bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) Responses in Tissues of White Sturgeon and Green Sturgeon Exposed to Different Stressors
Authors: Wang Weifang , Deng Dong-Fang , De Riu Nicola , Moniello Giuseppe , Hung Silas S O
Published: February 2013

A factorial experiment was conducted to compare the responses of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in seven different tissues of White Sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus and Green Sturgeon A. medirostris after they were exposed to four different stressors. Three White Sturgeon (2.3 ± 0.1 kg [mean ± SE]) and three Green Sturgeon (2.3 ± 0.1 kg [mean ± SE]) were each subjected to one of four different stressors, after which the Hsp70 levels in seven different tissues were measured using Western blot. The four stressors were heat shock, cold shock, air exposure, and food deprivation; and the seven tissues sampled were mucus, heart, liver, gastrointestinal tract, gill, spleen, and white muscle. We also sampled tissues of three White Sturgeon and three Green Sturgeon without any stressor, and measured their Hsp70 levels as a control. We compared Hsp70 responses of the stressed sturgeon with those of the control, which was set at 100%, and found that Hsp70 responses were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the different stressors and also varied significantly among the tissues. For both species of sturgeon, heat shock was shown to be the most effective stressor inducing Hsp70 responses and mucus was the most responsive tissue. Under heat shock stress, Hsp70 responses in all tissues except liver were significantly higher in the White Sturgeon than in the Green Sturgeon. When both species of fish were exposed to heat shock, cold shock, or food deprivation, White Sturgeon showed significantly higher Hsp70 responses in mucus than did Green Sturgeon. In summary, heat shock elicited the highest Hsp70 responses and mucus was the most sensitive tissue. Based on the tissue Hsp70 responses, White Sturgeon were predicted to have a better defense mechanism against heat shock than Green Sturgeon.
Characterization of Bacteria Isolated from Landlocked Fall Chinook Salmon Eggs from Lake Oahe, South Dakota
Authors: Bergmann David J , Brakke Alicia , Barnes Michael E
Published: February 2013

Bacteria were isolated from the eggs of landlocked fall Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha prior to initial placement in vertical-flow incubations trays 4 h after spawning and also 27 d later at the early eyed egg stage of development. Bacterial densities on the eggs after iodophor disinfection and just before being placed in trays were very low, and most isolates were gram-positive, nonfermenting cocci. In contrast, bacterial densities on eggs at incubation day 27 exceeded 1 × 107 CFU/egg and were dominated by slow-growing, gram-negative coccobacilli. Pseudomonas spp., as well as Flavobacterium (closely related to F. johnsoniae) were also present. Most Pseudomonas and Flavobacterium isolates produced extracellular proteases, making them candidates for further investigation into their possible contribution to egg mortality.
Reproductive Biology of Pacific Ocean Perch in the Gulf of Alaska
Authors: Conrath Christina L. , Knoth Brian
Published: February 2013

Despite the ecological and economic importance of rockfish fisheries in Alaska waters, little information is available concerning the reproductive biology of the majority of federally managed rockfish species in the Gulf of Alaska. Pacific Ocean Perch Sebastes alutus are the most abundant and commercially important rockfish in this region. This study examines the reproductive biology of Pacific Ocean Perch within the Gulf of Alaska, utilizing histological techniques to microscopically examine ovarian tissue. Pacific Ocean Perch samples were obtained throughout the year during National Marine Fisheries Service and Alaska Department of Fish and Game scientific surveys, as well as scientific charters. Ovaries of Pacific Ocean Perch began to ripen during the month of August with yolk increasing until February. Embryos appeared within the ovaries during February and continued to grow and develop until parturition in May. Results from this study indicate the fork length at 50% maturity is 33.4 cm and the age at 50% maturity is 8.4 years. Both of these values are smaller than those currently utilized in the stock assessment of Gulf of Alaska Pacific Ocean Perch. Results from this study will improve the stock assessment of this species by providing more accurate estimates of reproductive parameters and reducing the uncertainty in estimates of length and age at maturity.

Received July 30, 2012; accepted November 16, 2012
Food Deserts and Childhood Obesity
Authors: Alviola Pedro A. , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Thomsen Michael
Published: February 2013

We utilize a panel data set from 2007 to 2009 on the state of Arkansas to identify and determine the effect of food deserts on school district obesity rates. We define food deserts as low‐income areas with limited food access. Using both classical panel data models and spatial error models, we find no statistically significant relationship between school district obesity rates and the existence of food deserts in Arkansas. This finding is consistent across different model specifications, in spatial, panel or cross‐sectional analysis, and with or without urban school districts in the data.
An Alternative to Developing Stores in Food Deserts: Can Changes in SNAP Benefits Make a Difference?
Authors: Andrews Margaret , Bhatta Rhea , Ploeg Michele Ver
Published: February 2013

