bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the Lipid Fraction of Wild Sea Urchin from the Sardinian Sea (Western Mediterranean)
Authors: Angioni Alberto , Addis Pierantonio
Published: January 2014

The fatty acid (FA) composition ofSpatangus purpureus, Echinus melo, Sphaerechinus granularis, andParacentrotus lividus, sea urchins, has been studied. Sea urchins were collected at different depth along Sardinia coast in the Mediterranean sea, and their gonad was measured, separated, and analyzed for FA composition by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. A total of 53 FAs were detected, 16 saturated (SFA), 10 monounsaturated (MUFA), 9 polyunsaturated (PUFA), and 13 highly unsaturated (HUFA). Moreover, 5 furan FAs (FFAs) were revealed for the first time in sea urchin. The HUFA and PUFA classes were the most represented accounting for almost 80% of total FAs. Among these compounds, C20:4n6 (19.64, 20.52, 23.37, and 8.48 mg/g, respectively) and C22:6n3 (19.68, 20.05, 3.83, and 1.78 mg/g, respectively) were the most abundant. The results of principal component analysis indicated that the sea urchin samples could be clearly discriminated with respect to their FAs composition.
Characteristics of Miniature Cheddar‐Type Cheese Made by Microbial Rennet from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens: A Comparison with Commercial Calf Rennet
Authors: An Zhigang , He Xiaoling , Gao Weidong , Zhao Wei , Zhang Weibing
Published: January 2014

Miniature Cheddar‐type cheeses were produced using microbial rennet from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (milk‐clotting enzyme [MCE]) or calf rennet (CAR). With the exception of pH, there were no significant differences in gross composition between MCE‐cheese (MCE‐C) and CAR‐cheese (CAR‐C). The pH value of CAR‐C was significantly higher than that of MCE‐C at 40 and 60 d of ripening. The total nitrogen content of the pH 4.6‐soluble fraction obtained from MCE‐C was higher than that obtained from CAR‐C. However, nitrogen content of the 12% TCA‐soluble fraction was similar between CAR‐C and MCE‐C. The extent of αs1‐casein and β‐casein hydrolysis, measured by urea‐PAGE, was similar in both cheese samples. The hydrolysis of β‐casein was lower than that of αs1‐casein. Different reverse phase‐high‐performance liquid chromatography peptide profiles of ethanol‐soluble and ethanol‐insoluble fractions were obtained from CAR‐C and MCE‐C. The peptide content in the 2 cheese samples increased throughout ripening; the ratio of hydrophobic to hydrophilic peptides was lower in MCE‐C than in CAR‐C. Compared with CAR‐C, MCE‐C was softer as a result of higher protein hydrolysis. Microbial rennet from B. amyloliquefaciens contributed to higher proteolytic rates, which reduced ripening time.
Case control study of risk factors for frozen shoulder in China
Authors: Li Wei , Lu Nianzu , Xu Hongliang , Wang Huifang , Huang Jun
Published: January 2014

Aim

Frozen shoulder is a common self‐limiting regional skeletal problem of unclear pathogenesis. It usually has an insidious onset and follows a protracted course. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and related risk factors for frozen shoulder in Shanghai, China.

Methods

We performed a hospital‐based case‐control study involving 182 patients with pathologically diagnosed frozen shoulder and 196 patients hospitalized during the same time period with non‐shoulder related complaints who were recruited as controls. Information on potential risk factors was collected on both case and control groups through questionnaires and face‐to‐face interview. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Among the frozen shoulder patients, 24.2% had diabetes and 16.5% had history of shoulder trauma. Multivariate analysis suggested that diabetes and history of slight trauma were independent risk factors for the disease. The frozen shoulder patients also had a higher prevalence of thyroid disease, increased body mass index and cervical spondylosis than the controls. The incidence of frozen shoulder was higher in female compared to male patients. No significant difference was found in occupations, physical exercise, cholecystitis, history of surgical and ischemic heart disease between the frozen shoulder group and the control group.

Conclusions

The findings in the present study indicate that diabetes, history of slight shoulder trauma, thyroid disease, increased body mass index and cervical spondylosis are factors significantly associated with increased frozen shoulder risk among individuals within the area of Shanghai, China.
Can organic rice crops help conserve aquatic plants in southern Brazil wetlands?
Authors: Linke Maria G. , Godoy Robson S. , Rolon Ana S. , Maltchik Leonardo
Published: January 2014

Questions

Are organic rice crops better than convention crops for aquatic plant conservation? We tested three hypotheses: (1) richness, diversity and biomass of aquatic macrophytes are higher in organic rice fields than in conventional ones; (2) aquatic macrophyte species composition in organic rice fields is more similar to that of natural wetlands than to conventional rice fields; and (3) aquatic macrophyte richness, diversity, biomass and species composition in natural wetlands will differ from those of organic and conventional rice fields.

Location

Coastal plain of southern Brazil.

Methods

We sampled macrophytes at four conventional crops, four organic crops and four natural intermittent wetlands. We sampled at six different times at each site throughout the rice cultivation cycle.

