bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of phosphatase and tensin homolog in drug‐induced gingival overgrowth
Authors: Cetinkaya B. O. , Pamuk F. , Keles G. C. , Ayas B. , Ozfidan G. K. , Kayisli U. , Arik N. , Horton H.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objective

We proposed that phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) might be one of the signaling proteins that alter the balance between cell growth and cell death in drug‐induced gingival overgrowth. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of PTEN in subjects using cyclosporine A and to analyze the relationship between PTEN and cell proliferation marker, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), in cyclosporine A‐induced gingival overgrowth.

Material and Methods

In total, samples from 36 subjects, i.e. 24 cyclosporine A‐mediated renal transplant patients with gingival overgrowth (n = 12) or without gingival overgrowth (n = 12) and 12 matched periodontally healthy subjects, were included in the study. PTEN and PCNA expressions in gingival tissues were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, PTEN expression was also analyzed by western blot. PTEN immunoreactivity was calculated with a histologic score (HSCORE) value and PCNA immunoreactivity was calculated with the PCNA‐proliferative index.

Results

Phosphatase and tensin homolog HSCORE for the group with gingival overgrowth was found to be significantly lowest compared to the group without gingival overgrowth and the control group (p < 0.001) while the highest PTEN HSCORE was found in the control group. In addition, the PTEN HSCORE for the group without gingival overgrowth was significantly lower compared to controls (p < 0.001). The highest PCNA‐proliferative index score was observed in the group with gingival overgrowth while the lowest score was observed in the control group (p < 0.001). The immunoblot signal for PTEN was significantly decreased in the group with gingival overgrowth compared to the group without gingival overgrowth and the control group (p < 0.001). Western blot results were different from immunohistochemistry and revealed there was no significant difference between the without gingival overgrowth and the control group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results showing decreased PTEN levels in patients with gingival overgrowth supported with increased PCNA expression suggested that PTEN might take part in the imbalance between cell proliferation and death in drug‐induced gingival overgrowth.
Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction and Vestibular Pain Sensitivity Among Women with Provoked Vestibulodynia
Authors: Smith Kelly B. , Pukall Caroline F. , Chamberlain Susan M.
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a common cause of painful intercourse. Despite the fact that PVD is associated with high levels of pain and negative impact on women's sexuality, research has not examined associations between affected women's pain sensitivity and their sexual and relationship satisfaction.

Aims

This study aimed to examine sexual and relationship functioning/satisfaction and vestibular pain sensitivity among PVD-affected women, and potential associations between these variables.

Methods

Participants were 17 women with PVD and 17 matched controls. Women were assessed via a gynecological examination, structured interview, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Additionally, women completed a quantitative sensory testing session to assess vestibular pain thresholds and associated pain ratings; specifically, vestibular pressure-pain and heat pain thresholds were measured.

Main Outcome Measures

Gynecological and intercourse pain ratings; FSFI; GRISS; DAS; vestibular pressure-pain threshold; and vestibular heat pain thresholds.

Results

PVD-affected women reported significantly decreased sexual function in comparison with controls. While no differences in relationship satisfaction were found between groups, women with PVD did report less sexual satisfaction on the FSFI. PVD-affected women also reported significantly higher vestibular pain ratings associated with the gynecological examination and heat pain tolerance procedures, and lower pressure-pain threshold, heat pain threshold, and heat pain tolerance at the vestibule in comparison with controls. Among women with PVD, lower heat pain threshold was associated with less sexual satisfaction, and higher pain ratings related to intercourse and heat pain tolerance, respectively, were associated with lower sexual function and satisfaction.

Conclusions

The results indicate that women with PVD experience negative sexual effects and increased pain sensitivity. This study also suggests that some aspects of pain may be related to lower levels of sexual function and satisfaction among affected women.
Androgenic Action of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on Nerve Density in the Ovariectomized Rat Vagina
Authors: Pelletier Georges , Ouellet Johanne , Martel Céline , Labrie Fernand
Published: June 2013

Introduction

We have recently reported that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases the density of nerve fibers in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat vagina.

Aim

To better define the mechanism of action of DHEA, we have examined the effect of DHEA, conjugated estrogens (premarin) and the potent blocker of estrogen action acolbifene on the innervation in the lamina propria in the OVX rat vagina.

Methods

Female Sprague-Dawley rats (10–12 weeks old) were used. Innervation of the vagina was examined 9 months after OVX and was compared to that of OVX animals treated daily with DHEA (80 mg/kg) by topical application on the skin, premarin (0.5 mg/kg) orally as well as acolbifene (2.5 mg/kg) orally administrated alone or in combination with DHEA or premarin.

Main Outcome Measures

Four histological sections from each vagina (5 animals/group) were immunostained using antibodies to the panneuronal marker protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5). The areas were measured by stereological analysis.

Results

OVX reduced the area of the lamina propria to 44% of the intact value, an effect which was reversed to 69% and 84% of the intact value by DHEA and premarin, respectively, at the doses used. When acolbifene was used, no inhibition of the stimulatory effect of DHEA was observed, while the action of premarin was completely blocked. Evaluation of the PGP 9.5 fiber density revealed that DHEA treatment increased the density of fibers by 60% compared to OVX animals, while a further 27% increase was observed when acolbifene was combined with DHEA. Premarin, on the other hand, had no effect on the density of PGP 9.5 fibers.

