bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of defensin response to dengue infection in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Wasinpiyamongkol Ladawan , Missé Dorothée , Luplertlop Natthanej
Published: September 2014

Innate immune‐related defensin peptide expression, the major antimicrobial peptide (AMP) in the dengue vector mosquito Aedes aegypti, was analyzed following infection by dengue virus type 2 (strain 16681) (DENV‐2). In vitro, the mosquito cell line C6/36 was exposed to dengue virus at different multiplicities of infection (MOI) in an hour; it was found that the expression level of defensin transcripts was dependent upon viral dose. In addition, using both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting assays to determine defensin transcription and translation at a series of times post‐inoculation, we found that the time course of defensin transcripts correlated with the expression of defensin peptide post‐infection. In vitro, female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were fed different meals (DENV‐2 infected blood, non‐infectious blood and sugar) at 14 days post‐feeding, to determine defensin transcription in response to dengue infection, by surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF‐MS) assay. The results showed that a peak of 4.25 kDa peptide, composed of defensin, was predominantly induced by DENV‐2 infected blood‐fed mosquitoes. We observed that DENV‐2 could trigger the defensin peptide, defined molecularly as an innate immune response. Therefore, this peptide may be involved in dengue infection and/or transmission. Improved understanding of the mosquito's responses to dengue virus should strengthen our understanding of this vector's innate immune system.
Bayesian network construction using a fuzzy rule based approach for medical decision support
Authors: Zarikas Vasilios , Papageorgiou Elpiniki , Regner Peter
Published: September 2014

This study proposes a novel method for the construction of efficient and convenient Bayesian networks (BNs) and influence diagrams regarding medical problems based on fuzzy rules. The general methodology that was developed is able to address decisions based on fuzzy medical rules that connect symptoms with the severity/rating scale of a disease. These fuzzy rules are rich enough to cover a large variety of medical decisions. The method overcomes the major disadvantage of Bayesian nets, that is, the need of a vast amount of subjective probabilities. Instead of filling conditional probability tables in BNs, physicians report their knowledge in the form of fuzzy rules. The knowledge of these rules after defuzzification is transformed according to certain equations into probabilities. This becomes possible, categorizing the rules into certain types. For each type of rule, a mathematical expression is determined, which sets correctly the conditional probabilities that relate a symptom with its child severity. A particular example of assessing pulmonary infections and making decisions on severity degree was explored, implementing a decision support system (DSS) to show the functionality of the proposed methodology. The developed front‐end DSS was evaluated and proved capable to drive fair decisions close to those obtained by physicians.
RGB‐D assistive technologies for acquired brain injury: description and assessment of user experience
Authors: Oliver Miguel , Montero Francisco , Fernández‐Caballero Antonio , González Pascual , Molina José Pascual
Published: September 2014

This paper proposes the use of RGB‐D sensors in motor rehabilitation of patients suffering acquired brain injury. Indeed, RGB‐D sensors are promising in their use as assistive technologies in ambient assisted living and rehabilitation places. The paper describes the system developed for creating and monitoring the ambient assisted environment for rehabilitation. The proposal consists of four major tasks: workspace configuration, information integration, user identification, and user tracking. Another main concern in this paper is to assess the user experience of the environment and scenario. A qualitative evaluation of the proposal has been performed to find out how the stakeholders of the proposed RGB‐D assistive technologies environment (injured patients and therapists) use and perceive the ambient assisted rehabilitation room.
Class IIa HDACs – new insights into their functions in physiology and pathology
Authors: Parra Maribel
Published: September 2014

HDAC4, 5, 7 and 9 constitute the class IIa histone deacetylases (HDACs) within the large family of protein deacetylases. Class IIa HDACs have unique features that distinguish them from other HDACs. They contain an N‐terminal domain that is required for their interaction with tissue‐specific transcription factors and recruitment to their target genes. The N‐terminal domain on class IIa HDACs also bears conserved serine residues that undergo signal‐dependent phosphorylation, which brings about nuclear export of the enzymes and de‐repression of their targets. One of the most important aspects of class IIa HDACs is their expression in specific tissues and organs within the organism, where they have crucial roles in development and differentiation processes. This review brings up to date our knowledge of the physiological and pathological functions of class IIa HDACs, focusing in particular on the most recent discoveries from in vivo studies of mouse model systems.
Histone H3K9 acetylation level modulates gene expression and may affect parasite growth in human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Srivastava Sandeep , Bhowmick Krishanu , Chatterjee Snehajyoti , Basha Jeelan , Kundu Tapas K. , Dhar Suman K.
Published: September 2014

