bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of a Fractured Mandibular Bar‐Retained Implant Overdenture Without Implant‐Level Impression Making: A Clinical Report
Authors: Uludag Bulent
Published: September 2012

The most frequent mechanical complications of bar‐retained implant overdentures (IODs) are fracture of the dentures, loosening of the bar screws, and the need to reactivate the retentive clips. When a bar‐retained IOD with an acrylic resin base fractures, the existing bar attachment should be removed to fabricate a new overdenture. So far, no method has been previously described for remaking a fractured mandibular bar‐retained IOD without removing the existing bar attachment. This article describes fabrication of a fractured mandibular bar‐retained IOD with distally placed ball attachments using attachment transfer analogs. The described technique allows the patient to use the existing overdenture temporarily until the new overdenture is delivered.
Incidence of Transcortical Tibial Fractures with Self‐Tapping and Non‐Self‐Tapping Screws in a Canine TPLO Model
Authors: Boekhout Christina , Cross Alan
Published: September 2012

Objective

To compare the incidence of radiographically apparent transcortical diaphyseal tibial fractures between self‐tapping screws (STS) and non‐self‐tapping screws (NSTS) in a canine tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) model.

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 106) that had TPLO.

Methods

NSTS (n = 107), STS titanium (n = 104), or STS stainless steel (n = 105) screws were used for TPLO. Effect of STS and NSTS were compared by reviewing postoperative craniocaudal and lateral radiographic projections taken immediately after TPLO. Three screws distal to the tibial osteotomy served as the in vivo model for canine cortical bone. A transcortical fracture was defined as the presence of a saucer‐shaped radiolucent defect on the periosteal surface of the trans‐cortex surrounding the screw and the presence of radiopaque material (bone) separate from the transcortical periosteal surface. The effect of screw type and STS material (stainless steel or titanium) on the incidence of transcortical fractures was evaluated.

Results

STS had a significantly higher (P = .006) incidence of transcortical fractures (18.0%) compared with NSTS (0.8%). The effect of STS material on the incidence of transcortical fractures was not significant (P = .485). No cis‐cortical factures were identified.

Conclusions

We suspect the increased incidence of transcortical fractures with STS is because of the shorter cutting flutes as compared with those of a tap used with a NSTS.
Preparation of Porous Glass Monoliths with an Aligned Pore System via Stretch Forming
Authors: Barascu Andrei , Kullmann Jens , Reinhardt Bjoern , Rainer Thomas , Roggendorf Hans , Dubiel Manfred , Enke Dirk
Published: September 2012

Porous glasses with an aligned pore system were prepared by using a stretch‐forming device. For the experiments a sodium borosilicate glass with the composition 62.5 wt% SiO2, 30.5 wt% B2O3 and 7 wt% Na2O was prepared. The characterization of this glass includes X‐ray fluorescence analysis and dilatometry. The applied stretch‐forming apparatus allowed the simultaneous phase separation and elongation of the glass samples. The obtained glass templates were chemically treated with hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide solution to extract the soluble sodium rich borate phase. The resulting porous glass samples were characterized by environmental scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion. Different degrees of pore alignment were realized by varying the parameters of the stretch‐forming process.
Detection of Transcribed Seal Impressions Using 3‐D Pressure Traces
Authors: Lee Joong , Kong Seong G. , Lee Young‐Soo , Kim Jun‐Suk , Jung Nak‐Eun
Published: September 2012

Seals have been frequently used to certify that individuals or organizations have authorized or approved a document that bears these impressions. Much attention has been focused on the detection of forged seal impressions to expose and prevent seal‐related frauds. This paper describes an image‐processing technique that detects seal impressions transferred from a genuine document to a target document using transcription media. The proposed method utilizes a three‐dimensional (3‐D) scanner to generate a pressure trace map of the suspect seal impression. After utilizing a noise‐reduction algorithm to improve image quality, the pressure map is aligned with a 2‐D image of the same seal impression. The pressure ratio, determined by comparing the pressure map and inked impression of a suspect seal, can be used to determine whether the seal is genuine or was transferred to the target document. The results show that the proposed technique successfully identified transcribed seal impressions with an error rate of <1%.
The Evidence of the Rugoscopy Effectiveness as a Human Identification Method in Patients Submitted to Rapid Palatal Expansion
Authors: Barbieri Ana A. , Scoralick Raquel A. , Naressi Suely C. M. , Moraes Mari E. L. , Daruge Eduardo , Daruge Eduardo
Published: September 2012

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of rugoscopy as a human identification method, even when the patient is submitted to rapid palatal expansion, which in theory would introduce doubt. With this intent, the Rugoscopic Identity was obtained for each subject using the classification formula proposed by Santos based on the intra‐oral casts made before and after treatment from patients who were subjected to palatal expansion. The casts were labeled with the patients' initials and randomly arranged for studying. The palatine rugae kept the same patterns in every case studied. The technical error of the intra‐evaluator measurement provided a confidence interval of 95%, making rugoscopy a reliable identification method for patients who were submitted to rapid palatal expansion, because even in the presence of intra‐oral changes owing to the use of palatal expanders, the palatine rugae retained the biological and technical requirements for the human identification process.
OK‐432‐stimulated chemokine secretion from human monocytes depends on MEK1/2, and involves p38 MAPK and NF‐κB phosphorylation, in vitro
Authors: Olsnes Carla , Bredholt Therese , Olofsson Jan , Aarstad Hans J.
Published: August 2012

