bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved metabolic profile after switch to darunavir/ritonavir in HIV positive patients previously on protease inhibitor therapy
Authors: Ucciferri Claudio , Falasca Katia , Vignale Francesca , Di Nicola Marta , Pizzigallo Eligio , Vecchiet Jacopo
Published: March 2013

Metabolic abnormalities associated with cumulative exposure to antiretroviral therapy have been linked to an increased risk of myocardial infarction in HIV positive individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the switch from lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) or fosamprenavir/ritonavir (FPV/r) to darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) is able to improve the lipid profile. A total of 13 Caucasian subjects (7 from LPV/r and 6 from FPV/r) were enrolled in the study and received DRV/r at the dose of 800/100 mg, without change in their NRTI backbone. Viro‐immunological parameters, triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TCh), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, fasting glucose, HOMA‐IR, indexes of hepatic and renal functionality, microalbuminuria and cystatin C were measured at baseline (T0), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T6), and 12 months (T12). The switch to DRV/r reduced levels of TCh, LDL, and TGs at T3. Similar improvements were confirmed further at T6 and at T12. A 14% increase in CD4+ count cells (P < 0.05) was observed. Serum cystatin C values showed a statistically significant decrease. After 12 months of switching to DRV/r from LPV/r or FPV/r, patients infected with HIV with TGs above 200 mg/dl, showed a 49% decrease in TGs, along with a 16% reduction of LDL and 19% reduction of TCh. Switching to DRV/r also improved immunological parameters, such as CD4+ cells count and cystatin C plasmatic levels, which may translate into a reduction of the cardiovascular risk. In conclusion, a switch to DRV/r should be considered in those HIV positive patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy, who also present abnormal lipid profiles. J. Med. Virol. 85:755–759, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cervical uterine lesions: An epidemiological and molecular investigation in midwestern Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Rocha Vanessa Regina , Schüffner Raíssa de Oliveira Aquino , Soares Isabela Iside Gagliardo , Tibúrcio Jacqueline Domingues , Ribeiro Rosy Iara Maciel de Azambuja , Lopes Débora de Oliveira , dos Santos Luciana Lara
Published: March 2013

Cervical uterine cancer is the second most frequent form of cancer in the female population and the fourth cause of cancer deaths among Brazilian women. In Divinópolis county, Minas Gerais state, cervical cancer accounted for 6.6% of deaths in 2007. The purpose of this study was to conduct an epidemiological and molecular investigation of samples of pre‐neoplastic and neoplastic cervical uterine lesions from patients assisted at public healthcare services in the county. The study was based on clinical–epidemiological descriptions retrieved from cytological examination request forms from 2006 to 2010. For molecular analysis, samples from 95 patients were collected and DNA was extracted using the Chelex 100 method. PCR was performed for detection and typing of HPV 6/11, 16, 18, 31, and 33. Of the 52 168 patients who underwent cytological examination, 625 had pre‐neoplastic or neoplastic lesions during the study period. Age distribution was consistent with the literature, with a predominance of patients aged 20–49 years. The microorganism found most frequently was Lactobacillus sp. (65%). Prominent among cellular alterations were cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I (39.7%) and atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (32%). Molecular analysis revealed 72.6% of positive samples for HPV. HPV 16 (26.3%) was the most frequent type, followed by types 6/11 (7.4%), 18 (5.3%), 33 (2.1%), and 31 (1%). The results provided improved understanding of the association between HPV and cancer in Divinópolis, in addition to providing data that can contribute to the design of measures to prevent and control HPV infection in the county investigated. J. Med. Virol. 85:860–865, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On random walks and entropy in diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging studies of neural tissue
Authors: Ingo Carson , Magin Richard L. , Colon‐Perez Luis , Triplett William , Mareci Thomas H.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

In diffusion‐weighted MRI studies of neural tissue, the classical model assumes the statistical mechanics of Brownian motion and predicts a monoexponential signal decay. However, there have been numerous reports of signal decays that are not monoexponential, particularly in the white matter.

Theory

We modeled diffusion in neural tissue from the perspective of the continuous time random walk. The characteristic diffusion decay is represented by the Mittag‐Leffler function, which relaxes a priori assumptions about the governing statistics. We then used entropy as a measure of the anomalous features for the characteristic function.

Methods

Diffusion‐weighted MRI experiments were performed on a fixed rat brain using an imaging spectrometer at 17.6 T with b‐values arrayed up to 25,000 s/mm2. Additionally, we examined the impact of varying either the gradient strength, q, or mixing time, Δ, on the observed diffusion dynamics.

Results

In white and gray matter regions, the Mittag‐Leffler and entropy parameters demonstrated new information regarding subdiffusion and produced different image contrast from that of the classical diffusion coefficient. The choice of weighting on q and Δ produced different image contrast within the regions of interest.

