bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prokinetic effect of a standardized yarrow (Achillea millefolium) extract and its constituent choline: studies in the mouse and human stomach
Authors: Borrelli F. , Romano B. , Fasolino I. , Tagliatatela‐Scafati O. , Aprea G. , Capasso R. , Capasso F. , Coppola Bottazzi E. , Izzo A. A.
Published: December 2011

Background  Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by alterations in gastric motility. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L., Fam Asteraceae) preparations are traditional remedies used to treat dyspeptic complaints. Herein, we investigated the effect of a standardized dry water extract obtained from A. millefolium flowering tops (AME) on gastric motility.

Methods  The effect of AME on motility was evaluated on the resting tone of the isolated gastric antrum and on gastric emptying in vivo (phenol red meal method) both in control mice and in the model of cancer chemotherapy (cisplatin)‐induced gastric abnormalities.

Key Results  The AME contracted mouse and human gastric strips and this action was unaffected by hexamethonium and tetrodotoxin, but strongly reduced by atropine. Among various chemical ingredients in yarrow, choline, but not the flavonoids rutin and apigenin, mimicked the action of AME. Furthermore, AME deprived of choline did not exert a contractile effect. In vivo, AME stimulated gastric emptying both in control and in cisplatin‐treated mice, being more active in pathological states.

Conclusions & Inferences  It is concluded that (i) AME exerts a direct spasmogenic effect on gastric antrum; (ii) choline is the chemical ingredient responsible of such effect; (iii) the prokinetic effect of AME observed in vivo could provide the pharmacological basis underlying its traditional use in the treatment of dyspepsia.
A 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase from Ruta graveolens L. exhibits p‐coumaroyl CoA 2′‐hydroxylase activity (C2′H): a missing step in the synthesis of umbelliferone in plants
Authors: Vialart Guilhem , Hehn Alain , Olry Alexandre , Ito Kyoko , Krieger Celia , Larbat Romain , Paris Cedric , Shimizu Bun‐ichi , Sugimoto Yukihiro , Mizutani Masaharu , Bourgaud Frederic
Published: December 2011

Coumarins are important compounds that contribute to the adaptation of plants to biotic or abiotic stresses. Among coumarins, umbelliferone occupies a pivotal position in the plant phenylpropanoid network. Previous studies indicated that umbelliferone is derived from the ortho‐hydroxylation of p‐coumaric acid by an unknown biochemical step to yield 2,4‐dihydroxycinnamic acid, which then undergoes spontaneous lactonization. Based on a recent report of a gene encoding a 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase from Arabidopsis thaliana that exhibited feruloyl CoA 6′‐hydroxylase activity (Bourgaud et al., 2006), we combined a bioinformatic approach and a cDNA library screen to identify an orthologous ORF (Genbank accession number JF799117) from Ruta graveolens L. This ORF shares 59% amino acid identity with feruloyl CoA 6′‐hydroxylase, was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli, and converted feruloyl CoA into scopoletin and p‐coumaroyl CoA into umbelliferone with equal activity. Its bi‐functionality was further confirmed in planta: transient expression of JF799117 in Nicotiana benthamiana yielded plants with leaves containing high levels of umbelliferone and scopoletin when compared to control plants, which contained barely detectable traces of these compounds. The expression of JF799117 was also tightly correlated to the amount of umbelliferone that was found in UV‐elicited R. graveolens leaves. Therefore, JF799117 encodes a p‐coumaroyl CoA 2′‐hydroxylase in R. graveolens, which represents a previously uncharacterized step in the synthesis of umbelliferone in plants. Psoralen, which is an important furanocoumarin in R. graveolens, was found to be a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme, and it may exert this effect through negative feedback on the enzyme at an upstream position in the pathway.
Demethylation of the FCER1G promoter leads to FcεRI overexpression on monocytes of patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Liang Y. , Wang P. , Zhao M. , Liang G. , Yin H. , Zhang G. , Wen H. , Lu Q.
Published: December 2011

To cite this article: Liang Y, Wang P, Zhao M, Liang G, Yin H, Zhang G, Wen H, Lu Q. Demethylation of the FCER1G promoter leads to FcεRI overexpression on monocytes of patients with atopic dermatitis. Allergy 2012; 67: 424–430.

Background:  Overexpression of the high‐affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E on atopic monocytes and dendritic cells is known to contribute to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, it remains unclear what is the underlying mechanism of FcεRI deregulation. It has been speculated that epigenetic deregulation may play a role.

Methods:  Global DNA methylation levels of monocytes from 10 AD patients and 10 healthy controls were measured using a global DNA methylation kit. Bisulfite sequencing was performed to determine the methylation status of the FCER1G promoter region. FcεRIγ mRNA and FcεRI protein levels were detected by real‐time RT‐PCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry, respectively. Patch methylation and the demethylating agent, 5‐azacytidine, were used to determine the functional significance of methylation changes on FcεRI expression.

Results:  Monocytes from AD patients show a global hypomethylation, as well as a locus‐specific hypomethylation at FCER1G promoter, as compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, this hypomethylation of FCER1G is inversely correlated with its expression. Patch methylation in combination with luciferase reporter assay confirmed the direct relationship between methylation and expression. Moreover, treating healthy monocytes with 5‐azacytidine caused a reduction in methylation levels and an induction in FcεRIγ transcription and surface expression of FcεRI.

