bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression ofToll‐like receptor 4 activation by caffeic acid phenethyl ester is mediated by interference ofLPSbinding toMD2
Authors: Kim So Young , Koo Jung Eun , Seo Yun Jee , Tyagi Nisha , Jeong Eunshil , Choi Jaeyoung , Lim Kyung‐Min , Park Zee‐Yong , Lee Joo Young
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in recognizing invading pathogens and endogenous danger signal to induce immune and inflammatory responses. Since dysregulation ofTLRsenhances the risk of immune disorders and chronic inflammatory diseases, modulation ofTLRactivity by phytochemicals could be useful therapeutically. We investigated the effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) onTLR‐mediated inflammation and the underlying regulatory mechanism.

Experimental Approach

Inhibitory effects ofCAPEonTLR4activation were assessed within vivomurine skin inflammation model andin vitroproduction of inflammatory mediators in macrophages.In vitrobinding assay, cell‐based immunoprecipitation study and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis were performed to determine lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding toMD2and to identify the direct binding site ofCAPEinMD2.

Key Results

Topical application ofCAPEattenuated dermal inflammation and oedema induced by intradermal injection ofLPS(aTLR4agonist).CAPEsuppressed production of inflammatory mediators and activation ofNFκBand interferon‐regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) in macrophages stimulated withLPS.CAPEinterruptedLPSbinding toMD2through formation of adduct specifically withCys133located in hydrophobic pocket ofMD2. The inhibitory effect onLPS‐inducedIRF3activation byCAPEwas not observed when293Tcells were reconstituted withMD2(C133S) mutant.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results show a novel mechanism for anti‐inflammatory activity ofCAPEto preventTLR4activation by interfering with interaction between ligand (LPS) and receptor complex (TLR4/MD2). These further provide beneficial information for the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent chronic inflammatory diseases.
Neotectonic basin and landscape evolution in the Eastern Cordillera of NW Argentina, Humahuaca Basin (~24°S)
Authors: Pingel Heiko , Strecker Manfred R. , Alonso Ricardo N. , Schmitt Axel K.
Published: December 2012

The intermontane Quebrada de Humahuaca Basin (Humahuaca Basin) in the Eastern Cordillera of the southern Central Andes of NW Argentina (23°–24°S) records the evolution of a formerly contiguous foreland‐basin setting to an intermontane depositional environment during the late stages of Cenozoic Andean mountain building. This basin has been and continues to be subject to shortening and surface uplift, which has resulted in the establishment of an orographic barrier for easterly sourced moisture‐bearing winds along its eastern margin, followed by leeward aridification. We present new U–Pb zircon ages and palaeocurrent reconstructions suggesting that from at least 6 Ma until 4.2 Ma, the Humahuaca Basin was an integral part of a largely contiguous depositional system that became progressively decoupled from the foreland as deformation migrated eastward. The Humahuaca Basin experienced multiple cycles of severed hydrological conditions and subsequent re‐captured drainage, fluvial connectivity with the foreland and sediment evacuation. Depositional and structural relationships among faults, regional unconformities and deformed landforms reveal a general pattern of intrabasin deformation that appears to be associated with different cycles of alluviation and basin excavation in which deformation is focused on basin‐internal structures during or subsequent to phases of large‐scale sediment removal.
Importance of the cytological samples for the epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutation test for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hagiwara Koichi , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: December 2012

Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene confer it with cancer driver gene functions in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Epidermal growth factor receptor ‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors are effective agents against NSCLC with a mutated EGFR gene. Accordingly, many guidelines recommend the use of an EGFR mutation test in NSCLC. However, not all patients are tested in most countries where tissue samples are mainly used for the test. As of 2011, most of the patients with advanced NSCLC are tested in Japan, and the use of cytological samples has significantly contributed to this success. A portion of samples used to determine a definite diagnosis of NSCLC, either tissue samples or cytological samples, is ensured to contain cancer cells, and is then investigated by an EGFR mutation test that is applicable to both tissue samples and cytological samples. Cytological samples now account for one‐third of all the samples investigated. EGFR mutation is detected in cytological samples at a similar rate with tissue samples. The criterion ensuring an EGFR mutation test to have satisfactory sensitivity and specificity for use in both tissue and cytological samples is presented. Cytological samples are valuable clinical sources being collected less invasively than tissue samples, and should therefore be extensively used in EGFR mutation testing.
Inflammatory bowel diseases influence major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) and II compartments in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Bär F , Sina C , Hundorfean G , Pagel R , Lehnert H , Fellermann K , Büning J
Published: December 2012

