bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bluegill Coloration as a Sexual Ornament: Evidence From Ontogeny, Sexual Dichromatism, and Condition Dependence
Authors: Cogliati Karen M. , Corkum Lynda D. , Doucet Stéphanie M.
Published: March 2010

In aquatic environments, visual communication is expected in animals that inhabit clear, shallow waters. Here, we investigate variation in the colorful traits of bluegills, Lepomis macrochirus, to elucidate their possible function. Bluegills use alternative mating tactics whereby males develop into one of two irreversible phenotypes termed parental and cuckolder. Parentals build and defend nests and care for offspring whereas cuckolders obtain matings by sneaking copulations. We hypothesized that bluegill coloration might function as a sexual ornament in parental males and that ornamental coloration might serve as an honest indicator of male quality. We predicted that coloration should be more pronounced in parental males than in females and immature males and should be more pronounced during the breeding season. We also predicted that males in better condition should be more intensely colored than fish in poor condition. To test our predictions, we sampled 510 bluegills during the breeding and post‐breeding seasons at nine lakes in southern Ontario, Canada, in 2007. We used reflectance spectrometry to quantify the coloration of five body regions, aged and sexed each fish, and calculated Fulton’s condition factor from morphological measurements. A separate experiment showed that color did not fade several minutes post capture, suggesting that coloration could be measured reliably and consistently. We found that color was influenced by maturity, sex, and season, in the predicted direction, for three body regions (breast, cheek, and opercular flap). We also found that color varied with the condition of males such that males in better condition were darker for the sexually dichromatic ventral and facial regions. Our findings therefore suggest that some colorful traits in bluegills may serve as condition‐dependent sexual signals during the breeding season. Our research contributes to a growing appreciation of the importance of visual signaling in aquatic environments.
FLOODING STRESS: The Effects of Planting Pattern and Water Regime on Root Morphology, Physiology and Grain Yield of Rice
Authors: Mishra A. , Salokhe V. M.
Published: February 2010

Field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons to investigate the effects of variations in water regime and planting pattern on the growth of rice plant roots and shoots and on yield. Four water regimes were evaluated with split plot design: intermittent flooding during the vegetative stage only (IF‐V); intermittent flooding extending into the reproductive stage (IF‐R); not flooded (NF); and continuously flooded (CF), interacting with three different planting patterns: single seedling per hill with wider 30 × 30 cm spacing (P1); single seedling per hill with closer 20 × 20 cm spacing (P2); and three to four seedlings per hill with 20 × 20 cm spacing (P3). The treatment combination CF/P3 corresponds most closely with current conventional practice. The other combinations were evaluated to contribute to a better understanding of the effects of the two parameters studied, respectively and together. IF‐V/P1 was considered as an approximation of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) practice. This study found that the combination of singly transplanted seedlings, both P1 and P2, with the IF‐V water regime improved root length density, root physiological activity, and chlorophyll content of the upper and lower leaves, leading to higher grain yield compared with the other treatment combinations. With continuous flooding (CF), P2 gave 23 % more yield compared with the P3 planting pattern. Combining IF‐V and P2 produced 32 % more grain yield compared with the CF/P3 treatment. These results showed a synergistic effect on grain yield from reduced intra‐hill competition and IF‐V water management. In these trials, there was no significant yield difference between the IF‐V/P1 and CF/P3 treatments. Wider spacing improved the performance of individual hills when grown under IF‐V water regimes, but tiller number per unit area remained a dominant determinant of yield. The yield reduction observed for CF/P1 compared with CF/P3 indicated that in more hypoxic CF soils, denser plant populations can produce more than sparser ones, whereas the latter benefit from more aerobic soil conditions. Intermittent irrigation during the vegetative growth stage and transplanting single seedlings/hill are major elements of SRI methodology. These findings contribute to an understanding of why SRI methods can produce the higher yields reported. A consideration of the effects of interaction between planting pattern and water regime shows the need to establish empirically the optimum values for these treatments according to varietal, soil and climatic characteristics for the greatest yield response.
Being different: A phenomenological exploration of a group of veteran psychiatric nurses
Authors: Humble Felicity , Cross Wendy
Published: March 2010

Concern regarding the low numbers of graduate nurses expressing interest in entering the psychiatric field leads to the question: who would be a psychiatric nurse? In this interpretative, phenomenological study, the lived experiences of seven veteran psychiatric nurses were examined in order to gain understanding of the reasons why they had remained in the field of psychiatric nursing. Each of these participants had more than 10 years' clinical practice in psychiatric nursing and shared a wide range of thoughts, memories, and experiences. The major emergent theme, ‘being different’, revealed what it is like for the participants being psychiatric nurses. These participants felt and saw themselves as different in many ways from other nurses and from society in general. Related to and an aspect of that difference was the high level of satisfaction they achieved from their role and the striving to achieve harmony.
Age‐related changes in metabolic profiles of rat hippocampus and cortices
Authors: Paban Véronique , Fauvelle Florence , Alescio‐Lautier Béatrice
Published: March 2010