Conclusion:  Demethylation of specific regulatory elements within the FCER1G locus contributes to FcεRI overexpression on monocytes from patients with AD.
Protein intake but not feed intake affects dietary energy for finishing pigs
Authors: Moehn S. , Levesque C. L. , Ball R. O.
Published: December 2011

The effects of dietary protein and feeding levels on dietary metabolizable (ME) and net energy (NE) content were determined in 24 pigs, each offered two diets at 2.0 times the energetic maintenance requirement or for ad libitum intake between 55 and 95 kg body weight. Within feeding levels, pigs received, in random order, low‐protein (LP; 11.2% CP, 0.61% lysine) or high‐protein (HP; 20.2% CP, 0.61% lysine) diets of similar digestible energy content. Dietary NE was calculated from heat production based on 24‐h indirect calorimetry following a 7‐day N‐balance period. Feed intake was greater for LP than HP when fed for ad libitum intake (p = 0.001). Protein level did not affect daily gain (p > 0.1) but HP improved gain: feed (p = 0.003). Dietary ME and NE were not significantly affected by feeding level but were decreased by high protein intake (p < 0.07). Reducing dietary protein reduced urinary energy losses and increased energy retention but did not affect heat production. The effect of dietary protein restriction was already evident on the ME level and carried over to a similar degree to the NE level because the utilization of ME was not affected by protein level. Dietary ME and NE decreased by 0.012 MJ/kg (p = 0.014) and 0.018 MJ/kg (p = 0.062), respectively, for each gram per day N intake. The results suggest that although there was an effect of protein level on NE, the greatest effect occurred at the level of ME. However, the prediction of both ME and NE may be improved by adopting energy values for dietary protein that changes with dietary protein content.
Occurrence of the Root Rot Pathogen, Fusarium commune, in Forest Nurseries of?the Midwestern and Western United States
Authors: Kim Mee‐Sook , Stewart Jane E. , Dumroese R. Kasten , Klopfenstein Ned B.
Published: December 2011

Fusarium commune can cause damping‐off and root rot of conifer seedlings in forest nurseries, and this pathogen has been previously reported from Oregon, Idaho, and Washington, USA. We collected Fusarium isolates from additional nurseries in the midwestern and western USA to more fully determine occurrence of this pathogen. We used DNA sequences of the mitochondrial small subunit gene to identify F. commune. In addition to confirming the occurrence of F. commune in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington, USA, we also discovered that F. commune is even more widespread with this first report of F. commune occurring in Nevada, Montana, Nebraska, and Michigan, USA.
Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit study of haemoglobinopathies in Australian children
Authors: Argent Elizabeth , Emder Phillip , Monagle Paul , Mowat David , Petterson Toni , Russell Susan , Sachdev Rani , Stone Christine , Ziegler David S
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and types of haemoglobinopathies in Australian children and their distribution among ethnic groups, and to collect information on timing of diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies in Australia.

Methods:  Between January 2004 and March 2006, the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit asked paediatricians to report all children under 15 years of age with a newly diagnosed haemoglobinopathy. A questionnaire requesting further information was forwarded to those clinicians. Carrier states such as thalassaemia minor were excluded.

Results:  Eighty‐four notifications of haemoglobinopathy were received by the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit, with 59 confirmed cases giving a national incidence of 0.74 per 100 000 children < 15 years of age per annum. Of 59 cases, 42 (71%) were Australian born. Twenty‐nine (35.6%) children had sickle cell disease, 17 (28.8%) had Hb H disease, six (10.2%) had beta‐thalassaemia major and 15 (25.4%) had compound heterozygous conditions. One child died from sickle cell disease. Of Australian born children, at least 10 mothers (23.8%) and 11 fathers (26.2%) were unaware of their carrier status pre‐partum (information unavailable for 13 mothers and 17 fathers). Only 11 parents (18.6%) had risks of haemoglobinopathy discussed with them antenatally and only three cases (5.1%) were diagnosed antenatally.

Conclusions:  We found that a small but significant number of children with haemoglobinopathies are being born in Australia despite existing programmes of testing at‐risk groups and neonatal screening. Haemoglobinopathies were also diagnosed in recent immigrants. Greater awareness of these conditions and enhancements of screening and detection programmes may be needed as the genetic diversity of the Australian population continues to develop.
TRIBAL CASINO IMPACTS ON AMERICAN INDIANS WELL‐BEING: EVIDENCE FROM RESERVATION‐LEVEL CENSUS DATA
Authors: ANDERSON ROBIN J.
Published: December 2011