Antigen presentation by intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) is crucial for intestinal homeostasis. Disturbances of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I)- and II-related presentation pathways in IEC appear to be involved in an altered activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in inflammatory bowel disease. However, a comprehensive analysis of MHC I- and II-enriched compartments in IEC of the small and large bowel in the healthy state as opposed to inflammatory bowel diseases is lacking. The aim of this study was to characterize the subcellular expression of MHC I and II in the endocytic pathway of IEC throughout all parts of the intestinal tract, and to identify differences between the healthy state and inflammatory bowel diseases. Biopsies were taken by endoscopy from the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon in healthy individuals (n = 20). In Crohn's disease (CD), biopsies were obtained from the ileum and colon and within the colon from ulcerative colitis (UC) patients (n = 15). Analysis of IEC was performed by immunoelectron microscopy. MHC I and II were identified in early endosomes and multi-vesicular, multi-lamellar, electrondense and vacuolar late endosomes. Both molecules were enriched in multi-vesicular bodies. No differences were found between the distinct parts of the gut axis. In CD and UC the expression of MHC I and II showed a shift from multi-vesicular bodies towards the basolateral membranes. Within the multi-vesicular bodies, MHC I and II moved from internal vesicles to the limiting membranes upon inflammation in CD and UC. MHC I- and II-enriched compartments in IEC were identical in all parts of the small and large bowel. CD and UC appear to modulate the MHC I- and II-related presentation pathways of exogenous antigens in IEC.
Influence of scan mode (180°/360°) of the cone beam computed tomography for preoperative dental implant measurements
Authors: Neves Frederico S. , Vasconcelos Taruska V. , Campos Paulo S. F. , Haiter‐Neto Francisco , Freitas Deborah Q.
Published: December 2012

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of scan mode of the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the preoperative dental implant measurements.

Material and methods

Completely edentulous mandibles with entirely resorbed alveolar processes were selected for this study. Five regions were selected (incisor, canine, premolar, first molar, and second molar). The mandibles were scanned with Next Generation i‐CAT CBCT unit (Imaging Sciences International, Inc, Hatfield, PA, USA) with half (180°) and full (360°) mode. Two oral radiologists performed vertical measurements in all selected regions; the measurements of half of the sample were repeated within an interval of 30 days. The mandibles were sectioned using an electrical saw in all evaluated regions to obtain the gold standard. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated for the intra‐ and interobserver agreement. Descriptive statistics were calculated as mean, median, and standard deviation. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine the correlation between the measurements obtained in different scan mode with the gold standard. The significance level was 5%.

Results

The values of intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility indicated a strong agreement. In the dental implant measurements, except the bone height of the second molar region in full scan mode (P = 0.02), the Wilcoxon signed rank test did not show statistical significant difference with the gold standard (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Both modes provided real measures, necessary when performing implant planning; however, half scan mode uses smaller doses, following the principle of effectiveness. We believe that this method should be used because of the best dose–effect relationship and offer less risk to the patient.
The safety and effectiveness of TM81, a Chinese herbal medicine, in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Tong X. L. , Wu S. T. , Lian F. M. , Zhao M. , Zhou S. P. , Chen X. Y. , Yu B. , Zhen Z. , Qi L. W. , Li P. , Wang C. Z. , Sun H. , Yuan C. S.
Published: December 2012

Aim

TM81 (or Tang‐Min‐Ling‐Wan) is a Chinese medicine. Previous studies suggested that this medicine is effective for treating type 2 diabetes. This controlled trial evaluated the safety and effectiveness of TM81 in the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods

This study was a large‐scale controlled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of TM81 on type 2 diabetes. After a 2‐week run‐in period, 480 overweight type 2 early‐stage diabetic patients [35–65 years old, HbA1c ≥ 7.0%, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) 7.0–13.9 mM or 2 h plasma glucose (PG) > 11.1 mM, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2] were enrolled. These patients were divided into a TM81 group and placebo group in a 3 : 1 ratio. The subjects received 6 g TM81 or placebo, three times daily for 12 weeks.

Results

After treatment, the HbA1c decrease was 1.02% in the TM81 group versus 0.47% in the placebo group. The FPG decreased 0.8 ± 0.1 mM in the TM81 group versus an increase of 0.2 ± 0.2 mM in the placebo group. The PG decreased 2.7 ± 0.3 mM in the TM81 group versus a decrease of 0.9 ± 0.4 mM in the placebo group (all p < 0.05). The TM81 was more effective for patients with higher baseline HbA1c levels. The TM81 group also showed improved β‐cell function and increased homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)‐β. In addition, body weight, BMI and waist circumference of subjects in the TM81 group were reduced, and the symptoms related to diabetes were improved. There were no significant differences in the types and frequency of adverse reactions between the two groups.