The time course of metabolic changes was investigated in the hippocampus and the parietal, rhinal and frontal cortices of rats from 4 to 30 months old. Samples were analysed by the solid‐state high‐resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance method. Quantification was performed with thequestprocedure of jmruisoftware. Eighteen metabolites were identified and separated in the spectrum. Six of them were not age sensitive, in particular alanine, glutamine and lactate. In contrast, choline, glycerophosphocholine,myo‐inositol,N‐acetylaspartate,scyllo‐inositol (s‐Ins) and taurine (Tau) were notably altered over aging. Interestingly, each age group showed a specific metabolic profile. The concentration of metabolites such as Tau was altered in middle‐aged rats only, whereas the s‐Ins level decreased in old rats only. Most metabolites showed progressive alteration during the process of aging, which was initiated during the middle‐aged period (18 months). Taken together, these results suggest that cell membrane integrity is perturbed with age. Each brain region investigated had distinctive qualitative and/or quantitative metabolic age‐related features. These age‐related changes would affect network connectivities and then cognitive functions.
LINGO‐1 negatively regulates TrkB phosphorylation after ocular hypertension
Authors: Fu Qing‐Ling , Hu Bing , Li Xin , Shao Zhaohui , Shi Jian‐Bo , Wu Wutian , So Kwok‐Fai , Mi Sha
Published: March 2010

The antagonism of LINGO‐1, a CNS‐specific negative regulator of neuronal survival, was shown to promote short‐term survival of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) in an ocular hypertension model. LINGO‐1 antagonists, combined with brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), can increase the length of neuron survival through an unclear molecular mechanism. To determine the relationship between LINGO‐1 and BDNF/TrkB receptor in neuronal protection, we show here that LINGO‐1 forms a receptor complex with TrkB and negatively regulates its activation in the retina after ocular hypertension injury. LINGO‐1 antagonist antibody 1A7 or soluble LINGO‐1 (LINGO‐1‐Fc) treatment upregulates phospho‐TrkB phosphorylation and leads to RGC survival after high intraocular pressure injury. This neuronal protective effect was blocked by anti‐BDNF antibody. LINGO‐1 antagonism therefore promotes RGC survival by regulating the BDNF and TrkB signaling pathway after ocular hypertension.
Biochemical and functional properties of distinct nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the superior cervical ganglion of mice with targeted deletions of nAChR subunit genes
Authors: David Reinhard , Ciuraszkiewicz Anna , Simeone Xenia , Orr‐Urtreger Avi , Papke Roger L. , McIntosh J. M. , Huck Sigismund , Scholze Petra
Published: March 2010

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate fast synaptic transmission in ganglia of the autonomic nervous system. Here, we determined the subunit composition of hetero‐pentameric nAChRs in the mouse superior cervical ganglion (SCG), the function of distinct receptors (obtained by deletions of nAChR subunit genes) and mechanisms at the level of nAChRs that might compensate for the loss of subunits. As shown by immunoprecipitation and Western blots, wild‐type (WT) mice expressed: α3β4 (55%), α3β4α5 (24%) and α3β4β2 (21%) nAChRs. nAChRs in β4 knockout (KO) mice were reduced to < 15% of controls and no longer contained the α5 subunit. Compound action potentials, recorded from the postganglionic (internal carotid) nerve and induced by preganglionic nerve stimulation, did not differ between α5β4 KO and WT mice, suggesting that the reduced number of receptors in the KO mice did not impair transganglionic transmission. Deletions of α5 or β2 did not affect the overall number of receptors and we found no evidence that the two subunits substitute for each other. In addition, dual KOs allowed us to study the functional properties of distinct α3β4 and α3β2 receptors that have previously only been investigated in heterologous expression systems. The two receptors strikingly differed in the decay of macroscopic currents, the efficacy of cytisine, and their responses to the α‐conotoxins AuIB and MII. Our data, based on biochemical and functional experiments and several mouse KO models, clarify and significantly extend previous observations on the function of nAChRs in heterologous systems and the SCG.
A dose range finding study of novel oral insulin (IN‐105) under fed conditions in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects
Authors: Khedkar A. , Iyer H. , Anand A. , Verma M. , Krishnamurthy S. , Savale S. , Atignal A.
Published: February 2010

Aim: The objective of the study was to establish the dose response of IN‐105 tablets and explore a possible therapeutic window in type 2 diabetes subjects poorly controlled on metformin.

Methods: The primary objective was to examine the effect of sequential single ascending doses of IN‐105 on the plasma glucose concentration under fed conditions. All subjects received, sequentially, matching placebo, 10, 15, 20 and 30 mg IN‐105 tablets in five consecutive periods. Tablets were administered 20 min prior to meal in all the periods. Plasma levels of immunoreactive insulin, C‐peptide and glucose were measured up to 180 min from the time of dosing. The changes in postprandial glucose levels at 120 min in response to IN‐105 administration were also compared against those of placebo.

Results: Changes in glucose from baseline (mean ± s.d.) at 140 min (2 h postprandial) were 94.84 ± 22.3, 79.45 ± 43.00, 70.68 ± 35.71, 63.47 ± 42.75 and 53.06 ± 47.27 mg/dL, respectively, and exhibited linear dose–response. The insulin Cmax values were found to be 50.8 ± 26.0 mU/L for placebo, 100.3 ± 66.7 with 10 mg IN‐105, 177.69 ± 150.3 with 15 mg IN‐105, 246.2 ± 245.2 with 20 mg IN‐105 and 352.5 ± 279.3 mU/L with 30 mg of IN‐105.