Conclusion

We propose these parameters have the potential as biomarkers for morphology in neural tissue. Magn Reson Med 71:617–627, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fast, variable system delay correction for spiral MRI
Authors: Bhavsar Payal S. , Zwart Nicholas R. , Pipe James G.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Time‐varying system delays and eddy currents can substantially reduce the image quality of spiral images. A new method is proposed to estimate variable system delays for spiral‐based trajectories.

Methods

This approach requires a minor modification of a conventional stack‐of‐spirals sequence and analyzes data collected on three overlapping orthogonal cylinders.

Results

Initial results are presented for acquired and synthesized phantom data and in vivo data.

Conclusion

The proposed method includes gradient coupling effects, requires no phantom measurements or specialized hardware, is robust to off‐resonance effects, and estimates independent continuous delays for each gradient channel over the data‐sampling period. Magn Reson Med 71:773–782, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extracellular vesicles as prospective carriers of oncogenic protein signatures in adult and paediatric brain tumours
Authors: Garnier Delphine , Jabado Nada , Rak Janusz
Published: March 2013

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, act as biological effectors and as carriers of oncogenic signatures in human cancer. The molecular composition and accessibility of EVs in biofluids open unprecedented diagnostic opportunities in malignancies where tumour tissue is difficult to sample, especially in primary and metastatic brain tumours. The ongoing genetic discovery of driver mutations defines the ever increasing numbers of distinct molecular subtypes of brain tumours (orphan diseases), a complexity that may soon be translated into alterations in functional proteins and their oncogenic networks. This may likely be extended to real time changes engendered by the disease progression, tumour heterogeneity, inter‐individual variations and therapeutic responses. Meeting these challenges through EV analysis is dependent on technological progress in such areas as generation of mutation‐ and phospho‐specific antibodies, antibody array platforms, nanotechnology, microfluidics, NMR spectroscopy, MS and MRM approaches of quantitative proteomics, which should not be underestimated. Still, vesiculation emerges as a unique process that could be harnessed for the benefit of more individualised patient care.
Tumor‐derived exosomes and microvesicles in head and neck cancer: Implications for tumor biology and biomarker discovery
Authors: Principe Simona , Hui Angela Bik‐Yu , Bruce Jeff , Sinha Ankit , Liu Fei‐Fei , Kislinger Thomas
Published: March 2013

Exosomes and microvesicles (MVs) are nanometer‐sized, membranous vesicles secreted from many cell types into their surrounding extracellular space and into body fluids. These two classes of extracellular vesicles are regarded as a novel mechanism through which cancer cells, including virally infected cancer cells, regulate their micro‐environment via the horizontal transfer of bioactive molecules: proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (DNA, mRNA, micro‐RNAs; oncogenic cargo hence often referred to as oncosomes). In head and neck cancer (HNC), exosomes and MVs have been described in Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)‐associated nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), as well as being positively correlated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression. It has therefore been suggested that HNC‐derived vesicles could represent a useful source for biomarker discovery, enriched in tumor antigens and cargo; hence fundamentally important for cancer progression. This current review offers an overall perspective on the roles of exosomes and MVs in HNC biology, focusing on EBV‐associated NPC and OSCC. We also highlight the importance of saliva as a proximal and easily accessible bio‐fluid for HNC detection, and propose that salivary vesicles might serve as an alternative model in the discovery of novel HNC biomarkers.
Antagonist binding and induced conformational dynamics of GPCR A2A adenosine receptor
Authors: Pang Xueqin , Yang Mingjun , Han Keli
Published: March 2013

The A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) is a unique G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR), because besides agonist, its antagonist could also lead to therapeutic relevance. Based on A2AAR‐antagonist crystal structure, we have studied the binding mechanism of two distinct antagonists, ZM241385 and KW6002, and dynamic behaviors of A2AAR induced by antagonist binding. Key residues interacting with both antagonists and residues specifically binding to one of them are identified. ZM241385 specifically bound to S672.65, M1775.38, and N2536.55, while KW6002 binds to F622.60, A813.29, and H2647.29. Moreover, interactions with L1675.28 are found for both antagonists, which were not reported in agonist binding. The dynamic behaviors of antagonist bound holo‐A2AARs were found to be different from the apo‐A2AAR in three typical functional switches, (i) the “ionic lock” was in equilibrium between formation and breakage in apo‐A2AAR, but stayed broken in holo‐A2AARs; (ii) the “rotamer toggle switch,” T883.36/F2426.44/W2466.48, adopted different rotameric conformations in apo‐A2AAR and holo‐A2AARs; (iii) apo‐A2AAR preferred α‐helical intracellular loop (IC)2 and flexible IC3, while holo‐A2AARs had a flexible IC2 and α‐helical IC3. Our results indicated that antagonist binding induced different conformational rearrangements of these characteristic functional switches in apo‐A2AAR and holo‐A2AARs. Proteins 2013; 81:1399–1410. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A fast approximate method of identifying paths of allosteric communication in proteins
Authors: Erman Burak
Published: March 2013

