bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic identification and characterization of porcine snoRNAs: structural, functional and developmental insights
Authors: Liu Nan , Xiao Bang , Ren Hong‐Yan , Tang Zhong‐Lin , Li Kui
Published: August 2012

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are 50‐ to 300‐nt non‐coding RNAs that are involved in critical cellular events, including rRNA/snRNA modification and splicing, ribosome genesis, telomerase formulation and cell proliferation. The identification of snoRNAs in the pig, which is a widely consumed commercial organism that also has important functions in medicine and biology, will enrich the snoRNA kingdom and provide evolutionary clues about snoRNAs. In this study, we performed a systematic identification of snoRNAs in Sus scrofa and obtained 120 candidate snoRNAs, 65 of which were predicted via sequencing from our constructed cDNA library. The others were obtained by computational screening. The primary structural features examined included the sequence length, GC content, conservation of common box motifs and nucleotide diversity. The results indicate that the primary features of H/ACA box snoRNAs are opposite to those of C/D box snoRNAs. Subsequently, based on chromosomal location and host gene determination, we assigned 91 snoRNAs to nine genome organization modes. Gene duplications and translocations are considered to contribute to the high abundant organization in evolution. Functional information about our novel snoRNAs, such as putative targets, modification sites and guide sequences, was predicted by orthologue alignment. A comparative analysis of predicted targets and possible modified loci on U6 snRNA and 5.8S and 18S rRNAs among five species revealed that targets of snoRNA are conserved among species. Furthermore, we performed a quantitative analysis of six representative snoRNA genes in two pig breeds during different developmental stages. Interestingly, all six snoRNAs from one breed expressed in a similar pattern over the tested time points; however, these same six genes had different expression patterns in the other pig breed. Specifically, expression of all six snoRNAs declined significantly from 65 to 90 days post‐coitus (dpc) and then increased slightly during adulthood in Tongcheng pigs, whereas the expression of the same six genes increased slowly from 65 dpc until adulthood in Landrace pigs. This expression pattern suggests that most housekeeping, non‐coding RNAs from a single pig breed may be similarly expressed during development. Our study adds to the knowledge about the snoRNA family by providing the first genome‐wide study of porcine snoRNAs. The comparative analysis of snoRNAs from different pig breeds gave us evolutionary insight into the function of snoRNAs.
Unlocking fixed soil phosphorus upon waterlogging can be promoted by increasing soil cation exchange capacity
Authors: Amery F. , Smolders E.
Published: August 2012

Phosphorus (P) adsorbed by iron (Fe) oxyhydroxides in soil can be released when the Fe(III) minerals are reductively dissolved after soil flooding. However, this release is limited in tropical soils with large Fe contents and previous studies have suggested that P sorbs or precipitates with newly formed Fe(II) minerals. This hypothesis is tested here by scavenging Fe2+ in flooded soils by increasing the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil through resin application (30 cmolc kg−1; Na‐form). Three soils from rice paddies with contrasting properties were incubated in aerobic and anaerobic conditions with or without resin and with or without addition of organic matter (OM) to stimulate redox reactions. Dissolved Fe was 0.1–1.1 mm in unamended anaerobic soils and decreased to less than 0.07 mm with resin addition. Anaerobic soils without resin and aerobic soils with or without resin had marginal available P concentrations (<2 mg P kg−1; anion‐exchange membrane P). In contrast, available P increased 3‐ to 14‐fold in anaerobic soils treated with resins, reaching 16 mg P kg−1 in combination with extra OM. Application of Ca‐forms of resin did not stimulate P availability and dissolved Ca concentrations were larger than in unamended soils. Resin addition can increase P availability, probably by a combination of reducing solution Fe2+ (thereby limiting the formation of Fe(II) minerals) and increasing the OM solubility and availability through reducing dissolved Ca2+. The soil CEC is a factor controlling the net P release in submerged soils.
Extraction and characterization of natural soil nanoparticles from Chinese soils
Authors: Li W. , He Y. , Wu J. , Xu J.
Published: August 2012

Natural nanoparticles are present in soils but their abundance, properties and interactions with other soil components have not been studied widely. We used an ultrasonic‐centrifugal method to disperse and extract nanoparticles from 12 soils sampled in different regions of China. Various techniques were used to study the characteristics of the nanoparticles obtained, including particle size and zeta potential analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that not all soils released nanoparticles by ultrasonic perturbation. For most Mollisols and Alfisols, large amounts of nanoparticles of relatively small size (around 25 nm) and simple composition (only muscovite and montmorillonite) were released preferentially at low ultrasonic energy. The suspension conditions (3–4 g kg−1 nanoparticle in solution with 0.4–0.6 mm ionic strength) were unfavourable for nanoparticle aggregation and the suspensions remained stable for up to 100 days. In contrast, it was difficult to release nanoparticles from Ultisols and Entisols. Ultisols and Entisols released small amounts of nanoparticles (size around 70 nm) and the suspension was very unstable, and some released no nanoparticles unless the dispersant was added. The study also indicated that the characteristics of the isolated nanoparticles were directly related to their respective matrix soils.
Effect of osmotic dehydration on dielectric properties, microwave vacuum drying kinetics and quality of mangosteen
Authors: Therdthai Nantawan , Visalrakkij Teerada
Published: August 2012

