bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review of antenatal dietary and lifestyle interventions in women with a normal body mass index
Authors: O'Brien Cecelia M. , Grivell Rosalie M. , Dodd Jodie M.
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Women who commence pregnancy with a normal body mass index (BMI) are at the greatest risk of excessive gestational weight gain, impacting on infant birthweight, pregnancy‐related complications and postpartum weight retention. Our aim was to review systematically the effect of antenatal dietary and lifestyle interventions in pregnant women with a normal BMI on maternal and infant outcomes. Material and methods. We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, PubMed, Medline, and the Australian and International Clinical Trials Registry with the date of the last search in July 2015. We included all published, unpublished and ongoing randomized trials recruiting women of a normal BMI, comparing dietary and/or lifestyle interventions with standard antenatal care. Results. Twelve randomized controlled trials were identified, involving a total of 2713 pregnant women, with five studies reporting clinical data for 714 women with a normal BMI. Women who received a dietary and lifestyle intervention were less likely to experience gestational weight gain [four studies, 446 women; mean difference −1.25 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI) −2.39 to −0.11], weight gain above the Institute of Medicine guidelines (four studies, 446 women; risk ratio 0.66; 95% CI 0.53–0.83) and hypertension (two studies; 243 women; risk ratio 0.34; 95% CI 0.13–0.91). There were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence of gestational diabetes, cesarean section or birthweight greater than 4 kg. Conclusions. While providing an antenatal dietary and lifestyle intervention for pregnant women of normal BMI appears to reduce gestational weight gain, the review was limited by the relatively small available sample size. Further well‐designed randomized controlled trials are required.
Antecedents of inflammation biomarkers in preterm newborns on days 21 and 28
Authors: Leviton Alan , Allred Elizabeth N. , Fichorova Raina N. , Kuban Karl C.K. , O'Shea T. Michael , Dammann Olaf ,   the ELGAN Study Investigators
Published: November 2015

Aim

Most studies of systemic inflammation in very preterm newborns focus on assessments made during the first two weeks. The purpose of this study was to identify some of the antecedents of systemic inflammation evident during postnatal weeks three and four.

Methods

We measured the protein concentrations in blood spots collected on postnatal days 21 (N = 176) and 28 (N = 157) from infants born before the 28th week of gestation and sought correlates of measurements in the top quartile. Odds ratios of elevated concentrations were calculated for the most obvious correlates.

Results

Infants born for maternal and foetal indications were more likely than their peers to have top quartile concentrations of IL‐beta, IL‐8, TNF‐alpha and ICAM‐1 on both days 21 and 28. Similarly, infants whose birthweight Z‐score was <−2 or between −1 and −2 were also more likely than their peers to have elevated concentrations of these proteins.

Conclusion

Markers of systemic inflammation in the very preterm newborn during the third and fourth postnatal weeks are most strongly associated with maternal and foetal indications for (very preterm) delivery and their common correlate/consequence, foetal growth restriction.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: mucosal healing is associated with improved long‐term outcomes in Crohn's disease
Authors: Shah S. C. , Colombel J.‐F. , Sands B. E. , Narula N.
Published: November 2015

Background

Clinical manifestations of Crohn's disease (CD) do not reliably correlate with endoscopic activity. While treating to achieve clinical remission (CR) has neither proven to improve CD outcomes nor alter the natural disease course, it is unclear whether targeting objective measures like mucosal healing (MH) is associated with improved long‐term outcomes.

Aim

To perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing long‐term outcomes in active CD patients who achieve MH compared to those who do not.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search to identify studies with prospective cohorts of active CD patients that included outcomes of patients who achieved MH at first endoscopic assessment (MH1) compared to those who did not. The primary outcome was long‐term (≥50 weeks) CR. Secondary outcomes included CD‐related surgery‐free rate, hospitalisation‐free rate and long‐term MH rate. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results

Twelve studies with 673 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients achieving MH1 had a pooled OR of 2.80 (95%CI, 1.91–4.10) for achieving long‐term CR, 2.22 (95%CI, 0.86–5.69) for CD‐related surgery‐free rate, and 14.30 (95%CI, 5.57–36.74) for long‐term MH. Sensitivity analyses suggested no difference in outcomes if MH1 was achieved on biologics vs. non‐biologics. No significant publication bias or heterogeneity was detected.

Conclusions

Achieving MH1 is associated with increased rates of long‐term clinical remission, and maintenance of mucosal healing in active Crohn's disease and may therefore be a reasonable therapeutic target.
Herbage intake and ruminal digestion of dairy cows grazed on perennial ryegrass pasture either in the morning or evening
Authors: Ueda Koichiro , Mitani Tomohiro , Kondo Seiji
Published: November 2015