Three‐dimensional positioning of the nuclear genome plays an important role in the epigenetic regulation of genes. Although nucleographic domain compartmentalization in the regulation of epigenetic state and gene expression is well established in higher organisms, it remains poorly understood in the pathogenic parasite Plasmodium falciparum. In the present study, we report that two histone tail modifications, H3K9Ac and H3K14Ac, are differentially distributed in the parasite nucleus. We find colocalization of active gene promoters such as Tu1 (tubulin‐1 expressed in the asexual stages) with H3K9Ac marks at the nuclear periphery. By contrast, asexual stage inactive gene promoters such as Pfg27 (gametocyte marker) and Pfs28 (ookinete marker) occupy H3K9Ac devoid zones at the nuclear periphery. The histone H3K9 is predominantly acetylated by the PCAF/GCN5 class of lysine acetyltransferases, which is well characterized in the parasite. Interestingly, embelin, a specific inhibitor of PCAF/GCN5 family histone acetyltransferase, selectively decreases total H3K9Ac acetylation levels (but not H3K14Ac levels) around the var gene promoters, leading to the downregulation of var gene expression, suggesting interplay among histone acetylation status, as well as subnuclear compartmentalization of different genes and their activation in the parasites. Finally, we found that embelin inhibited parasitic growth at the low micromolar range, raising the possibility of using histone acetyltransferases as a target for antimalarial therapy.
Intensive agriculture reduces soil biodiversity across Europe
Authors: Tsiafouli Maria A. , Thébault Elisa , Sgardelis Stefanos P. , de Ruiter Peter C. , van der Putten Wim H. , Birkhofer Klaus , Hemerik Lia , de Vries Franciska T. , Bardgett Richard D. , Brady Mark Vincent , Bjornlund Lisa , Jørgensen Helene Bracht , Christensen Sören , Hertefeldt Tina D’ , Hotes Stefan , Gera Hol W.H. , Frouz Jan , Liiri Mira , Mortimer Simon R. , Setälä Heikki , Tzanopoulos Joseph , Uteseny Karoline , Pižl Václav , Stary Josef , Wolters Volkmar , Hedlund Katarina
Published: September 2014

Soil biodiversity plays a key role in regulating the processes that underpin the delivery of ecosystem goods and services in terrestrial ecosystems. Agricultural intensification is known to change the diversity of individual groups of soil biota, but less is known about how intensification affects biodiversity of the soil food web as a whole, and whether or not these effects may be generalized across regions. We examined biodiversity in soil food webs from grasslands, extensive, and intensive rotations in four agricultural regions across Europe: in Sweden, theUK, the Czech Republic and Greece. Effects of land‐use intensity were quantified based on structure and diversity among functional groups in the soil food web, as well as on community‐weighted mean body mass of soil fauna. We also elucidate land‐use intensity effects on diversity of taxonomic units within taxonomic groups of soil fauna. We found that between regions soil food web diversity measures were variable, but that increasing land‐use intensity caused highly consistent responses. In particular, land‐use intensification reduced the complexity in the soil food webs, as well as the community‐weighted mean body mass of soil fauna. In all regions across Europe, species richness of earthworms, Collembolans, and oribatid mites was negatively affected by increased land‐use intensity. The taxonomic distinctness, which is a measure of taxonomic relatedness of species in a community that is independent of species richness, was also reduced by land‐use intensification. We conclude that intensive agriculture reduces soil biodiversity, making soil food webs less diverse and composed of smaller bodied organisms. Land‐use intensification results in fewer functional groups of soil biota with fewer and taxonomically more closely related species. We discuss how these changes in soil biodiversity due to land‐use intensification may threaten the functioning of soil in agricultural production systems.
Mechanical weakening of devitalized teeth: three‐dimensional Finite Element Analysis and prediction of tooth fracture
Authors: Zelic K. , Vukicevic A. , Jovicic G. , Aleksandrovic S. , Filipovic N. , Djuric M.
Published: September 2014

Aim

To determine to which extent cavity preparation and each step of dentine removal in the process of root canal treatment (access cavity preparation and root canal enlargement) both individually and jointly contribute to the weakening of the tooth.

Methods

Numerical analysis using finite element method (FEM) of separate and combined influence of two‐surface Class II preparation and root canal treatment was undertaken to evaluate the decrease in tooth strength. The influence of the two stages in root canal treatment, access cavity preparation and root canal enlargement, was also analysed separately and jointly. After each of these phases, the crown was restored with composite resin, and the FEA was performed only on restored teeth. To estimate the influence of all these procedures on tooth fracture resistance numerically, a Failure Index based on the maximum principal stress criterion (MPCS) was applied. Compressive and tensile stresses were analysed separately and corresponding Failure Indices were calculated.

Results

A two‐surface resin composite restoration weakened the tooth by 23.25%. Nevertheless, the Failure Indices showed that this tooth was not likely to fracture even under high occlusal stress (710N). However, after access cavity preparation, the Failure Indices reached the point where, under high occlusal force that may occur in the posterior area, a tooth fracture occurred. The enlargement of root canals had an additional, but relatively small impact on tooth weakening, making the tooth even more susceptible to fracture. The combined influence of both cavity preparation and root canal enlargement led to weakening of 62.6% under a load of 710N, ultimately causing tooth fracture.

