bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the incorporation of parameter uncertainty for inventory management using simulation
Authors: Muñoz David Fernando , Muñoz David Gonzalo , Ramírez‐López Adán
Published: April 2013

The main purpose of this paper is to discuss how a Bayesian framework is appropriate to incorporate the uncertainty on the parameters of the model that is used for demand forecasting. We first present a general Bayesian framework that allows us to consider a complex model for forecasting. Using this framework, we specialize (for simplicity) in the continuous‐review system to show how the main performance measures that are required for inventory management (service levels and reorder points) can be estimated from the output of simulation experiments. We discuss the use of two estimation methodologies: posterior sampling (PS) and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). We show that, under suitable regularity conditions, the estimators obtained from PS and MCMC satisfy a corresponding Central Limit Theorem, so that they are consistent, and the accuracy of each estimator can be assessed by computing an asymptotically valid half‐width from the output of the simulation experiments. This approach is particularly useful when the forecasting model is complex in the sense that analytical expressions to obtain service levels and/or reorder points are not available.
The susceptibility of pea cultivars to pea seed‐borne mosaic virus infection and virus seed transmission in the UK
Authors: WANG D. , WOODS R. D. , COCKBAIN A. J. , MAULE A. J. , BIDDLE A. J.
Published: April 2013

The reaction of 25 UK pea cultivars to pea seedborne mosaic virus (PSbMV) was studied in the glasshouse. All cultivars proved to be susceptible. When leaf or tendril samples from inoculated plants were analysed, it was found that most combining cultivars had a lower virus content, as measured by A‐405 values in ELISA, than garden and vining cultivars, and that garden and vining cultivars had a similar virus content. Seed transmission of PSbMV in 20 cultivars ranged from 0% in cvs Maro, Princess and Progreta to 74% in cv. Vedette. There was no obvious relationship between virus content and the efficiency of seed transmission in different cultivars. Wide variation in percentage seed transmission between individuals of single cultivars was observed; for seven cvs (ST 2–49%) tested, all showed some plants escaping seed transmission altogether Seedlings infected through the seed showed symptoms similar to those in the infected parent plants. Virus particles were readily detectable by immunosorbent electron microscopy in infected seedlings, and in elongated infected embryonic shoots produced 3 days after seed germination, by ELISA. An ELISA test of seed samples from cv. Wavercx showed that virus was as readily detected 3 days after germination as after growth to symptomatic seedlings (4 weeks), and probably provides the most sensitive, accurate and time‐saving assay for seed transmission of PSbMV.
In Vitro Characterization of Solvent/Detergent‐Treated Human Plasma and of Quarantine Fresh Frozen Plasma
Authors: Beeck H. , Hellstern P.
Published: April 2013

Background and objectives: Plasma pools, solvent/detergent(S/D)‐treated plasma produced from plasma pools, and single donor fresh frozen plasma that had been quarantined for at least 6 months (QFFP) differ in their composition regarding clotting factors, inhibitors and other important plasma proteins. There are poor data concerning stability of important clotting factors after thawing of frozen plasma units. Materials and methods: 12 plasma pools, 12 batches of S/D plasma produced from these respective plasma pools, and 12 units of QFFP were extensively analysed. The stability of fibrinogen and factors V, VII, and VIII after thawing, storage at room temperature and at +4°C was also examined. Results: We extensively analysed plasma pools before and after solvent/detergent treatment as well as quarantined single donor plasma units for parameters of coagulation and fibrinolysis. After the S/D step, all clotting factor activities and the activities of most inhibitors and other plasma proteins were in the normal range in all batches. Protein S and plasmin inhibitor activities decreased by 35% and 76%, respectively. S/D treatment partly activated factor VII (FVII). However, there were no marked increases of other markers of activated hemostasis. The interindividual variations of all proteins analysed were significantly lower in the S/D plasmas than in the single donor plasma units. An 8‐hour storage lead to a marked decrease of FVIII activity, whereas there was no significant influence on fibrinogen and factors V and VII. Conclusions: There are no critical reductions of the activities of clotting factors, inhibitors, and other important plasma proteins due to S/D treatment. Efficacy and safety of S/D plasma is not hampered by reduced activities of protein S and plasmin inhibitor. Dosage calculation and the evaluation of clinical response is simplified by usage of the more standardized S/D plasma compared to QFFP.
A Randomized Trial of Solvent/Detergent and Standard Fresh Frozen Plasma in the Treatment of the Coagulopathy seen during Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Authors: Freeman J. W. , Williamson L. M. , Llewelyn C. , Fisher N. , Allain J. P. , Bellamy M. , Baglin T. P. , Klinc J. , Ala F. A. , Smith N. , Neuberger J. , Wreghitt T.
Published: April 2013