Conclusions

Considering that the antiestrogen acolbifene had no inhibitory effect on the effect of DHEA in rat vagina while blocking the stimulatory effect of premarin, the present data indicate that DHEA exerts its stimulatory effect on the fiber density through an androgenic action.
Prevalence ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisFecal Shedding in Alpacas Presented to Veterinary Hospitals in the United States
Authors: Fecteau M.‐E. , Bedenice D. , Cebra C.K. , Pinn T.L. , McAdams S.C. , Fyock T.L. , Whitlock R.H. , Sweeney R.W.
Published: June 2013

Background

The prevalence of Johne's disease in alpacas in the United States is unknown. The limits of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP) in alpaca feces have not been determined.

Objectives

To evaluate the use ofPCRforMAPdetection in alpaca feces; and to estimate the prevalence ofMAPfecal shedding in alpacas presented to veterinary teaching hospitals.

Animals

Alpacas presenting to 4 US veterinary teaching hospitals from November 2009 to February 2011.

Methods

Prospective study. Ten dilutions of a wildMAPstrain were added to negative alpaca feces and processed forMAPdetection by means of a commercial real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) assay, and cultured on Herrold's Egg Yolk Medium (HEYM) and liquid broth. The limits of detection for each method were determined. Fecal samples from alpacas admitted to the veterinary teaching hospitals during the study period were evaluated forMAPviaPCRandHEYM.

Results

The lowestMAPdilution detectable viaPCRwas 243MAPcolony‐forming units (CFU)/g of feces, at which concentrationMAPgrowth was detectable onHEYM. Ten (6%; 95% confidence interval: 3–9%) of the 180 fecal samples collected were positive onPCR.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Polymerase chain reaction can provide an accurate and rapid detection ofMAPfecal shedding in alpacas; and the prevalence ofMAPfecal shedding in hospitalized alpacas in 4 US veterinary teaching hospitals was 6%.
Succession after prescribed burning in coastal Calluna heathlands along a 340‐km latitudinal gradient
Authors: Velle Liv G. , Vandvik Vigdis
Published: June 2013

Questions

The coastal heathlands of northwest Europe are classified as highly endangered and a habitat of high conservation importance throughout their geographic range. Previous research into heathland vegetation dynamics has typically been carried out within single sites or regions, and hence little is known about the variability of land‐use effects and successional dynamics along biogeographic gradients. We test the hypothesis that the bioclimatic gradient is a key factor shaping post‐fire regeneration dynamics in Calluna heathlands, with progressively slower regrowth and lower post‐fire pioneer species richness towards colder climates.

Location

Wet and dry Calluna heath vegetation in five sites spanning a 340‐km latitudinal gradient along the west coast of Norway (60.70°–63.79° N).

Methods

A repeated measures design was used, with floristic data recorded from permanent plots in a number of experimental post‐fire successions over a 3‐yr period (n = 344). The data were analysed using multivariate ordination techniques: detrended correspondence analysis, partial redundancy analysis and principal response curves, and mixed effects models.

Results

Regeneration rates decrease from south to north and the wet heath stands regenerate faster towards the pre‐fire community composition than the dry stands. Calluna decreases immediately after fire in all sites, but increases from the second year onwards, with the southernmost site having the fastest return. Regeneration of grasses, herbs, mosses and lichens is also faster in the south. Across all sites, species richness decreased the first year after fire, followed by an increase that exceeds pre‐fire levels by the second year. The number of pioneer species entering the heathlands after fire decreases northwards.

Conclusions

We found considerable geographic variation, not only in species composition, but also in post‐fire successional trends and dynamics. This is probably linked to higher productivity and larger pools of pioneer species in southern sites, and higher growth rates of shrubs and mosses in the wet heath habitat. This calls for conservation of a geographically diverse set of heathland sites, as well as development of regional‐ and site‐specific management plans.
Correction of all‐trans retinoic acid deficiency in alcoholic cirrhosis lessens the excessive inflammatory monocyte response: a translational study
Authors: Ouziel Romy , Trépo Eric , Cremer Anneline , Moreno Christophe , Degré Delphine , Chaouni Mustapha , Vercruysse Vincent , Quertinmont Eric , Devière Jacques , Lemmers Arnaud , Gustot Thierry
Published: June 2013

Background & Aims

Patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) have vitamin A (VA) deficiency and an enhanced immune response associated with disease severity. All‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a VA‐active metabolite, has anti‐inflammatory effects and its deficiency could contribute to the exacerbated proinflammatory reaction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ATRA/VA deficiency and supplementation on the monocyte response in ALD.

Methods

Vitamin A and ATRA plasma levels were quantified in ALD patients and healthy subjects (HS). The in vitro effect of ATRA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced TNF‐α production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was assessed by ELISA and RT‐PCR. The activation pattern of peritoneal macrophages (PerMΦ) and circulating monocytes isolated from VA‐deficient mice and ALD patients, respectively, was evaluated by flow cytometry, quantification of TNF‐α and NO2 production.

