bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does a multi‐plant diet benefit a polyphagous herbivore? A case study with Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Zhang Kai , Di Ning , Ridsdill‐Smith James , Zhang Bo‐Wen , Tan Xiao‐Ling , Cao He‐He , Liu Yan‐Hong , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: July 2014

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a highly polyphagous herbivore. This research was conducted to compare the development of B. tabaci reared in a multi‐plant treatment (polyculture) with those in single‐plant treatments (monocultures). Adult B. tabaci females fed on a mixture of tomato, cabbage, cotton, cucumber, and kidney bean survived longer and laid more eggs than those fed exclusively on one of these plant species. Egg numbers per plant laid in the polyculture treatment were positively correlated with those laid on the same plant species in the monoculture treatments, and egg numbers per plant laid on tomato, cotton, and cucumber in the polyculture were significantly higher than those laid on the same plants in the monocultures. Concentrations of total protein and trehalose in B. tabaci were not significantly different after 7 days of feeding in the respective treatments, but activities of superoxide dismutases (SOD) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) of B. tabaci in polyculture were lower than those in monoculture. Conversely, activities of trehalase, sucrase, and amylase in B. tabaci kept in polyculture were higher than those of insects from the monoculture. In each of the monoculture treatments, there was a negative correlation between AKP in B. tabaci and oviposition, and also between AKP and amylase. SOD and sucrase activities in B. tabaci were positively correlated with polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities in plants. In the plants damaged by whiteflies in the polyculture treatment, activities of SOD in cucumber, PPO in cotton and kidney bean, and POD in tomato and cucumber were lower than those in the monoculture treatments, whereas SOD in cabbage and catalase (CAT) in tomato in the polyculture treatment were higher than those in the monoculture treatments.
Evidence that the pregnane X and retinoid receptors PXR, RAR and RXR may regulate transcription of the transporter hOCT1 in chronic myeloid leukaemia cells
Authors: Austin Gemma , Holcroft Alison , Rinne Natasha , Wang Lihui , Clark Richard E.
Published: July 2014

The expression and activity of the uptake transporter human organic cation transporter 1 (hOCT1; SLC22A1) is an independent predictor of response to imatinib treatment in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). We have recently shown that peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) activation can increase the killing effect of imatinib in CML cells, due to upregulated hOCT1 gene expression and increased imatinib uptake. To investigate the role of activation of nuclear receptors other than PPAR in the transcriptional regulation of hOCT1, CML cells were treated with agonists for 13 adopted orphan receptors and endocrine receptors. It was found that hOCT1 expression was upregulated by the agonists for pregnane X receptor (PXR), retinoid acid receptor (RAR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) in CML cell line and primary CML cells (P = 0.04; Wilcoxon rank test). Hence, agonists for PXR, RAR and RXR may be potentially used to improve the efficacy of imatinib in patients with CML.
Increased incidence of another cancer in myeloproliferative neoplasms patients at the time of diagnosis
Authors: Pettersson Helna , Knutsen Håvar , Holmberg Erik , Andréasson Björn
Published: July 2014

Several studies have reported an increased incidence of coexistent cancer in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), and myelosuppressive treatment has been speculated to be one of the causes. In this study, we have concentrated on malignancies diagnosed before the MPN diagnosis to eliminate the possible influence of MPN treatment. The patients were recruited from the Swedish and Norwegian cancer registries. One thousand seven hundred and 45 patients from the Swedish MPN Quality Registry and 468 patients from the Norwegian National Cancer Registry were included in this study covering a 3‐yr period. The results show that primary concurrent cancer is higher among patients with MPN compared to the general population. When pooled together, the Swedish and the Norwegian cohort showed increased prevalence of all types of cancer in general compared with the general population, standard prevalence ratio (SPR) of 1.20 (95% CI 1.07–1.34). Significantly high SPRs were reached for skin malignant melanoma [1.89 (95% CI 1.33–2.62)], prostate cancer [1.39 (95% CI 1.11–1.71)], and hematologic cancer [1.49 (95% CI 1.00–2.12)]. In the polycythemia vera group, the risk of having prior malignant melanoma of the skin was significant, with an SPR of 2.20 (95% CI 1.17–3.77). For patients with essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis, no significant risks were found. Coexisting cancers have a high impact on the treatment strategies of MPN, as it narrows down the treatment options. Chronic inflammation, as a common denominator of MPN with other cancers, can catalyze each other's existence and progression.
The control of complex finger movements by directional information flow between mesial frontocentral areas and the primary motor cortex
Authors: Boenstrup M. , Feldheim J. , Heise K. , Gerloff C. , Hummel F. C.
Published: July 2014