Conclusions

The data showed that TM81 is effective in controlling blood glucose level and is safe to use in patients with early‐stage type 2 diabetes.
Factors influencing the success of salmonid egg development in river substratum
Authors: Sternecker Katharina , Cowley David E. , Geist Juergen
Published: December 2012

Interstitial water conditions in the hyporheic zone of the stream bed are determinants of salmonid egg hatching success. We used standardised egg exposures to develop and validate discriminant analysis and generalised linear model models linking the hatching success of brown trout (Salmo trutta) with physicochemical factors of the interstitial zone (e.g., oxygen, specific conductance, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, pH and redox potential). Interstitial water quality was identified as a limiting factor for egg development (median of relative hatching rates = 0.23). Hatching success was unimodal in hatchery and field references incubated in free‐flowing water, but bimodal (very high or very low hatching success) in natural sediment exposures. The effects of physicochemical factors on the hatching success ofSalmo truttastrongly depended on both the time and spatial scale analysed. The variables retained in the models differed between the macroscale (over all rivers), the river‐specific scale (within a river) and the microscale (at different sediment depths). Egg hatching success decreased with increased substratum depth (decrease of 26% in 150 mm compared with 50 mm). Increasingly more variable interstitial water conditions (e.g., oxygen) throughout the egg incubation period suggest progressive degradation rates in the stream substratum during the incubation period at the microscale level. Consequently, consideration of different spatial and temporal scales is necessary for the evaluation of habitat quality in salmonid conservation and catchment management plans.
Therapy refractory angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma in complete remission with lenalidomide
Authors: Beckers Mariëlle M. , Huls Gerwin
Published: December 2012

The prognosis of therapy refractory angioimmunoblastic lymphoma (AITL) is very poor. In this report we describe a patient with AITL refractory to 2 lines of chemotherapy. He was treated with lenalidomide 15 mg continuously and prednisone. After 2 yr follow‐up, the patient has no detectable disease. Lenalidomide was well tolerated without side‐effects. Lenalidomide even in lower dosed combined with steroids can induce complete responses in patients with refractory AITL.
Leaf wall area and leaf area in cucumber, eggplant, sweet pepper and tomato grown in greenhouses in Switzerland
Authors: Rueegg J. , Jermini M. , Total R. , Scettrini S.
Published: December 2012

Various methods for the harmonization of the registration of crop protection products and dose adjustments in high growing crops have been discussed over many years. The leaf wall area (LWA) method has been known for some years already but it has received renewed attention due to a proposal by the European agrochemical manufacturing industry for harmonizing the dose expression in view of the new zonal registration system in the EU. The LWA method appears not only suitable for fruit trees and vineyards, but may also prove a simple and widely accepted method for dose adjustments in high growing vegetable crops particularly in greenhouses. This paper provides a dataset on leaf wall area and leaf area development for a selection of commercially grown cucumber, eggplant, sweet pepper and tomato varieties in Switzerland. Relationships between leaf wall area and leaf area have been established. A tentative product dose adjustment to growing vegetable crops in greenhouses is given for Switzerland. Biological efficacy trials will be required to validate the LWA method.
Possibilities for integrated control of winter oilseed rape diseases in Latvia
Authors: Bankina B. , Gaile Z. , Balodis O. , Paura L. , Kokina I.
Published: December 2012

The sowing area of winter oilseed rape in Latvia has been rapidly increasing during the last 10 years, therefore oilseed rape diseases have become an important risk factor. The present paper reports 4‐year data (2008–2011) on different fungicide application systems (including forecasting systems) tested in field trials in Central Latvia. The development of stem canker (Leptosphaeria spp.) and white stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) was evaluated depending on fungicide application schemes. Stem canker was found to be a widespread disease, and coexistence of both L. maculans and L. biglobosa was established in Latvia. There was no epidemic of white stem rot observed during the investigation period (incidence of disease was only 0.7–4.5%). Application of fungicides significantly (P < 0.05) decreased severity of stem canker. However, substantial differences between different treatments were not detected. Yield of oilseed rape fluctuated at about 4.5 tonnes ha−1, and use of fungicides did not increase the yield. It was found that DaCom Plant Plus program had overestimated the risk of white stem rot in years with low disease pressure, whereas the Swedish model of forecasting, based on the risk‐point system, had produced acceptable forecasts.
Parasitoids belonging to the genus Aphytis Howard (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in Citrus orchards in Lattakia, Syria
Authors: Basheer A. , Asslan L. , Abd Al‐razzaq F. , Saleh A. , Alshadidi B. , Mohammad E.
Published: December 2012

A survey of the common Aphytis spp. Howard (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) parasitoids was carried out at four citrus orchards (which were not treated with chemical pesticides) in AL‐Hanade, Stamo, Tarjano and Hmaiem in Lattakia Governorate from September 2010 to September 2011. Six parasitoid species of the genus Aphytis were reared from living armoured scale insects isolated in four states. They were Aphytis lepidosaphes (Compere), Aphytis lingnanesis (Compere), Aphytis chrysomphali (Mercet), Aphytis melinus (DeBach), Aphytis maculicornis (Masi) and Aphytis hispanicus (Mercet).
Hemostasis, coagulation, and complications
Authors: Oakley Carol , Larjava Hannu
Published: December 2012

