bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population structure, mitochondrial polyphyly and the repeated loss of human biting ability in anopheline mosquitoes from the southwest Pacific
Authors: AMBROSE L. , RIGINOS C. , COOPER R. D. , LEOW K. S. , ONG W. , BEEBE N. W.
Published: July 2012

Australia and New Guinea contain high levels of endemism and biodiversity, yet there have been few evaluations of population‐level genetic diversity in fauna occurring throughout the Australo‐Papuan region. Using extensive geographical sampling, we examined and compared the phylogenetic relationships, phylogeography and population structure of Anopheles farauti, An. hinesorum and An. irenicus throughout their ranges in the southwest Pacific using mitochondrial (mtDNA COI) and nuclear (ribosomal protein S9 and ribosomal DNA ITS2) loci. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the ability to utilize humans as hosts has been lost repeatedly, coincident with independent colonizations of the Solomon Islands. As some of the species under investigation transmit malaria in the region, this is a medically important finding. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of nuclear loci also showed that the three species are monophyletic. However, putative introgression of An. hinesorum mtDNA onto a nuclear background of An. farauti was evident in populations from Queensland, Torres Strait and southern New Guinea. Haplotype networks and pairwise FST values show that there is significant genetic structure within New Guinea and Australia in both An. farauti and An. hinesorum, consistent with a long‐term history of low gene flow among populations.
Performance characteristics of scintigraphic measurement of gastric emptying of solids in healthy participants
Authors: CAMILLERI M. , ITURRINO J. , BHARUCHA A. E. , BURTON D. , SHIN A. , JEONG I.‐D. , ZINSMEISTER A. R.
Published: July 2012

Background  Gastric emptying (GE) is measured in pharmacodynamic and diagnostic studies. Our aim was to assess inter‐ and intra‐subject coefficients of variation (COV) of scintigraphic GE measurements in healthy subjects, and associations of GE with gender and body mass index (BMI).

Methods  Data from participants with scintigraphic measurements of gastric emptying of solids were analyzed. Primary endpoints were gastric emptying T1/2 (GE T1/2) and GE at 1, 2, 3, and 4 h.

Key Results  The patient cohort consisted of 105 males and 214 females; at least two studies were performed in 47 subjects [16 males (M), 32 females (F)]. Inter‐subject COV (COVinter) for GE T1/2 were similar in M and F: overall 24.5% (M 26.0%, F 22.5%); COV are predictably lowest for GE at 4 h (COVinter 9.6%). COVintra for T1/2 and GE at 4 h were overall 23.8% and 12.6%, and were similar to COVinter values. Gender (but not age or BMI) was significantly associated with GE T1/2 [P < 0.001, F 127.6 ± 28.7 (SD) min; M 109.9 ± 28.6 min] and with GE at 1 h and 2 h. Repeat GE T1/2 values in 47 participants were significantly correlated (r = 0.459, P < 0.001) with median difference of −6 min (mean −1.6, range −56 to 72 min). Bland–Altman plots showed Δ GE T1/2 similarly distributed across mean GE T1/2 100–155 min, and across studies conducted 90–600 days apart.

Conclusions & Inferences  Inter‐subject variations in scintigraphic GE results are only slightly higher than the intra‐subject measurements, which are also reproducible over time in healthy volunteers. Gender, but not BMI, is significantly associated with GE results.
Reliability and accuracy of visual methods to quantify severity of foliar bacterial spot symptoms on peach and nectarine
Authors: Bardsley S. J. , Ngugi H. K.
Published: July 2012

The objectives of this study were to assess the reliability and accuracy of visual methods used to quantify the severity of bacterial spot (Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni) symptoms and evaluate the effects of rater experience on the quality of disease estimates. Three cohorts of raters differing in experience with disease assessment rated three sets of peach or nectarine leaves (n ≥ 103; disease severity levels from 0% to 100%) by direct estimation of percentage leaf area with symptoms. Four of the experienced raters also rated the leaves using a 1–7 interval scale. Actual disease severity on the leaves was obtained with the APS assess image analysis software. Equivalence tests based on a bootstrap analysis were used to compare the rating scale and direct estimation methods, and to evaluate the effects of rater experience, computer training and human instruction on accuracy and reliability of disease estimates. In concordance analysis of continuous variables, with data from scale converted to percentage, the direct estimation method resulted in more accurate and reliable estimates than the interval scale. Analysing the scale data without conversion to percentage improved the concordance statistics for the scale but not sufficiently to match the direct estimation method. Accuracy was affected more by rater experience and intrinsic ability than reliability. Instruction on disease symptoms resulted in the largest improvement in estimates from inexperienced raters. Accurate and reliable direct estimation of bacterial spot severity on peach and nectarine can be made by raters with varying levels of experience provided they receive sufficient instruction.
Rice MPR25 encodes a pentatricopeptide repeat protein and is essential for RNA editing of nad5 transcripts in mitochondria
Authors: Toda Takushi , Fujii Sota , Noguchi Ko , Kazama Tomohiko , Toriyama Kinya
Published: July 2012