Conclusions: IN‐105 absorption is proportional to the dose administered. The 2‐h postprandial glucose excursion was reduced in a dose proportional manner. Circulating C‐peptide levels were found to be suppressed in proportion to the IN‐105 exposure. IN‐105 reduces glucose excursion despite lower endogenous insulin secretion. IN‐105 seems to have a wide therapeutic window as no clinical hypoglycaemia was observed at any of the doses studied.
Viral meningoencephalitis: a review of diagnostic methods and guidelines for management
Authors: Steiner I. , Budka H. , Chaudhuri A. , Koskiniemi M. , Sainio K. , Salonen O. , Kennedy P. G. E
Published: March 2010

Background:  Viral encephalitis is a medical emergency. The prognosis depends mainly on the pathogen and host immunologic state. Correct immediate diagnosis and introduction of symptomatic and specific therapy has a dramatic influence upon survival and reduces the extent of permanent brain injury.

Methods:  We searched the literature from 1966 to 2009. Recommendations were reached by consensus. Where there was lack of evidence but consensus was clear, we have stated our opinion as good practice points.

Recommendations:  Diagnosis should be based on medical history and examination followed by CSF analysis for protein and glucose levels, cellular analysis, and identification of the pathogen by polymerase chain reaction amplification (recommendation level A) and serology (level B). Neuroimaging, preferably by MRI, is essential (level B). Lumbar puncture can follow neuroimaging when immediately available, but if this cannot be performed immediately, LP should be delayed only under unusual circumstances. Brain biopsy should be reserved only for unusual and diagnostically difficult cases. Patients must be hospitalized with easy access to intensive care units. Specific, evidence‐based, antiviral therapy, acyclovir, is available for herpes encephalitis (level A) and may also be effective for varicella‐zoster virus encephalitis. Ganciclovir and foscarnet can be given to treat cytomegalovirus encephalitis, and pleconaril for enterovirus encephalitis (IV class evidence). Corticosteroids as an adjunct treatment for acute viral encephalitis are not generally considered to be effective, and their use is controversial, but this important issue is currently being evaluated in a large clinical trial. Surgical decompression is indicated for impending uncal herniation or increased intracranial pressure refractory to medical management.
The effects of lipid penetration and removal from subsurface microcavities and cracks at the human cuticle sheath
Authors: Gamez‐Garcia M.
Published: March 2010

J. Cosmet. Sci., 60, 85–95 (March/April 2009)

Synopsis

An analysis of the light interference patterns produced by the penetration and removal of lipids from the cuticle sheath has shown that cuticle cells in their virgin state have a few intrinsic imperfections in the form of voids and cracks. The experiments also showed that when the cuticle sheath undergoes friction, extension, torsion, and thermal stresses additional microvoids, cavities, and gaps are created at the cuticle cells subsurface. Because of the activity of the sebaceous glands it is quite normal to find these cavities filled with exogenous lipids. Cuticle sheath dehydration, lipid addition, and lipid removal indicate that the viscoelastic deformations giving rise to microcavities can be reversible or irreversible. The presence of exogenous lipids in these cavities was found to be critical in maintaining the mechanical integrity of the cuticle cells. Regions presenting microcavities and cracks produced by reversible deformations were seen to fully recover and heal with the onset of a plasticization effect produced by the synergy of lipids and water. In contrast, microcavities produced by irreversible deformations were always filled with lipids. In both cases the lipids acted as weak adhesives, in particular, in those cavities and gaps opened in the cuticle cell interfaces.
Experiments in Raman spectroscopy of hair: Exciting light and molecular orientation
Authors: Carpenter P. , Bell F.
Published: March 2010

J. Cosmet. Sci., 60, 199–204 (March/April 2009)

Synopsis

Hair fibers have been analyzed by Raman spectroscopy to assess the suitability of a range of excitation wavelengths for data collection over extended periods of time. It is found that the optimum excitation wavelength for spectral detail, of these tested, was 780 nm and that this wavelength resulted in little signal degradation over time. It was found that with higher energy excitation sources that the signal intensity of the spectra degraded significantly in short periods of time. This work suggests that near‐IR Raman spectroscopy therefore offers the most suitable conditions to analyze the nature of secondary structural feature in hair fibers. In addition, a preliminary exploration of the structural orientation of spectral features of the hair was attempted. Through the use of a linearly polarized excitation source the intensity of the Raman spectral features were observed to change as the alignment of the fiber axis with respect to the plane of polarization was changed. It was found that the spectral features associated with the α‐helical vibrations decreased in intensity as the fiber axis was rotated from an orientation parallel to the exciting beam.
Influence of functionalized silicones on hair fiber–fiber interactions and on the relationship with the macroscopic behavior of hair assembly
Authors: Dussaud A. , Fieschi‐Corso L.
Published: March 2010