Wounding always provokes bleeding that leads to a complicated process of hemostasis that stops the loss of blood and initiates the healing response in the tissue. In the primary hemostasis, vasoconstriction limits the blood loss and platelets stick to exposed collagen, become activated and aggregate to form the soft plug. The coagulation process that follows operates on different cell surfaces where extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation pathways operate in parallel leading to formation and stabilization of the fibrin clot. In this review, we will summarize the current understanding of the hemostasis process and coagulation and discuss the clinical issues involved in management of bleeding problems.
Inflammation and wound healing
Authors: Turabelidze Anna , Dipietro Luisa A.
Published: December 2012

Inflammation in wounds is a highly ordered process that significantly impacts wound healing outcomes. Several pieces of evidence point to a positive role for leukocytes in the stimulation of the proliferative phase of healing. In particular, macrophages appear to support healing through the generation of growth factors that promote cell proliferation and protein synthesis. While much remains to be learned, the accumulated information suggests that a carefully balanced inflammatory response is needed to provide maximal support for both infection prevention and optimal healing outcomes following injury. Wounds in the oral mucosa seem to benefit from a minimized inflammatory response that is supportive of repair.
Behavioral Couple Therapy: Building a Secure Base for Therapeutic Integration
Authors: Gurman Alan S.
Published: December 2012

Behavioral couple therapy (BCT), one of the two most empirically supported approaches to the treatment of couple discord, has undergone enormous changes in its four decades‐long clinical and conceptual history. The evolution of thought about what maintains couple disaffection and distress and what can be done about it from a behavioral perspective is reviewed. These changes are considered in the larger context of the field of behavior therapy, noting shifts within BCT that parallel the three “waves” of development within that field. Integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT), the most visible and influential of the several BCT approaches, is examined, with particular attention to its functional–contextual base and the nature and role of functional analysis in clinical case conceptualization. It is argued that continuing enhancement and refinement of IBCT as an integrative therapeutic method will require greater flexibility in the techniques that are used and increased attention to the self of the IBCT therapist.
Accelerated maturation of Tk‐subtilisin by a Leu→Promutation at the C‐terminus of the propeptide, which reduces the binding of the propeptide to Tk‐subtilisin
Authors: Uehara Ryo , Ueda Yasunori , You Dong‐Ju , Koga Yuichi , Kanaya Shigenori
Published: December 2012

Tk‐subtilisin, a subtilisin homologue (Gly70‐Gly398) from Thermococcus kodakarensis, is matured from its precursor, Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin [Tk‐subtilisin in a pro form (Gly1‐Gly398)], by autoprocessing and degradation of propeptide [Tk‐propeptide, a propeptide of Tk‐subtilisin (Gly1‐Leu69)]. The scissile peptide bond between Leu69 and Gly70 of Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin is first self‐cleaved to produce an inactive Tk‐propeptide:Tk‐subtilisin complex, in which the C‐terminal region of Tk‐propeptide binds to the active‐site cleft of Tk‐subtilisin. Tk‐propeptide is then dissociated from Tk‐subtilisin and degraded by Tk‐subtilisin to release active Tk‐subtilisin. To examine whether the mutation of Leu69 to Pro, which is the most unfavourable residue in the P1 position for subtilisins, affects the maturation of Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin, the Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin and Tk‐propeptide derivatives with this mutation (Pro‐L69P and L69P‐propeptide) were constructed and characterized. Pro‐L69P was autoprocessed more slowly than Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin. Nevertheless, it matured to Tk‐subtilisin more rapidly than Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin because L69P‐propeptide was degraded by Tk‐subtilisin more rapidly than Tk‐propeptide. The chaperone function and stability of L69P‐propeptide were comparable to those of Tk‐propeptide, whereas the inhibitory potency and binding ability of L69P‐propeptide were considerably reduced compared to those of Tk‐propeptide. The crystal structure of the complex between L69P‐propeptide and S324A‐subtilisin (i.e. a protease activity‐defective mutant) revealed that the C‐terminal region of L69P‐propeptide does not well fit into the substrate binding pockets of Tk‐subtilisin (S1–S4 subsites) as a result of a conformational change caused by the mutation. These results suggest that the Leu→Pro mutation accelerates the maturation of Pro‐Tk‐subtilisin by reducing the binding ability of Tk‐propeptide to Tk‐subtilisin.

Database

The coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the RCSB Protein Data Bank under ID code: 3VV2.