Complex movements require the interplay of local activation and interareal communication of sensorimotor brain regions. This is reflected in a decrease of task‐related spectral power over the sensorimotor cortices and an increase in functional connectivity predominantly in the upper alpha band in the electroencephalogram (EEG). In the present study, directionality of information flow was investigated using EEG recordings to gain better understanding about the network architecture underlying the performance of complex sequential finger movements. This was assessed by means of Granger causality‐derived directed transfer function (DTF). As DTF measures the influence one signal exerts on another based on a time lag between them, it allows implications to be drawn on causal relationships. To reveal causal connections between brain regions that are specifically modulated by task complexity, we contrasted the performance of right‐handed sequential finger movements of different complexities (simple, scale, complex) that were either pre‐learned (memorized) or novel instructed. A complexity‐dependent increase in information flow from mesial frontocentral to the left motor cortex and, less pronounced, also to the right motor cortex specifically in the upper alpha range was found. Effective coupling during sequences of high complexity was larger for memorized sequences compared with novel sequences (P = 0.0037). These findings further support the role of mesial frontocentral areas in directing the primary motor cortex in the process of orchestrating complex movements and in particular learned sequences.
Increased burst‐firing of ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurons in d‐amino acid oxidase knockout mice in vivo
Authors: Schweimer Judith V. , Coullon Gaelle S. L. , Betts Jill F. , Burnet Philip W. J. , Engle Sandra J. , Brandon Nicholas J. , Harrison Paul J. , Sharp Trevor
Published: July 2014

d‐Amino acid oxidase (DAO) degrades the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor co‐agonist d‐serine, and is implicated in schizophrenia as a risk gene and therapeutic target. In schizophrenia, the critical neurochemical abnormality affects dopamine, but to date there is little evidence that DAO impacts on the dopamine system. To address this issue, we measured the electrophysiological properties of dopaminergic (DA) and non‐DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of anaesthetised DAO knockout (DAO−/−) and DAO heterozygote (DAO+/−) mice as compared with their wild‐type (DAO+/+) littermates. Genotype was confirmed at the protein level by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. One hundred and thirty‐nine VTA neurons were recorded in total, and juxtacellular labelling of a subset revealed that neurons immunopositive for tyrosine hydroxylase had DA‐like electrophysiological properties that were distinct from those of neurons that were tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunonegative. In DAO−/− mice, approximately twice as many DA‐like neurons fired in a bursting pattern than in DAO+/− or DAO+/+ mice, but other electrophysiological properties did not differ between genotypes. In contrast, non‐DA‐like neurons had a lower firing rate in DAO−/− mice than in DAO+/− or DAO+/+ mice. These data provide the first direct evidence that DAO modulates VTA DA neuron activity, which is of interest for understanding both the glutamatergic regulation of dopamine function and the therapeutic potential of DAO inhibitors. The increased DA neuron burst‐firing probably reflects increased availability of d‐serine at VTA NMDA receptors, but the site, mechanism and mediation of the effect requires further investigation, and may include both direct and indirect processes.
Induction of interleukin‐1β by activated microglia is a prerequisite for immunologically induced fatigue
Authors: Ifuku Masataka , Hossain Shamim M. , Noda Mami , Katafuchi Toshihiko
Published: July 2014

We previously reported that an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of synthetic double‐stranded RNA, polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid (poly‐I:C), produced prolonged fatigue in rats, which might serve as a model for chronic fatigue syndrome. The poly‐I:C‐induced fatigue was associated with serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) overexpression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a brain region that has been suggested to be critical for fatigue sensation. In the present study, we demonstrated that microglial activation in the PFC was important for poly‐I:C‐induced fatigue in rats, as pretreatment with minocycline, an inhibitor of microglial activation, prevented the decrease in running wheel activity. Poly‐I:C injection increased the microglial interleukin (IL)‐1β expression in the PFC. An intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of IL‐1β neutralising antibody limited the poly‐I:C‐induced decrease in activity, whereas IL‐1β (i.c.v.) reduced the activity in a dose‐dependent manner. 5‐HTT expression was enhanced by IL‐1β in primary cultured astrocytes but not in microglia. Poly‐I:C injection (i.p.) caused an increase in 5‐HTT expression in astrocytes in the PFC of the rat, which was inhibited by pretreatment with minocycline (i.p.) and rat recombinant IL‐1 receptor antagonist (i.c.v.). Poly‐I:C injection (i.p.) led to a breakdown of the blood–brain barrier and enhanced Toll‐like receptor 3 signaling in the brain. Furthermore, direct application of poly‐I:C enhanced IL‐1β expression in primary microglia. We therefore propose that poly‐I:C‐induced microglial activation, which may be at least partly caused by a direct action of poly‐I:C, enhances IL‐1β expression. Then, IL‐1β induces 5‐HTT expression in astrocytes, resulting in the immunologically induced fatigue.
Expression and functional regulation of the nuclear receptors AHR, PXR, and CAR, and the transcription factor Nrf2 in rat parotid gland
Authors: Droździk Agnieszka , Wajda Anna , Łapczuk Joanna , Laszczyńska Maria
Published: July 2014