Interaction between the immune system and cancer cells allows for the use of biological response modifiers, like OK‐432, in cancer therapy. We have studied the involvement of monocytes (MOs) in the immune response to OK‐432 by examining MCP‐1, MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β secretion, in vitro. OK‐432‐induced IL‐6/TNF‐α secretion has previously been shown to depend on mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) ERK1/2 and p38, and we therefore investigated the role of these MAPKs in OK‐432‐induced chemokine secretion. Here we demonstrate that pharmacological MEK1/2 kinase inhibition generally impaired chemokine secretion from MOs, whereas p38 MAPK inhibition in particular reduced MIP‐1α production. Furthermore, simultaneous inhibition of MEK1/2 and Syk kinase was seen to have an additive impact on reduced MCP‐1, MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β secretion. Based on single cell flow cytometry analyses, OK‐432, lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were seen to induce p38 MAPK and NF‐κB phosphorylation in MOs with different time kinetics. LTA and LPS have been shown to induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereas the levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 remained constant following OK‐432 treatment at the time points tested. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) recognize pathogen‐associated molecular patterns, and we demonstrate increased TLR2 cell surface levels on the MO population, most profoundly following stimulation with LTA and OK‐432. Together these results indicate that modulation of MEK1/2 and p38 MAPK signalling could affect the response to OK‐432 treatment, having the potential to improve its therapeutic potential within cancer and lymphangioma treatment.
Loss of dentin sialophosphoprotein leads to periodontal diseases in mice
Authors: Gibson M. P. , Zhu Q. , Liu Q. , D'Souza R. N. , Feng J. Q. , Qin C.
Published: August 2012

Background and Objective

Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and its cleaved products, dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) and dentin sialoprotein (DSP), play important roles in biomineralization. Recently, we observed that DSPP is highly expressed in the alveolar bone and cementum, indicating that this molecule may play an important role in the formation and maintenance of a healthy periodontium, and its deletion may cause increased susceptibility to periodontal diseases. The objective of this investigation was to study the effects of Dspp ablation on periodontal tissues by analyzing Dspp null mice.

Material and Methods

Newborn to 6‐mo‐old Dspp null mice were examined, and the 3‐ and 6‐mo‐old Dspp null mice were characterized in detail using X‐ray radiography, histology and scanning electron microscopy (backscattered as well as resin‐infiltrating). Wild‐type mice of the same age groups served as the normal controls.

Results

The Dspp null mice showed significant loss of alveolar bone and cementum, particularly in the furcation and interproximal regions of the molars. The alveolar bone appeared porous while the quantity of cementum was reduced in the apical region. The canalicular systems and osteocytes in the alveolar bone were abnormal, with reduced numbers of canaliculi and altered osteocyte morphology. The loss of alveolar bone and cementum along with the detachment of the periodontal ligaments (PDL) led to the apical migration of the epithelial attachment and formation of periodontal pockets.

Conclusion

Inactivation of DSPP leads to the loss of alveolar bone and cementum and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections in PDL of Dspp null mice. The fact that the loss of DSPP results in periodontal diseases indicates that this molecule plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the periodontium.
Reflectance confocal microscopy characteristics of eight cases of pustular eruptions and histopathological correlations
Authors: Debarbieux Sébastien , Depaepe Lauriane , Poulalhon Nicolas , Dalle Stéphane , Balme Brigitte , Thomas Luc
Published: August 2012

Background

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM)'s interest has been well established for the non‐invasive diagnosis of skin cancers, especially melanocytic, and in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant cutaneous lesions. However, its diagnostic interest in inflammatory skin diseases still needs to be demonstrated. Our purpose was to evaluate the correlation between RCM and conventional histopathology in a series of pustular eruptions of different pathogeny.

Methods

Reflectance confocal microscopy analysis was performed in eight consecutive unselected patients in whom the diagnoses of pustular psoriasis, bacterial sur‐infection, herpes‐type virus skin sur‐infection, Sneddon‐Wilkinson subcorneal putulosis and Hailey‐Hailey disease have been made and images were compared to conventional histopathology.

Results

Neutrophils within the epidermis exhibited never reported earlier specific features, with either a shiny granular sludge or polylobated particules with a bright granular content. Moreover, some specific etiologies could be identified, such as acantholysis and herpes‐type virus‐infected keratinocytes.