Structured digital abstract

Pro-Tk-subtilisin and Pro-Tk-subtilisin cleave by enzymatic study (View interaction)

L69P-propeptide and S324A-subtilisin bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)

Tk-propeptide binds to S324A-subtilisin by surface plasmon resonance (View interaction)
Multi‐scaled drivers of rural prairie stream metabolism along human activity gradients
Authors: YATES A. G. , BRUA R. B. , CULP J. M. , CHAMBERS P. A.
Published: December 2012

1. Stream metabolism is increasingly used for monitoring and assessment of the biological condition of aquatic ecosystems. However, distal environmental drivers, such as land use, are typically not well connected to the proximate controls, such as stream chemistry, that are usually invoked as driving metabolism. This is particularly true for North American prairie streams and for grassland streams worldwide.

2. Stream metabolism was measured at the outflow of 19 subcatchments of the Red River in southern Manitoba, Canada. Subcatchments represented gradients of nutrient‐producing human activities present in the region, that is, wastewater treatment (WWT), livestock production and crop cultivation. Stream metabolism was estimated at all sites using diel changes in dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration over 1 week in the middle of summer. Environmental parameters hypothesised to control stream metabolism were sampled across three spatial scales (stream reach, stream segment and catchment). Model selection using Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) was used to determine linkages between environmental parameters and measures of stream metabolism.

3. Estimated rates of metabolism were within the range of past studies of metabolism in prairie streams, although most streams had negative values of net ecosystem metabolism. However, production‐to‐respiration ratios were >0.5, at all but three sites suggesting that autochthonous production was an important source of organic matter.

4. The a priori model that best predicted gross primary production (GPP) was the intensity of nutrient‐producing human activities (i.e. WWT, livestock and crop cultivation) measured at the catchment scale. Ecosystem respiration (ER) was best predicted by the a priori model comprised of GPP, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). However, model averaging revealed that prediction of ER could be improved by including riparian cover and removing TP from the model. The positive association between GPP and ER suggested that heterotrophic compartments of the ecosystem were modest contributors to variation in respiration rates.

5. Overall, this study suggests that variation of metabolism in prairie streams of southern Manitoba is controlled by human activities occurring at the catchment scale, a finding consistent with current hierarchically structured riverine paradigms. Moreover, increased understanding of the hierarchical structure of stream metabolism drivers will help to ensure that assessment results can be used more effectively to inform management strategies for prairie ecosystems.
Multi‐scale effects of impoundments on genetic structure of creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) in the Kansas River basin
Authors: HUDMAN STEPHEN P. , GIDO KEITH B.
Published: December 2012

1. Habitat fragmentation has been implicated as a primary cause for the ongoing erosion of global biodiversity, yet our understanding of the consequences in lotic systems is limited for many species and regions. Because of harsh environmental conditions that select for high colonisation rates, prairie stream fishes may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of fragmentation. Hence, there is urgent need for broader understanding of fragmentation in prairie streams such that meaningful conservation strategies can be developed. Further, examination at large spatial scales, including multiple impoundments and un‐impounded catchments, will help identify the spatial extent of species movement through the landscape.

2. Our study used data from 10 microsatellite loci to describe the genetic structure of creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) populations across four catchments (three impounded and one un‐impounded) in the Kansas River basin. We investigated whether genetic diversity was eroded in response to habitat fragmentation imposed by reservoirs and whether intervening lentic habitat increased resistance to dispersal among sites within a catchment.

3. Our analyses revealed that genetic diversity estimates were consistent with large populations regardless of the location of the sampled tributaries, and there was little evidence of recent population reductions. Nevertheless, we found a high degree of spatial genetic structure, suggesting that catchments comprise a set of isolated genetic units and that sample sites within catchments are subdivided into groups largely defined by intervening habitat type. Our data therefore suggest that lentic habitat is a barrier to dispersal among tributaries, thus reducing the opportunity for genetic rescue of populations in tributaries draining into reservoirs. Isolation by a reservoir, however, may not be immediately deleterious if the isolated tributary basin supports a large population.
Regional zooplankton dispersal provides spatial insurance for ecosystem function
Authors: Symons Celia C. , Arnott Shelley E.
Published: December 2012

Changing environmental conditions are affecting diversity and ecosystem function globally. Theory suggests that dispersal from a regional species pool may buffer against changes in local community diversity and ecosystem function after a disturbance through the establishment of functionally redundant tolerant species. The spatial insurance provided by dispersal may decrease through time after environmental change as the local community monopolizes resources and reduces community invasibility. To test for evidence of the spatial insurance hypothesis and to determine the role dispersal timing plays in this response we conducted a field experiment using crustacean zooplankton communities in a subarctic region that is expected to be highly impacted by climate change – Churchill, Canada. Three experiments were conducted where nutrients, salt, and dispersal were manipulated. The three experiments differed in time‐since‐disturbance that the dispersers were added. We found that coarse measures of diversity (i.e. species richness, evenness, and Shannon–Weiner diversity) were generally resistant to large magnitude disturbances, and that dispersal had the most impact on diversity when dispersers were added shortly after disturbance. Ecosystem functioning (chl‐a) was degraded in disturbed communities, but dispersal recovered ecosystem function to undisturbed levels. This spatial insurance for ecosystem function was mediated through changes in community composition and the relative abundance of functional groups. Results suggest that regional diversity and habitat connectivity will be important in the future to maintain ecosystem function by introducing functionally redundant species to promote compensatory dynamics.
Animal saliva has stronger effects on plant growth than salivary components
Authors: Li E. Q. , Liu J. S. , Li X. F. , Xiang H. Y. , Yu J. P. , Wang D. L.
Published: December 2012