This study aimed to clarify diurnal fluctuations of herbage intake, ruminal fermentation of herbage carbohydrates and proteins, and digesta particulate weight in the rumen of grazing dairy cows. Six ruminally cannulated, non‐lactating dairy cows were grazed on perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture either in the morning (04.00 to 08.00 hours) or the evening (16.00 to 20.00 hours). Cows grazed in the evening spent more time (P < 0.01) and consumed more herbage (P < 0.01) compared with cows grazed in the morning. Higher (P < 0.05) daily mean concentrations of total volatile fatty acid, propionate and n‐butyrate in rumen fluid were observed for cows grazed in the evening compared with cows grazed in the morning. Although cows grazed in the evening ingested more crude protein compared with cows grazed in the morning, no significant difference in NH3‐N concentration in rumen fluid was observed between them. The ratio of purine‐derivative concentration to creatinine concentrations was higher (P < 0.01) in the urine of cows grazed in the evening than in cows grazed in the morning. These results clearly indicated that evening grazing was advantageous for dairy cows compared with morning grazing, in terms of ruminal fermentable energy intake and nitrogen utilization efficiency.
Relationship of rumen fill and fermentation to diurnal and seasonal variation of herbage intake in dairy cows grazed on perennial ryegrass pasture
Authors: Ueda Koichiro , Mitani Tomohiro , Kondo Seiji
Published: November 2015

To clarify the effect of digesta weight in the reticulorumen on diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in herbage intake, six ruminally cannulated, non‐lactating dairy cows were grazed on perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture during morning and evening sessions in spring and autumn. The digesta weight of fresh matter, dry matter (DM) and fiber in the reticulorumen at the beginning and the end of each grazing session was lower in spring than in autumn (P < 0.01). Although the digesta weight was similar between the sessions at the beginning of grazing, it was greater for the evening than for the morning at the end of grazing (P < 0.01). The large particles proportion in the digesta was lower for the morning than the evening (P < 0.01), and it was lower in spring than in autumn (P < 0.01). The concentrations of volatile fatty acids in rumen fluid were generally higher in spring compared with autumn. The herbage DM intake during the evening was greater compared with the morning in both seasons (P < 0.01). However, there was no difference in herbage DM intake between seasons. The results showed that the rumen digesta fill was not the sole factor explaining diurnal and seasonal variation of herbage intake in grazing dairy cows.
Routine measurement of plasma chromogranin B has limited clinical utility in the management of patients with neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Monaghan P.J. , Lamarca A. , Valle J.W. , Hubner R.A. , Mansoor W. , Trainer P.J. , Darby D.
Published: November 2015

Objective

Chromogranin A (CgA) and B (CgB) are markers for monitoring disease status in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). These are specialized diagnostic tests often necessitating referral of specimens to a supraregional assay service (SAS) laboratory for analysis. The aim of this audit was to assess whether measurement of either plasma CgA or CgB alone provides sufficient clinical information in comparison with the current practice of measuring both markers together.

Design

A retrospective analysis was undertaken for all chromogranin tests requested for patients with a known NET diagnosis. Results were categorized based on whether plasma concentrations were elevated for one or both CgA and CgB.

Results

A total of 325 sequential patients with a NET diagnosis had plasma chromogranin levels measured during the period of review. Baseline CgA was elevated in 60·9% of patients. Isolated elevations in CgA (with normal CgB) were found in 44·9% of patients, whilst combined elevations in both CgA and CgB were found in 16% of patients. Combined CgA and CgB concentrations within the normal range were observed for 38·5% of patients. Only two patients (0·6%) had an isolated elevation in CgB at baseline. Both patients had a diagnosis of pancreatic NET and were radiologically stable. Plasma CgA and CgB corresponded with disease stage (localized vs metastatic). CgB in addition to CgA did not provide any significant improvement in diagnostic performance for identification of metastatic disease compared to CgA alone.

Conclusions

Based on this NET population and specific assay performance characteristics, CgA alone provides sufficient information for the management of NET patients; the routine estimation of CgB in all patients is not informative in clinical practice.
Systematic review of chronic pain in persons with Marfan syndrome
Authors: Velvin G. , Bathen T. , Rand‐Hendriksen S. , Geirdal A.Ø.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this study was to explore the literature on chronic pain in adults with Marfan syndrome (MFS), critically appraising and synthesizing relevant literature. A systematic review was conducted by searching the published literature databases using available medical, physical, psychological, social databases and other sources. All studies that addressed pain in MFS, published in peer‐reviewed journals were assessed. Of 351 search results, 18 articles satisfied the eligibility criteria. All studies were cross‐sectional and quantitative; no randomized controlled trials or intervention studies were found. Most studies had small sample sizes, low response rates and mainly dealt with other aspects of the diagnosis than pain. Only one article dealt mainly with pain. The research on chronic pain in MFS is limited in size and quality. Despite these limitations, studies describe that the prevalence of pain in patients with MFS is high, varying from 47 to 92% and affecting several anatomic sites. In addition, chronic pain limits daily function and few studies describe treatment options for pain in patients with MFS. Research is needed to obtain more evidence‐based knowledge for developing more appropriate rehabilitation programs for people with MFS.
Extraction of juglone from Pterocarya fraxinifolia leaves for dyeing, anti‐fungal finishing, and solar UV protection of wool
Authors: Ebrahimi Izadyar , Parvinzadeh Gashti Mazeyar
Published: November 2015