Conclusion

The combined finite element method and the maximum principal stress analysis gave insight into the fracture mechanisms of teeth with two‐surface composite restorations followed by root canal preparation. Removal of tooth tissue, despite its subsequent restoration with dental materials, weakened the tooth by changing the stress intensity and distribution through tooth structures. Access cavity preparation had the greatest influence on tooth strength whilst canal enlargement did not contribute to this process substantially.
Evidenced‐based clinical practice guideline for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (summary – Japanese Urological Association, 2014 edition)
Authors: Oya Mototsugu , Kikuchi Eiji ,   Committee for Establishment of the Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma and the Japanese Urological Association
Published: September 2014

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma is more rare than bladder cancer, although they are both categorized as urothelial carcinoma. Because of the low incidence, little clinical evidence is available regarding the treatment of the former. However, recently such evidence has slowly begun to accumulate. The guideline presented herein was compiled for the purpose of ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment by physicians involved in the treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma. We carefully selected 16 clinical questions essential for daily clinical practice and grouped them into four major categories: epidemiology, diagnosis, surgery and systemic chemotherapy/other matters. Related literature was searched using PubMed and Japan Medical Abstracts Society databases for articles published between 1987 and 2013. If the judgment was made on the basis of insufficient or inadequate evidence, the grade of recommendation was determined on the basis of committee discussions and resultant consensus statements. Here, we present a short English version of the original guideline, and overview its key clinical issues.
Minimum Pay Scale and Career Length in the NBA
Authors: Ducking Johnny , Groothuis Peter A. , Hill James Richard
Published: September 2014

We use data from the National Basketball Association (NBA) to analyze the impact of minimum salaries on an employee's career length. The NBA has a salary structure in which the minimum salary a player can receive increases with the player's years of experience. The NFL has a similar minimum wage policy; research suggests that the introduction of this system shortened career length in the NFL. Using duration analysis, we fail to find evidence that the new multi‐tiered minimum wage scale in the NBA increased the probability of exit.
Dual careers, time‐use and satisfaction levels: evidence from the British Household Panel Survey
Authors: Wheatley Daniel , Wu Zhongmin
Published: September 2014

This article empirically examines time‐use and its impact on satisfaction levels among dual career households in a post‐industrial economy, the UK. Analysis explores the 1993–2009 British Household Panel Survey using panel probit regression. The evidence reveals distinctions in time‐use relative to gender, occupations and employment sector. Long hours persist among managers and professionals. The uneven division of household labour, further, continues to burden women with extensive amounts of housework and care. Satisfaction with working hours and amount/use of leisure time are lower among women, especially the public sector professionals. Provision of care, occupation and partner employment characteristics represent important satisfaction determinants present among women, while income (including partner's income) only has relevance among men. Housework does not itself generate dissatisfaction. It is the overload of household tasks, due to inequality in the household division of labour, which constrains many highly skilled working women reducing satisfaction with time‐use and life overall.
Laparoscopic‐Guided Compared to Skilled Instructor Support for Student Rectal Examination Training Using Live Horses in the Veterinary Curriculum
Authors: Radcliffe Rolfe M. , Manchester Alison C. , Mohammed Hussni O. , Ortved Kyla , Reesink Heidi L. , Schnabel Lauren V. , Lang Hayley M. , Scrivani Peter V. , Fubini Susan L.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the veterinary student learning outcome of 2 methods of equine rectal examination training.

Study Design

Randomized prospective study.

Sample Population

Veterinary students (3rd and 4th year; n = 40) and practicing equine veterinarians (n = 10).

Methods

Year 1: Group 1 (n = 11) and Group 2 students (n = 10) received skilled instructor (SI) and laparoscopic‐guidance (LG), respectively, during rectal exam instruction. All students were tested on rectal identification of 4 abdominal organs. Year 2: One group of students (n = 19) was trained and subsequently tested using each technique, first SI, followed by LG. Subjective evaluation of laparoscopy as a teaching tool was achieved with veterinary students and equine practitioners.

Results

A significantly greater percentage of students having LG compared to SI were able to correctly identify the left kidney (Year 1) and the spleen, cecum, and right ovary (Year 2). A significantly greater proportion of LG trained students in years 1 and 2 (100% and 95%, respectively) were also able to identify 75% of organs compared with SI (27% and 21%, respectively). Both students and veterinarians uniformly provided favorable feedback for LG in teaching rectal palpation skills.

Conclusion

The LG method of equine rectal examination instruction resulted in improved learning for identification of several key abdominal organs compared with SI.
The Effect of Unions and Organized Civil Society on Social Policy: Pension and Health Reforms in Argentina and Brazil, 1988–2008
Authors: Niedzwiecki Sara
Published: September 2014

This article shows how modified European power resources theories can be applied to Latin America to explain differences in the depth of policy reforms. It innovates on previous work on Latin American social policy by particularly examining the effect of unions and other civil society groups on the process of structural reforms (or lack thereof) in the health and pension sectors in Argentina and Brazil. Through a most similar system design, this analysis shows that the strength and support (or opposition) of organized civil society groups is a crucial condition to account for the enactment (or failure) of a given broad policy reform.
Reducing Poverty Intensity: What Alternative Poverty Measures Reveal about the Impact of Brazil's Bolsa Família
Authors: Bither-Terry Russell
Published: September 2014