Nuclear receptors and transcription factors regulate the functions of many genes involved in cellular physiology and pathology (e.g. tumorigenesis and autoimmune diseases). The present study was performed to define the expression and the regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the rat parotid gland. Constitutive expression, as well as expression after stimulation with specific inducers for AhR [2,3,7,8‐tetrachloro‐dibenzylo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD)], Nrf2 (oltipraz), PXR (dexamethasone), and CAR (phenobarbital), was evaluated using the quantitative PCR. Cellular localization of the nuclear receptors and the transcription factor was visualized by immunohistochemical staining. The study revealed constitutive expression of AhR as well as Nrf2, and their induction by TCDD and oltipraz, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed constitutive, predominantly cytoplasmic, expression of the AhR receptor, especially in interlobular striated duct cells, with nuclear shift upon exposure to TCDD. Inducible expression of Nfr2 was found mainly in the cytoplasm of intralobular striated duct cells. Constitutive expression of PXR and CAR was not found. Bearing in mind the involvement of AhR and Nrf2 in the regulation of many genes, it seems that these factors may play also a role in salivary gland physiology and pathology.
Steroid Hormones and Facial Traits in The Recognition of A Potential Rival in Men
Authors: Borráz‐León Javier Iván , Cerda‐Molina Ana Lilia , Hernández‐López Leonor , Chavira‐Ramírez Roberto , de la O‐Rodríguez Claudio
Published: July 2014

There is evidence that the cognitive skills that enable an individual to evaluate their own physical characteristics and those of others are an important strategy for recognizing a potential rival in intrasexual competition in humans. It has been shown that these strategies are facilitated by steroid hormones such as testosterone (T) and cortisol (C). This study examines whether men recognize as attractive some facial characteristics of other men that the literature reports as attractive to women when observing the faces of other men, under the hypothesis that the presence of these features indicates a potential rival. The characteristics evaluated were facial fluctuating asymmetry (FA), dominance (D), and assertiveness (A). In addition, we investigated whether the recognition of these facial characteristics depended upon the characteristics of the evaluator, that is, of the man's ownFA,D, andA, or on the concentration ofTandCin saliva. We found that evaluators with greaterFA(asymmetric faces) and lower concentrations of C rated the faces of more symmetrical men as more attractive to women and as the most likely to represent potential rivals. Men with asymmetric faces exhibited higher levels of T than lowFAmales, although the difference was not significant. Conversely, men with low levels ofFA(symmetric) identified the faces of more assertive men as the most attractive to women and the most likely to represent potential rivals. We concluded that men with highFAlevels are more prone to recognize a potential rival in others according to female preferences, and this identification enables them to reduce the cost of competition.
A rapid and rational approach to generating isomorphous heavy‐atom phasing derivatives
Authors: Lu Jinghua , Sun Peter D.
Published: July 2014

In attempts to replace the conventional trial‐and‐error heavy‐atom derivative search method with a rational approach, we previously defined heavy metal compound reactivity against peptide ligands. Here, we assembled a composite pH‐ and buffer‐dependent peptide reactivity profile for each heavy metal compound to guide rational heavy‐atom derivative search. When knowledge of the best‐reacting heavy‐atom compound is combined with mass spectrometry assisted derivatization, and with a quick‐soak method to optimize phasing, it is likely that the traditional heavy‐atom compounds could meet the demand of modern high‐throughput X‐ray crystallography. As an example, we applied this rational heavy‐atom phasing approach to determine a previously unknown mouse serum amyloid A2 crystal structure.
The newly characterized Pl‐jun is specifically expressed in skeletogenic cells of the Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin embryo
Authors: Russo Roberta , Pinsino Annalisa , Costa Caterina , Bonaventura Rosa , Matranga Valeria , Zito Francesca
Published: July 2014

Growing evidence suggests that the transcription factors belonging to the Jun family are involved in many important cellular events, such as the control of bone development in mammalians. We have characterized, for the first time, a member of the Jun family from embryos of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. The Pl‐jun protein sequence includes all the functional domains characteristic of members of the Jun family (i.e. the basic leucine zipper, the basic DNA‐binding and the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase docking‐like domains), which are evolutionarily conserved. Moreover, all the key serine and threonine residues, which are phosphorylation targets for different kinases necessary for jun activation, appear to be well preserved. A model of the monomeric protein provides a simulation of the three‐dimensional structure and shows the potential sites for dimerization and DNA binding. Pl‐jun mRNA is expressed in the unfertilized egg and throughout sea urchin embryo development. As the development proceeds, Pl‐jun mRNA becomes exclusively expressed in the skeletogenic cells. Intriguingly, these cells contain significant amounts of the phosphorylated active protein entirely localized into their nuclei. These findings strengthen our hypothesis that suggests an active role for Pl‐jun in skeletogenic cells, thus indicating that this transcription factor is a novel component of the gene regulatory networks controlling skeletogenesis.

Database

Nucleotide sequence data have been deposited in the EMBL databases under the accession number: HE817756.
Proline‐serine‐threonine phosphatase interacting protein 1 inhibition of T‐cell receptor signaling depends on its SH3 domain
Authors: Marcos Tamara , Ruiz‐Martín Virginia , de la Puerta María Luisa , Trinidad Antonio G. , Rodríguez María del Carmen , de la Fuente Miguel Angel , Sánchez Crespo Mariano , Alonso Andrés , Bayón Yolanda
Published: July 2014

Proline‐serine‐threonine phosphatase interacting protein 1 (PSTPIP1) is an adaptor protein associated with the cytoskeleton that is mainly expressed in hematopoietic cells. Mutations in PSTPIP1 cause the rare autoinflammatory disease called pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne. We carried out this study to further our knowledge on PSTPIP1 function in T cells, particularly in relation to the phosphatase lymphoid phosphatase (LYP), which is involved in several autoimmune diseases. LYP–PSTPIP1 binding occurs through the C‐terminal homology domain of LYP and the F‐BAR domain of PSTPIP1. PSTPIP1 inhibits T‐cell activation upon T‐cell receptor (TCR) and CD28 engagement, regardless of CD2 costimulation. This function of PSTPIP1 depends on the presence of an intact SH3 domain rather than on the F‐BAR domain, indicating that ligands of the F‐BAR domain, such as the PEST phosphatases LYP and PTP‐PEST, are not critical for its negative regulatory role in TCR signaling. Additionally, PSTPIP1 mutations that cause the pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum and acne syndrome do not affect PSTPIP1 function in T‐cell activation through the TCR.