Results

Alcoholic liver disease patients (n = 85) showed plasmatic VA deficiency that was correlated with scores of severity and with the hepatic venous pressure gradient. ATRA levels correlated significantly with VA levels. In vitro, ATRA pretreatment decreased the overproduction of TNF‐α by LPS‐stimulated PBMC of ALD patients. In vivo, VA deficiency in mice was associated with increased activation of PerMΦ, while oral ATRA supplementation normalized it.

Conclusion

For the first time, we show that VA/ATRA deficiencies in ALD patients are associated with disease severity. Furthermore, our data strongly suggest that the VA deficiency observed in ALD patients might participate in the pathophysiology of the disease by priming immune cells, and that ATRA supplementation could downregulate the deleterious proinflammatory state in cirrhosis and might thus be of therapeutic use.
Anthropogenic and climatic influences over the past three centuries on characteristics of an Adirondack lake, Eastern North America
Authors: Kanfoush Sharon L.
Published: June 2013

Fourth Lake is a drainage lake at 43°N, 74°W, from which a 37‐cm long mud‐water interface core was recovered. 210Pb dating indicates the core spans ≈340 years, from the Little Ice Age through modern global warming. Diatom accumulation responds to anthropogenic watershed disturbances, declining slightly up‐core until a peak in the late‐1800s attributable to sediment and nutrient influx from logging and enlargement of the outlet dam. A dramatic decrease occurs ≈1900 as logging and lake filling ceased, and a smaller peak ≈1960 accompanies residential development. Similar changes occur in organic carbon accumulation, which ranges from 0.0038–0.024 mg cm−2 year−1, with generally decreasing values up‐core, punctuated by maximum values in the late‐1800s. Expressing diatoms as concentration, however, reveals a doubling up‐core that positively correlates with changes extending beyond the watershed, including Northern Hemisphere temperature, atmospheric CO2 concentration and solar irradiance (R = 0.627, 0.675 and 0.400, respectively). A >50% increase in % organic carbon, from 3.8% to 5.9%, also positively correlates with these larger‐scale environmental conditions (R = 0.828, 0.830 and 0.832), while negative correlations with the extrabasinal records are exhibited by magnetic susceptibility (R = −0.654, −0.496, and −0.660) and clay (R = −0.770, −0.762, and −0.737). These changes are consistent with decreased sediment influx and reduced dilution of biogenous sedimentary components. In contrast to total diatoms, the accumulation of planktonic genus Asterionella displays a long‐term increase up‐core. Potential explanations include increasing duration of the ice‐free season or a shift in the timing of the spring bloom and a mismatch with abundance of predator(s). Asterionella also increases as a percentage of total diatoms, being positively correlated with extrabasinal conditions (R = 0.827, 0.774 and 0.674). This change occurs at the expense of many benthic genera and, over the past century, at the expense of tychoplanktonic genus, Aulacosiera. Heavily silicified, Aulacosiera requires strong mixing to remain within the epilimnion. Thus, its decline might result from increasing stratification caused by warming.
Bathymetric study of Lake Hayq, Ethiopia
Authors: Yesuf Hassen M. , Alamirew Tena , Melesse Assefa M. , Assen Mohammed
Published: June 2013

The generation of scientific information for improved understating of the physical dynamics of a lake is fundamental for guiding lake stakeholders and managers at the local level to implement best management practices and help design effective management strategies and policies at higher levels. Multitemporal bathymetric information on lakes is very important in hydrology and sediment studies to more clearly indicate environmental changes and to understand the effects of land processes on the hydrology of lakes. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to map bathymetric charts of Lake Hayq in Ethiopia and to derive morphometric parameters, including depth, volume, area, width and length, and to plot curves illustrating the relationships between these parameters. The bathymetric survey was carried out using a combination of a SonarLite Portable Echo Sounder and Global Positioning System (GPS) to generate three‐dimensional (XYZ) hydrographic data. Surfer 8.01 and ArcGIS 9.3 software program were used for surface, gridding and morphometric analyses. Comparison of the results of this study with a previous study conducted in 1941 indicated the lake has experienced changes in depth and surface area. To reduce the negative impacts of human‐induced activities on the ecohydrology of the lake, and to maintain its ecological integrity, appropriate and integrated lake management practices must be adopted. This will necessitate policy formulation, active lake basin stakeholder involvement and implementation of basin‐wide lake management to ensure sustainable use of the lake and its basin resources.
Lake bathymetry from Indian Remote Sensing (P6‐LISS III) satellite imagery using artificial neural network model
Authors: Moses Sheela A. , Janaki Letha , Joseph Sabu , Gomathi Jairaj P. , Joseph Justus
Published: June 2013