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are involved in the modification of organelle transcripts. In this study, we investigated the molecular function in rice of the mitochondrial PPR‐encoding gene MITOCHONDRIAL PPR25 (MPR25), which belongs to the E subgroup of the PPR family. A Tos17 knockout mutant of MPR25 exhibited growth retardation and pale‐green leaves with reduced chlorophyll content during the early stages of plant development. The photosynthetic rate in the mpr25 mutant was significantly decreased, especially under strong light conditions, although the respiration rate did not differ from that of wild‐type plants. MPR25 was preferentially expressed in leaves. FLAG‐tagged MPR25 accumulated in mitochondria but not in chloroplasts. Direct sequencing revealed that the mpr25 mutant fails to edit a C–U RNA editing site at nucleotide 1580 of nad5, which encodes a subunit of complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) of the respiratory chain in mitochondria. RNA editing of this site is responsible for a change in amino acid from serine to leucine. Recombinant MPR25 directly interacted with the proximal region of the editing site of nad5 transcripts. However, the NADH dehydrogenase activity of complex I was not affected in the mutant. By contrast, genes encoding alternative NADH dehydrogenases and alternative oxidase were up‐regulated. The mpr25 mutant may therefore provide new information on the coordinated interaction between mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Comparison of Protein Fractions in Seminal Plasma from Multiple Sperm Collections in Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus)
Authors: Shaliutina A , Hulak M , Li P , Sulc M , Dzyuba B , Linhart O
Published: July 2012

Contents

Seminal plasma of sterlet Acipenser ruthenus was evaluated using comparative proteomics to characterize its protein fractions and to determine any influence of multiple sperm collections on these proteins. An experimental group of fish was used, in which sperm was collected three times at 5 h intervals. Protein fractions of seminal plasma were determined by SDS‐gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and two‐dimensional electrophoresis high‐resolution gels (2D). At all stripping times, five protein bands with molecular weights of 93, 53, 48, 33 and 28 kDa were identified using SDS‐PAGE. No significant differences (p > 0.05) in relative mass of protein bands among collections were observed. At the third collection, 20 protein spots were detected from the two‐dimensional gels, compared to 17 found at the first and second collections. Ten protein spots, from the third stripping, were analysed. Screening of these spots by mass spectrometric analysis showed positive results for spot 10. Direct comparison across public databases revealed sequence similarity with two hypothetical proteins, MCAG_00854 and IscW_ISCW011489. Differences in the seminal plasma protein fractions were found at the third stripping compared to the first two. It is hypothesized that these extra proteins after the third collection could be involved in some step of intracellular mechanism which is responsible for regulating of spermatozoa motility. However, protein identification revealed no significant distinction for any protein spot and protein sequences available in public databases. These results highlighted the need for a complete genome sequences for sturgeons.
Clinicopathologic features and molecular analysis of enterovirus 71 infection: Report of an autopsy case from the epidemic of hand, foot and mouth disease in China
Authors: Zhang Yue‐Can , Jiang Su‐Wen , Gu Wen‐Zhen , Hu Ai‐Rong , Lu Chuan‐Tong , Liang Xiao‐Yue , Hu Yao‐Ren , Zhu De‐Dong , Xie Lei
Published: July 2012

A 15‐month boy with fatal hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) exhibited atypical symptoms and progressed rapidly to death. An autopsy was performed the next day and tissue sections were stained for histopathological examination. His intestinal samples were tested for enterovirus 71 (EV71), and the whole‐genome sequence of EV71 was analyzed. An autopsy revealed that the central nervous system, lungs, and gut displayed severe meningitis and brainstem encephalitis, remarkable pulmonary congestion, edema, moderate inflammatory infiltration, and hemorrhage as well as intestinal mucosal congestion, epithelial necrosis, thinning intestinal wall, and submucosal lymphoid follicular hyperplasia. The heart showed myocardial interstitial congestion, myocardial edema, and some inflammatory infiltrates. There were no significant alterations in the architecture of other organs. EV71 antigen and apoptotic cells were detected in brain, lung and intestine by immunohistochemical staining and TUNEL (TdT‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling) respectively. Intestinal contents and intestinal autopsy samples of this case were positive for EV71, and the EV71 strain was classified as subgenogroup C4. In China, the severe forms of HFMD were mostly caused by EV71 subgenogroup C4 infection. Severe intestinal damages may relate to EV71 subgenogroup C4 infection. Thus, children with severe EV71 HFMD may have serious pathological changes in their central nervous system, lungs, and gut. Physicians should pay special attention to infants with atypical symptoms, particularly in EV71 epidemic areas for early diagnosis and treatment.
Japanese guidelines for the management of intussusception in children, 2011
Authors: Ito Yasuo , Kusakawa Isao , Murata Yuji , Ukiyama Etsuji , Kawase Hirokazu , Kamagata Shoichiro , Ueno Shigeru , Osamura Toshio , Kubo Minoru , Yoshida Masahiro
Published: July 2012

Background:  The Japanese Society of Emergency Pediatrics has formulated evidence‐based guidelines for the management of intussusception in children in order to diagnose intussusceptions promptly, to initiate appropriate treatment as early as possible, and to protect intussuscepted children from death.

Methods:  Literature was collected systematically via the Internet using the key words “intussusception” and “children.” The evidence level of each paper was rated in accordance with the levels of evidence of the Oxford Center for Evidence‐based Medicine. The guidelines consisted of 50 clinical questions and the answers. Grades of recommendation were added to the procedures recommended on the basis of the strength of evidence levels.