J. Cosmet. Sci., 60, 261–271 (March/April 2009)

Synopsis

It is well established that silicones alter hair surface properties and that silicones have a significant impact on the macroscopic behavior of hair assembly, such as visual appearance, combing performance and manageability of the hair. In order to fine‐tune the chemistry of functionalized silicones for specific consumer benefits and hair types, we investigated the influence of silicones on hair fiber–fiber interactions and their correlation to hair volume. The incline plane fiber loop method, implemented with a high‐precision motorized rotary stage, was used to quantify the fiber–fiber interactions. Low load static friction was studied as a function of polymer molecular weight, dose and chemical architecture. This information was related to the macroscopic behavior of hair assembly, using virgin curly hair in high humidity.
Effect of DNA from salmon milt on human skin conditions
Authors: Hsu T.‐F. , Wang M.‐F. , Sekido H. , Hirahara H. , Hoshino Y. , Honmura A. , Akita R. , Yamamoto S. , Enari H.
Published: March 2010

We investigated the effect of rubbing the DNA‐Na from salmon milt on human skin condition. A 3% DNA‐Na cream or the control cream was rubbed onto the male subjects (ten/group) for 12 weeks. The results showed that the DNA cream improved skin‐elasticity more than the control cream after the fourth week. The change in skin‐elasticity was improved significantly. Rubbing of the DNA cream tended to decrease transepithelial water loss (TEWL) and to increase water content in the face skin at 12 weeks. In addition, according to the results of a questionnaire, more than 90% of the subjects who used the DNA cream felt improving roughness of the skin. In conclusion, these results showed that their skin conditions were improved by rubbing on the DNA‐Na. We evaluated the promoting effect of the DNA‐Na on the production of hyaluronic acid using human normal dermal fibroblasts. The results showed that the DNA‐Na has the promoting effect of hyaluronic acid production on the fibroblasts. This data suggested that the DNA‐Na would improve skin conditions.
‘Bill’ Phillips’ War and his Notorious Pass Degree*
Authors: SLEEMAN A.G.
Published: March 2010

This paper adds to what was previously known about Phillips’ life between his departure from Australia in 1937 until he became an academic in 1950. The paper includes new information about Phillips’ MBE and the attack on the Empire Star, the conditions at the Bandoeng prisoner of war camp in Java, and his operation of secret radios during the three and a half years of his imprisonment. The paper also attempts to explain Phillips’ notorious Pass degree in Sociology.
Andrographolide regulates epidermal growth factor receptor and transferrin receptor trafficking in epidermoid carcinoma (A‐431) cells
Authors: Tan Y , Chiow KH , Huang D , Wong SH
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Andrographolide is the active component of Andrographis paniculata, a plant used in both Indian and Chinese traditional medicine, and it has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis in different cancer cell lines. However, not much is known about how it may affect the key receptors implicated in cancer. Knowledge of how andrographolide affects receptor trafficking will allow us to better understand new mechanisms by which andrographolide may cause death in cancer cells.

Experimental approach:  We utilized the well‐characterized epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transferrin receptor (TfR) expressed in epidermoid carcinoma (A‐431) cells as a model to study the effect of andrographolide on receptor trafficking. Receptor distribution, the total number of receptors and surface receptors were analysed by immunofluorescence, Western blot as well as flow‐cytometry respectively.

Key results:  Andrographolide treatment inhibited cell growth, down‐regulated EGFRs on the cell surface and affected the degradation of EGFRs and TfRs. The EGFR was internalized into the cell at an increased rate, and accumulated in a compartment that co‐localizes with the lysosomal‐associated membrane protein in the late endosomes.

Conclusion and implications:  This study sheds light on how andrographolide may affect receptor trafficking by inhibiting receptor movement from the late endosomes to lysosomes. The down‐regulation of EGFR from the cell surface also indicates a new mechanism by which andrographolide may induce cancer cell death.
Atherosclerosis induced by chronic inhibition of the synthesis of nitric oxide in moderately hypercholesterolaemic rabbits is suppressed by pitavastatin
Authors: Kitahara Masaki , Kanaki Tatsuro , Ishii Itsuko , Saito Yasushi
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  It is not clear if the new 3‐hydroxyl‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitor pitavastatin prevents atherogenesis by a direct effect. Statins have a cholesterol‐lowering effect, so an accessible animal model of atherosclerosis showing only moderate hypercholesterolaemia as in humans, is needed. The effects of pitavastatin were evaluated on atherosclerotic lesions accumulating foam cells derived from macrophages, produced in rabbits with moderate hypercholesterolaemia by chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS).

Experimental approach:  White New Zealand rabbits were fed a 0.2% cholesterol diet with the NOS inhibitor Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) in the same diet. Pitavastatin (0.1 and 0.3 mg·kg−1) was given orally once a day for 8 weeks. The aortic arch and thoracic aorta were analysed by histochemistry and atherosclerotic lesions were quantified. The effect of pitavastatin on adhesion of THP‐1 cells to endothelial cells, and cholesterol content in RAW264.7 cells incubated with oxidized or acetylated LDL were also investigated.

Key results:  Atherosclerotic lesions containing foam cells were induced in a model of atherosclerosis in rabbits with moderate hypercholesterolaemia by chronic inhibition of NOS. The area of atherosclerotic lesions was diminished by pitavastatin administration. The adhesion of THP‐1 cells and cholesteryl ester content in RAW macrophages were decreased by pitavastatin treatment.

