006, 2007 and 2008). The predicted drying and warming climate in south‐eastern Australia and habitat loss and degradation pose a threat to the viability of the yellow‐footed antechinus in box‐ironbark forests. An integrated approach to small‐mammal management is necessary given that the region may be facing additional losses, especially during droughts, to those already experienced since the early 1800s. Our work emphasizes the need to identify specific effects of stressors on vital demographic characteristics of species.
A de novo mutation in KIT causes white spotting in a subpopulation of German Shepherd dogs
Authors: Wong A. K. , Ruhe A. L. , Robertson K. R. , Loew E. R. , Williams D. C. , Neff M. W.
Published: November 2012

Although variation in the KIT gene is a common cause of white spotting among domesticated animals, KIT has not been implicated in the diverse white spotting observed in the dog. Here, we show that a loss‐of‐function mutation in KIT recapitulates the coat color phenotypes observed in other species. A spontaneous white spotting observed in a pedigree of German Shepherd dogs was mapped by linkage analysis to a single locus on CFA13 containing KIT (pairwise LOD = 15). DNA sequence analysis identified a novel 1‐bp insertion in the second exon that co‐segregated with the phenotype. The expected frameshift and resulting premature stop codons predicted a severely truncated c‐Kit receptor with presumably abolished activity. No dogs homozygous for the mutation were recovered from multiple intercrosses (P = 0.01), suggesting the mutation is recessively embryonic lethal. These observations are consistent with the effects of null alleles of KIT in other species.
Revised infant dietary recommendations: the impact of maternal education and other parental factors on adherence rates in Iceland
Authors: Thorisdottir Asa Vala , Gunnarsdottir Ingibjorg , Thorsdottir Inga
Published: November 2012

Aim

Revised infant dietary recommendations from the Icelandic Nutrition Council (Nutrition: the first twelve months. Reykjavík, Iceland: The Icelandic Nutrition Council, 2003) are outlined in a booklet provided during free postnatal care. These focus on increasing the duration of exclusive and total breastfeeding and reducing cow's milk consumption. This study explored whether maternal education and other parental factors affected whether mothers followed the recommendations.

Methods

Mothers of randomly selected healthy infants (n = 200) completed questionnaires on body mass index (BMI), age, education (basic, medium and higher), household income, smoking and parental factors. Dietary data were collected during home visits by a researcher (0–4 months) and through monthly food records completed by parents or caregivers (5–12 months).

Results

Each maternal education level increased breastfeeding duration by 0.72 months (95% CI = 0.04, 1.39) and reduced cow's milk consumption by 36.7 mL/day (95% CI = −70.11, −3.03), when adjusted for maternal BMI, age, smoking and family income. Maternal education was not associated with duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Duration of exclusive and total breastfeeding was inversely associated with maternal BMI, B = −0.10 (95% CI = −0.16, −0.05) and −0.13 (95% CI = −0.23, −0.03), respectively.

Conclusion

Mothers with higher education appear to have adapted more easily to the revised recommendations on infant diet, particularly when their infants are 6–12 months old. Higher maternal BMI was associated with shorter duration of both exclusive and total breastfeeding.
Increased expression of toll‐like receptor 4 and inflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐6 in particular, in islets from a mouse model of obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ladefoged Mette , Buschard Karsten , Hansen Ann Maria Kruse
Published: November 2012

Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) has received much attention in the recent years due to its role in development of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its expression is elevated in fat and muscle from insulin‐resistant mice. Several cells of the pancreatic islets, including β‐cells and resident macrophages, express TLR4. Our hypothesis is that expression of TLR4 and downstream signalling molecules in islets increases during progression of type 2 diabetes, thereby contributing to β‐cell damage. We investigated the hypothesis in the db/db mouse. Islets from male db/db (4, 8 and 15 weeks old) and control db/+ (4 and 15 weeks old) mice were examined for mRNA expression of TLR4 and selected cytokines using qPCR. In addition, cytokine secretion from islets was quantified. TLR4 is expressed in islets from lean and obese mice, displaying a 7.4‐fold higher level in 15 weeks old db/db relative to age‐matched control (p < 0.01). During progression of clinical type 2 diabetes manifested by hyperglycaemia, TLR4 expression increases 5.6‐fold in islets from 15 weeks compared with 4 weeks old db/db mice (p < 0.01). Furthermore, both protein and mRNA levels of all cytokines examined increased. In particular, expression of IL‐6 increased with 37 fold. Expression of TLR4 in db/db mouse islets increased in parallel with hyperglycaemia. A similar increase in expression and secretion of TNFα, IL‐1 and IL‐6 was observed. Our results demonstrate that, in addition to its contribution to insulin resistance, TLR4 might also play a role in β‐cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.
Randomised clinical trial: comparison of two everolimus dosing schedules in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shiah H.‐S. , Chen C.‐Y. , Dai C.‐Y. , Hsiao C.‐F. , Lin Y.‐J. , Su W.‐C. , Chang J.‐Y. , Whang‐Peng J. , Lin P.‐W. , Huang J.‐D. , Chen L.‐T.
Published: November 2012

Background

Deregulation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling is common in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Aim

To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the oral mTOR inhibitor everolimus in advanced HCC patients.