Results

A total of 55 species was recorded in natural wetlands and 36 species in rice fields, with 23 found in conventional crops and 27 found in organic crops. The richness, biomass and species composition of macrophytes was similar in the two rice production systems and lower than that of natural wetlands over the cultivation cycle studied. Species composition of natural wetlands differed from that of rice crops mainly through the presence of hydrophytes and rushes.

Conclusions

Some macrophyte species used rice crops as a complementary habitat, but diversity was lower and composition was different from that of natural wetlands. Both conventional and organic systems negatively impacted macrophyte biodiversity. However, the similar richness and biomass of plants in organic and conventional crops indicated that natural techniques with less impact could be efficient in reducing undesirable plant diversity in agricultural systems.
A phase II, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, multi‐dose study of SRT2104, a SIRT1 activator, in subjects with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Baksi Arun , Kraydashenko Oleg , Zalevkaya Alsu , Stets Roman , Elliott Peter , Haddad Jonathan , Hoffmann Ethan , Vlasuk George P. , Jacobson Eric W.
Published: January 2014

Aim

SRT2104 is a selective activator of SIRT1. In animal models, SRT2104 improves glucose homeostasis and increases insulin sensitivity. We evaluated the tolerability and pharmacokinetics of SRT2104, and its effects on glycaemic control, in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Method

Type 2 diabetics with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 7.5% and ≤10.5%, fasting glucose ≥160 and ≤240 mg dl−1, and on stable doses of metformin were evenly randomized to placebo or SRT2104 0.25 g, 0.5 g, 1.0 g or 2.0 g, administered orally once daily for 28 days. Changes in fasting and post‐prandial glucose and insulin were analyzed.

Results

Safety evaluation found no major differences between groups in the frequency of adverse events. SRT2104 concentrations did not increase in a dose‐proportional fashion. Significant variability in exposure was observed. Treatment with SRT2104 did not lead to any consistent, dose‐related changes in glucose or insulin. Day 28 change from baseline (mean (SD)): fasting glucose (mmol l−1) = −1.17 (2.42), −1.11 (3.45), −0.52 (2.60), −0.97 (2.83) and −0.15 (2.38) for placebo, 0.25 g, 0.5 g, 1.0 g and 2.0 g, respectively. Day 28 change from baseline (mean (SD)): fasting insulin (mmol l−1) = 1.0 (51.66), 8.9 (95.04), −6.9 (41.45), 4.1 (57.16) and 15.2 (138.79) for placebo, 0.25 g, 0.5 g, 1.0 g and 2.0 g, respectively) Treatment with SRT2104 was associated with improvement in lipid profiles.

Conclusion

Treatment with SRT2104 for 28 days did not result in improved glucose or insulin control which is likely due to the observed pharmacokinetics which were not dose proportional and had large between subject variability.
Gene Expression Change in Human Dental Pulp Cells Exposed to a Low‐Level Toxic Concentration of Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate: An RNA‐seq Analysis
Authors: Cho Sung‐Geun , Lee Jin‐Woo , Heo Jung Sun , Kim Sun‐Young
Published: January 2014

Dental composite resin restoration for defective tooth may lead unpolymerized resin monomers to be leached into dental pulp tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the early gene expression change over time of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) treated with a low‐level toxic concentration of Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), a common dental resin monomer, by adopting the novel high‐throughput transcriptome analysis of RNA‐seq. The low‐level toxic concentration of TEGDMA was determined through MTT assays with serially diluted concentrations. After the HDPCs were exposed to TEGDMA for 6, 12, 24 or 48 hr, the total RNA of the samples was prepared for RNA‐seq. qRT‐PCR for several genes was performed for validation of RNA‐seq results. In the treated group, 1280 genes were differentially expressed compared with the control group. Five patterns of time‐series gene expression profiles were identified through k‐means clustering analysis. Angiogenesis, cell adhesion and migration, extracellular matrix organization, response to extracellular stimulus, inflammatory response and mineralization‐related process were major gene ontology terms in functional annotation clustering. HMOX1, OSGIN1, SMN2, SRXN1 AKR1C1, SPP1 and TOMM40L were highly up‐regulated genes, and WRAP53 and CCL2 were highly down‐regulated genes over time. qRT‐PCR for several genes exhibited a high level of agreement with RNA‐seq. TEGDMA induced the HDPCs to show massive and dynamic gene expression changes over time. The previously suggested toxic mechanism of TEGDMA was not only verified, but new genes whose functions have yet to be determined were also found.
Autologous stem cell transplantation for follicular lymphoma is of most benefit early in the disease course and can result in durable remissions, irrespective of prior rituximab exposure
Authors: Kothari Jaimal , Peggs Karl S. , Bird Antonia , Thomson Kirsty J. , Morris Emma , Virchis Andres E. , Lambert Jonathan , Goldstone Anthony H. , Linch David C. , Ardeshna Kirit M.
Published: January 2014