Brazil's conditional cash transfer program Bolsa Família (Family Allowance) has gained a worldwide reputation as an effective antipoverty program. However, studies applying the dominant headcount poverty measure, which counts the percentage of households falling below a given poverty line, only credit the program with a first-order reduction in poverty (and extreme poverty) of 0.15 to 1.88 percentage points. This raises the puzzle of how such a modest impact could lead to Bolsa Família's political popularity. This article argues that Bolsa Família does dramatically reduce poverty, but measuring this impact requires thinking of poverty as how far a household is from meeting its basic human needs; choosing a continuous variable; and using income gap, intensity, and ordinal measures that reflect this conceptualization. The more substantial reduction of poverty intensity helps explain the program's reputation.
Low‐Temperature Sintering and Piezoelectric Properties of CuO‐Added KNbO3 Ceramics
Authors: Kim Dae‐Hyeon , Joung Mi‐Ri , Seo In‐Tae , Hur Joon , Kim Jong‐Hyun , Kim Bo‐Yun , Lee Hwack‐Joo , Nahm Sahn
Published: September 2014

Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of CuO‐added KNbO3 (KN) ceramics were investigated. The CuO reacted with the Nb2O5, formed a CuO–Nb2O5‐related liquid phase during the sintering, and assisted the densification of the KN ceramics at low temperatures. Moreover, some of the Cu2+ ions replaced the Nb5+ ions in the matrix and behaved as a hardener. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the KN ceramics were considerably influenced by the relative density. The 1.0 mol% CuO‐added KN ceramic sintered at 960°C for 1.0 h, which showed a maximum relative density, exhibited a high phase angle of 86.9°, Pr of 14.8 μC/cm2, and Ec of 1.8 kV/mm. This specimen also exhibited good dielectric and piezoelectric properties: εT33/εo of 364, d33 of 122 pC/N, kp of 0.29, and Qm of 611.
Biogeography of the social wasp genus Brachygastra (Hymenoptera: Vespidade: Polistinae)
Authors: da Silva Marjorie , Noll Fernando Barbosa
Published: September 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to understand the biogeography of Brachygastra. As the spatial component of evolution is of fundamental importance to understanding the processes shaping the evolution of taxa, the known geological history of the Neotropical region was used together with the current phylogeny and distribution of species to investigate questions concerning the biogeography of Brachygastra: the ancestral ranges of Brachygastra species; their areal relationships and their congruence with previously published hypotheses; the possible associated vicariance events and the influence of land bridges between North and South America, and the split between the Amazon and Atlantic forests.

Location

Neotropical region, from Mexico to central Argentina and southern USA.

Methods

Statistical dispersal–vicariance analysis (S‐DIVA) was used to reconstruct the possible ancestral ranges of Brachygastra species based on their phylogeny (divided into three groups, lecheguana, scuttelaris and smithii). A Brooks parsimony analysis (BPA) and component analysis were performed to reconstruct the areal relationships of these species within the Neotropics.

Results

S‐DIVA suggested a widespread, South American ancestral region for Brachygastra. The ancestral B. azteca probably reached the Nearctic before a posterior vicariance event separated it from the species groups ((lecheguana (scutellaris + smithii))), that stayed in the Atlantic forest. The ancestral (scutellaris + smithii groups) possibly reached the Amazon by dispersal, and the subsequent vicariance event splitting the Atlantic forest and Amazon separated the groups into scutellaris in the Atlantic forest and smithii in the Amazon. BPA and component analyses suggested that the Nearctic was a sister area to other regions, the Andes and Mesoamerica was a sister area to the Neotropical regions and the Amazon was closely related to the Atlantic forest.

Main conclusions

The phylogeny and distribution of Brachygastra suggest the influence of a land bridge between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres affecting the cladogenesis of B. azteca and the importance of the formation of the two blocks of forests in South America to the cladogenesis of the main groups of Brachygastra. Future comparisons between the distribution patterns of other taxa should enable a more precise identification of the possible events and outcomes, adding robustness to the hypothesized areal relationships.
Multivariate analyses of Ki‐67, cytokeratin 13 and cytokeratin 17 in diagnosis and prognosis of oral precancerous lesions
Authors: Yagyuu Takahiro , Obayashi Chiho , Ueyama Yoshihiro , Takano Masato , Tanaka Yuu , Kawaguchi Masahiko , Takeda Maiko , Kasai Takahiko , Kirita Tadaaki
Published: September 2014

Background

Ki‐67, cytokeratin 13, and/or cytokeratin 17 detection by immunohistochemistry has been reported to be useful for the diagnosis of oral precancerous lesions. However, the use of these markers remains controversial because of the lack of appropriately designed statistical studies. We assessed the hypothesis that Ki‐67, cytokeratin 13, or cytokeratin 17 immunohistochemistry could facilitate the diagnosis of oral precancerous lesions and/or predict prognosis.