Background: Viral transmission remains a residual risk in single unit blood component therapy. Virus inactivation of pooled fresh frozen plasma (FFP) by the solvent/detergent (SD) method can be used to reduce this risk but results in some loss of factor activity including factor VIII and (2‐anuplasmin. This study was aimed at assessing the clinical effectiveness solvent/detergent treated pooled fresh frozen plasma (SDFFP) in the correction of the coagulopathy seen during Orthotopic Liver Transplantation (OLT) as compared with standard FFP. Method: Twenty eight patients with an underlying derangement of coagulation and who were due to undergo OLT were randomized to receive either FFP or SDFFP. They were assessed for side effects, correction of coagulopathy, and seroconversion for viral markers. Results: Patients undergoing OLT showed equal correction of clotting factors and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) when treated with FFP or SDFFP. There was also a similar time course to return to baseline values in each group. There was no significant difference in correction of INR in either group. Usage of other blood components during the operation was identical in the two groups. No seroconversions were seen for HIV, HBC or HCV but only 12 patients were available for long term follow‐up. Conclusion: SDFFP is an efficacious and safe source of coagulation factors for patients with liver disease undergoing Orthotopic Liver Transplantation. No adverse effects were seen during its administration. Further work is required to ascertain long term possibilities of seroconversion.
SD Plasma in TTP and Coagulation Factor Deficiencies for which no Concentrates are Available
Authors: Horowitz M. S. , Pehta J. C.
Published: April 2013

Abstract: Clinical studies of SD‐Plasma (SDP) have included treatment of patients with both the acute and chronic relapsing (CRTTP) forms of TTP and replacement of coagulation factors in patients with congenital deficiencies. With the infusion of SDP in 6 patients with CRTTP, platelet counts rose, LDH values dropped, hemoglobin levels remained constant, and the patients continued in good health. In an FFP‐controlled study in acute TTP, 16 patients were exchanged with SDP and 10 with FFP. There was no difference between the two groups in patient survival; relapse or remission rate; incidence of treatment resistance; or in per patient total volume infused, number of treatments, average volume per treatment, or number of relapses. Finally, 48 coagulation factor‐deficient patients received SDP for surgical prophylaxis, active bleeding and routine prophylaxis for Factor XIII deficiency. The expected levels of the deficient factors were achieved, and the treating physicians concluded that there was control of bleeding.
Experimentation, Behaviour Change and Public Policy
Authors: John Peter
Published: April 2013

Citizens will need to change their behaviour in pro‐social ways if governments are to address current challenges in public policy. But how best to promote behaviour change? The argument in this article is that a decentralised rather than a top‐down approach is particularly suitable, which can encourage innovation in the public sector and involve citizens in the implementation of policies. As a method of evaluating interventions, randomised controlled trials have a unique role to play in improving the design of policies, particularly if carried out responsively and adaptively. A culture of experimentation would value curiosity, feedback and the continual testing of interventions. The article includes three examples of experimentation: young people's political attitudes, voter turnout and donations for charity. As the popularity of ‘nudge’ interventions grows—shown by the success of the UK government's Behavioural Insights Team—the practice of experimentation in the public sector could become the norm.
A Miserable Little Compromise? Exploring Liberal Democrat Fortunes in the UK Coalition
Authors: Dommett Katharine
Published: April 2013

At the half way point of the UK coalition government attention is turning towards the general election, with both parties beginning to contemplate their electoral strategies. This article explores the predicament faced by the Liberal Democrats who, unlike their coalition partners the Conservatives, saw a dramatic decline in support soon after entering government. By exploring a collapse in trust, an apparent identity crisis, and the party's questionable influence, this article seeks to explain the Liberal Democrats' current polling situation and highlight the serious barriers to retaining, yet alone extending their constituency of voters at the 2015 general election.
Decentralizing Indonesian City Spaces as New ‘Centers’
Authors: Miller Michelle Ann
Published: April 2013

