bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression profiling of the GBP1 gene as a candidate gene for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome resistance
Authors: Gol S. , Estany J. , Fraile L. J. , Pena R. N.
Published: September 2015

A genomic region in pig chromosome 4 has been previously associated with higher viraemia levels and lower weight gain following porcine reproduction and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection. The region includes the marker WUR1000125, a G>A polymorphism next to a putative polyadenylation site in the 3’‐untranslated region (3’‐UTR) of the guanylate‐binding protein 1, interferon‐induced (GBP1) gene. The protein encoded by GBP1 is a negative regulator of T‐cell responses. We show here that GBP1 expression is lower in liver and tonsils of pigs carrying the WUR1000125‐G allele due to differential allele expression (allele A expression is 1.9‐fold higher than for allele G). We also show that the GBP1 gene has two active polyadenylation signals 421 bp apart and that polyadenylation usage is dependent on the WUR1000125 genotype. The distal site is the most prevalently used in all samples, but the presence of the A allele favours the generation of shorter transcripts from the proximal site. This is confirmed by a differential allele expression study in AG genotype liver and tonsil samples. The interaction between WUR1000125 and other mutations identified in the 5’‐ and 3’‐UTR regions of this gene needs to be studied. In conclusion, our study indicates that the WUR1000125 mutation is associated with changes in the expression of the negative T‐cell regulator GBP1 gene. However, the chromosome 4 locus for PRRSV viraemia levels and weight gain contains a cluster of four other GBP genes that remain to be studied as candidate genes for this QTL.
Anxiety, mood disorders and injection risk behaviors among cocaine users: Results from the COSMO study
Authors: Roy Élise , Jutras‐Aswad Didier , Bertrand Karine , Dufour Magali , Perreault Michel , Laverdière Émélie , Bene‐Tchaleu Fabiola , Bruneau Julie
Published: September 2015

Background and Objectives

Despite being common among cocaine users, mental health problems and their relationship with HIV and hepatitis C high risk injection behaviors are poorly documented. This study was undertaken to examine the relationships between mood and anxiety disorders and the sharing of drug injection equipment among cocaine users who inject drugs.

Methods

The sample was drawn from a prospective cohort study and comprised of 387 participants. The outcome of interest was “sharing injection material” in the past 3 months. The presence of mood and anxiety disorders during the past year was assessed using the CIDI questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted on baseline data using logistic regression.

Results

Most participants were male (84.5%) and were aged 25 or over (92.2%); 43.0% qualified for an anxiety disorder diagnosis and 29.3% for a mood disorder diagnosis. Participants with anxiety disorders were more likely to share needles (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 2.13, 95%CI: 1.15–3.96) and other injection material (AOR: 1.81, 95%CI: 1.12–2.92). No significant association was found between mood disorders and sharing behaviors.

Discussion and Conclusions

Primary anxiety disorders but not mood disorders increases injection risk behaviors among cocaine users. These results bring to light another negative outcome of mental health comorbidity in this vulnerable population.

Scientific Significance

This study underlines the need to fine‐tune therapeutic approaches targeting specific mental health problems in individuals with cocaine use disorders. Longitudinal studies that assess impulsivity and other correlates of psychiatric disorders are needed to examine underlying mechanisms of high risk injection behaviors in comorbid populations. (Am J Addict 2015;XX:1–7)
Physiology, production and action of progesterone
Authors: Taraborrelli Stefania
Published: September 2015

Introduction

The aim of this article is to review the physiology of progesterone and focus on its physiological actions on tissues such as endometrium, uterus, mammary gland, cardiovascular system, central nervous system and bones. In the last decades, the interest of researchers has focused on the role of progesterone in genomic and non‐genomic receptor mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

We searched PubMed up to December 2014 for publications on progesterone/steroidogenesis.

Results and Conclusions

A better understanding of the biological genomic and non‐genomic receptor mechanisms could enable us in the near future to obtain a more comprehensive knowledge of the safety and efficacy of this agent during hormone replacement therapy (natural progesterone), in vitro fertilization (water‐soluble subcutaneous progesterone), in traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease and diabetic neuropathy, even though further clinical studies are needed to prove its usefulness.
Clinical analysis of childhood intermittent exotropia with surgical success at postoperative 2 years
Authors: Kim Hae Jin , Choi Dong Gyu
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To analyse the characteristics of children who had maintained the successful outcome at 2 years after surgery for intermittent exotropia.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in 216 patients who had undergone intermittent exotropia surgery and had had at least 2 years of follow‐up. Surgical outcomes were grouped, according to the angle of deviation at postoperative 2 years, as success (esophoria/tropia ≤ 5 prism dioptres (PD) to exophoria/tropia ≤ 10PD), recurrence (exotropia > 10PD or reoperation within 2 years) or overcorrection (esophoria/tropia > 5PD). We investigated various clinical factors for their possible associations with the surgical outcomes.

Results

Of the 216 patients, 128 (59%) were assigned to the success group, and 84 (39%) to the recurrence group. According to a univariate analysis, surgical method and the angle of deviation at the postoperative day 1 showed statistically significant associations with the surgical outcome for intermittent exotropia. However, in the results of a logistic regression test, the angle of deviation at distance at postoperative day 1 was the only factor showing a significant association (p = 0.023).