Results:  Three criteria of “diagnostic criteria,”“severity assessment criteria,” and “criteria for patient transfer” were proposed aiming at an early diagnosis, selection of appropriate treatment, and patient transfer for referral to a tertiary hospital in severe cases. Barium is no longer recommended for enema reduction (recommendation D) because the patient becomes severely ill once perforation occurs. Use of other contrast media, such as water‐soluble iodinated contrast, normal saline, or air, is recommended under either fluoroscopic or sonographic guidance. Delayed repeat enema improves reduction success rate, and is recommended if the initial enema partially reduced the intussusception and if the patient condition is stable.

Conclusions:  The guidelines offer standards of management, but it is not necessarily the purpose of the guidelines to regulate clinical practices. One should judge each individual clinical situation in accordance with experiences, available devices, and the patient's condition.
Kana reading disability and Das–Naglieri Cognitive Assessment System findings in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Nakashima Noriko , Yamashita Yushiro , Hirata Rumiko , Nagamitsu Shinichiro , Matsuishi Toyojiro
Published: July 2012

Background:  Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and reading disability co‐occur more frequently than would be expected by chance. The purposes of this study were to (i) assess the frequency of Japanese syllabary (Kana) reading disability (RD) and (ii) measure the psychometric properties of the Das–Naglieri Cognitive Assessment System (DN‐CAS) in a clinic‐referred sample of Japanese children with ADHD.

Methods:  Twenty children with ADHD aged 8–13 years were evaluated using both Kana reading tasks and the DN‐CAS.

Results:  Seven children (35%) showed excessive reading time in at least two of four Kana reading tasks and were diagnosed as ADHD plus RD. The children with ADHD plus RD took significantly longer to read a single mora, four‐syllable words, and short sentences. There was no significant difference in the time it took the children with ADHD plus RD to read four‐syllable non‐words compared to the children with ADHD only. The children with ADHD plus RD had significantly lower simultaneous‐processing scores in the DN‐CAS compared to children with ADHD but not RD.

Conclusion:  Children with ADHD should be given Kana reading tasks because RD is highly comorbid with ADHD. DN‐CAS is a useful method for evaluating cognitive processing in children with ADHD with or without RD.
Comparison of carbon dioxide and air insufflation use by non‐expert endoscopists during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Muraki Takashi , Arakura Norikazu , Kodama Ryou , Yoneda Suguru , Maruyama Masafumi , Itou Tetsuya , Watanabe Takayuki , Maruyama Masahiro , Matsumoto Akihiro , Kawa Shigeyuki , Tanaka Eiji
Published: July 2012

Background:  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is subject to several complications that include a lengthy procedure time, technical difficulty, and active bowel movement induced by air insufflation. In ERCP carried out by non‐expert endoscopists who are prone to excessive luminal insufflation, insufflation with carbon dioxide (CO2) may provide better and safer outcomes. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of CO2 insufflation during ERCP by non‐expert endoscopists.

Methods:  This study included 208 consecutive patients who received ERCP, excluding those in poor general health or with obstructive lung disease. The first operator for each patient was a non‐expert endoscopist having done 50 or fewer ERCP procedures. Primary outcomes were the changes in cardiopulmonary state during ERCP. Secondary outcomes were ERCP complications. We designed a single‐center, randomized, prospective, double‐blind, controlled trial with CO2 and air insufflation during ERCP.

Results:  CO2 insufflation did not affect overall procedure progression or results. A positive correlation was observed between procedure time and change in maximal systolic blood pressure from baseline among patients in the air insufflation group, but not in the CO2 insufflation group (correlation coefficient 0.408 vs 0.114, change in the maximal systolic blood pressure from baseline +4.2 vs+1.2 mmHg/10 min). This was consistent with our findings in patients treated by the first operator alone. The occurrence rate of post‐ERCP pancreatitis tended to be lower in the CO2 group than the air group (4/102 [3.9%]vs 0/106 [0%], P = 0.056).

Conclusions:  CO2 insufflation during ERCP by non‐expert endoscopists is recommended from the standpoints of efficacy and safety.
Sepsis and hepatitis together with herpes simplex esophagitis in an immunocompetent adult
Authors: Czakó László , Dobra Mariann , Terzin Viktória , Tiszlavicz László , Wittmann Tibor
Published: July 2012

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)‐induced sepsis affects immunocompromised patients. We report here the case of an immunocompetent adult with sepsis, hepatitis, renal failure and esophagitis. The possibility of HSV should be considered in cases of sepsis without any evident cause, even in immunocompetent patients. The characteristic endoscopic and histological findings of the associated esophagitis may assist the etiology of sepsis.
A low molecular weight proteome comparison of fertile and male sterile 8 anthers of Zea mays
Authors: Wang Dongxue , Adams Christopher M. , Fernandes John F. , Egger Rachel L. , Walbot Virginia
Published: July 2012