Since the introduction of regional autonomy legislation in 1999, Indonesia has embarked on the world's biggest experiment with democratic decentralization. The intertwined processes of democratization and decentralization have dismantled Indonesia's centralized authoritarian system and reordered its governmental structures. These conjoined processes have set in motion conditions for the transformation of a number of Indonesia's secondary cities into regional ‘centers’ through the influx of new peoples, funding and ways of interacting within localized contexts and with the outside world. In this article I consider Indonesia's decentralization processes through the lens of the city, focusing on three key areas in the rising profile and development of urban centers. First, I look at the framing of Indonesian cities within contemporary urban discourses to highlight the array of urban spaces that coexist in the era of decentralization. Second, I describe how Indonesia's decentralization laws have structurally privileged cities by bypassing the provincial level and devolving most state powers directly to sub‐provincial administrations. Third, I explore how Indonesian cities compete and cooperate over limited state resources under the decentralized system and why some cities have been able to reinvent themselves as new centers in planning, practice and innovation, and why others continue to lag behind.
Evaluation of Intra‐Abdominal Pressure in Horses That Crib
Authors: Albanese Valeria , Munsterman Amelia S. , DeGraves Fred J. , Hanson R. Reid
Published: April 2013

Objective

To measure intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) in horses that crib and compare it with IAP in horses that do not have this vice.

Study Design

Cohort study.

Animals

Healthy cribbing horses (cribbing cohort, n = 8) and 8 healthy noncribbing horses (noncribbing cohort).

Methods

A microsensor catheter was introduced into the peritoneal cavity through the right paralumbar fossa, using local anesthesia, for measurement of IAP. These pressures were recorded in 1‐minute intervals for 2 hours, while the horses were standing tied in a stall. IAPs of cribbing horses were compared to the noncribbing cohort.

Results

Baseline IAPs were not significantly different between cribbing and noncribbing cohorts (P = .076); however, IAPs in the cribbing cohort were significantly increased when compared with the noncribbing cohort, during active cribbing behavior (P = .0016). Frequency of cribbing was not associated with increased IAP (P = .35). IAPs in the cribbing cohort remained significantly elevated compared with the noncribbing cohort, even after the behavior had ceased (P = .0002).

Conclusion

Cribbing is associated with increased IAP in the horse, both during and after the behavior.
CYP2C19 Genetic Polymorphism in Saudi Arabians
Authors: Al‐Jenoobi Fahad I. , Alkharfy Khalid M. , Alghamdi Amal M. , Bagulb Khawla M. , Al‐Mohizea Abdullah M. , Al‐Muhsen Saleh , Halwani Rabih , Parvez Mohammad Khalid , Al‐Dosari Mohammed S.
Published: April 2013

The main objective of this study was to evaluate CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism in a Saudi Arabian population by determining the frequencies of CYP2C19*2, *3, *4, *6, *7 and *17 alleles and their relevant genotypes. Genomic DNA was isolated from 192 healthy Saudi Arabians, representing different geographical regions, and genotyping of the selected CYP2C19 variants was carried out by direct sequencing after PCR amplification. The allelic frequency of heterozygous CYP2C19*2 was 8.2% with only one individual found to carry the homozygous genotype of this defective allele. None of the other investigated poor metabolizer alleles (i.e. CYP2C19*3, *4, *6 and *7) was detected in the study population. About 46% of the examined volunteers were found to carry CYP2C19*17 genotype (37.5% heterozygous and 8.1% homozygous of the defective allele) with an overall CYP2C19*17 allelic frequency of 26.9%. In addition, a novel CYP2C19 SNP (G356A) and another very rare SNP (C336T) have been identified in this study with a frequency of about 50% for each. Further studies are required to evaluate the metabolic and clinical relevance of CYP2C19*17, G356A and C336T in the Saudi Arabian population.
Gambogic Acid as a Non‐Competitive Inhibitor of ATP‐Binding Cassette Transporter B1 Reverses the Multidrug Resistance of Human Epithelial Cancers by Promoting ATP‐Binding Cassette Transporter B1 Protein Degradation
Authors: Wang Xu , Deng Rongxin , Lu Yan , Xu Qin , Yan Ming , Ye Dongxia , Chen Wantao
Published: April 2013