Conclusions

Early postoperative overcorrection was significantly associated with the maintenance of successful surgical outcome of intermittent exotropia at postoperative 2 years.
Confidence Intervals for the Ratio of Two Median Residual Lifetimes with Left-Truncated and Right-Censored Data
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Hsien , Tsai Wei-Yann , Chi Yunchan , Chang Sheng-Mao
Published: September 2015

The confidence intervals for the ratio of two median residual lifetimes are developed for left-truncated and right-censored data. The approach of Su and Wei (1993) is first extended by replacing the Kaplan–Meier survival estimator with the estimator of the conditional survival function (Lynden-Bell, 1971). This procedure does not involve a nonparametric estimation of the probability density function of the failure time. However, the Su and Wei type confidence intervals are very conservative even for larger sample size. Therefore, this article proposes an alternative confidence interval for the ratio of two median residual lifetimes, which is not only without nonparametric estimation of the density function of failure times but is also computationally simpler than the Su and Wei type confidence interval. A simulation study is conducted to examine the accuracy of these confidence intervals and the implementation of these confidence intervals to two real data sets is illustrated.
Species‐specific action of (Pro3)GIP – a full agonist at human GIP receptors, but a partial agonist and competitive antagonist at rat and mouse GIP receptors
Authors: Sparre‐Ulrich A H , Hansen L S , Svendsen B , Christensen M , Knop F K , Hartmann B , Holst J J , Rosenkilde M M
Published: September 2015

Background and Purpose

Specific, high potency receptor antagonists are valuable tools when evaluating animal and human physiology. Within the glucose‐dependent, insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) system, considerable attention has been given to the presumed GIP receptor antagonist, (Pro3)GIP, and its effect in murine studies. We conducted a pharmacological analysis of this ligand including interspecies differences between the rodent and human GIP system.

Experimental Approach

Transiently transfected COS‐7 cells were assessed for cAMP accumulation upon ligand stimulation and assayed in competition binding using 125I‐human GIP. Using isolated perfused pancreata both from wild type and GIP receptor‐deficient rodents, insulin‐releasing, glucagon‐releasing and somatostatin‐releasing properties in response to species‐specific GIP and (Pro3)GIP analogues were evaluated.

Key Results

Human (Pro3)GIP is a full agonist at human GIP receptors with similar efficacy (Emax) for cAMP production as human GIP, while both rat and mouse(Pro3)GIP were partial agonists on their corresponding receptors. Rodent GIPs are more potent and efficacious at their receptors than human GIP. In perfused pancreata in the presence of 7 mM glucose, both rodent (Pro3)GIP analogues induced modest insulin, glucagon and somatostatin secretion, corresponding to the partial agonist activities observed in cAMP production.

Conclusions and Implications

When evaluating new compounds, it is important to consider interspecies differences both at the receptor and ligand level. Thus, in rodent models, human GIP is a comparatively weak partial agonist. Human (Pro3)GIP was not an antagonist at human GIP receptors, so there is still a need for a potent antagonist in order to elucidate the physiology of human GIP.
Medial prefrontal cortex TRPV1 channels modulate the baroreflex cardiac activity in rats
Authors: Lagatta D C , Ferreira‐Junior N C , Resstel L B M
Published: September 2015

Background and Purpose

The ventral portion of the medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) comprises the infralimbic (IL), prelimbic (PL) and dorsopenducular (DP) cortices. The IL and PL regions facilitate the baroreceptor reflex arc. This facilitatory effect on the baroreflex is thought to be mediated by vMPFC glutamatergic transmission, through NMDA receptors. The glutamatergic transmission can be modulated by other neurotransmitters, such as the endocannabinoids, which are agonists of the TRPV1 receptor. TRPV1 channels facilitate glutamatergic transmission in the brain. Thus, we hypothesized that TRPV1 receptors in the vMPFC enhance the cardiac baroreflex response.

Experimental Approach

Stainless steel guide cannulae were bilaterally implanted into the vMPFC of male Wistar rats. Afterwards, a catheter was inserted into the femoral artery, for recording MAP and HR, and into the femoral vein for assessing baroreflex activation.

Key Results

Microinjections of the TRPV1 receptor antagonists capsazepine and 6‐iodo‐nordihydrocapsaicin (6‐IODO) into the vMPFC reduced the cardiac baroreflex activity in unanaesthetized rats. Capsaicin microinjected into the vMPFC increased the cardiac baroreflex activity in unanaesthetized rats. When an ineffective dose of the TRPV1 receptor antagonist 6‐IODO was used, the capsaicin‐induced increase in the cardiac baroreflex response was abolished. The higher doses of capsaicin administered into the vMPFC after the ineffective dose of 6‐IODO displaced the dose–response curve of the baroreflex parameters to the right, with no alteration in the maximum effect of capsaicin.