Methods

Patients with locally advanced or metastatic HCC (Child‐Pugh class A or B) were enrolled in an open‐label phase 1 study and randomly assigned to daily (2.5–10 mg) or weekly (20–70 mg) everolimus in a standard 3 + 3 dose‐escalation design. MTD was based on the rate of dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs). Secondary endpoints included safety, pharmacokinetics and tumour response. In a post hoc analysis, serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels were quantified.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients were enrolled. DLTs occurred in five of 21 patients in the daily and two of 19 patients in the weekly cohort. Daily and weekly MTDs were 7.5 mg and 70 mg respectively. Grade 3/4 adverse events with a ≥10% incidence were thrombocytopenia, hypophosphataemia and alanine transaminase (ALT) elevation. In four hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐seropositive patients, grade 3/4 ALT elevations were accompanied by significant (>1 log) increases in serum HBV levels. The incidence of hepatitis flare (defined as ALT increase >100 IU/mL from baseline) in HBsAg‐seropositive patients with and without detectable serum HBV DNA before treatment was 46.2% and 7.1% respectively (P < 0.01, Fisher exact test). Disease control rates in the daily and weekly cohorts were 71.4% and 44.4% respectively.

Conclusions

The recommended everolimus dosing schedule for future hepatocellular carcinoma studies is 7.5 mg daily. Prophylactic anti‐viral therapy should be mandatory for HBsAg‐seropositive patients (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00390195).
Component‐resolved diagnosis of wasp (yellow jacket) venom allergy
Authors: Ebo D. G. , Faber M. , Sabato V. , Leysen J. , Bridts C. H. , De Clerck L. S.
Published: November 2012

Background

Wasp venom allergy is a potentially life‐threatening condition with serious consequences of diagnostic error.

Objective

To assess whether component‐resolved diagnosis, using non‐glycosylated recombinant allergen components from yellow jacket can add to the diagnosis of wasp venom allergy.

Methods

In total, 148 patients with a wasp (yellow jacket) allergy were included, 91 with unequivocal tests, 26 with double positivity of serum‐specific IgE (sIgE) to both venoms, 21 with discrepant sIgE and skin test results and finally 10 having their diagnosis only confirmed by basophil activation test (negative sIgE and skin test results). Specific IgE to recombinant species‐specific allergen components Ves v 1 and Ves v 5 from yellow jacket, Api m 1 from honeybee and Ves v 5 complemented wasp venom were tested by ImmunoCAP.

Results

Overall, combined use of sIgE to rVes v 1 and rVes v 5 allowed correct diagnosis in 139 of the 148 patients (94%) and rApi m 1 was demonstrable in only one patient. Supplementing the traditional yellow jacket allergosorbent with rVes v 5 allowed to correctly diagnose wasp allergy in patients sensitized to Ves v 5 but demonstrating a negative sIgE to wasp venom.

Conclusion

Component‐resolved diagnoses with the wasp‐specific recombinant allergen components Ves v 1 and Ves v 5 is a reliable method to diagnose yellow jacket allergy and can help to take out the sting of difficult cases. However, as the number of patients with doubt after conventional tests is small, larger collaborative studies are needed to draw more definitive conclusions. Whether the rVes v 5 supplemented yellow jacket allergosorbent constitutes an asset in the diagnostic management of wasp venom allergy remains to be further established.
Evaluation of exclusion prenatal and exclusion preimplantation genetic diagnosis for Huntington's disease in the Netherlands
Authors: van Rij MC , de Die‐Smulders CEM , Bijlsma EK , de Wert GMWR , Geraedts JP , Roos RAC , Tibben A
Published: November 2012

van Rij MC, de Die‐Smulders CEM, Bijlsma EK, de Wert GMWR, Geraedts JP, Roos RAC, Tibben A. Evaluation of exclusion prenatal and exclusion preimplantation genetic diagnosis for Huntington's disease in the Netherlands.

Individuals at 50% risk of Huntington's disease (HD) who prefer not to know their carrier status, might opt for exclusion prenatal diagnosis (ePND) or exclusion preimplantation genetic diagnosis (ePGD). This study aims to provide a better understanding of couples' motives for choosing ePND or ePND, and surveys couples' experiences in order to make recommendations for the improvement of counselling for exclusion testing. This qualitative retrospective interview study focussed on couples who underwent ePND or ePGD for HD in the period 1996–2010. Seventeen couples were included of which 13 had experienced ePND and 6 ePGD. Mean time‐interval since exclusion‐testing was 3.9 years. Couples' moral reservations regarding termination of pregnancy (TOP) or discarding healthy embryos were counterbalanced by the wish to protect their future child against HD. Seven couples had terminated a total of 11 pregnancies with a 50% HD risk, none showed regret. ePGD was used by couples who wanted to avoid (another) TOP. ePND and ePGD are acceptable reproductive options for a specific group of counsellees. To guarantee sound standards of care, it is imperative that candidate couples be given in‐depth non‐directive counselling about all possible scenarios, and adequate professional and psychological support prior to, during and after ePND/ePGD.
Biologic meshes in perineal reconstruction following extra‐levator abdominoperineal excision (elAPE)
Authors: Marshall M. J. , Smart N. J. , Daniels I. R.
Published: November 2012