Gambogic acid (GA) is known for its anti‐cancer activity in a phase II clinical trial. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of its anti‐multidrug resistance remain unclear. The present study was designed to study the relationship between GA and multidrug‐resistant protein ATP‐binding cassette transporter B1 (ABCB1). GA dose dependently inhibited ABCB1 activity levels in the in vitro Pgp‐Glo assay system and increased the cellular accumulation of ABCB1 substrate adriamycin. Although GA had no significant influence on ABCB1 mRNA in the real‐time PCR assay, Western blot detection indicated the compound reduced ABCB1 protein levels. Further study showed the proteasome inhibitor MG‐132 reversed the GA‐decreased ABCB1 level and prolonged half‐life of ABCB1. It was also found that GA coordinated with other anti‐cancer drugs (such as adriamycin, docetaxel, verapamil and protopanaxadiol) to enhance cellular cytotoxicity on human epithelial cancer cell lines with higher ABCB1 expression levels. These data suggest that GA functions as a non‐competitive inhibitor of ABCB1 by directly inhibiting and reducing its expression levels by promoting protein degradation through post‐translational proteasome pathway. The results of this study will aid in the understanding of the synergistic effects of combining GA with other drugs as a new anti‐multidrug‐resistant agent.
Comparative Study of Rapamycin and Temsirolimus Demonstrates Superimposable Anti‐Tumour Potency on Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Fagone Paolo , Donia Marco , Mangano Katia , Quattrocchi Cinzia , Mammana Santa , Coco Marinella , Libra Massimo , McCubrey James A. , Nicoletti Ferdinando
Published: April 2013

Rapamycin is a macrocyclic lactone currently used for the treatment of cancer and for the prevention of transplant rejection. The primary pharmacological mode of action of rapamycin occurs through the inhibition (blocking) of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). By doing so, rapamycin interferes with the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐Akt‐mTOR axis that controls several cellular functions involving cell growth, proliferation and angiogenesis. The frequent activation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway in advanced prostate cancer has provided a rationale for the use of mTOR inhibitors in this setting. We carried out a comparative study on the effects of rapamycin and temsirolimus on the in vitro and in vivo growth of the prostate cancer cell lines, LnCap and PC3. Our results demonstrate that rapamycin and temsirolimus exert similar in vitro and in vivo anti‐proliferative effects against prostate cancer cells.
Investigation of Biological Activities of Dichloromethane and Ethyl Acetate Fractions of Platonia insignis Mart. Seed
Authors: Costa Júnior Joaquim S. , Ferraz Alexandre B.F. , Sousa Taciana O. , Silva Romézio A.C. , De Lima Sidney G. , Feitosa Chistiane M. , Citó Antônia M.G.L. , Melo Cavalcante Ana A.C. , Freitas Rivelilson M. , Moura Sperotto Angelo R. , Péres Valéria F. , Moura Dinara J. , Saffi Jenifer
Published: April 2013

Platonia insignis Mart., a native species of the Brazilian Amazon more commonly known as bacuri, is a member of the Clusiaceae family. In this study, we evaluated the chemical composition and the antioxidant and toxicity activities of the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions from P. insignis seed ethanolic extract using different experimental models. Our results demonstrate in vitro antioxidant effects, by 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) diammonium salt and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl assays, as well as in vivo effects in antioxidant‐defective Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains to both fractions. Toxicity was evaluated against the micro‐crustaceous Artemia salina Leach. and promastigote Leishmania amazonensis. The dichloromethane fraction was the most active fraction evaluated on A. salina and promastigote L. amazonensis (IC50 = 24.89 μg/mL and 2.84 μg/mL, respectively). In addition, a slight cytotoxicity was observed in mammalian V79 cells using ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions with MTT assays. Both fractions displayed genotoxicity up to 25 μg/mL (dichloromethane) and 10 μg/mL (ethyl acetate) in V79 cells, as evaluated by the alkaline comet assay. Thus, in this study, we demonstrate for the first time that ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions from P. insignis seeds display antioxidant effects, a toxic effect against A. salina and L. amazonensis and induce genotoxicity in V79 mammalian cells. The observed activities can be attributed to the phenolic compounds present in these fractions and to the presence of xanthones (alpha‐ and gamma‐mangostin).
Calcitriol Attenuates Weight‐Related Systemic Inflammation and Ultrastructural Changes in the Liver in a Rodent Model
Authors: Alkharfy Khalid M. , Al‐Daghri Nasser M. , Yakout Sobhy M. , Ahmed Mukhtar
Published: April 2013