Conclusions and Implications

The results of the present study show that stimulation of the TRPV1 receptors in the vMPFC increases the cardiac baroreceptor reflex response.
A comprehensive investigation on the distribution of circulating follicular T helper cells and B cell subsets in primary Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Szabó K , Papp G , Szántó A , Tarr T , Zeher M
Published: September 2015

Follicular T helper (Tfh) cells have a crucial role in regulating immune responses within secondary lymphoid follicles by directing B cell differentiation towards memory B cells and plasma cells. Because abnormal humoral responses are key features in both primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the aim of this study was to profile the pathological connection between peripheral Tfh cells and B cells in the two diseases. Twenty-five pSS patients, 25 SLE patients and 21 healthy controls were enrolled into the study. We determined the ratio of circulating Tfh-like cells, their interleukin (IL)-21 production and different B cell subsets by flow cytometry. We observed higher percentages of naive B cells in both diseases, while non-switched and switched memory B cells showed decreased frequencies. The proportions of double-negative B cells and plasmablasts were elevated in SLE and decreased in pSS. The percentages of transitional B cells and mature-naive B cells were higher in SLE. Patients with more severe disease course had an elevated ratio of TFH-like cells and increased IL-21 production. Moreover, expansion of Tfh-like cells correlated positively with parameters related to antibody secretion, including serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G, immune complexes (ICs) and autoantibodies. Correlation analysis between Tfh-like cells and certain B cell subsets revealed possible defects during B cell selection. In conclusion, our observations on the profound expansion of circulating Tfh-like cells and their IL-21 production, along with the characteristic aberrant peripheral B cell distribution in both pSS and SLE, indicate the prominent role of Tfh cell in the regulation of B cell selection.
Improvement of the standard method for assessing colour fastness to wet rubbing
Authors: Suganuma Keiko
Published: September 2015

Colour fastness to rubbing is evaluated by the degree of staining of a standard adjacent cotton cloth. However, some kinds of dye usually stain other textiles to a greater extent than cotton under wet conditions. In this work, rubbing fastness tests were carried out with various kinds of adjacent cloth in order to examine the factors affecting the wet rubbing fastness, and a more practical evaluation method using adjacent rubbing cloth was proposed. Dye transfer from the dyed fabric to the adjacent cloth depended on the affinity of the dyes for the fibre material of the dyed fabric and the adjacent cloth under wet conditions, in addition to the friction coefficient between the fabrics. A standard adjacent cloth should have a high staining property. The nylon staple cloth is preferred for fabrics dyed with vat, disperse, and acid dyes because it receives the most dye from rubbing with them.
Evaluation of intrathecal baclofen delivery system malfunction by computed tomography scan
Authors: Abousamra Oussama , Rogers Kenneth J , McManus Maura , Miller Freeman , Sees Julieanne P
Published: September 2015

Aim

To describe the computed tomography (CT) findings encountered when catheter patency is questionable. The role of CT in directing treatment is evaluated.

Method

Records of children with intrathecal baclofen pump management were reviewed. Only patients with CT evaluation who had revision pump/catheter surgery were included.

Results

From 295 patients, 27 had CT contrast study; in three of them, baclofen could not be aspirated and the procedure was stopped, eight had normal scan and did not need surgery and 16 patients were reported. Four patients had normal CT (free contrast formed a perfect crescent shape), and had surgery because the pump battery was close to expiration. Five patients had inadequate fluid pooling (fluid was seen without a crescent shape). Five patients had fluid leak (fluid was seen around the pump or in the lumbar canal below catheter entrance level or outside the canal in the lumbar region). Two patients had catheter occlusion (fluid loculation around the catheter tip with no free flow).

Interpretation

CT contrast study is safe and effective for locating defects in intrathecal baclofen delivery system. When catheter patency is questionable, CT plays an important role in directing the next step of management.
Interdependency of plants and animals in controlling the sodium balance of ecosystems and the impacts of global defaunation
Authors: Doughty Christopher E. , Wolf Adam , Baraloto Christopher , Malhi Yadvinder
Published: September 2015

Sodium, an element which is needed by animals but often toxic in high concentrations to plants, may be deficient and limit animal abundance in inland continental regions, but may be overabundant and limit plant productivity in coastal regions. Here we present data from 50 independent plots (including leaf data from more than 2480 individual trees) showing that leaves in the Amazon basin uptake high amounts of sodium (Na) in a manner more similar to the essential cation potassium (K) than to the toxic cation aluminium (Al). Leaf Na increases linearly with soil Na concentrations, and there is no apparent mechanism for selective exclusion of Na in comparison to K, a key attribute of halophytes. This indicates that the Amazon basin is broadly non‐halophytic and increased sodium concentrations in non‐halophyte plants often decrease plant productivity. Total Na concentrations are ∼ 10 times higher in coastal regions than inland regions. Such concentration gradients in nutrients may have been reduced in the past because large animals that were abundant in the Pleistocene have been hypothesized to play a large role in reducing nutrient concentration gradients at continental scales. We use a diffusion model and a Na loss rate based on empirical data to estimate that large animals may have moved significant quantities of Na inland away from coastal regions in the Amazon Basin. Therefore, our simple model suggests that large animals may play an important, yet diminishing, role in maintaining the sodium balance of the planet.
Are high densities of fishes and shrimp associated with top‐down control of tropical benthic communities? A test in three Hong Kong streams
Authors: Ho Bill S. K. , Dudgeon David
Published: September 2015

Top‐down control of benthic communities by fishes in temperate and Neotropical streams has received considerable attention, yet relatively little is known about the occurrence or strength of such top‐down control in tropical Asian streams. We undertook pool‐scale removals of an entire macroconsumer assemblage of fishes and predatory shrimp, as well as its component guilds (algivores versus predators), in three Hong Kong streams during the dry season and monitored the responses of periphyton, benthic macroinvertebrates (predominantly insects) and leaf‐litter breakdown.