Structured digital abstract

LYP physically interacts with PSTPIP1 by pull down (View interaction)

PSTPIP1 physically interacts with LYP by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (1, 2, 3, 4)

LYP physically interacts with PSTPIP1 by anti bait coip (View interaction)
Contrasting above‐ and belowground sensitivity of three Great Plains grasslands to altered rainfall regimes
Authors: Wilcox Kevin R. , von Fischer Joseph C. , Muscha Jennifer M. , Petersen Mark K. , Knapp Alan K.
Published: July 2014

Intensification of the global hydrological cycle with atmospheric warming is expected to increase interannual variation in precipitation amount and the frequency of extreme precipitation events. Although studies in grasslands have shown sensitivity of aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) to both precipitation amount and event size, we lack equivalent knowledge for responses of belowground net primary productivity (BNPP) andNPP. We conducted a 2‐year experiment in threeUSGreat Plains grasslands – the C4‐dominated shortgrass prairie (SGP; lowANPP) and tallgrass prairie (TGP; highANPP), and the C3‐dominated northern mixed grass prairie (NMP; intermediateANPP) – to test three predictions: (i) bothANPPandBNPPresponses to increased precipitation amount would vary inversely with mean annual precipitation (MAP) and site productivity; (ii) increased numbers of extreme rainfall events during high‐rainfall years would affect high and lowMAPsites differently; and (iii) responses belowground would mirror those aboveground. We increased growing season precipitation by as much as 50% by augmenting natural rainfall via (i) many (11–13) small or (ii) fewer (3–5) large watering events, with the latter coinciding with naturally occurring large storms. BothANPPandBNPPincreased with water addition in the two C4grasslands, with greaterANPPsensitivity inTGP, but greaterBNPPandNPPsensitivity inSGP.ANPPandBNPPdid not respond to any rainfall manipulations in the C3‐dominatedNMP. Consistent with previous studies, fewer larger (extreme) rainfall events increasedANPPrelative to many small events inSGP, but event size had no effect inTGP. Neither system responded consistently above‐ and belowground to event size; consequently, totalNPPwas insensitive to event size. The diversity of responses observed in these three grassland types underscores the challenge of predicting responses relevant to C cycling to forecast changes in precipitation regimes even within relatively homogeneous biomes such as grasslands.
Amplification and overexpression of CMET is a common event in brain metastases of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Preusser Matthias , Streubel Berthold , Berghoff Anna S , Hainfellner Johannes A , von Deimling Andreas , Widhalm Georg , Dieckmann Karin , Wöhrer Adelheid , Hackl Monika , Zielinski Christoph , Birner Peter
Published: July 2014

Background

CMET represents an emerging therapy target for monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We investigated CMET gene amplification status by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) and CMET protein expression by immunohistochemistry in a large series of 209 NSCLC brain metastases (BM; 165 adenocarcinoma, 20 squamous cell carcinoma, 11 adenosquamous carcinomas, 11 large cell carcinomas and two large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas) and correlated our results to clinic‐pathological parameters and molecular data from previous studies.

Results

We found CMET gene amplification in 36/167 (21.6%) and CMET protein expression in 87/196 (44.4%) of evaluable BM. There was a strong correlation between the presence of CMET gene amplification and CMET protein expression (P < 0.001, chi‐square test). Furthermore, presence of CMET amplification correlated positively with presence of ALK amplifications (P = 0.039, chi‐square test) and high HIF1 alpha index (P = 0.013, Mann–Whitney U‐test). Neither CMET expression nor CMET gene amplification status correlated with patient outcome parameters or known prognostic factors.

Conclusions

CMET overexpression and CMET amplification are commonly found in NSCLC BM and may represent a promising therapeutic target.
Management of breast papillary lesions diagnosed in ultrasound‐guided vacuum‐assisted and core needle biopsies
Authors: Yamaguchi Rin , Tanaka Maki , Tse Gary M , Yamaguchi Miki , Terasaki Hiroshi , Hirai Yoshitake , Nonaka Yasuhide , Morita Michi , Yokoyama Toshiro , Kanomata Naoki , Naito Yoshiki , Akiba Jun , Yano Hirohisa
Published: July 2014

Aims

To assess the outcome of breast papillary lesions diagnosed by ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsy (CB) or vacuum‐assisted ‘mammotome’ biopsy (MT), the accuracy of these diagnoses, and whether it is justified not to undertake surgical excision of non‐malignant papillary lesions so diagnosed.