During maize anther development, somatic locular cells differentiate to support meiosis in the pollen mother cells. Meiosis is an important event during anther growth and is essential for plant fertility as pollen contains the haploid sperm. A subset of maize male sterile mutants exhibit meiotic failure, including ms8 (male sterile 8) in which meiocytes arrest as dyads and the locular somatic cells exhibit multiple defects. Systematic proteomic profiles were analysed in biological triplicates plus technical triplicates comparing ms8 anthers with fertile sibling samples at both the premeiotic and meiotic stages; proteins from 3.5 to 20 kDa were fractionated by 1‐D PAGE, cleaved with Lys‐C and then sequenced using a LTQ Orbitrap Velos MS paradigm. Three hundred and 59proteins were identified with two or more assigned peptides in which each of those peptides were counted at least two or more times (0.4% peptide false discovery rate (FDR) and 0.2% protein FDR); 2761 proteins were identified with one or more assigned peptides (0.4% peptide FDR and 7.6% protein FDR). Stage‐specific protein expression provides candidate stage markers for early anther development, and proteins specifically expressed in fertile compared to sterile anthers provide important clues about the regulation of meiosis. 49% of the proteins detected by this study are new to an independent whole anther proteome, and many small proteins missed by automated maize genome annotation were validated; these outcomes indicate the value of focusing on low molecular weight proteins. The roles of distinctive expressed proteins and methods for mass spectrometry of low molecular weight proteins are discussed.
ENDOGENOUS TIMING IN A MIXED DUOPOLY WITH ENDOGENOUS VERTICAL DIFFERENTIATION
Authors: Liu Lin , Lu Yuanzhu
Published: July 2012

We consider a game of endogenous timing with observable delay in a mixed duopoly with endogenous vertical differentiation in the context of sequential quality and price choice. We find that a simultaneous play in the first opportunity at each stage turns out to be the unique subgame perfect Nash equilibrium, which contrasts with the endogenous timing in a purely private duopoly.
Subjective sleep problems in patients with early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Stefansdottir S. , Gjerstad M. D. , Tysnes O. B. , Larsen J. P.
Published: June 2012

Background and objective

Sleep problems are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and increasingly so with disease progression. The frequency of these problems and the influence of dopaminergic treatment on sleep in early stages of PD remain unclear. We have therefore in this study examined the subjective experience of sleep problems in drug‐naïve patients with early PD and how these problems developed after 1 year on dopaminergic treatment using the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS).

Methods

In all, 138 drug‐naïve patients with early PD derived from a population‐based incident cohort and 138 age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects were thoroughly assessed for Parkinsonism, cognition, depressive symptoms and sleep by structured interviews and clinical examination at the time of diagnosis and 1 year later on medication. Sleep problems were assessed using the PDSS.

Results

The total PDSS score for patients with PD was lower compared with controls, 119 vs. 127 (P < 0.05) at baseline and 121 vs. 128 (P < 0.005) after 1 year on drugs. Analyses of PDSS subdomains showed more nocturnal motor off symptoms both at baseline and after 1 year (P < 0.005) and increased daytime somnolence in patients compared with control subjects (P < 0.005 at baseline and P < 0.05 after 1 year). Only minor changes in sleep scores were seen after the introduction of dopaminergic treatment.

Conclusion

Patients with early PD report only modestly increased subjective sleep problems at the time of diagnosis compared with control subjects and dopaminergic treatment during the first year in general only slightly changed the experienced sleep problems.
Prevalence and extent of right‐to‐left shunt in migraine: a survey of 217 Chinese patients
Authors: Yang Y. , Guo Z.‐N. , Wu J. , Jin H. , Wang X. , Xu J. , Feng J. , Xing Y.
Published: June 2012

Background

Recently, contrast‐enhanced transcranial Doppler (cTCD) studies have shown that right‐to‐left shunt (RLS) may be a risk factor for migraine in Westerners; however, limited data in the literature describes the prevalence of RLS in Chinese patients with migraine.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of RLS in patients with migraine in China and to evaluate the relationship between the extent of RLS and migraine.

Methods

A total of 217 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of migraine and 100 volunteers were recruited. cTCD was used to assess the prevalence and the extent of RLS in all subjects.

Results

In the migraine group, the rate of positive RLS was 44.2% (96/217), with 23.5% (51/217) of these being large. In the healthy group, 28.0% (28/100) were positive for RLS overall, and 5.0% (5/100) were large (P = 0.006; P < 0.001). In patients having migraines with aura (MwA), 66.1% (39/59) were positive for RLS overall, and 37.3% (22/59) were large, which was significantly higher when compared with the healthy group (P < 0.001; P < 0.001); in patients having migraines without aura (MwoA), 36.1% (57/158) were positive for RLS overall, and 18.4% (29/158) were large, which was against significantly higher (P < 0.001; P = 0.003). In the MwoA group, the large RLS rate was also higher than in the healthy group (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

A close correlation has been documented between RLS and migraine, especially MwA, but these relationships exist only when the shunts were large.
Tax Disputes under Institutional Instability: Theory and Implications
Authors: Baistrocchi Eduardo
Published: July 2012

This article aims to offer the first structural analysis of tax disputes under institutional instability using a core element of the international tax regime as an example. It offers a theory grounded on Mancur Olson's seminal contribution to group dynamics, the logic of collective action. It also suggests implications of this theory that might help to address key enforcement issues faced by the international tax regime in a frequent context worldwide: institutionally unstable countries.
The Proposed ‘Common European Sales Law’: Legal Framework and the Agreement of the Parties
Authors: Whittaker Simon
Published: July 2012