Conclusion:  Atherosclerosis induced by chronic inhibition of NOS in moderately hypercholesterolaemic rabbits was suppressed by pitavastatin via inhibition of macrophage accumulation and macrophage foam cell formation.
Biochanin A, a naturally occurring inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase
Authors: Thors L , Burston JJ , Alter BJ , McKinney MK , Cravatt BF , Ross RA , Pertwee RG , Gereau 4th RW , Wiley JL , Fowler CJ
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: Inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme responsible for the metabolism of the endogenous cannabinoid (CB) receptor ligand anandamide (AEA), are effective in a number of animal models of pain. Here, we investigated a series of isoflavones with respect to their abilities to inhibit FAAH.

Experimental approach: In vitroassays of FAAH activity and affinity for CB receptors were used to characterize key compounds.In vivoassays used were biochemical responses to formalin in anaesthetized mice and the ‘tetrad’ test for central CB receptor activation.

Key results: Of the compounds tested, biochanin A was adjudged to be the most promising. Biochanin A inhibited the hydrolysis of 0.5 µM AEA by mouse, rat and human FAAH with IC50values of 1.8, 1.4 and 2.4 µM respectively. The compound did not interact to any major extent with CB1or CB2receptors, nor with FAAH‐2. In anaesthetized mice, URB597 (30 µg i.pl.) and biochanin A (100 µg i.pl.) both inhibited the spinal phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase produced by the intraplantar injection of formalin. The effects of both compounds were significantly reduced by the CB1receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 (30 µg i.pl.). Biochanin A (15 mg·kg−1i.v.) did not increase brain AEA concentrations, but produced a modest potentiation of the effects of 10 mg·kg−1i.v. AEA in the tetrad test.

Conclusions and implications: It is concluded that biochanin A, in addition to its other biochemical properties, inhibits FAAH bothin vitroand peripherallyin vivo.

This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids. To view the editorial for this themed issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00831.x
A novel quinone‐based derivative (DTNQ‐Pro) induces apoptotic death via modulation of heat shock protein expression in Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Gomez‐Monterrey Isabel , Campiglia Pietro , Bertamino Alessia , Aquino Claudio , Sala Marina , Grieco Paolo , Dicitore Alessandra , Vanacore Daniela , Porta Amalia , Maresca Bruno , Novellino Ettore , Stiuso Paola
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  The resistance of human colon adenocarcinoma cells to antineoplastic agents may be related to the high endogenous expression of stress proteins, including the family of heat shock proteins (HSPs). Recently, a quinone‐based pentacyclic derivative, DTNQ‐Pro, showed high cytotoxic activity in human colon carcinoma cell lines. The aim of the present study was to determine the precise cellular mechanisms of this cytotoxic action of DTNQ‐Pro.

Experimental approach:  Using human colorectal carcinoma‐derived Caco‐2 cells as a model, we studied the effects of DTNQ‐Pro on cellular viability and oxidative stress; HSP70 and HSP27 accumulation; and cell cycle, differentiation and apoptosis.

Key results:  Incubation of Caco‐2 cells with DTNQ‐Pro reduced cell growth and increased the levels of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria. After 48 h of treatment, cells surviving showed an increased expression of Mn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide production and membrane lipid peroxidation. Treatment with DTNQ‐Pro decreased HSP70 expression, and redistributed HSP27 and vimentin within the cell. DTNQ‐Pro down‐regulated the expression of A and B cyclins with arrest of the cell cycle in S phase and increased cellular differentiation. A second treatment of Caco‐2 cells with DTNQ‐Pro induced cellular death by activation of the apoptotic pathway.

Conclusions and implications:  DTNQ‐Pro causes Caco‐2 cell death by induction of apoptosis via inhibition of HSP70 accumulation and the intracellular redistribution of HSP27. These findings suggest the potential use of DTNQ‐Pro in combination chemotherapy for colon cancer.
Associations Between Helicobacter pylori Infection, Co‐Morbid Infections, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Circulating Cytokines in African Children
Authors: Cherian Sarah , Burgner David Paul , Cook Angus George , Sanfilippo Frank Mario , Forbes David Alan
Published: March 2010

Background:  Refugee children have complex medical needs and often have multiple infections. The relationship between infection, gastrointestinal symptoms, and systemic inflammation is poorly understood. We investigated these parameters in refugee children with a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori, helminth, and malaria infection.

Materials and Methods:  African refugee children were recruited at resettlement health screening. Data were collected on demography, gastrointestinal symptoms, co‐morbid infection, and serum for peripheral cytokine levels. Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed by a fecal‐based immunoassay.