In the search for policies to reduce the effects of limited food access, little consideration has been given to how economic incentives could be used to make it easier for low‐income families to access existing healthy food retailers. Using county‐level, administrative data on redemption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by store type from May 2007 to May 2010, this paper investigates aggregate responses of SNAP participants to economic and policy changes. Results show that SNAP benefit increases, in general, are associated with a greater percentage of redemptions at superstores. However, other circumstances associated with the large increase in benefits enacted in April 2009 as a part of the stimulus bill reverse the positive effect. Estimates are stable across a number of specifications that also control for gas prices, store‐type density, local unemployment and state policies. Results suggest that economic incentives deserve further consideration as an alternative to store development in food desert communities.
Integrating Educational, Environmental, and Behavioral Economic Strategies May Improve the Effectiveness of Obesity Interventions
Authors: Gittelsohn Joel , Lee Katherine
Published: February 2013

Interventions that change the food environment, provide nutrition education, and employ behavioral economics strategies can potentially contribute to healthier diets and reduce the risk of chronic disease, but no attempt has been made to integrate these into the same conceptual framework. We present case studies of three multilevel, integrated interventions implemented by Johns Hopkins University between 2004–2011. We develop a conceptual model based on these case studies. Interventions and policies should effectively maximize opportunities to nudge healthier behaviors. We believe that the integration of educational, environmental, and behavioral economic strategies will balance the strengths and limitations of each approach.
Demand Reduction from Plain and Pictorial Cigarette Warning Labels: Evidence from Experimental Auctions
Authors: Rousu Matthew C. , Thrasher James F.
Published: February 2013

We report the results of experimental auctions with U.S. smokers, assessing the percentage of U.S. smokers whose demand for cigarettes decreases when bidding on packs with text and pictorial warnings, relative to packs with text‐only warnings. We find that pictorial labels and pictorial labels accompanied by plain packaging are more effective at reducing demand for cigarettes than only a front text warning label. We also find that pictorial labels were most effective at encouraging younger smokers to reduce their demand for cigarettes, and plain packaging was most effective at reducing demand among less educated smokers.
Multiple roles for Piwi in silencing Drosophila transposons
Authors: Rozhkov Nikolay V. , Hammell Molly , Hannon Gregory J.
Published: February 2013

Silencing of transposons in the Drosophila ovary relies on three Piwi family proteins—Piwi, Aubergine (Aub), and Ago3—acting in concert with their small RNA guides, the Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). Aub and Ago3 are found in the germ cell cytoplasm, where they function in the ping-pong cycle to consume transposon mRNAs. The nuclear Piwi protein is required for transposon silencing in both germ and somatic follicle cells, yet the precise mechanisms by which Piwi acts remain largely unclear. We investigated the role of Piwi by combining cell type-specific knockdowns with measurements of steady-state transposon mRNA levels, nascent RNA synthesis, chromatin state, and small RNA abundance. In somatic cells, Piwi loss led to concerted effects on nascent transcripts and transposon mRNAs, indicating that Piwi acts through transcriptional gene silencing (TGS). In germ cells, Piwi loss showed disproportionate impacts on steady-state RNA levels, indicating that it also exerts an effect on post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS). Piwi knockdown affected levels of germ cell piRNAs presumably bound to Aub and Ago3, perhaps explaining its post-transcriptional impacts. Overall, our results indicate that Piwi plays multiple roles in the piRNA pathway, in part enforcing transposon repression through effects on local chromatin states and transcription but also participating in germ cell piRNA biogenesis.
Overexpression of a BAHD Acyltransferase, OsAt10, Alters Rice Cell Wall Hydroxycinnamic Acid Content and Saccharification
Authors: Bartley Laura E. , Peck Matthew L. , Kim Sung-Ryul , Ebert Berit , Manisseri Chithra , Chiniquy Dawn M. , Sykes Robert , Gao Lingfang , Rautengarten Carsten , Vega-Sánchez Miguel E. , Benke Peter I. , Canlas Patrick E. , Cao Peijian , Brewer Susan , Lin Fan , Smith Whitney L. , Zhang Xiaohan , Keasling Jay D. , Jentoff Rolf E. , Foster Steven B. , Zhou Jizhong , Ziebell Angela , An Gynheung , Scheller Henrik V. , Ronald Pamela C.
Published: February 2013

Grass cell wall properties influence food, feed, and biofuel feedstock usage efficiency. The glucuronoarabinoxylan of grass cell walls is esterified with the phenylpropanoid-derived hydroxycinnamic acids ferulic acid (FA) and para-coumaric acid (p-CA). Feruloyl esters undergo oxidative coupling with neighboring phenylpropanoids on glucuronoarabinoxylan and lignin. Examination of rice (Oryza sativa) mutants in a grass-expanded and -diverged clade of BAHD acyl-coenzyme A-utilizing transferases identified four mutants with altered cell wall FA or p-CA contents. Here, we report on the effects of overexpressing one of these genes, OsAt10 (LOC_Os06g39390), in rice. An activation-tagged line, OsAT10-D1, shows a 60% reduction in matrix polysaccharide-bound FA and an approximately 300% increase in p-CA in young leaf tissue but no discernible phenotypic alterations in vegetative development, lignin content, or lignin composition. Two additional independent OsAt10 overexpression lines show similar changes in FA and p-CA content. Cell wall fractionation and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry experiments isolate the cell wall alterations in the mutant to ester conjugates of a five-carbon sugar with p-CA and FA. These results suggest that OsAT10 is a p-coumaroyl coenzyme A transferase involved in glucuronoarabinoxylan modification. Biomass from OsAT10-D1 exhibits a 20% to 40% increase in saccharification yield depending on the assay. Thus, OsAt10 is an attractive target for improving grass cell wall quality for fuel and animal feed.
Conditional Involvement of CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 in the Degradation of Phytochrome A
Authors: Debrieux Dimitry , Trevisan Martine , Fankhauser Christian
Published: February 2013