Mutualism between plants and animals demonstrates that grazing has positive impacts on plant growth. Animal saliva plays an important role in plant–herbivore interactions, and various salivary components work for the beneficial relationship. This study was performed to compare responses of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvelev. (Poaceae) to sheep saliva and two salivary components. One randomized block designed experiment was conducted in 2007 with six treatments: control, clipping with water, with saliva, with epidermal growth factor (EGF), with thiamine and with mixture of EGF and thiamine. There were significant differences between treatments on biomass, buds and tillers of L. chinensis. Compared with control plants, there was no compensatory response in clipped plants due to the limited number of available meristems in late‐growing season. Plants in clipping with saliva had more biomass and buds than those in clipping with water or salivary components. Clipping with salivary components had no stimulatory effects on plant growth, relative to clipping with water. The results showed that herbivore saliva had greater impacts than salivary components, and there was no additive effect between salivary components on plant growth. This study demonstrated the complexity in saliva components, which offer saliva with the capacity to play an important role in plant–herbivore interactions.
Effect of square‐stepping exercise and basic exercises on functional fitness of older adults
Authors: Teixeira Camila Vieira Ligo , Gobbi Sebastião , Pereira Jessica Rodrigues , Ueno Deisy Terumi , Shigematsu Ryosuke , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken
Published: December 2012

Aim

The aging process might reduce functional fitness, including balance, which can increase the risk of falls among older adults. Different types of intervention seem to benefit older adults, therefore the purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of a program using square‐stepping exercises (SSE) sequences only on functional fitness in older adults. Furthermore, the possible effects were compared with a basic exercise program.

Methods

A total of 86 community‐dwelling older adults (aged >60 years) were divided into four groups: one group practised only SSE sequences (n = 21), the second group practised basic physical exercises (n = 20), the third group practised both SSE sequences and physical exercises (n = 25); and the fourth group was the control group, which was evaluated in their functional fitness before and after the 16‐week research period.

Results

Participants who practised basic physical exercises improved in agility and aerobic endurance, and SSE improved balance tests.

Conclusions

SSE and basic exercise, practised together or alone, seem to have a good influence on the functional fitness of older adults. In addition, SSE training seems to be an effective new kind of activity for balance training. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 842–848.
Global transcriptional analysis of nuclear reprogramming in the transition from MEFs to iPSCs
Authors: Dong Fulu , Song Zhenwei , Zhang Jinping , Lu Youde , Song Chunlei , Jiang BaoChun , Zhang Baole , Cong Peiqing , Sun Hongyan , Shi Fangxiong , Liu Honglin
Published: December 2012

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are flourishing in the investigation of cell reprogramming. However, we still know little about the sequential molecular mechanism during somatic cell reprogramming (SCR). Here, we first observed rapid generation of colonies whereas mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were induced by OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 (OSK), and vitamin C for 7 days. The colony's global transcriptional profiles were analyzed using Affymetrix microarray. Microarray data confirmed that SCR was a process in which transcriptome got reversed and pluripotent genes expressed de novo. There were many changes, especially substantial growth expression of epigenetic factors, on transcriptome during the transition from Day 7 to iPSCs indicating that this period may provide ‘flexibility’ genome structure, chromatin remodeling, and epigenetic modifications to rebind to the transcriptional factors. Several biological processes such as viral immune response, apoptosis, cell fate specification, and cell communication were mainly involved before Day 7 whereas cell cycle, DNA methylation, and histone modification were mainly involved after Day 7. Furthermore, it was suggested that p53 signaling contributed to the transition ‘hyperdynamic plastic’ cell state and assembled cell niche for SCR, and small molecular compounds useful for chromatin remodeling can enhance iPSCs by exciting epigenetic modification rather than the exogenous expression of more TFs vectors.
Nonmuscle myosin II folds into a 10S form via two portions of tail for dynamic subcellular localization
Authors: Kiboku Takayuki , Katoh Tsuyoshi , Nakamura Akio , Kitamura Akira , Kinjo Masataka , Murakami Yota , Takahashi Masayuki
Published: December 2012