The role of vitamin D in maintaining calcium homoeostasis and bone mineralization is well‐established. The aim of the current investigation was to evaluate the effect of calcitriol treatment on inflammation, insulin resistance and liver changes induced by increased body‐weight. Four groups of mice (n = 11 each) were maintained on either low‐fat diet (LFD) or high‐fat diet (HFD) with and without 1α, 25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) for 16 weeks. Body‐weight of animals was recorded at the start of the study and every 4 weeks thereafter. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for the determination of biochemical parameters, and liver tissues were harvested for the histopathological evaluation. A significant gradual decrease in weight was observed in HFD‐fed mice treated with calcitriol compared with a steady increase in controls (p < 0.01). Furthermore, calcitriol treatment reduced concentrations of various inflammatory markers including TNF‐α, CRP and IL‐6 (p < 0.05). Treated animals also exhibited lower levels of C‐peptide and insulin (539.4 ng/ml versus 718.9 ng/ml and 0.77 ng/ml versus 1.7 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.05), which are consistent with improved insulin resistance. Liver histology and ultrastructural studies showed a marked accumulation of fat droplets in approximately 60–70% of hepatocytes of mice fed on HFD, while calcitriol administration rendered the whole structure more normal. Overall, our data signify an important effect of calcitriol on inflammation under HFD conditions and a protective effect on the liver structure.
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination are useful for screening mild cognitive impairment in Japanese patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Murakami Hidetomo , Fujita Kazuhisa , Futamura Akinori , Sugimoto Azusa , Kobayakawa Mutsutaka , Kezuka Machiko , Midorikawa Akira , Kawamura Mitsuru
Published: April 2013

Aim

Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Parkinson's disease (PD; PD‐MCI) can be difficult. We examined whether the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA‐J) and the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (COGNISTAT‐J) were suitable to screen PD‐MCI.

Methods

A total of 50 patients with PD and PD with dementia, took the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), MoCA‐J and COGNISTAT‐J (except 3 patients) tests. Impairment in each cognitive domain on the tests was then compared between groups.

Results

Of 25 patients with a high MMSE score of 27 or above, 13 had a MoCA‐J score of below 25, and showed significantly lower scores than 12 patients with MoCA‐J scores of 25 or above in the visuospatial, executive and memory domains of MoCA. Of the 25 patients with a high MMSE score, seven had four or more impaired subtests of the 10 subtests of COGNISTAT‐J. The seven patients showed significantly lower scores in the subtests of construction, calculation and similarity compared with the 18 patients with less than four impaired subtests. In patients with a high MMSE score and less than four impaired subtests on the COGNISTAT‐J, construction and memory were more impaired. Executive, visuospatial and memory abilities are characteristically impaired in PD‐MCI, therefore both MoCA‐J and COGNISTAT‐J detected characteristics of PD‐MCI in patients with a high MMSE score.

Conclusion

Both MoCA and COGNISTAT are sensitive tools for screening for PD‐MCI.
Determinants of practice nurses' intention to implement a new smoking cessation intervention: the importance of attitude and innovation characteristics
Authors: Smit Eline Suzanne , de Vries Hein , Hoving Ciska
Published: April 2013

Aims

To identify determinants of practice nurses' intention to implement a new smoking cessation intervention and to investigate the independent value of attitude and Rogers' innovation characteristics.

Background

While effective smoking cessation interventions exist, implementation is often suboptimal. No previous studies have disentangled the independent value of beliefs towards implementation and innovation characteristics in explaining implementation.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Methods

In 2010, 56 of 91 general practice nurses who participated in an intervention effectiveness trial completed an online questionnaire concerning demographics, patient population characteristics, attitude, innovation characteristics, self‐efficacy, perceived social influence and intention to implement the intervention in the future. Recruitment success during the trial was defined as the number of patients participating. To detect differences between intending and non‐intending practice nurses, independent sample t‐tests and Chi‐squared tests were conducted. Correlation coefficients were calculated to identify associations between potential determinants of intention. To identify significant determinants logistic hierarchical regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Innovation characteristics and attitude were both significantly associated with practice nurses' intention to implement. While recruitment success showed a significant positive association with intention, perceived patient support was only a significant determinant when including innovation characteristics or attitude.

Conclusion

To increase new interventions' implementation rates, it is most important to convince health professionals of its beneficial characteristics, to generate a positive attitude towards the intervention, to aid practice nurses in recruiting smoking patients and to increase perceived patient support.
Validity and Reliability of the Korean Version of the Behaviour Problems Inventory
Authors: Jeong Byounglock , Yoo Eunyoung , Jung Minye , Kang Daehyuk , Park Soyeon , Park Soo Hyun
Published: April 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to establish the psychometric properties of the Korean Behaviour Problems Inventory (BPI‐01).

Methods

Fifty‐five allied professionals completed a content validity questionnaire about the Korean BPI‐01. To examine reliability, 52 individuals with intellectual disabilities residing in a medium‐sized residential home were evaluated by two occupational therapists trained in the administration of the Korean BPI‐01 through interviews with caregivers who had known the residents at least 6 months.