All higher plants possess multiple phytochrome photoreceptors, with phytochrome A (phyA) being light labile and other members of the family being relatively light stable (phyB–phyE in Arabidopsis [Arabidopsis thaliana]). phyA also differs from other members of the family because it enables plants to deetiolate in far-red light-rich environments typical of dense vegetational cover. Later in development, phyA counteracts the shade avoidance syndrome. Light-induced degradation of phyA favors the establishment of a robust shade avoidance syndrome and was proposed to be important for phyA-mediated deetiolation in far-red light. phyA is ubiquitylated and targeted for proteasome-mediated degradation in response to light. Cullin1 and the ubiquitin E3 ligase CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) have been implicated in this process. Here, we systematically analyze the requirement of cullins in this process and show that only CULLIN1 plays an important role in light-induced phyA degradation. In addition, the role of COP1 in this process is conditional and depends on the presence of metabolizable sugar in the growth medium. COP1 acts with SUPPRESSOR OF PHYTOCHROME A (SPA) proteins. Unexpectedly, the light-induced decline of phyA levels is reduced in spa mutants irrespective of the growth medium, suggesting a COP1-independent role for SPA proteins.
Cobalt(II) and cadmium(II) square grids supported with 4,4′-bipyrazole and accommodating 3-carboxyadamantane-1-carboxylate
Authors: Nazarenko Olga M. , Rusanov Eduard B. , Chernega Alexander N. , Domasevitch Konstantin V.
Published: February 2013

In poly[[bis(μ-4,4′-bi-1H-pyrazole-κ2N2:N2′)bis(3-carboxyadamantane-1-carboxylato-κO1)cobalt(II)] dihydrate], {[Co(C12H15O4)2(C6H6N4)2]·2H2O}n, (I), the Co2+cation lies on an inversion centre and the 4,4′-bipyrazole (4,4′-bpz) ligands are also situated across centres of inversion. In its non-isomorphous cadmium analogue, {[Cd(C12H15O4)2(C6H6N4)2]·2H2O}n, (II), the Cd2+cation lies on a twofold axis. In both compounds, the metal cations adopt an octahedral coordination, with four pyrazole N atoms in the equatorial plane [Co—N = 2.156 (2) and 2.162 (2) Å; Cd—N = 2.298 (2) and 2.321 (2) Å] and two axial carboxylate O atoms [Co—O = 2.1547 (18) Å and Cd—O = 2.347 (2) Å]. In both structures, interligand hydrogen bonding [N...O = 2.682 (3)–2.819 (3) Å] is essential for stabilization of theMN4O2environment with its unusually high (for bulky adamantanecarboxylates) number of coordinatedN-donor co-ligands. The compounds adopt two-dimensional coordination connectivities and exist as square-grid [M(4,4′-bpz)2]nnetworks accommodating monodentate carboxylate ligands. The interlayer linkage is provided by hydrogen bonds from the carboxylic acid groupsviathe solvent water molecules [O...O = 2.565 (3) and 2.616 (3) Å] to the carboxylate groups in the next layer [O...O = 2.717 (3)–2.841 (3) Å], thereby extending the structures in the third dimension.
Invader impact clarifies the roles of top‐down and bottom‐up effects on tropical snake populations
Authors: Brown Gregory P. , Ujvari Beata , Madsen Thomas , Shine Richard
Published: February 2013

Disentangling the effects of prey limitation (bottom‐up) and predation (top‐down) processes on natural populations is difficult, but the perturbations introduced by an invasive species can provide pseudo‐experimental evidence on this issue.

In tropical Australia, keelbacks (Tropidonophis mairii) and slatey‐grey snakes (Stegonotus cucullatus) experience little direct cost or benefit from the arrival of toxic invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina), because they rarely eat toads and if they do, are relatively resistant to the toads' toxins. Nonetheless, these snakes could be affected indirectly by toad‐induced decreases in the availability of prey (native frogs) and/or by fatal poisoning of the snakes' predators (large varanid lizards). The former (bottom‐up) effect predicts decreases in snake body condition, feeding and growth rates after toads arrive, whereas the latter (top‐down) effect predicts increases in survival.

Our mark–recapture studies on these snakes in tropical Australia (for 7 years before and 7 years after toad arrival) reveal bottom‐up effects both on an anurophagous dietary specialist (keelbacks) and a generalist feeder (slatey‐grey snakes).

Top‐down effects of toad arrival were seen in keelbacks but not in slatey‐grey snakes, perhaps reflecting the latter's larger body size.