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.) with and without osmotic dehydration (OD) in sucrose solution was dried by microwave vacuum drying at 1200, 1440 and 1680 W. Because of water loss (49.12–49.98 g 100 g−1) and solid gain (9.31–11.62 g 100 g−1) during OD, dielectric constant, loss factor and loss tangent of mangosteen were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) to 24.82–25.12, 11.52–14.18 and 0.47–0.50, respectively. With the decreased initial moisture content and the modified dielectric properties, drying time of osmotically dehydrated mangosteen was shorter than that of mangosteen without OD. Moreover, an increase in microwave power enhanced drying kinetics. With OD, Tg of dried mangosteen was increased from −7.01, −3.00 to 11.11–25.96 °C. Hardness and lightness (seedless part) were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05). Structure of dried seedless mangosteen was well protected, resulting in the improved rehydration ability (P ≤ 0.05). Nonetheless, rehydration ability of the mangosteen containing seed was not improved (P > 0.05).
The effect of genotype and environmental conditions on grain physiochemical properties of Syrian durum wheat cultivars
Authors: Brennan Charles S. , Samaan Jihad , El‐Khayat Ghassan H.
Published: August 2012

The physical and chemical characteristics of five Syrian durum wheat cultivars grown under varying environmental conditions were investigated. Two cultivars were grown under irrigated conditions whilst two were grown under rainfed conditions in five different locations. A known cultivar (Sham‐1) was grown alongside the samples in all locations as a control. Test weight, 1000‐kernel weight, the degree of vitreousness, protein content, starch content, amylose content and starch pasting properties were determined for the samples. The effect of the environmental factors and their interaction (site × irrigation) showed that the irrigation factor was more responsible for physical quality variations than the site factor (for instance, site variation of the irrigated conditions was responsible for 61% of the total quality variation and 34% of total quality variations in the rainfed conditions). Starch composition was influenced more by site variations than irrigation, whereas cultivar factor mainly influenced starch quantity, chemical composition and pasting properties (for instance, variations were mostly affected by cultivar (63%) more than site (15%) in the irrigated lands). The interaction of cultivar and site demonstrated significant effects on the degree of vitreousness, amylose content and starch pasting properties.
Effect of grape dietary fibre on the storage stability of innovative functional seafood products made from farmed meagre (Argyrosomus regius)
Authors: Ribeiro Bernardo , Cardoso Carlos , Silva Helena A. , Serrano Carmo , Ramos Cristina , Santos Paulo C. , Mendes Rogério
Published: August 2012

Two groups of farmed meagre (Argyrosomus regius) sausages were studied regarding quality changes and antioxidant capacity during a 98‐day storage experiment at 2 ± 2 °C. Control sausages contained 3.9% (w/w) of inner pea dietary fibre (IPDF) and the other group contained 0.9% (w/w) IPDF plus 3.0% (w/w) of antioxidant grape dietary fibre (AGDF). The control and AGDF meagre sausages presented a high nutritional value, given their low caloric content, fatty acid profile, amino acid composition and high DF content. Both products were remarkably stable over storage time. The AGDF had an effective antioxidant capacity, proven not only by the radical scavenging activity (90.0–91.0% vs. 82.1–85.4%) and reducing power (8.13–9.10 mg ascorbic acid equivalent g‐1 vs. 4.16–4.24 mg ascorbic acid equivalent g−1) measurements, but also by the lower thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) values (0.78–1.10 vs. 1.50–2.08 mg malonaldehyde kg−1) over storage time. AGDF seemed to present antimicrobial effect, since on the 63rd day (beginning of significant microbial growth), the control sausages had more than 3 log CFU g−1 and AGDF sausages much <3 log CFU g−1. The sensory assessment pointed to some loss of textural quality, more accentuated in the AGDF sausages.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Thai propolis extracted using ethanol aqueous solution
Authors: Siripatrawan Ubonrat , Vitchayakitti Waranya , Sanguandeekul Romanee
Published: August 2012

The potential of using propolis collected from Thailand as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent for food applications was investigated. The propolis extract was prepared by using different ethanol aqueous solutions, including 30%, 40%, 50% and 70%. Total phenolic content (TPC), phenolic compound and antioxidant activity of the propolis were determined using Folin–Ciocalteau method, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, respectively. The antimicrobial ability was tested against Staphylococcus aureus (TISTR 118), Salmonella enteritidis (DMST 17368), Escherichia coli (TISTR 780) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) using disc diffusion technique. The major phenolic compounds found in Thai propolis were rutin, quercetin and naringin. The TPC and DPPH radical scavenging activity increased with increasing ethanol concentration in the solvent. Propolis extract showed antimicrobial activity, in terms of inhibitory zone for S. aureus and limited growth underneath paper discs, against all tested bacteria.
Effects of gamma irradiation on starch digestibility of rice with different resistant starch content
Authors: Shu Xiaoli , Xu Jianwei , Wang Ying , Rasmussen Søren K. , Wu Dianxing
Published: August 2012