Methods

Epithelial dysplasia was classified as low grade (none or mild dysplasia) or high grade (moderate dysplasia, severe dysplasia, or carcinoma in situ). This study included 58 low‐grade and 36 high‐grade dysplasia cases. We used logistic regression to assess the diagnostic values of Ki‐67, cytokeratin 13, and cytokeratin 17 for high‐grade dysplasia. Correlations between these markers and the prognosis of oral atypical epithelium were assessed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Ki‐67 overexpression and cytokeratin 13 loss were independent diagnostic markers for high‐grade dysplasia (odds ratios, 1.92 and 2.53; 95% confidence intervals, 1.03–3.58, and 1.19–5.38, respectively). The area under the curve of Ki‐67 was 0.73 and that of cytokeratin 13 was 0.72. However, the combination of Ki‐67 and cytokeratin 13 yielded the area under the curve of 0.78. Ki‐67 overexpression was significantly associated with recurrence and/or malignant transformation of oral atypical epithelium (hazard ratio, 7.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–48.92).

Conclusions

Ki‐67 overexpression and cytokeratin 13 loss may be useful for distinguishing oral precancerous lesions from reactive atypical epithelium. Moreover, Ki‐67 overexpression may be a risk factor for recurrence and/or malignant transformation of oral atypical epithelium.
A comparative study of bone remodeling molecules expression in different types of jaw ameloblastoma
Authors: Iakovou Maria , Chrysomali Evanthia , Piperi Evangelia , Fanourakis Galinos , Sklavounou Alexandra , Vlachodimitropoulos Dimitrios , Tseleni‐Balafouta Sophia
Published: September 2014

Background

Solid ameloblastoma demonstrates a more invasive behavior compared to unicystic. The follicular ameloblastoma is referred that may present a higher recurrence potential compared to the plexiform variant. In this study, the different ameloblastoma clinical types and histopathological variants were examined regarding the expression of bone remodeling‐related molecules OPG, RANKL, and TRAIL.

Methods

Immunostained sections of 29 solid and 11 unicystic ameloblastoma cases were semi‐quantitatively evaluated and analyzed using Mann–Whitney or Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Results

Solid ameloblastoma showed a significantly increased OPG expression (P = 0.004) associated with the follicular (P < 0.05) than the plexiform or mixed pattern. Lack or low immunoreactivity for RANKL was noted in 79.3% of the solid tumors. A statistically significant result (P < 0.05) was found in the unicystic ameloblastoma for differences by the histopathological pattern (no RANKL expression when plexiform pattern was seen compared to follicular). Comparison between the clinical types showed differences regarding the ratio of OPG/RANKL and TRAIL/RANKL expression. Higher OPG expression over RANKL was observed in 86.2% of the solid compared to 36.4% of the unicystic type. There was no difference in the ratio of TRAIL/RANKL expression in the unicystic, whereas 55.2% of the solid ameloblastomas showed a greater TRAIL expression over RANKL.

Conclusions

Our results suggest OPG overexpression and RANKL underexpression in solid ameloblastoma; this may reflect a possible prevalence of the OPG/TRAIL over the OPG/RANKL signaling pathway, resulting in inactivation of TRAIL‐induced apoptosis in ameloblastic cells. In unicystic ameloblastoma, the RANKL/OPG expression immunoprofile among histological variants is compatible with the reported biologic behavior.
Oral complications and dental care in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Valéra Marie‐Cécile , Noirrit‐Esclassan Emmanuelle , Pasquet Marléne , Vaysse Fréderic
Published: September 2014

Acute leukaemia is the most common type of childhood cancer, the acute lymphoblastic type accounting for the majority of cases. Children affected by leukaemia receive various forms of treatments including chemotherapeutic agents and stem cell transplants. Leukaemia and its treatment can directly or indirectly affect oral health and further dental treatments. The oral complications include mucositis, opportunistic infections, gingival inflammation and bleeding, xerostomia and carious lesions. An additional consideration in children is the impact of the treatments on the developing dentition and on orofacial growth. The aim of this review is to describe the oral complications in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and the methods of prevention and management before, during and after the cancer treatment.
p‐Akt and its relationship with clinicopathological features and survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Pontes Hélder Antônio Rebelo , Pontes Flávia Sirotheau Corrêa , de Jesus Adriana Souza , Soares Maiza Cristina Pereira , Gonçalves Fábio Luiz Neves , de Lucena Botelho Tessa , do Carmo Ribeiro Jaciane , dos Santos Pinto Décio
Published: September 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate, through immunohistochemical reaction in samples of oral squamous cell carcinoma, the correlation between the expression status of protein kinase B (p‐Akt) and patient survival as well as histological grade and some clinicopathological features.

Methods

Samples were collected from 46 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. The immunohistochemical expression of p‐Akt was analysed, as were clinicopathological features including the use of tobacco, tumour stage, size and infiltration of metastatic lymph nodes. The association of immunostaining with histological grade was analysed in 40 patients. The associations were examined for statistical significance using a chi‐square test. Overall survival rates were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using a log rank test (P > 0.05).

Results

The results indicated a statistically significant association with p‐Akt immunostaining for the variables lymph node metastasis (P = 0.006), tumour size (P = 0.044) and survival rate (P = 0.0298).