The remote sensing technique provides a rapid and relatively inexpensive means of identifying silted areas in large water bodies, in order that desilting activities can be effectively conducted. This study developed lake bathymetry for a selected lake system (Akkulam–Veli Lake, Kerala, India) from the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS P6‐LISS III) satellite imagery, using an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The water depth was measured for 17 months at different points in the lake on the same date of overpass of the IRS satellite. The satellite imageries obtained for 12 December 2007 and 16 February 2009 were identified as cloud‐free images. ANN models were developed with the four input series of radiance values from green, red, NIR and MIR bands observed for the satellite imagery obtained on 12 December 2007 at the sampling sites, with actual water depth measurements also being taken on the same date. A three‐layered feed forward neural network with back propagation training algorithm was developed for this study. To train the model, it was run several times by changing the number of neurons, learning rate and the momentum constants until the mean square error was minimum. When the number of neurons is increased to 35, and the logsig function is used as ANN transfer function, the error becomes minimum. To test the model, the developed ANN was run for a new set of input from the satellite imagery taken on 16 February 2009. Comparing the predicted and measured values for the same sites for the same day, it was found that the model is best suited for predicting water depth using ANN and the radiance values for four bands of IRS satellite imagery. The results of this study indicated that, for the shallow lake with lower depth, the difference between the actual and predicted value was considerable. In contrast, this was not the case where the lake water depth was greater, indicating an increased prediction accuracy with ANN with increasing depths for shallow lakes. A bathymetry map prepared with ANN indicated only the lake shoreline, as well as the shallow littoral zones. The approach used in this study requires further refinement, including further of the model based on using more field measurements to obtain a better bathymetry map.
Spatio‐temporal variation of gross CO2 and CH4 diffusive emissions from Australian reservoirs and natural aquatic ecosystems, and estimation of net reservoir emissions
Authors: Bastien Julie , Demarty Maud
Published: June 2013

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) diffusive emissions were measured during two field surveys in Queensland and Tasmania, Australia, using the floating chamber method. Bubbling and degassing emissions in 2010 were estimated in Koombooloomba Dam reservoir using only inverted funnels and gas concentrations, respectively. A total of 14 reservoirs and 16 rivers and lakes were sampled from 2006 to 2010. Spatial variation was substantial within each water body, as well as between them. The main drivers of diffusive emission variation were physiographic region and climate, with a clear demarcation being observed between diffusive emissions from tropical Queensland and temperate Tasmania, and between the humid West Coast Range (Tasmania) and dry Central Plateau (Tasmania). Higher CO2 and CH4 diffusive emissions were observed during the dry season, when long water residence times would promote organic matter degradation. Estimated total gross emissions, including diffusive, bubbling and degassing emissions, for Koombooloomba Dam reservoir were about 1.5 × 106 t CO2eq km2 per year, or 24 × 106 t CO2eq per year. This corresponds to a plant emission factor of 3.18 kg CO2eq MWh−1. Using an estimate of terrestrial emissions derived from literature data for the Tully River catchment area, rough estimated net emissions from the catchment area are about 44 kt CO2eq per year, or 5.83 kg CO2eq MWh−1, which is in the lower range of the studied reservoirs.
Assessment of water quality, macroinvertebrate biomass and primary productivity of small water bodies for increased fish production in the Lake Victoria basin, Kenya
Authors: Ngodhe Steve O. , Raburu Phillip O. , Kasisi Geraldine M. , Orwa Patrick O.
Published: June 2013

This study investigated the suitability of small water bodies (SWBs) in the Lake Victoria basin, between November 2010 and October 2011 for increased food production through aquaculture. Sampling sites were stratified in terms of water availability and altitude. Low‐altitude sites were represented by Yenga and Mauna dams in Siaya County, while high‐altitude sites were represented by Kesses and Kerita dams in Uasin Gishu County. Variations in selected water quality parameters, nutrients, primary productivity (PP) and macroinvertebrate biomass of SWBs were investigated. The measured biological and water quality parameters measured in this study included PP of phytoplankton, macroinvertebrate biomass of the most abundant taxon, temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, biochemical oxygen demand, pH, total nitrogen concentration and total phosphorus concentration. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard error of the mean were conducted for water quality parameters and nutrient levels. The general linear model was used to test for significant difference in nutrients and physicochemical parameters, both within and between the SWBs. anova was used to test for any significant differences in both PP and biomass within and between the dams. PP and macroinvertebrate biomass were sufficiently high to support fish production, while all water quality parameters and nutrients were within acceptable ranges to support the life of the mostly cultured species. Based on the results of this study, the stocking of phytophagous and benthophagous fish is recommended as a means of exploiting the food resources and increasing fish production in these areas.
Spatial distribution and habitat characterization of schistosomiasis host snails in lake and land habitats of western Kenya
Authors: Ofulla Ayub V. , Adoka Samson O. , Anyona Douglas N. , Abuom Paul O. , Karanja Diana , Vulule John M. , Okurut Tom , Matano Ally‐Said , Dida Gabriel O. , Jembe Tsuma , Gichuki John
Published: June 2013