In many countries, the search for new sources of natural colourants has recently been intense. This paper deals with the extraction procedure, dyeing behaviour, antifungal activity, and ultraviolet protection of Pterocarya fraxinifolia as a new natural source of dyes. Juglone was found as the main extracted compound after characterisation by ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Mordanting and subsequent dyeing of wool with extracted juglone were then performed to study the dyeability and antifungal activities. Three metal salts, aluminium sulfate, copper sulfate, and iron sulfate, were used as chelating materials. The colorimetric properties of samples were evaluated using a reflectance spectrophotometer. Furthermore, the washing and light fastness properties were tested according to ISO 105‐CO3:1989 and ISO 105‐B01:2014. Interestingly, we found P. fraxinifolia to be a source of strong antifungal compounds against microorganisms. Extracted juglone also exhibited strong protection activity against solar ultraviolet rays.
Eltonian shortfall due to the Grinnellian view: functional ecology between the mismatch of niche concepts
Authors: Rosado Bruno H. P. , Figueiredo Marcos S. L. , de Mattos Eduardo A. , Grelle Carlos E. V.
Published: November 2015

A number of recognized shortfalls currently exist in biology. They are related to 1) a disparity between the species described and the actual number of species; 2) uncertainties in species’ geographical distribution; 3) scarcity of species abundance data and 4) a lack of evolutionary data. Here, we discuss how attempts to solve the Eltonian shortfall (scarcity of knowledge about intra‐ and interspecific interactions, responses of species to environment and the effects of species on ecosystems) based on functional ecology must be aware of the pitfalls of using a Grinnellian view (broad scale) to address local questions (Eltonian scale). Since the characterization of species’ requirements and their effects on the environment (Eltonian niche) is based on functional traits, it is important to recognize that the Grinnellian niche is focused on the requirements but not the effect of species on a given habitat. By neglecting the dichotomy between the Eltonian and Grinnellian niches, choosing traits based on large‐scale datasets to address local questions to describe the niche of a species may lead to two pitfalls. The first applies to situations where traits that may predict potential distribution and coexistence at large scales (Grinnellian view) are often not suitable for explaining coexistence at local scales (Eltonian view). Since the Eltonian niche comprises the requirements and impacts of species at a local scale, the second pitfall is that the selection of traits only based on their significance at coarse scales may ignore the distinction between response and effect traits. We present a theoretical framework that explores the Eltonian shortfall, and discuss possible solutions. We provide a conceptual basis to aid in the choice of traits with respect to niche concepts and population ecology for dealing with the Eltonian shortfall.
Barriers to salmon migration impact body condition, offspring size, and life history variation in an avian consumer
Authors: Tonra Christopher M. , Sager‐Fradkin Kimberly , Marra Peter P.
Published: November 2015

The impacts of barriers, such as dams, and associated stream effects on the migration of salmon have been well documented, but there is much less information on consequences for terrestrial vertebrates in these freshwater systems. Salmon themselves provide food resources to higher trophic levels and deposit rich marine‐derived nutrients (MDN) that benefit the base of freshwater food webs. We studied a higher‐order terrestrial consumer of aquatic prey, the American dipper Cinclus mexicanus, in a riparian food web, to test the hypothesis that barriers to salmon migration negatively impact body condition, and ultimately life history. We predicted that, compared to dippers breeding above barriers, those in areas with salmon would receive MDN and thus be in better condition, have greater breeding effort (frequency of multiple brood attempts), produce larger offspring in better condition, be more likely to maintain year‐round territories, and have higher annual survival. Using stable isotopes as signatures of MDN, we found that 13C and 15N were more enriched in dippers below barriers, confirming access to MDN. Female dippers below barriers had greater mass corrected for body size, were more likely to attempt multiple broods within a season and produced larger female offspring. Furthermore, dippers below barriers were more likely to maintain year‐round territories and had higher annual survival. Our results demonstrate how river barriers such as dams influence vital rates and life histories of higher‐order consumers.
Changes in quality of life and disease‐related symptoms in patients with polycythemia vera receiving ruxolitinib or standard therapy
Authors: Mesa Ruben , Verstovsek Srdan , Kiladjian Jean‐Jacques , Griesshammer Martin , Masszi Tamas , Durrant Simon , Passamonti Francesco , Harrison Claire N. , Pane Fabrizio , Zachee Pierre , Zhen Huiling , Jones Mark M. , Parasuraman Shreekant , Li Jingjin , Côté Isabelle , Habr Dany , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

Polycythemia vera (PV)‐related symptoms may not be adequately controlled with conventional therapy. This current analysis of the RESPONSE trial evaluated the effects of ruxolitinib compared with standard therapy on quality of life (QoL) and symptoms in patients with PV who were hydroxyurea resistant/intolerant.

Methods

In the previously reported primary analysis, ruxolitinib achieved the primary composite endpoint of hematocrit control and ≥35% reduction in spleen volume at Week 32. The current analysis evaluated patient‐reported outcomes using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Core 30 (EORTC QLQ‐C30), the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN‐SAF), the Pruritus Symptom Impact Scale (PSIS), and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC).

Results

Compared with standard therapy, ruxolitinib was associated with greater improvements in global health status/QoL, functional subscales, and individual symptom scores of the EORTC QLQ‐C30. At Week 32, more patients in the ruxolitinib arm (44%) achieved a ≥10‐point improvement in global health status/QoL vs. standard therapy (9%). Improvements in MPN‐SAF symptom scores were consistent with improvements in EORTC QLQ‐C30, PSIS, and PGIC scores.