Recent improvements in the outcome for low rectal cancer have focused on the reconstruction of the perineal defect following greater acceptance of the need for a wider perineal excision encompassing the levator ani complex. In this article we look at the use of biologic materials to close the perineal defect and compare this with the use of other techniques.
The role of biologics in pelvic floor surgery
Authors: Ahmad M. , Sileri P. , Franceschilli L. , Mercer‐Jones M.
Published: November 2012

The advent of laparoscopic surgery and with it Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy (LVMR) has revolutionised the management of internal/external rectal and vaginal vault prolapse. These procedures have traditionally been performed with synthetic meshes. Biologics have gained a prominent role over the last decade in LVMR as well as perineal procedures for rectocoele and cystocoele repair. We examine the existing literature on the use of biologics in pelvic floor surgery comparing this with literature on synthetic mesh for the key outcomes of infection rates, bowel/sexual function and recurrence.
Collagen matrix injection combined with flap repair for complex anal fistula
Authors: Sileri P. , Boehm G. , Franceschilli L. , Giorgi F. , Perrone F. , Stolfi C. , Monteleone G. , Gaspari A. L.
Published: November 2012

Several biomaterials have been proposed to treat anal fistula alone or in combination with other surgical procedures aiming to reduce recurrence rates while minimizing continence impairment. More recently a porcine dermal matrix injection has been proposed as infill biomaterial to treat fistulae. We propose an approach consisting of non‐cutting seton positioning followed several weeks later by flap repair associated with dermal matrix injection into the fistula tracts. We report our experience with this two‐staged procedure on 24 consecutive patients with complex anal fistulae with a median follow up of > 12 months. In our experience this two‐stage approach seems to be safe and effective.
Remission of diabetes in patients with long‐standing type 2 diabetes following placement of adjustable gastric band: a retrospective case control study
Authors: Keogh J. B. , Turner K. M. , McDonald F. , Toouli J. , Clifton P. M.
Published: November 2012

Rates of remission in obese patients with long‐standing type 2 diabetes (>2 years), following an adjustable gastric band are unclear. We conducted a retrospective case–control study of patients (n = 89) matched for age and body mass index with non‐surgical controls. Cases had a longer duration of diabetes (99 ± 53 and 80 ± 59 months, p < 0.05) and a lower HbA1c than controls (7.9 ± 1.6 vs. 8.5 ± 1.9%, p < 0.05). At follow‐up (median 105 weeks) cases had lost 16.8 ± 13.5 kg and controls 1.7 ± 8.9 kg (p < 0.001) and HbA1c decreased by 0.6–0.8% (p < 0.001 for time) with no difference between cases and controls. Diabetes resolution, defined by HbA1c less than 6.5% and taking no medications, occurred in 14 (16%) cases and 2 controls. This is in contrast to published outcomes of resolution of type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery. We conclude that there is a clear need for randomized studies of the effect of gastric banding in patients with long‐standing type 2 diabetes.
Initial metformin or sulphonylurea exposure and cancer occurrence among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Qiu H. , Rhoads G. G. , Berlin J. A. , Marcella S. W. , Demissie K.
Published: November 2012

Aim

This was a retrospective cohort study of type 2 diabetes patients, to evaluate the association between initial metformin or sulphonylurea treatment and cancer incidence.

Methods

Patients identified in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), previously General Practice Research Database, during 1995–2008 who were initially stabilized on OHA monotherapy, including metformin, sulphonylurea, thiazolidinediones (TZDs) or meglitinides, were included in the cohort. New diagnoses of cancer, including malignant solid tumours and haematological malignancies, occurring during the follow‐up were identified from the cohort. Age‐standardized incidence rates were estimated and compared between metformin and sulphonylurea exposure groups.