Three rice cultivars (RS3M, RS4H and RS5L) differing in resistant starch contents but similar in genetic background were chosen to study the effects of gamma irradiation on starch physicochemical properties and digestibility. Irradiation increases the resistant starch content in all the three cultivars and in a dose‐dependent manner in rice with low‐resistant starch content (RS5L). Irradiation decreases apparent amylose content and gelatinisation temperature and changed the starch granule structure, while increasing V‐type crystallinity. Starch enzymatic hydrolysis rate was reduced following irradiation, and the effect of irradiation on reducing starch digestibility was negatively correlated with resistant starch content. Treatment with gamma irradiation has therefore a potential for increasing resistant starch content and producing low digestibility of starch in common rice.
Combined effects of lemon essential oil and surfactants on physical and structural properties of chitosan films
Authors: Peng Yong , Yin Lu , Li Yunfei
Published: August 2012

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of lemon essential oil (LO, at 0.5%, 1%, 2% v/v film‐forming solutions) and surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 80 at 0.1% v/v film‐forming solutions) on physical, optical and structural properties of chitosan (CH) films. The films were formed by casting method. Results showed that the incorporation of LO provoked a decrease in water content, water vapour permeability (WVP) and mechanical properties. Less transparency and higher total colour difference were observed in CH–LO composite films. The addition of surfactants significantly increased WVP and solubility in water of CH–LO films. The film containing Tween 80 showed lower mechanical strength and higher transparency. The morphology was different depending on the LO contents and surfactant types used. Tween 80 improved the stability of LO in the film, whereas Span 80 promoted the movement of oil droplets to the film surface.
Stand‐replacing fires reduce susceptibility of lodgepole pine to mountain pine beetle outbreaks in Colorado
Authors: Kulakowski Dominik , Jarvis Daniel , Veblen Thomas T. , Smith Jeremy
Published: August 2012

Aim  As climate change is increasing the frequency, severity and extent of wildfire and bark beetle outbreaks, it is important to understand how these disturbances interact to affect ecological patterns and processes, including susceptibility to subsequent disturbances. Stand‐replacing fires and outbreaks of mountain pine beetle (MPB), Dendroctonus ponderosae, are both important disturbances in the lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta, forests of the Rocky Mountains. In the current study we investigated how time since the last stand‐replacing fire affects the susceptibility of the stand to MPB outbreaks in these forests. We hypothesized that at a stand‐scale, young post‐fire stands (< c. 100–150 years old) are less susceptible to past and current MPB outbreaks than are older stands.

Location  Colorado, USA.

Methods  We used dendroecological methods to reconstruct stand‐origin dates and the history of outbreaks in 23 lodgepole pine stands.

Results  The relatively narrow range of establishment dates among the oldest trees in most sampled stands suggested that these stands originated after stand‐replacing or partially stand‐replacing fires over the past three centuries. Stands were affected by MPB outbreaks in the 1940s/1950s, 1980s and 2000s/2010s. Susceptibility to outbreaks generally increased with stand age (i.e. time since the last stand‐replacing fire). However, this reduced susceptibility of younger post‐fire stands was most pronounced for the 1940s/1950s outbreak, less so for the 1980s outbreak, and did not hold true for the 2000s/2010s outbreak.

Main conclusions  Younger stands may not have been less susceptible to the most recent outbreak because: (1) after stands reach a threshold age of > 100–150 years, stand age does not affect susceptibility to outbreaks, or (2) the high intensity of the most recent outbreak reduces the importance of pre‐disturbance conditions for susceptibility to disturbance. If the warm and dry conditions that contribute to MPB outbreaks concurrently increase the frequency and/or extent of severe fires, they may thereby mitigate the otherwise increased landscape‐scale susceptibility to outbreaks. Potential increases in severe fires driven by warm and dry climatic trends may lead to a negative feedback by making lodgepole pine stands less susceptible to future MPB outbreaks.
Diagnostic criteria in IBS: useful or not?
Authors: Mearin Fermín , Lacy Brian E.
Published: August 2012

There are a number of reasons to establish the accurate diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): to relieve patient uncertainty; to avoid adverse effects of unnecessary medications or treatments; to avoid unnecessary diagnostic procedures and surgeries; to conserve limited healthcare resources; and, of course, to initiate the most appropriate treatment. However, making the diagnosis of IBS remains difficult because it is clinically heterogeneous, no biological marker to detect it exists, many other diseases share the same clinical manifestations and it is often difficult for both physicians and patients to accept the uncertainty of a symptom‐based diagnosis. Different diagnostic criteria have been developed during the last 4 decades but none have proved to be an ideal method of accurately diagnosing IBS. Just as importantly, physicians are frequently unaware of published guidelines or consciously ignore these diagnostic criteria. Most clinicians still believe IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion and not a positive diagnosis based on history, physical examination, use of published diagnostic criteria such as the Rome III criteria, and the absence of alarm features. In the sections to follow we will address the inherent difficulties of diagnosing IBS, highlight the importance of symptom‐based diagnoses to help reign in soaring healthcare costs, and discuss future strategies that may enable a more cost‐efficient diagnosis of IBS.
How does an Ethiopian dam increase malaria? Entomological determinants around the Koka reservoir
Authors: Kibret Solomon , Lautze Jonathan , Boelee Eline , McCartney Matthew
Published: August 2012

Objectives  To identify entomological determinants of increased malaria transmission in the vicinity of the Koka reservoir in Central Ethiopia.