Conclusions

Ruxolitinib provides clinically relevant improvements in QoL and ameliorates symptom burden in patients with PV who are hydroxyurea resistant/intolerant.
Gait as a biomarker of cognitive impairment and dementia syndromes. Quo vadis?
Authors: Montero‐Odasso M.
Published: November 2015

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Health‐related behaviors and comorbidities in people with epilepsy: Changes in the past decade
Authors: Roberts Jodie I. , Patten Scott B. , Wiebe Samuel , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Pringsheim Tamara , Jetté Nathalie
Published: November 2015

Objective

We aimed to explore the patterns of health‐related behaviors (HRBs) such as smoking and physical activity in people with epilepsy in the community and examine whether behaviors have changed over the past decade.

Methods

We conducted a repeated cross‐sectional study using data from a series of five cycles (2001–2011) of the Canadian Community Health Survey, a national population‐based survey. The proportions and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for HRBs and comorbidities in people with epilepsy (PWE) compared to respondents without epilepsy were calculated for each survey over the 10‐year period, and estimates were examined for changes over time.

Results

The study included 522,722 participants of whom 3,220 (0.6%) had epilepsy. The proportion of PWE who did not participate in physical activity decreased over time (2001 = 17.2%, 2010/2011 = 8.5%), as did the proportion of PWE who smoked cigarettes (2001 = 32.3%, 2010/2011 = 18.0%). PWE had consistently reduced alcohol consumption in comparison to the general population. Fewer than half of participants met the recommended daily guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption. An apparent reduction in the prevalence of heart disease occurred in PWE (2001 = 11.7%, 2010/2011 = 4.0%), but not in people without epilepsy; however, similar trends were not observed for other cardiovascular comorbidities studied.

Significance

Apparent improvements in smoking cessation and physical activity occurred in PWE. Despite these improvements, physicians should continue to counsel their patients on the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. Further exploration into the reasons for the apparent decrease in the prevalence of heart disease in PWE is warranted.
Mining continuous intracranial EEG in focal canine epilepsy: Relating interictal bursts to seizure onsets
Authors: Davis Kathryn A. , Ung Hoameng , Wulsin Drausin , Wagenaar Joost , Fox Emily , Patterson Ned , Vite Charles , Worrell Gregory , Litt Brian
Published: November 2015

Objective

Brain regions are localized for resection during epilepsy surgery based on rare seizures observed during a short period of intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) monitoring. Interictal epileptiform bursts, which are more prevalent than seizures, may provide complementary information to aid in epilepsy evaluation. In this study, we leverage a long‐term iEEG dataset from canines with naturally occurring epilepsy to investigate interictal bursts and their electrographic relationship to seizures.

Methods

Four dogs were included in this study, each monitored previously with continuous iEEG for periods of 475.7, 329.9, 45.8, and 451.8 days, respectively, for a total of >11,000 h. Seizures and bursts were detected and validated by two board‐certified epileptologists. A published Bayesian model was applied to analyze the dynamics of interictal epileptic bursts on EEG and compare them to seizures.

Results

In three dogs, bursts were stereotyped and found to be statistically similar to periods before or near seizure onsets. Seizures from one dog during status epilepticus were markedly different from other seizures in terms of burst similarity.

Significance

Shorter epileptic bursts explored in this work have the potential to yield significant information about the distribution of epileptic events. In our data, bursts are at least an order of magnitude more prevalent than seizures and occur much more regularly. Our finding that bursts often display pronounced similarity to seizure onsets suggests that they contain relevant information about the epileptic networks from which they arise and may aide in the clinical evaluation of epilepsy in patients.
Endodontic instrumentation and root filling procedures: effect on mechanical integrity of dentin
Authors: Shemesh Hagay
Published: November 2015

Vertical root fractures are a major reason for extraction of endodontically treated teeth and teeth after root canal treatment are more prone to fracture compared to untreated teeth. One suggested reason for this difference is the destructive effects of some files and filling methods used during root canal treatment. However, most studies that investigated the effects of specific instrumentation and filling methodologies on the root canal walls are in vitro destructive experiments and a concern has lately been raised on the clinical relevancy of the results of these studies. Novel non‐destructive methodologies and a cadaver study recently tried to challenge the concept of dentinal defects caused by instrumentation alone. This article presents an overview of the various studies conducted on the effect of endodontic procedures on the appearance of dental defects and will critically examine the evidence in light of the relevant literature.
Longitudinal tooth cracks and fractures: an update and review
Authors: Rivera Eric M. , Walton Richard E.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this updated review is to further discuss the diagnostic and treatment challenges related to tooth cracks and fractures that occur primarily in the vertical plane, that is, the long axis of the crown and/or root. This includes when and how to identify and determine the category and the extent of the fracture, when a coronally reinforcing restoration should be placed, when root canal treatment is needed, and when a tooth or root should be extracted based on the location and extent of the fracture. The term “longitudinal” is used because they usually represent vertical extensions of cracks or fractures over distance and time. These often present problems with diagnosis and treatment, but should be considered as findings and not as a diagnosis per se. They are pathways for bacteria that may induce pulpal and periapical inflammation or disease. Longitudinal fractures are divided into five definitive classifications from generally least to most severe: (i) craze line; (ii) fractured cusp; (iii) cracked tooth; (iv) split tooth; and (v) vertical root fracture. These differ but have frequently been confused or combined in clinical articles, creating misunderstanding and resulting in incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. These classifications have been devised to provide global definitions that researchers and clinicians can use to eliminate this confusion. This review is subdivided into these five classifications as to incidence, pathogenesis, clinical features, etiologies, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention.
Critical appraisal of studies on dentinal radicular microcracks in endodontics: methodological issues, contemporary concepts, and future perspectives
Authors: A. Versiani Marco , Souza Erick , De‐Deus Gustavo
Published: November 2015