Conclusion

From these results, the present study suggests that high p‐Akt expression found in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients may contribute to tumour growth, metastasis to regional lymph nodes and shorter survival time.
FIRM HETEROGENEITY, MULTIPLANT CHOICE, AND AGGLOMERATION
Authors: Saito Hisamitsu
Published: September 2014

We examine the organization and location choice of heterogeneous firms in a two‐region economy. When some high‐productivity firms engage in multiplant production, a reduction in transport costs causes two changes in a small region: the closure of plants by high‐productivity multiplant firms and the relocation of low‐productivity single‐plant firms to the region. In the presence of high‐productivity multiplant firms, therefore, a decline in transport costs reinforces the spatial sorting of firms by productivity, enlarging the productivity gap between large and small regions. Conversely, reducing investment costs weakens the spatial sorting effects on regional productivity disparities.
Microbiota in Wheat Roots, Rhizosphere and Soil in Crops Grown in Organic and Other Production Systems
Authors: Lenc Leszek , Kwaśna Hanna , Sadowski Czesław , Grabowski Andrzej
Published: September 2014

Culturable microbial communities and diseases were compared in organic, integrated and conventional systems of winter wheat production and monoculture. Particular emphasis was placed on the density and diversity of cereal pathogens and their potential antagonists, and on the association of the active microbial populations with the health and productivity of wheat. In roots, rhizoplane and rhizosphere, fungi tended to be most abundant in the integrated system or monoculture, and bacteria in the organic system. The dominant fungal groups (with individual frequency >5%) included root pathogens (Fusarium, Gibberella, Haematonectria and Ilyonectria) and known pathogen antagonists (Acremonium strictum, Clonostachys, Chaetomium, Gliocladium and Trichoderma spp.). The 50 subdominant species (with individual frequency 1–5%) included the pathogens Alternaria, Cladosporium (leaf spot), Gaeumannomyces graminis (take‐all), Glomerella graminicola (anthracnose), Oculimacula yallundae (eyespot), Phoma spp. (leaf spots), and Pythium and Rhizoctonia (root rot). The 40 subrecedent species (with individual frequency <1%) included minor pathogens (Botrytis, Coniothyrium, Leptosphaeria). Antagonists in roots, rhizoplane and rhizosphere were most frequent in the organic system and least frequent in monoculture, suggesting that these systems had the most and least disease‐suppressive habitats, respectively. The other two systems were intermediate, with microbial communities suggesting that the conventional system produced a slightly more suppressive environment than the integrated system. The highest grain yield, in the integrated system, was associated with high abundance of fungi, including fungal pathogens, lowest abundance of Arthrobacter, Pseudomonas and Streptomyces in roots, rhizoplane and soil, and relatively high stem‐base and leaf disease severity. The lowest grain yields, in the organic system and monoculture, were associated with less abundant fungi and more abundant Pseudomonas. There is no clear indication that yields were affected by diseases.
A review on phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology studies of Aconitum
Authors: Nyirimigabo Eric , Xu Yanyan , Li Yubo , Wang Yuming , Agyemang Kojo , Zhang Yanjun
Published: September 2014

Objectives

A number of species belonging to herbal genus Aconitum are well-known and popular for their medicinal benefits in Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Tibetan and Chinese systems of medicine. It is a valuable drug as well as an unpredictable toxic material. It is therefore imperative to understand and control the toxic potential of herbs from this genus. In this review, the ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry, pharmacology, structure activity relationship and toxicology studies of Aconitum were presented to add to knowledge for their safe application.

Key findings

A total of about 76 of all aconite species growing in China and surrounding far-east and Asian countries are used for various medical purposes. The main ingredients of aconite species are alkaloids, flavonoids, free fatty acids and polysaccharides. The tuberous roots of genus Aconitum are commonly applied for various diseases such as rheumatic fever, painful joints and some endocrinal disorders. It stimulates the tip of sensory nerve fibres. These tubers of Aconitum are used in the herbal medicines only after processing. There remain high toxicological risks of the improper medicinal applications of Aconitum. The cardio and neurotoxicities of this herb are potentially lethal. Many analytical methods have been reported for quantitatively and qualitatively characterization of Aconitum.

Aconitum is a plant of great importance both in traditional medicine in general and in TCM in particular. Much attention should be put on Aconitum because of its narrow therapeutic range. However, Aconitum's toxicity can be reduced using different techniques and then benefit from its pharmacological activities. New methods, approaches and techniques should be developed for chemical and toxicological analysis to improve its quality and safety.
Fatalism Moderates the Relationship Between Family History of Cardiovascular Disease and Engagement in Health‐Promoting Behaviors Among At‐Risk Rural Kentuckians
Authors: Mudd‐Martin Gia , Rayens Mary Kay , Lennie Terry A. , Chung Misook L. , Gokun Yevgeniya , Wiggins Amanda T. , Biddle Martha J. , Bailey Alison L. , Novak M. J. , Casey Baretta R. , Moser Debra K.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

In rural communities that experience high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality, family history education may enhance risk awareness and support engagement in healthy behaviors but could also engender fatalism. This study was conducted to assess if the relationship between family history and adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors is moderated by fatalism.