Methods  Larval and adult mosquitoes were collected between August 2006 and December 2007 in villages close to (<1 km) and farther away from (>6 km) the Koka reservoir. Adult mosquitoes were tested for the source of blood meal and sporozoites.

Results  In reservoir villages, shoreline puddles and seepage at the base of the dam were the most productive Anopheles‐breeding habitats. In villages farther from the dam (control villages), rain pools were important breeding habitats. About five times more mature anopheline larvae and six times more adult anophelines were found in the villages near the reservoir. Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles pharoensis were the most abundant species in the reservoir villages throughout the study period. The majority of adult and larval anophelines were collected during the peak malaria transmission season (September–October). Blood meal tests suggested that A. arabiensis fed on humans more commonly (74.6%) than A. pharoensis (62.3%). Plasmodium falciparum‐infected A. arabiensis (0.97–1.32%) and A. pharoensis (0.47–0.70%) were present in the reservoir villages. No P. falciparum‐infected anophelines were present in the control villages.

Conclusions  The Koka reservoir contributes to increased numbers of productive Anopheles‐breeding sites. This is the likely the cause for the greater abundance of malaria vectors and higher number of malaria cases evidenced in the reservoir villages. Complementing current malaria control strategies with source reduction interventions should be considered to reduce malaria in the vicinity of the reservoir.
Population dynamics of the invasive weedLupinus arboreusin Tasmania, and interactions with two non‐native pollinators
Authors: GOULSON D , ROTHERAY E L
Published: August 2012

GoulsonD & RotherayEL (2012). Population dynamics of the invasive weedLupinus arboreusin Tasmania, and interactions with two non‐native pollinators.Weed Research52, 535–541.

The factors that determine which plant species become invasive weeds are not well understood and there have been few studies of population dynamics in the early stages of invasion. Here, we examine changes in population size, pollinator visitation and seed set of the tree lupin,Lupinus arboreus, in Tasmania between 1999 and 2010.Lupinus arboreusis a native of California that has become a major environmental weed in New Zealand and Chile, but has not yet become a serious weed in Tasmania. Our data suggest that the main pollinators ofL. arboreusare honeybees and the bumblebee,Bombus terrestris, which invaded in 1992. There was no clear evidence for an impact of the arrival of bumblebees.Lupinus arboreuspopulation size increased by 76% between 1999 and 2010, despite weed control programmes. Populations appeared to be unstable; 43% of populations detected in 1999 were extinct by 2010, but this was more than offset by establishment of new populations. Inland populations tended to be smaller and were more likely to go extinct, compared with coastal populations, and some coastal populations had increased fourfold in 11 years. Large populations in 2010 tended to have higher seed set than smaller populations. The overall rate of increase suggests thatL. arboreusmay become a major environmental weed in Tasmania. Control of expanding populations is likely to become more difficult if, as we observed, seed set increases with population size.
Psychosomatic services for melanoma patients in tertiary care
Authors: Körner Annett , Fritzsche Kurt
Published: August 2012

Background  Individuals diagnosed with malignant melanoma face significant practical and psychological challenges, including existential fears and pain and discomfort associated with treatment. To enhance psychological adjustment, patients receive psychosomatic–psychotherapeutic consultation–liaison services (CLS) within the general medical hospital. However, little is known about the use of these services in routine clinical care.

Methods  This study includes all patients referred to the CLS of a large German tertiary care hospital between 2005 and 2008 (n = 3658). Data were recorded using the CL‐BaDo form – a multicenter documentation form for the assessment of clinical characteristics of patients and CLS delivery. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to compare patients with melanomas and patients with other dermatological diseases.

Results  Dermatologists requested CLS more often for other dermatology patients than for patients with melanoma. These two groups also differed in the reasons for referral: patients with melanoma were referred more often for acute coping issues; other dermatology patients were referred more often for unexplained physical symptoms. Additionally, the latter group was diagnosed with more and different mental and behavioral disorders. Patients with melanomas received more psychotherapeutic interventions while admitted to hospital but fewer recommendations for further psychosocial treatment after their hospital stay.

Conclusion  These findings highlight the need for professional psychosocial support in individuals diagnosed with melanoma – especially when first diagnosed or experiencing a recurrence. Dermatologists play a crucial role in identifying their patients’ needs and in navigating them toward available support services.
The clinical profile of Merkel cell carcinoma in mainland China
Authors: Song Philip I. , Liang Hao , Wei Wen‐Qiang , Jiang Yi‐Qun , Smith Jennifer S. , Qiao You‐Lin
Published: August 2012

Background  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous malignancy, but little is known about the presence or characteristics of MCC in mainland China. A retrospective chart review was conducted to describe the clinical profile of MCC in China.