Fluctuations of the distance between a pair of residues i and j may be correlated with the fluctuations of the distance between another pair k and l. In this case, information may be transmitted among these four residues. Allosteric activity is postulated to proceed through such correlated paths. In this short communication a fast method for calculating correlations among all possible pairs ij and kl leading to a pathway of correlated residues of a protein is proposed. The method is based on the alpha carbon centered Gaussian Network Model. The model is applied to Glutamine Amidotransferase and pathways of allosteric activity are identified and compared with literature. Proteins 2013; 81:1097–1101. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐assembly of designed coiled coil peptides studied by small‐angle X‐ray scattering and analytical ultracentrifugation
Authors: Malik Leila , Nygaard Jesper , Christensen Niels J. , Streicher Werner W. , Thulstrup Peter W. , Arleth Lise , Jensen Knud J.
Published: March 2013

α‐Helical coiled coil structures, which are noncovalently associated heptad repeat peptide sequences, are ubiquitous in nature. Similar amphipathic repeat sequences have also been found in helix‐containing proteins and have played a central role in de novo design of proteins. In addition, they are promising tools for the construction of nanomaterials. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) has emerged as a new biophysical technique for elucidation of protein topology. Here, we describe a systematic study of the self‐assembly of a small ensemble of coiled coil sequences using SAXS and analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), which was correlated with molecular dynamics simulations. Our results show that even minor sequence changes have an effect on the folding topology and the self‐assembly and that these differences can be observed by a combination of AUC, SAXS, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. A small difference in these methods was observed, as SAXS for one peptide and revealed the presence of a population of longer aggregates, which was not observed by AUC. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling, Identification, and Control of an Unmanned Surface Vehicle
Authors: Sonnenburg Christian R. , Woolsey Craig A.
Published: March 2013

This paper describes planar motion modeling for an unmanned surface vehicle (USV), including a comparative evaluation of several experimentally identified models over a wide range of speeds and planing conditions. The modeling and identification objective is to determine a model that is sufficiently rich to enable effective model‐based control design and trajectory optimization, sufficiently simple to allow parameter identification, and sufficiently general to describe a variety of hullforms and actuator configurations. We focus, however, on a specific platform: a modified rigid hull inflatable boat with automated throttle and steering. Analysis of experimental results for this vessel indicates that Nomoto's first‐order steering model provides the best compromise between simplicity and fidelity at higher speeds. At low speeds, it is helpful to include a first‐order lag model for sideslip. Accordingly, we adopt a multiple model approach in which the model structure and parameter values are scheduled based on the nominal forward speed. The speed‐scheduled planar motion model may be used to generate dynamically feasible trajectories and to develop trajectory tracking control laws. The paper describes the development, analysis, and experimental implementation of two trajectory tracking control algorithms: a cascade of proportional‐derivative controllers and a nonlinear controller obtained through backstepping. Experimental results indicate that the backstepping controller is much more effective at tracking trajectories with highly variable speed and course angle. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design of optimal fast scanning trajectory for the mechanical scanner of measurement instruments
Authors: Ju Bing‐Feng , Bai Xiaolong , Chen Jian , Ge Yaozheng
Published: March 2013

This paper focuses on the design of the optimal scanning mode for the family of scanning probe microscopes. Based on different values of the maximum acceleration (deceleration) rate and maximum speed of X‐ and Y‐ axes of the mechanical scanner encountered in practice due to different mechanical design and loads, the design procedure of the optimal fast scanning mode is presented, which is found to be sensitive to the specific parameters of the scanning motion. By utilizing the simultaneous motion of the two axes, the fast raster scanning mode proposed can improve the scanning efficiency by 29% when comparing with the conventional raster (CR) scanning mode, if the scanning speeds of both axes are identical. In addition, the optimal fast mode provided by us has no effects on the image accuracy such as image degradation, image distortion when the efficiency is evaluated. No further difficulties are introduced to the control of the mechanical scanner and the data acquisition process. This optimal scanning mode is useful when the response time of the probe is very fast (such as ultrasonic probe in scanning acoustic microscope (SAM)), and the main limitations are due to the mechanical scanner. By applying different loads for both axes, the experiments with different scanning areas and scanning modes are conducted in a self‐developed SAM. Experimental results coincide with the theoretical analysis and confirm the validation of our proposed optimal fast scanning mode and its superiority over the CR scanning mode. SCANNING 36:185–193, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carbon Nanotubes Multifunctionalized by Rolling Circle Amplification and Their Application for Highly Sensitive Detection of Cancer Markers
Authors: Zhao Bin , Yan Juan , Wang Dongfang , Ge Zhilei , He Shijiang , He Dannong , Song Shiping , Fan Chunhai
Published: March 2013