The European Commission's Proposal for a Regulation on a Common European Sales Law (‘CESL’) seeks to create a European scheme of contract law available for parties to choose to govern cross‐border contracts for the sale of goods, supply of ‘digital content,’ and for the supply of related services. This article explains the background to the Proposal, sketches out the purposes and scope of the CESL, and considers and criticises its legal framework (and in particular its relationship with private international law) and the key requirement of the parties’ agreement. In the author's view, the CESL scheme remains an unconvincing basis for the achievement of its economic purposes and, as regards consumer contracts, puts too much reliance on the agreement of the consumer as a justification for the loss of their existing protection under EU private international law rules.
Lord Mustill and the Courts of Tennis – Dallah vPakistan in England, France and Utopia
Authors: Kleinheisterkamp Jan
Published: July 2012

This note analyses the reasoning of the English and French courts in Dallah Real Estate and Tourism Holding Co v Ministry of Religious Affairs, Government of Pakistan, in which an arbitral tribunal had accepted jurisdiction over the Government of Pakistan on the basis of an arbitration agreement concluded by a trust that was created, controlled, and then extinguished by the Government. It highlights the English courts' clarifications on the degree to which arbitral awards should benefit from the presumption of validity at the stage of enforcement and discusses how the cultural background of the English and French judges – and of the arbitrators – drove them to come to contradictory results. Moreover, it argues that both judges and arbitrators, owing to the way the parties framed their arguments, probably missed the proper solution of the case.
Early concern and disregard for others as predictors of antisocial behavior
Authors: Rhee Soo Hyun , Friedman Naomi P. , Boeldt Debra L. , Corley Robin P. , Hewitt John. K. , Knafo Ariel , Lahey Benjamin B. , Robinson JoAnn , Van Hulle Carol A. , Waldman Irwin D. , Young Susan E. , Zahn‐Waxler Carolyn
Published: July 2012

Background: Prediction of antisocial behavior is important, given its adverse impact on both the individuals engaging in antisocial behavior and society. Additional research identifying early predictors of future antisocial behavior, or antisocial propensity, is needed. The present study tested the hypothesis that both concern for others and active disregard for others in distress in toddlers and young children predict antisocial behavior during middle childhood and adolescence.

Methods: A representative sample of same‐sex twins (N = 956) recruited in Colorado was examined. Mother‐rated and researcher‐observed concern and disregard for others assessed at age 14–36 months were examined as predictors of parent‐ (age 4–12), teacher‐ (age 7–12), and self‐reported (age 17) antisocial behavior.

Results: Observed disregard for others predicted antisocial behavior assessed by three different informants (parents, teachers, and self), including antisocial behavior assessed 14 years later. It also predicted a higher order antisocial behavior factor (β = .58,p < .01) after controlling for observed concern for others. Mother‐rated disregard for others predicted parent‐reported antisocial behavior. Contrary to predictions, neither mother‐rated nor observed concern for others inversely predicted antisocial behavior. Results of twin analyses suggested that the covariation between observed disregard for others and antisocial behavior was due to shared environmental influences.

Conclusions: Disregard for others in toddlerhood/early childhood is a strong predictor of antisocial behavior in middle childhood and adolescence. The results suggest the potential need for early assessment of disregard for others and the development of potential interventions.
The effects of using a starter culture, lipase, and protease enzymes on ripening of Mihalic cheese
Authors: OZCAN TULAY , KURDAL EKREM
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of fungal lipase from Mucor miehei and a bacterial neutral protease from Bacillus subtilis alone and combined with a starter culture on ripening properties of traditional Turkish Mihalic cheese. The use of protease with lipase (Cult + Prot + Lip) resulted in better flavour and texture with accelerated ripening. The obtained results pointed out that the gross compositions of the cheeses were changed by the type of enzymes and ripening time (P < 0.01). The acid degree value (ADV) of all cheeses showed a linear increase with ripening. The highest lipolysis rate was noted in lipase‐added cheese batch (as 5.56 ADV) with highest γ‐CN ratio and β‐CN degradation. At the end of ripening time, it was observed that αs‐CN ratios decreased in starter‐added (Cult), starter + protease–added (Cult + Prot), and protease‐added (Prot) cheese batches. The use of protease with lipase (Cult + Prot + Lip) resulted in better flavour and texture with accelerated ripening. Protease‐added cheeses, which were characterized by bitterness and crumbly textural properties owing to the intense breakdown of β‐casein, scored lower than lipase‐added cheeses. It was determined that the use of mesophilic aromatic starter culture with lipase and protease could be used to accelerate ripening of Mihalic cheese made from pasteurised milk.
Cutaneous Aspects of Congenital Absence of the Inferior Vena Cava in a Newborn
Authors: López‐Núñez María , Tuneu‐Valls Anna , Jaka‐Moreno Ane , Lopez‐Obregon Cristina , Ormaechea‐Perez Nerea
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  We present the case of a 9‐day‐old girl with venous dilatations in lower abdomen and legs associated to cyanosis. Radiological studies revealed a congenital agenesis of the entire inferior vena cava.
Factors Associated with Steroid Phobia in Caregivers of Children with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Kojima Reiji , Fujiwara Takeo , Matsuda Akio , Narita Masami , Matsubara Osamu , Nonoyama Shigeaki , Ohya Yukihiro , Saito Hirohisa , Matsumoto Kenji
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are first‐line therapeutic agents for atopic dermatitis (AD). Some patients express irrational fear and anxiety about using TCS, which leads to poor outcomes for AD. Although it is important to understand the factors underlying steroid phobia so that its effects can be minimized, few studies have addressed this subject. Here, we used a questionnaire to investigate predictive factors for steroid phobia in the caregivers (usually mothers) of children with AD. We studied 436 children with AD (mean age 47.6 mos, range 2–236 mos) who newly visited our AD outpatient unit. The caregivers were asked to complete a medical history questionnaire regarding AD. Steroid phobia was analyzed for correlations with other patient and caregiver variables. Overall, 38.3% of the caregivers were reluctant to use TCS on their children’s skin. Patient characteristics female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85 vs male; p = 0.005), child’s paternal history of AD (OR = 1.94; p = 0.03), and frequent changing of clinics (OR = 1.25; p = 0.03) were predictive factors for steroid phobia. AD severity did not correlate with steroid phobia. Our findings suggest that greater attention to the patient’s sex and clinical background of patients with AD is important to the success of AD therapy, regardless of AD severity.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Critically Ill Patients With 2009 Influenza A (H1N1)‐Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Preliminary Experience From a Single Center
Authors: Hou Xiaotong , Guo Limin , Zhan Qingyuan , Jia Xiaojun , Mi Yuhong , Li Baoshun , Sun Bin , Hao Xing , Li Hui
Published: July 2012

