bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dkk1‐dependent inhibition of Wnt signaling activates Hesx1 expression through its 5′ enhancer and directs forebrain precursor development
Authors: Matsuda Kazunari , Kondoh Hisato
Published: February 2014

Development of the anterior forebrain precursor (AFBP) in the anterior neural plate (ANP) depends on the activation of the Hesx1 transcription factor gene. The Hesx1‐expression domain of the ANP is underlain by Dkk1‐expressing tissues, initially proximal‐most anterior visceral endoderm (AVE), and later anterior mesendoderm (AME). As Dkk1‐null embryos fail to develop the Hesx1‐expressing domain, it is likely that Wnt signal inhibition in the ANP is required for the Hesx1 activation. To investigate the regulation of the AFBP development, we took advantage of epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs), which develop into the ANP in the absence of activin signaling. Expression of Hesx1 and Six3, both involved in the AFBP development, was strongly activated 2 days after activin removal and concomitant addition of Wnt signal inhibitors, Dkk1 or XAV939. Furthermore, we showed that activation of the 720‐bp Hesx1 5′ enhancer is responsible for Hesx1 expression in the AFBP and depends on Wnt signal inhibition. In addition, we showed that Wnt inhibition during the first day has larger impact on the activation of Hesx1 and Six3 than the second day, suggesting that in embryos Wnt inhibition caused by the AVE‐derived Dkk1, rather than the AME‐derived Dkk1, contributes greatly in the establishment of the AFBP.
Mapping Space and Mobility in the Red Sea Region, c.1500–1950
Authors: Miran Jonathan
Published: February 2014

Situated between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean and separating Northeast Africa from the Arabian Peninsula, the Red Sea is one of the most unique maritime spaces in the world and among the first to be mentioned in recorded history. This essay debunks past perceptions of this space as merely a maritime corridor and a transit space between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. Instead, it promotes an effort to recast the history of the region with the Red Sea as an organizing framework for analysis, allowing us to imagine it as an integrated region sui generis characterized by multilayered, interconnected, and overlapping circuits and networks operating within and across it while still linked to both the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. The essay proposes a materially based analytical framework which can underpin several possible avenues for future research.
Evaluation of potential side activities of commercial enzyme preparations used in winemaking
Authors: Fia Giovanna , Canuti Valentina , Rosi Iolanda
Published: February 2014

Twenty‐one commercial enzyme preparations used in winemaking were characterised for the α‐L‐rhamnosidase, α‐L‐arabinosidase, β‐D‐xylosidase, β‐D‐galactosidase, β‐D‐glucosidase, esterase, protease, cinnamoyl esterase and laccase activities. A new rapid fluorimetric method to assay esterase activity was developed. Enzyme preparations differed for the level of each enzyme activity assayed rather than for the type of enzymatic activity detected. High levels of protease, glycosidase, esterase and cinnamoyl esterase activity were found among enzyme preparations for different technological applications. A drastic reduction in the level of cinnamoyl esterase was observed in commercial grape juice, pH 3.6, total acidity 5.3 g L−1, sugar 170 g L−1. Protease activity was only weakly reduced, from 10 to 20%, in commercial grape juice. β‐glucosidase activity levels are reduced in the presence of increasing concentration of glucose but are still present at the higher glucose concentration (100 g L−1). The extent of the reduction observed was dependent on the enzymatic preparations tested.
Unusual complication of male urethral catheterization: intussusception of prepuce into urethral meatus
Authors: Amend Gregory , Ghazipura Saad , Miao Yimei , Khan S. Ali
Published: February 2014