Results

The age standardized incidences of cancer were 7.5 and 8.5 per 1000 person‐years for the metformin and sulphonylurea exposure groups, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, the hazard ratios (HR) for malignant solid tumours and haematological malignancies were 1.06 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.15) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.67, 1.43) for sulphonylurea group as compared to the metformin group, respectively. For individual cancers, the HRs were 1.17 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.44), 1.04 (95% CI: 0.83, 1.31) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.71, 1.11) for colorectal cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer, respectively.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that cancer incidence in the first few years after starting metformin or sulphonylurea therapy in type 2 diabetes patients is not much affected by choice of hypoglycaemic drug class.
Demonstration of Right Ventricular Volume Assessment by Three‐Dimensional Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography in an Infant with Surgically Palliated Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (A Case from the MAGYAR‐Path Study)
Authors: Domsik Péter , Kalapos Anita , Katona Márta , Forster Tamás , Nemes Attila
Published: November 2012

Mini‐Abstract

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is one of the most severe forms of congenital heart disease, and despite surgical palliation, a major morbidity is progressive right ventricular failure. Three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography is a new, noninvasive method to measure global and regional left ventricular volumes and function through strain analysis in 4 dimensions. In the present case, three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography was feasible for the evaluation of right ventricular volumes in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Diastolic Mitral Regurgitation in 2:1 Atrioventricular Block: Insight of the Diastolic Pressure
Authors: Kocabay Gonenc , Peluso Diletta , Muraru Denisa , Iliceto Sabino , Badano Luigi P.
Published: November 2012

Mini‐Abstract

We present a 74‐year‐old man with a history of hypertension presented to the emergency room with shortness of breath and dizziness. A resting electrocardiogram showed 2:1 atrioventricular block with a wide QRS duration and a rhythm of 35 beats/min. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed and color flow Doppler, color M‐mode, and continuous‐wave Doppler recordings of the transmitral flow revealed retrograde flow into the left atrium after the blocked P‐wave, which indicate holodiastolic mitral regurgitation.
Early cleavage in Phoronis muelleri (Phoronida) displays spiral features
Authors: Pennerstorfer Markus , Scholtz Gerhard
Published: November 2012

The view that early cleavage in Phoronida follows a radial pattern is widely accepted. However, data supporting this characterization are ambiguous. Studies have been repeatedly reporting variation between individual embryos, and the occurrence of embryos exhibiting oblique divisions or nonradial cell arrangements. Such embryos were often considered to represent variation within radial cleavage, or artificial appearances. Cleavage in Phoronis muelleri was previously characterized as “derived radial,” but also oblique spindles and cell elongations, and shifted cell arrangements were observed. We studied the early cleavage in P. muelleri applying 4D microscopy, fluorescent staining, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. To deal with the problem of variation we provide statistical evaluations of our data. These show that oblique divisions do not represent variational abnormalities. In fact, they reveal that most cells divide obliquely from the third cleavage onwards. What is more, in almost all cells the axis of the third cleavage is inclined dextrally. The fourth cleavage is even stronger sinistrally pronounced. Subsequently, the pattern of alternating cleavage orientation is largely restricted to animal and vegetal blastomeres. As a result of the obliqueness of divisions, four cells encircle the poles in most embryos. Cross furrows are occasionally present. We found no indications for radial cleavage in P. muelleri. In contrast, the observed cleavage displays several characters consistent with the pattern of spiral cleavage. A close relation of phoronid and spiralian cleavage is also suggested by molecular phylogenies, allying both groups in the Lophotrochozoa. We suggest our findings to represent morphological support for this lophotrochozoan/spiralian affinity of Phoronida.
GABAB receptor‐mediated presynaptic inhibition reverses inter‐columnar covariability of synaptic actions by intracortical axons in the rat barrel cortex
Authors: Sato Hajime , Toyoda Hiroki , Saito Mitsuru , Kobayashi Masayuki , Althof Daniel , Kulik Ákos , Kang Youngnam
Published: November 2012

Intracortical axons originating from pyramidal cells in layer 3 of the rat somatosensory cortex are shared between adjacent columns, and receive the presynaptic inhibition that is mediated by the GABAB receptor. Synaptic actions by intracortical axons of single layer 3 pyramidal cells covary between the two adjacent columns in response to stimulation of layer 3 of either column. We examined whether GABAB receptor‐mediated presynaptic inhibition affects the covariability of synaptic actions by intracortical axons between adjacent columns in slice preparations of the rat barrel cortex. Paired stimulations of superficial layer 3 evoked first and second excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) of varying amplitudes, yielding varying paired‐pulse depression of EPSCs in layer 3 pyramidal cells that were located in the stimulated column, but not in its adjacent column. The amplitude of the second EPSC was inversely proportional to that of the first EPSC in layer 3 pyramidal cells in the stimulated column, yielding a negative correlation coefficient between the first and second EPSCs. Baclofen and CGP55845 attenuated paired‐pulse depression and abolished the inverse relationship. Simultaneous recordings from two layer 3 pyramidal cells in the stimulated and adjacent columns revealed a positive correlation between the paired first EPSC amplitudes and a negative correlation between the paired second EPSC amplitudes, which, respectively, indicate the positive and negative covariability of synaptic actions by intracortical axons between the two adjacent columns. These results suggest that GABAB receptor‐mediated presynaptic inhibition can reverse the positive covariability of inter‐columnar synaptic actions, which may serve as a basis for inter‐columnar desynchronisation.
Asymmetric and frequency‐dependent pollinator‐mediated interactions may influence competitive displacement in two vernal pool plants
Authors: Runquist Ryan Briscoe , Stanton Maureen L.
Published: November 2012