There are still challenges for the development of multifunctional carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Here, a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐based rolling circle amplification system (CRCAS) is reported which allows in situ rolling circle replication of DNA primer on the surface of MWCNTs to create a long single‐strand DNA (ssDNA) where a large number of nanoparticles or proteins could be loaded, forming a nano‐biohybridized 3D structure with a powerful signal amplification ability. In this strategy, the binding ability of proteins, hybridization, replication ability of DNA, and the catalytical ability of enzymes are integrated on a single carbon nanotube. The CRCAS is then used to develop colorimetric and chemiluminescent assays for the highly sensitive and specific detection of cancer protein markers, alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and prostate specific antigen (PSA). The colorimetric CRCAS assay is 4000 times more sensitive than a conventional enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and its concentration range is 10 000 times wider. Control experiments show that as low as 10 pg mL−1 AFP or PSA could be detected even in the presence of interfering protein markers with a more than 105‐fold greater concentration in the sample, demonstrating the high specificity of the CRCAS assay. The limit of detection of the chemiluminescent CRCAS assays for AFP and PSA are 5 fg mL−1 (70 aM) and 10 fg mL−1 (0.29 fM), respectively, indicating that the sensitivity is much higher than that of the colorimetric CRCAS assay. Importantly, CRCAS works well with real biological samples.
Altered expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 in epileptic patients and experimental rats
Authors: Jiang Guohui , Cao Qingqing , Li Jie , Zhang Yujiao , Liu Xiaoya , Wang Zhihua , Guo Fen , Chen Yun , Chen Yalan , Chen Guojun , Wang Xuefeng
Published: March 2013

In the central nervous system (CNS), vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) transports cytoplasmic monoamines such as dopamine into synaptic vesicles for storage and subsequent exocytotic release. Recent studies have provided direct evidence for VMAT2‐regulated monoamine neurotransmitter involvement in the neurophysiological activities of neurological disease. This study investigated the expression pattern of VMAT2 in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and in a rat model of epilepsy. We assessed the expression of VMAT2 in the temporal neocortex in 24 TLE patients using western blotting and quantitative real time PCR (qRT‐PCR) analyses. These results showed that VMAT2 expression dynamically decreased in TLE patients when compared with the control subjects (n = 12). And that VMAT2 protein transiently increased in acute stages (1 day and 3 days) after epileptic seizures in pilocarpine‐treated rats; however, it clearly decreased after spontaneous recurrent seizures (7 days, 21 days, and 60 days after seizures). In addition, double immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical labeling studies performed in patient and experimental animal tissue revealed that VMAT2 protein was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm and in the axons of neurons but not glial cells in the hippocampus and temporal lobe cortex. These data suggested that the abnormal expression of VMAT2 mRNA and protein in epileptic brain tissue may contribute to vulnerability toward epilepsy‐related psychiatric disorders and cognitive impairment. Synapse 67:415–426, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Winter mortality in a warming climate: a reassessment
Authors: Ebi Kristie L. , Mills David
Published: March 2013

In temperate climates, mortality is higher in the winter than the summer. Most wintertime deaths are attributed to cardiovascular and respiratory disease, with hypothermia from extreme cold accounting for a negligible share of all recorded deaths. International and national assessments of the health risks of climate change often conclude that increased temperatures from climate change will likely reduce winter mortality. This article examines the support for this hypothesis. We find that although there is a physiological basis for increased cardiovascular and respiratory disease mortality during winter months, the limited evidence suggests cardiovascular disease mortality is only weakly associated with temperature. Although respiratory disease mortality shows a stronger seasonal relationship with colder temperatures, cold alone does not explain infection rates. Further, respiratory disease mortality is a relatively small proportion of winter deaths. Therefore, assuming no changes in acclimatization and the degree to which temperature‐related deaths are prevented, climate change may alter the balance of deaths between winters and summers, but is unlikely to dramatically reduce overall winter mortality rates. WIREs Clim Change 2013, 4:203–212. doi: 10.1002/wcc.211

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies
Computational models of planning
Authors: Geffner Hector
Published: March 2013

The selection of the action to do next is one of the central problems faced by autonomous agents. Natural and artificial systems address this problem in various ways: action responses can be hardwired, they can be learned, or they can be computed from a model of the situation, the actions, and the goals. Planning is the model‐based approach to action selection and a fundamental ingredient of intelligent behavior in both humans and machines. Planning, however, is computationally hard as the consideration of all possible courses of action is not computationally feasible. The problem has been addressed by research in Artificial Intelligence that in recent years has uncovered simple but powerful computational principles that make planning feasible. The principles take the form of domain‐independent methods for computing heuristics or appraisals that enable the effective generation of goal‐directed behavior even over huge spaces. In this paper, we look at several planning models, at methods that have been shown to scale up to large problems, and at what these methods may suggest about the human mind. WIREs Cogn Sci 2013, 4:341–356. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1233

This article is categorized under:

Computer Science > Artificial Intelligence
The many functions of mRNA localization during normal development and disease: from pillar to post
Authors: Cody Neal A.L. , Iampietro Carole , Lécuyer Eric
Published: March 2013

The regulated intracellular trafficking and localized translation of mRNA molecules represents an important and prevalent mechanism of gene regulation. This process plays a key role in modulating asymmetric protein distribution linked to a wide variety of biological processes in different organisms and cell types. In this review, we begin by discussing the diverse biological functions, advantages, and mechanisms of mRNA localization that have been characterized to date. We then review recent technological innovations in RNA imaging and functional genomics methods that will undoubtedly provide powerful new strategies for the elucidation of mRNA trafficking pathways. Finally, we discuss several examples linking human disease pathogenesis to defects in transcript localization, which further underlines the critical importance of this gene regulatory mechanism. WIREs Dev Biol 2013, 2:781–796. doi: 10.1002/wdev.113