Intermediate host snails of schistosomiasis were surveyed in this study to determine their abundance and distribution in the lake and land aquatic habitats of Lake Victoria basin of Kenya. Several sites were sampled at eight locations, both in the lake and on the land. The habitat and/or vegetation type (i.e. open water, hippo grass, hyacinth, ambatch trees, other vegetation, stream, swamp, pond, dam) of the sampled aquatic sites within the locations were also differentiated, water physicochemical parameters were determined, and the abundance of different species or taxa of phytoplankton and zooplankton were enumerated and correlated with the abundance of schistosomiasis snails in the sites. The results indicated significantly more Biomphalaria sudanica snails than Bulinus africanus snails in different physical habitats on land (Student's t‐test, P < 0.05), as well as in different locations on land (Student's t‐test, P = 0.026). Regression analyses revealed that several physicochemical parameters, including dissolved oxygen (R2 = −0.659; n = 8; P = 0.014), pH (R2 = 0.728; n = 8; P = 0.007) and turbulence (R2 = −0.616; n = 8; P = 0.02), were predictive of Biomphalaria spp. abundance, while pH (R2 = 0.610; n = 8; P = 0.02) and turbulence (R2 = −0.578; n = 8; P = 0.028) were predictive of Bulinus spp. abundance in different locations in the lake. Cyanobacteria (R2 = 0.638; n = 8; P = 0.02) and chlorophyceae (R2 = −0.50; n = 8; P = 0.05) were shown to be predictive of both Biomphalaria spp. and Bulinus spp. abundance in different locations in the lake. Zooplankton abundance varied significantly between different locations in the lake (One‐way anova, P < 0.001). Bosmina spp. were found to be predictive of both Biomphalaria spp. (R2 = −0.627; n = 8; P = 0.01) and Bulinus spp. (R2 = −0.50; n = 8; P = 0.05) in different locations in the lake. The results from this study will help inform policy regarding control measures for schistosomias and intermediate snail hosts in Lake Victoria waters, as well as in adjacent terrestrial aquatic habitats and even beyond.
Towards universal salt iodisation in India: achievements, challenges and future actions
Authors: Rah Jee H. , Anas Ansari M. , Chakrabarty Arijit , Sankar Rajan , Pandav Chandrakant S. , Aguayo Victor M.
Published: June 2013

India is one of the first countries to introduce salt iodisation, but the national programme has experienced major setbacks. The purpose of this paper is to review the national efforts towards universal salt iodisation (USI) in India and highlight key challenges in programme implementation. A brief historical overview of the salt iodisation programme is provided and the current status of the household usage of iodised salt and population iodine status is described. The present status of the USI programme together with the challenges being faced towards achieving USI are classified in five categories, which represent the five guiding principles crucial to sustained USI programme success: ensuring political commitment, forming partnerships and coalition, ensuring availability of adequately iodised salt, strengthening the monitoring system and maintaining continuous advocacy, education and communication. A future agenda towards the achievement of USI is also proposed.
A focused ethnographic assessment of Middle Eastern mothers' infant feeding practices in Canada
Authors: Jessri Mahsa , Farmer Anna P. , Olson Karin
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the barriers to following complementary feeding guidelines among Middle Eastern mothers and the cultural considerations of practitioners from an emic perspective. This is a two‐phase focused ethnographic assessment of infant feeding among 22 Middle Eastern mothers in Western Canada who had healthy infants aged <1 year. Data were collected through four focus groups conducted in Arabic/Farsi, and were further complemented by comprehensive survey data collected in the second phase of study. Mothers' main criterion for choosing infant foods was whether or not foods were Halal, while food allergens were not causes for concern. Vitamin D supplements were not fed to 18/22 of infants, and mashed dates (Halawi), rice pudding (Muhallabia/Ferni) and sugared water/tea were the first complementary foods commonly consumed. Through constant comparison of qualitative data, three layers of influence emerged, which described mothers' process of infant feeding: socio‐cultural, health care system and personal factors. Culture was an umbrella theme influencing all aspects of infant feeding decisions. Mothers cited health care professionals' lack of cultural considerations and lack of relevance and practicality of infant feeding guidelines as the main reasons for ignoring infant feeding recommendations. Early introduction of pre‐lacteal feeds and inappropriate types of foods fed to infants among immigrant/refugee Middle Eastern mothers in Canada is cause of concern. Involving trained language interpreters in health teams and educating health care staff on cultural competency may potentially increase maternal trust in the health care system and eventually lead to increased awareness of and adherence to best practices with infant feeding recommendations.
Establishment of micromethods for macronutrient contents analysis in breast milk
Authors: Choi Arum , Fusch Gerhard , Rochow Niels , Sheikh Natasha , Fusch Christoph
Published: June 2013

Commercially available milk analysers were originally developed for use in the dairy industry, but they are now used to analyse macronutrient content of breast milk in clinical studies and routine care of the premature or very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. Due to the different composition of cow and breast milk, these devices need to be validated against reference methods before they can be used in daily routine. However, current reference methods require a sample volume of 30–100 mL to analyse fat, protein and lactose. It is not feasible to obtain this volume of milk for research purposes, especially from VLBW infants as lactation may be delayed or impaired and the limited volume of breast milk must be provided to the infant. To support validation of milk analysers in both clinical and research settings, the aim of this study is to establish and validate micromethods for precise macronutrient analysis in small volume of breast milk and conduct a feasibility study of the micromethods as a post‐validation. Methods include a modified Mojonnier ether extraction (fat), elemental analysis (protein) and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (lactose). We were able to downsize volumes required for analysis of fat, protein and lactose to 1 mL, 260 μL and 100 μL; corresponding coefficients of variation are 1.7, 1.8 and 2.3%, respectively. The presented methods allow for reliable and precise analyses of macronutrients in ≤1.5 mL of breast milk and will be used to validate milk analysers.
Iodine intake and status during pregnancy and lactation before and after government initiatives to improve iodine status, in Palmerston North, New Zealand: a pilot study
Authors: Brough Louise , Jin Ying , Shukri Nurul Husna , Wharemate Zirsha Roimata , Weber Janet L. , Coad Jane
Published: June 2013