Pools supported high densities and biomass of predatory macroconsumers. Algivorous balitorid fishes had a mean density of 30.1 indiv m−2 (range: 1.5–58.2 indiv m−2) and a wet‐weight biomass of 20.9 g m−2 (range: 1.6–34.2 g m−2); values for predatory fishes (mainly a nemacheilid and a goby) were 9.4 indiv m−2 (range: 7.3–11.1 indiv m−2) and 29.7 g m−2 (range: 24.1–38.0 g m−2). Densities of predatory palaemonid shrimp were likewise high (mean: 14.0 indiv m−2; range: 8.9–19.0 indiv m−2).

Despite high macroconsumer standing stocks, there was little evidence of top‐down control of benthic communities. The removal of algivorous fishes had no effects on algal biomass, periphyton accumulation, silt accrual or abundance of benthic insects. The removal of all predators (fishes and shrimp), as well as the removal of all macroconsumers, was associated with a small increase in the density of insect scrapers (especially baetid mayflies), although no such effect was evident when predatory fishes (but not shrimp) were removed. Apparently, shrimp substituted for the role of predatory fishes by cropping any excess prey. However, the removal of the entire predatory guild or all macroconsumers produced no additional changes in macroinvertebrate assemblages, nor any influence on periphyton or leaf‐litter breakdown.

The pool‐scale approach used in this investigation, combined with the inclusion of three study streams, should have provided a realistic picture of the significance of top‐down control of benthic communities by macroconsumers. Statistical power may have been limited by logistical constraints on the number of replicate pools. Localised nutrient limitation caused by the removal of macroconsumers might have contributed to the apparent weakness of top‐down control of benthic communities. However, given the high standing stocks of fishes and shrimps, it is remarkable that experimental manipulations resulted in generally small or negligible effect sizes.
Watershed‐scale impacts of bioenergy crops on hydrology and water quality using improvedSWATmodel
Authors: Cibin Raj , Trybula Elizabeth , Chaubey Indrajeet , Brouder Sylvie M. , Volenec Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2015

Cellulosic bioenergy feedstock such as perennial grasses and crop residues are expected to play a significant role in meetingUSbiofuel production targets. We used an improved version of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to forecast impacts on watershed hydrology and water quality by implementing an array of plausible land‐use changes associated with commercial bioenergy crop production for two watersheds in the MidwestUSA. Watershed‐scale impacts were estimated for 13 bioenergy crop production scenarios, including: production ofMiscanthus × giganteusandupland Shawneeswitchgrass on highly erodible landscape positions, agricultural marginal land areas and pastures, removal of corn stover and combinations of these options. Water quality, measured as erosion and sediment loading, was forecasted to improve compared to baseline when perennial grasses were used for bioenergy production, but not with stover removal scenarios. Erosion reduction with perennial energy crop production scenarios ranged between 0.2% and 59%. Stream flow at the watershed outlet was reduced between 0 and 8% across these bioenergy crop production scenarios compared to baseline across the study watersheds. Results indicate that bioenergy production scenarios that incorporate perennial grasses reduced the nonpoint source pollutant load at the watershed outlet compared to the baseline conditions (0–20% for nitrate‐nitrogen and 3–56% for mineral phosphorus); however, the reduction rates were specific to site characteristics and management practices.
Birds, butterflies and flowers in the tropics are not more colourful than those at higher latitudes
Authors: Dalrymple Rhiannon L. , Kemp Darrell J. , Flores‐Moreno Habacuc , Laffan Shawn W. , White Thomas E. , Hemmings Frank A. , Tindall Marianne L. , Moles Angela T.
Published: September 2015

Aim

The idea that species are generally more colourful at tropical latitudes has held great appeal among biologists since the days of exploration by early naturalists. However, advances in colour quantification and analysis only now allow an objective test of this idea. We provide the first quantitative analysis of the latitudinal gradient in colour on a broad scale using data from both animals and plants, encompassing both human‐visible and ultraviolet colours.

Location

Australia.

Methods

We collected spectral reflectance data from 570 species or subspecies of birds, adult forms of 424 species or subspecies of butterflies and the flowers of 339 species of plants, from latitudes ranging from tropical forests and savannas at 9.25° S, to temperate forests and heathlands at 43.75° S. Colour patch saturation, maximum contrast between patches, colour diversity and hue disparity between patches were calculated for all species. Latitudinal gradients in colour were analysed using both regression analyses and comparisons of categorically temperate and tropical regions. We also provide phylogenetically independent contrast analyses.