Indirect effects coinciding with the timing of toad invasion thus were mediated through changes in food supply for both native species and in rates of predation for one species.
Spatio‐temporal dynamics of pneumonia in bighorn sheep
Authors: Cassirer E. Frances , Plowright Raina K. , Manlove Kezia R. , Cross Paul C. , Dobson Andrew P. , Potter Kathleen A. , Hudson Peter J.
Published: February 2013

Bighorn sheep mortality related to pneumonia is a primary factor limiting population recovery across western North America, but management has been constrained by an incomplete understanding of the disease. We analysed patterns of pneumonia‐caused mortality over 14 years in 16 interconnected bighorn sheep populations to gain insights into underlying disease processes.

We observed four age‐structured classes of annual pneumonia mortality patterns: all‐age, lamb‐only, secondary all‐age and adult‐only. Although there was considerable variability within classes, overall they differed in persistence within and impact on populations. Years with pneumonia‐induced mortality occurring simultaneously across age classes (i.e. all‐age) appeared to be a consequence of pathogen invasion into a naïve population and resulted in immediate population declines. Subsequently, low recruitment due to frequent high mortality outbreaks in lambs, probably due to association with chronically infected ewes, posed a significant obstacle to population recovery. Secondary all‐age events occurred in previously exposed populations when outbreaks in lambs were followed by lower rates of pneumonia‐induced mortality in adults. Infrequent pneumonia events restricted to adults were usually of short duration with low mortality.

Acute pneumonia‐induced mortality in adults was concentrated in fall and early winter around the breeding season when rams are more mobile and the sexes commingle. In contrast, mortality restricted to lambs peaked in summer when ewes and lambs were concentrated in nursery groups.

We detected weak synchrony in adult pneumonia between adjacent populations, but found no evidence for landscape‐scale extrinsic variables as drivers of disease.

We demonstrate that there was a >60% probability of a disease event each year following pneumonia invasion into bighorn sheep populations. Healthy years also occurred periodically, and understanding the factors driving these apparent fade‐out events may be the key to managing this disease. Our data and modelling indicate that pneumonia can have greater impacts on bighorn sheep populations than previously reported, and we present hypotheses about processes involved for testing in future investigations and management.
Impact of climate change on communities: revealing species' contribution
Authors: Davey Catherine M. , Devictor Vincent , Jonzén Niclas , Lindström Åke , Smith Henrik G.
Published: February 2013

Although climate is known to play an important role in structuring biological communities, high‐resolution analyses of recent climatic impacts on multiple components of diversity are still sparse. Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge about which species drive community response to environmental change.

We used a long‐term breeding bird data set that encompasses a large latitudinal and altitudinal range to model the effect of temperature on spatial and temporal patterns in alpha and beta diversity. We also established a novel framework for identifying species‐specific contributions to these macroecological patterns, hence combining two different approaches for identifying climatic impacts.

Alpha diversity increased over time, whilst beta diversity declined; both diversity metrics showed a significant relationship with recent temperature anomalies. By partitioning beta diversity, we showed that the decline was predominately driven by changes in species turnover rather than nestedness suggesting a process of replacement by more common species.

Using jackknife analyses we identified how individual species influenced the modelled relationships of diversity with temperature and time. Influential species tended to be habitat generalists with moderate to large distributions.

We demonstrate that different facets of avian diversity can respond rapidly to temperature anomalies and as a result have undergone significant changes in the last decade. In general, it appears that warming temperatures are driving compositional homogenization of temperate bird communities via range expansion of common generalist species.
Chinese Loess Plateau vegetation since the Last Glacial Maximum and its implications for vegetation restoration
Authors: Jiang Wenying , Cheng Yufen , Yang Xiaoxiao , Yang Shiling
Published: February 2013

China has been investing heavily in afforestation programmes to control soil erosion on the vast Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). This massive afforestation has led to a considerable increase in forest and a decrease in dust‐storm activity in some areas. However, there have also been some negative outcomes, including low tree survival rate, increased soil erosion, exacerbated water shortages and deep soil desiccation. One important explanation for these is the use of inappropriate species because of a lack of knowledge of the natural vegetation in the area, which has been largely destroyed by human activities.

Natural vegetation in the most recent warm period (the early–mid‐Holocene) can serve as an analogue for the ongoing greening programme, particularly under the global warming scenario. In this study, the natural vegetation of the CLP since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was reconstructed from pollen analyses of six loess sections.

Our results show that herbs were dominant both in the cold–dry LGM and the warm–humid early–mid‐Holocene. During the LGM, vegetation in the north‐western CLP mainly consisted of Artemisia, Echinops‐type, Taraxacum‐type and Chenopodiaceae, and vegetation in the south‐eastern CLP was characterized by the same types but with a slightly higher incidence of Poaceae. During the early–mid‐Holocene, vegetation was more diverse, with Poaceae, Artemisia, Echinops‐type and Chenopodiaceae dominant in the north‐west, and Pinus, Corylus, Poaceae, Artemisia and Selaginella sinensis dominant in the south‐east.