Conclusion

Our studies show a good correlation between RCM and conventional histopathology in pustular eruptions. Reflectance confocal microscopy may play an important role in the differential diagnosis of pustular eruptions; as most of the pathologic clues are epidermal, narrow thickness of the field of imaging, its main technical limitation, is indeed of lesser importance.
Loss of EphA4 impairs short‐term spatial recognition memory performance and locomotor habituation
Authors: Willi R. , Winter C. , Wieske F. , Kempf A. , Yee B. K. , Schwab M. E. , Singer P.
Published: September 2012

EphA4 receptor (EphA4) tyrosine kinase is an important regulator of central nervous system development and synaptic plasticity in the mature brain, but its relevance to the control of normal behavior remains largely unexplored. This study is the first attempt to obtain a behavioral profile of constitutive homozygous and heterozygous EphA4 knockout mice. A deficit in locomotor habituation in the open field, impairment in spatial recognition in the Y‐maze and reduced probability of spatial spontaneous alternation in the T‐maze were identified in homozygous EphA4−/− mice, while heterozygo us EphA4+/− mice appeared normal on these tests in comparison with wild‐type (WT) controls. The multiple phenotypes observed in EphA4−/− mice might stem from an underlying deficit in habituation learning, reflecting an elementary form of nonassociative learning that is in contrast to Pavlovian associative learning, which appeared unaffected by EphA4 disruption. A deficit in motor coordination on the accelerating rotarod was also demonstrated only in EphA4−/− mice – a finding in keeping with the presence of abnormal gait in EphA4−/− mice – although they were able to improve performance over training. There was no evidence for substantial changes in major neurochemical markers in various brain regions rich in EphA4 as shown by post‐mortem analysis. This excludes the possibility of major neurochemical compensation in the brain of EphA4−/− mice. In summary, we have demonstrated for the first time the behavioral significance of EphA4 disruption, supporting further investigation of EphA4 as a possible target for behavioral interventions where habituation deficits are prominent.
Positive selection on NIN, a gene involved in neurogenesis, and primate brain evolution
Authors: Montgomery S. H. , Mundy N. I.
Published: September 2012

A long‐held dogma in comparative neurobiology has been that the number of neurons under a given area of cortical surface is constant. As such, the attention of those seeking to understand the genetic basis of brain evolution has focused on genes with functions in the lateral expansion of the developing cerebral cortex. However, new data suggest that cortical cytoarchitecture is not constant across primates, raising the possibility that changes in radial cortical development played a role in primate brain evolution. We present the first analysis of a gene with functions relevant to this dimension of brain evolution. We show that NIN, a gene necessary for maintaining asymmetric, neurogenic divisions of radial glial cells (RGCs), evolved adaptively during anthropoid evolution. We explored how this selection relates to neural phenotypes and find a significant association between selection on NIN and neonatal brain size in catarrhines. Our analyses suggest a relationship with prenatal neurogenesis and identify the human data point as an outlier, possibly explained by postnatal changes in development on the human lineage. A similar pattern is found in platyrrhines, but the highly encephalized genus Cebus departs from the general trend. We further show that the evolution of NIN may be associated with variation in neuron number not explained by increases in surface area, a result consistent with NIN's role in neurogenic divisions of RGCs. Our combined results suggest a role for NIN in the evolution of cortical development.
Combination of adalimumab with traditional systemic antipsoriatic drugs – a report of 39 cases
Authors: Philipp Sandra , Wilsmann‐Theis Dagmar , Weyergraf Ansgar , Rotterdam Sebastian , Frambach Yvonne , Gerdes Sascha , Mössner Rotraut
Published: August 2012

Background: Monotherapy with TNF‐α inhibitors does not always produce a sufficient response in psoriasis patients. Combinations of TNF‐α antagonists such as adalimumab with systemic antipsoriatic therapies such as methotrexate are not approved for use in psoriasis, and the published data are scarce.

Patients and methods: The charts of 39 psoriasis patients from 6 dermatology departments were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were given adalimumbab with another systemic antipsoriatic drug.

Results: Combination therapy with methotrexate was most common (n = 32), followed by acitretin (n = 4) and cyclosporine (n = 3). Combination therapy with methotrexate lasted 10.8 ± 11.2 months (mean), with cyclosporine for 6.8 ± 3.3 months, and with acitretin 12.9 ± 12.4 months. Combinations were effective in the majority of patients: 30/39 (76.9 %) had a good (n = 9) or excellent (n = 21) response. Two patients had a moderate response and 7 patients had a poor response and were switched to another treatment. Overall, safety was very good. Eighteen patients experienced 24 adverse events; none was severe and/or required hospitalization. Of these, 10/24 adverse events were infections, most often infections of the upper respiratory tract (n = 5), bronchitis (n = 2), and influenza (n = 1).

Conclusions: Combinations of adalimumab with traditional systemic antipsoriatic treatments offer a promising method for managing severe or recalcitrant psoriasis. More data are needed to determine the long‐term safety and efficacy of these combinations.
Functional traits of trees on and off termite mounds: understanding the origin of biotically‐driven heterogeneity in savannas
Authors: Van der Plas F. , Howison R. , Reinders J. , Fokkema W. , Olff H.
Published: September 2012

Questions

In African savannas, Macrotermes termites contribute to small‐scale heterogeneity by constructing large mounds. Operating as islands of high nutrient and water availability and low fire frequency, these mounds support distinct, diverse communities of trees that have been shown to be highly attractive to browsers. However, the distinct traits of tree species on termite mounds have hardly been studied, even though this may help to understand processes determining (1) their characteristic community structure and (2) attractiveness for browsers. Here, we compare functional trait and browser preference values between tree species on and off termite mounds.