The role of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and the optimal timing of such transplants in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) remains contentious. We present a single‐centre experience documenting the outcomes of 70 FL patients who underwent BEAM (carmustine, cytarabine, etopside, melphalan)‐conditioned ASCT between 1988 and 2009. With a median follow‐up of 6·8 years (0·1–19·2), the 7‐year overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) from the date of ASCT was 76% and 60%, respectively. A significant difference in OS was found when comparing the patients transplanted in first or second remission versus those transplanted in later remissions (P = 0·02) and this significance was maintained when OS was calculated from the date of diagnosis (P = 0·03). There was a plateau on the PFS curves for patients transplanted in either first or second remissions after 9·3 and 6·4 years respectively, suggesting that these groups may never relapse. No differences were seen in OS or PFS in those treated with rituximab prior to transplant versus those who were not. Our data shows that BEAM ASCT can be a highly effective treatment in patients with FL early in the disease course, and that a proportion of patients experience prolonged disease‐free survival and may be cured.
On the fate of sexual traits under asexuality
Authors: van der Kooi Casper J. , Schwander Tanja
Published: January 2014

Environmental shifts and life‐history changes may result in formerly adaptive traits becoming non‐functional or maladaptive. In the absence of pleiotropy and other constraints, such traits may decay as a consequence of neutral mutation accumulation or selective processes, highlighting the importance of natural selection for adaptations. A suite of traits are expected to lose their adaptive function in asexual organisms derived from sexual ancestors, and the many independent transitions to asexuality allow for comparative studies of parallel trait maintenanceversusdecay. In addition, because certain traits, notably male‐specific traits, are usually not exposed to selection under asexuality, their decay would have to occur as a consequence of drift. Selective processes could drive the decay of traits associated with costs, which may be the case for the majority of sexual traits expressed in females. We review the fate of male and female sexual traits in 93 animal lineages characterized by asexual reproduction, covering a broad taxon range including molluscs, arachnids, diplopods, crustaceans and eleven different hexapod orders. Many asexual lineages are still able occasionally to produce males. These asexually produced males are often largely or even fully functional, revealing that major developmental pathways can remain quiescent and functional over extended time periods. By contrast, for asexual females, there is a parallel and rapid decay of sexual traits, especially of traits related to mate attraction and location, as expected given the considerable costs often associated with the expression of these traits. The level of decay of female sexual traits, in addition to asexual females being unable to fertilize their eggs, would severely impede reversals to sexual reproduction, even in recently derived asexual lineages. More generally, the parallel maintenanceversusdecay of different trait types across diverse asexual lineages suggests that neutral traits display little or no decay even after extended periods under relaxed selection, while extensive decay for selected traits occurs extremely quickly. These patterns also highlight that adaptations can fix rapidly in natural populations of asexual organisms, in spite of their mode of reproduction.
In‐vitro evaluation of the tolerance of surgical instruments in templates for computer‐assisted guided implantology produced by 3‐D printing
Authors: Schneider David , Schober Florian , Grohmann Philipp , Hammerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E.
Published: January 2014

Objective

The aim of this in‐vitro study was to compare the tolerance of surgical instruments in surgical guides produced by 3‐D printing, without metal sleeves to a surgical guide with conventional metal sleeves from two different manufacturers.

Materials and methods

Lateral movements of drill tips caused by tolerance between the sleeve and drill key and between the drill key and the drill were recorded after application of a standardized force to the surgical instruments. Four groups were tested: Control 1 (C1): metal sleeve from commercially available surgical system 1; Test 1 (T1): 3‐D‐printed sleeve for surgical system 1; Control 2 (C2): metal sleeve from commercially available surgical system 2. Test 2 (T2): 3‐D‐printed sleeve for surgical system 2.

Results

The mean total lateral movement was 0.75 mm (0.5–1.04 mm) in the C1 group and 0.91 mm (0.54–1.34 mm) in the C2 group. The mean amount of movement from tolerance between sleeve and drill‐guiding key was 0.31 mm (range 0.22–0.41 mm) in C1 and 0.42 mm (range 0.29–0.56 mm) in C2. This lateral movement was in mean reduced by 0.24 mm (32%) in T1 and by 0.39 mm (43%) in T2 group. This reduction was statistically significant in both groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The tolerance of surgical instruments and the lateral movements of the drills were significantly reduced by the use of 3‐D printing with reduced sleeve diameter. This reduction could improve the overall accuracy in computer‐assisted template‐guided implant dentistry. The lateral movement of the drill can be further reduced by using a shorter drill and a higher drill key. This can be considered during implant planning and CAD/CAM of surgical guides.
Smoking and the risk of peri‐implantitis. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sgolastra Fabrizio , Petrucci Ambra , Severino Marco , Gatto Roberto , Monaco Annalisa
Published: January 2014

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the role of smoking as a risk factor for peri‐implantitis.

Material and methods

Six electronic databases and a manual search resulted in 5876 unique publications. After selection, only seven studies were included in the systematic review. Dichotomous data were expressed as risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A generic inverse variance statistical model was used. Due to the expected interstudy heterogeneity, a random effect model was used for both data types. Heterogeneity was assessed with the Cochrane χ2 and I2 tests. The pooled effect was considered significant for a P‐value <0.05.

Results

The implant‐based meta‐analysis revealed a higher and significant risk of peri‐implantitis in smokers (RR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.34–3.29, P = 0.001) compared with nonsmokers, but the patient‐based meta‐analysis did not reveal any significant differences for risk of peri‐implantitis in smokers (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.78–1.75, P = 0.46). No evidence of significant heterogeneity was detected for the two analyses (χ2 = 0.64, P = 0.89; I2 = 0% and χ2 = 2.44, P = 0.30; I2 = 18%, respectively, for implant‐ and patient‐based meta‐analyses).