Results

Allied professionals’ responses supported the content validity of the Korean BPI‐01. The results of intraclass correlation coefficients and Cronbach's α indicate that the Korean BPI‐01 is a reliable instrument.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicate that the Korean BPI‐01 holds adequate content validity and reliability for measuring behavioural problems in individuals with intellectual disabilities in Korean clinical settings.
The role of geography and environment in species turnover: phytophagous arthropods on a Neotropical legume
Authors: Bell Karen L. , Heard Tim A. , Manion Glenn , Ferrier Simon , van Klinken Rieks D.
Published: April 2013

Aim

Broad‐scale patterns in the distribution of phytophagous arthropods have been explained by species turnover due to host plant, environment, geographical distance and historical biogeography. In this study, variability due to plant species turnover was eliminated by focusing on the arthropods utilizing a single widely distributed plant species,Parkinsonia aculeataL. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae). This enabled us to examine the effects of geography and climate on arthropod species turnover.

Location

Neotropics (USAto Argentina).

Methods

A statistical approach was used to determine whether arthropod assemblages across the range ofP. aculeatadiffered significantly between biogeographical areas. We determined whether host‐specific arthropods have more restricted ranges, contributing to higher species turnover. Finally, generalized dissimilarity modelling (GDM) was used to correlate significant differences in assemblages between biogeographical provinces with environmental differences and geographical separation.

Results

Phytophagous arthropod assemblages differed significantly between biogeographical areas. Most herbivores had a small geographical distribution. We did not detect higher species turnover for host‐specific species. TheGDMmodel explained 21.8% of the variance in species assemblages. Of the variables examined, climate and geographical distance were both better predictors of variation in phytophagous arthropod assemblages onP. aculeatathan biogeographical areas, with climate the better predictor of the two.

Main conclusions

Observed patterns in turnover of the phytophagous insect fauna ofP. aculeataare consistent with expected broad‐scale responses to historical processes and climatic variation. Climate and geography explain similar proportions of compositional dissimilarity, and most species, regardless of host‐specificity, have restricted geographical ranges. The statistically significant differences observed between arthropod assemblages in different biogeographical provinces are likely to be caused by a combination of niche‐based processes and to some extent dispersal limitation. Although variability due to host plant has been eliminated in the current study, there remains no simple explanation for broad‐scale patterns in the distribution of phytophagous arthropods.
Generalized tracks, area cladograms and tectonics in the Caribbean
Authors: Echeverry Amparo , Morrone Juan J.
Published: April 2013

Aim

To test the ‘naturalness’, or integrity as a biogeographical unit, of the Caribbean subregion.

Location

A wide geographical range in the Caribbean (32° N, 115° W; 10° S, 56° W). As units of analysis, 43 biogeographical provinces were used: 24 assigned to the Caribbean subregion, and 19 provinces situated north and south of this subregion, which were used as outgroup areas.

Methods

We analysed 895 plant and animal taxa distributed in the Caribbean. We used parsimony analysis of endemicity with progressive character elimination (PAE‐PCE) to identify generalized tracks and nodes, and parsimony analysis of paralogy‐free subtrees to infer their historical relationships.

Results

We obtained 10 generalized tracks and five nodes from the panbiogeographical analysis and 14 most parsimonious general area cladograms from the cladistic biogeographical analysis. In general terms, the results of both analyses are congruent, reflecting a similar history of vicariant events in the Caribbean area.

Main conclusions

Panbiogeographical and cladistic biogeographical analyses reflected a similar history of vicariant events in the Caribbean: the Caribbean subregion as it is currently defined does not represent a ‘natural’ biogeographical unit; the Isthmus of Tehuantepec might not represent a conspicuous biogeographical barrier; and the biogeographical relevance of the Isthmus of Panama exceeds the last 3 million years, which is the time it has operated as a connection between North and South America.
Weight reduction is associated with improvement of glycemic control in Japanese men, whose hemoglobin A1C is 5.6–6.4%, with visceral fat accumulation, but not without visceral fat accumulation
Authors: Okauchi Yukiyoshi , Iwahashi Hiromi , Okita Kohei , Funahashi Tohru , Kishida Ken , Noguchi Midori , Ohira Tetsuya , Nakamura Tadashi , Imagawa Akihisa , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: April 2013

Aims/Introduction

The aim of the present study was to determine whether weight reduction is associated with improvement of glycemic control in non‐obese and obese subjects with or without visceral fat accumulation, whose hemoglobin A1c (A1C) is 5.6–6.4%.