Location

Hluhluwe‐iMfolozi Park, Kwazulu‐Natal, South Africa.

Methods

We recorded tree community compositions for 16 large Macrotermes natalensis mounds and 16 control plots of 100 m2 each in a paired design. For each observed tree species we measured 22 traits, related to water and nutrient use, fire tolerance, light competition and anti‐herbivore defence, and compared average trait values between mound and control communities. Furthermore, we investigated the feeding preferences of ungulate browsers for the most common tree species and how this was linked to their associated traits.

Results

Termite mounds supported tree communities that were distinct from the surrounding savanna vegetation. Mounds hosted more evergreen and less leguminous tree species than control communities, and the dominant species were less mechanically defended, less nutritious, had larger leaves and lower wood density than the species dominating control plots. Browsers preferred leguminous tree species with high leaf N and P content, which were relatively rare on termite mounds.

Conclusions

Overall, we conclude that termite mounds in this savanna form small refuges for tree species that seem less adapted to fire (more evergreens), have low nutrient availability (less nitrogen fixers) and suffer from water stress (larger leaf sizes) than typical savanna trees. Surprisingly, despite their reputation as browsing hotspots, the tree species dominating mounds are less nutritious and less preferred by browsers than tree species of the surrounding savanna, which may be explained by the relatively nutrient‐rich nature of this savanna or intraspecific trait differences.
HLA class II polymorphisms and recurrent spontaneous abortion in a Southern Brazilian cohort
Authors: Bompeixe E. P. , Carvalho Santos P. S. , Vargas R. G. , von Linsingen R. , Zeck S. C. , Wowk P. F. , Bicalho M. G.
Published: September 2012

A high proportion of human recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) remain unexplained. The possible association between RSA and different genetic polymorphisms within the human leucocyte antigen system (HLA system, the human major histocompatibility complex) has been investigated with conflicting results since many decades. Here, we describe a case–control study with 136 Southern Brazilian women of predominantly European ancestry (75 control and 61 cases with unexplained RSA). We investigated the relationship between unexplained RSA and alleles and genotypes from two classical loci of the HLA: HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQB1, as well as three loci related to cytokine production and their serum levels: TNFA (−308G>A), IL10 (−1082G>A, −819T>C, −592A>C) and IFNG (+874A>T). Genotyping was performed by an allele‐specific PCR method. While all results concerning cytokine‐related genes turned out to be negative, we found the genotype HLA‐DQB1*02:02, 03:01 to be significantly decreased and the allele HLA‐DRB1*11:04 to be significantly increased among patients.
Analysis of triclosan and 4n‐nonylphenol in Colombian reservoir water by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Martinez Marian , Peñuela Gustavo A.
Published: August 2012

In this work were determined triclosan and 4n‐nonylphenol in water from a reservoir that is used to provide water to a purification plant in an important city in Colombia. The analytical methodology was validated using solid‐phase extraction and analysis by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The analysis by GC‐MS showed good linearity in the range of 0.05–5 μg/L for both compounds. Recoveries from 79 to 109% and standard deviations of 2.5–7.7 for low concentrations and from 3.8 to 9.6 (n = 5) for high concentrations were obtained for both compounds. In Colombia, this is the first time that these compounds have been analysed in water supplying of a drinking water treatment plant. The validated method was applied to the analysis of 27 samples collected in August 2010 in 11 locations from the reservoir and in the influent and effluent of the drinking water treatment plant. In total, seven samples were found to contain triclosan.
Effect of Several Germination Treatments on Phosphatases Activities and Degradation of Phytate in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) and Azuki Bean (Vigna angularis L.)
Authors: Luo Yuwei , Xie Weihua , Luo Fengxia
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  Two assays were conducted to investigate the changes of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and azuki bean (Vigna angularis L.) phosphatases (phytase [Phy] and acid phosphatase [AcPh]) and the degradation of its substrates (inositol phosphate esters) during seed germination. The 1st assay was to establish the optimal germination conditions of faba bean and azuki bean to improve the endogenous phosphatases and increase the hydrolysis of phytate and, in the second assay, to determine the different lower phosphate esters of myo‐inositol produced during the germination process. In the 1st assay, seeds were soaked for 12 and 24 h and germinated for 3 and 5 d with and without the addition of gibberellic acid (GA3). In the second assay, seeds were soaked for 12 h and germinated for 1, 3, and 5 d with GA3. Phy (up to 3625 and 1340 U/kg) and AcPh (up to 9456 and 2740 U/g) activities, and inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) (8.23 and 7.46 mg/g), inositol pentaphosphate (IP5) (0.55 and 0.82 mg/g), and inositol tetraphosphate (IP4) (0.26 and 0.01 mg/g) were detected in ungerminated faba bean and azuki bean, respectively. The germination process caused a significant increase of Phy and AcPh activities in faba bean (up to 147% and 210%) and azuki bean (up to 211% and 596%) and a reduction in the phytate phosphorus content (up to 81% and 63%, respectively). Phytate phosphorus content was affected only by soaking time in the case of faba bean. Finally, during the course of germination, IP6 and IP5 were rapidly degraded in faba bean (88% and 39%) and azuki bean (55% and 56%), and IP4 was only a short‐living intermediate, which was increased during hydrolysis and degraded to inositol triphosphate. In this manner we could obtain a low‐phytate, endogenous phosphatase‐rich ingredient for enhancing human nutrition.
Low‐Level Laser Therapy and Sodium Diclofenac in Acute Inflammatory Response Induced by Skeletal Muscle Trauma: Effects in Muscle Morphology and mRNA Gene Expression of Inflammatory Markers
Authors: de Almeida Patrícia , Lopes‐Martins Rodrigo Álvaro Brandão , Tomazoni Shaiane Silva , Albuquerque‐Pontes Gianna Móes , Santos Larissa Aline , Vanin Adriane Aver , Frigo Lucio , Vieira Rodolfo P , Albertini Regiane , de Tarso Camillo de Carvalho Paulo , Leal‐Junior Ernesto Cesar Pinto
Published: September 2012