From early May 2009, the novel influenza A (H1N1) pandemic affected mainland China. Of those infected, a small proportion of patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) so rapidly and severely that conventional ventilation treatment was ineffective. As an alternative treatment, the effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was evaluated. From November 2009 to January 2010, all patients suffering from influenza A (H1N1)‐associated ARDS referred to Beijing Anzhen Hospital for treatment with ECMO were enrolled. We describe the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of these patients at 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐up. Nine patients (four females; mean age, 31.2 [21–59] years) from four centers were enrolled. All females had a history of recent pregnancy or had recently given birth. Before ECMO, patients had severe respiratory failure despite advanced mechanical ventilatory support with a mean partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen of 52.9 ± 5.1 (45.0–63.8) mm Hg, positive end‐expiratory pressure of 17.2 ± 4.2 cmH2O, and a Murray Lung Score of 3.6 (3.25–3.75). All nine patients were treated with veno–venous ECMO via percutaneous access. The mean duration of ECMO support was 436.6 ± 652.1 h (67.0–2160.0). At the end of 1‐year follow‐up, five patients (55.7%) were weaned from ECMO. Five patients (55.7%) survived to hospital discharge. Four patients (44.4%) died while undergoing ECMO. The mean length of intensive care unit and hospital stay was 4–204 days (median, 32) and 4–234 days (median, 38), respectively. There was no significant difference between survivors and nonsurvivors in the screened parameters. Use of ECMO for critically ill patients with 2009 influenza A (H1N1)‐related ARDS is feasible and effective. However, this treatment is technically demanding. For success, careful selection of patients is crucial.
Identification of Left Ventricular “Rigid Body Rotation” by Three‐Dimensional Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography in a Patient with Noncompaction of the Left Ventricle: A Case from the MAGYAR‐Path Study
Authors: Nemes Attila , Kalapos Anita , Domsik Péter , Forster Tamás
Published: July 2012

Noncompaction of the left ventricular myocardium (LVNC) is a new clinical entity firstly described by Engberding and Bender in 1984. LVNC is characterized by the presence of numerous prominent trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recesses within the left ventricle. Recently, it has been demonstrated by two‐dimensional (2D) speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE), that left ventricular (LV) basal and LV apical rotations are in the same direction resulting in the near absence of LV twist in LVNC patients, which was called as “LV solid/rigid body rotation.” Three‐dimensional (3D)‐STE has just been introduced, and found to be an accurate method for the evaluation of LV rotation mechanics. The aim of this report was to confirm LV “rigid body rotation” in an LVNC patient by 3D‐STE.
Double Orifice Mitral Valve with Bicuspid Aortic Valve in Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiographic Examination
Authors: Lee Ga Yeon , Chang Sung‐A , Park Seung Woo
Published: July 2012

A 41‐year‐old male patient visited our hospital for the evaluation of the recently aggravated palpitation and the cardiomegaly detected on chest x‐ray examination. He was diagnosed with moderate mitral stenosis by transthoracic echocardiography. Real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic examination was performed and successfully demonstrated double orifice of mitral valve and its subvalvular structure with a chorda attached to the bridging structures of mitral valve.
Pitfalls in Interpreting Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Pressure Gradients: A Cautionary Tale!
Authors: Buchholz Stefan , Robaei Daniel , Jacobs Neil H. , Feneley Michael P.
Published: July 2012

High transvalvular pressure gradients following aortic valve replacement can be caused by several possible mechanisms. We present the case of an elderly woman with an elevated pressure gradient across an aortic valve bioprosthesis in the setting of complete heart block. After consideration of the presence of complete heart block, the hemodynamic profile of the specific prosthesis, and patient‐prosthesis mismatch, only a mild degree of stenosis was found to be attributable to degeneration of the prosthesis. There is no literature quantifying the hemodynamic effect of complete heart block on the pressure gradients across bioprosthetic aortic valves. In the case presented, the transvalvular peak and mean pressure gradients were reduced by 41% and 39%, respectively, following treatment of complete heart block by insertion of a permanent pacemaker.
An actor‐network approach to Canadian forest research: The case of a New Brunswick policy debate
Authors: Wallace Lisa J.
Published: July 2012