Results

The analyses which compared the colour traits of communities and the phylogenetically independent contrasts both show that species in the tropics are not more colourful than those at higher latitudes. Rather, the cross‐species analyses indicate that species further away from the equator possess a greater diversity of colours, and their colours are more contrasting and more saturated than those seen in tropical species. These results remain consistent regardless of whether the mean or the maximum of coloration indices are considered.

Main conclusions

We demonstrate that birds, butterflies and flowers display similar gradients of colourfulness across latitudes, indicating strong ecological and evolutionary cohesion. However, our data do not support the idea that tropical latitudes contain the most colourful species or house the more colourful biological communities.
The drivers of avian abundance: patterns in the relative importance of climate and land use
Authors: Howard Christine , Stephens Philip A. , Pearce‐Higgins James W. , Gregory Richard D. , Willis Stephen G.
Published: September 2015

Aim

Climate and land use can have important effects on the local abundances of species, but few studies have investigated the relative impacts of these factors. Here, we quantify the relative importance of climate, land use and surrounding population size in determining the abundances of birds across a continent.

Location

Europe.

Methods

We used species abundance models to identify the relative importance of different environmental predictors for estimating the local abundances of 342 species of European breeding birds. Models controlling for phylogeny were used to relate species life history and ecological traits to the climate:land use importance ratio. The mean of this ratio, across all species occurring in a given area, was mapped to explore spatial variation in the major drivers of abundance.

Results

At the scale examined, climate is generally more important than land use in determining species abundances. However, the abundance of species in neighbouring areas is also a major correlate. Among climate variables, temperature is of greater importance than moisture availability in determining abundances. The relative importance of these variables varies with latitude, with temperature being most important in the north, and moisture availability in the south. Differences in the importance of specific drivers are related to species ecological traits: climate is more important for determining the abundance of species that have larger global ranges or a smaller body mass.

Main conclusions

Abundances of species occurring in northern Europe, an area predicted to experience climatic changes of high magnitude, are most sensitive to climate, particularly temperature. Given the greater confidence in future projections of temperature than precipitation, this increases confidence in projections of the impacts of climate change on species in the north, whilst attempts to predict future populations in central and southern Europe may be dependent on less predictable changes in land use and precipitation.
“Jetzt kommt das Leben”: The Technological Body in Alfred Döblin'sBerge Meere und Giganten
Authors: Gelderloos Carl
Published: September 2015

In his science fiction novel from 1924,Berge Meere und Giganten, Alfred DÖblin reconfigures the trope of the technological body to critique a notion of subjectivity that situates the sovereign self within the unbroken contours of the individual body. In its portrayal of futuristic technologies that rupture the bounds of the human body, DÖblin's novel mirrors his programmatic rejection of the autonomous individual. Yet in contrast to the technophilic anti‐psychologism exemplified in the avant‐garde trope of the armored body, inBerge Meere und GigantenDÖblin deploys this trope to depict a subjectivity that is distributed according to the ecological relationship of the body to the environment, thereby reworking the relationship between subjectivity and collectivity. DÖblin's oft‐neglected science fiction novel is thus not only key to understanding the underlying relationship in his work between avant‐garde critique and philosophical monism: it also offers a novel point of entry into Weimar‐era technological discourse.
Crystal Structure of Lu2.92Ce0.08MgAl3SiO12 Garnet Phosphor and Its Photoluminescent Properties
Authors: Cho Kyoungwon , Choi Jaeha , Mhin Sungwook , Kim Kang Min , Lee Jung‐Il , Ryu Jeong Ho
Published: September 2015

A novel Ce3+‐doped Lu3MgAl3SiO12 (LCMAS) phosphor was successfully synthesized by a conventional solid‐state reaction. The crystal structure of the LCMAS was characterized by Rietveld refinement. The broad emission spectra of the LCMAS were observed at 550 nm, and the temperature dependence on photoluminescence properties of the LCMAS was investigated. Also, the activation energy for thermal quenching was determined by Arrhenius fitting. The experimental results clearly indicate that the LCMAS phosphor has a great potential for the down‐conversion of yellow phosphor into white light‐emitting diodes.
Basal cell nevus syndrome: clinical and molecular review and case report
Authors: Pino Livia Cristina de Melo , Balassiano Laila Klotz de Almeida , Sessim Marlene , de Almeida Ana Paula Moura , Empinotti Vinicius Dequech , Semenovitch Ivan , Treu Curt , Lupi Omar
Published: September 2015

Basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS), also referred to as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome or Gorlin–Goltz syndrome, was first described by Gorlin and Goltz in 1960 as an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the early appearance of multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), keratocysts of the jaw, ectopic calcifications, palmar and plantar pits, and anomalies of the ocular, skeletal, and reproductive systems. The genesis of this cancer's etiology in relation to BCNS was unclear until a few years ago when molecular analysis studies suggested a relationship between BCC and the loss‐of‐function mutations of the patched gene (PTCH) found on chromosome arm 9q. PTCH inhibits signaling by the membrane protein Smoothened (Smo), and this inhibition is relieved by binding sonic hedgehog (SHH) to PTCH. We describe a patient with multiple BCCs associated with x‐ray anomalies of BCNS and review the basis of the SHH signaling pathway and clinical aspects of BCNS.
Restoring Congenitally Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors Using Zirconia‐Based Resin Bonded Prostheses
Authors: Stylianou Antigoni , Liu Perng‐Ru , O'Neal Sandra J , Essig Milton E
Published: September 2015

Objective

This clinical report describes an alternative treatment modality for the replacement of congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors in a 17‐year‐old patient.