Materials and methods  At 18 cancer or dermatology hospitals in metropolitan centers from the six geographical regions of mainland China, approximately 3,100,000 pathology database and medical records were searched for cases that had a pathological diagnosis of MCC between 1970 and 2009. A case series was compiled from retrospective chart reviews of identified patients with MCC.

Results  Eight out of 18 participating hospitals reported at least one record of a patient with a pathological diagnosis of MCC, and a total of 22 cases were identified. The median age of patients was 65.5 years, and 59% were female. The median time from the appearance of a lesion to the time of biopsy was six months, and the most common location of lesions was the head and neck. The most common treatment used was surgery alone.

Conclusions  Merkel cell carcinoma appears to be uncommon in mainland China. Patients in this series are elderly, often had lesions on the head/neck region, and most commonly received surgery alone as treatment. In contrast with MCC in Western countries, the current series’ patients were all of Asian ethnicity, had larger lesions at presentation, and none was documented as having HIV or other forms of immunosuppression.
Cutaneous manifestations of filovirus infections
Authors: Nkoghe Dieudonné , Leroy Eric Maurice , Toung‐Mve Médard , Gonzalez Jean Paul
Published: August 2012

Ebolavirus and Marburgvirus, two filoviruses belonging to the Filoviridae family, are among the most virulent pathogens for humans and non‐human primates, causing outbreaks of fulminant hemorrhagic fever (HF) in Central African countries with case fatality rates of up to 90%. Fruit bats are the likely reservoir, and human infection occurs through contact with bats or infected large‐animal carcasses or by person‐to‐person contact (through body fluids, medical care, and burial practices). Schematically, clinical manifestations occur in three successive phases and include general, gastrointestinal, and mucocutaneous disorders. Death usually results from hemorrhagic complications. Cutaneous manifestations rarely make a major contribution to disease severity but can assist with the diagnosis. Rash, the main cutaneous disorder, is nonspecific and cannot guide the differential diagnosis. Immunohistochemical examination of skin biopsy or necropsy specimens can confirm the diagnosis.
Systemic PUVA vs. narrowband UVB in the treatment of vitiligo: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Sapam Ranjeeta , Agrawal Sudha , Dhali Tapan K.
Published: August 2012

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting disorder having disfiguring consequences. Many treatments have been attempted with varying reports of success. A parallel‐group, assessor blinded, randomized, controlled trial was designed to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of narrowband UVB (NBUVB) with oral psoralen UVA (PUVA) therapy in the treatment of vitiligo. Patients aged 13–70 years with vitiliginous lesions involving more than 5% body surface area were eligible for the study. In total, 56 patients were randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to oral PUVA or NBUVB phototherapy groups. Patients were assessed for the percentage of repigmentation over the depigmented areas as the primary outcome measure at each visit during the first three months and then monthly within the next three months. The incidence of adverse effects was also noted during the study period as the secondary outcome measure. The median repigmentation achieved at the end of the six‐month therapy course was 45% in the NBUVB group and 40% in the oral PUVA group. Focal vitiligo had the best response in both treatment groups. There were lesser adverse effects within the NBUVB (7.4%) than in the PUVA (57.2%) group. Two PUVA patients discontinued therapy due to severe dizziness. There was no significant difference in the mean degree of repigmentation; however, NBUVB carried a greater response rate and might be superior to oral PUVA with better tolerance and color match with the surrounding normal skin, as well as fewer side effects in the treatment of vitiligo.
Attenuated Bordetella pertussis BPZE1 protects against allergic airway inflammation and contact dermatitis in mouse models
Authors: Li R. , Cheng C. , Chong S. Z. , Lim A. R. F. , Goh Y. F. , Locht C. , Kemeny D. M. , Angeli V. , Wong W. S. F. , Alonso S.
Published: August 2012

Background

We previously reported that prior nasal administration of highly attenuated Bordetella pertussis BPZE1 provides effective and sustained protection against lethal challenge with influenza A viruses. The protective effect was mediated by suppressing the production of major pro‐inflammatory mediators. To further explore the anti‐inflammatory properties of BPZE1, we investigated the effect of BPZE1 nasal pretreatment on two mouse models of allergic disease, allergic airway inflammation, and contact hypersensitivity (CHS).

Methods

Allergic reactions were induced in mice nasally pretreated with live attenuated BPZE1 bacteria using the ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced allergic airway inflammation and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)‐induced CHS models.