This article foregrounds the process behind Canadian forest policy outcomes by applying actor‐network theory to a Crown land management debate in New Brunswick. Drawing on transcripts of public hearings, local media coverage, and industry and government literature, the article examines the provincial forest industry's attempt to solidify a production‐oriented Crown land policy by enrolling different groups of human and non‐human actors in its vision. It finds that alliances between industry, government, forest‐dependent communities, and the Crown forests themselves were necessary for industry's goal; however, these alliances are not guaranteed and must be actively negotiated by industry. The article ends with an assessment of actor‐network theory as measured against a political economy framework, concluding that it offers new understandings of forest debate but also carries important limitations.
Tooth loss and risk of hip fracture: a prospective study of male Japanese dentists
Authors: Wakai Kenji , Naito Mariko , Naito Toru , Kojima Masaaki , Nakagaki Haruo , Umemura Osami , Yokota Makoto , Hanada Nobuhiro , Kawamura Takashi
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To determine whether the number of teeth lost can predict the risk of subsequent hip fracture.

Methods

We followed up 9992 male Japanese dentists aged 50 years or more (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 61.1 ± 9.6 years) for incidence of hip fracture. From 2001 through 2006, they completed a baseline questionnaire on lifestyle and health factors including the number of teeth lost (excluding third molars). Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated by fitting proportional hazard models.

Results

During the mean follow‐up period of 6.0 years, 20 new cases of hip fracture occurred. Participants who had lost 15 or more teeth at baseline were at a significantly increased risk of hip fracture: the multivariate‐adjusted IRRs were 4.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–14.2) for loss of 15–27 teeth and 4.5 (1.1–18.0) for edentulousness relative to loss of 0–14 teeth (trend P, 0.028). Overall, the risk of hip fracture was weakly associated with the number of teeth lost: the IRR per tooth was 1.06 (95% CI, 1.01–1.12).

Conclusions

Tooth loss was slightly associated with a higher risk of subsequent hip fracture. The number of teeth lost might be informative in predicting this risk.
Cooling rate affects rhesus monkey sperm survival
Authors: Sumigama Shiho , Meyers Stuart
Published: July 2012

Background  The rate at which lethal intracellular ice formation occurs during cryopreservation is highly dependent on several variables. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal rate at which rhesus sperm can be cooled.

Methods  Experiments were performed using three rates of cooling. Sperm motility was evaluated by computer‐assisted semen analysis, and post‐thaw viability was determined using propidium iodide labeling and flow cytometry. Semen was frozen at three cooling rates: (i) fast, (ii) slow, and (iii) standard. Straws were thawed for 30 s at 37°C for analysis of motility and viability.

Results  Post‐thaw motility and viability were comparable between freezing curves. Sperm cryopreserved using the slow freeze curve exhibited lowest motility and viability.

Conclusions  This study indicates that macaque sperm survive cooling optimally when cooling rates range from −17 to −34°C/minute. Conversely, slow cooling was detrimental and resulted in poor quality sperm.
Prenatal stress programs lipid metabolism enhancing cardiovascular risk in the female F1, F2, and F3 generation in the primate model common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Buchwald Ulrike , Teupser Daniel , Kuehnel Friederike , Grohmann Jana , Schmieder Nancy , Beindorff Nicola , Schlumbohm Christina , Fuhrmann Herbert , Einspanier Almuth
Published: July 2012

Background  Many human diseases are modulated by intrauterine environment, which is called prenatal programming. This study investigated effects of prenatal glucocorticoids on the lipid metabolism of three filial generations of common marmosets.

Methods  Pregnant primates were treated with dexamethasone during pregnancy. Body weight and blood lipid parameters of adult female offspring (F1: n = 5, F2: n = 6, F3: n = 3) were compared with age‐related female controls (n = 12).

Results  F1, F2, and F3 offspring showed significantly lower percentage of plasma n3 fatty acids than controls. F2 and F3 presented higher cholesterol levels, with significantly more LDL cholesterol, significantly less HDL triglycerides and an enhanced cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio. Body weight was not significantly affected.

Conclusions  Prenatal dexamethasone led to higher amounts of cardiovascular risk factors and less protective parameters in female F1–F3 offspring. The intergenerational consequences suggest prenatal programming through epigenetic effects.
Syndecan‐1 (CD 138) surface expression marks cell type and differentiation in ameloblastoma, keratocystic odontogenic tumor, and dentigerous cyst
Authors: Al‐Otaibi Ohoud , Khounganian Rita , Anil Sukumaran , Rajendran Ravindranath
Published: July 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2013)42: 186–193

Background:  The altered expression of syndecan‐1 (SD‐1), a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan, in ameloblastomas and cysts of odontogenic origin suggests that this molecule could have prognostic value in assessing the clinical outcome of those lesions. The purpose of this study was to analyze SD‐1 expression profile immunohistochemically in archival, paraffin‐embedded tissue sections of ameloblastomas and in common odontogenic cysts arising from the same locale.

Methods:  SD‐1 expression was investigated in 32 ameloblastomas, 26 keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOT), and 21 dentigerous cysts from the archives of the histopathology laboratory which were routinely processed. The cases were reviewed and assessed according to the established criteria. Sections were immunostained with monoclonal antibody against SD‐1 (CD138). Sections of normal oral mucosa, site matched, were stained in parallel as positive controls. The plasma cells in sections served as internal positive controls.