A plant species immigrating into a community may experience a rarity disadvantage due to competition for the services of pollinators. These negative reproductive interactions have the potential to lead to competitive displacement or exclusion of a species from a site. In this study, we used one‐ and two‐species arrays of potted plants to test for density and frequency dependence in pollinator‐mediated and above‐ground intraspecific and interspecific competition between two species of Limnanthes that have overlapping ranges, but rarely occur in close sympatry. There were asymmetric competitive effects; the species responded differently to their frequency within 16‐plant replacement series arrays. Limnanthes douglasii rosea experienced stronger reductions in lifetime and per‐flower fertility, likely due to pollinator‐mediated competition with Limnanthes alba. This effect may be linked to asymmetrical competition through heterospecific pollen transfer. This study demonstrates that pollinator‐mediated competition may discourage establishment of L. d. rosea in sites already occupied by its congener.
Passive transfer and rate of decay of maternal antibody againstAfrican horse sickness virus inSouthAfricanThoroughbred foals
Authors: Crafford J. E. , Lourens C. W. , Gardner I. A. , Maclachlan N. J. , Guthrie A. J.
Published: November 2012

Reasons for performing study

African horse sickness is an insect‐transmitted, noncontagious disease of equids caused byAfrican horse sickness virus (AHSV). Mortality can exceed 90% in fully susceptible horse populations. A live‐attenuated (modified live) cell‐culture‐adapted (MLV) polyvalentAHSVvaccine is widely used to controlAfrican horse sickness in endemic areas in southernAfrica. Field studies detailing antibody responses of vaccinated horses are lacking.

Objectives

To determine antibody titres to the 9 known serotypes ofAHSVin a cohort of broodmares that were regularly vaccinated with theMLV AHSVvaccine and to measure the passive transfer and rate of decay of maternal antibody to the individual virus serotypes in foals.

Methods

Serum was collected from 15 mares before foaling and from their foals after foaling and monthly thereafter for 6 months. Antibody titres to each of the 9AHSVserotypes were determined by serum virus neutralisation assay.

Results

There was marked variation in the antibody response of the mares to individualAHSVserotypes even after repeated vaccination, with consistently higher titre responses to some virus serotypes. Likewise, the duration of maternally derived antibodies in foals differed among serotypes.

Conclusions

Data from this study confirm variation of the neutralising antibody response of individual mares to repeated vaccination with polyvalentAHSVvaccine. Virus strains of individualAHSVserotypes included in the vaccine may vary in their inherent immunogenicity. Passively acquired maternal antibodies toAHSVvary markedly among foals born to vaccinated mares, with further variation in the duration of passive immunity to individualAHSVserotypes.

Potential relevance

These data are relevant to the effective utilisation of live‐attenuatedAHSVvaccines in endemic regions, and potentially to the use of vaccines in response to future incursions ofAHSVinto previously free regions. Further studies involving a larger population will be required to determine the optimal time for vaccinating foals.
Complementary and alternative medicine for Alzheimer's disease: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Posadzki Paul , Ernst Edzard , Lee Myeong Soo
Published: November 2012

Aim

The aim of this overview was to critically evaluate the literature on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for Alzheimer's disease.

Method

Four electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant systematic reviews of effectiveness of CAM for Alzheimer's disease. Reviews were defined as systematic if they included explicit and repeatable criteria for the selection of primary studies. The methodological quality of reviews was assessed using the Oxman criteria for systematic reviews.

Results

Six systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Most reviews were of high quality. Three reviews arrived at ambiguous conclusions, two arrived at positive conclusions and one reached a negative conclusion.

Conclusions

Evidence supporting the effectiveness of CAM for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is ambiguous. Since some herbal medicines show promise in the management of Alzheimer's disease, future research seems justified.
Regulation of glycogen synthase from mammalian skeletal muscle – a unifying view of allosteric and covalent regulation
Authors: Palm Daniel C. , Rohwer Johann M. , Hofmeyr Jan‐Hendrik S.
Published: November 2012

It is widely accepted that insufficient insulin‐stimulated activation of muscle glycogen synthesis is one of the major components of non‐insulin‐dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus. Glycogen synthase, a key enzyme in muscle glycogen synthesis, is extensively regulated, both allosterically (by glucose‐6‐phosphate, ATP, and others) and covalently (by phosphorylation). Although glycogen synthase has been a topic of intense study for more than 50 years, its kinetic characterization has been confounded by its large number of phosphorylation states. Questions remain regarding the function of glycogen synthase regulation and the relative importance of allosteric and covalent modification in fulfilling this function. In this review, we consider both earlier kinetic studies and more recent site‐directed mutagenesis and crystal structure studies in a detailed qualitative discussion of the effects of regulation on the kinetics of glycogen synthase. We propose that both allosteric and covalent modification of glycogen synthase may be described by a Monod–Wyman–Changeux model in terms of apparent changes to L, the equilibrium constant for transition between the T and R conformers. As, with the exception of L, all parameters of this model are independent of the glycogen synthase phosphorylation state, the need to determine kinetic parameters for all possible states is eliminated; only the relationship between a particular state and L must be established. We conclude by suggesting that renewed efforts to characterize the relationship between phosphorylation and the kinetics of glycogen synthase are essential in order to obtain a better quantitative understanding of the function of glycogen synthesis regulation. The model we propose may prove useful in this regard.
Does seasonal flooding give a native species an edge over a global invader?
Authors: HO SUSIE S. , BOND NICK R. , THOMPSON ROSS M.
Published: November 2012