Nonmuscle myosin II forms a folded conformation (10S form) in the inactivated state; however, the physiological importance of the 10S form is still unclear. To investigate the role of 10S form, we generated a chimeric mutant of nonmuscle myosin IIB (IIB‐SK1·2), in which S1462‐R1490 and L1551‐E1577 were replaced with the corresponding portions of skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain. The IIB‐SK1·2 mutant did not fold into a 10S form under physiological condition in vitro. IIB‐SK1·2 was less dynamic by stabilizing the filamentous form and accumulated in the posterior region of migrating cells. IIB‐SK1·2 functioned properly in cytokinesis but altered migratory properties; the rate and directional persistence were increased by IIB‐SK1·2 expression. Surprisingly, endogenous nonmuscle myosin IIA was excluded from the posterior region of migrating cells expressing IIB‐SK1·2, which may underlie the change of the cellular migratory properties. These results suggest that the 10S form is necessary for maintaining nonmuscle myosin II in an unassembled state and for recruitment of nonmuscle myosin II to a specific region of the cell.
New Methods to Estimate 2D Water Level Distributions of Dynamic Rivers
Authors: Diem Samuel , Renard Philippe , Schirmer Mario
Published: December 2012

River restoration measures are becoming increasingly popular and are leading to dynamic river bed morphologies that in turn result in complex water level distributions in a river. Disconnected river branches, nonlinear longitudinal water level profiles and morphologically induced lateral water level gradients can evolve rapidly. The modeling of such river‐groundwater systems is of high practical relevance in order to assess the impact of restoration measures on the exchange flux between a river and groundwater or on the residence times between a river and a pumping well. However, the model input includes a proper definition of the river boundary condition, which requires a detailed spatial and temporal river water level distribution. In this study, we present two new methods to estimate river water level distributions that are based directly on measured data. Comparing generated time series of water levels with those obtained by a hydraulic model as a reference, the new methods proved to offer an accurate and faster alternative with a simpler implementation.
Can we prioritise which databases to search? A case study using a systematic review of frozen shoulder management
Authors: Beyer Fiona R. , Wright Kath
Published: December 2012

Background

Systematic reviews risk producing biased conclusions if a comprehensive search to identify eligible studies is not undertaken, but little evidence exists to guide prioritisation of databases to search when resources are limited.

Objectives

A systematic review examining interventions for managing frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) was used to investigate the performance of bibliographic databases in identifying the included studies, the smallest combination of databases required to retrieve all included studies, and the performance of the searches themselves.

Methods

We calculated the yield of included studies from each of 15 databases, and the recall and precision of each search strategy. We investigated differences between the presence of a record in a database and its retrieval.

Results

Thirty of 31 studies were present in at least one database. Yields of individual databases ranged from 0% to 90% (median 23%). Two combinations of databases identified all 30 studies: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Science Citation Index (SCI); or CENTRAL, MEDLINE and PreMEDLINE.

Conclusions

In a systematic review of a range of interventions used to manage frozen shoulder, at least two databases and reference checking were required to retrieve all included studies, but searching for future reviews should not be restricted.
Methodology for assessing the performance of urine absorbing aids in controlling malodour release
Authors: Sironi S. , Capelli L. , Dentoni L. , Del Rosso R.
Published: December 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of comparing the performance of different absorbent aids in terms of odour control by discussing a suitable methodology for product evaluation. To overcome the problems of low test reproducibility owing to biological urine variability, the first step of the work consisted of the identification and the production of artificial urine having a constant and stable composition over time, moreover preventing sensorial assessors from any risk of biological contamination. Sensorial measurements were performed to optimize the similarity between artificial and biological urine, especially as far as the composition of the volatile component and therefore of the odour properties are concerned. The assessment of absorbent articles performance to control urine malodour includes both the concentration and the hedonic tone of the odour released by the article itself loaded with synthetic urine. Analyses were run on different products, which can be grouped into two different classes: absorbing aids with or without odour control technology (OCT) respectively. Results show that, despite of the presence or absence of OCT on absorbing products, their odour concentrations are almost identical, being comprised between 10 000 and 12 000 ouE m−3. For this reason, it is evident that odour concentration is not suitable as the sole parameter for comparison of different absorbing products. Instead, the hedonic odour tone (odour pleasantness/unpleasantness) relevant to the different product typologies (that is products with and without OCT) should be used as an additional discriminating factor for this kind of comparative tests.
Use of a specific anti‐stretch mark cream for preventing or reducing the severity of striae gravidarum. Randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial
Authors: García Hernández J. Á. , Madera González D. , Padilla Castillo M. , Figueras Falcón T.
Published: December 2012