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory RNA

Technologies > Analysis of Cell, Tissue, and Animal Phenotypes

Technologies > Analysis of the Transcriptome
Perceptions of Reportable Disease Lists by State Officials in the United States
Authors: Allen Heather , Katz Rebecca
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this research was to assess the perceptions of state officials about the importance of reportable disease lists in encouraging disease reporting. An electronic survey was sent to state veterinarian, state public health veterinarians, and state epidemiologists inquiring about their perceptions (based on official responsibilities) of the importance of reportable disease lists. MS Excel was used to calculate frequency counts and proportions; chi‐square statistics were calculated to assess differences between categories of respondents. The response rate was 40 percent for state veterinarians, 44 percent for state public health veterinarians, and 78 percent for state epidemiologists. State officials perceive (90 percent) that reportable disease lists are an effective policy mechanism to encourage disease reporting, though 43 percent believe underreporting of reportable diseases is a problem, and 43 percent believe the problem of underreporting exists, but varies by disease. Fifty‐five percent of respondents believe it is important that reportable disease lists have legal enforcement mechanisms associated with them, though 31 percent believe they would be too difficult to enforce. Responses across the three categories of officials were generally consistent. Electronic reporting and additional education were suggested to improve disease reporting. Because notifiable disease reporting remains an important part of disease detection, further improvements are needed to encourage infectious disease reporting. These results present evidence that state officials from both animal and health sectors perceive that education and electronic reporting would be more effective in improving reporting completeness than regulatory penalties.
Assessment and Management of Adult Obesity in a Primary Care Practice
Authors: Orlowski Marietta , Adkins Sherry , Ellison Sylvia , Choh Audrey , Terwoord Nancy , Schuster Richard
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this project was to describe primary care physician adherence to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, using a measurement tool developed purposefully for the project, and to explore patient characteristics associated with physician assessment and management behaviors. This study sought to add to the body of existing knowledge by analyzing physician clinical behaviors in a more descriptive and systematic manner. The researchers hypothesized that measuring physician behavior for assessing and managing overweight and obesity as a series of steps, as outlined in the NHLBI guidelines, would identify specific gaps in physician action and possibly identify other relationships between patient characteristics and physician behavior. A chart abstraction of 99 randomly selected adult patients with at least one visit to a primary care practice during a 12‐month period was completed. Three out of four health center patients were clinically overweight or obese, yet despite high rates of weight status measurement, only 25 percent of overweight and obese patients received such a diagnosis. High levels of weight measurement, including BMI calculations, did not correspond to a weight diagnosis. The majority of patients did not receive any dietary (72 percent) or physical activity (69 percent) management. When dietary management was introduced, patients received either information (68 percent) or a goal (32 percent), and none received a goal with an accompanying plan. In cases where physical activity management was introduced, patients received a goal (52 percent) or information (39 percent). Patients of higher BMIs were more likely to be diagnosed and managed with regard to their weight. Improvements in future weight‐related counseling may be found in encouraging physicians' willingness to make weight and weight‐related diagnoses. Results from this analysis of assessment highlight that measuring weight status (via BMI) and making a weight‐related diagnosis are not the same practice.
Cannabinoid receptors and pain
Authors: Starowicz Katarzyna , Malek Natalia , Przewlocka Barbara
Published: March 2013

Activation of both cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors reduces nociceptive processing in acute and chronic animal models of pain. In addition, nociceptive processing is tonically modulated by endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids, ECs). This review examines the role of cannabinoids and ECs in the brain stem–spinal pathway of pain inhibition. Preclinical studies evaluating cannabinoids in neuropathic pain management are also reviewed. Pharmacological tools modulating the interaction of cannabinoids with its receptors and the treatment of pain by the augmentation of EC levels, specifically anandamide, are discussed. Particular attention is attributed to neuropathic pain in which pharmacological manipulation resulting in EC accumulation can be protective and produce antinociception, thereby making the system an attractive therapeutic target. Finally, the therapeutic value of cannabinoids in clinical research is summarized. WIREs Membr Transp Signal 2013, 2:121–132. doi: 10.1002/wmts.83

For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
Long‐range assembly of DNA into nanofibers and highly ordered networks
Authors: Carneiro Karina M. M. , Avakyan Nicole , Sleiman Hanadi F.
Published: March 2013