The dentinal radicular microcrack is a difficult clinical problem to diagnose and treat, and it is one of the most common reasons for tooth extraction. These microcracks start in the radicular dentin, and laboratory studies have linked crack formation to some routine endodontic procedures, namely root canal preparation, obturation, and retreatment. Most of these studies were performed using destructive methods, such as the sectioning technique, previously developed for the study of the internal anatomy of teeth. Nowadays, technological advances in the field of imaging may lead to a more thorough understanding of dentinal microcracks. This article seeks to critically appraise the methodological aspects involved in the study of dentinal radicular microcrack formation after root canal preparation, obturation, and retreatment.
Illicit drugs or medicines taken by parachuting
Authors: Daveluy Amélie , Géniaux Hélène , Eiden Céline , Boucher Alexandra , Chenaf Chouki , Deheul Sylvie , Spadari Michel , Gérardin Marie , Miremont‐Salamé Ghada , Haramburu Françoise ,   French Network of Addictovigilance Centres
Published: November 2015

Parachuting (also called bombing) is a method of drug delivery where illicit drugs or medicines are ingested after wrapping the substance. There are little data describing parachuting in the literature. To provide a description of this practice, all cases of parachuting reported to the national addictovigilance network up to 31 December 2014 were identified from spontaneous reports and specific surveillance programs. Cases were described according to the type of substance used, patient age and gender, type of complications, context of use and year of the event. Forty‐five cases of parachute use were identified and most (n = 43) occurred after 2011. Patients were mostly men (60%), and mean age was 28.9 years. The context of use, known in 19 cases, was mostly recreational. Complications were present in 24 cases, of which eight were serious. The substance was supposed to be 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in the majority of cases (64.4%); research chemicals were more involved in the most recent years. The physical form was mainly granular (51.6%). The wrappers were a cigarette paper (nine cases) and in one case plastic package; in the other cases, the term of parachute was used without further details. The reason for use was not explained in the majority of cases; two patients indicated using a parachute for faster effect than with a methadone capsule. Clinicians should be aware of this delivery form as the results suggest that it is common and can involve a great variability of drugs.
Atorvastatin acutely reduces the reactivity to spasmogens in rat aorta: implication of the inhibition of geranylgeranylation and MYPT‐1 phosphorylation
Authors: Alp Yildirim Fatoş İlkay , Kaleli Durman Deniz , Aypar Eda , Ark Mustafa , Özdemir Osman , Uydeş Doğan Birsel Sönmez
Published: November 2015

Statins are known to display benefits in various diseases independently from their cholesterol lowering properties. In this study, we investigated the acute effects of atorvastatin on vascular reactivity to various spasmogens in isolated rat aorta. The responses to noradrenaline (NA, 10−8–10−4 m), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1, 10−10–10−7 m), and potassium chloride (KCl, 10–100 mm) were evaluated in aortic rings pretreated with atorvastatin (10−7–10−4 m, 30 min). To verify the mechanism of action, the effects of atorvastatin were studied in the presence of cholesterol precursor, mevalonate (10−2 m, 45 min), mevalonate‐derived isoprenoids, namely geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP, 5 × 10−6 m, 30 min) and farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP, 5 × 10−6 m, 30 min), and in the absence of endothelium. In parallel, aortic rings were pretreated with the specific inhibitor of Rho kinase, Y‐27632 (10−7–10−6 m). Atorvastatin significantly and concentration‐dependently reduced the contractions to spasmogens in rat aorta. This acute inhibitory effect was also evident in endothelium‐denuded rings. Pretreatment with mevalonate and GGPP, but not with FPP, reversed the inhibitory effect of atorvastatin (10−4 m) on NA and ET‐1 induced contractions. Similar to atorvastatin, pretreatment with Y‐27632 inhibited the contractions to NA and KCl in a concentration‐dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that both atorvastatin (10−4 m) and Y‐27632 (10−6 m) pretreatment inhibited the phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit‐1 (MYPT‐1) triggered by NA, indicating an inhibitory influence on myosin phosphatase. In conclusion, atorvastatin displayed an acute inhibitory effect on vascular contractility evoked by various spasmogens and the inhibitory effect was possibly mediated by the inhibition of mevalonate and GGPP synthesis as well as the prevention of MYPT‐1 phosphorylation induced by Rho/Rho kinase.
Wild bees as pollinators of city trees
Authors: Hausmann Sebastian L. , Petermann Jana S. , Rolff Jens
Published: November 2015

Recent studies showed that diverse wild bee assemblages are more efficient pollinators than honeybees. In urban ecosystems pollination services are also important, for example for the reproduction of many plant species in parks, for the production of vegetables and fruits in home gardens, as well as other animals depending on bee‐pollinated plants.