1. The factors that promote coexistence of global invaders and native species are poorly understood. The role of abiotic factors in determining the dominance of invasive species is also an area of increasing interest. Gambusia holbrooki (Eastern Mosquitofish) is an important global invader, displacing endemic fish and frogs on four continents. However, Gambusia co‐occurs with a similar‐sized fish (Hypseleotris spp.) in dynamic floodplain wetland pools of south‐eastern Australia.

2. We examined the relative abundance of Gambusia and Hypseleotris in regularly flooded and irregularly flooded pools to determine whether seasonal hydrological disturbance may be advantageous to the native species. We aimed to determine whether Gambusia and Hypseleotris populations respond differently to regular seasonal flooding and whether this could reduce the ability of Gambusia to dominate numerically the native species. We tested this by sampling fish bi‐monthly in 15 floodplain pools over 2.5 years.

3. We found that the relative abundance of the two species differed between regularly and irregularly flooded pools, while both pool types persisted (over a period of a year). Hypseleotris were numerically dominant in regularly flooded pools from spring through to autumn, following a major spring flood. In contrast, Gambusia were more abundant than Hypseleotris in irregularly flooded pools from summer until pools dried completely.

4. Due to the higher reproductive response of Hypseleotris to a spring flood, and the timing of its breeding season, we suggest that Hypseleotris may have a reproductive advantage over Gambusia during productive post‐flood spring/summer conditions. While the abundances of both species were usually within a similar range, variation in hydrologic habitats and the inter‐play between life‐history traits and hydrologic disturbance may nonetheless give the native fish an edge.
Caregivers’ attitudes regarding oral health in a long‐term care institution in Brazil
Authors: Junges Roger , Portella Fernando Freitas , Hugo Fernando Neves , Padilha Dalva Maria Pereira , Samuel Susana Maria Werner
Published: November 2012

Background and objective

The number of elderly living in long‐term care (LTC) institutions has been increasing in many countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the caregivers’ attitudes and considerations regarding oral health and oral health practices in an LTC institution in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Materials and methods

The population comprised the caregivers (n = 27) at an LTC in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Participants answered a questionnaire assessing the time of work at the LTC, number of elderly under their responsibility, their previous training to perform general and oral healthcare, availability of oral hygiene supplies and oral hygiene tasks they performed.

Results

A total of eighteen (75%) and 23 (95.8%) of the caregivers answered they performed teeth and denture brushing as part of their routine. When asked about performing hygiene of the mucosa with gauze, 21 (87.5%) participants stated that they did so. However, when asked if they would motivate the independent elderly to perform oral hygiene, only 10 (41.7%) of the caregivers responded positively.

Conclusion

Caregivers’ oral health practices are in accordance with good oral health methods and are not associated with difficulties in performing oral hygiene. However, the high number of elderly people in their care could possibly overwhelm caregivers’ practices. Future qualitative assessment of these issues is needed.
Sample size requirement for digital image analysis of collagen proportionate area in cirrhotic livers
Authors: Hall Andrew Rennie , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , Morris Richard , Burroughs Andrew Kenneth , Dhillon Amar Paul
Published: November 2012

Hall A R, Tsochatzis E, Morris R, Burroughs A K & Dhillon A P  (2012) Histopathology Sample size requirement for digital image analysis of collagen proportionate area in cirrhotic livers

Aims:   The requirements for adequate cirrhotic liver biopsy size have not been established for quantitative fibrosis measurements (collagen proportionate area: CPA). We evaluated the CPA of virtual biopsies in cirrhosis to elucidate (i) the amount of tissue required to achieve reliable CPA measurements and (ii) the effect of aetiology on sample size requirements.

Method and results:   A total of 120 cirrhotic tissue blocks (six aetiologies) were studied. A representative 100 mm2 region was selected from each block and a reference CPA measured. Each image (n = 120) was divided into 100 × 1 mm2 images; CPA was measured for each 1 mm2 and virtual biopsies of different sizes were created from the 1 mm2 components. For each virtual biopsy size the probability that the virtual biopsy CPA would be within 5% of the reference CPA was calculated. There were 441 000 virtual biopsies. Biopsy size versus probability plots indicated that, for 90% probability that the virtual biopsy CPA can be expected to be within 5% of the reference CPA, 22–28 mm2 of analysable tissue is required depending on liver disease aetiology; and that a 75% probability level requires a biopsy with 12–15 mm2 of analysable tissue.