Methods and results

Among 3219 (MT, 2195; CB, 1024) breast biopsies spanning 5 years, 185 (5.7%) papillary lesions [MT, 162 (88%); CB, 23 (12%)] were identified. Of these, 142 cases (77%; MT/CB, 125/17) were benign, 24 (13%, 23/1) were atypical, and 19 (10%; 14/5) were malignant. Of the 142 benign cases, 114 had imaging follow‐up (FU) (FU period 2–81 months); 17 of 114 cases were excised, and four were malignant (3.5%) (FU period 4–57 months). Of the 24 atypical cases (23 had FU), 19 were excised: six were benign (32%) and 13 malignant (68%). The remaining four cases were considered to be non‐malignant (FU period 7–54 months).

Conclusions

Benign papillary lesions diagnosed by MT or CB might not require immediate excision, but should receive imaging FU for at least 5 years. Excision should be performed in cases showing changes in imaging features, as the possibilities of carcinoma coexisting with papilloma or carcinoma developing from papilloma cannot be excluded, as illustrated by the 4% upgrade rate at excision in this study.
Maspin expression patterns differ in the invasive versus lepidic growth pattern of pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lonardo Fulvio , Guan Hui , Dzinic Sijana , Sheng Shijie
Published: July 2014

Aims

To test whether changes in the subcellular localization of maspin parallel morphological progression in pulmonary adenocarcinoma, we compared its expression between lepidic and invasive growth patterns.

Methods

Applying immunohistochemistry, we compared maspin expression in lepidic and invasive growth patterns occurring in different tumours (series #1, n = 86) as well as within the same tumour and in the same section (series #2, n = 29).

Results

In both series, the lepidic growth pattern (n = 45) was significantly associated with nuclear maspin, while the invasive (n = 70) with combined nuclear and cytoplasmic maspin (P < 0.05). In the second series, transition from a lepidic to an invasive pattern in the same tumour was associated predominantly with a shift respectively from a nuclear to a combined nuclear and cytoplasmic maspin (15/29) or preservation of nuclear expression (8/29). A shift from nuclear maspin to negative expression (3/29) or other patterns (3/29) were also observed.

Conclusions

Nuclear maspin is a typical but not exclusive feature of the lepidic growth pattern of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, whereas combined nuclear and cytoplasmic maspin characterizes invasion. These data show that changes of expression and subcellular localization of maspin may constitute an important biological end point of tumour progression and aid in the classification of lung adenocarcinoma.
Intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's oesophagus may be an epiphenomenon rather than a preneoplastic condition, and CDX2‐positive cardiac‐type epithelium is associated with minute Barrett's tumour
Authors: Watanabe Gen , Ajioka Yoichi , Takeuchi Manabu , Annenkov Alexey , Kato Takashi , Watanabe Kaori , Tani Yusuke , Ikegami Kikuo , Yokota Yoko , Fukuda Mutsumi
Published: July 2014

Aims

Although intestinal‐type epithelium in Barrett's oesophagus has been traditionally recognized as having a distinct malignant potential, whether this also holds true for cardiac‐type epithelium remains controversial. The aim of this study was to identify a type of epithelium that is highly associated with Barrett's tumour.

Methods and results

We analysed tumours and the corresponding background mucosa with special regard to tumour size in 40 cases of superficial Barrett's tumour by using immunohistochemical staining for CDX2, CD10, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6. Intestinal metaplasia in tumour‐adjacent mucosa was not associated with tumour size, but was significantly correlated with the extent of Barrett's oesophagus (P < 0.001). The majority (69.2%, 9/13) of small tumours (≤10 mm) had no intestinal metaplasia in adjacent non‐neoplastic mucosae. Minute (≤5 mm) tumours were significantly associated with a gastric immunophenotype (P < 0.001). Purely gastric‐immunophenotype tumour cells expressed CDX2, and cardiac‐type epithelium adjacent to small tumours also showed low‐level CDX2 expression.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's oesophagus is an epiphenomenon rather than a preneoplastic condition, and that CDX2‐positive cardiac‐type epithelium is highly associated with minute Barrett's tumour. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the risk of malignancy of cardiac‐type epithelium with regard to sub‐morphological intestinalization.
Granular cell tumours of the colorectum: histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of 30 cases
Authors: Na Jong‐In , Kim Hye‐Jeong , Jung Jong‐Jae , Kim Young , Kim Sung‐Sun , Lee Jae‐Hyuk , Lee Kyung‐Hwa , Park Jong‐Tae
Published: July 2014

Aims

Granular cell tumours (GCTs) are uncommon in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the colorectum. Herein, we report a series of 30 colorectal GCTs and discuss the properties of colorectal GCTs based on histopathological and immunohistochemical studies.

Methods and results

Searching the surgical pathology files identified 30 cases of colorectal GCTs for 2005–2013. A broad panel of antibodies including neural and macrophage markers were used for immunohistochemical evaluation. Colorectal GCTs predominantly involved the right colon and showed increased nuclear atypia including nuclear pleomorphism and nuclear spindling. All 24 cases with mucosal tumour components had infiltrative growth patterns within the mucosa. In all available cases, diffuse strong immunopositivity was observed for S100 and SOX10 of schwannian differentiation markers, as well as for CD68. Other neuronal lineage markers, including CD56, neuron‐specific enolase, nestin, and synaptophysin showed consistently high expression rates. The immunohistochemical results are suggestive for a neural origin of GCTs.