Iodine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation may adversely affect fetal and infant development. Two initiatives were introduced in New Zealand to prevent deficiency: (1) mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt; and (2) provision of a subsidised iodine supplement (150 μg) for all pregnant and breastfeeding women. The aim of this study was to assess iodine intake and status among a self‐selecting sample of pregnant and lactating women in Palmerston North, both before and after the two initiatives. Pregnant and breastfeeding women were recruited before (n = 25 and 32; 2009) and after (n = 34 and 36; 2011) the initiatives. Iodine concentration was determined in 24‐h urine and breast milk samples using inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Use of supplements and salt, knowledge of iodine deficiency, and awareness of the initiatives were determined by questionnaire. Median urine iodine concentration (UIC) was higher in 2011 compared with 2009 for both pregnant (85 and 47 μg L−1) and breastfeeding (74 and 34 μg L−1) participants; median UIC were below the cut‐offs for adequate iodine status. However, in 2011, the estimated daily iodine intake during pregnancy was 217 μg day−1; 74% of women achieved the Estimated Average Requirement. Knowledge of the initiatives was low, only 28–56% were aware of the need for iodine supplements and only 15–22% were aware of the mandatory addition of iodised salt to bread. Despite initiatives, UIC of these women indicates iodine deficiency, however, dietary intakes appear adequate. Ongoing surveillance of supplement use and iodine status among pregnant and lactating women throughout New Zealand is needed to fully assess the efficacy of the initiatives. Alternative strategies may require evaluation to ensure all women have adequate iodine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The relationship of serum vitamin D with pre‐eclampsia in the Iranian women
Authors: Abedi Parvin , Mohaghegh Zainab , Afshary Poorandokht , Latifi Mahmood
Published: June 2013

Vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for negative outcome in pregnancy, such as pre‐term labour, low birthweight, intrauterine growth retardation and gestational diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D and pre‐eclampsia. This was a case–control study of 59 pre‐eclamptic women and 59 healthy pregnant women selected in two hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran. Women with term singleton pregnancy, nulliparous and of reproductive age were selected. Venous blood samples (2 mL) were taken and the level of 25‐dihydroxy vitamin D (25‐OH‐D) was measured. If the levels of 25‐OH‐D were less than 10 ng mL−1, between 10 ng mL−1 and 29 ng mL−1 and more than 30 ng mL−1, they were considered as indicating deficient, insufficient and normal 25‐OH‐D concentrations, respectively. The independent t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, chi‐square and logistic regression were used for analysing the data. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in the pre‐eclampsia group [odds ratio (OR) = 24.04, confidence interval (CI) = 2.10–274.8, P = 0.01]. Older women (30–35 years) were more likely to develop pre‐eclampsia compared with the control group (OR = 10.36, CI = 2.18–49.09, P = 0.003). The results showed that women with body mass index (BMI) <20 were more likely to develop pre‐eclampsia. The ages between 20 years and 30 years and normal BMI were not the risk factors for pre‐eclampsia. Vitamin D deficiency has a statistically significant relationship with pre‐eclampsia. It seems that the serum vitamin D levels are low in Iranian women because of their particular lifestyle and they may need more than 400 IU day−1 vitamin D supplement during pregnancy.
Quantitative Mapping of Hemodynamics in the Lung, Brain, and Dorsal Window Chamber‐Grown Tumors Using a Novel, Automated Algorithm
Authors: Fontanella Andrew N. , Schroeder Thies , Hochman Daryl W. , Chen Raymond E. , Hanna Gabi , Haglund Michael M. , Secomb Timothy W. , Palmer Gregory M. , Dewhirst Mark W.
Published: June 2013

Objective

Hemodynamic properties of vascular beds are of great interest in a variety of clinical and laboratory settings. However, there presently exists no automated, accurate, technically simple method for generating blood velocity maps of complex microvessel networks.

Methods

Here, we present a novel algorithm that addresses the problem of acquiring quantitative maps by applying pixel‐by‐pixel cross‐correlation to video data. Temporal signals at every spatial coordinate are compared with signals at neighboring points, generating a series of correlation maps from which speed and direction are calculated. User‐assisted definition of vessel geometries is not required, and sequential data are analyzed automatically, without user bias.

Results

Velocity measurements were validated against the dual‐slit method and against in vitro capillary flow with known velocities. The algorithm was tested in three different biological models in order to demonstrate its versatility.