Conclusion

There is little evidence that smoking is a risk factor for peri‐implantitis. However, given the low number of included studies, future studies are needed to confirm these results.
A randomised sham‐controlled trial to assess the long‐term effect of the Epley manoeuvre for treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Bruintjes Tj.D. , Companjen J. , van der Zaag‐Loonen H.J. , van Benthem P.P.G.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term efficacy of the Epley manoeuvre as a therapeutic procedure for posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Design

Randomised, double‐blind, sham‐controlled trial.

Setting

A multidisciplinary dizziness unit in a non‐academic Hospital.

Participants

Forty‐four patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) with a duration of at least 1 month. Participants were randomised in two groups of 22 and treated with either the Epley manoeuvre or a sham manoeuvre and followed up for 1 year after treatment.

Main outcome measures

Conversion of a ‘positive’ Dix–Hallpike test to a ‘negative’ Dix–Hallpike test, impairments perceived by the dizziness assessed by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI).

Statistical analysis

Absolute and relative risks were computed, and Fisher's exact test was used to compare the treatments.

Results

Six patients were lost to follow up (five in the sham group, one in the Epley group). The Epley procedure resulted in a treatment success in 20/22 patients (91%) after 12 months of follow‐up, whereas the sham procedure had a positive effect in 10/22 patients (46%; P = 0.001). The DHI was significantly lower in the Epley group at all follow‐up assessments (median scores 12 months 0 (0–51) versus 20 (0–76), P = 0.003).

Conclusion

The Epley manoeuvre provides long‐term resolution of symptoms in patients with posterior canal BPPV.
Ratios derived from an array of standard haematological indices predict the oncological outcome in colon cancer
Authors: East J. M. , Hogan J. , Samaha G. , Medani M. , MacKerricher W. , Polinkevych S. , Walsh S. R. , Coffey J. C.
Published: January 2014

Aim

The interaction between inflammation and cancer is well established. Surrogate markers of systemic inflammation, such as the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), may be associated with the long‐term oncological outcome. The present study aimed to characterize the relationship between several ratios derived from haematological indices using a classification and regression tree analysis.

Method

Haematological white‐cell ratios were established for all patients undergoing colonic cancer resection with curative intent (n = 436) in a regional cancer centre. The optimal ratios associated with overall survival (OS) were established in a training set (n = 386) using a classification and regression tree (CRT) technique. The association between ratios and OS was assessed in a separate test set (n = 50). Within the test set, two groups were generated based on each ratio (one group above and one group below the cut‐off value identified in the training set). The association between ratios and OS was assessed using a stepwise Cox proportional‐hazards regression model.

Results

The following ratios, identified by the CRT, were associated with adverse OS in the test set: an NLR of ≥ 3.4 [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.4, P < 0.001]; and a white‐cell‐count/lymphocyte ratio (WLR) of ≥ 5.28 (HR = 4.1, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

This is the first study to apply recursive partitioning in determining the relationship between haematological ratios and OS in colon cancer. Haematological ratios were predictive of oncological outcome.

What does this paper add to the literature?

This study suggests an association between systemic inflammation and oncological outcome.
Impact of bowel cancer screening on the management of colorectal cancer
Authors: Hwang M.‐J. , Evans T. , Lawrence G. , Karandikar S.
Published: January 2014

Aim

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NBCSP) was introduced in the West Midlands in 2006. Studies, including the UK Bowel Cancer Screening Pilot, have reported an 18% reduction in mortality. This regional study assesses the impact of screening on elective and emergency colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery.

Method

Data were extracted from the West Midlands cancer registration database for CRC diagnosed in residents of the West Midlands between 1998 and 2010. Screen‐detected cancers were identified by matching to the NBCSP database. Mode of admission and intervention was obtained by matching to Hospital Episode Statistics and the classification of Interventions and Procedures code.

Results

Of 42 082 patients diagnosed with CRC, 30 309 received surgical treatment. From 1998 to 2005, the number of patients who underwent emergency surgery increased from 4362 to 18 357, with the proportion each year remaining constant (23.85 ± 0.95% each year). In the screening age group (60–69 years) over the same period, emergency surgery was performed in 918 of 4831 patients (19.15 ± 1.65% each year). Following the introduction of screening, the emergency surgery rate decreased each year, reaching 16% (406/2520) in all patients and 12% (101/829) in the screening age group in 2010 (P < 0.001). These changes in emergency surgery were mirrored by increases in elective surgery.

Conclusion

The NBCSP has had a positive impact on elective and emergency surgery for CRC in the West Midlands.
Gene–environment interaction in atopic diseases: a population‐based twin study of early‐life exposures
Authors: Kahr Niklas , Naeser Vibeke , Stensballe Lone Graff , Kyvik Kirsten Ohm , Skytthe Axel , Backer Vibeke , Bønnelykke Klaus , Thomsen Simon Francis
Published: January 2014

Introduction

The development of atopic diseases early in life suggests an important role of perinatal risk factors.

Objectives

To study whether early‐life exposures modify the genetic influence on atopic diseases in a twin population.