This study investigates the effect of ‘urbanity’ on the abundance, species richness and community structure of wild bees foraging at city trees and quantifies the contribution of wild bees and honeybees to successful pollination. Four common city tree species in Berlin, Germany, were sampled in three parks defined as ‘green spaces’ and compared with trees in more ‘urban areas’.

In total, 57 wild bee species foraged at the observed trees representing 19 % of all known species in Berlin. Wild bee species richness showed only small differences between green spaces and urban areas even though social species were found more frequently in green areas. Wild bees visited flowers more frequently in green areas, whereas the numbers of honeybee flower visits were higher in urban areas. Wild bee but not honeybee flower visits showed a positive relationship with the reproductive success of trees.

The results suggest that wild bees are important pollinators of city trees that dominate the pollinator community in green spaces. To support wild bee communities green spaces should be preserved and tree species with floral reward should be planted and preserved in urban areas.
Interaction between mDia1 and ROCK in Rho‐induced migration and adhesion of human dental pulp cells
Authors: Cheng L. , Xu J. , Qian Y. Y. , Pan H. Y. , Yang H. , Shao M. Y. , Cheng R. , Hu T.
Published: November 2015

Aim

To investigate the effects of mammalian homologue of Drosophila diaphanous‐1(mDia1) and Rho‐associated coiled‐coil‐containing protein kinase (ROCK) on the migration and adhesion of dental pulp cells (DPCs).

Methodology

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) was used to activate Rho signalling. mDia1 and ROCK were inhibited by short interfering RNA and the specific inhibitor, Y‐27632, respectively. The migration of DPCs was assessed using the transwell migration assay and scratch test. Formation of cytoskeleton and focal adhesions(FAs) was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cell adhesion and spreading assays were performed. Phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin was detected by Western blotting, and the bands were analysed using Adobe Photoshop CS5 software. All experiments were performed at least three times, and data were analysed with one‐way anova and a post hoc test.

Results

LPA‐triggered activation of Rho and inhibition of ROCK significantly increased the cell migration rate. Cell migration was inhibited by silencing mDia1. mDia1 silencing and ROCK inhibition suppressed the LPA‐induced formation of the cytoskeleton, FA and phosphorylation of FAK and paxillin. Inhibition of ROCK or mDia1 facilitated early cell adhesion and spreading; by contrast, the combined inhibition of ROCK and mDia1 neutralized these effects.

Conclusions

mDia1 promoted RhoA‐induced migration of DPCs, but ROCK had an opposite effect. Both mDia1 and ROCK participated in cytoskeleton formation and adhesion of DPCs. The interactions between mDia1 and ROCK might influence dental pulp repair by determining the migration and adhesion of DPCs.
Physicochemical and structural characteristics of starches from Chinese hull‐less barley cultivars
Authors: Kong Xiangli , Kasapis Stefan , Zhu Ping , Sui Zhongquan , Bao Jinsong , Corke Harold
Published: November 2015

Fourteen hull‐less barley cultivars, collected from four major cultivated areas in China, were employed to investigate the structural and physicochemical properties of their starches in this study. Relatively wide variations in physicochemical properties of the starches were observed. Amylose content ranged from 23.1% to 30.0%, swelling power and water solubility index ranged from 12.8 to 19.9 g g−1 and 12.7% to 23.7% respectively. Peak viscosity was from 170 to 346 Rapid Visco Unit (RVU), peak temperature (Tp) of starch gelatinisation was from 55.6 to 61.8 °C and enthalpy of starch retrogradation ranged from 0.3 to 3.1 J g−1. Weight‐based chain‐length proportions of fa, fb1, fb2 and fb3 in amylopectins ranged from 21.65% to 24.95%, 44.48% to 49.44%, 15.56% to 17.19% and 9.83% to 16.66% respectively. Correlation analyses showed that amylose content was inversely related to pasting parameters and enthalpy of gelatinisation. Pasting properties and amylopectin structures were the most important parameters to differentiate starch properties among different hull‐less barley cultivars in this study. This work will be useful for exploring applications of Chinese hull‐less barley starches in food and non‐food industries.
Optimisation of supercritical CO2 extraction of grape seed oil using response surface methodology
Authors: Jokić Stela , Bijuk Marco , Aladić Krunoslav , Bilić Mate , Molnar Maja
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to use waste from the wine production process with special accent on grape seeds and new green technology. Supercritical CO2 was considered as a green solvent in extraction of grape seed oil. The effects of different extraction process parameters on oil yield and antioxidant activity were investigated. Extraction optimisation was conducted using response surface methodology (RSM). Extraction pressure has proven to be the most significant factor influencing oil yield and antioxidant activity (P < 0.0001). The optimal conditions for obtaining the highest oil yield and antioxidant activity within the experimental range of the variables studied were at extraction pressure of 400 bar and temperature of 41 °C. Under these optimal conditions, the predicted extraction oil yield was 14.49% and DPPH 37.07%. Applying this green extraction method, the oil from grape seeds was totally extracted. The produced oil was of satisfactory quality, and the content of α‐tocopherol in obtained grape seed oil at optimal extraction conditions was 36.05 mg kg−1.
Propuesta de indicadores SMARTER de trabajo decente para la agenda de desarrollo posterior a 2015
Authors: OSTERMEIER Martin , LINDE Sarah , LAY Jann , PREDIGER Sebastian
Published: November 2015