Conclusions

The hemodynamic maps presented here demonstrate an accurate, quantitative method of analyzing dynamic vascular systems.
Life history and group composition of melon‐headed whales based on mass strandings in Japan
Authors: Amano Masao , Yamada Tadasu K. , Kuramochi Toshiaki , Hayano Azusa , Kazumi Arai , Sakai Takashi
Published: June 2013

We examined melon‐headed whales that mass‐stranded live in two events in Japan: (1) 171 animals at Tanegashima Island in 2001 and (2) 85 animals at Hasaki in 2002. We report here the results of life history traits and group composition of these strandings, and compare them to another mass stranding with 135 individuals at Aoshima in 1982. In the Hasaki event, most stranded animals, including those released were sexed and measured. The proportion of live males released was much higher than that of females, and larger animals, especially females, were more likely to have died. Females were estimated to attain sexual maturity at around 7 yr and give birth every 3–4 yr. The sex ratio was significantly different between the Hasaki and Aoshima events. Among dead specimens, females of various age classes were included in all strandings, while age distribution of males varied considerably among strandings. This suggests females show group fidelity while males move between groups. Asymptotic body length of females from Hasaki was significantly smaller than that from Tanegashima, suggesting that more than one population of melon‐headed whales exist off Japan.
Acetolactate synthases MoIlv2 and MoIlv6 are required for infection‐related morphogenesis in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Du Yan , Zhang Haifeng , Hong Li , Wang Jiamei , Zheng Xiaobo , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: June 2013

Amino acids are important components in the metabolism of a variety of pathogens, plants and animals. Acetolactate synthase (ALS) catalyses the first common step in leucine, isoleucine and valine biosynthesis, and is the target of several classes of inhibitors. Here, MoIlv2, an orthologue of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ALS catalytic subunit Ilv2, and MoIlv6, an orthologue of the S. cerevisiae ALS regulatory subunit Ilv6, were identified. To characterize MoILV2 and MoILV6 functions, we generated the deletion mutants ΔMoilv2 and ΔMoilv6. Phenotypic analysis showed that both mutants were auxotrophic for leucine, isoleucine and valine, and were defective in conidial morphogenesis, appressorial penetration and pathogenicity. Further studies suggested that MoIlv2 and MoIlv6 play a critical role in maintaining the balance of intracellular amino acid levels. MoIlv2 and MoIlv6 are both localized to the mitochondria and the signal peptide of MoIlv6 is critical for its localization. In summary, our evidence indicates that MoIlv2 plays a crucial role in isoleucine and valine biosynthesis, whereas MoIlv6 contributes to isoleucine and leucine biosynthesis; both genes are required for fungal pathogenicity. This study indicates the potential of targeting branched‐chain amino acid biosynthesis for anti‐rice blast management.
Effect of oral infection ofLa Crossevirus on survival and fecundity of nativeOchlerotatus triseriatusand invasiveStegomyia albopicta
Authors: COSTANZO K. S. , MUTURI E. J. , MONTGOMERY A. V. , ALTO B. W.
Published: June 2013

Arboviruses can have benign, deleterious, or beneficial effects on the vector. We tested the hypothesis that oral infection withLa Crosse virus (LACV)will have little to no effect on mosquito longevity and fecundity, a prediction of low virulence selected in a system with frequent vertical transmission. We tested the effects of infection in nativeOchlerotatus triseriatusSay and invasiveStegomyia albopictaSkuse (Diptera: Culicidae). We artificially fed adult female mosquitoes of each species with eitherLACV‐infected or uninfected bovine blood and determined adult longevity and fecundity. For females fedLACV‐infected blood, bodies and legs, respectively, were separately homogenized and assayed by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) to determine theLACVinfection and dissemination rates.Ochlerotatus triseriatushad a higher infection and dissemination rate thanSt. albopicta. For both species, female size had no effect on infection status. Infection status also had no effect on longevity or fecundity for both species. We suggest that the high frequency of vertical transmission may have selected for strains of the virus with low virulence in two vectors, in spite of their different evolutionary histories with the virus.
Prevalence and risk factors for proteinuria: The National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia Lifecheck Health Screening programme
Authors: Ong Loke Meng , Punithavathi Narayanan , Thurairatnam Dharminy , Zainal Hadzlinda , Beh Mei Li , Morad Zaki , Lee Sharleen YS , Bavanandan Sunita , Kok Lai Sun
Published: June 2013

Aim

Treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a huge burden to the healthcare system. To address the problem, the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia embarked on a programme to screen for proteinuria and educate the public on CKD.

Methods

The public was invited for health screening and the data collected over a 21 month period was analyzed.

Results

In total, 40 400 adults from all the states in Malaysia were screened. The screening population had a mean age of 41 years, 30.1% had hypertension and 10.6% had diabetes. Proteinuria was detected in 1.4% and haematuria in 8.9% of the participants. Factors associated with the highest risk for proteinuria were the presence of diabetes (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.63 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.16–3.21)), hypertension (OR 2.49 (95% CI 2.03–3.07)) and cardiac disease (OR 2.05 (95% CI 1.50–2.81)). Other risk factors identified were lower educational level, family history of kidney disease, hypercholesterolaemia, obesity and lack of regular exercise. Chinese had the lowest risk for proteinuria among the races (OR 0.71 (95% CI 0.57–0.87) compared with Malays). The combination of high blood glucose and high blood pressure (BP) substantially increased the risk for proteinuria (OR 38.1 for glucose ≥ 10 mmol/L and systolic BP ≥ 180 mmHg and OR 47.9 for glucose ≥ 10 mmol/L and diastolic BP ≥ 110 mmHg).