Conclusion:   The sample size required for a given probability level depends on the aetiology of cirrhosis, and this should be taken into account when judging the reliability of cirrhotic liver biopsy CPA.
A new method for real‐time quantification of irrigant extrusion during root canal irrigation ex vivo
Authors: Psimma Z. , Boutsioukis C. , Vasiliadis L. , Kastrinakis E.
Published: November 2012

Aim

(i) To introduce a new method of quantifying extruded irrigant during root canal irrigation ex vivo. (ii) to evaluate the effect of periapical tissue simulation and pressure equalization and (iii) to determine the effect of needle type, apical preparation size and apical constriction diameter on irrigant extrusion.

Methodology

Sixteen human single‐rooted teeth were sequentially prepared to sizes 25–45, 0.06 taper and mounted on a plastic vial simulating a periapical lesion. The apical constriction diameter was standardized to 0.15–0.35 mm. The vial was filled with distilled water or air and was either open to the environment or closed. A point‐conductivity probe was used to determine the volume of extruded irrigant into the vial. NaOCl was delivered by an open‐ended or a closed‐ended needle at 3 mm short of working length. Results were analysed by two 3‐way repeated‐measures ANOVAs

Results

The open‐ended needle extruded significantly more irrigant than the closed‐ended in the majority of cases (P < 0.002). An increase in the apical size was related to decreased irrigant extrusion (P < 0.024). The effect of constriction diameter was not significant. The water‐closed and water‐open methods were related to less extrusion than the air‐closed and air‐open methods, respectively (P < 0.005). Open systems (water‐open, air‐open) allowed extrusion of larger amounts of irrigant than corresponding closed systems (water‐closed, air‐closed) (P < 0.005).

Conclusions

The conductivity probe is a reliable method for real‐time quantification of irrigant extrusion ex vivo. Not simulating tissue resistance in ex vivo experiments may lead to significant overestimation of irrigant extrusion.
Effects of ZnO and B2O3 on the Microstructure and Microwave Dielectric Properties of 5Li2O‐1Nb2O5‐5TiO2 Ceramics
Authors: Zeng, Qun , Zhang Nana , Zhou Yongheng , Zhan Weichao , Hong Xiaoting
Published: November 2012

The effects of ZnO and B2O3 addition on the sintering behavior, microstructure, and the microwave dielectric properties of 5Li2O‐1Nb2O5‐5TiO2 (LNT) ceramics have been investigated. With addition of low‐level doping of ZnO and B2O3, the sintering temperature of the LNT ceramics can be lowered down to near 920°C due to the liquid phase effect. The Li2TiO3ss and the “M‐phase” are the two main phases, whereas other phase could be observed when co‐doping with ZnO and B2O3 in the ceramics. And the amount of the other phase increases with the ZnO content increasing. The addition of ZnO does not induce much degradation in the microwave dielectric properties but lowers the τf value to near zero. Typically, the good microwave dielectric properties of εr = 36.4, Q × f = 8835 GHz, τf = 4.4 ppm/°C could be obtained for the 1 wt% B2O3 and 4 wt% ZnO co‐doped sample sintered at 920°C, which is promising for application of the multilayer microwave devices using Ag as internal electrode.
Prevention of Cracks in Functionally Graded SiO2‐Mo Materials Fabricated by Uniaxial Compression Casting and Pressureless Sintering
Authors: Honma Takuya , Sasaki Ikue , Tamura Nobuhiro , Tatami Junichi , Fujichika Shinichiro , Komeya Katsutoshi , Meguro Takeshi
Published: November 2012

In industrial high‐intensity discharge lamps, cracks and delaminations occasionally develop at the interface between SiO2 and the Mo foil in the seal. Here, functionally graded SiO2‐Mo materials for use in these lamps were fabricated by uniaxial compression casting and pressureless sintering. Consequently, vertical cracks developed across the sintered body layers, and interfacial cracks developed between the 100 wt% SiO2 and 90 wt% SiO2‐Mo layers. Therefore, the effects of residual stress, difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and difference in the volume shrinkage on these cracks were investigated. Vertical cracks were suppressed when residual stress was relaxed by annealing near the annealing point of silica glass during the cooling step in the sintering process. Interfacial cracks were suppressed when the difference in the CTE of the interface between the 100 wt% SiO2 and 90 wt% SiO2‐Mo layers was relaxed by inserting layers of 95 wt% SiO2‐Mo between them. Furthermore, the suppression effect became stronger when the difference in the volume shrinkage of the layers was relaxed by sintering to join the separately sintered monolayers. Thus, the development of these cracks was influenced by the residual stress, CTE, and volume shrinkage. Therefore, these cracks can be prevented by optimizing these factors.
Amaryllidaceae alkaloids inhibit nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic export of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1
Authors: He Jun , Qi Wen‐Bao , Wang Lei , Tian Jin , Jiao Pei‐Rong , Liu Guo‐Qian , Ye Wen‐Cai , Liao Ming
Published: November 2012

Please cite this paper as: He et al. (2013) Amaryllidaceae alkaloids inhibit nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic export of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(6), 922–931.