Methods

Questionnaire data on atopic diseases from 850 monozygotic and 2279 like‐sex dizygotic twin pairs, 3–9 years of age, from the Danish Twin Registry were cross‐linked with data on prematurity, Cesarean section, maternal age at birth, parental cohabitation, season of birth and maternal smoking during pregnancy, from the Danish National Birth Registry. Significant predictors of atopic diseases were identified with logistic regression and subsequently tested for genetic effect modification using variance components analysis.

Results

After multivariable adjustment, prematurity (gestational age below 32 weeks) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.93, confidence interval (CI) = 1.45–2.56], Cesarean section (OR = 1.25, CI = 1.05–1.49) and maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR = 1.70, CI = 1.42–2.04) significantly influenced the risk of asthma, whereas none of the factors were significantly associated with atopic dermatitis and hay fever. Variance components analysis stratified by exposure status showed no significant change in the heritability of asthma according to the identified risk factors.

Conclusion

In this population‐based study of children, there was no evidence of genetic effect modification of atopic diseases by several identified early‐life risk factors. The causal relationship between these risk factors and atopic diseases may therefore be mediated via mechanisms different from gene–environment interaction.
Exchange protein activated by cyclic AMP is involved in the regulation of adipogenic genes during 3T3‐L1 fibroblasts differentiation
Authors: Gabrielli Matías , Martini Claudia N. , Brandani Javier N. , Iustman Laura J. R. , Romero Damián G. , Vila María del C.
Published: January 2014

Adipogenesis is stimulated in 3T3‐L1 fibroblasts by a combination of insulin, dexamethasone and isobutylmethylxanthine, IBMX, (I+D+M). Two transcription factors are important for the acquisition of the adipocyte phenotype, C/EBP beta (CCAT enhancer‐binding protein beta) and PPAR gamma (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma). IBMX increases cAMP content, which can activate protein kinase A (PKA) and/or EPAC (exchange protein activated by cAMP). To investigate the importance of IBMX in the differentiation mixture, we first evaluated the effect of the addition of IBMX on the increase of C/EBP beta and PPAR gamma and found an enhancement of the amount of both proteins. IBMX addition (I+D+M) or its replacement with a cAMP analogue, dibutyryl‐cAMP or 8‐(4‐chlorophenylthio)‐2‐O′‐methyl‐cAMP (8CPT‐2‐Me‐cAMP), the latter activates EPAC and not PKA, remarkably increased PPAR gamma mRNA. However, neither I+D nor any of the inducers alone, increased PPAR gamma mRNA to a similar extent, suggesting the importance of the presence of both IBMX and I+D. It was also found that the addition of IBMX or 8CPT‐2‐Me‐cAMP was able to increase the content of C/EBP beta with respect to I+D. In agreement with these findings, a microarray analysis showed that the presence of either 8CPT‐2‐Me‐cAMP or IBMX in the differentiation mixture was able to upregulate PPAR gamma and PPAR gamma‐activated genes as well as other genes involved in lipid metabolism. Our results prove the involvement of IBMX‐cAMP‐EPAC in the regulation of adipogenic genes during differentiation of 3T3‐L1 fibroblasts and therfore contributes to elucidate the role of cyclic AMP in this process.
Efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor sitagliptin compared with α‐glucosidase inhibitor in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on sulfonylurea alone (SUCCESS‐2): a multicenter, randomized, open‐label, non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Kobayashi K. , Yokoh H. , Sato Y. , Takemoto M. , Uchida D. , Kanatsuka A. , Kuribayashi N. , Terano T. , Hashimoto N. , Sakurai K. , Hanaoka H. , Ishikawa K. , Onishi S. , Yokote K. ,   on behalf of the SUCCESS Study Group
Published: January 2014

We assessed the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin compared with α‐glucosidase inhibitor (αGI) in 120 of Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled on stable ≤2 mg/day glimepiride alone [mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 7.7%] by the randomized, active‐controlled, non‐inferiority trial. Patients were randomly assigned to receive additional sitagliptin or αGI for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to week 12. After 12 weeks, sitagliptin reduced HbA1c by −0.44% (p < 0.001) relative to αGI. At 24 weeks, the reduction was almost identical between the groups (−0.091%, p = 0.47). Gastrointestinal disorders were more common with αGI than with sitagliptin, but only minor hypoglycaemia occurred in both groups at similar frequency. These data suggested that sitagliptin was not inferior to αGI for reduction of HbA1c in Japanese T2DM patients receiving glimepiride alone, and well tolerated with minimum risk of gastrointestinal symptoms and hypoglycaemia.
Distribution, characteristics and condition of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) spawning grounds in a differentially eutrophicated twin‐basin lake
Authors: Miller Helen , Winfield Ian J. , Fletcher Janice M. , Ben James J. , van Rijn Joey , Bull Jonathan M. , Cotterill Carol J.
Published: January 2014