We present a patient who experienced urinary retention with a comorbid phimosis and redundant prepuce, most likely complications of diabetes mellitus. Additionally, we report a rare complication of difficult catheterization, where the prepuce intussuscepted into the urethral meatus. Attempts to change the catheter with poor visualization of the external meatus secondary to diabetic phimosis resulted in telescoping of the prepuce into the urethra. Circumcision and meatotomy of the external meatus alleviated the acute issue and prevented potential problems with future catheterizations.
How should we measure n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their metabolites in humans?
Authors: FISCHER S.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Growing interest in nutritional intervention with n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids demands reliable analyses of these fatty acids and their corresponding eicosanoids in vivo or ex vivo. n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are preferably assayed by capillary gas‐liquid chromatography after extraction of the lipid classes, their separation by chromatographic methods and conversion of the fatty acids to methylesters. n‐3 eicosanoids have to be separated from their arachidonic acid analogues by HPLC or by gas‐liquid chromatography and are then quantified by UV‐spectroscopy or mass‐spectrometry. Structure elucidation has to be performed by chemical reactions and by mass spectrometry. Antibodies for radioimmunoassays against n‐3 eicosanoids are not yet available.
Eicosapentaenoic acid inhibits hepatic production of very low density lipoprotein
Authors: RUSTAN A. C. , DREVON C. A.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Synthesis and secretion of triacylglycerol and cholesterol ester by cultured hepatocytes were highest in the presence of oleic, palmitic, stearic and linoleic acid, and lowest with eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid. Cellular formation and secretion of triacylglycerol and cholesterol ester were reduced by 50–80% in the presence of EPA in comparison with oleic acid. Reduced formation of triacylgycerol and cholesterol ester was also observed when EPA was given together with oleic acid. EPA caused higher incorporation of (3H)water into phospholipid and lower incorporation into triacylglycerol and cholesterol ester as compared with oleic acid. Rat liver microsomes incorporated EPA‐CoA into triacylglycerol and cholesterol ester to a lesser extent than oleoyl‐CoA. Decreased formation of triacylglycerol and cholesterol ester was also observed when EPA‐CoA was given together with oleoyl‐CoA, whereas palmitoyl‐CoA, stearoyl‐CoA, linolenoyl‐CoA and arachidonoyl‐CoA had no inhibitory effects. In conclusion, inhibition of acyl‐CoA: 1,2‐diacylglycerol acyltransferase and acyl‐CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase by EPA may be important for decreased hepatic synthesis and secretion of triacylglycerol and cholesterol ester.
Ischaemic heart disease, serum lipids and platelets in Norwegian populations with traditionally low or high fish consumption
Authors: SIMONSEN T. , NORDØY A.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. In an inland and a coastal community, mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) was registered over a 10‐year period. Healthy males representing these two communities were investigated. A dietary registration showed a high saturated fat intake and a daily consumption of fish of 132.4 and 55.1 g and 0.9 and 0.2 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), in the two groups respectively. The contents of n‐3 fatty acids in platelet phospholipids and primary bleeding times were similar, but collagen‐induced platelet aggregation was higher in the coastal area. Higher serum triglyceride levels, higher content of saturated fatty acids and lower content of linoleic acid in platelet phospholipids were observed in males from the coastal area. CHD mortality was higher in the coastal area for both sexes. Daily dietary supplement of cod liver oil prolonged the bleeding time, reduced n‐6 and increased n‐3 fatty acids of platelet phospholipids. This studies indicate that a high content of lean fish and diet rich in saturated fat is not sufficient to prevent CHD.
Dynamics of n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids in phospholipids of heart muscle
Authors: GUDBJARNASON S.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The purpose of this paper is to describe the dynamics of n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in major phospholipids of heart muscle. The profile of n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids was examined in rats in relation to various risk factors of coronary heart disease such as stress (catecholamines), ageing and dietary fat. The level of n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids in cardiac phospholipids was also examined in relation to coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death in man. Severe stress caused great changes in the fatty acid profile of phospholipids. Corresponding changes were observed during adaptation to neonatal stress. Rats fed diets containing cod liver oil, butter or corn oil showed different fatty acid composition of individual phospholipids in sarcolemma. Repeated epinephrine administration induced similar changes in the three dietary groups despite large differences in initial levels of individual n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids. Fatal ventricular fibrillation in rats and sudden cardiac death in man were accompanied by a high ratio of 20:4 n‐6/22:6 n‐3. The balance between n‐6 and n‐3 fatty acids in cellular phospholipids seem to play an important role in sudden cardiac death.
n‐3 fatty acids in old age
Authors: BJERVE K. S. , FOUGNER K. J. , MIDTHJELL K. , BØNAA K.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid concentrations have been measured in 735 individuals 12–89 years old. The absolute concentrations of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, dihomo‐gammalinolenic, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids increased from the third to the fifth decade of life, thereafter remaining fairly constant into the ninth decade. Alpha‐linolenic acid showed no change. When expressed as g 100 g−1 fatty acids, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acid decreased from the third to the fifth decade of life, dihomo‐gammalinolenic and arachidonic acid remained unchanged, while the relative concentrations of long‐chain n‐3 fatty acids increased in a similar manner as when expressed in absolute concentrations. The results indicate that old age in itself has only a minor impact on the availability of n‐3 fatty acids in the elderly. Factors such as living area and eating habits probably have a much more profound effect on their availability, also in old age.
The effect of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on lipids, haemostasis, neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis in insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus
Authors: SCHMIDT E. B. , SØRENSEN P. J. , PEDERSEN J. O. , JERSILD C. , DITZEL J. , GRUNNET N. , DYERBERG J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). There is some evidence that polyunsaturated fatty acids of the marine n‐3 type (n‐3 PUFA's) may offer protection against CAD. We have studied the effect of short‐term dietary supplementation with n‐3 PUFAs on lipids, haemostasis, neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis in 10 patients with IDDM. The patients were given 4 g daily of n‐3 PUFAs (fish oil) for 6 weeks and were investigated before and after the supplement. No significant effects on platelets or haemostasis were observed. High density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol significantly increased, and triglycerides and the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL‐cholesterol significantly decreased. Monocyte chemotaxis was unaltered, while neutrophil chemotaxis significantly increased after fish oil. The finding of an improvement in neutrophil chemotaxis after supplementation with n‐3 PUFAs to patients with IDDM needs to be confirmed in future studies.
Supplementation with n‐3 fatty acids from fish oil in chronic inflammatory bowel disease—a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind cross‐over trial
Authors: LORENZ R. , WEBER P. C. , SZIMNAU P. , HELDWEIN W. , STRASSER T. , LOESCHKE K.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Thirty‐nine patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease were studied in a 7‐month, double‐blind, placebo controlled cross‐over trial of dietary supplementation with fish oil, which provided about 3.2 g n‐3 fatty acids per day. At control, biopsies from inflamed mucosa contained higher levels of arachidonic acid than uninvolved mucosa. Dietary n‐3 fatty acids were well tolerated and incorporated into plasma and enteric mucosa phospholipids at the expense of n‐6 fatty acids. The arachidonic acid‐derived prostanoid generation was reduced by fish oil and the extension and severity of macroscopic bowel involvement was moderately improved. In patients with Crohn's disease, clinical activity was unchanged by fish‐oil supplementation. In patients with ulcerative colitis, clinical disease activity fell during fish oil supplementation and thereafter: this was not significant however. Despite a moderate reduction in inflammatory lipid mediators by dietary n‐3 fatty acids and limited morphological improvement in chronic inflammatory bowel disease, the clinical benefit seems to be confined to patients with ulcerative colitis.