After the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988, tribal gaming revenues increased dramatically. Using a differences‐in‐differences methodology with 1990 and 2000 census data, this study finds that American Indians (AI) on gaming reservations experience a 7.4% increase in per capita income and reductions in both family and child poverty rates relative to AI on non‐gaming reservations. Large and medium casinos are associated with changes in well‐being while smaller casinos are not. These results are sensitive to the inclusion of the Navajo reservation, a large non‐gaming reservation with increased income during the 1990s. (JEL I32, L83)
The Triple Crisis and the Global Aid Architecture
Authors: Addison Tony , Arndt Channing , Tarp Finn
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  The global economy is passing through a period of profound change. The immediate concern is with the financial crisis, originating in the North. The South is affected via reduced demand and lower prices for their exports, reduced private financial flows and falling remittances. This is the first crisis. Simultaneously, climate change remains unchecked, with the growth in greenhouse gas emissions exceeding previous estimates. This is the second crisis. Finally, malnutrition and hunger are on the rise, propelled by the recent inflation in global food prices. This constitutes the third crisis. These three crises interact to undermine the prosperity of present and future generations. Each has implications for international aid and underline the need for concerted action.
Shocks, Vulnerability and Therapy
Authors: Lin Justin Yifu
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  The global financial crisis of 2008 has left lasting effects on the structure of financial markets, international capital flows, and the cost of capital for developing countries. This paper explains how the crisis originated, and the underlying factors that turned a relatively small collapse in the US subprime mortgage market into a global crisis. It then explores similarities and differences between the current crisis and past experiences. That comparison highlights the main determinants and transmission mechanisms involved, which can help design a better response to the current situation on the one hand, and to prevent future crises or minimize their impact on the other. Finally, the paper discusses structural policies that make countries more resilient to external shocks and also reduce the incidence of home‐grown crises.
WHAT CAN HISTORY DO FOR BIOETHICS?
Authors: WILSON DUNCAN
Published: December 2011

This article details the relationship between history and bioethics. I argue that historians' reluctance to engage with bioethics rests on a misreading of the field as solely reducible to applied ethics, and overlooks previous enthusiasm for historical perspectives. I claim that seeing bioethics as its practitioners see it – as an interdisciplinary meeting ground – should encourage historians to collaborate in greater numbers. I conclude by outlining how bioethics might benefit from new histories of the field, and how historians can lend a fresh perspective to bioethical debates.
Adolescent smoking behavior and outcome expectancies
Authors: JØSENDAL OLA , AARØ LEIF EDVARD
Published: December 2011

Jøsendal, O. & Aarø, L. E. (2012). Adolescent smoking behavior and outcome expectancies. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 129–135.

Adolescent smoking behavior is assumed to be associated with smoking outcome expectancies. Results in this paper are based on data from the control group of two data collections among Norwegian secondary school students taken approximately 30 months apart (T1 and T2). The dimensionality of smoking outcome expectancies was the same at both time points, revealing three components (“Addicted”, “Not harmful” and “Social”). After correction for attenuation, the Pearson’s correlation between T1 and T2 was 0.41 for the total sumscore, indicating low to moderate relative stability. When examining smoking expectancy sumscore means by smoking habits at T1 and T2, never smokers were different from smokers on both occasions. Never smokers scored low on “Social” and “Not harmful”, and high on “Addictive”. All associations were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The “Social” dimension was the strongest predictor of smoking behavior at T1 and T2. One of the outcome expectancy sumscores (“Addictive”) at T1 predicted smoking habits at T2 after controlling for smoking habits at T1 (p < 0.01). This predictor was significant also after entering outcome expectancy sumscores at T2 into the model (p < 0.05). These results indicate that outcome expectations other than the health‐related ones should be paid attention to when planning new prevention programs.
Gender and cervical artery dissection
Authors: Metso A. J. , Metso T. M. , Debette S. , Dallongeville J. , Lyrer P.A. , Pezzini A. , Lichy C. , Kloss M. , Brandt T. , Touzé E. , Southerland A. M. , Worrall B. B. , Abboud S. , del Zotto E. , Leys D. , Engelter S. , Grond‐Ginsbach C. , Tatlisumak T. ,   for the CADISP group
Published: December 2011

Background and purpose:  To analyze previously established gender differences in cervical artery dissection (CeAD).

Methods:  This case–control study is based on the CADISP (Cervical Artery Dissection and Ischemic Stroke Patients) population comprising 983 consecutive CeAD patients (mean age: 44.1 ± 9.9 years) and 658 control patients with a non‐CeAD ischemic stroke (IS) (44.5 ± 10.5 years).

Results:  Cervical artery dissection was more common in men (56.7% vs. 43.3%, P < 0.001) and men were older (46.4 vs. 41.0 years, P < 0.001). We assessed putative risk factors for CeAD including vascular risk factors, recent cervical trauma, pregnancies, and infections. All gender differences in the putative risk factors and outcome were similar in the CeAD and the non‐CeAD IS groups.