Synthesis and applications. The ecological restoration of herbs should be considered a priority, although trees and shrubs have been prioritized previously. To balance environmental conservation and farm‐income support objectives, we suggest planting Corylus, Juglans and Selaginella sinensis in the south‐eastern Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) because of their edible value or medicinal properties. Given the considerable prevalence of Selaginella sinensis and the Asteraceae family in the pollen records, and their useful medicinal effects, the CLP has great potential to be a centre for Chinese medicinal herb production.
Alternating and sequential motion rates in older adults
Authors: Pierce John E. , Cotton Susan , Perry Alison
Published: February 2013

Background

Alternating motion rate (AMR) and sequential motion rate (SMR) are tests of articulatory diadochokinesis that are widely used in the evaluation of motor speech. However, there are no quality normative data available for adults aged 65 years and older.

Aims

There were two aims: (1) to obtain a representative, normative dataset of diadochokinetic rates from adults aged 65 years and older; and (2) to examine the effects of age and gender on those rates.

Methods & Procedures

Seventy‐six healthy adults (65–86 years) were recruited; 45 females and 31 males. Participants were divided across two age groups (65–74 and 75–86 years) and audio‐recorded while undertaking AMR (/pa/, /ta/ and /ka/) and SMR (/pataka/). The rate of the first nine syllables for each task was measured using acoustic analysis software, and age and gender effects were examined using a series of generalized linear models. The effect of age on rate variability between groups was also assessed.

Outcomes & Results

Normative data were obtained for both age groups and across gender. Age was not a significant factor for any task. Males had significantly higher AMR than females (/pa/ p = 0.001, /ta/ p = 0.001, /ka/ p = 0.010). No such gender difference was found for SMR. There was no significant difference in rate variability between the age groups.

Conclusions & Implications

Normative values for AMR and SMR in both genders and across two older age groups were acquired. Diadochokinetic rates outside such values cannot be attributed to normal ageing, so will merit further clinical investigation.
Can individuals with Down syndrome improve their grammar?
Authors: Sepúlveda Esther Moraleda , López‐Villaseñor Miguel Lázaro , Heinze Elena Garayzábal
Published: February 2013

Morphosyntax constitutes one of the most complex areas of language. It takes into account the structure of the word and that of the sentence, and its development allows one to establish adequately agreements both within the nominal phrase and in the rest of the sentence. Morphosyntax is particularly impaired in individuals with Down syndrome. To improve their morphosyntactic skills, an intervention programme was designed and carried out with a total of 20 Spanish‐speaking children with Down syndrome; half of them composed the experimental group and the other half the control group. The results obtained show that the children in the experimental group improved more than the children in the control group in the areas of syntax, morphology and semantics, but not in pragmatics, where both groups improved to the same extent. Overall, the results obtained support the effectiveness of the programme implemented as a clinical and educational tool for intervention in individuals with Down syndrome.
Phonological and lexical effects in verbal recall by children with specific language impairments
Authors: Coady Jeffry A. , Mainela‐Arnold Elina , Evans Julia L.
Published: February 2013

Background & Aims

The present study examined how phonological and lexical knowledge influences memory in children with specific language impairments (SLI). Previous work showed recall advantages for typical adults and children due to word frequency and phonotactic pattern frequency and a recall disadvantage due to phonological similarity among words. While children with SLI have well‐documented memory difficulties, it is not clear whether these language knowledge factors also influence recall in this population.

Methods & Procedures

Sixteen children with SLI (mean age = 10;2) and chronological age‐matched typically developing children (CAM) controls recalled lists of words differing in phonological similarity, word frequency and phonotactic pattern frequency. While previous studies used a small set of words appearing in multiple word lists, the current study used a larger set of words, without replacement, so that children could not gain practice with individual test items.

Outcomes & Results

All main effects were significant. Interactions revealed that children with SLI were affected by similarity, but less so than their peers, comparably affected by word frequency and unaffected by phonotactic pattern frequency.

Conclusions & Implications

Results due to phonological similarity suggest that children with SLI use less efficient encoding, while results due to word frequency and phonotactic pattern frequency were mixed. Children with SLI used coarse‐grained language knowledge (word frequency) comparably with peers, but were less able to use fine‐grained knowledge (phonotactic pattern frequency). Paired with phonological similarity results, this suggests that children with SLI have difficulty establishing robust phonological knowledge for use in language tasks.
The Use of Wavelength Dispersive X‐ray Fluorescence in the Identification of the Elemental Composition of Vanilla Samples and the Determination of the Geographic Origin by Discriminant Function Analysis
Authors: Hondrogiannis Ellen , Rotta Kathryn , Zapf Charles M.
Published: February 2013

Sixteen elements found in 37 vanilla samples from Madagascar, Uganda, India, Indonesia (all Vanilla planifolia species), and Papa New Guinea (Vanilla tahitensis species) were measured by wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectroscopy for the purpose of determining the elemental concentrations to discriminate among the origins. Pellets were prepared of the samples and elemental concentrations were calculated based on calibration curves created using 4 Natl. Inst. of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. Discriminant analysis was used to successfully classify the vanilla samples by their species and their geographical region. Our method allows for higher throughput in the rapid screening of vanilla samples in less time than analytical methods currently available.