Secretin‐dependent HCO3− secretion from pancreas and liver
Authors: GROTMOL T. , BUANES T. , VEEL T. , RŒDER M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Ultrastructural studies performed on pigs revealed that numerous cytoplasmic tubulovesicles were present in resting pancreatic duct cells. Elevation of systemic arterial PCO2 from 5.5 to 11 kPa increased the number of vesicles more than twofold. Following secretin administration, concurrent with the onset of HCO3− secretion (JHCO3). the cytoplasm became devoid of vesicles, and the basolateral plasma membrane surface area more than doubled. Similar phenomena were observed in bile duct cells. After pretreatment with the microtubulus‐inhibiting drug colchicine, secretin failed to reduce duct cell vesicle density, and JHCO3 was reduced by c. 50% compared to the control. These ultrastructural changes resemble those described in other H+/HCO3−‐transporting organs such as the distal nephron and the urinary bladder. Our findings are compatible with the notion that cytoplasmic vesicles containing H+‐ATPases are incorporated into the basolateral plasma membrane of secretory cells during secretin stimulation. Active transport of H+ into interstitial fluid might therefore be the driving force underlying JHCO3.
Gastric mucosal acid‐base balance
Authors: KIVILAAKSO E. , KIVILUOTO T. , MUSTONEN H. , PAIMELA H.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Acute gastric ulceration induced by haemorrhagic shock is associated with profound intramucosal acidification due to diffusion of luminal H+ into the mucosa. High‐HCO3−metabolic alkalosis protects the mucosa against this ulceration, whereas low‐HCO3−respiratory alkalosis does not, suggesting that lack of systemic and intramucosal HCO3−. rather than tissue acidosis per se, renders the mucosa susceptible to ulceration. In normal mucosa, disruption of the mucosal barrier by taurocholate, ethanol or acetylsalicylic acid leads to efflux of alkali (HCO3−) from the mucosa, with generation of an alkaline buffer layer at the epithelial surface to protect the mucosa from further damage. In ischaemic mucosa no such protective alkaline layer is formed, and exposure to luminal acid leads to severe acidification of and damage to the mucosa. The efflux of alkali may be driven by capillary hydrostatic pressure, since no such protective alkaline efflux occurs in vitro, but rather exposure to luminal acid and barrier‐breaking agents results in intracellular acidification. The potential pathogenetic role of a disrupted intramucosal acid‐base balance, as well as the protective effect of systemic and intramucosal HCO3− in acute gastric stress ulceration is further substantiated by the in vitro findings that perfusion conditions simulating in vivo ulcerogenic conditions provoke intracellular acidosis, and serosal HCO3− significantly contributes to the maintenance of normal intracellular pH in surface epithelial cells exposed to luminal acid.
Role of alkaline secretion and cell restitution in duodenal mucosal protection
Authors: STARLINGER M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Duodenal alkaline secretion is a protective mechanism that is sensitive to changes in mucosal blood flow and arterial bicarbonate concentration (i.e. bicarbonate delivery to the mucosa). Alkaline secretion has been shown to prevent or limit damage and to facilitate the repair process once damage has occurred. A rapid restitution of the epithelial integrity has been demonstrated in the duodenum. This repair process is sensitive to alterations in nutrient HCO3 supply. Removal of the necrotic cell layer before repair is complete inhibits the re‐establishment of epithelial continuity at low luminal pH. However, under optimal conditions repair is completed within a few hours, even with repeated acid challenge.
Human duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion—physiological and clinical aspects
Authors: ISENBERG J. I. , HOGAN D. L.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Over the past few years, we have addressed some of the components that regulate human duodenal bicarbonate secretion (DBS) using a technique for the isolation of a 4‐cm duodenal segment from gastric, pancreaticobiliary and distal intestinal secretions. Our observations are summarized as follows. Resting DBS is, to a large extent, maintained by vagal innervation; atropine decreases basal bicarbonate secretion by approximately 80%. Luminal acidification with HCI (H+) is a major physiological stimulus of DBS, resulting in a prompt and significant increase of 3‐ to 4‐fold. H+‐stimulated DBS is likely to be mediated, at least in part, by prostaglandins of the E class, and by VIP. Each of the latter stimulates DBS independently in a dose‐related manner. Since atropine is without effect on the response induced by luminal H+ and sham feeding, in both cases DBS is probably stimulated via a non‐cholinergic pathway(s). Moreover, since basal, H+‐ and PGE2‐stimulated proximal DBS are unaltered when the plasma‐to‐lumen bicarbonate concentration gradient is abolished, it may be concluded that DBS in humans involves active transport processes. It is significant that, compared to normal subjects, patients with duodenal ulcers show markedly diminished basal and H+‐stimulated proximal DBS. Furthermore, there is surprisingly little overlap between duodenal ulcer (DU) patients and normal subjects. These findings suggest that an intrinsic cellular or subcellular defect in proximal duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion is present in patients with duodenal ulcer disease.
Active Ca2+ transport systems in basolateral membranes from rabbit distal colon
Authors: WIENER H. , DE JONG M. D. , VAN OS C. H.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Active Na+ absorption by tight epithelia such as frog skin and distal colon share common features like feedback inhibition of cellular [Na+] on Na+ influx through amiloride‐sensitive Na+ channels. It is postulated that the negative feedback of increasing cell [Na+] is mediated via a rise in cell [Ca2+]. In this model, cell [Na+] is coupled to cell [Ca2+] via a Na+/Ca2+ exchange system in the basolateral membrane. In the present study, the Ca2+ transporting systems in rabbit distal colon basolateral membranes were characterized. ATP‐dependent Ca2+ uptake could be demonstrated in membrane vesicles from surface cells with the following kinetic parameters: Km = 0.09 μM Ca2+ and Vm = 3.8 nmol Ca2+ mg−1 protein min−1. The ATP‐dependent Ca2+ transport was not responsive to ruthenium red and oxalate, suggesting a plasmalemmal origin. The addition of 75 mM Na+ to the uptake medium, 10 min after addition of ATP, did not release Ca2+ from the vesicles in significant amounts. In the absence of ATP, outwardly directed Na+ gradients were incapable of stimulating Ca2+ uptake. This study demonstrates that rabbit distal colon epithelium lacks a well‐defined Na+/Ca2+ exchange system, and (Ca2+, Mg2+)‐ATPase appears to be the sole Ca2+ extrusion system. Alternatives for the coupling of cell [Na+] to cell [Ca2+] are discussed.
Neuronal influence on intestinal transport
Authors: JODAL M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Reflex activation of the enteric nervous system (ENS) from the intestinal lumen and also from the serosa induces intestinal secretion. Thus mechanical distention, cholera toxin, heat‐stable enterotoxin from E. coli, bile acids, mucosal inflammation and chemical peritonitis all induce an intestinal secretion that is inhibited by 60–100% by nerve‐blocking agents. As a result of a large number of in vitro and in vivo studies, a picture of the organization of the secretory enteric nervous reflexes is now emerging. In secretory states with preserved intact intestinal epithelium, it is proposed that the reflex activation occurs via stimulation of receptor cells, i.e. epithelial endocrine cells such as EC and N‐cells, which release peptides/amines into the interstitial space and thereby activate nerves close to the epithelium. The afferent neurones appear to transfer the reflex to the myenteric plexus, probably by using tachykinins as transmitters. This is in agreement with a superior and co‐ordinating role for the myenteric plexus in the control of intestinal function by the ENS. Interneurones in turn mediate the transmission of the nerve signal to the submucosal plexus and the efferent neurones via cholinergic, nicotinic postganglionic receptors. The transmitters at the effector cells are acetylcholine and probably VIP.
A specific CBP/p300‐dependent gene expression programme drives the metabolic remodelling in late stages of spermatogenesis
Authors: Boussouar F. , Goudarzi A. , Buchou T. , Shiota H. , Barral S. , Debernardi A. , Guardiola P. , Brindle P. , Martinez G. , Arnoult C. , Khochbin S. , Rousseaux S.
Published: February 2014