Conclusion:  Our analysis of the largest collection of CeAD patients to date confirms male predominance and differences in age at dissection between men and women. Gender differences in putative risk factors may explain the higher frequency of CeAD in men and their older age, but the putative risk factors are probably not specific for CeAD.
Environmental shifts for social work: A principles approach
Authors: Miller Shari E , Hayward R. Anna , Shaw Terry V.
Published: December 2011

Miller SE, Hayward RA, Shaw TV. Environmental shifts for social work: A principles approach

The social work profession is rooted in a history of addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. Generally, however, this history has not extended to issues relating to the natural environment. Building on a framework of environmental justice, this article proposes a shift from the artificial separation of the social and natural environments in its person‐in‐environment focus to an expanded holistic understanding of the dynamic interplay between human society and the natural environment. It examines issues surrounding environmental and ecological justice, and proposes a principles approach to move the profession towards a paradigm of environmental justice using as its template the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice adopted by the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit in the USA in 1991. It discusses the value of these principles in enhancing social work's capacity to address issues of environmental concern. It proposes that, with greater awareness of the effects of environmental issues on high‐needs populations, the profession would be better able to balance environmental and human concerns.
The place of social work in sustainable development: Towards ecosocial practice
Authors: Peeters Jef
Published: December 2011

Peeters J. The place of social work in sustainable development: Towards ecosocial practice

Ecological questions are seldom seen to concern the social dimension and, accordingly, to be of direct concern to mainstream social work practice. However, the current ‘social‐ecological crisis’ demands a major social transition to a sustainable society that touches all dimensions of our lives. So, social work cannot escape this process. This article argues that social work can engage in this transition starting from its social mission and tradition, provided it includes the ecological environment as an important element of practice and develops an ecosocial practice centred on empowerment, social capital formation and resilience building as both a contribution to and part of a process of social‐political change.
Recommendations for the treatment of nail psoriasis in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: a dermatology expert group consensus
Authors: Langley R.G. , Saurat J.H. , Reich K. ,   on behalf of the Nail Psoriasis Delphi Expert Panel
Published: December 2011

Background  Nail involvement is common in psoriasis patients and is often associated with severe disease. Patients with nail psoriasis experience pain, functional impairment and social stigma, with significant restriction of daily activities and quality of life. However, nail psoriasis often goes untreated, as many physicians believe it is difficult to treat, despite the availability of effective treatment options. Clinical data and guidelines for managing and treating psoriasis patients with both skin and nail symptoms are limited.

Objective  To prepare recommendations for the management and treatment of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis with nail involvement.

Methods  A collaborative Delphi survey was used to obtain consensus on current practice in the management of nail disease in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis from an expert panel of 11 dermatologists from Europe and Canada with substantial clinical expertise in managing these patients. Agreement was defined utilizing a Likert scale of 1–9. Consensus regarding agreement was an interquartile range (IQR) ≥7; consensus regarding disagreement was an IQR ≤3.

Results  The expert panel addressed several topics including burden of disease, nail assessment, treatment goals and treatment options. The panel agreed that: it is extremely important to assess nail involvement in patients with psoriasis; nail assessments are rarely performed in routine clinical practice; full skin and nail clearance is an achievable goal with appropriate systemic therapy in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis with nail involvement.

Conclusion  This article provides useful and practical considerations for the management and treatment of patients with moderate to severe skin and nail psoriasis.
Photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis in organ transplant patients
Authors: Basset‐Seguin N. , Baumann Conzett K. , Gerritsen M.J.P. , Gonzalez H. , Haedersdal M. , Hofbauer G.F.L. , Aguado L. , Kerob D. , Lear J.T. , Piaserico S. , Ulrich C.
Published: December 2011

Background  The incidence of actinic keratoses (AK) and non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in organ transplant recipients (OTRs) is significantly higher than in immunocompetent patients. Rates of progression and recurrence following treatment are higher too, in part due to the effects of the immunosuppressant drugs. Conventional therapies for AK, using curettage, cryotherapy, surgical excision, topical therapies and photodynamic therapy (PDT), are often less effective, and may be inappropriate, for treating the greater numbers and extent of lesions in OTRs. Moreover, there are no specific protocols for treating this patient population that take into account the need for more frequent treatment and the increased pain associated with treating larger areas.

Objectives  Recently, a pan‐European group of dermatologists with expertise in this area met to share current best practice in PDT for the treatment of AK in OTRs.

Methods  The group identified areas where PDT currently is not meeting the needs of these patients and discussed how these gaps might be addressed.

Results/Conclusions  This position article summarizes those discussions and makes recommendations concerning a standardized protocol for treating OTRs, for a large randomized controlled trial to provide robust data on safety, efficacy and optimal pain control, and to provide pharmaco‐economics data that can be used to support extended reimbursement in this patient group. The authors also recommend a second clinical trial to further investigate induced immunosuppression with PDT in healthy volunteers.
Fatty acid profile of milk from goats fed diets with different levels of conserved and fresh forages
Authors: RENNA MANUELA , CORNALE PAOLO , LUSSIANA CAROLA , MALFATTO VANDA , MIMOSI ANTONIO , BATTAGLINI LUCA M
Published: December 2011

Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different proportions of hay and fresh grass in goats’ diet on milk fatty acid profile. Nine Camosciata goats were fed a fixed amount of concentrate (30% of total diet) and different percentages (40% vs 30%, 50% vs 20% and 60% vs 10%) of hay and fresh grass, respectively. Diminishing amounts of fresh grass percentages in the diet led to significant increases of lauric, myristic and palmitic acids (P ≤ 0.001) and to significant decreases of C18:1 t6‐11, rumenic and α‐linolenic acids (P ≤ 0.001) in milk, thus determining a worsening of the health value of milk fat.
Gourmandizing Poverty Food: The Serpa Cheese Slow Food Presidium
Authors: WEST HARRY G. , DOMINGOS NUNO
Published: December 2011