Results:  Data from 163 children were analyzed, of which 84.0% were positive for H. pylori. Infected children were significantly older (9.2 years ± 3.7 vs 7.1 years ± 3.9, p = .01). Half the cohort (84/163, 51.5%) described gastrointestinal symptoms but these were not strongly associated with co‐morbid infections. Helicobacter pylori‐infected children had significantly lower circulating log‐interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) (odds ratio 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40, 0.94, p = .025). Helminth infections were common (75/163, 46%) and associated with elevated log‐IL‐5 (β: 0.42, 95% CI 0.077, 0.76). Children with malaria (15/163, 9.2%) had elevated log‐tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) and log‐IL‐10 (β: 0.67, 95% CI 0.34, 1.0 and β: 1.3, 95% CI 0.67, 1.9, respectively). IL‐10 : IL‐12 ratios were increased in H. pylori‐infected children with malaria or helminth infections. Symptoms were generally not associated with levels of circulating peripheral cytokines irrespective of co‐morbid infection diagnosis.

Conclusions:  There is a high prevalence of asymptomatic H. pylori infection in recently resettled African refugee children. Gastrointestinal symptoms were not predictive of H. pylori nor of helminth infections. Serum cytokines, particularly IL‐5, IL‐10, and TNFα, were significantly elevated in children with malaria and helminth infections but not in those with H. pylori infection.
Ten‐Day Sequential Therapy as First‐line Treatment for Helicobacter pylori Infection in Korea: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kwon Jung H. , Lee Dong H. , Song Byeong J. , Lee Jung W. , Kim Jin J. , Park Young S. , Kim Nayoung , Jeong Sook‐Hyang , Kim Jin‐Wook , Lee Sang H. , Hwang Jin H. , Jung Hyun C. , Song In S.
Published: March 2010

Background and Aims:  The eradication rate of proton‐pump inhibitor‐based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection is low due to increasing antibiotics resistance, especially clarithromycin. Recently, it was reported in Europe that a 10‐day sequential strategy produced good outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of sequential therapy as first‐line treatment for eradication of H. pylori in clinical practice in Korea.

Materials and Methods:  A total of 98 patients (mean age 55.2 years and male 47, female 51) with proven H. pylori infection received 10‐day sequential therapy (20 mg of rabeprazole, and 1 g of amoxicillin, twice daily for the first 5 days, followed by 20 mg of rabeprazole, 500 mg of clarithromycin, and 500 mg of metronidazole, twice daily for the remaining 5 days). Eradication was evaluated 4 weeks later, after completion of treatment by 13C‐urea breath testing. Eradication rates were calculated by intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and by per protocol (PP). Compliance and adverse events were also assessed in study group.

Results:  The eradication rate of sequential therapy was 91.8% (90/98) by ITT and same result was reported by PP analysis (89/97). The study group consisted of 66 H. pylori associated gastritis, 7 gastric ulcer, and 25 duodenal ulcer patients (67.3%, 7.1%, 25.5%, respectively). Mild adverse events happened frequently (21.4%) but the treatment was well tolerable. The most common adverse event was a bitter taste (9.2%) followed by nausea and diarrhea (4.1%).

Conclusions:  Ten‐day sequential therapy is found to effectively eradicate H. pylori infection as first‐line treatment in Korea.
Chronic Alcohol Consumption Is Associated With an Increased Cytotoxic Profile of Circulating Lymphocytes That May Be Related With the Development of Liver Injury
Authors: Laso Francisco Javier , Almeida Julia , Torres Emiliano , Vaquero José Miguel , Marcos Miguel , Orfao Alberto
Published: March 2010

Background:  Apoptosis has recently emerged as a key component of acute and chronic liver diseases and it could be related to alcoholic liver disease. In the present study, we attempted to analyze the cytotoxic profile of circulating lymphocytes in chronic alcoholic patients grouped according to ethanol intake status and presence of liver disease.

Methods:  We investigate the phenotypic and functional behavior of different compartments of peripheral blood (PB) cytotoxic T and natural killer (NK) cells in chronic alcoholic patients without liver disease and active ethanol intake (AWLD group; n = 22), and in subjects with alcohol liver cirrhosis (ALC group; n = 22).

Results:  AWLD patients showed an expansion of both CD4+/CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and NK/T cells, in association with an enhanced cytolytic activity against K562 cells and a higher ability to induce in vitro expression of the pro‐apoptotic protein APO2.7 in HepG2 cells. Conversely, ethanol intake in ALC patients was associated with decreased NK cell numbers, a reduced cytotoxic activity against K562 cells without significant changes in the expression of APO2.7, and a pro‐fibrotic profile of cytokine secretion.

Conclusions:  Overall, our results suggest that alcoholic patients display different phenotypical and functional changes in circulating PB cytotoxic lymphocytes according to the presence of alcoholic liver disease, which could be related to the development and progress of liver injury.
Response
Authors: Mueller John
Published: March 2010