Practical Application  Wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy and discriminant function analysis were used to classify vanilla from different origins resulting in a model that could potentially serve to rapidly validate these samples before purchasing from a producer.
Inactivation of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Quality Maintenance of Cherry Tomatoes Treated with Gaseous Essential Oils
Authors: Yun Juan , Fan Xuetong , Li Xihong
Published: February 2013

The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils (EOs) from cinnamon bark, oregano, mustard, and of their major components cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, and allyl isothiocyanate (AIT) was evaluated as a gaseous treatment to reduce Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in vitro and on tomatoes. In vitro tests showed that mustard EO and AIT had the greatest inhibition of Salmonella, followed by cinnamon EO and cinnamaldehyde, while oregano and carvacrol showed the least inhibition. Scanning electron microscopy images of S. Typhimurium on tomatoes suggest that the EOs and their major components damaged the bacteria, and the damage was more obvious after posttreatment storage at 10 °C for 4 and 7 d. Salmonella on inoculated tomatoes was reduced by more than 5 log colony forming units (CFU)/g by mustard EO and AIT, by 4.56 and 3.79 log CFU/g following cinnamon EO and cinnamaldehyde treatments, respectively, and 1.54 and 3.37 log CFU/g after oregano EO and carvacrol treatments, respectively. Mustard EO and AIT induced discoloration, softening, and loss of the vitamin C and lycopene during 21 d of storage at 10 °C, while treatment with cinnamon EO and cinnamaldehyde did not result in significant changes in tomato quality. Tomatoes treated with oregano EO had better quality than nontreated samples after storage. Therefore, treatment with cinnamon and oregano EO and their major components appeared to be feasible for inactivation of Salmonella on tomatoes and maintaining quality.
China and Europe: Opportunities or Dangers?
Authors: Westad Arne
Published: February 2013

The author seeks to explain and estimate the likely outcomes of growing Chinese interest in European affairs. The author argues that, against the background of a possible decline of the geopolitical importance of the USA and despite internal European problems in the wake of the current financial crisis, an important change in Chinese foreign policy is needed. With the development towards a multipolar world becoming more and more visible, the Sino‐European relationship will gain significance. The future role of China and Europe alike will depend on the shape of their relations. The author analyzes Sino‐European relations with regard to economic exchange, security issues, the question of human rights and environmental policy.
Testosterone administration inhibits hepcidin transcription and is associated with increased iron incorporation into red blood cells
Authors: Guo Wen , Bachman Eric , Li Michelle , Roy Cindy N. , Blusztajn Jerzy , Wong Siu , Chan Stephen Y. , Serra Carlo , Jasuja Ravi , Travison Thomas G. , Muckenthaler Martina U. , Nemeth Elizabeta , Bhasin Shalender
Published: February 2013

Testosterone administration increases hemoglobin levels and has been used to treat anemia of chronic disease. Erythrocytosis is the most frequent adverse event associated with testosterone therapy of hypogonadal men, especially older men. However, the mechanisms by which testosterone increases hemoglobin remain unknown. Testosterone administration in male and female mice was associated with a greater increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit, reticulocyte count, reticulocyte hemoglobin concentration, and serum iron and transferrin saturation than placebo. Testosterone downregulated hepatic hepcidin mRNA expression, upregulated renal erythropoietin mRNA expression, and increased erythropoietin levels. Testosterone‐induced suppression of hepcidin expression was independent of its effects on erythropoietin or hypoxia‐sensing mechanisms. Transgenic mice with liver‐specific constitutive hepcidin over‐expression failed to exhibit the expected increase in hemoglobin in response to testosterone administration. Testosterone upregulated splenic ferroportin expression and reduced iron retention in spleen. After intravenous administration of transferrin‐bound 58Fe, the amount of 58Fe incorporated into red blood cells was significantly greater in testosterone‐treated mice than in placebo‐treated mice. Serum from testosterone‐treated mice stimulated hemoglobin synthesis in K562 erythroleukemia cells more than that from vehicle‐treated mice. Testosterone administration promoted the association of androgen receptor (AR) with Smad1 and Smad4 to reduce their binding to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐response elements in hepcidin promoter in the liver. Ectopic expression of AR in hepatocytes suppressed hepcidin transcription; this effect was blocked dose‐dependently by AR antagonist flutamide. Testosterone did not affect hepcidin mRNA stability. In conclusion, testosterone inhibits hepcidin transcription through its interaction with BMP/Smad signaling. Testosterone administration is associated with increased iron incorporation into red blood cells.
Innate Immunity in the Vagina (Part I): Estradiol Inhibits HBD2 and Elafin Secretion by Human Vaginal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Patel Mickey V. , Fahey John V. , Rossoll Richard M. , Wira Charles R.
Published: February 2013

Problem

Vaginal epithelial cells (VEC) are the first line of defense against incoming pathogens in the female reproductive tract. Their ability to produce the anti‐HIV molecules elafin and HBD2 under hormonal stimulation is unknown.

Method of study

Vaginal epithelial cells were recovered using a menstrual cup and cultured overnight prior to treatment with estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) or a panel of selective estrogen response modulators (SERMs). Conditioned media were recovered and analyzed for protein concentration and anti‐HIV activity.

Results

E2 significantly decreased the secretion of HBD2 and elafin by VEC over 48 hrs, while P4 and the SERMs (tamoxifen, PHTTP, ICI or Y134) had no effect. VEC conditioned media from E2‐treated cells had no anti‐HIV activity, while that from E2/P4‐treated cells significantly inhibited HIV‐BaL infection.