This paper examines a Slow Food–sponsored project to recreate and promote Serpa Velho, a hard aged cheese historically produced in the Alentejo region of Portugal. The authors examine the historical forces behind three changes that the project sought to reverse, namely the abandonment by cheese makers of the Merino breed, the move away from aging the cheese on straw mats in the cheese room rafters to aging in refrigerated stores, and the sale of younger, softer cheeses. The authors contend that the pursuit of these aims by the project ironically contradicts Slow Food's stated aims of fostering the production of food that is ‘good, clean and fair’. The paper concludes not only that more rigorous historical analysis exposes Slow Food's romanticism and elitism, but also that such analysis is necessary to the improvement of the food we eat.
The effects of induced oblique astigmatism on symptoms and reading performance while viewing a computer screen
Authors: Rosenfield Mark , Hue Jennifer E , Huang Rae R , Bababekova Yuliya
Published: December 2011

Citation information: Rosenfield M, Hue JE, Huang RR & Bababekova Y. The effects of induced oblique astigmatism on symptoms and reading performance while viewing a computer screen. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 142–148. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00887.x

Introduction:  Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a complex of eye and vision problems related to computer use which has been reported in up to 90% of computer users. Ocular symptoms may include asthenopia, accommodative and vergence difficulties and dry eye. Previous studies have reported that uncorrected astigmatism may have a significant impact on symptoms of CVS. However, its effect on task performance is unclear.

Methods:  This study recorded symptoms after a 10 min period of reading from a computer monitor either through the habitual distance refractive correction or with a supplementary −1.00 or −2.00D oblique cylinder added over these lenses in 12 young, visually‐normal subjects. Additionally, the distance correction condition was repeated to assess the repeatability of the symptom questionnaire. Subjects’ reading speed and accuracy were monitored during the course of the 10 min trial.

Results:  There was no significant difference in reading rate or the number of errors between the three astigmatic conditions. However, a significant change in symptoms was reported with the median total symptom scores for the 0, 1 and 2D astigmatic conditions being 2.0, 6.5 and 40.0, respectively (p < 0.0001). Further, the repeatability coefficient of the total symptom score following the repeated zero astigmatism condition was ± 13.46.

Conclusions:  The presence of induced astigmatism produced a significant increase in post‐task symptoms but did not affect reading rate or the number of reading errors. The correction of small astigmatic refractive errors may be important in optimizing patient comfort during computer operation.
Deletion of alpha‐synuclein decreases impulsivity in mice
Authors: Peña‐Oliver Y. , Buchman V. L. , Dalley J. W. , Robbins T. W. , Schumann G. , Ripley T. L. , King S. L. , Stephens D. N.
Published: December 2011

The presynaptic protein alpha‐synuclein, associated with Parkinson's Disease (PD), plays a role in dopaminergic neurotransmission and is implicated in impulse control disorders (ICDs) such as drug addiction. In this study we investigated a potential causal relationship between alpha‐synuclein and impulsivity, by evaluating differences in motor impulsivity in the 5‐choice serial reaction time task (5‐CSRTT) in strains of mice that differ in the expression of the alpha‐synuclein gene. C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice differ from their C57BL/6J ancestors in possessing a chromosomal deletion resulting in the loss of two genes, snca, encoding alpha‐synuclein, and mmrn1, encoding multimerin‐1. C57BL/6J mice displayed higher impulsivity (more premature responding) than C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice when the pre‐stimulus waiting interval was increased in the 5‐CSRTT. In order to ensure that the reduced impulsivity was indeed related to snca, and not adjacent gene deletion, wild type (WT) and mice with targeted deletion of alpha‐synuclein (KO) were tested in the 5‐CSRTT. Similarly, WT mice were more impulsive than mice with targeted deletion of alpha‐synuclein. Interrogation of our ongoing analysis of impulsivity in BXD recombinant inbred mouse lines revealed an association of impulsive responding with levels of alpha‐synuclein expression in hippocampus. Expression of beta‐ and gamma‐synuclein, members of the synuclein family that may substitute for alpha‐synuclein following its deletion, revealed no differential compensations among the mouse strains. These findings suggest that alpha‐synuclein may contribute to impulsivity and potentially, to ICDs which arise in some PD patients treated with dopaminergic medication.
Early prediction of nasal continuous positive airway pressure failure in preterm infants less than 30 weeks gestation
Authors: De Jaegere Anne P , van der Lee Johanna H , Canté Caroline , van Kaam Anton H
Published: December 2011

Aim:  To predict early nasal continuous positive airway pressure failure within the first 2 h after birth in preterm infants.

Methods:  Patient and respiratory support variables significantly associated with continuous positive airway pressure failure in the first 72 h after birth were identified in a cohort of preterm infants <30 weeks gestation. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, risk estimates for early nasal continuous positive airway pressure failure were calculated.

Results:  From 182 infants included, 62(34%) failed early nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Birth weight ≤800 g, male gender and a fraction of inspired oxygen >0.25 at 1 and 2 h of age were significantly associated with early nasal continuous positive airway pressure failure. Combining these variables in a logistic regression model provided a minimal risk estimate for failure of 0.04[0.01–0.23] (female >800 g, FiO2 ≤ 0.25 at 1, and 2 h) and maximal estimate of 0.92[0.44–0.99] (male ≤800 g, FiO2 > 0.25 at 1 and 2 h).