Synopsis

Few studies have tested the efficacy of commercially available cosmetic products for preventing striae gravidarum. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy on prevention of striae gravidarum using a specific anti‐stretch mark cream containing hydroxyprolisilane‐C, rosehip oil, Centella asiatica triterpenes and vitamin E. A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted between November 2009 and April 2011. Pregnant women were included and classified as treated group (emollient and moisturizer containing hydroxyprolisilane C, rosehip oil, Centella asiatica triterpenes and vitamin E) and control group (cream without the active ingredients). Overall incidence of stretch marks during pregnancy was 33.3% for the control group and 37.6% for the treated group (n.s.). Severity of previous stretch marks significantly increased in the control group during the study (17.8%, P = 0.001), but not in the treated group (6.3%, ns). In women who developed new stretch marks during the study, there was a significantly greater ‘difference in severity’ (between baseline and maximum severity) in control group vs. treated group (0.47 [0.57] vs. 0.14 [0.60], P = 0.031). In women without previous striae, incidence of these marks was significantly lower for the treated group patients compared with control group (5.6% vs. 35%, P = 0.031, OR: 9.2 [95% CI: 1.0–83.3]). The use of the anti‐stretch mark product is proved to be effective in reducing severity of the striae during pregnancy, prevents the appearance of new striae and halts progression of those already present. In women who had no striae at baseline, use of the anti‐stretch mark cream was more effective than placebo in preventing new stretch marks.
A scoping review of qualitative research in peer‐reviewed dental publications
Authors: Gussy M , Dickson‐Swift V , Adams J
Published: December 2012

Objectives

Qualitative research designs are being used increasingly in dental research. This paper describes the extent and range of dental research in which qualitative methods have been employed as well as the techniques of data collection and analysis preferred by dental researchers.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted to locate studies published in dental journals, which reported the use of qualitative methods. Data concerning the focus of the research and the reported qualitative techniques were extracted.

Results

Studies included in the review totalled 197. The majority of qualitative research captured in this scoping study focussed on three main areas: dental education, professional dental and dental educators' activities and experiences and the patient/public perceptions. Interviews and focus group discussions were the most commonly selected techniques for data collection.

Conclusions

The majority of the studies included in the scoping review had a focus on education of dental professionals the activities of dental professionals or the reported perceptions of or experiences with dental services by patients or members of the public. Little research was located, which explored peoples' personal experience of dental conditions. Research reported in dental publications has a heavy bias towards the use of focus groups and interview data collection techniques.
Formalization of Urban Poor Vendors and their Contribution to Tourism Development in Manila, Philippines
Authors: Yotsumoto Yukio
Published: December 2012

The growth of tourism and tourism development affects the urban poor both positively and negatively. Positively, they have more opportunities to find jobs in the tourism sector or increase their income when their jobs are related to tourism. They can also be the beneficiaries of pro‐poor tourism projects. Negatively, they are viewed as an obstacle to tourism development where clean and modern images are sought. This study looks at park vendors (a type of urban poor) in Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines. This group is unique because it is not treated as a hindrance to tourism development and the vendors are considered as the beneficiaries of pro‐poor tourism projects. They are active contributors to tourism development. When a government agency formalized their businesses, vendors' safety and pride increased. This study provides a case in which a shift from the informal sector to the formal sector contributed to the increased welfare of the urban poor. The shift was possible because of a national tourism drive generating favorable conditions, and the vendors' struggle to obtain the right to work in the park. In this paper, I discuss how the vendors achieved a legal status and show current conditions of their work and their relationship with a government agency after obtaining the right. Data for this study were collected between 2005 and 2008.
Chinese American adolescents: perceived parenting styles and adolescents' psychosocial health
Authors: Yuwen W. , Chen A. C. C.
Published: December 2012

Background

Asian Americans are one of the fastest‐growing minority groups in the USA, and Chinese constitute the largest group. Evidence suggests that Asian American adolescents experience higher levels of depressive symptoms than their same‐gender white counterparts. Quantitative findings suggest associations between parenting factors and Chinese American adolescents' mental health. A qualitative understanding regarding Chinese American adolescents' perceived parenting styles and its relationship with adolescents' psychosocial health is warranted.

Aim

To gain an in‐depth understanding of Chinese American adolescents' perceived parenting styles and how parenting styles might influence adolescents' psychosocial health.

Methods

In this qualitative study, we recruited 15 Chinese American adolescents aged 12–17 years in a southwest metropolitan area. We conducted two focus group interviews. Participants also filled out a brief questionnaire that included their socio‐demographic information, immigration history and level of acculturation.

Results

Participants reported perceiving that parents had high expectations about academic performance and moral values. They also perceived stricter family rules regarding choices of friends compared with their non‐Asian peers. Parents tended to be more protective of girls than of boys. Both Chinese American boys and girls reported poor or ineffective communication with their parents, which contributed to increased conflict between parents and adolescents and emotional distress of the adolescents.

Conclusions

The findings provide evidence for nurses to develop linguistically and culturally tailored resources (e.g. parent support groups, programs aimed to improving parent–child communication) or connect these families with existing resources to enhance parenting skills and consequently reduce emotional distress of their adolescent children.