Results:  SD‐1 expression was observed in the epithelial and stromal elements of the sections, and the expression was significantly associated with the lesion’s extension and involvement of adjacent structures (P = 0.025). Stellate‐reticulum cells showed higher expression than the ameloblasts, which was at a significant level (P < 0.0001). Highly significant difference was reported among the three groups of lesion for the epithelial staining (P < 0.0001). The mean rank scores (Kruskal–Wallis test) of ameloblastomas were significantly lower than those of KCOT and dentigerous cysts. Non‐significant comparison was made between KCOT and dentigerous cyst groups.

Conclusions:  The present study revealed SD‐1 immunoreactivity in the stromal cells of ameloblastoma, KCOT, and dentigerous cysts rather uniformly. This reported SD‐1 expression by the tumor stroma is considered to be associated with poor prognosis of the lesions.
Progesterone Enhances Immunoregulatory Activity of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Via PGE2 and IL‐6
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyin , Liu Liu , Liu Dan , Fan Hongye , Wang Yaping , Hu Yali , Hou Yayi
Published: July 2012

Problem

Progesterone (P4) plays a central role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. It also has profound effects on the regulation of immune responses. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are thought to have the ability to modulate immunocyte activation, are present in human endometrium and deciduas and highly express progesterone receptor (PR). Especially, during pregnancy, both P4 and MSCs are present and regulatively changed at the fetal–maternal interface, but the effect of P4 on the MSCs remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of P4 on the immunomodulatory ability of MSCs and the underlying mechanisms.

Method of study

Mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from human umbilical cords. The effects of P4 on the cell morphology, phenotype, proliferation, apoptosis, and expression levels of cytokine and protein were examined.

Results

Progesterone did not affect the phenotype, morphology, proliferation, and apoptosis of MSCs, but promoted the production of PGE2 and IL‐6 in MSCs. Furthermore, the up‐regulation of PGE2 and IL‐6 was related to the activation of p38 and NF‐κB.

Conclusions

Progesterone enhances immunomodulatory function of MSCs through up‐regulation of PGE2 and IL‐6. The data suggest that P4‐regulated MSCs may play a crucial role in modulating the local immune balance of fetal–maternal interface.
The effect of sugar‐free chewing gum on plaque and clinical parameters of gingival inflammation: a systematic review
Authors: Keukenmeester RS , Slot DE , Putt MS , Van der Weijden GA
Published: June 2012

Objective

The aim of this study was to systematically review the current literature on the clinical effects of sugar‐free chewing gum on plaque indices and parameters of gingival inflammation.

Material and methods

The MEDLINE‐PubMed, Cochrane‐CENTRAL and EMBASE databases were searched up to 20 April 2012 to identify any appropriate studies. Plaque indices and parameters of gingival inflammation were selected as outcome variables.

Results

An independent screening of the 594 unique titles and abstracts identified six non‐brushing and four brushing studies that met the eligibility criteria. In the non‐brushing studies, the use of chewing gum did not significantly affect the parameters of interest. In the descriptive analysis of the brushing studies, four of five comparisons showed a statistically significant effect in favour of the sugar‐free chewing gum with respect to plaque scores. The meta‐analysis for the Quigley & Hein (J Am Dent Assoc 1962; 65: 26) plaque index scores in the brushing studies also showed a significant difference (DiffM −0.24, 95% CI [−0.41; −0.08]). For bleeding tendency, the descriptive analysis showed that one of the two comparisons identified a significant difference in favour of chewing gum. The meta‐analysis, however, did not substantiate this difference.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this systematic review, it may be concluded that the use of sugar‐free chewing gum as an adjunct to toothbrushing provides a small but significant reduction in plaque scores. Chewing sugar‐free gum showed no significant effect on gingivitis scores. In the absence of brushing, no effect on plaque and gingivitis scores could be established.
Impact of oral health education on oral hygiene knowledge, practices, plaque control and gingival health of 13‐ to 15‐year‐old school children in Bangalore city
Authors: D'Cruz AM , Aradhya S
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To assess effectiveness of an oral health education (OHE) programme on oral hygiene knowledge, practices, plaque control and gingival health of 13‐ to 15‐year‐old school children in Bangalore city.

Methods

Three schools were randomly selected and assigned to experimental I, experimental II and control groups. At baseline, a 20‐item questionnaire was used to assess the oral hygiene knowledge and practices. Clinical examinations (Turesky–Gilmore–Glickman modification of Quigley Hein plaque index; Loe–Silness gingival index) were performed by 2 examiners. OHE was provided by the investigator for experimental groups I (lecture using a PowerPoint presentation) and II (lecture using a PowerPoint presentation with toothbrushing demonstration). Control group did not receive any intervention. Reinforcement was provided for experimental groups at 3 and 6 months. At end of 9 months, questionnaire was administered and clinical examinations were performed. Data were analysed using chi‐square, anova and post hoc Tukey's tests.

Results

Nine months post‐intervention, there was significant improvement in oral hygiene knowledge and practices in experimental groups. There were significant reductions in mean plaque index and gingival index scores in the experimental groups. The control group did not show any significant improvement.

Conclusion

Active involvement of school children with reinforcement of OHE can improve oral hygiene knowledge, practices and gingival health and decrease plaque levels.