Results

Prior BPZE1 nasal treatment suppressed OVA‐induced lung inflammation and inflammatory cell recruitment and significantly reduced IgE levels and cytokine production. Similarly, BPZE1 nasal pretreatment markedly inhibited ear swelling, skin inflammation, and production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the DNCB‐induced CHS model. For both models, we showed that BPZE1 pretreatment does not affect the sensitization phase. Upon challenge, BPZE1 pretreatment selectively reduced the level of cytokines whose production is increased and did not affect the basal level of other cytokines. Together, our observations suggest that BPZE1 pretreatment specifically targets those cytokine‐producing effector cells that are recruited and involved in the inflammatory reaction.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the broad anti‐inflammatory properties of the attenuated B. pertussis BPZE1 vaccine candidate and supports its development as a promising agent to prevent and/or treat allergic diseases.
Costimulation blockade in pig artery patch xenotransplantation – a simple model to monitor the adaptive immune response in nonhuman primates
Authors: Ezzelarab Mohamed B. , Ekser Burcin , Echeverri Gabriel , Hara Hidetaka , Ezzelarab Corin , Long Cassandra , Bajona Pietro , Garcia Bertha , Murase Noriko , Ayares David , Cooper David K. C.
Published: August 2012

Ezzelarab MB, Ekser B, Echeverri G, Hara H, Ezzelarab C, Long C, Bajona P, Garcia B, Murase N, Ayares D, Cooper DKC. Costimulation blockade in pig artery patch xenotransplantation – a simple model to monitor the adaptive immune response in nonhuman primates. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 221–232. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  CD154 blockade‐based immunosuppression successfully prevents both humoral and cellular adaptive immune responses in baboons receiving α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout (GTKO) pig organs. Using a GTKO pig artery transplantation model in baboons, we evaluated the efficacy of CD28/B7 costimulatory pathway blockade in comparison with CD154 blockade.

Methods:  Baboons received artery patch grafts from GTKO pigs, with no (Group1), anti‐CD154mAb‐based (Group2), or CTLA4‐Ig‐based (Group3) immunosuppressive therapy. Anti‐pig IgM and IgG antibody and cellular responses were monitored. Xenografts were immunohistologically evaluated for antibody and complement deposition, and cellular infiltration.

Results:  Group1 baboons developed increased IgM and IgG antibody and cellular responses against GTKO antigens. In Group2, anti‐CD154mAb alone prevented the development of both IgM and IgG antibody and cellular responses,but not cellular infiltration of the graft. In the single baboon that received anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) + mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) + anti‐CD154mAb, cellular infiltration of the graft was not seen. In Group3, CTLA4‐Ig with ATG + MMF inhibited the cellular proliferative response to pig antigens but did not prevent the IgG response or cellular infiltration.

Conclusions:  (i) Artery patch transplantation is a simple model to monitor the adaptive immune response to xenografts; (ii) anti‐CD154mAb prevents sensitization but not cellular infiltration (but, without anticoagulation, may result in early thrombosis of a pig xenograft); (iii) although in only one baboon, the addition of ATG and MMF prevents cellular infiltration and (iv) replacement of anti‐CD154mAb by CTLA4‐Ig (at the doses used), even in combination with ATG and MMF, prevents the cellular proliferative response to GTKO pig antigens but is insufficient to prevent the development of anti‐pig antibodies.
The experimental evolution of herbicide resistance in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii results in a positive correlation between fitness in the presence and absence of herbicides
Authors: Vogwill T. , Lagator M. , Colegrave N. , Neve P.
Published: August 2012

Pleiotropic fitness trade‐offs will be key determinants of the evolutionary dynamics of selection for pesticide resistance. However, for herbicide resistance, empirical support for a fitness cost of resistance is mixed, and it is therefore also questionable what further ecological trade‐offs can be assumed to apply to herbicide resistance. Here, we test the existence of trade‐offs by experimentally evolving herbicide resistance in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Although fitness costs are detected for all herbicides, we find that, counterintuitively, the most resistant populations also have the lowest fitness costs as measured by growth rate in the ancestral environment. Furthermore, after controlling for differences in the evolutionary dynamics of resistance to different herbicides, we also detect significant positive correlations between resistance, fitness in the ancestral environment and cross‐resistance to other herbicides. We attribute this to the highest levels of nontarget‐site resistance being achieved by fixing mutations that more broadly affect cellular physiology, which results in both more cross‐resistance and less overall antagonistic pleiotropy on maximum growth rate. Consequently, the lack of classical ecological trade‐offs could present a major challenge for herbicide resistance management.
An experimental test of the role of predators in the maintenance of a genetically based polymorphism
Authors: Calsbeek R. , Cox R. M.
Published: August 2012

Polymorphisms provide one of the most useful tools for understanding the maintenance of genetic and phenotypic variation in nature. We have previously described a genetically based polymorphism in dorsal patterning that is expressed by female brown anole lizards, Anolis sagrei, which occur in Bar, Diamond and intermediate Diamond–Bar morphs. Previous studies of island populations in The Bahamas support a role for selection in maintaining the polymorphism, but the agents responsible for this selection remain unclear. We tested two main hypotheses regarding the importance of predation as a selective agent that maintains the polymorphism within populations. First, we tested whether correlational selection favours different combinations of morph, locomotor performance and escape behaviour by measuring morph‐specific natural selection on sprint speed, running endurance and the propensity of females to either ‘freeze’ or ‘run’ in response to attempted capture. Morphs did not differ in any of these traits, nor did correlational selection consistently favour any particular combinations of morph and antipredator behaviour. Second, we experimentally excluded bird and snake predators from two entire island populations, allowed these predators access to two additional islands and then measured subsequent differences in natural selection on morphs in each population. Predators reduced the survival of Bar and Diamond females, but not of genetically intermediate Diamond–Bar females. These results provide limited evidence that predation may play a role in maintaining this polymorphism, although the functional traits that could account for differential susceptibility to predation remain unclear.
Developmental Competence and Embryo Quality of Small Oocytes from Pre‐pubertal Goats Cultured in IVM Medium Supplemented with Low Level of Hormones, Insulin–Transferrin–Selenium and Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Hammami S , Morató R , Romaguera R , Roura M , Catalá MG , Paramio MT , Mogas T , Izquierdo D
Published: August 2012