Materials and Methods

A total of 798 male subjects whose A1C levels were between 5.6% and 6.4% were divided into subgroups based on body mass index (BMI) and/or estimated visceral fat area (eVFA), and were analyzed with respect to the relationships between 1‐year changes in BMI (ΔBMI) and A1C (ΔA1C).

Results

In both the BMI ≥25 and BMI <25 groups, ΔA1C correlated positively with ΔBMI (BMI ≥25 (n = 321): r = 0.236, P < 0.0001; BMI <25 (n = 477): r = 0.095, P = 0.0387) although the r‐value was very small for the latter group. In addition, for the group with eVFA ≥100 cm2 (n = 436), ΔA1C correlated positively with ΔeVFA (r = 0.150, P = 0.0017), but this correlation was not found for the eVFA <100 cm2 group (n = 339, P = 0.3505). Furthermore, ΔA1C positively correlated with ΔBMI for the groups in BMI ≥25 with eVFA >100 cm2 (n = 293, r = 0.256, P < 0.0001) and BMI <25 with eVFA ≥100 cm2 (n = 145, r = 0.250, P = 0.0024), but not for the groups in BMI ≥25 with eVFA <100 cm2 (n = 28, P = 0.6401) nor BMI <25 with eVFA <100 cm2 (n = 332, P = 0.6605).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the assessment of visceral fat, rather than BMI, might be more important in identifying subjects in whom lifestyle intervention aiming at weight reduction could be effective to prevent diabetes. This trial was registered with University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (no. UMIN 000002391).
Prevalence of Human Enteric Viruses and a Potential Indicator of Contamination in Shellfish in China
Authors: Ming H. Xia , Fan J. Feng , Wu L. Jun , Liang Y. Bo
Published: April 2013

The objectives of this study were to quantify enteric viruses in shellfish along the Chinese coast and find an indicator of viral contamination in shellfish. One hundred sixty‐two samples were collected in August from 10 cities. Hepatitis A virus (HAV), norovirus (NV), rotavirus (RV), poliovirus (PV), astrovirus (AsV) and adenovirus (AdV) were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and confirmed by sequencing. The percentage of positive samples for each virus was as follows: HAV 5%, NV 12%, RV 7%, PV 15%, AsV 6% and AdV 9%. The six species of shellfish were contaminated with different viruses. PV showed a significant correlation with other viruses, with the exception of RV (P < 0.05). Contamination of shellfish with human enteric viruses was common across a large geographical region of China, indicating a potential public health threat from seafood. The data confirm the potential to monitor the food safety of shellfish by using PV as an index of enteric virus contamination.

Practical Applications

Enteric viruses are one of foodborne pathogens transmitted by bivalve shellfish, which pose a severe potential risk for consumers, as well as a serious problem facing researchers. China leads the worldwide production of shellfish. Therefore, the safety of shellfish harvested in China is particularly important. Norovirus, hepatitis A virus, rotavirus, adenovirus, poliovirus and astrovirus are introduced to assess the seafood safety by documenting risks for transmission of enteric viruses in shellfish along the Chinese coast. Of which, poliovirus could be one of these potential indicator to present human enteric virus contamination in the countries where oral polio vaccines are used.
Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Irradiated and Nonirradiated Cumin, Thyme and Rosemary Essential Oils
Authors: Gibriel A.Y. , Al‐Sayed Hanan M.A. , Rady A.H. , Abdelaleem M.A.
Published: April 2013

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of plant essential oils and their mixtures and to investigate the effect of γ‐irradiation on their antibacterial activity. About 2 kGy (C2) and 4 kGy (C4) in cumin essential oil, 4 kGy (T4) in thyme essential oil, and 6 kGy (R6) in rosemary essential oil were the effective antibacterial dose against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. The checkerboard method was used to quantify the efficacy of mixtures made from cumin, thyme and rosemary. Fractional inhibitory concentrations were calculated and interpreted as synergy, addition, indifference or antagonism. Most of the mixtures showed indifference efficacy against selected strains. (R6 × T4) and (C4 × R6) represented additive efficacy against B. cereus and S. typhimurium, respectively. Synergistic effect was observed against B. cereus and E. coli in (C0 × R0). (C2 × T4) represented a higher minimum inhibitory concentration than (C0 × T0). The mixtures of essential oils either irradiated or nonirradiated could be used to minimize essential oil concentrations and to reduce any adverse sensory impact on food.