Los indicadores actuales de los ODM sobre empleo presentan deficiencias importantes, como problemas de medición, uso inadecuado de estadísticas agregadas, ambigüedad interpretativa y supuestos de base no aplicables a los países en desarrollo. Tratando de superar estos problemas, los autores proponen cuatro nuevos indicadores de empleo productivo y trabajo decente: el crecimiento de la contribución del trabajo al valor añadido por trabajador, la tasa de trabajadores pobres y los porcentajes de trabajadores que ganan menos de un ingreso laboral mínimo absoluto y relativo (el 60 por ciento de la mediana del ingreso laboral). Aplican empíricamente estos indicadores a los casos de Uganda y Perú.
Medición, estructura y efectos de la informalidad en una microeconomía
Authors: BESIM Mustafa , EKICI Tufan , JENKINS Glenn P.
Published: November 2015

En este artículo se mide el alcance del empleo informal y los ingresos no registrados que genera en una microeconomía caracterizada por una gobernanza deficiente. Se utilizan datos censales y de encuestas para estimar el número de trabajadores informales en Chipre Septentrional y analizar sus características durante el periodo 2004–2011. En su mayoría son nacionales no registrados en el régimen de seguridad social, inmigrantes ilegales o pluriempleados que no han declarado su segundo empleo. En términos de valor añadido, el tamaño estimado de la economía informal era del 9,1 y del 12,2 por ciento del PIB en 2006 y 2011, respectivamente.
Considering ‘post‐democracy’
Authors: Willis Andre C
Published: November 2015

Andre C Willis introduces our short section of papers on the meanings and implications of ‘post‐democracy’, a watchword of contemporary British political debates. How does this concept contrast, he asks, with many scholars' ‘romantic’ view of American democracy?
Post‐democracy: From the depoliticisation of citizens to the political automata of perpetual war
Authors: Mendieta Eduardo
Published: November 2015

Eduardo Mendieta argues that ‘post‐democracy’ has been misapplied to diagnose a failure of democracy, where democracy instead remains unfinished. We are not living in an age of post‐democracy, he argues, but in an age of ‘not enough democracy’, or ‘democracy to come’.
Primary ovarian mixed strumal and mucinous carcinoid arising in an ovarian mature cystic teratoma
Authors: Kim Na Rae , Ha Seung Yeon , Shin Jin Woo , Lim Soyi , Park Chan Yong , Cho Hyun Yee
Published: November 2015

A 39‐year‐old woman presented with low back pain lasting for several weeks. Abdominopelvic computed tomography showed an ovarian cystic mass with an enhancing solid portion, fat and internal calcification. A right salpingo‐oophorectomy was performed. A 9.7 cm round multiseptated cystic mass showed pathology of mature cystic teratoma and contained a solid portion, measuring 4.2 cm, composed mainly of carcinoid cells arranged in a trabecular‐insular configuration admixed with surrounding thyroid follicles containing colloid. Juxtaposed were several nests of columnar cells interspersed with goblet cells and extracellular mucin pools. In the cyst wall of the teratoma, the lining of pseudostratified columnar cells was occasionally mixed with goblet cells transforming to the carcinoid portion. Immunohistochemically, both mucinous and strumal carcinoids were positive for polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen, caudal type homeobox 2, cytokeratin (CK)7, CK20, synaptophysin, CD56 and focally positive for chromogranin. Thyroid follicles were positive for thyroid transcription factor‐1 and thyroglobulin. After gastrointestinal and respiratory tract evaluation, no evidence of primary tumor, including omentum, was observed. The mass was diagnosed as a mixed strumal and mucinous type carcinoid associated with a mature cystic teratoma.
Immunohistochemical expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in oral nevi and melanoma
Authors: de Souza do Nascimento Juliana , Carlos Román , Delgado‐Azañero Wilson , Mosqueda Taylor Adalberto , de Almeida Oslei Paes , Romañach Mário José , de Andrade Bruno Augusto Benevenuto
Published: November 2015

Background

Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) catalyses the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin, and its overexpression has been demonstrated in different malignant tumors, including cutaneous melanoma. However, no data about the expression of this protein in oral melanocytic lesions are available to date. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of COX‐2 in oral nevi and melanomas, comparing the results with correspondent cutaneous lesions.

Methods

COX‐2 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 49 oral melanocytic lesions, including 36 intramucosal nevi and 13 primary oral melanomas, and in four cutaneous nevi and eight melanomas.

Results

All cases of oral and cutaneous melanomas were positive for COX‐2. On the other hand, all oral and cutaneous melanocytic nevi were negative.

Conclusion

COX‐2 is highly positive in oral melanomas and negative in oral nevi and might represent a useful marker to distinguish melanocytic lesions of the oral cavity.
Managing simple food allergy in community settings: A pilot study investigating a new model of care
Authors: Danchin Margaret , De Bono Natalie , Allen Katrina , Tang Mimi , Hiscock Harriet
Published: November 2015

Aim

The prevalence of food allergy in Australia has increased, paralleled by an increase in waiting time to access tertiary paediatric allergy care. We aimed to test whether a new model of care, based on serum specific IgE testing, was feasible and acceptable to Australian families.