Spawning is a key but often fragile event in the life cycles of fish populations. Nevertheless, it has been relatively little studied for lithophilic lacustrine species requiring hard spawning substrates, such as gravels or stones, largely devoid of fine sediments. Twelve demonstrated or putative spawning grounds of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in shallow and deep areas of the north and south basins of the eutrophicated lake of Windermere, UK, were described by hydroacoustic, physical and visual surveys. In addition, their current conditions were compared with their original qualitative descriptions made over 50 years ago. Spawning ground characteristics were found to be more complex than originally described, with considerable overlaps in depth ranges and only limited areas of appropriate hard substrates. Moreover, extensive gill netting surveys in recent years have found spawning Arctic charr at only seven of the original 12 demonstrated or putative spawning grounds, although several new spawning areas have also been found. The distribution of unsuitable fine sediments is widespread in the lake, particularly in the more eutrophicated south basin where suitable spawning habitat within the putative spawning areas is limited. Windermere faces a number of environmental problems including climate change and species introductions. However, the temporal and spatial patterns of the lake's eutrophication suggest that associated increases in fine sediments have been a major driver of the observed deterioration of Arctic charr spawning grounds and so may have also contributed to a marked decline recently observed in the local abundance of this species.
Mammalian SIRT2 inhibits keratin 19 expression and is a tumor suppressor in skin
Authors: Ming Mei , Qiang Lei , Zhao Baozhong , He Yu‐Ying
Published: January 2014

SIRT2 is a member of the mammalian sirtuin family (SIRT1‐7). As compared with other sirtuins, SIRT2 is found primarily in the cytoplasm. It regulates multiple physiological processes. However, the precise role of SIRT2 in skin cancer remains unclear. Here, we show that SIRT2 is downregulated in human skin cancer as compared with normal skin. SIRT2 deletion increases tumor growth in mice. SIRT2 knockdown upregulates the stem cell marker Keratin 19 (K19) in keratinocytes. In mice, SIRT2 deletion up‐regulates K19 and K15 while it down‐regulates the differentiation marker Loricrin in both normal skin and tumors. In skin tumors but not normal skin, SIRT2 deletion up‐regulates the stem cell marker CD34 and increases the number of Ki67‐positive cells. These findings indicate that SIRT2 is a tumor suppressor in the skin. Our findings add new insights into the role of SIRT2 in the molecular pathogenesis of skin cancer.
Comparing the potential production and value of high‐energy liquid fuels and protein from marine and freshwater macroalgae
Authors: Neveux Nicolas , Magnusson Marie , Maschmeyer Thomas , de Nys Rocky , Paul Nicholas A.
Published: January 2014

The biomass production and biochemical properties of marine and freshwater species of green macroalgae (multicellular algae), cultivated in outdoor conditions, were evaluated to assess the potential conversion into high‐energy liquid biofuels, specifically biocrude and biodiesel and the value of these products. Biomass productivities were typically two times higher for marine macroalgae (8.5–11.9 g m−2 d−1, dry weight) than for freshwater macroalgae (3.4–5.1 g m−2 d−1, dry weight). The biochemical compositions of the species were also distinct, with higher ash content (25.5–36.6%) in marine macroalgae and higher calorific value (15.8–16.4 MJ kg−1) in freshwater macroalgae. Lipid content was highest for freshwaterOedogoniumand marineDerbesia. Lipids are a critical organic component for biocrude production by hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and the theoretical biocrude yield was therefore highest forOedogonium(17.7%, dry weight) andDerbesia(16.2%, dry weight). Theoretical biocrude yields were also higher than biodiesel yields for all species due to the conversion of the whole organic component of biomass, including the predominant carbohydrate fraction. However, all marine species had higher biomass productivities and therefore had higher projected biocrude productivities than freshwater species, up to 7.1 t of biocrude ha−1 yr−1forDerbesia. The projected value of the six macroalgae was increased by 45–77% (up toUS$7700 ha−1 yr−1) through the extraction of protein prior to the conversion of the residual biomass to biocrude. This study highlights the importance of optimizing biomass productivities for high‐energy fuels and targeting additional coproducts to increase value.
Confronting dental uncertainty in old age
Authors: MacEntee Michael I. , Mathu‐Muju Kavita R.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To provide an overview of the literature about uncertainty in health care and how it relates to the oral health care of older people.

Background

The medical literature describes uncertainty in health care from the initial informed‐consent to its impact on a patient's ability to cope with undesirable outcomes.

Methods

A narrative review of the medical, dental and psychological literature was conducted to identify pertinent information on the theory and implications of uncertainty in healthcare. The findings are infused into a case‐report illustrating the recurrence of uncertainty experienced by an older woman who had multiple treatments over several years to restore her dentition damaged severely by dental caries.

Results

Uncertainty originates from inadequate understanding, incomplete information and undifferentiated alternatives leading to unnecessary diagnostic tests and healthcare costs. A conceptual taxonomy clarifies the characteristics of uncertainty in the context of scientific, practical or personal sources and offers management possibilities through effective communications to identify choices and probabilities that help patients to adapt and cope with adverse events.