Contents

The aim of this study was to test the effect of insulin–transferrin–selenium (ITS) and L‐ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation and the hormonal level during in vitro maturation (IVM) of small oocytes from pre‐pubertal goat on the blastocyst yield and quality. Concretely, we used four maturation media: conventional IVM medium (CM), growth medium (GM: CM+ITS+AA and low level of hormones), modified CM (mCM: CM with low level of hormones) and modified GM (mGM: CM+ITS+AA and normal level of hormones). Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were classified into two categories according to oocyte diameter: <125 μm and ≥125 μm. Large oocytes were matured 24 h in CM (Treatment A). Small oocytes were matured randomly in six experimental groups: Treatment B: 24 h in CM; Treatment C: 12 h in GM and 12 h in CM; Treatment D: 24 h in mGM; Treatment E: 12 h in mGM and 12 h in CM; Treatment F: 12 h in mCM and 12 h in CM; and Treatment G: 12 h in GM and 12 h in mGM. After IVM, oocytes were fertilized and cultured for 8 days. The blastocyst quality was assessed by the survival following vitrification/warming and the mean cell number. When different maturation media were combined, the blastocyst rate did not improve. The large oocytes produced the highest blastocysts yield. However, the culture of small oocytes in GM (53.3%) enhanced the post‐warming survival of blastocysts compared to large oocytes matured in CM (35.7%). In conclusion, IVM of pre‐pubertal goat small oocytes in GM would be useful to improve the quality of in vitro‐produced blastocysts.
Pregabalin versus gabapentin in the treatment of neuropathic pruritus in maintenance haemodialysis patients: A prospective, crossover study
Authors: SOLAK YALCIN , BIYIK ZEYNEP , ATALAY HUSEYIN , GAIPOV ABDUZHAPPAR , GUNEY FIGEN , TURK SULEYMAN , COVIC ADRIAN , GOLDSMITH DAVID , KANBAY MEHMET
Published: August 2012

Aim:  Pruritus is common in dialysis patients. Peripheral neuropathy is also prevalent in this patient population. However, the role of neuropathy in the genesis of uraemic itch has not been adequately studied to date. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of gabapentin and pregabalin on uraemic pruritus along with neuropathic pain in patients receiving haemodialysis.

Methods:  This is a 14 week long randomized, prospective, cross‐over trial. Haemodialysis patients with established neuropathy and/or neuropathic pain were included. Fifty patients were randomly assigned to gabapentin 300 mg after each haemodialysis session and pregabalin 75 mg daily. After 6 weeks of treatment, cross‐over was performed and patients received the other drug for another 6 weeks. Short Form of McGill Pain Questionnaire and Visual Analogue Scale were used to evaluate pain and pruritus, respectively. At each week's visit, patients were interrogated in terms of adverse effects of study drugs. Baseline laboratory data and demographic characteristics were recorded from patient charts.

Results:  Forty (12 males, 28 females) out of 50 patients completed the study. Mean age was 58.2 ± 13.7. Overall, 29 out of 40 patients (72.5%) had pruritus symptoms at baseline evaluation. Fifteen patients (37.5%) were diabetic. Thirty‐one out of 40 patients (77.5%) had electromyography (EMG)‐proven peripheral neuropathy. Twenty three patients (57.5%) had both EMG‐proven neuropathy and pruritus. Gabapentin and pregabalin improved both neuropathic pain and pruritus significantly. There was no difference between the study drugs in terms of efficacy against pain and pruritus.

Conclusion:  Treatment of neuropathic pain with either pregabalin or gabapentin effectively ameliorates uraemic itch.
Elastic hysteresis in human eyes is an age‐dependent value
Authors: Ishii Kotaro , Saito Kei , Kameda Toshihiro , Oshika Tetsuro
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background:  The elastic hysteresis phenomenon is observed when cyclic loading is applied to a viscoelastic system. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate elastic hysteresis in living human eyes against an external force.

Design:  Prospective case series.

Participants:  Twenty‐four eyes of 24 normal human subjects (mean age: 41.5 ± 10.6 years) were recruited.

Methods:  A non‐contact tonometry process was recorded with a high‐speed camera. Central corneal thickness, corneal thickness at 4 mm from the centre, corneal curvature and anterior chamber depth were measured. Intraocular pressure was also measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry and dynamic contour tonometer.

Main Outcome Measures:  Energy loss due to elastic hysteresis was calculated and graphed.