Methods

A prospective pilot intervention study was conducted in community paediatric practices within 20–40 km of The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Children ≤7 years with likely food allergy referred to the Department of Allergy and Immunology at RCH were included; children with anaphylaxis, drug allergy or complex food allergy (>three food groups) were excluded. Community general paediatricians, recruited through the Australian Paediatric Research Network, were trained via webinars on the management of four common food allergy‐related scenarios. Paediatrician and child and family parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 months, including safety.

Results

34/45 (76%) eligible families and 10/12 (83%) paediatricians participated. Paediatricians managed 27/34 (80%) of children independently, with 7/34 (20%) requiring referral to an allergist for more complex food allergy. Paediatricians reported improved knowledge and competency in managing food allergy: (mean (standard deviation) scores pre = 35 (5.3) and post = 43.3 (3.9) training). The majority of children received appropriate management; there were no anaphylaxis episodes. There was no significant change in child quality of life or parent mental health.

Conclusions

Management of simple food allergy by community paediatricians appears feasible and acceptable to paediatricians and families alike. Future research will evaluate this approach in an adequately powered and controlled trial.
Melatonin suppression of aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect), survival signalling and metastasis in human leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Mao Lulu , Dauchy Robert T. , Blask David E. , Dauchy Erin M. , Slakey Lauren M. , Brimer Samantha , Yuan Lin , Xiang Shulin , Hauch Adam , Smith Kara , Frasch Tripp , Belancio Victoria P. , Wren Melissa A. , Hill Steven M.
Published: November 2015

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) represents a highly malignant, rare soft tissue sarcoma with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Previously, we demonstrated that tissue‐isolated human LMS xenografts perfused in situ are highly sensitive to the direct anticancer effects of physiological nocturnal blood levels of melatonin which inhibited tumour cell proliferative activity, linoleic acid (LA) uptake and metabolism to 13‐hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13‐HODE). Here, we show the effects of low pharmacological blood concentrations of melatonin following oral ingestion of a melatonin supplement by healthy adult human female subjects on tumour proliferative activity, aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) and LA metabolic signalling in tissue‐isolated LMS xenografts perfused in situ with this blood. Melatonin markedly suppressed aerobic glycolysis and induced a complete inhibition of tumour LA uptake, 13‐HODE release, as well as significant reductions in tumour cAMP levels, DNA content and [3H]‐thymidine incorporation into DNA. Furthermore, melatonin completely suppressed the phospho‐activation of ERK 1/2, AKT, GSK3β and NF‐kB (p65). The addition of S20928, a nonselective melatonin antagonist, reversed these melatonin inhibitory effects. Moreover, in in vitro cell culture studies, physiological concentrations of melatonin repressed cell proliferation and cell invasion. These results demonstrate that nocturnal melatonin directly inhibited tumour growth and invasion of human LMS via suppression of the Warburg effect, LA uptake and other related signalling mechanisms. An understanding of these novel signalling pathway(s) and their association with aerobic glycolysis and LA metabolism in human LMS may lead to new circadian‐based therapies for the prevention and treatment of LMS and potentially other mesenchymally derived solid tumours.
Effects of different dl‐selenomethionine and sodium selenite levels on growth performance, immune functions and serum thyroid hormones concentrations in broilers
Authors: Wang Y. , Wang H. , Zhan X.
Published: November 2015

This trial was conducted in a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of different dl‐selenomethionine (dl‐Se‐Met) and sodium selenite (SS) levels on growth performance, immune functions and serum thyroid hormones concentrations in broilers. A total of 840 Ross 308 broilers (7 days old) were allocated by body weight to seven treatments (three replicates of 40 birds each treatment) including (1) basal diet (containing 0.04 mg of selenium (Se)/kg; control) without supplementary Se; (2, 3 and 4) basal diet + 0.05, 0.15 or 0.25 mg/kg Se as SS; (5, 6 and 7) basal diet + 0.05, 0.15 or 0.25 mg/kg Se as dl‐Se‐Met. The experiment lasted 42 days. The results revealed that dietary Se supplementation improved (p < 0.05) average daily gain, feed efficiency, immune organ index, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations and decreased (p < 0.01) thyroxine (T4)/T3 ratio in serum compared with the control. Broilers receiving the dl‐Se‐Met‐supplemented diets had higher (p < 0.05) feed efficiency, thymus index, the amounts of IgA, IgG, IgM and T3 as well as lower (p < 0.05) serum T4 concentrations and T4/T3 ratio than those consuming the SS‐supplemented diets. Serum IgA and IgM levels of broilers fed 0.15 mg Se/kg were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of broilers fed 0.05 or 0.25 mg Se/kg. In summary, we concluded that dl‐Se‐Met is more effective than SS in increasing immunity and promoting conversion of T4 to T3, thus providing an effective way to improve the growth performance of broilers. Besides, based on a consideration of all experiment indices, 0.15 mg Se/kg was suggested to be the optimal level of Se supplementation under the conditions of this study.