Pharmacological therapy is widely used in the treatment of muscle injuries. On the other hand, low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) arises as a promising nonpharmacological treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of sodium diclofenac (topical application) and LLLT on morphological aspects and gene expression of biochemical inflammatory markers. We performed a single trauma in tibialis anterior muscle of rats. After 1 h, animals were treated with sodium diclofenac (11.6 mg g‐1 of solution) or LLLT (810 nm; continuous mode; 100 mW; 3.57 W cm−2; 1, 3 or 9 J; 10, 30 or 90 s). Histological analysis and quantification of gene expression (real‐time polymerase chain reaction—RT‐PCR) of cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX‐1 and COX‐2) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) were performed at 6, 12 and 24 h after trauma. LLLT with all doses improved morphological aspects of muscle tissue, showing better results than injury and diclofenac groups. All LLLT doses also decreased (P < 0.05) COX‐2 compared to injury group at all time points, and to diclofenac group at 24 h after trauma. In addition, LLLT decreased (P < 0.05) TNF‐α compared both to injury and diclofenac groups at all time points. LLLT mainly with dose of 9 J is better than topical application of diclofenac in acute inflammation after muscle trauma.
A model‐based quantitative assessment of the carbon benefits of introducing iLUC factors in the European Renewable Energy Directive
Authors: Malins Chris
Published: September 2012

The European Commission has a mandate from the EU's Renewable Energy and Fuel Quality Directives to propose a methodology, consistent with the best available science, to address indirect land use change (iLUC). One proposed solution to the iLUC problem is the application of iLUC factors in European fuels policy – it is widely expected that should the EU adopt such iLUC factors, they would be based on iLUC modelling using the International Food Policy Research Institute's (IFPRI) MIRAGE model. Taking the iLUC factors from IFPRI MIRAGE as our central estimate, we use Monte Carlo analysis on a simple model of potential biofuel pathways for Europe to assess the likely average carbon saving from three possible European biofuel policy scenarios: no action on iLUC; raised GHG thresholds for direct emissions savings; and the introduction of iLUC factors. We find that without iLUC factors (or some other effective iLUC minimization approach) European biofuel mandates are unlikely to deliver significant GHG emissions benefits in 2020, and have a substantial probability of increasing net GHG emissions. In contrast, the implementation of iLUC factors is likely to significantly increase the carbon savings from EU biofuel policy. With iLUC factors, it is likely that most permitted pathways would conform to the Renewable Energy Directive requirement for a minimum 50% GHG reduction compared to fossil fuels.
Increasing association between a neuropeptide Y promoter polymorphism and body mass index during the course of development
Authors: Hohmann S. , Buchmann A. F. , Witt S. H. , Rietschel M. , Jennen‐Steinmetz C. , Schmidt M. H. , Esser G. , Banaschewski T. , Laucht M.
Published: September 2012

What is already known about this subject?

NPY serves as a potent orexigenic signal and plays an important role in body weight regulation. Recently, evidence for the impact of NPY gene variation on body weight regulation and risk of obesity was provided.

Research has indicated that genetic influences on some traits such as BMI change with age, with often showing a stronger effect as children mature.

What this study adds?

We show first evidence from a longitudinal study, demonstrating an association between NPY rs16147 genotype and BMI development from infancy into young adulthood.

The NPY effect appears to increase with age, being more pronounced in older age groups than in younger ones.

Objective

To investigate the association of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) promoter polymorphism rs16147 with body mass index (BMI) during the course of development from infancy to adulthood.

Design

Longitudinal, prospective study of a German community sample.

Subjects

n = 306 young adults (139 males, 167 females).

Measurements

Participants’ body weight and height were assessed at the ages of 3 months and 2, 4.5, 8, 11, 15 and 19 years. NPY rs16147 was genotyped.

Results

Controlling for a number of possible confounders, homozygote carriers of the rs16147 C allele exhibited significantly lower BMI scores when compared with individuals carrying the T allele. In addition, a significant genotype by age interaction emerged, indicating that the genotype effect increased during the course of development.