Conclusion:  Combining gender, birth weight and the fraction of inspired oxygen at 1 and 2 h of age allows for a better and more individualized prediction of early nasal continuous positive airway pressure failure in preterm infants less than 30 weeks gestation.
Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome, vascular type: A novel missense mutation in the COL3A1 gene
Authors: Masuno Mitsuo , Watanabe Atsushi , Naing Banyar Than , Shimada Takashi , Fujimoto Wataru , Ninomiya Shinsuke , Ueda Yasunori , Kadota Kazushige , Kotaka Tatsuya , Kondo Eisei , Yamanouchi Yasuko , Inoue Mika , Ouchi Kazunobu , Kuroki Yoshikazu
Published: December 2011

We report a 34‐year‐old Japanese female with the vascular type of Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome. She had thin translucent skin, extensive bruising, toe joint hypermobility, left lower extremity varicose veins, and chronic wrist, knee and ankle joint pain. She also had dizziness caused by autonomic dysfunction. Magnetic resonance angiography showed tortuous vertebral and basilar arteries, mild left carotid canal bulging, and right anterior tibial artery hypoplasia. Electron microscopic examinations of a skin biopsy revealed extremely dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum in dermal fibroblasts and wide variability of individual collagen fibril diameters. A molecular analysis using a conventional total RNA method and a high‐resolution melting curve analysis using genomic DNA revealed a novel missense mutation within exon 48 of the COL3A1 gene, c.3428G>A, leading to p.Gly1143Glu.
Roles of gender, obesity, and lifestyle‐related diseases in alcoholic liver disease: Obesity does not influence the severity of alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Taniai Makiko , Hashimoto Etsuko , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Kodama Kazuhisa , Kogiso Tomomi , Torii Nobuyuki , Shiratori Keiko
Published: December 2011

Aim:  To elucidate gender differences and the influence of obesity and/or metabolic syndrome‐related fatty liver on alcoholic liver disease (ALD), we analyzed characteristic features of ALD.

Methods:  We investigated 266 ALD patients (224 males and 42 females) without hepatocellular carcinoma stratified by gender and the presence of cirrhosis. Male and female patients matched for age and total ethanol intake were also analyzed. A diagnosis of ALD was based on alcohol intake (>70 g daily for more than 5 years), clinical features, and exclusion of other liver diseases. The prevalence of obesity, lifestyle‐related diseases, and psychological disorders were assessed.

Results:  The prevalence of psychological disorders showed a significant gender difference among all ALD patients (12% in males versus 43% in females, P < 0.001), as well as in patients matched for age and total ethanol intake. There were 156 cirrhotic patients. Absence of dyslipidemia, presence of diabetes, and high total ethanol intake were selected as independent predictors of cirrhosis in males by multivariate analysis after excluding laboratory data of liver function tests. The prevalence of obesity was significantly lower in cirrhotic male patients than in non‐cirrhotic male patients (34% vs. 20%, P = 0.023). Among females, there were no significant predictors of cirrhosis on multivariate analysis after eliminating liver function tests. The prevalence of obesity and diabetes was similar in non‐cirrhotic and cirrhotic female patients. The prevalence of psychological disorders was 47% in cirrhotic females with ALD.

Conclusions:  Obesity was not common in cirrhotic ALD. Psychological disorders seem to be important for female ALD.
Risk of hepatitis B reactivation in patients treated with tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitors
Authors: Tanaka Eiji , Urata Yukitomo
Published: December 2011

The use of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) inhibitors has been increasing especially in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As TNF‐α inhibitors are strongly immunosuppressive, the occurrence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation has recently been observed. Reports suggest a higher risk of complicating HBV reactivation in carriers who are treated with TNF‐α inhibitors. Therefore, HBV carriers are recommended to undergo prophylactic administration of nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs). Our literary analysis uncovered several characteristics of de novo hepatitis B due to TNF‐α inhibitors. First, the time between the start of TNF‐α inhibitors and the occurrence of de novo hepatitis was longer than one year. Second, patients were usually treated with additional non‐biologic agents, which also had immunosuppressive effects. Third, the disease could be fatal. Fourth, several types of TNF‐α inhibitors exhibited a risk of developing de novo hepatitis. Although the incidence of de novo hepatitis B varied among reports (0–5%/year), it is suggested that patients with prior HBV infection are at risk of developing de novo hepatitis due to TNF‐α inhibitors. Many reports maintain that regular measurement of HBV DNA is effective in preventing de novo hepatitis. Prophylactic administration of NAs is also considered useful to avoid de novo hepatitis, although the issue of cost‐effectiveness needs to be addressed. Lastly, whereas maintenance of circulating anti‐HBs titer using HB vaccines may be effective in responders to prevent de novo hepatitis, further studies are required to clarify the utility of HB vaccination.
Relative prevalence of upper respiratory tract obstructive disorders in two breeds of harness racehorses (185 cases: 1998–2006)
Authors: STRAND E. , FJORDBAKK C. T. , SUNDBERG K. , SPANGEN L. , LUNDE H. , HANCHE‐OLSEN S.
Published: December 2011

Reasons for performing study:Two genetically and phenotypically distinct horse breeds are used for harness racing in Scandinavia: the Standardbred (SB) and Coldblooded Trotter. These racehorses have identical environmental, management and racing conditions. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify and compare the relative prevalence of upper respiratory tract (URT) obstructive disorders in these 2 breeds.