Conclusion

Histopathological and immunohistochemical features of colorectal GCTs were delineated in this large series of 30 colorectal GCTs. Although the incidence of GCTs is relatively low, clinicians and pathologists need to be aware of GCT in the differential diagnosis.
Comparative effect of fluoride, essential oil and chlorhexidine mouth rinses on dental plaque and gingivitis in patients with and without dental caries: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Charugundla BR , Anjum S , Mocherla M
Published: July 2014

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of fluoride, essential oil (EO) and chlorhexidine (CHX)‐containing mouth rinses on dental plaque and gingivitis and to compare their relative efficacy in patients with and without dental caries.

Material and methods

A randomized, controlled, double‐ blind, crossover clinical trial was conducted for a period of 8 weeks. Thiry‐six qualifying subjects, aged 12–44 years, were included in the study. Subjects were divided into caries and caries‐free groups and were randomly assigned to one of the following mouth rinse groups: fluoride; EO; CHX and saline as negative control. Subjects used their respective mouth rinse for a period of 7‐days each with 1‐week wash‐out periods. Primary efficacy variables were Quigley–Hein plaque index (PI) and Loe and Silness gingival index.

Results

Fluoride and CHX mouth rinses showed significant reduction in plaque after use of mouth rinses (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed with respect to each other in reducing gingivitis (P > 0.05). Further significant differences were found in reducing plaque and gingivitis in caries‐free subjects in comparison to those with caries (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

All the three mouth rinses significantly reduced plaque accumulation and gingivitis especially in caries‐free subjects in comparison to those with caries, and amongst the three, fluoride and CHX proved to be more effective than EO mouth rinse.
IL‐17 stimulates the production of the inflammatory chemokines IL‐6 and IL‐8 in human dental pulp fibroblasts
Authors: Xiong H. , Wei L. , Peng B.
Published: July 2014

Aim

To investigate IL‐17 expression in human pulpitis and to study the effects of IL‐17 on the secretion of the chemokines IL‐6 and IL‐8 and the related signalling pathways.

Methodology

Samples of human dental pulp tissue were obtained from healthy controls and patients with pulpitis. Cytokine IL‐17 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the pulp tissue was detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, human dental pulp fibroblasts (HDPFs) were stimulated with IL‐17. Production of IL‐6 and IL‐8 was determined by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Aspects of the nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signalling pathways were examined by Western blot analysis.

Result

Increased levels of IL‐17 mRNA were found in inflamed dental pulp tissue (pulpitis). Stimulation of dental pulp tissue with IL‐17 induced the production of IL‐6 and IL‐8 in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, IL‐17 stimulation resulted in rapid activation of nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB), phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) in HDPFs.

Conclusion

IL‐17 may participate in pulp tissue inflammation through chemokine production and NF‐κB and MAPKs signalling pathways.
The effect of haptens on protein‐carrier immunogenicity
Authors: Gefen Tal , Vaya Jacob , Khatib Soliman , Rapoport Irena , Lupo Meital , Barnea Eilon , Admon Arie , Heller Elimelech Dan , Aizenshtein Elina , Pitcovski Jacob
Published: July 2014

The immune response against hapten is T‐cell‐dependent, and so requires the uptake, processing and presentation of peptides on MHC class II molecules by antigen‐presenting cells to the specific T cell. Some haptens, following conjugation to the available free amines on the surface of the carrier protein, can reduce its immunogenicity. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism by which this occurs. Four proteins were tested as carriers and six molecules were used as haptens. The immune response to the carrier proteins was reduced > 100‐fold by some of the haptens (termed carrier immunogenicity reducing haptens – CIRH), whereas other haptens did not influence the protein immunogenicity (carrier immunogenicity non‐reducing haptens – nCIRH). Conjugation of the protein to a CIRH affected protein degradation by lysosomal cathepsins, leading to the generation of peptides that differ in length and sequence from those derived from the same native protein or that protein modified with nCIRH. Injection of CIRH‐conjugated protein into mice induced an increase in the population of regulatory T cells. The results of this study provide a putative mechanism of action for the reduction of immune response to haptenated proteins.
Retrospective Comparison of Gastrosplenic Entrapment of the Small Intestine to Other Strangulating Small Intestinal Lesions in Adult Horses
Authors: Bergren Amanda L. , Credille Brent C. , Epstein Kira L. , Giguère Steeve
Published: July 2014

Objective

To compare clinical data of horses with entrapment of the small intestine by the gastrosplenic ligament (ESIGL) to clinical data of horses with other strangulating small intestinal lesions.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Medical records (January 2001–December 2011) of horses that had exploratory celiotomy for acute abdominal pain associated with strangulating small intestinal lesions were reviewed. Signalment, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic variables, surgical findings and surgical procedures performed, postoperative data and short‐term survival were recorded.

Results

Clinical findings included excessive nasogastric reflux and abnormal abdominal fluid. Horses with ESIGL were significantly more likely to require intestinal resection and anastomosis and produced significantly less reflux postoperatively than horses with other strangulating small intestinal obstructions. Geldings were significantly more likely to develop ESIGL than mares or stallions. Quarter Horse or Quarter Horse type breeds were predisposed to ESIGL. Survival to hospital discharge in horses with ESIGL (16/22; 72.7%) was significantly higher than that of horses with other strangulating small intestinal obstructions (92/183; 50%).