Conclusions

This is the first longitudinal study to report an association between rs16147 and BMI during childhood and adolescence. The finding that this effect increased during the course of development may either be due to age‐dependent alterations in gene expression or to maturation processes within the weight regulation circuits of the central nervous system.
Single amino acid residue in the M4 domain of GluN1 subunit regulates the surface delivery of NMDA receptors
Authors: Kaniakova Martina , Lichnerova Katarina , Vyklicky Ladislav , Horak Martin
Published: September 2012

N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors are glutamate ion channels that are critically involved in excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity. The functional NMDA receptor is a heterotetramer composed mainly of GluN1 and GluN2 subunits. It is generally thought that only correctly assembled NMDA receptors can pass the quality control checkpoint in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are transported to the cell surface membranes. The molecular mechanisms underlying these processes remain poorly understood. Using chimeric and mutated GluN1 subunits expressed in heterologous cells, we identified a single amino acid residue within the fourth membrane domain (M4) of GluN1 subunit, L830, that regulates the surface number of NMDA receptors. Our experiments show that this residue is not critical for the interaction between GluN1 and GluN2 subunits or for the formation of functional receptors, but rather that it regulates the forward trafficking of the NMDA receptors. The surface expression of both GluN2A‐ and GluN2B‐containing receptors is regulated by the L830 residue in a similar manner. We also found that the L830 residue is not involved in the trafficking of individually expressed GluN1 subunits. Our data reveal a critical role of the single amino acid residue within the GluN1 M4 domain in the surface delivery of functional NMDA receptors.
Socializing, networking and development: a report from the second ‘Young Microbiologists Symposium on Microbe Signalling, Organization and Pathogenesis’
Authors: Caly Delphine L. , Coulthurst Sarah J. , Geoghegan Joan A. , Malone Jacob G. , Ryan Robert P.
Published: August 2012

In mid‐June, the second Young Microbiologists Symposium took place under the broad title of ‘Microbe signalling, organization and pathogenesis’ on the picturesque campus of University College Cork, Ireland. The symposium attracted 150 microbiologists from 15 different countries. The key feature of this meeting was that it was specifically aimed at providing a platform for junior scientists to present their work to a broad audience. The meeting was principally supported by Science Foundation Ireland with further backing from the Society for General Microbiology, the American Society for Microbiology and the European Molecular Biology Organization. Sessions focused on microbial gene expression, biogenesis, pathogenicity and host interaction. In this MicroMeeting report, we highlight some of the most significant advances and exciting developments reported during various talks and poster presentations given by the young and talented microbiologists.
Biosynthetic pathway to neuromelanin and its aging process
Authors: Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Murase Takaya , Zucca Fabio A. , Zecca Luigi , Ito Shosuke
Published: September 2012

Using model compounds of the melanic component of neuromelanin (NM) prepared by tyrosinase oxidation at various ratios of dopamine (DA) and cysteine (Cys) under physiological conditions, we examined a biosynthetic pathway to NM and its aging process by following the time course of oxidation to NM and the subsequent structural modification of NM under various heating conditions. Chemical degradation methods were applied to the synthetic NM. 4‐Amino‐3‐hydroxyphenylethylamine (4‐AHPEA) and thiazole‐2,4,5‐tricarboxylic acid (TTCA) were used as markers of benzothiazine and benzothiazole units, respectively. By following the time course of the biosynthetic pathway of synthetic NM, we found that neurotoxic molecules are trapped in NM. An aging simulation of synthetic NM showed that benzothiazine units in NM are gradually converted to benzothiazole during the aging process. Thus, natural NM was found to be similar to aged (heated) NM prepared from a 2:1 molar ratio of DA and Cys.
Stress‐dependent hypertension and the role of T lymphocytes
Authors: Marvar Paul J. , Harrison David G.
Published: September 2012

Hypertension is a significant global health burden that is associated with an increased risk of stroke, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Several risk factors, including high dietary salt, obesity, genetics and race, as well as behavioural and psychological factors, contribute to development of this complex disease. Various hypertensive stimuli enhance sympathetic drive and promote autonomic dysfunction leading to elevated blood pressure. As our understanding of the pathogenesis and end‐organ damage associated with hypertension increases, mounting evidence also highlights the role of inflammation in this process and, in particular, the role of the adaptive immune system and T cells. This review discusses recent findings regarding the role of the central nervous system, T lymphocytes and the impact of cardiovascular risk factors, such as psychological stress, in hypertension.
The regulation of interleukin‐6 implicates skeletal muscle as an integrative stress sensor and endocrine organ
Authors: Welc Steven S. , Clanton Thomas L.
Published: September 2012

New findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review discusses the regulation of the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) gene and how it is uniquely set up to respond to stress signals in skeletal muscle. We propose that skeletal muscle is a ‘stress sensor’ that responds by releasing highly active endocrine and paracrine proteins, such as IL‐6.

What advances does this highlight?

Recent discoveries on the regulation of the IL‐6 gene in various stress exposures have resulted in the emergence of a new potential role for skeletal muscle in life‐threatening stress conditions. Understanding the relationship between IL‐6 secretion and stress may provide new insights into normal adaptive responses to disease, deconditioning, inflammation and ageing.