Conclusion

The menstrual cup allows for effective recovery of primary VEC. Their production of HBD2 and elafin is sensitive to E2, suggesting that innate immune protection varies in the vagina across the menstrual cycle.
Regulatory T cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Pregnancy
Authors: Tower Clare , Mathen Stephy , Crocker Ian , Bruce Ian N.
Published: February 2013

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disorder that predominantly affects women of reproductive age. As clinical outcomes improve, pregnancy in these women is becoming more common. Although epidemiological data have documented an improvement in the prognosis of pregnancy in these women over recent years, they are still at significantly increased risk of pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, pre‐eclampsia and impaired foetal growth. The pathogenesis of SLE involves marked immune dysfunction, and in particular, the function of immunosuppressive elements of the immune system is impaired, including regulatory T‐cell function. Because regulatory T cells are likely to be the key cell‐modulating feto‐maternal tolerance, this review overviews the possibility that regulatory T‐cell impairments contribute to pregnancy pathology in women with SLE and contribute to the clinical challenge of managing these women during pregnancy.
Selective triggering of platelet apoptosis, platelet activation or both
Authors: Gyulkhandanyan Armen V. , Mutlu Asuman , Freedman John , Leytin Valery
Published: February 2013

Anucleate platelets perform two fundamental processes, activation and apoptosis. We elaborated an approach for selective and concurrent stimulation of platelet apoptosis and/or activation, processes important in haemostasis and platelet clearance. Human platelets were treated with BH3 mimetic ABT‐737, thrombin, calcium ionophore A23187 and matched diluents. Apoptosis was determined as mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ΔΨm) depolarization and activation as P‐selectin exposure. At optimal treatment conditions (90–180 min, 37°C), ABT‐737 predominantly induced apoptosis, when 77–81% platelets undergo only ΔΨm depolarization. The ABT‐737 impact on ΔΨm depolarization is strongly time‐ and temperature‐dependent, and much higher at 37°C than at room temperature. In contrast, when platelets were treated with thrombin for 15–90 min at either temperature, activation‐only was predominantly (79–85%) induced, whereas A23187 triggers both apoptosis and activation (73–81%) when platelets were treated for 15–60 min at 37°C or 15–90 min at room temperature. These data demonstrate that, depending on the triggering stimulus, platelets predominantly undergo ΔΨm depolarization‐only, P‐selectin exposure‐only, or both responses, indicating that platelet apoptosis and activation are different phenomena driven by different mechanisms. The described model provides a basis for studying differential pharmacological manipulation of platelet apoptosis and activation and their role in haemostasis, thrombosis and platelet clearance.
HLA class II gene associations in African American Type 1 diabetes reveal a protective HLA‐DRB1*03 haplotype
Authors: Howson J. M. M. , Roy M. S. , Zeitels L. , Stevens H. , Todd J. A.
Published: February 2013

Aims

Owing to strong linkage disequilibrium between markers, pinpointing disease associations within genetic regions is difficult in European ancestral populations, most notably the very strong association of the HLA‐DRB1*03‐DQA1*05:01‐DQB1*02:01 haplotype with Type 1 diabetes risk, which is assumed to be because of a combination of HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQB1. In contrast, populations of African ancestry have greater haplotype diversity, offering the possibility of narrowing down regions and strengthening support for a particular gene in a region being causal. We aimed to study the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region in African American Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty‐seven African American patients with Type 1 diabetes and 471 African American control subjects were tested for association at the HLA class II genes, HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DQA1, HLA‐DQB1 and 5147 single nucleotide polymorphisms across the major histocompatibility complex region using logistic regression models. Population admixture was accounted for with principal components analysis.

Results

Single nucleotide polymorphism marker associations were explained by the HLA associations, with the major peak over the class II loci. The HLA association overall was extremely strong, as expected for Type 1 diabetes, even in African Americans in whom diabetes diagnosis is heterogeneous. In addition, there were unique features: the HLA‐DRB1*03 haplotype was split into HLA‐DRB1*03:01, which confers greatest susceptibility in these samples (odds ratio 3.17, 95% CI 1.72–5.83) and HLA‐DRB1*03:02, an allele rarely observed in Europeans, which confers the greatest protection in these African American samples (odds ratio 0.22, 95% CI 0.09–0.55).

Conclusions

The unique diversity of the African HLA region we have uncovered supports a specific and major role for HLA‐DRB1 in HLA‐DRB1*03 haplotype‐associated Type 1 diabetes risk.
A Phase IIb, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ferrannini E. , Seman L. , Seewaldt‐Becker E. , Hantel S. , Pinnetti S. , Woerle H. J.
Published: February 2013

Aim

This Phase IIb, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial evaluated the efficacy, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Four hundred and eight patients (treatment‐naïve or after a 4‐week wash‐out period) were randomized to receive empagliflozin 5, 10 or 25 mg once daily, placebo or open‐label metformin for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) after 12 weeks.