Objectives:To determine whether these 2 phenotypically different breeds of harness racehorses have different predispositions for URT disorders.

Methods:Retrospective study of 88 Norwegian Coldblooded Trotters (NCT) and 97 SBs referred to this hospital for URT evaluation between 1998 and 2006. Case records of all horses diagnosed with an URT disorder during resting endoscopy, and all horses undergoing high‐speed treadmill videoendoscopy (HSTV) with one or more periods of induced poll flexion were evaluated. The relative prevalence of URT disorders between the 2 breeds was analysed using a Fisher's exact test.

Results:There was a significant (P<0.05) breed predisposition regarding 6 URT disorders. Bilateral dynamic laryngeal collapse associated with poll flexion and flaccid epiglottis was significantly more frequent in the NCT. Alar fold collapse and nasopharyngeal collapse were significantly more frequent in SBs. Epiglottic entrapment and nasal flutter were only diagnosed in the SBs. Dynamic disorders were more common than resting disorders in both breeds.

Conclusion:URT obstructive disorders (dynamic laryngeal collapse associated with poll flexion, flaccid epiglottis, pharyngeal collapse, alar fold collapse, nasal flutter and epiglottic entrapment) are breed related, indicating an anatomic or functional cause. Periods of induced poll flexion during HSTV was essential to declare harness racehorses free of URT disorders.

Potential relevance:Further anatomic or physiological studies comparing these breeds could potentially provide insight into the pathogenesis of certain URT obstructive disorders. Induced poll flexion should be included in routine HSTV examinations of all harness racehorses.
Circulating follistatin in the human foetus at term birth
Authors: Sebastiani G. , Díaz M. , López‐Bermejo A. , Arranz A. , de Zegher F. , Ibáñez L.
Published: December 2011

Background

Prenatal weight partitioning is gender specific, and infants born small for gestational age (SGA) have a lower fat mass and a lower fat‐free mass than infants born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Follistatin is an adipokine with adipogenic properties.

Objectives

We examined whether follistatin circulates in the human foetus at term birth and, if so, whether cord blood follistatin relates to birthweight and neonatal body composition.

Methods

The study population was comprised of 248 term newborns (128 girls, 120 boys; 133 AGA, 115 SGA). The main outcome measures used for the study were birthweight, follistatin and insulin in umbilical cord serum, and neonatal body composition by absorptiometry.

Results

Follistatin was detectable in all cord serum samples. Cord follistatin concentrations were similar in girls and boys, being about 25% higher (P < 0.001) in SGA than AGA infants. In SGA infants, higher follistatin concentrations related to lower fat mass.

Conculsion

Follistatin is detectable in the circulation of the human foetus at term birth. The circulating levels of follistatin, an adipogenic adipokine, are higher in SGA than AGA infants, particularly so in SGA infants with a lower fat mass.
Systemic cholecystokinin amplifies vago‐vagal reflex responses recorded in vagal motor neurones
Authors: Viard Edouard , Rogers Richard C. , Hermann Gerlinda E.
Published: December 2011

Non‐technical summary Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a peptide hormone of the gastrointestinal system responsible for stimulating the digestion of fat and protein; it also functions to suppress feeding. CCK is also recognized as a neurotransmitter within the central nervous system (CNS). As such, there are receptors for CCK both in the periphery as well as within the CNS. Thus, it is not certain where the principal site of action is for CCK to affect gastric reflexes and feeding behaviour. We show that picomole amounts of systemic CCK are sufficient to modulate gastric reflexes and that these effects are probably mediated via peripheral vagal afferents in the proximal gut. Knowledge of how and where this peptide hormone acts increases our understanding of the regulation of feeding behaviour.
A General Method for Estimating Reliability of Machine Elements Subjected to Fluctuating Load
Authors: Chang C.-H.
Published: December 2011

In this paper, with the aid of approximate Taylor’s expansions for mean and standard deviation, a general method for estimating fatigue reliability of a machine element under a combined state of stresses is derived based on the theory proposed by Prof. Kececioglu [1] and a normal-distribution assumption. A method of reduction of experimental strength probability distribution of a standard specimen to actual strength probability distribution is proposed; general formulae for determining stress probability distribution are derived; and the calculation of fatigue reliability for limited life is discussed as well. Three typical cases—uniform rods under simple tensile load, shafts subjected to combined bending and torsional stresses, and rectangular bars subjected to torsional alternating load—are discussed and calculation examples are given. Finally, the author suggests that reliability be used to replace the traditional criterion, factor of safety, in the case of designing machine elements with high reliability requirements.
Shape of a Wire in a Centrifugal Field—Application to Quasi-Circular Bare Filament Flywheels
Authors: Genta G.
Published: December 2011