Clinical Considerations

Zirconia‐based resin‐bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPDs) were selected as a viable and conservative treatment option in a young individual with highly aesthetic expectations. Fabrication of all‐ceramic RBFPDs followed specific preparation design and features to accommodate two retainers. The zirconia frameworks with bilateral wings were digitally designed and then milled by a computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)‐controlled milling machine. Zirconia surface was treated with a two‐step chairside tribochemical silica‐coating/silane coupling surface treatment protocol, and adhesive resin luting cement was used to achieve micromechanical and chemical bonding. Completion of the treatment resulted in a functional and aesthetic successful outcome and a 17‐month follow‐up presented uneventful.

Conclusion

Contemporary adhesive techniques involving resin‐bonded zirconia‐based prostheses can be utilized successfully and predictably in young patients with single missing teeth when implant therapy is currently not a treatment of choice and a less invasive approach is desired.

Clinical Significance

The zirconia‐based resin‐bonded prosthesis constitutes a viable and conservative treatment modality for the replacement of missing teeth either congenitally or from another etiology in young patients in which implant therapy and a fixed partial denture are currently contraindicated.
Protective Effect of Fish Gelatin‐Based Natural Antimicrobial Coatings on Quality of Indian Salmon Fillets during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Thaker Mayuri , Hanjabam Mandakini Devi , Gudipati Venkateshwarlu , Kannuchamy Nagalakshmi
Published: September 2015

The present study was carried out to examine the effect of gelatin‐based coating solutions enriched with natural preservative agents like chitosan, garlic (Allium sativum) and lime (Citrus aurantifolia) on quality and shelf life of refrigerated fresh Indian salmon (Eleutheronema tetradactylum) fillets. Three different coating solutions were prepared (T1: 10% gelatin; T2: 10% gelatin + 1.5% chitosan + 30% lime juice; T3: 10% gelatin + 1.5% chitosan + 30% garlic extract) and evaluated for antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity of coating solutions was evaluated against eight fishborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria by agar well diffusion and micro broth dilution methods. The coating formula was found to be highly efficient in extending the shelf life of Indian salmon fillets up to 16 days in refrigerated storage by dip treatment. Among the three different treatments, garlic containing coating solution (T3) was found to be the best in extending the shelf life of fish fillets.

Practical Applications

The need for natural edible coatings in food industry is of great demand and it is challenging to have natural compounds exhibiting better preservative role as comparable with chemical preservatives. The present study evidenced that edible coatings made of gelatin, chitosan and garlic/lime extracts exhibit preservative action and extend the shelf life of fish fillets.
Bread Supplementation with Hemp Seed Cake: A By‐Product of Hemp Oil Processing
Authors: Pojić Milica , Dapčević Hadnađev Tamara , Hadnađev Miroslav , Rakita Slađana , Brlek Tea
Published: September 2015

Hemp seed cake remaining after oil pressing was processed in the laboratory conditions to obtain hemp flour that influence the rheological properties of wheat dough, and the quality of bread was studied. The obtained hemp flour was mixed with wheat flour at different hemp/wheat flour ratios (0/100, 5/95, 10/90 and 20/80). The obtained results indicated that hemp flour affected water absorption and dough development time, and consequently bread volume, color and structural and textural properties of bread crumb regardless of the level of substitution. However, the presence of hemp flour in formulation, as being nongluten flour, did not necessarily distort all rheological properties. In this context, dough stability and dough strength were not significantly affected by the addition of hemp flour up to 10%, whereas substitution level of 20% resulted in the decrease (P < 0.05) of these parameters. Bread supplemented with hemp flour had higher nutritional value and provided elevated intake of important nutrients such as proteins and macro‐ and microelements, especially iron.