Methods

Baseline data were obtained from 1,027 adult participants in the HeartHealth in Rural Kentucky study. Multiple linear regression was used to determine whether fatalism moderated the relationship between high‐risk family history of CVD and adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors, controlling for sociodemographic variables and CVD risk factors. The relationship between family history and healthy behaviors was assessed for subgroups of participants divided according to the upper and lower quartiles of fatalism score.

Findings

The relationship between high‐risk family history of CVD and adherence to healthy behaviors was moderated by fatalism. Among those with the highest quartile of fatalism scores, high‐risk family history predicted greater adherence to healthy behaviors, while among those in the lowest quartile, and among those with the middle 50% of fatalism scores, there was no association between family history and healthy behavior scores.

Conclusions

Family history education can provide people at increased risk for CVD important information to guide health practices. This may be particularly relevant for those with a high degree of fatalistic thinking. In rural communities with limited health resources, family history education, combined with assessment of fatalism, may support better targeted interventions to enhance engagement in healthy behaviors.
Estrogen Mediates Metabolic Syndrome-Induced Erectile Dysfunction: A Study in the Rabbit
Authors: Vignozzi Linda , Filippi Sandra , Comeglio Paolo , Cellai Ilaria , Morelli Annamaria , Marchetta Matilde , Maggi Mario
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Estrogen receptor (ER) α is critical in mediating the harmful effects of hyperestrogenism in fetal or neonatal life on the developing penis. In contrast, little is known on the impact of an excess of estrogens on penile function in adulthood.

Aim

To investigate the effect of estrogens on metabolic syndrome (MetS)-associated erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

We employed a recently established animal model of high fat diet (HFD)-induced MetS. Subgroups of MetS rabbits were dosed with either testosterone (T) or tamoxifen. We evaluated penile responsiveness to acetylcholine (Ach) as well as the expression of genes related to penile smooth muscle relaxation and contractility.

Main Outcome Measure

Associations between MetS-induced penile alterations and sex steroids were investigated in an animal model of HFD-induced MetS. To understand the role of either androgen deficiency or estrogen excess on ED, we treated subgroups of MetS rabbits with either T or tamoxifen, a classical ER antagonist.

Results

Feeding an HFD-induced MetS was associated to elevated estradiol (E2) and low T levels. E2, but not T, was independently and negatively associated with genes able to affect penile erection. Smooth muscle-related markers decreased as a function of E2 and were positively associated with all the variables investigated. Increasing concentrations of circulating E2 were negatively associated with Ach-induced relaxation. In HFD rabbits, in vivo T dosing significantly improved MetS and completely normalized circulating E2. Conversely, in vivo tamoxifen dosing reduced visceral adiposity and partially restored T level. Ach-induced relaxation was severely impaired by HFD and significantly restored, up to the control level, by both tamoxifen and T dosing. In rabbit smooth muscle cells cultures 17β-E2 (1 nM) significantly reduced the expression of α-smooth muscle actin, transgelin, and phosphodiesterase type 5. The effects of 17β-E2 were completely reverted by tamoxifen (100 nM).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates, for the first time, that HFD-induced ED is more associated with a high E2, rather than to a low T, milieu. HFD-induced ED is partially restored by in vivo treatment not only with T but also with the nonsteroidal ER antagonist, tamoxifen.
Pelvic Examination Experiences in Women With and Without Chronic Pain During Intercourse
Authors: Boyer Stéphanie C. , Pukall Caroline F.
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Although pelvic examinations (PEs) are an important component of women's health, some women experience difficulty during PEs due to anxiety and pain. These difficulties may be heightened in women with chronic pain during sexual intercourse. Some evidence suggests that this population experiences pain and distress during PEs, but their experiences in this context have not been empirically investigated from a multidimensional perspective.

Aims

The aims of this study were to compare the PE experiences of women with and without pain during intercourse and to examine predictors of negative experiences in each group.

Method

Women with vulvovaginal pain (n = 90), pelvic pain (n = 89), and women without current intercourse pain (n = 207) completed an online survey including sections assessing demographics, gynecological and medical history, and PE experiences. Respondents completed questionnaires assessing vaginal penetration cognitions and body image.

Main Outcome Measures

Participants rated their most recent PE on numerical scales for pain, embarrassment, anxiety, and the overall quality of the experience.

Results

Women with pelvic and vulvovaginal pain during intercourse reported significantly more pain and anxiety during their most recent PE compared with the no pain group, and women with a higher number of lifetime gynecological diagnoses reported significantly more pain. Multiple regression analyses indicated that various predisposing, examination-related, and psychological factors predicted specific PE ratings in each group.

Conclusions

The results provide empirical support that PEs are more physically and emotionally difficult for women who experience chronic pain during intercourse. These findings have important clinical implications, as PEs are a critical part of complete reproductive care and play an essential role in the assessment/management of sexual pain, including Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder.
Primary succession, disturbance and productivity drive complex species richness patterns on land uplift beaches
Authors: Nylén Tua , Luoto Miska
Published: September 2014

Questions

What are the interactive effects of succession time, disturbance and productivity on the fine‐scale species richness of beach vegetation? How do these effects differ between functional groups that are known to represent different adaptive strategies?