Long‐range assembly of DNA currently comprises both top‐down and bottom‐up methods. The top‐down techniques consist of physical alignment of DNA and lithographic patterning to organize DNA on surfaces. The bottom‐up approaches include lipid‐and polymer–DNA co‐assembly, the self‐assembly of DNA amphiphiles, and the remarkably specific and versatile methods of DNA nanotechnology. DNA‐based materials possess unprecedented molecular control and may offer innovative solutions in the fields of nanotechnology, sensing, nanomedicine, as well as optical and electronic devices. To realize the potential of these materials, a number of hurdles must be addressed. Bridging the gap between top‐down fabrication and bottom‐up assembly is of critical importance to the successful development of functional DNA‐based technology. A profound understanding of both regimes is necessary to achieve this goal. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2013, 5:266–285. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1218

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
On the fabrication of PDMS micromodels by rapid prototyping, and their use in two‐phase flow studies
Authors: Karadimitriou N. K. , Musterd M. , Kleingeld P. J. , Kreutzer M. T. , Hassanizadeh S. M. , Joekar‐Niasar V.
Published: March 2013

Key Points

A complete method to fabricate reliable PDMS micro‐models.

Live visualization of two‐phase flow in a transparent micro‐model.

Validation of the extended theories in two‐phase flow.
Reduction of lateral pressure propagation due to dissipation into ambient mudrocks during geological carbon dioxide storage
Authors: Chang Kyung Won , Hesse Marc A. , Nicot Jean‐Philippe
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Pressure dissipation into ambient mudrock can slow lateral pressure propagation

A single parameter governs the radial pressure propagation in a layered system

Careful mudrock characterization is required to determine the storage capacity
Tsetse flies as tools for minimally invasive blood sampling
Authors: Habicher Alexandra , Feldmann Udo , Kolter Lydia , Nogge Gunther
Published: March 2013

Collecting blood samples is an important aspect of wildlife studies where data on physiological parameters are required. To avoid stress to the test animals and its potential influence on the test parameters, minimally invasive blood sampling offers numerous advantages. Here, we describe using the African tsetse fly (Glossina brevipalpis) to sample blood from meerkats (Suricata suricatta) habituated to human presence. Prior to the experiments, test animals were trained with positive reinforcement to tolerate a box that enclosed the insects being attached to their neck. This method allows drawing blood samples at defined points of time and from specific individuals during captive studies. Additionally, because it presents the first example of an African haematophagous insect suitable for sampling blood, African field studies might benefit from this minimally invasive blood‐sampling technique without the risk of importing potentially invasive species. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Detection of secreted antimicrobial peptides isolated from cell-free culture supernatant of Paenibacillus alvei AN5
Authors: Alkotaini Bassam , Anuar Nurina , Kadhum Abdul Amir Hassan , Sani Asmahani Azira Abdu
Published: March 2013

An antimicrobial substance produced by the Paenibacillus alvei strain AN5 was detected in fermentation broth. Subsequently, cell-free culture supernatant (CFCS) was obtained by medium centrifugation and filtration, and its antimicrobial activity was tested. This showed a broad inhibitory spectrum against both Gram-positive and -negative bacterial strains. The CFCS was then purified and subjected to SDS-PAGE and infrared spectroscopy, which indicated the proteinaceous nature of the antimicrobial compound. Some de novo sequencing using an automatic Q-TOF premier system determined the amino acid sequence of the purified antimicrobial peptide as Y-S-K-S-L-P-L-S-V-L-N-P (1,316 Da). The novel peptide was designated as peptide AN5-1. Its mode of action was bactericidal, inducing cell lysis in E. coli ATCC 29522 and S. aureus, and non-cell lysis in both S. marcescens and B. cereus ATCC 14579. Peptide AN5-1 displayed stability at a wide range of pH values (2–12) and remained active after exposure to high temperatures (100 °C). It also maintained its antimicrobial activity after incubation with chemicals such as SDS, urea and EDTA.
Spatial relationship between NSCs/NPCs and microvessels in rat brain along prenatal and postnatal development
Authors: Jiao Qian , Xie Wu‐ling , Wang Yuan‐yuan , Chen Xin‐lin , Yang Peng‐bo , Zhang Peng‐bo , Tan Jing , Lu Hai‐xia , Liu Yong
Published: March 2013

Neurogenesis and angiogenesis are two parallel processes that occur in brain development and repair, and so share some molecular signals. In order to better understand the interaction between the genesis of neural cells and vessels during brain development, the density of microvessels and the number of nestin positive neural stem/neural progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs) around microvasculature in various brain regions was quantified. Results showed that the density of microvessels remained at a relative low level during embryonic development and dramatically increased after postnatal day 3 (P3), especially in subventricular zone. The number of nestin positive NSCs/NPCs per microvessel in neurogenic brain regions continually increased with fetal brain development and then gradually dropped down during postnatal development. The highest density of NSCs/NPCs appeared at postnatal day 1 (P1) and dramatically decreased after P3. Similar pattern was observed in striatum. In the olfactory bulb, the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, the dramatic decrease of NSCs/NPCs density appeared after P7, especially in the cerebral cortex. Our results demonstrated that anatomically, the spatial relationship between NSCs/NPCs and microvessels changed during brain development. The alteration patterns in neurogenic brain regions differed from non‐neurogenic brain regions.
On the existence of maximizing measures for irreducible countable Markov shifts: a dynamical proof
Authors: BISSACOT RODRIGO , DOS SANTOS FREIRE RICARDO
Published: March 2013