Histone hyperacetylation is thought to drive the replacement of histones by transition proteins that occur in elongating spermatids (ElS) after a general shut down of transcription. The molecular machineries underlying this histone hyperacetylation remain still undefined. Here, we focused our attention on the role of Cbp and p300 in histone hyperacetylation and in the preceding late‐gene transcriptional activity in ElS. A strategy was designed to partially deplete Cbp and p300 in ElS. These cells progressed normally through spermiogenesis and showed normal histone hyperacetylation and removal. However, a genome‐wide transcriptomic analysis, performed in the round spermatids (RS) and ElS, revealed the existence of a gene regulatory circuit encompassing genes presenting high expression levels in pre‐meiotic cells, undergoing a repressed state in spermatocytes and early post‐meiotic cells, but becoming reactivated in ElS, just prior to the global shutdown of transcription. Interestingly, this group of genes was over‐represented within the genes affected by Cbp/p300 knock down and were all involved in metabolic remodelling. This study revealed the occurrence of a tightly regulated Cbp/p300‐dependent gene expression programme that drives a specific metabolic state both in progenitor spermatogenic cells and in late transcriptionally active spermatids and confirmed a special link between Cpb/p300 and cell metabolism programming previously shown in somatic cells.
Prospective associations between dietary patterns and cognitive performance during adolescence
Authors: Nyaradi Anett , Foster Jonathan K. , Hickling Siobhan , Li Jianghong , Ambrosini Gina L. , Jacques Angela , Oddy Wendy H.
Published: February 2014