I would like to thank Warren Eller and Brian Gerber for their extensive comments. It would be impossible to cover all of them in the space available, but I would like to center my discussion on three issues: a point of strong agreement, an assessment of the key issue of dealing with the probability of a terrorist act, and corrections of some of their mischaracterizations of my argument.
Re‐Evaluation of the EUK516 Probe for the Domain Eukarya Results in a Suitable Probe for the Detection of Kinetoplastids, an Important Group of Parasitic and Free‐Living Flagellates
Authors: BOCHDANSKY ALEXANDER B. , HUANG LIQUN
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT. Two frequently used universal eukaryote probes, EUK1209 and EUK516, are not consistent with one branch of the eukaryotic phylogenetic tree, the Kinetoplastida, which has undergone rapid evolution of their small subunit rRNA gene. Kinetoplastids include medically important parasitic organisms (e.g. Trypanosoma, Leishmania) and free‐living flagellates that occur in all aquatic environments and in soils (e.g. Bodo, Neobodo, Rhynchomonas). A modified probe presented here as KIN516, now based on the kinetoplastid sequence, provides a strong signal with Neobodo designis, Leishmania donovani, and Trypanosoma cruzi using the catalyzed reporter deposition protocol. EUK516 and KIN516 function as competitor probes, thereby greatly increasing discriminatory power when used in combination. The probe pair was tested in field samples collected in a freshwater pond in Norfolk, the mesohaline Elizabeth River, Norfolk, Virginia, and a tropical lagoon in Belize. The combined probes bound to 58–84% of organisms identified as eukaryotic based on having large DAPI‐stained nuclei. The contribution of kinetoplastids to total eukaryotes (positive signal of EUK516+KIN516) was much higher in marine samples (ca. 17%) than in either the freshwater or brackish water sites (<0.2%).
Fabrication of p‐Type Li‐Doped ZnO Films by RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Chiu Kuo‐Chuang , Kao Yi‐Wen , Jean Jau‐Ho
Published: March 2010

The p‐type Li‐doped ZnO films are successfully deposited on a glass substrate by RF magnetron sputtering at room temperature. The pure, crystalline sputtering target of LiXZn1−XO1−X/2 with X in the range of 0–0.003 is fabricated using the powder synthesized by the thermal decomposition of a metal–nitrate–tartrate gel complex at 400°–800°C. The complex is prepared by dissolving nitrates of zinc and lithium in an aqueous solution with nitric and tartaric acids. The resulting compacts, which can be densified at 1400°C, exhibit a decreasing trend of electrical resistivity with increasing Li content. For the composition with 0.2 mol% Li, the p‐type Li‐doped ZnO film has an electrical resistivity of 1.3 Ω·cm, Hall mobility of 0.77 cm2·(V·s)−1, carrier concentration of 6.67 × 1018 cm−3, and high optical transmittance in the visible region.
Energy Transfer and Photoluminescence of Zinc Phosphate Glasses Co‐Doped with Tb3+ and Mn2+
Authors: Liu Yinyao , Zou Zhaosong , Liang Xiaoluan , Wang Shufen , Xing Zhongwen , Chen Guorong
Published: March 2010

Tb3+–Mn2+‐codoped zinc–strontium–phosphate glasses are prepared by the conventional melt‐quenching method, and their photoluminescence spectroscopy is investigated as a function of the Mn2+ concentration. It is observed that the excitation band at 350 nm due to Tb3+ overlaps that of Mn2+ ions, thus suitable for efficiently activating Tb3+–Mn2+‐codoped glasses. The emission spectra of codoped glasses simultaneously show the blue (486 nm), green (541 and 582 nm), and red (617 nm) emissions. The 590 nm broad emissions of Mn2+ ions have been enhanced with the doping of Tb3+ ions, while the Tb3+ emissions have decreased with the increasing concentration of Mn2+. Decay curves of Tb3+ ions with the different concentrations of Mn2+ ions are also studied. The possible energy transfer process from Tb3+ to Mn2+ ions is proposed and the relevant mechanism is discussed.
Landscape epidemiology ofBatrachochytrium dendrobatidisin central California
Authors: Padgett‐Flohr Gretchen E. , Hopkins Robert L.
Published: March 2010

Amphibian chytridiomycosis (caused byBatrachochytrium dendrobatis;Bd) was first identified in 1998 and has since been implicated in numerous amphibian declines worldwide. Most researchers have since investigated broad‐scale geographic and taxonomic occurrences of the pathogen in tropical lotic or cool montane systems. In this study, we analyzed how environmental factors, land use practices, and landscape structure may affect the dynamics of the pathogen's distribution in a landscape dominated by lentic systems within a region of Mediterranean climate. We quantified the occurrence ofBdtesting the six resident amphibian species that occur in 54 isolated perennial and ephemeral ponds in central California between May and June annually from 2004 to 2007. The geographic distribution ofBdwithin the landscape varied markedly between years. Inter‐annual variation in climate affected the pond landscape structure indicating that climate conditions indirectly influence the distribution of the pathogen. Fourteen ponds, 12 perennial and 2 ephemeral, were positive forBd≥3 yr of the study and were treated asBdhotpots for comparative purposes. Occurrences ofBdwithin the landscape were spatially autocorrelated and ponds within ~1000–1500 m ofBdhotspots were more likely to test positive. Local land use, (presence/absence of grazing or recreational activity and developed lands), did not influenceBdstatus of a pond, indicating that the most likely means ofBdtransmission between ponds may be waterfowl and/or amphibians.
Caregiving and Adults With Intellectual Disabilities Affected by Dementia
Authors: Courtenay Ken , Jokinen Nancy S. , Strydom Andre
Published: March 2010