Conclusions

Uncertainty pervades healthcare. It can lead patients to self‐blame, anger and withdrawal from care unless it is communicated effectively so that they can adapt and cope with the disappointment of adversity and continue with alternative approaches to care.
Modified Angell Plot of Viscous Flow with Application to Silicate and Metallic Glass‐Forming Liquids
Authors: Kozmidis‐Petrović Ana F.
Published: January 2014

The behavior of the Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann (VFT), Avramov and Milchev (AM) and Mauro, Yue, Ellison, Gupta and Allan (MYEGA) functions of viscous flow in relation to t = Tg/(T−To) is analyzed, where Tg is glass transition temperature and To is the temperature in the VFT equation at which the configurational entropy becomes zero. The Tg‐scaled Arrhenius plot (the Angell plot) has been modified. The log η−(Tg/T) relationships in the Angell plot were modified as log η–(Tg)/(T−To) relationships (Tg‐scaled VFT plot). The values of parameter m1 = d(log η)/dt│T=Tg for some silicate and metallic glass‐forming liquids are presented too. The parameter m1 still exhibits “fragility” effect as does the kinetic fragility parameter m = d(log η)/d (Tg/T)│T=Tg in the Angell plot. The plot of log ηVFT in relation to t = Tg/(T−To) is the linear function unlike the Angell plot. The dependences of log ηMYEGA and log ηAM on t are not linear. It is possible to present the dependences of log η as functions of m1 and t in the form of 3D graphs.
Human blood dendritic cell subsets exhibit discriminative pattern recognition receptor profiles
Authors: Lundberg Kristina , Rydnert Frida , Greiff Lennart , Lindstedt Malin
Published: January 2014

Dendritic cells (DCs) operate as the link between innate and adaptive immunity. Their expression of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs), enables antigen recognition and mediates appropriate immune responses. Distinct subsets of human DCs have been identified; however their expression of PRRs is not fully clarified. Expressions of CLRs by DC subpopulations, in particular, remain elusive. This study aimed to identify and compare PRR expressions on human blood DC subsets, including CD1c+, CD141+ and CD16+ myeloid DCs and CD123+ plasmacytoid DCs, in order to understand their capacity to recognize different antigens as well as their responsiveness to PRR‐directed targeting. Whole blood was obtained from 13 allergic and six non‐allergic individuals. Mononuclear cells were purified and multi‐colour flow cytometry was used to assess the expression of 10 CLRs and two TLRs on distinct DC subsets. PRR expression levels were shown to differ between DC subsets for each PRR assessed. Furthermore, principal component analysis and random forest test demonstrated that the PRR profiles were discriminative between DC subsets. Interestingly, CLEC9A was expressed at lower levels by CD141+ DCs from allergic compared with non‐allergic donors. The subset‐specific PRR expression profiles suggests individual responsiveness to PRR‐targeting and supports functional specialization.
Are resilience and maternal sense of coherence associated with gingival status in adolescents from low‐income families?
Authors: da Silva Andréa Neiva , da Silva Cosme Marcelo Furtado Passos , Vettore Mario Vianna
Published: January 2014

Background

The capacity to overcome social disadvantages and maintain oral health through psychosocial processes remains poorly understood in children.

Aim

This study assessed the relationship of children's resilience and maternal sense of coherence (SOC) with gingival status in children from low‐income families.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 190 schoolchildren aged 11–12 years and their mothers. Family socioeconomic characteristics and housing conditions, maternal and children's oral cleanliness behaviours (tooth brushing and dental floss use), maternal SOC, children's resilience, and demographic data were collected through interviews with children and their mothers. Validated versions of Antonovsky's scale and the resilience scale were used to assess mother's SOC and children's resilience. Gingival status and dental plaque of children were evaluated through clinical examinations using bleeding on probing index and plaque index. Statistical analysis included Pearson's correlation and hierarchical multinomial ordinal logistic regression analyses.

Results

The mean frequency of gingival bleeding in the sample was 8.4% (SD: 8.5). Children with higher levels of resilience showed 31% lower odds of gingival bleeding (OR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.4–0.9) after adjustment for socioeconomic characteristics, children's and mothers' use of dental floss.

Conclusions

Children's resilience was a psychosocial factor associated with gingival conditions.
Electrical stimulation for difficult wounds: only an alternative procedure?
Authors: Fraccalvieri Marco , Salomone Marco , Zingarelli Enrico M , Rivarossa Filippo , Bruschi Stefano
Published: January 2014

In the wound healing research, the exact mechanism of action of different modalities of electrical stimulation (ES) remains controversial and unresolved. In this study we discuss a particular ES, with a different type of waveform, corresponding to the principle of stochastic resonance. Between July 2008 and May 2010, 32 patients were enrolled and ES was applied to wounds using the bioelectrical signal therapy (BST) device (LifeWave, Petach Tiqwa, Israel). The outcome evaluated in group 1 (n = 21) was wound healing, while group 2 (n = 11) was evaluated for wound‐related pain [Visual Number Scale (VNS) pain scale] during treatment. In group 1, 87% of the wounds closed in an average time of 97 days (range 10–150 days); three patients were lost to follow‐up. In group 2, 45% of the patients experienced a complete pain disappearance after 7 days of treatment; 36% reported a reduction in VNS from 9·3 to 3·2 in 7 days; 19% stopped morphine‐like painkillers after 2 weeks. The clinical application of the stochastic resonance enables the usage of easy‐to‐use, non‐invasive, painless and pain‐relief treatment. Our experience with ES has demonstrated the BST device to be a very good alternative in cases of small size defects, compared with other therapies such as surgery, dressing and negative pressure devices.
Introduction
Authors: Magnan Sally Sieloff , Murphy Dianna , Sahakyan Narek
Published: January 2014