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate prospective associations between dietary patterns and cognitive performance during adolescence.

Methods

Participants were sourced from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study that includes 2868 children born between 1989 and 1992 in Perth, Western Australia. When the children were 17 years old (2006–2009), cognitive performance was assessed using a computerized cognitive battery of tests (CogState) that included six tasks. Using a food frequency questionnaire administered when the children were 14 years old (2003–2006), ‘Healthy’ and ‘Western’ dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Associations between dietary patterns at 14 years of age and cognitive performance at 17 years of age were assessed prospectively using multivariate regression models.

Results

Dietary and cognitive performance data were available for 602 participants. Following adjustment for the ‘Healthy’ dietary pattern, total energy intake, maternal education, family income, father's presence in the family, family functioning and gender, we found that a longer reaction time in the detection task (β = .016; 95% CI: 0.004; 0.028; p = .009) and a higher number of total errors in the Groton Maze Learning Test – delayed recall task (β = .060; 95% CI: 0.006; 0.114; p = .029) were significantly associated with higher scores on the ‘Western’ dietary pattern. The ‘Western’ dietary pattern was characterized by high intakes of take‐away food, red and processed meat, soft drink, fried and refined food. We also found that within the dietary patterns, high intake of fried potato, crisps and red meat had negative associations, while increased fruit and leafy green vegetable intake had positive associations with some aspects of cognitive performance.

Conclusion

Higher dietary intake of the ‘Western’ dietary pattern at age 14 is associated with diminished cognitive performance 3 years later, at 17 years.
Establishment of an in‐House Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for a Rapid Detection of Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A at Low‐Resource Settings
Authors: Saffie Nur‐Eliana , Abdullah Julia , Rahman Zaidah A. , Hussin Azura , Ismail Asma , Mohamed Maizan
Published: February 2014

An in‐house loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method was established for the detection of Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A using primers that were designed based on gene coding for putative regulatory protein in S. Typhi (STY4220) and S. Paratyphi A (SSPA3213). This established in‐house LAMP assay gave positive results to all the 14 S. Typhi and 20 S. Paratyphi A isolates used in this study and negative to 20 other Salmonella and 19 non‐Salmonella bacteria. When tested on 60 clinical samples, it gave positive results to 10 clinical samples containing either S. Typhi or S. Paratyphi A and negative to the other 50 samples, which were similar to those results obtained by gold standard culture method. Because of its rapidity and simplicity, this LAMP offers a promising method for the detection of both S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A for screening purposes at resource‐limited settings.

Practical Applications

Current detection methods for S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A have several limitations; culture method is time‐consuming and laborious, while polymerase chain reaction‐based methods require expensive equipments and trained personnel which are usually not available in the low‐resource setting. Therefore, LAMP established in this study offers a simple, rapid, sensitive and specific method for the screening of S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A especially at resource‐limited settings.
Propensity scores for confounder adjustment when assessing the effects of medical interventions using nonexperimental study designs
Authors: Stürmer T. , Wyss R. , Glynn R. J. , Brookhart M. A.
Published: February 2014

Treatment effects, especially when comparing two or more therapeutic alternatives as in comparative effectiveness research, are likely to be heterogeneous across age, gender, co‐morbidities and co‐medications. Propensity scores (PSs), an alternative to multivariable outcome models to control for measured confounding, have specific advantages in the presence of heterogeneous treatment effects. Implementing PSs using matching or weighting allows us to estimate different overall treatment effects in differently defined populations. Heterogeneous treatment effects can also be due to unmeasured confounding concentrated in those treated contrary to prediction. Sensitivity analyses based on PSs can help to assess such unmeasured confounding. PSs should be considered a primary or secondary analytic strategy in nonexperimental medical research, including pharmacoepidemiology and nonexperimental comparative effectiveness research.
An In Vitro Comparison of the Shear Bond Strengths of Two Different Gingiva‐Colored Materials Bonded to Commercially Pure Titanium and Acrylic Artificial Teeth
Authors: Elzarug Yahya A.M. , Galburt Roger B. , Ali Ala , Finkelman Matthew , Dam Hamasat Gheddaf
Published: February 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare shear bond strengths between two different gingiva‐colored materials bonded to titanium alloy discs and acrylic resin artificial teeth.

Materials and Methods

For the first part of this study, 30 titanium alloy disc specimens were embedded in autopolymerizing resin. These discs were then divided randomly into two groups: Heat Cure (HT1) and Pink Composite (CT1). The discs were sandblasted with 100 μm aluminum oxide particles. For the HT1 group using silicone molds, a wax‐up was performed. After the wax removal step, heat‐cured acrylic resin was applied and processed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. For the CT1 group using silicone molds, metal primer II and gum opaque were applied and light cured; pink composite was then applied and light cured. For the second part of the study, 30 artificial resin first molar teeth were completely embedded in autopolymerizing resin. Teeth were then divided randomly into two groups: Heat Cure (HT2) and Pink Composite (CT2). For the HT2 group using silicone molds, wax‐up was performed. Specimens were then transferred to be processed in the heat‐cured acrylic resin according to the manufacturer's recommendations. For the CT2 group using silicone molds, composite primer followed by pink composite were applied and light cured. Shear bond tests were performed using an Instron 3345 universal testing machine. The shear load at the point of failure was recorded in Newtons. The force was calculated in MPa by calculating the failure load divided by the surface area. Two independent‐samples t‐tests were performed. A significance level of p < 0.05 was used for comparison.