Practical Applications

Recent scientific research indicated that hemp seed is a source of valuable nutrients, so it is recognized as one of nature's perfect balanced foods. In order to fulfill the requirements of sustainable food processing, the reutilization of food waste is a common issue especially due to the fact that food waste is rich in proteins, dietary fibers, antioxidants, colorants and other nutrients. In that sense, oilseed meals that remain after oil cold pressing have been recognized as one of the most valuable sources of proteins. One of the promising but not widely investigated cold‐pressed seed meals is that which remains after cold pressing of hemp seeds known as hemp flour. Obtained results showed that the breads supplemented with hemp flour had higher nutritional value providing elevated intake of important nutrients such as proteins and macro‐ and microelements, especially iron, while reducing the metabolizable energy from carbohydrates.
Bone histology in extant and fossil penguins (Aves: Sphenisciformes)
Authors: Ksepka Daniel T. , Werning Sarah , Sclafani Michelle , Boles Zachary M.
Published: September 2015

Substantial changes in bone histology accompany the secondary adaptation to life in the water. This transition is well documented in several lineages of mammals and non‐avian reptiles, but has received relatively little attention in birds. This study presents new observations on the long bone microstructure of penguins, based on histological sections from two extant taxa (Spheniscus and Aptenodytes) and eight fossil specimens belonging to stem lineages (†Palaeospheniscus and several indeterminate Eocene taxa). High bone density in penguins results from compaction of the internal cortical tissues, and thus penguin bones are best considered osteosclerotic rather than pachyostotic. Although the oldest specimens sampled in this study represent stages of penguin evolution that occurred at least 25 million years after the loss of flight, major differences in humeral structure were observed between these Eocene stem taxa and extant taxa. This indicates that the modification of flipper bone microstructure continued long after the initial loss of flight in penguins. It is proposed that two key transitions occurred during the shift from the typical hollow avian humerus to the dense osteosclerotic humerus in penguins. First, a reduction of the medullary cavity occurred due to a decrease in the amount of perimedullary osteoclastic activity. Second, a more solid cortex was achieved by compaction. In extant penguins and †Palaeospheniscus, most of the inner cortex is formed by rapid osteogenesis, resulting an initial latticework of woven‐fibered bone. Subsequently, open spaces are filled by slower, centripetal deposition of parallel‐fibered bone. Eocene stem penguins formed the initial latticework, but the subsequent round of compaction was less complete, and thus open spaces remained in the adult bone. In contrast to the humerus, hindlimb bones from Eocene stem penguins had smaller medullary cavities and thus higher compactness values compared with extant taxa. Although cortical lines of arrested growth have been observed in extant penguins, none was observed in any of the current sampled specimens. Therefore, it is likely that even these ‘giant’ penguin taxa completed their growth cycle without a major pause in bone deposition, implying that they did not undergo a prolonged fasting interval before reaching adult size.
Scar‐free cutaneous wound healing in the leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius
Authors: Peacock Hanna M. , Gilbert Emily A. B. , Vickaryous Matthew K.
Published: September 2015

Cutaneous wounds heal with two possible outcomes: scarification or near‐perfect integumentary restoration. Whereas scar formation has been intensively investigated, less is known about the tissue‐level events characterising wounds that spontaneously heal scar‐free, particularly in non‐foetal amniotes. Here, a spatiotemporal investigation of scar‐free cutaneous wound healing following full‐thickness excisional biopsies to the tail and body of leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) is provided. All injuries healed without scarring. Cutaneous repair involves the development of a cell‐rich aggregate within the wound bed, similar to scarring wounds. Unlike scar formation, scar‐free healing involves a more rapid closure of the wound epithelium, and a delay in blood vessel development and collagen deposition within the wound bed. It was found that, while granulation tissue of scarring wounds is hypervascular, scar‐free wound healing conspicuously does not involve a period of exuberant blood vessel formation. In addition, during scar‐free wound healing the newly formed blood vessels are typically perivascular cell‐supported. Immunohistochemistry revealed widespread expression of both the pro‐angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor A and the anti‐angiogenic factor thrombospondin‐1 within the healing wound. It was found that scar‐free wound healing is an intrinsic property of leopard gecko integument, and involves a modulation of the cutaneous scar repair program. This proportional revascularisation is an important factor in scar‐free wound healing.
‘A short time but a lovely little short time’: Bereaved parents' experiences of having a child with spinal muscular atrophy type 1
Authors: Higgs Emily J , McClaren Belinda J , Sahhar Margaret AR , Ryan Monique M , Forbes Robin
Published: September 2015

Aim

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 is a relatively common, untreatable and invariably fatal neuromuscular disorder of early childhood. Psychosocial care is vital in management of families affected by this disease. There are few studies examining the impact of having a family member with a neuromuscular disorder, and none describing parents' experiences of having a child with SMA type 1. This study explored parents' perspectives of having a child with SMA type 1, from diagnosis to bereavement, in order to inform clinical practice by identifying aspects most meaningful to parents and to aid development of support strategies.

Methods

This qualitative study undertook thematic analysis of 11 in‐depth interviews with 13 bereaved parents of children with SMA type 1.