Skeletal muscle has been identified as an endocrine organ owing to its capacity to produce and secrete a variety of cytokines (myokines) and other proteins. To date, myokines have primarily been studied in response to exercise or metabolic challenges; however, numerous observations suggest that skeletal muscle may also release myokines in response to certain categories of internal or external stress exposure. Internal stress signals include oxidative or nitrosative stress, damaged or unfolded proteins, hyperthermia or energy imbalance. External stress signals, which act as indicators of organismal stress or injury in other cells, employ mediators such as catecholamines, endotoxin, alarmins, ATP and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β. External stress signals generally induce cellular responses through membrane receptor systems. In this review, we focus on the regulation of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) as a prototypical stress response myokine and highlight evidence that IL‐6 gene regulation in muscle is inherently organized to respond to a wide variety of internal and external stressors. Given that IL‐6 can initiate protective, anti‐inflammatory or restorative processes throughout the organism during life‐threatening conditions, we present the argument that skeletal muscle has a physiological function as a sensor and responder to stress. Furthermore, we hypothesize that it may comprise a fundamental component of the organism's acute stress response.
Modular Product Design Using Cyberinfrastructure for Global Manufacturing
Authors: Jung-Woon Yoo John , Kumara Soundar , Simpson Timothy W.
Published: September 2012

Modularization of parts—a fairly recent trend in product development—allows part definitions to be kept in a machine-readable form, making it possible to define a part based on its input interfaces, output interfaces, behaviors, and geometric information. The machine-readable representation of parts enables manufacturing companies to more efficiently identify parts suppliers in global and virtual environments. Such representation also helps automate modular product design during detailed parametric design phases. Our research showed that modular product design can be formulated as an artificial intelligence (AI) Planning problem, and we propose a cyberinfrastructure-based framework to support automation. We demonstrate the proposed framework's implication on global manufacturing using part specification information for personal computers as an example.
Electron beam direct write of chalcogenide glass integrated optics
Authors: Hoffman Galen B. , Reano Ronald M.
Published: September 2012

The authors present experimental results of electron beam driven structuring of GexSe1-x glass films with composition (x ∼ 0.2) that lies very close to the floppy to rigid stiffness transition for the purpose of achieving planar ridge optical waveguides. Chalcogenide thin films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition and spin-coating on thermally oxidized silicon substrates. The height and width of the induced deformations tend to increase with slower beam scan rates, greater number of exposures, larger beam currents, and thicker GexSe1-x films. Deformations greater than three times the original film thickness were obtained. Numerical analysis shows that guided wave optical modes are supported. Fabricated directional coupler, ring resonator, and grating structures are promising advances toward realizing planar lightwave devices by direct writing with an electron beam.
Synthetic Pathway for Production of Five-Carbon Alcohols from Isopentenyl Diphosphate
Authors: Chou Howard H. , Keasling Jay D.
Published: September 2012

Synthetic biological pathways could enhance the development of novel processes to produce chemicals from renewable resources. On the basis of models that describe the evolution of metabolic pathways and enzymes in nature, we developed a framework to rationally identify enzymes able to catalyze reactions on new substrates that overcomes one of the major bottlenecks in the assembly of a synthetic biological pathway. We verified the framework by implementing a pathway with two novel enzymatic reactions to convert isopentenyl diphosphate into 3-methyl-3-butenol, 3-methyl-2-butenol, and 3-methylbutanol. To overcome competition with native pathways that share the same substrate, we engineered two bifunctional enzymes that redirect metabolic flux toward the synthetic pathway. Taken together, our work demonstrates a new approach to the engineering of novel synthetic pathways in the cell.
Enhancement of Ganoderic Acid Accumulation by Overexpression of an N-Terminally Truncated 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Gene in the Basidiomycete Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Xu Jun-Wei , Xu Yi-Ning , Zhong Jian-Jiang
Published: September 2012

Ganoderic acids produced byGanoderma lucidum, a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom, exhibit antitumor and antimetastasis activities. Genetic modification ofG. lucidumis difficult but critical for the enhancement of cellular accumulation of ganoderic acids. In this study, a homologous genetic transformation system forG. lucidumwas developed for the first time using mutatedsdhB, encoding the iron-sulfur protein subunit of succinate dehydrogenase, as a selection marker. The truncatedG. lucidumgene encoding the catalytic domain of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) was overexpressed by using theAgrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system. The results showed that the mutatedsdhBsuccessfully conferred carboxin resistance upon transformation. Most of the integrated transfer DNA (T-DNA) appeared as a single copy in the genome. Moreover, deregulated constitutive overexpression of the HMGR gene led to a 2-fold increase in ganoderic acid content. It also increased the accumulation of intermediates (squalene and lanosterol) and the upregulation of downstream genes such as those of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, squalene synthase, and lanosterol synthase. This study demonstrates that transgenic basidiomyceteG. lucidumis a promising system to achieve metabolic engineering of the ganoderic acid pathway.
Proteorhodopsin-Like Genes Present in Thermoacidophilic High-Mountain Microbial Communities
Authors: Bohorquez Laura C. , Ruiz-Pérez Carlos A. , Zambrano María Mercedes
Published: September 2012