Results

This study revealed that the difference in the shear bond strengths of two different gingiva‐colored materials bonded to titanium discs was statistically significant (p = 0.012). The difference in the shear bond strengths of two different gingival‐colored materials bonded to acrylic teeth was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In this in vitro study, heat‐cured acrylic resins exhibited higher bonding strengths when bonded to titanium discs or acrylic artificial teeth in comparison to pink composite resins.
Evaluation of a joint distractor to facilitate arthroscopy of the tibio‐tarsal joint in dogs
Authors: Rodriguez‐Quiros J. , Rovesti G. Luca , Devesa V. , Urrutia P. G. , Roman F. S.
Published: February 2014

Objective

To evaluate the technical feasibility, efficacy and potential soft tissue damage of a joint distraction technique to facilitate arthroscopy of the tibio‐tarsal joint and to test the effect of joint venting on the maximum distraction achieved.

Methods

Twenty hocks were preliminarily evaluated radiographically by standard and stressed projections. Joint distraction was applied with loads from 40 N up to 200 N, in 40 N increments, and radiographic images were obtained at each load. The effect of joint venting by an intra‐articular needle was evaluated at the maximum load. Standard and stressed radiographs were repeated to evaluate potential laxity changes.

Results

Joint distraction caused a significant increase in the joint space at each load of distraction except for the 40 to 80 N load increase. Joint venting produced a significant increase in the joint space. No increase of joint laxity could be inferred from the postdistraction radiographic evaluation.

Clinical Significance

Hock distraction can be useful to facilitate arthroscopic procedures, increasing the joint space available for intra‐articular manoeuvres. Further clinical studies are required to evaluate potential neurovascular complications.
Experiences of baby‐led weaning: trust, control and renegotiation
Authors: Arden Madelynne A. , Abbott Rachel L.
Published: February 2014

Baby‐led weaning (BLW) is an approach to introducing solid foods that relies on the presence of self‐feeding skills and is increasing in popularity in the UK and New Zealand. This study aimed to investigate the reported experiences and feelings of mothers using a BLW approach in order to better understand the experiences of the mother and infant, the benefits and challenges of the approach, and the beliefs that underpin these experiences. Fifteen UK mothers were interviewed over the course of a series of five emails using a semi‐structured approach. The email transcripts were anonymised and analysed using thematic analysis. There were four main themes identified from the analysis: (1) trusting the child; (2) parental control and responsibility; (3) precious milk; and (4) renegotiating BLW. The themes identified reflect a range of ideals and pressures that this group of mothers tried to negotiate in order to provide their infants with a positive and healthy introduction to solid foods. One of the key issues of potential concern is the timing at which some of the children ingested complementary foods. Although complementary foods were made available to the infants at 6 months of age, in many cases they were not ingested until much later. These findings have potentially important implications for mother's decision‐making, health professional policy and practice, and future research.
Reasons for raising the maximum acceptable daily intake of EDTA and the benefits for iron fortification of foods for children 6–24 months of age
Authors: Wreesmann Carel Theo Jozef
Published: February 2014

The current maximum acceptable daily intake (ADI) of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) of 1.9 mg day−1 per kilogram bodyweight (mg day−1 kgbw−1) limits the daily intake of iron as iron EDTA [ferric sodium EDTA; sodium iron(III) EDTA] to approximately 2–2.5 mg day−1 for children 6–24 months of age. This limit was defined by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) in 1973 based on data from an animal‐feed study published in 1963. Other animal studies indicate that this limit can be raised to 4.4 or possibly up to 21.7 mg day−1 kgbw−1, which is 2.3–11.4 times higher than the current value. For nearly 50 years, iron EDTA has been used in France in medicinal syrup for infants 1–6 months of age. The maximum recommended dosage of this drug is 37 times higher than the maximum ADI of EDTA. No adverse health effects have been reported as a result of this medicinal consumption of iron EDTA. Raising the maximum ADI of EDTA to only 4.4 mg day−1 kgbw−1 would enable iron EDTA, an iron fortificant with proven bioavailability in phytate‐rich meals, to be added in adequate amounts to cereal‐based meals for children 6–24 months of age, who are at risk of iron deficiency.
The last half‐repeat of transcription activator‐like effector (TALE) is dispensable and thereby TALE‐based technology can be simplified
Authors: Zheng Chong‐Ke , Wang Chun‐Lian , Zhang Xiao‐Ping , Wang Fu‐Jun , Qin Teng‐Fei , Zhao Kai‐Jun
Published: February 2014

To activate the expression of host genes that contribute to pathogen growth, pathogenic Xanthomonas bacteria inject their transcription activator‐like effectors (TALEs) into plant cells and the TALEs bind to target gene promoters by the central repeat region consisting of near‐perfect 34‐amino‐acid repeats (34‐aa repeats). Based on the recognition codes between the 34‐aa repeats and the targeted nucleotides, TALE‐based technologies, such as designer TALEs (dTALEs) and TALE nucleases (TALENs), have been developed. Amazingly, every natural TALE invariantly has a truncated last half‐repeat (LHR) at the end of the 34‐aa repeats. Consequently, all the reported dTALEs and TALENs also harbour their LHRs. Here, we show that the LHRs in dTALEs are dispensable for the function of gene activation by both transient expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana and gene‐specific targeting in the rice genome, indicating that TALEs might originate from a single progenitor. In the light of this finding, we demonstrate that dTALEs can be constructed through two simple steps. Moreover, the activation strengths of dTALEs lacking the LHR are comparable with those of dTALEs harbouring the LHR. Our results provide new insights into the origin of natural TALEs, and will facilitate the simplification of the design and assembly of TALE‐based tools, such as dTALEs and TALENs, in the near future.
Meningeal hemangiopericytomas: A clinicopathological study with emphasis on MGMT (O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase) promoter methylation status
Authors: Kakkar Aanchal , Kumar Anupam , Jha Prerana , Goyal Nishant , Mallick Supriya , Sharma Mehar Chand , Suri Ashish , Singh Manmohan , Kale Shashank S , Julka Pramod Kumar , Sarkar Chitra , Suri Vaishali
Published: February 2014