Results

After 12 weeks' treatment, empagliflozin showed dose‐dependent reductions in HbA1c from baseline [5 mg: −0.4%, 10 mg: −0.5%, 25 mg: −0.6%; all doses p < 0.0001 vs. placebo (+0.09%)]. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) decreased with empagliflozin [5 mg: −1.29 mmol/l, 10 mg: −1.61 mmol/l, 25 mg: −1.72 mmol/l; all doses p < 0.0001 vs. placebo (+0.04 mmol/l)]. Body weight decreased in all empagliflozin groups (all doses p < 0.001 vs. placebo). The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar in the placebo (32.9%) and empagliflozin (29.1%) groups. The most frequently reported AEs on empagliflozin were pollakiuria (3.3% vs. 0% for placebo), thirst (3.3% vs. 0% for placebo) and nasopharyngitis (2.0% vs. 1.2% for placebo). AEs consistent with urinary tract infections (UTIs) were reported in four (1.6%) patients on empagliflozin vs. one (1.2%) on placebo. Genital infections were reported in five (2%) patients on empagliflozin vs. 0% on placebo. No UTIs or genital infections led to premature discontinuation.

Conclusions

In patients with type 2 diabetes, empagliflozin resulted in dose‐dependent, clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c and FPG, and reductions in body weight compared with placebo. Empagliflozin was well‐tolerated with a favourable safety profile.
Distribution of Dyssynchrony in Subjects with No Known Cardiac Disease and Comparison of Velocity Vector Imaging to Color‐Coded Tissue Doppler Imaging
Authors: Parameswaran Anoop C. , Purushottam Bhaskar , Amanullah Aman , Figueredo Vincent M.
Published: February 2013

Data on the distribution of dyssynchrony in subjects with normal ejection fraction (EF) and normal QRS are scarce. We studied 100 subjects with no known cardiac disease (52% male, mean age 60 ± 17 years) using velocity vector imaging (VVI). Seventeen percent had septal to lateral (S–L) wall longitudinal delay >75 msec, 63% of subjects had S–L wall radial delay >75 msec, and 25% had a circumferential opposing wall delay >100 msec. Those with circumferential opposing wall delay of >100 msec had a lower EF (57 ± 5% vs. 62 ± 5%, P < 0.05). In an additional group of 33 patients, we compared the longitudinal dyssynchrony parameters as assessed by VVI and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and found them to be comparable. In conclusion, we find significant variation in time to peak velocities in subjects with no known cardiac disease, who had a normal left ventricular ejection fraction and QRS duration. VVI is comparable to TDI.
Exploring the biology of cancer of unknown primary: breakthroughs and drawbacks
Authors: Kamposioras Konstantinos , Pentheroudakis George , Pavlidis Nicholas
Published: February 2013

Background

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) ranks among the ten most common malignancies worldwide. Cancer of unknown primary presents as disseminated disease, has a dismal prognosis and remains a diagnosis of exclusion. The natural history and biology of the disease is poorly understood, and efforts are focused on identifying the specific ‘CUP signature’.

Materials and methods

We collected and analysed all published research in the biology of CUP from 1974 till present (Medline, Embase, ASCO and ESMO Congresses).

Results

Current scientific evidence suggests that aneuploidy and karyotype changes are frequent, while more subtle molecular aberrations, such as epidermal growth factor receptor family proteins, cKit/PDGFR are frequently overexpressed, although without prognostic significance. Loss of function of tumour suppressor genes, active angiogenesis, a hypoxic genetic programme and a mesenchymal transitory phenotype have been reported in CUP and may be indicative of unfavourable prognosis. Molecular pathway analyses have identified various biomolecules impacting on survival (pAKT, pMAPK, c‐Met, p21 and pPRS6). Finally, circulating tumour cells have recently been reported as a frequent phenomenon in CUP.

Conclusions

Overall, advances in understanding CUP biology have been weak and the application of gene expression profiling failed to identify an as yet elusive ‘CUP molecular signature’. MicroRNA, epigenetic and proteomic studies are warranted to better characterize the biological profile of CUP and unravel its mystery.
Critical appraisal of systematic reviews on the effect of a history of periodontitis on dental implant loss
Authors: Faggion Clovis Mariano , Giannakopoulos Nikolaos Nikitas
Published: February 2013

Objective

To perform a systematic critical appraisal of the methodological quality of systematic reviews on the effect of a history of periodontitis on dental implant loss.

Materials & Methods

PubMed, the Cochrane database for systematic reviews, the DARE, Biosis Preview, CINAHL, Web of Science, and LILACS electronic databases were searched on 16th June 2012, independently and in duplicate, for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses related to dental implants for patients with and without a history of periodontitis. Manual searching of the reference lists of included papers was also conducted. The methodological quality of these systematic reviews was assessed by use of the AMSTAR and R‐AMSTAR checklists. Before quality assessment was initiated, the reviewers were calibrated until they achieved excellent agreement.

Results

Sixty‐eight papers were initially retrieved. Of these, nine systematic reviews and three meta‐analyses were included. Some domains, for example, “characteristics of the included studies” were satisfied in both checklists. In contrast, domains such as “comprehensive literature search” and “assessment of likelihood of publication bias” were rarely met.

Conclusion

Much methodological variability was encountered in the selected reviews. To furnish readers with a more comprehensive assessment of the evidence, authors should observe higher standards when conducting and reporting their reviews.