Proteorhodopsin (PR) sequences were PCR amplified from three Andean acidic hot spring samples. These sequences were similar to freshwater and marine PRs and they contained residues indicative of proton-pumping activity and of proteins that absorb green light; these findings suggest that PRs might contribute to cellular metabolism in these habitats.
AidC, a Novel
N
-Acylhomoserine Lactonase from the Potato Root-Associated Cytophaga-Flavobacteria-Bacteroides (CFB) Group Bacterium Chryseobacterium sp. Strain StRB126
Authors: Wang Wen-Zhao , Morohoshi Tomohiro , Someya Nobutaka , Ikeda Tsukasa
Published: September 2012

N
-Acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) are used as quorum-sensing (QS) signal molecules by many Gram-negative bacteria. We have reported that
Chryseobacterium
sp. strain StRB126, which was isolated from the root surface of potato, has AHL-degrading activity. In this study, we cloned and characterized the
aidC
gene from the genomic library of StRB126. AidC has AHL-degrading activity and shows homology to several metallo-β-lactamase proteins from
Bacteroidetes
, although not to any known AHL-degrading enzymes. Purified AidC, as a maltose-binding fusion protein, showed high degrading activity against all tested AHLs, whether short- or long-chain forms, with or without substitution at carbon 3. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that AidC functions as an AHL lactonase catalyzing AHL ring opening by hydrolyzing lactones. An assay to determine the effects of covalent and ionic bonding showed that Zn
2+
is important to AidC activity both
in vitro
and
in viv
o. In addition, the
aidC
gene could also be PCR amplified from several other
Chryseobacterium
strains. In conclusion, this study indicated that the
aidC
gene, encoding a novel AHL lactonase, may be widespread throughout the genus
Chryseobacterium
. Our results extend the diversity and known bacterial hosts of AHL-degrading enzymes.
Abundance and Genetic Diversity of
nifH
Gene Sequences in Anthropogenically Affected Brazilian Mangrove Sediments
Authors: Dias Armando Cavalcante Franco , Pereira e Silva Michele de Cassia , Cotta Simone Raposo , Dini-Andreote Francisco , Soares Fábio Lino , Salles Joana Falcão , Azevedo João Lúcio , van Elsas Jan Dirk , Andreote Fernando Dini
Published: September 2012

Although mangroves represent ecosystems of global importance, the genetic diversity and abundance of functional genes that are key to their functioning scarcely have been explored. Here, we present a survey based on the
nifH
gene across transects of sediments of two mangrove systems located along the coast line of São Paulo state (Brazil) which differed by degree of disturbance, i.e., an oil-spill-affected and an unaffected mangrove. The diazotrophic communities were assessed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and clone libraries. The
nifH
gene abundance was similar across the two mangrove sediment systems, as evidenced by qPCR. However, the
nifH
-based PCR-DGGE profiles revealed clear differences between the mangroves. Moreover, shifts in the
nifH
gene diversities were noted along the land-sea transect within the previously oiled mangrove. The
nifH
gene diversity depicted the presence of nitrogen-fixing bacteria affiliated with a wide range of taxa, encompassing members of the
Alphaproteobacteria
,
Betaproteobacteria
,
Gammaproteobacteria
,
Firmicutes
, and also a group of anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria. We also detected a unique mangrove-specific cluster of sequences denoted Mgv-
nifH
. Our results indicate that nitrogen-fixing bacterial guilds can be partially endemic to mangroves, and these communities are modulated by oil contamination, which has important implications for conservation strategies.
Mechanisms for Photoinactivation of Enterococcus faecalis in Seawater
Authors: Sassoubre Lauren M. , Nelson Kara L. , Boehm Alexandria B.
Published: September 2012

Field studies in fresh and marine waters consistently show diel fluctuations in concentrations of enterococci, indicators of water quality. We investigated sunlight inactivation of
Enterococcus faecalis
to gain insight into photoinactivation mechanisms and cellular responses to photostress.
E. faecalis
bacteria were exposed to natural sunlight in clear, filtered seawater under both oxic and anoxic conditions to test the relative importance of oxygen-mediated and non-oxygen-mediated photoinactivation mechanisms. Multiple methods were used to assess changes in bacterial concentration, including cultivation, quantitative PCR (qPCR), propidium monoazide (PMA)-qPCR, LIVE/DEAD staining using propidium iodide (PI), and cellular activity, including ATP concentrations and expression of the superoxide dismutase-encoding gene,
sodA
. Photoinactivation, based on numbers of cultivable cells, was faster in oxic than in anoxic microcosms exposed to sunlight, suggesting that oxygen-mediated photoinactivation dominated. There was little change in qPCR signal over the course of the experiment, demonstrating that the nucleic acid targets were not damaged to a significant extent. The PMA-qPCR signal was also fairly stable, consistent with the observation that the fraction of PI-permeable cells was constant. Thus, damage to the membrane was minimal. Microbial ATP concentrations decreased in all microcosms, particularly the sunlit oxic microcosms. The increase in relative expression of the
sodA
gene in the sunlit oxic microcosms suggests that cells were actively responding to oxidative stress. Dark repair was not observed. This research furthers our understanding of photoinactivation mechanisms and the conditions under which diel fluctuations in enterococci can be expected in natural and engineered systems.