We prove that if ${\Sigma }_{\mathbf{A} } ( \mathbb{N} )$ is an irreducible Markov shift space over $ \mathbb{N} $ and $f: {\Sigma }_{\mathbf{A} } ( \mathbb{N} )\rightarrow \mathbb{R} $ is coercive with bounded variation then there exists a maximizing probability measure for $f$, whose support lies on a Markov subshift over a finite alphabet. Furthermore, the support of any maximizing measure is contained in this same compact subshift. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first proof beyond the finitely primitive case in the general irreducible non-compact setting. It is also noteworthy that our technique works for the full shift over positive real sequences.
EXISTENCE OF ALMOST SPLIT SEQUENCES VIA REGULAR SEQUENCES
Authors: ESHRAGHI HOSSEIN
Published: March 2013

Let $(R, \mathfrak{m})$ be a Cohen–Macaulay complete local ring. We will apply an inductive argument to show that for every nonprojective locally projective maximal Cohen–Macaulay object $ \mathcal{X} $ of the morphism category of $R$ with local endomorphism ring, there exists an almost split sequence ending in $ \mathcal{X} $. Regular sequences are exploited to reduce the Krull dimension of $R$ on which the inductive argument is established. Moreover, the Auslander–Reiten translate of certain objects is described.
The effects of native whey and α-lactalbumin on the social and individual behaviour of C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Vekovischeva O. Yu , Peuhkuri K. , Bäckström P. , Sihvola N. , Pilvi T. , Korpela R.
Published: March 2013

Milk proteins are the main components of everyday feeding and demonstrate a promising potential to change the mental condition. However, the effects of milk proteins after prolonged use remain poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two whey proteins (α-lactalbumin (α-lac) and native whey) with casein on social and individual behaviour in mice. During a 30 d-long dietary intervention, male C57BL/6J mice had ad libitum access to an experimental diet containing 17 % (w/w) of one of three protein sources: α-lac, native whey or casein. Mice had voluntary access to a running wheel. Social behaviour (group and resident–intruder activity) was tested at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Half of each dietary group was then withdrawn from the diet and running wheel for 7 d, and social activity and individual behaviour tests (open field, elevated-plus maze, light–dark box and forced swimming) were performed, to evaluate anxiety and depression-like status. The study shows that the long-term ingestion of whey proteins may modulate behaviour when compared with casein. Diet enriched with α-lac exhibited anxiolytic and antidepressive activities while the whey diet improved sociability. The differences between the diet groups were pronounced under the running wheel and the withdrawal of the experimental diet, suggesting that the beneficial effects of the milk proteins are clearer in stressful situations. Diet-induced behavioural changes remained visible for a week after feeding, which suggests that the proteins of the milk whey fraction have prolonged efficacy on the mental state of mice.
Endogenous plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 following acute dietary fibre consumption
Authors: Bodinham Caroline L. , Al-Mana Najlaa M. , Smith Leanne , Robertson M. Denise
Published: March 2013

SCFA resulting from the microbial fermentation of carbohydrates have been linked to increased glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion from the gastrointestinal tract in cell and animal models; however, there is little direct evidence in human subjects to confirm this. The present study was designed to investigate whether endogenous plasma GLP-1 concentrations increase following acute consumption of 48 g dietary fibre (as resistant starch (RS) from high-amylose maize type 2 RS (HAM-RS2)) compared with a matched placebo. A total of thirty healthy males participated in the present randomised cross-over study where HAM-RS2 or placebo was consumed as part of standardised breakfast and lunch meals. Changes to GLP-1, glucose, insulin and C-peptide were assessed half hourly for 7 h. Following the breakfast meal, plasma GLP-1 concentrations were lower with HAM-RS2 compared with the placebo (P =0·025). However, there was no significant difference between the supplements following the lunch meal. Plasma insulin concentrations were significantly lower following the lunch meal (P =0·034) with HAM-RS2 than with the placebo, but were not different after breakfast. Plasma glucose and C-peptide concentrations did not differ at any point. These results suggest that increased dietary fibre intake, in the form of HAM-RS2, does not acutely increase endogenous GLP-1 concentrations in human subjects. Further fibre feeding studies are required to determine whether GLP-1 concentrations may increase following longer-term consumption.
Translingual World Order: Language without Culture in Post-Russo-Japanese War Japan
Authors: Konishi Sho
Published: March 2013

This essay examines how Japanese Esperantism developed after the Russo-Japanese War in a manner that departed from the global Esperanto movement. Esperantists viewed Esperanto as a language that amplified the diversity of and symbolized equality between cultures. Esperanto was studied and discussed by elites and nonelites alike in noninstitutional spaces such as in rural homes and coffee shops, often at night, when institutions privileged by state and financial power had closed. By looking at these hidden space-times outside the realms of state guidance, we become privy to an imagination and practice of peace and world order that operated outside the institutions of the nation-state. The history of this movement offers us a rare window into a popular concept of world order in Asia.
The Limits of the State: Coercion and Consent in Chinese Tibet
Authors: Pirie Fernanda
Published: March 2013