Results

While individuals' experiences were unique, common themes emerging from the data include: experiencing shock and anticipatory grief, processing feelings of responsibility and helplessness, experiencing multiple losses including the loss of future reproductive freedom, feeling supported, regaining a sense of control by making decisions about the child's life and death, and finding peace in the dying process.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the care of such families, including psychosocial support beginning from the time of diagnosis and continuing to bereavement. We suggest areas for further exploration, with a goal to develop family‐centred and evidence‐based psychosocial care guidelines to complement the current Standards of Care for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
A single night of partial sleep loss impairs fasting insulin sensitivity but does not affect cephalic phase insulin release in young men
Authors: Cedernaes Jonathan , Lampola Lauri , Axelsson Emil K. , Liethof Lisanne , Hassanzadeh Sara , Yeganeh Adine , Broman Jan‐Erik , Schiöth Helgi B. , Benedict Christian
Published: September 2015

The present study sought to investigate whether a single night of partial sleep deprivation (PSD) would alter fasting insulin sensitivity and cephalic phase insulin release (CPIR) in humans. A rise in circulating insulin in response to food‐related sensory stimulation may prepare tissues to break down ingested glucose, e.g. by stimulating rate‐limiting glycolytic enzymes. In addition, given insulin's anorexigenic properties once it reaches the brain, the CPIR may serve as an early peripheral satiety signal. Against this background, in the present study 16 men participated in two separate sessions: one night of PSD (4.25 h sleep) versus one night of full sleep (8.5 h sleep). In the morning following each sleep condition, subjects’ oral cavities were rinsed with a 1‐molar sucrose solution for 45 s, preceded and followed by blood sampling for repeated determination of plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations (−3, +3, +5, +7, +10 and +20 min). Our main result was that PSD, compared with full sleep, was associated with significantly higher peripheral insulin resistance, as indicated by a higher fasting homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (+16%, P = 0.025). In contrast, no CPIR was observed in any of the two sleep conditions. Our findings indicate that a single night of PSD is already sufficient to impair fasting insulin sensitivity in healthy men. In contrast, brief oral cavity rinsing with sucrose solution did not change serum insulin concentrations, suggesting that a blunted CPIR is an unlikely mechanism through which acute sleep loss causes metabolic perturbations during morning hours in humans.
Screening and classification of ordinary chondrites by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Pittarello Lidia , Baert Kitty , Debaille Vinciane , Claeys Philippe
Published: September 2015

Classification of ordinary chondrite meteorites generally implies (1) determining the chemical group by the composition in endmembers of olivine and pyroxene, and (2) identifying the petrologic group by microstructural features. The composition of olivine and pyroxene is commonly obtained by microprobe analyses or oil immersion of mineral separates. We propose Raman spectroscopy as an alternative technique to determine the endmember content of olivine and pyroxene in ordinary chondrites, by using the link between the wavelength shift of selected characteristic peaks in the spectra of olivine and pyroxene and the Mg/Fe ratio in these phases. The existing correlation curve has been recalculated from the Raman spectrum of reference minerals of known composition and further refined for the range of chondritic compositions. Although the technique is not as accurate as the microprobe for determining the composition of olivine and pyroxene, for most of the samples the chemical group can be easily determined by Raman spectroscopy. Blind tests with ordinary chondrites of different provenance, weathering, and shock stages have confirmed the potential of the method. Therefore, we suggest that a preliminary screening and the classification of most of the equilibrated ordinary chondrites can be carried out using an optical microscope equipped with a Raman spectrometer.
Differentiation processes in FeO‐rich asteroids revealed by the achondrite Lewis Cliff 88763
Authors: Day James M. D. , Corder Christopher A. , Rumble Douglas , Assayag Nelly , Cartigny Pierre , Taylor Lawrence A.
Published: September 2015

Olivine‐dominated (70–80 modal %) achondrite meteorite Lewis Cliff (LEW) 88763 originated from metamorphism and limited partial melting of a FeO‐rich parent body. The meteorite experienced some alteration on Earth, evident from subchondritic Re/Os, and redistribution of rhenium within the sample. LEW 88763 is texturally similar to winonaites, has a Δ17O value of −1.19 ± 0.10‰, and low bulk‐rock Mg/(Mg+Fe) (0.39), similar to the FeO‐rich cumulate achondrite Northwest Africa (NWA) 6693. The similar bulk‐rock major‐, minor‐, and trace‐element abundances of LEW 88763, relative to some carbonaceous chondrites, including ratios of Pd/Os, Pt/Os, Ir/Os, and 187Os/188Os (0.1262), implies a FeO‐ and volatile‐rich precursor composition. Lack of fractionation of the rare earth elements, but a factor of approximately two lower highly siderophile element abundances in LEW 88763, compared with chondrites, implies limited loss of Fe‐Ni‐S melts during metamorphism and anatexis. These results support the generation of high Fe/Mg, sulfide, and/or metal‐rich partial melts from FeO‐rich parent bodies during partial melting. In detail, however, LEW 88763 cannot be a parent composition to any other meteorite sample, due to highly limited silicate melt loss (0 to <<5%). As such, LEW 88763 represents the least‐modified FeO‐rich achondrite source composition recognized to date and is distinct from all other meteorites. LEW 88763 should be reclassified as an anomalous achondrite that experienced limited Fe,Ni‐FeS melt loss. Lewis Cliff 88763, combined with a growing collection of FeO‐rich meteorites, such as brachinites, brachinite‐like achondrites, the Graves Nunataks (GRA) 06128/9 meteorites, NWA 6693, and Tafassasset, has important implications for understanding the initiation of planetary differentiation. Specifically, regardless of precursor compositions, partial melting and differentiation processes appear to be similar on asteroidal bodies spanning a range of initial oxidation states and volatile contents.