Meningeal hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are aggressive dural‐based tumors, for which no prognostic or predictive marker has been identified. Gross total resection is treatment of choice, but not easily achieved; hence, alkylating agents like temozolomide (TMZ) are now being tried. O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation has proven prognostic and predictive value in glioblastomas. This study evaluates MGMT promoter methylation in meningeal HPCs to determine its role in HPC oncogenesis and its association with patient outcome. Meningeal HPCs diagnosed between 2002 and 2011 were retrieved and clinicopathological features reviewed. MGMT promoter methylation status was assessed by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for MGMT protein. HPCs accounted for 1.1% of all CNS tumors. Forty cases were analyzed; the majority were adults (mean age = 41.4 years). Seventy percent were primary and 30% were recurrent tumors; 60% were grade II and 40% were grade III. MGMT promoter methylation was identified in 45% of cases, including Grade II (54.2%) and Grade III (31.3%) (P = 0.203). Promoter methylation was significantly (P = 0.035) more frequent in primary (57.1%) than in recurrent (16.7%) tumors. No correlation was noted between MGMT promoter methylation by MSP and MGMT protein expression by IHC, or with progression‐free survival. Thus, a significant proportion of HPCs demonstrate MGMT promoter methylation, suggesting possible susceptibility to TMZ. As promoter methylation is more frequent in primary tumors, TMZ may serve as a therapeutic option in residual primary tumors. Epigenetic inactivation of MGMT in HPCs necessitates the assessment of prognostic and predictive value of MGMT promoter methylation in HPCs in larger clinical trials.
Effects of virus on plant fecundity and population dynamics
Authors: Prendeville Holly R. , Tenhumberg Brigitte , Pilson Diana
Published: February 2014

Microorganisms are ubiquitous and thought to regulate host populations. Although microorganisms can be pathogenic and affect components of fitness, few studies have examined their effects on wild plant populations. As individual traits might not contribute equally to changes in population growth rate, it is essential to examine the entire life cycle to determine how microorganisms affect host population dynamics.

In this study, we used data from common garden experiments with plants from three Cucurbita pepo populations exposed to three virus treatments. These data were used to parameterize a deterministic matrix model, which allowed us to estimate the effect of virus on components of fitness and population growth rate.

Virus did not reduce fruit number, but population growth rates varied among virus treatments and wild C. pepo populations. The effect of virus on population growth rate depended on virus species and wild C. pepo population.

Contributions of life‐history transitions and life‐history traits to population growth rates varied among populations and virus treatments. However, this population–virus interaction was not evident when examining individual components of fitness. Thus, caution must be used when interpreting the effects of changes in individual traits, as single traits do not always predict population‐level change accurately.
Depression and Outcome among Veterans with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators with or without Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Capability
Authors: SHALABY ALAA A. , BRUMBERG GENEVIEVE E. , POINTER LAUREN , BEKELMAN DAVID B. , RUMSFELD JOHN S. , YANG YANFEI , PELLEGRINI CARA N. , HEIDENREICH PAUL A. , KEUNG EDMUND , MASSIE BARRY M. , VAROSY PAUL D.
Published: February 2014

Background

The impact of depression on outcome in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients has not been fully appreciated. We assessed the prevalence of depression and its association with heart failure (HF) outcome among veterans with ICDs.

Methods and Results

Patients enrolled between January 2005 and January 2010 in the Outcomes among Veterans with Implantable Defibrillators Registry were studied. We examined the cross‐sectional association of depression with severity of HF functional class as well as the association of depression with the composite outcome of mortality or HF hospitalization over a mean follow‐up time of 2.7 years. There were 3,862 patients enrolled. Patients with depression (1,162, 43%) were younger (63.1 ± 9.4 years vs 66.6 ± 9.9 years, P < 0.001), more likely to have a history of tobacco or alcohol abuse (P < 0.0001) or atrial fibrillation (P = 0.05) while having a higher ejection fraction (28.3% vs 27.4%, P = 0.03). Depression was associated with advanced HF class at time of implant; odds ratio (OR; vs class I) for class III: 1.65 (confidence interval [CI] 1.17–2.33), class IV: 1.73 (95% CI 1.08–2.76). Death or HF hospitalization was more likely to occur in patients with depression (35.2% vs 32.0%, HR: 1.15 [95% CI 0.99–1.33]). The predictive value of depression was stronger after multivariable adjustment; HR: 1.25 (95% CI 1.05–1.49).