Conclusion

The prevalence of proteinuria in Malaysia is similar to other countries. The major risk factors for proteinuria were diabetes, hypertension and cardiac disease. The presence of both high blood pressure and high blood glucose exert a synergistic effect in substantially increasing the risk for proteinuria.
Ghrelin is involved in the paracrine communication between neurons and glial cells
Authors: Avau B. , De Smet B. , Thijs T. , Geuzens A. , Tack J. , Vanden Berghe P. , Depoortere I.
Published: June 2013

Background

Ghrelin is the only known peripherally active orexigenic hormone produced by the stomach that activates vagal afferents to stimulate food intake and to accelerate gastric emptying. Vagal sensory neurons within the nodose ganglia are surrounded by glial cells, which are able to receive and transmit chemical signals. We aimed to investigate whether ghrelin activates or influences the interaction between both types of cells. The effect of ghrelin was compared with that of leptin and cholecystokinin (CCK).

Methods

Cultures of rat nodose ganglia were characterized by immunohistochemistry and the functional effects of peptides, neurotransmitters, and pharmacological blockers were measured by Ca2+ imaging using Fluo‐4‐AM as an indicator.

Key Results

Neurons responded to KCl and were immunoreactive for PGP‐9.5 whereas glial cells responded to lysophosphatidic acid and had the typical SOX‐10‐positive nuclear staining. Neurons were only responsive to CCK (31 ± 5%) whereas glial cells responded equally to the applied stimuli: ghrelin (27 ± 2%), leptin (21 ± 2%), and CCK (30 ± 2%). In contrast, neurons stained more intensively for the ghrelin receptor than glial cells. ATP induced [Ca2+]i rises in 90% of the neurons whereas ACh and the NO donor, SIN‐1, mainly induced [Ca2+]i changes in glial cells (41 and 51%, respectively). The percentage of ghrelin‐responsive glial cells was not affected by pretreatment with suramin, atropine, hexamethonium or 1400 W, but was reduced by l‐NAME and by tetrodotoxin. Neurons were shown to be immunoreactive for neuronal NO‐synthase (nNOS).

Conclusions & Inferences

Our data show that ghrelin induces Ca2+ signaling in glial cells of the nodose ganglion via the release of NO originating from the neurons.
Evolution, selection and isolation: a genomic view of speciation in fungal plant pathogens
Authors: Stukenbrock Eva Holtgrewe
Published: June 2013

Speciation of fungal plant pathogens has been associated with host jumps, host domestication, clonal divergence, and hybridization. Although we have substantial insight into the speciation histories of several important plant pathogens, we still know very little about the underlying genetics of reproductive isolation. Studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Neurospora crassa, and nonfungal model systems illustrate that reproductive barriers can evolve by different mechanisms, including genetic incompatibilities between neutral and adaptive substitutions, reinforcement selection, and chromosomal rearrangements. Advances in genome sequencing and sequence analyses provide a new framework to identify those traits that have driven the divergence of populations or caused reproductive isolation between species of fungal plant pathogens. These traits can be recognized based on signatures of strong divergent selection between species or through the association of allelic combination conferring hybrid inferiority. Comparative genome analyses also provide information about the contribution of genome rearrangements to speciation. This is particularly relevant for species of fungal pathogens with extreme levels of genomic rearrangements and within‐species genome plasticity.

Contents

Summary
895

I.
Introduction
895

II.
Speciation genomics
896

III.
Speciation scenarios in fungi
898

IV.
The genetics and genomics of reproductive isolation in fungi
900

V.
Genomics of fungal plant pathogen speciation
902

VI.
Unraveling pathogen speciation mechanisms: future directions in genome studies
904

VII.
Conclusion
905

Acknowledgements
905

References
905
Lessons about terminal differentiation from the specification of color‐detecting photoreceptors in the Drosophila retina
Authors: Johnston Robert J.
Published: June 2013

Metazoans require highly diverse collections of cell types to sense, interpret, and react to the environment. Developmental programs incorporate deterministic and stochastic strategies in different contexts or different combinations to establish this multitude of cell fates. Precise genetic dissection of the processes controlling terminal photoreceptor differentiation in the Drosophila retina has revealed complex regulatory mechanisms required to generate differences in gene expression and cell fate. In this review, I discuss how a gene regulatory network interprets stochastic and regional inputs to determine the specification of color‐detecting photoreceptor subtypes in the Drosophila retina. These combinatorial gene regulatory mechanisms will likely be broadly applicable to nervous system development and cell fate specification in general.
Do Danes and Italians Rate Life Satisfaction in the Same Way? Using Vignettes to Correct for Individual‐Specific Scale Biases
Authors: Angelini Viola , Cavapozzi Danilo , Corazzini Luca , Paccagnella Omar
Published: June 2013

Self‐reported life satisfaction is highly heterogeneous across similar countries, a phenomenon that may be explained by the different scales and benchmarks that people use to evaluate themselves. This study uses cross‐sectional data gathered from older populations in ten European countries to compare estimates from a model that assumes reporting styles are constant across respondents against estimates from a model in which anchoring vignettes help correct for individual‐specific scale biases. Variations in response scales explain much of the difference in the raw data. Moreover, the cross‐country ranking in life satisfaction depends significantly on scale biases.