Conclusions

ESIGL was more prevalent in this population of horses evaluated for acute abdominal pain than in previous studies, accounting for 10.7% of all horses with strangulating small intestinal lesions. Geldings and Quarter Horse or Quarter Horse related breeds are predisposed to this condition. The prognosis for survival to hospital discharge was fair to good.
Identification, Management and Outcome of Postoperative Hemoperitoneum in 23 Horses After Emergency Exploratory Celiotomy for Gastrointestinal Disease
Authors: Gray Sarah N. , Dechant Julie E. , LeJeune Sarah S. , Nieto Jorge E.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To investigate postoperative hemoperitoneum in a population of horses that had surgery for colic.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Horses (n = 23).

Methods

Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative information was obtained from medical records (1985–2012) of horses with postoperative hemoperitoneum after emergency exploratory celiotomy. Pre‐existing hemoperitoneum during surgery and nonsurgical hemoperitoneum were excluded.

Results

Of 4520 horses that had emergency exploratory celiotomy for gastrointestinal disease, 23 horses met inclusion criteria; an incidence of 0.5%. Horse signalment approximated the colic population, although Thoroughbreds were significantly overrepresented. Hemoperitoneum was significantly associated with intestinal resection. Postoperative hemoperitoneum was recognized a mean (±SD) of 1.0 ± 0.7 days after surgery and associated with tachycardia, decreasing hematocrit, incisional drainage, or ultrasonographic identification of swirling, echogenic abdominal fluid. Primary treatments included intravenous fluid therapy (n = 23), colloid support (20), blood transfusion (13), and antifibrinolytic agents (11). Fifteen horses (65%) survived to discharge, which was associated with admission lactate and days of hospitalization.

Conclusions

Postoperative hemoperitoneum is a rare complication of exploratory celiotomy in horses that should be considered when there are signs of abdominal discomfort and declining hematocrit in the early postoperative period. Prognosis is guarded because of potential sequelae of septic peritonitis and adhesion formation.
Mechanical Comparison of Loop and Crimp Configurations for Extracapsular Stabilization of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament‐Deficient Stifle
Authors: Aisa Josep , Calvo Ignacio , Buckley Conor T. , Kirby Barbara M.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To biomechanically compare different loop and crimp configurations used for extracapsular suture stabilization of the CCL‐deficient stifle.

Study Design

In vitrostudy.

Sample Population

Crimped loop constructs of 100 lb Ande type nylon leader line in 7 different configurations comprising single and double loops, single and double crimps, and the interlocking loop configuration.

Methods

Constructs premade on external skeletal fixator bars 60 mm apart and tested in tension with a custom‐made split circular arm mounted on a table‐top materials testing machine. Data were derived from force/displacement plots. In “load to failure” test (10/group) constructs were loaded to failure with distraction rates of 10 mm/min; ultimate load, tension at 2 mm elongation and failure were recorded. In “staircase” test (5/group) constructs cycled at 100 N/s from 75 N with incremental increases of 50 N/cycle; ultimate load, maximum tension before elongation at rest over 2 mm and failure were recorded. In “cycling and jumping” test (10/group) 3 of 7 constructs cycled at 100 N/s 100 times from 50 to 100 N, then 5 times from 50 to 600 N; failure and elongation at cycles 1, 50 and 100 and at jumps 1 to 5 recorded.

Results

Double‐loop double‐crimp configurations were statistically superior to all other configurations in ultimate load, and to single‐loop and interlocking loop configurations in elongation in “load to failure” and “staircase” tests. In “cycling and jumping” test the interlocking loop configuration specimens elongated significantly more than the others and only in the double‐loop double‐crimp group did all constructs complete the test.

Conclusions

Double‐loop double‐crimp configurations are mechanically superior to other previously described configurations.
Characterisation of a Natural Quartz Crystal as a Reference Material for Microanalytical Determination of Ti, Al, Li, Fe, Mn, Ga and Ge
Authors: Audétat Andreas , Garbe‐Schönberg Dieter , Kronz Andreas , Pettke Thomas , Rusk Brian , Donovan John J. , Lowers Heather A.
Published: July 2014

A natural smoky quartz crystal from Shandong province, China, was characterised by laser ablation ICP‐MS, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and solution ICP‐MS to determine the concentration of twenty‐four trace and ultra trace elements. Our main focus was on Ti quantification because of the increased use of this element for titanium‐in‐quartz (TitaniQ) thermobarometry. Pieces of a uniform growth zone of 9 mm thickness within the quartz crystal were analysed in four different LA‐ICP‐MS laboratories, three EPMA laboratories and one solution‐ICP‐MS laboratory. The results reveal reproducible concentrations of Ti (57 ± 4 μg g−1), Al (154 ± 15 μg g−1), Li (30 ± 2 μg g−1), Fe (2.2 ± 0.3 μg g−1), Mn (0.34 ± 0.04 μg g−1), Ge (1.7 ± 0.2 μg g−1) and Ga (0.020 ± 0.002 μg g−1) and detectable, but less reproducible, concentrations of Be, B, Na, Cu, Zr, Sn and Pb. Concentrations of K, Ca, Sr, Mo, Ag, Sb, Ba and Au were below the limits of detection of all three techniques. The uncertainties on the average concentration determinations by multiple techniques and laboratories for Ti, Al, Li, Fe, Mn, Ga and Ge are low; hence, this quartz can serve as a reference material or a secondary reference material for microanalytical applications involving the quantification of trace elements in quartz.
Community reintegration of stroke survivors: the effect of a community navigation intervention
Authors: Montgomery Phyllis , Jermyn Darren , Bailey Patricia , Nangia Parveen , Egan Mary , Mossey Sharolyn
Published: July 2014