Authors conducted a systematic review of the available Dutch, English, and German language literature for the period 1997–2008 on the current knowledge on social‐psychological and pharmacological caregiving with respect to older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) affected by dementia. Authors note that caregiving occurs on a personal level between the person and their carer and organizational and interorganizational supports have an impact on the quality of care provided. However, the lack of robust evidence to meet the needs of adults with ID affected by dementia means that service organizations often have to extrapolate from the evidence base of dementia care practices in the general population. The review showed that concerns over staff burden, behavioral interventions, and staff training, and applications of models of care were emerging, but were not systematically studied. Authors noted that pharmacological agents and nonpharmacological, psychosocial techniques were being used to assist carers manage behavior, but the evidence base of both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions that can help people with ID and dementia and their carers is insufficient because of the absence of systematic and robust studies. The authors note a need for an international research agenda that begins to address gaps in knowledge. With more adults projected to be affected by dementia, a robust evidence‐based body of literature on dementia care in people with ID can help with planning for and providing quality dementia‐capable services.
Carer Knowledge and Experiences With Menopause in Women With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Willis Diane S. , Wishart Jennifer G. , Muir Walter J.
Published: March 2010

Overall life expectancy for women with intellectual disabilities (ID) is now significantly extended, and many will live long enough to experience menopause. Little is known about how carers support women with ID through this important stage in their lives. This study investigated carer knowledge of how menopause affects women with ID under their care and how they may help them to cope with it. One‐to‐one interviews were undertaken with 69 carers (7 male/62 female) from a range of backgrounds, all with current responsibility for the care of one or more pre‐, peri‐, and/or postmenopausal women with ID. Carers reported difficulty in disentangling the psychological and physical consequences of the menopause from behaviors and symptoms arising from other causes. There was general recognition of the transitional importance of menopause and a widespread acknowledgment of the resilience that many women with ID show in coping with it. However, carers emphasized the need for health resources to be better tailored to the women's needs and for more relevant health education training for staff. The authors conclude that additional and new demands are placed on service provision as women with ID live longer. An increased awareness of health issues relating to menopause is needed, as are more appropriate and readily available relevant health education materials for women with ID in middle age.
Major Health Risks in Aging Persons With Intellectual Disabilities: An Overview of Recent Studies
Authors: Haveman Meindert , Heller Tamar , Lee Lynette , Maaskant Marian , Shooshtari Shahin , Strydom Andre
Published: March 2010

The authors examined the health‐related literature on aging and intellectual disabilities (ID) published since 1999, with specific focus on examining findings on age‐associated health risk factors, such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal system health issues, and age‐related oral health. They also examined studies of lifestyle health risks, primarily the contributions to overweight or obesity. Although the review revealed varying differences in the prevalence of health risk factors, significant evidence is emerging that cardiovascular disease is as prevalent among people with ID and is as common a cause of death as in the general population. However, the review showed that the variations in prevalence were culturally dependent. Digestive system problems were evident with high occurrence rates of helicobacter pylori, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and constipation. The review revealed a growing body of work on health risk factors, such as overweight and obesity, which are often linked to the onset of a variety of diseases and impairing conditions. Healthier lifestyles, better nutrition and more exercise, and greater surveillance of health risks were seen as ways to improve the health status of aging adults with ID.
INTERVENTIONS TO CONTROL AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION IN PISTACHIO NUTS: IRAN EXPERIENCE
Authors: CHERAGHALI A.M. , YAZDANPANAH H.
Published: March 2010

Pistachio nut is an important agricultural and economical commodity in Iran. Annually, several hundred tons of pistachio nuts are produced in Iran. Therefore, the country earns substantial amount of hard currency from exporting pistachio nuts. In addition, livelihood of some million people in pistachio‐growing area depends on this crop. Traditionally, the European Union (EU) has been one of the major destinations of pistachio exported from Iran. Pistachio nuts are rich sources of fat, and contain linoleic and linolenic fatty acids. However, they are among the commodities with the highest risk of aflatoxins (AF) contamination. As a consequence of detection of unacceptable level of AF in pistachio consignments arriving in EU ports in 1997, special conditions were imposed on Iran pistachio entering the EU. Therefore, extensive efforts were made to overcome the problem. Iranian authorities in collaboration with EU authorities planned a multi‐approach intervention to prevent and control AF contamination of Iran pistachio nuts. Iran experience to prevent and control AF contamination in pistachio nuts was fruitful, and Iran pistachio nuts now have significantly lower level of AF contamination. In addition to economic aspects, these improvements have greatly contributed to protection of both local and international consumers from possible health hazard caused by AF contamination.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Despite the nutritional value of pistachio nuts, their susceptibility to aflatoxins (AF) contamination is a potential health hazard. This might cause substantial economical losses to the producers as well. In the past decade, Iran, as the largest pistachio producer in the world, has implemented effective interventions to control AF in pistachios. Implemented interventions such as establishing an efficient decision‐making system, focusing on preventive methods, applying Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, good agricultural practice and good storage practice guidelines, and using accurate and sensitive sampling and analytical methods proved to be effective. As a consequence, in regard to AF contamination, Iran pistachio nut is now substantially safer. Obviously, this has contributed to the protection of both local and international consumers from possible health hazard caused by AF contamination. From the economical point of view, increasing volume of consumable pistachio nuts will also improve the country's earning from pistachio trade without culturing more orchards.