Location

Boreal beach and dune systems (ca. 60°–65° N) of the Baltic Sea coast in Finland, characterized by steep environmental gradients, post‐glacial land uplift and resulting primary succession.

Methods

The analysis was based on an extensive and systematic survey of vascular plant, bryophyte and lichen species and environmental factors. Total species richness and the species richness of seven functional groups were modelled as functions of succession time, disturbance, productivity and their statistical interactions. The effects of the local environmental variability were taken into account by applying generalized linear mixed models (GLMM).

Results

All three environmental factors and their statistical interactions, including the three‐way interaction, were highly significant in explaining total species richness. The effect of disturbance on total species richness changed from negative to positive along succession time and productivity gradients. The response of beach specialist richness to succession time and disturbance was unimodal, while the responses of the generalist functional groups were monotonic. Beach specialist richness showed a strong positive response to productivity, whereas the richness of the generalist groups was not related to changes in productivity.

Conclusions

The patterns of species richness on uplifting beaches are determined by the interplay of primary succession, disturbance and productivity. When both succession time and productivity increase, competitive exclusion starts to limit total species richness. In these circumstances, disturbance favours diversity by creating gaps in the vegetation. A combination of long succession time, low disturbance and low productivity result in maximum species richness. The richness of functional groups, particularly the opportunistic and disturbance‐tolerant beach specialist group and the competitive but disturbance‐sensitive groups, reach their peak in divergent environmental conditions. Consequently, the complex richness patterns observed on uplifting beaches are created not only by strongly interacting environmental drivers but also by differences in species' adaptive strategies.
The role of intestinal microbiota in murine models of acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity
Authors: Possamai Lucia A , McPhail Mark JW , Khamri Wafa , Wu Bishan , Concas Danilo , Harrison Mark , Williams Roger , Cox Roger D , Cox I Jane , Anstee Quentin M , Thursz Mark R
Published: September 2014

Background & Aims

Variations in intestinal microbiota may influence acetaminophen metabolism. This study aimed to determine whether intestinal microbiota are a source of differential susceptibility to acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity.

Methods

Conventionally housed C3H/HeH (CH) and C3H/HeH germ‐free (GF) mice were administered a 200 mg/kg IP dose of acetaminophen. The severity of hepatotoxicity at 8 h was assessed by histology and biochemical indices. A urinary metabolic profile was obtained using 1H‐NMR. Baseline hepatic glutathione content and CYP2E1 expression were quantified. An additional group of C3H/HeJ (LPS‐r) mice were assessed to determine the contribution of LPS/TLR4 signalling.

Results

Baseline glutathione levels were significantly reduced (P = 0.03) in GF mice. CYP2E1 mRNA expression and protein levels were not altered. Interindividual variability did not differ between GF and CH groups. No significant differences in the extent of hepatocellular injury (ALT or percentage necrosis) were demonstrated. However, a milder acute liver failure (ALF) phenotype was shown in GF compared with CH mice, with reduced plasma bilirubin and creatinine and increased blood glucose. Differential acetaminophen metabolism was demonstrated. GF mice displayed a higher urinary acetaminophen‐sulphate:glucuronide ratio compared with CH (P = 0.01). Urinary analysis showed metabolic differentiation of GF and CH groups at baseline and 8 h (cross‐validated anova P = 1 × 10‐22). Interruption of TLR4 signalling in LPS‐r mice had additional protective effects.

Conclusion

Variations in intestinal microbiota do not fully explain differential susceptibility to acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity. GF mice experienced some protection from secondary complications following acetaminophen overdose and this may be mediated through reduced TLR4/LPS signalling.
Do fecundity‐time models really predict extreme optimal egg sizes?
Authors: Kupriyanova Elena K. , Mikhin Dmitry Yu.
Published: September 2014

In 1973, Vance published a mathematical model that explains differences in reproductive strategies such as planktotrophy and lecithotrophy found in marine invertebrates. The original model Vance (The American Naturalist, 107, 339–352) traded fecundity against development time and resulted in a U‐shaped fitness function suggesting that only extreme levels of egg provisioning (referred to as egg size) are evolutionarily stable. Several later models independently predicted evolutionary stability of extreme egg sizes, and this has been commonly interpreted as a proof that the Vance model, albeit oversimplified, reflects the fundamental evolutionary principle of disruptive egg size evolution in marine invertebrates. However, empirical studies of the last several decades have illustrated that intermediate levels of egg provisioning are commonly observed in nature. As a result, the recent modifications of the original Vance model have attempted to explain evolution of such intermediate strategies. Here we re‐examine the earlier fecundity‐time models of the ‘Vance family’ and show that only Vance and its minor modification by Grant (The American Naturalist, 122, 549–555) invariably predict evolutionary stability of extreme egg sizes. Most modifications of the original Vance model in fact can predict at least some intermediate optimal egg sizes and reproductive strategies. There is no reason to assume that selection towards extreme egg sizes is the driving force in the evolution of marine invertebrate life histories.