Aim

The overall aim of the proposed study is to examine a newly implemented navigation intervention intended to support stroke survivors' community integration during the first year following hospital discharge in four regions of Ontario, Canada.

Background

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Stroke survivors living in the community require regular, ongoing follow‐up to assess recovery, prevent deterioration and maximize health outcomes. Internationally published evidence, often conducted in large urban centres, suggests that community reintegration services are an important component of the continuum of care for stroke survivors. This evidence, however, often does not address the particular challenges inherent in smaller urban and rural contexts.

Design

The design of this 2‐year mixed‐method study will use cohort and focused ethnography.

Methods

The three stages of this study include: (1) collection of quantitative data to profile the health status, support and extent of community reintegration of stroke survivors; (2) collection of qualitative data from stroke survivors and their care partners about community reintegration and navigation; and following triangulation of findings (3) knowledge translation activities. This study was ethically approved by the academic Research Ethics Board and clinical Research Ethics Board (Sudbury, Ontario) and funded by the Ontario Stroke Network (Canada).

Discussion

Results will describe experiences and outcomes of a community navigation intervention. Engagement of multiple stakeholders has the potential to develop a shared understanding of community reintegration and generate evidence informed recommendations for service enhancement at critical points in stroke recovery to support survivor and community well‐being.
Working with older people with multiple long‐term conditions: a qualitative exploration of nurses' experiences
Authors: Waterworth Susan , Gott Merryn , Raphael Deborah , Parsons John , Arroll Bruce
Published: July 2014

Aims

(1) to generate in‐depth insights into how nurses are working with older people with multiple long term conditions; (2) to gain an understanding of how nurses perceive professional patient navigation; and (3) to explore the barriers and facilitators to nurses adopting a navigation role in the context of Primary Health Care practice.

Background

Internationally, Primary Health Care has been identified as the main navigation point for older people with multiple long term conditions. Navigation models have been developed in cancer care but there is a lack of research in the context of Primary Care. There is also little evidence about the extent to which current work patterns of nurses providing care for this patient group fit with professional patient navigation models.

Design

A descriptive exploratory qualitative study.

Methods

Semi‐structured audio recorded telephone interviews were conducted in 2012 with nurses in New Zealand who were working with older people with multiple long term conditions (n = 42) Interviews were transcribed verbatim and entered into Nvivo 9 for thematic analysis.

Findings

The key themes represent patterns of nursing work as; system work, relationship work and patient work. While nurses lacked a coherent understanding of patient navigation as a concept, the way they worked had some elements in common with professional navigation models.

Conclusion

Further research involving older people in co‐designing patient navigation approaches in Primary Health Care is needed to inform these types of service development and translate action from existing health policy.
Phylogeographical analysis of two cold‐tolerant plants with disjunct Lusitanian distributions does not support in situ survival during the last glaciation
Authors: Beatty Gemma E. , Provan Jim
Published: July 2014

Aim

We used a combination of modelling and genetic approaches to investigate whether Pinguicula grandiflora and Saxifraga spathularis, two species that exhibit disjunct Lusitanian distributions, may have persisted through the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, c. 21 ka) in separate northern and southern refugia.

Location

Northern and eastern Spain and south‐western Ireland.

Methods

Palaeodistribution modelling using Maxent was used to identify putative refugial areas for both species at the LGM, as well as to estimate their distributions during the Last Interglacial (LIG, c. 120 ka). Phylogeographical analysis of samples from across both species' ranges was carried out using one chloroplast and three nuclear loci for each species.

Results

The palaeodistribution models identified very limited suitable habitat for either species during the LIG, followed by expansion during the LGM. A single, large refugium across northern Spain and southern France was postulated for P. grandiflora. Two suitable regions were identified for S. spathularis: one in northern Spain, corresponding to the eastern part of the species' present‐day distribution in Iberia, and the other on the continental shelf off the west coast of Brittany, south of the limit of the British–Irish ice sheet. Phylogeographical analyses indicated extremely reduced levels of genetic diversity in Irish populations of P. grandiflora relative to those in mainland Europe, but comparable levels of diversity between Irish and mainland European populations of S. spathularis, including the occurrence of private hapotypes in both regions.

Main conclusions

Modelling and phylogeographical analyses indicate that P. grandiflora persisted through the LGM in a southern refugium, and achieved its current Irish distribution via northward dispersal after the retreat of the ice sheets. Although the results for S. spathularis are more equivocal, a similar recolonization scenario also seems the most likely explanation for the species' current distribution.