This monograph presents a national study about how the language learning goals of college students are reflected in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century (National Standards in Foreign Language Education Project, 1996, 1999, 2006). With a mixed method design, the study includes responses from 16,529 students at 11 postsecondary institutions across the United States, with interviews from 200 students at two of these institutions. The first research to examine learner perspectives with regard to the Standards, this study considers (a) whether college students have goals consistent with the Standards, (b) whether they expect to reach these goals during their formal language study, (c) whether these goals and expectations differ for first‐year and second‐year language students, (d) whether they differ for students of more and less commonly taught languages, (e) whether students understand the Standards and see the five goal areas as interrelated or in terms of hierarchies of priorities, and (f) how the Standards might encourage student reflection, especially regarding the relationships among language, culture, and thought. With the aim of promoting critical thinking about the Standards and their possible application at the college level, the monograph details the history of the framework, with discussion of its limited acceptance and use in postsecondary instruction, and considers what student perceptions tell us about how the Standards might fit with assumptions and characteristics of communicative language teaching and literacy‐based approaches to language learning. In this discussion, the monograph examines shortcomings in the Standards framework, as seen through the lens of student perceptions.
A multi‐method approach for analyzing hierarchical genetic structures: a case study with cougars Puma concolor
Authors: Balkenhol Niko , Holbrook Joseph D. , Onorato Dave , Zager Peter , White Craig , Waits Lisette P.
Published: January 2014

Genetic data are increasingly used to describe the structure of wildlife populations and to infer landscape influences on functional connectivity. To accomplish this, genetic structure can be described with a multitude of methods that vary in their assumptions, advantages and limitations. While some methods discriminate distinct subpopulations separated by sharp genetic boundaries (i.e. barrier detection or clustering methods), other methods estimate gradient genetic structures using individual‐based genetic distances. We present an analytical framework based on individual ancestry values that combines these different approaches and can be used to a) test for local barriers to gene flow and b) evaluate effects of landscape gradients through individual‐based genetic distances that account for hierarchical genetic structure. We illustrate the approach with a data set of 371 cougars Puma concolor from a 217 000 km2 study area in Idaho and western Montana (USA) that were genotyped at 12 microsatellite loci. Results suggest that cougars in the region show a complex, hierarchical genetic structure that is influenced by a local barrier to gene flow (an urban population cluster connected by high traffic volumes), different landscape features (the Snake River Plain, forested habitat), and geographic distance. Our novel approach helped to elucidate the relative influence of these factors on different hierarchical levels of population structure, which was not possible when using either clustering methods or standard genetic distances. Results obtained with our analytical framework highlight the need for multi‐scale management of cougars in the region and show that landscape heterogeneity can create complex genetic structures, even in generalist species with high dispersal capabilities.
Physical fitness, overweight and the risk of eating disorders in adolescents. The AVENA and AFINOS studies
Authors: Veses A. M. , Martínez‐Gómez D. , Gómez‐Martínez S. , Vicente‐Rodriguez G. , Castillo R. , Ortega F. B. , González‐Gross M. , Calle M. E. , Veiga O. L. , Marcos A. ,   AVENA,   AFINOS Study Groups
Published: January 2014

What is already known about this subject

Eating disorders are among the public health issues facing adolescents.

An excess of body fat has been associated with an increased risk of these disorders.

The association of physical fitness with eating disorders has not yet been analysed in adolescents.

What this study adds

This study confirms that the overweight and obesity increase the risk of developing eating disorders.

The present study shows that there is an inverse association between physical fitness levels and the risk of eating disorders.

This study suggests that physical fitness might attenuate the influence of overweight on the development of eating disorders in adolescents.

Background

Eating disorders together with the overweight and obesity are important health concerns in adolescents.

Objective

To analyse the individual and combined influence of overweight and physical fitness on the risk of developing eating disorders in Spanish adolescents.

Methods

The sample consisted of 3571 adolescents (1864 females), aged 13 to 18.5 years, from Spain who participated in the AVENA and AFINOS studies. The risk of eating disorders was evaluated using the SCOFF questionnaire. Body mass index was calculated and the adolescents were classified into two groups: overweight (including obesity) and non‐overweight according to Cole's cut‐off points. Cardiorespiratory fitness in the AVENA Study was assessed by the 20‐m shuttle‐run test and the overall physical fitness level was self‐reported in the AFINOS Study.

Results

Overweight adolescents had a higher risk of developing eating disorders than non‐overweight adolescents (odds ratio [OR] = 4.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.63–6.61 in the AVENA Study and OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.83–3.22 in the AFINOS Study). Also, adolescents with medium and low levels of physical fitness had a higher risk of developing eating disorders (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.05–2.16, and OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.60–3.19, respectively, in the AVENA Study, and OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.37–2.17, and OR = 4.11 95% CI: 2.98–5.65, respectively, in the AFINOS Study) than adolescents with high levels of physical fitness. In both studies, the combined influence of overweight and physical fitness showed that adolescents with lower levels of physical fitness had an increased risk of developing eating disorders in both non‐overweight and overweight groups.

Conclusions

Physical fitness might attenuate the influence of overweight on the development of eating disorders in adolescents.