Results:  The mean central corneal thickness was 552.5 ± 36.1 µm, corneal curvature was 7.84 ± 0.26 mm and anterior chamber depth was 2.83 ± 0.29 mm. The mean Goldmann applanation tonometry‐intraocular pressure was 14.2 ± 2.7 mmHg and dynamic contour tonometer‐intraocular pressure was 16.3 ± 3.5 mmHg. The mean energy loss due to elastic hysteresis was 3.90 × 10−6 ± 2.49 × 10−6 Nm. Energy loss due to elastic hysteresis correlated significantly with age (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.596, P = 0.0016). There were no significant correlations between energy loss due to elastic hysteresis and other measurements.

Conclusion:  Energy loss due to elastic hysteresis in the eyes of subjects was found to positively correlate with age, independent of anterior eye structure or intraocular pressure. Therefore, it is believed that the viscosity of the eye increases with age.
Cross‐sectional validation study of patient‐reported outcomes in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria
Authors: Weitz I. , Meyers G. , Lamy T. , Cahn J.‐Y. , Uranga M. T. , García Vela J. A. , Sanz M. A. , Severino B. , Kelly R. J. , Hillmen P. , Hill A.
Published: August 2012

Background

Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, acquired, clonal haemopoietic stem cell disorder that causes chronic intravascular haemolysis, increases the risk of thrombosis and results in significant patient morbidity and mortality. The symptoms of PNH may have a major impact on patient quality of life.

Aims

To assess patient fatigue and health‐related quality of life in 29 patients with PNH using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue subscale version 4 (FACIT‐Fatigue) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality‐of‐Life Questionnaire‐C30, version 3 (EORTC QLQ‐C30).

Methods

Following completion of the questionnaires, patients were interviewed to assess the validity, clarity, relevance and comprehensiveness of the assessments.

Results

Overall, patients considered both the FACIT‐Fatigue and EORTC QLQ‐C30 instruments to be relevant and adequate in assessing the level of PNH‐associated fatigue and other quality‐of‐life measures. The FACIT‐Fatigue questionnaire was considered to be clear and to comprehensively cover PNH‐related fatigue. The EORTC QLQ‐C30 instrument was considered to be easy to understand, but of an overall lower relevance, although some differences between countries were observed. Patients suggested additional questions that could be incorporated into future EORTC QLQ‐C30 versions to make it more relevant to PNH.

Conclusions

This study confirms the validity of the FACIT‐Fatigue and the EORTC QLQ‐C30 questionnaires in this patient population and their routine use should be considered in the management of patients with PNH.
The Effects of Organisational Embeddedness on Insomnia
Authors: Ng Thomas W.H. , Feldman Daniel C.
Published: August 2012

This article proposes and tests a model that highlights how organisational embeddedness relates to insomnia. It argues that support rendered by the organisation in general and by supervisors in particular decrease the likelihood that highly embedded employees will experience insomnia. Data collected from 192 managers at four points in time over a 12‐month period generally support the proposed model. The article concludes with implications for future research on the relationship between embeddedness and insomnia and the important roles which workplace support systems play in mediating that relationship.
Osteocalcin, glucose metabolism, lipid profile and chronic low‐grade inflammation in middle‐aged and elderly Chinese
Authors: Chen L. , Li Q. , Yang Z. , Ye Z. , Huang Y. , He M. , Wen J. , Wang X. , Lu B. , Hu J. , Liu C. , Ling C. , Qu S. , Hu R.
Published: August 2012

Diabet. Med. 30, 309–317 (2013)

Aim  To assess the relationship between serum total osteocalcin and measurements of adiposity, glucose tolerance, lipid profile, adipokine and chronic low‐grade inflammation in middle‐aged and elderly Chinese subjects.

Methods  We performed a cross‐sectional community‐based study in central Shanghai. Serum total osteocalcin was measured by radioimmunoassay in 783 men and 946 post‐menopausal women. Their associations with measurements of adiposity, glucose tolerance, lipid profile and chronic low‐grade inflammation were examined.

Results  Serum total osteocalcin levels revealed a sexual dimorphism, with post‐menopausal women having significantly higher levels than men (P < 0.001). Serum osteocalcin levels of participants with self‐reported cardiovascular disease were significantly lower (P = 0.044) than those without. In men, serum osteocalcin levels of participants with the metabolic syndrome were significantly lower than those without the metabolic syndrome (P = 0.036). Serum osteocalcin correlated negatively with fasting serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides and total cholesterol, and positively with homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function in both men and post‐menopausal women (all P < 0.05). In men, serum osteocalcin correlated negatively with BMI, diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test glucose after adjustment for age (all P < 0.05). In post‐menopausal women, serum osteocalcin correlated negatively with waist–hip ratio, LDL cholesterol and C‐reactive protein, and positively with adiponectin (all P < 0.05). Serum osteocalcin was not associated with CXC chemokine ligand 5 level (P > 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase was an independent predictor of serum osteocalcin in both men and post‐menopausal women (both P < 0.001). Adiponectin was an independent predictor of serum osteocalcin in post‐menopausal women (P = 0.011). Serum osteocalcin was an independent predictor of homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function in both genders (both P < 0.05).

Conclusions  Serum total osteocalcin was closely associated with glucose and lipid metabolism in both Chinese men and post‐menopausal women.