Conclusion

Depression was prevalent among veterans with ICDs. Depression was associated with severity of HF. The predictive value of associated depression was significant after multivariable adjustment.
Neonatal oxygen exposure alters airway hyper‐responsiveness but not the response to allergen challenge in adult mice
Authors: Regal Jean F. , Lawrence B. Paige , Johnson Alex C. , Lojovich Sarah J. , O'Reilly Michael A.
Published: February 2014

Background

Infants born prematurely are often treated with supplemental oxygen, which can increase their risk for airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR), asthma, reduced lung function, and altered responses to respiratory viral infections later in childhood. Likewise, exposure of newborn mice to hyperoxia alters baseline pulmonary mechanics and the host response to influenza A virus infection in adult mice. Here, we use this mouse model to test the hypothesis that neonatal hyperoxia also promotes AHR and exacerbated allergen‐induced symptoms in adult mice.

Methods

Baseline lung mechanics and AHR measured by methacholine provocation were assessed in adult male and female mice exposed to room air or 100% oxygen (hyperoxia) between post‐natal days 0–4. AHR and lung inflammation were evaluated after adult female mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) plus alum and challenged with aerosolized OVA.

Results

Baseline lung compliance increased and resistance decreased in adult female, but not male, mice exposed to neonatal hyperoxia compared with siblings exposed to room air. Neonatal hyperoxia significantly enhanced methacholine‐induced AHR in female mice, but did not affect allergen‐induced AHR to methacholine or lung inflammation.

Conclusion

Increased incidence of AHR and asthma is reported in children born prematurely and exposed to supplemental oxygen. Our findings in adult female mice exposed to hyperoxia as neonates suggest that this AHR reported in children born prematurely may reflect non‐atopic wheezing due to intrinsic structural changes in airway development.
CYP77A19 and CYP77A20 characterized from Solanum tuberosum oxidize fatty acids in vitro and partially restore the wild phenotype in an Arabidopsis thaliana cutin mutant
Authors: GRAUSEM B. , WIDEMANN E. , VERDIER G. , NOSBÜSCH D. , AUBERT Y. , BEISSON F. , SCHREIBER L. , FRANKE R. , PINOT F.
Published: February 2014

Cutin and suberin represent lipophilic polymers forming plant/environment interfaces in leaves and roots. Despite recent progress in Arabidopsis, there is still a lack on information concerning cutin and suberin synthesis, especially in crops. Based on sequence homology, we isolated two cDNA clones of new cytochrome P450s, CYP77A19 and CYP77A20 from potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum). Both enzymes hydroxylated lauric acid (C12:0) on position ω‐1 to ω‐5. They oxidized fatty acids with chain length ranging from C12 to C18 and catalysed hydroxylation of 16‐hydroxypalmitic acid leading to dihydroxypalmitic (DHP) acids, the major C16 cutin and suberin monomers. CYP77A19 also produced epoxides from linoleic acid (C18:2). Exploration of expression pattern in potato by RT‐qPCR revealed the presence of transcripts in all tissues tested with the highest expression in the seed compared with leaves. Water stress enhanced their expression level in roots but not in leaves. Application of methyl jasmonate specifically induced CYP77A19 expression. Expression of either gene in the Arabidopsis null mutant cyp77a6‐1 defective in flower cutin restored petal cuticular impermeability. Nanoridges were also observed in CYP77A20‐expressing lines. However, only very low levels of the major flower cutin monomer 10,16‐dihydroxypalmitate and no C18 epoxy monomers were found in the cutin of the complemented lines.
Effects of risperidone and aripiprazole on neurocognitive rehabilitation for schizophrenia
Authors: Matsuda Yasuhiro , Sato Sayaka , Iwata Kazuhiko , Furukawa Shunichi , Hatsuse Norifumi , Watanabe Yukako , Anzai Nobuo , Kishimoto Toshifumi , Ikebuchi Emi
Published: February 2014

Aim

Methods to improve neurocognitive impairments are of important research interest. This study sought to examine the synergistic effects of neurocognitive rehabilitation and antipsychotics for schizophrenia.

Methods

Subjects were 43 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in a randomized trial of the effects of neurocognitive rehabilitation or a quasi‐randomized experimental trial of supported employment with neurocognitive rehabilitation. We compared the effects of risperidone and aripiprazole in neurocognitive rehabilitation for schizophrenia. Subjects were divided into the following groups: (i) the control‐risperidone group (CR group) (n = 13); (ii) the rehabilitation‐risperidone group (RR group) (n = 9); (iii) the control‐aripiprazole group (CA group) (n = 10); and (iv) the rehabilitation‐aripiprazole group (RA group) (n = 11). Subjects in the rehabilitation group were engaged in computer‐based cognitive exercises (24 sessions) with bridging group (12 sessions) over 12 weeks. Psychiatric symptoms, neurocognitive functioning and social functioning assessments were evaluated at baseline and at 12 weeks.

Results

A two‐way anova with neurocognitive rehabilitation and antipsychotic medication as factors revealed a significant interaction effect on motor speed. Working memory and motor speed significantly improved in the RA group compared with the CA group. We found no significant improvements between the CR group and the RR group.

Conclusion

A synergistic effect of neurocognitive rehabilitation and aripiprazole was observed as improvement of motor speed. In patients treated with aripiprazole, neurocognitive rehabilitation appeared to improve working memory and motor speed. Further studies of synergistic effects of neurocognitive rehabilitation and antipsychotic medication are necessary to verify these findings.