Background  Few drugs are currently licensed to treat influenza A infection, and new therapies are needed, especially for highly pathogenic strains. Traditional medicinal plants, such as Lycoris radiata, are a potential source of new antiviral agents.

Objective  To test 15 Amaryllidaceae alkaloids isolated from the bulbs of L. radiata in vitro for antiviral activities against influenza virus type A, A/Chicken/GuangDong/178/2004 (H5N1, 178).

Methods  Antiviral activities of the compounds were tested in time‐of‐addition assays, hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays, neuraminidase (NA) activity assays, and viral entry inhibition assays using H5N1‐HIV pseudoviruses. Effects of the compounds on localization and activity of the viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) were determined by immunofluorescence and an RNP minigenome assay, respectively.

Results  Among the alkaloids, lycorine (AA1), hippeastrine (AA2), hemanthamine (AA3) and 11‐hydroxy vittatine (AA4) exhibited antiviral activities, with EC90 values of 0·52, 82·07, 4·15, and 13·45 μm, respectively. These compounds did not affect the function of the outer membrane proteins or the viral entry process and viral RNP activity. As AA1 and AA3 exhibited stronger antiviral activities, they were further analyzed. Intracellular nucleoprotein (NP) localization showed that AA1 and AA3 inhibited the RNP complex in the nucleus at an early stage of a single‐round and multi‐round of replication.

Conclusion  Four Amaryllidaceae alkaloids were first determined that could exert anti‐influenza activities after virus entry into cells. Furthermore, AA1 and AA3 could inhibit nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic export of the RNP complex of virus replication. Thus, these compounds may be developed further as anti‐influenza drug candidates.
P‐wave attenuation anisotropy in fractured media: A seismic physical modelling study
Authors: Ekanem A.M. , Wei J. , Li X.‐Y. , Chapman M. , Main I.G.
Published: November 2012

We used a laboratory scale model to study the effects aligned fractures might have on seismic wave propagation at a larger scale in real Earth imaging. Our main objective was to investigate the effect of aligned fractures on seismic P‐wave amplitude through the estimation of the induced attenuation. The physical model was constructed from a mixture of epoxy resin and silicon rubber, with inclusions designed to simulate two sets of inclined fractures at an angle of 29.2° with each other. Two‐dimensional reflection data were acquired using the pulse and transmission method in three principal directions relative to the fracture strike azimuth with the model submerged in a water tank. We used the Quality Versus Offset (QVO) method, an extension of the classical spectral ratio method for determining attenuation to estimate the induced attenuation (inverse of the seismic quality factor) from the Common Mid Point (CMP) pre‐processed gathers. The results of our analysis show that the induced P‐wave attenuation is anisotropic, with elliptical (cos2θ) variations with respect to the survey azimuth angle θ. The minor axis of the Q ellipse corresponds to the fracture normal. In this direction, i.e. across the material grain, the attenuation is a maximum. The major axis corresponds to the fracture strike direction (parallel to the material grain) where minimum attenuation occurs. These attenuation results show consistency with the azimuthal anisotropy observed in the stacking velocities in the fractured‐layer and are all consistent with the physical model, and thus provide a physical basis for using attenuation anisotropy to derive fracture properties from seismic data.
The effect of anisotropy on the Young's moduli and Poisson's ratios of shales
Authors: Sayers Colin M.
Published: November 2012

Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio are required for geomechanics applications such as hydraulic fracture design, analysis of wellbore stability and rock failure, determination of in situ stress and assessment of the response of reservoirs and surrounding rocks to changes in pore pressure and stress. Shales are usually anisotropic and models that neglect shale anisotropy may fail to describe geomechanical behaviour correctly. Anisotropy in shales results from a partial alignment of anisotropic clay particles, kerogen inclusions, microcracks, low‐aspect ratio pores and layering. For shales, the Young's modulus measured parallel to bedding E1 is usually greater than the Young's modulus measured perpendicular to bedding E3. However, the Poisson's ratio ν31 corresponding to stress applied perpendicular to bedding and strain measured parallel to bedding can be greater than, equal to, or less than the Poisson's ratio ν12 for stress applied parallel to bedding and strain measured parallel to bedding.

For transverse isotropy, the elastic anisotropy resulting from a partial alignment of clay particles can be written in terms of the coefficients W200 and W400, which describe the impact of clay particle orientation on the anisotropy of shales. Disorder in the orientation of clay particles acts to reduce W400 faster than W200, since W400 is a higher order moment of the clay particle orientation distribution function than W200. This is confirmed by analysis of measured anisotropy parameters for shales. A partial alignment of clay particles is consistent with the measured Young's moduli for shales and with values of Poisson's ratio ν31 > ν12 but not with values ν31 < ν12. These values can be explained if there exist kerogen inclusions, microcracks, or low‐aspect ratio pores aligned parallel to the bedding plane.