In order to calculate the stress distribution in bare filament rotors it is necessary to evaluate with good approximation the shape taken by the wires in the centrifugal field (sometimes referred to as “polar catenary”). This problem is usually solved via a numerical integration of the equilibrium equation of the wire. In this paper a series solution of the same equilibrium equation is obtained. The calculation of the stress distribution in the rotor, which is an interative one and requires the evaluation of the shape of each wire several times, becomes faster and can be performed also in those conditions in which the numerical calculation failed (i.e., at low speed, when the “subcircularity” of the wires is too great to be taken into account in that way). Photographic and photoelastic tests are in good agreement with theoretical results.
A Modified Conjugate Gradient Method for Frictionless Contact Problems
Authors: Marks W. R. , Salamon N. J.
Published: December 2011

The solution of elastic bodies in contact through the application of a conjugate gradient technique integrated with a finite element computer code is discussed. This approach is general, easily applied, and reasonably efficient. Furthermore the solution method is compatible with existing finite element computer programs. The necessary algorithm for use of the technique is described in detail. Numerical examples of two-dimensional frictionless contact problems are presented. It is found that the extent of the contact region and the displacements and stresses throughout the contacting bodies can be economically computed with precision.
Stability Boundary for Pseudo-Random Parametric Excitation of a Linear Oscillator
Authors: Watt D. , Barr A. D. S.
Published: December 2011

Stability bounds are outlined for the null solution of the equation describing the response of a linear damped oscillator excited through periodic coefficients, the excitation being a form of Rice noise comprising equal amplitude sinusoids with frequencies at equal intervals in the vicinity of twice the natural frequency of the system, but with pseudo-random initial phases. Stability was investigated by the monodromy matrix method, which is exact apart from errors due to numerical integration, and by the approximate method due to R. A. Struble, which replaces the dependent variable by its amplitude and a phase variable. Struble’s method gives the main features of the stability diagram and leads to faster and more robust numerical integration with potential advantages for nonlinear and several degree-of-freedom systems, but loses much of the detail. When the frequency spacing is relatively large, the stability diagram is closely related to that for Mathieu’s equation, but the detailed shape becomes very complicated as the frequency spacing decreases. Quantitative comparison with the corresponding boundary for Gaussian white noise excitation shows very approximate equivalence.
Natural Frequencies of Rotating Bladed Disks Using Clamped-Free Blade Modes
Authors: Wildheim S. J.
Published: December 2011

The problem of calculating the natural frequencies of a practical rotating bladed disk assembly is solved by use of a new dynamic substructuring method employing the free modes of the disk and the clamped-free modes of the blade. The bladed disk may have lacing-wires at any radius. The lacing-wire, or any other general elastic connection element, is assumed to extend around the whole circumference. Hence, the assembly fulfills the requirements for a circumferentially periodic structure. Centrifugal effects are included. The free modes of the disk are used to describe the dynamics of the disk by a 4 × 4 receptance matrix. The row of blades is described by a dynamic stiffness matrix of order 4 + 10l, where l is the number of lacing-wires. The dynamic stiffness matrix of the blading is formed directly from the modes of one single clamped-free blade without any lacing-wire. The lacing-wires are treated as elastic and massless. The zeroes of the resulting transcendental frequency determinant of order 4 + 10l are solved by the sign-count method. The calculation procedure has proved to be very efficient. Further, it enjoys the precious property of being automatic and infallible in the sense that there is no risk of missing any frequency whatever the spacing of natural frequencies. Experimentally found frequencies are compared to calculated ones.
Optimal Shape Design of Turbine Blades
Authors: Queau J. P. , Trompette P.
Published: December 2011

This paper attempts to present a general engineering method for minimizing the weight of rotating turbine blades in optimizing the cross section shapes. The constraints originate from either aerodynamic or solid mechanic specifications. As the problem is reformated after a first F.E. analysis, the optimization process is quite inexpensive. A large variety of compressor or turbine rotating blades can be designed by this method which uses the variables selected by the aerodynamicists and leads to continuous optimal profiles.
The Steady-State Response of a Cantilevered Rotor With Skew and Mass Unbalances
Authors: Benson R. C.
Published: December 2011

The steady state response of a cantilevered rotor with skew and mass unbalances is studied, with special attention to the effects due to skew. A disk misaligned with its drive shaft receives active gyroscopic moments which force pitch changes in the disk, much as mass unbalance centrifugal forces induce disk translation. These active gyroscopic moments affect the rotor in ways unpredicted by passive gryoscopics; that is to say the moments acting on a perfectly aligned disk which changes pitch solely due to its precession. Under the combined influences of disk skew and mass unbalance the precessing rotor exhibits an unconventional phase lag response, and it need not be in line with the mass unbalance at low spin rates. This can significantly alter rotor balancing procedures. Rotor critical speeds are studied for their number and severity, with results presented in a compact nondimensional form.
On a Finite Element Formulation of Dynamical Torsion of Beams Including Warping Inertia and Shear Deformation Due to Nonuniform Warping
Authors: Potiron A. , Gay D.
Published: December 2011

We start from the energetical expressions of dynamical torsion of beams in terms of angular and warping displacement and velocity. We derive the stiffness and two mass matrices including both secondary effects for torsion: the shear deformation due to nonuniform warping and the warping inertia. The suitability of these matrices for evaluation modified torsional frequencies is investigated in the case of thick, as well as thin-walled, cross section beams by comparison with analytical and experimental results.