Although China's Tibetans profoundly mistrust the ideologies of the party-state, associating them with illegitimate practices of domination, protest and revolt are rare and effectively suppressed. This might be seen as quasi-colonial domination, the state securing subjection through the performance of paramount power, demonstrated by its suppression of the 2008 protests, or it could be attributed to a form of indirect rule, by which local officials engage with local leaders to generate hegemonic consent. While both dynamics are present on the Tibetan plateau, ethnographic fieldwork among the Tibetan populations of Qinghai and Gansu Provinces reveals that consent is primarily generated by local officials who negotiate a form of local order with religious and tribal leaders. Ignoring the ideological demands of their superiors, they engage constructively with the expectations of the Tibetans about how order should be maintained and, in doing so, subvert the state's ideal of uniform and unitary sovereignty.
Interpretations of the Industrial Revolution in England: A Methodological Inquiry
Authors: Hartwell R. M.
Published: March 2013

Perhaps the most important methodological problem in the writing of history is to discover why different historians, on the basis of the same or similar evidence, often have markedly different interpretations of a particular historical event. Why, for example, in a world in which there is almost unquestioned belief, even by Marxist historians, that industrialization is the grand remedy for the economic and social ills of poor and underdeveloped countries, do some historians, and especially the Marxists, still argue about the goods or ills bestowed on the worker by the first great experiment in industrialization, the industrial revolution in England? The expected economic dividend of modern industrialization is undoubtedly a higher standard of living, and the occasional opponents of such development base their opposition not on this indisputable material advance but on the “moral risk” involved in the transformation of life by industrialization.1The historians, however, while concerned also with this possible moral risk, are not all certain that the industrial revolution in England before 1850 did cause the average standard of living of the worker to rise. This uncertainty might be resolved by finding out what actually happened, but in the meantime interpretations differ, and have differed, on the basis of some evidence, of much confusion, and of differing value judgments. It is the specific aim of this article to give a history of the interpretations of the industrial revolution, and to explain them.
Metacercariae of Clinostomum complanatum (Trematoda: Digenea) in European newts Triturus carnifex and Lissotriton vulgaris (Caudata: Salamandridae)
Authors: Caffara M. , Bruni G. , Paoletti C. , Gustinelli A. , Fioravanti M.L.
Published: March 2013

Adults of Clinostomum spp. are digenetic trematodes found in fish-eating birds, reptiles and occasionally mammals, including humans. Freshwater snails serve as first intermediate hosts and many fish species and amphibians as second intermediate hosts. To date, amphibian hosts of Clinostomum metacercariae include members of urodele and anuran families in North America, but no data are available on infections of European amphibians, including newts. In this study, we characterize infections of Clinostomum complanatum metacercariae in four smooth (Lissotriton vulgaris) and 18 Italian crested newts (Triturus carnifex) from an artificial pond located in a protected area in Tuscany, Italy. Parasites were surgically removed from the infected newts and identified both morphologically and using sequences of a mitochondrial gene, cytochrome c oxidase I, and the ribosomal markers, internal transcribed spacers. This is the first record of C. complanatum in European newts and, more generally, in amphibians in Europe.
Combined treatment with benznidazole and allopurinol in mice infected with a virulentTrypanosoma cruziisolate from Nicaragua
Authors: GROSSO NOELIA L. , ALARCON MICAELA LOPEZ , BUA JAQUELINE , LAUCELLA SUSANA A. , RIARTE ADELINA , FICHERA LAURA E.
Published: March 2013

We evaluated the effect of chemotherapy with a sequential combined treatment of a low dose of benznidazole and allopurinol, in different schedules of administration, in experimental models of acute and chronicTrypanosoma cruziinfection. Mice were infected with NicaraguaT. cruziisolate, a virulent parasite from an endemic area of Nicaragua, genotyped asTcI (Grossoet al. 2010). We assessed survival rate, IgG levels, histopathological studies and quantified parasitaemia. A 15% survival rate was recorded in untreated mice during the acute phase ofT. cruziinfection. Allopurinol administered immediately after benznidazole treatment was able to reduce parasitaemia and attenuate tissue damage by reducing inflammation.Trypanosoma cruzi-specific antibodies also decreased in 40–50% of the treated mice. The addition of allopurinol during the chronic phase showed the highest beneficial effect, not only by reducing parasitaemia but also by lowering the degree of inflammation and fibrosis.
The Temporal Present
Authors: Valberg J.J.
Published: March 2013

It is easy to have about the temporal present, the time that is now, thoughts that seem both true and impossible. E.g., ‘Now is the time that matters'. We may reflect that this is not just true but that ‘it is always like that', that is: now is always the time that matters. Yet here we seem to be generalizing the ascription to the temporal present of a property that claims uniqueness, viz., being the time that matters. The present paper explores, in the case of the temporal present, the meaning and implications of this kind of impossible generalisation.