Practical Application

Essential oils would have to be used in considerable concentrations to achieve an antibacterial potential. Thyme essential oil is individually defined as a higher antibacterial agent against wide spectrum of pathogenic bacterial strains, while cumin and rosemary showed limited antibacterial activity compared to thyme essential oil. The levels of essential oils necessary to inhibit microbial growth are higher in foods than in culture media, thus the quantity of essential oil to be used has a distinctive bitter flavor. The changes made by gamma irradiation increased the antibacterial activity of essential oil at lower doses. The finding of our study clearly indicates that the possibility of using mixtures of essential oils, either irradiated or nonirradiated, would have a synergistic effect and that lower concentrations of the oils could therefore be used.
The role of dopamine receptors in the neurotoxicity of methamphetamine
Authors: Ares‐Santos S. , Granado N. , Moratalla R.
Published: April 2013

Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug consumed by millions of users despite its neurotoxic effects in the brain, leading to loss of dopaminergic fibres and cell bodies. Moreover, clinical reports suggest that methamphetamine abusers are predisposed to Parkinson's disease. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the mechanisms involved in methamphetamine‐induced neurotoxicity. Dopamine receptors may be a plausible target to prevent this neurotoxicity. Genetic inactivation of dopamine D1 or D2 receptors protects against the loss of dopaminergic fibres in the striatum and loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Protection by D1 receptor inactivation is due to blockade of hypothermia, reduced dopamine content and turnover and increased stored vesicular dopamine in D1R−/− mice. However, the neuroprotective impact of D2 receptor inactivation is partially dependent on an effect on body temperature, as well as on the blockade of dopamine reuptake by decreased dopamine transporter activity, which results in reduced intracytosolic dopamine levels in D2R−/− mice.
The Role of Sonolysis and Sonothrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Case‐Control Studies
Authors: Saqqur Maher , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Nicoli Francois , Skoloudik David , Sharma Vijay K. , Larrue Vincent , Eggers Jürgen , Perren Fabienne , Charalampidis Paris , Storie Dale , Shuaib Ashfaq , Alexandrov Andrei V.
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVES

To assess the evidence on the safety and efficacy of sonothrombolysis in acute stroke.

SEARCH METHODS

Electronic databases and grey literature were searched under different MeSH terms from 1970 to present.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized control trials (RCTs) and case control studies (CCSs) on sonolysis and sonothrombolysis alone or with microsphere in acute stroke patients (>18 old). Outcome measures included complete recanalization (CR) at 1‐2 and 24 hours, 3 months modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). Data was extracted to Review Manager software.

RESULTS

Fifty‐seven studies were retrieved and analyzed. Ten studies (7 RCTs and 3 CCSs) were included in our meta‐analysis, which revealed that sonolysis and sonothrombolysis are safe (OR of sICH: 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56‐ 2.34;P=0.71) and effective (OR of CR at 1‐2 hours: 2.95;95% CI: 1.81‐4.81;P<0.00001) and have more than two‐fold higher likelihood of favourable long‐term outcome (3‐month mRS 0‐2; OR: 2.20; CI:1.52‐3.19;P<0.0001). Further subgroup analysis based on the presence of microsphere revealed that it is safe (OR of sICH: 1.18; CI:0.433.24;P=0.75) and effective (OR of CR: 2.61; CI: 1.36‐4.99;P=0.004). Subgroup analysis based on sonolysis revealed to be safe and effective.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel treatment appears safe and effective. The evidence of microsphere as an enhancement of sonothrombolysis is evolving.
Naturally Existing Levels of Osmyb4 Gene Expression in Rice Cultivars Correlate with their Reaction to Fungal and Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Singh Pooja , Siva Ramamoorthy , Gothandam Kodiveri M. , Babu Subramanian
Published: April 2013

Accumulating functional genomic data in rice are unveiling the role of regulatory genes and their significance in modulating responses to complex traits like stress tolerance. Rice Osmyb4 is one such gene coding for transcription factor, and the homologous and heterologous ectopic expression has proved increased tolerance to several abiotic stress and few biotic stresses in plants. Nevertheless, the role of this gene in rice plants for disease resistance has not been studied. We attempted to study the correlation of existing bottom‐line expression of this gene in selected rice cultivars and their reaction to artificial challenge with the sheath blight pathogen (Rhizoctonia solani) and bacterial leaf blight pathogen (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae). The study consisted of artificial inoculation of the pathogens and scoring for disease in selected rice cultivars and amplification of Osmyb4 transcripts by a simple reverse transcription PCR. Inoculation studies revealed a higher disease index in cv. IR 50 and lower disease in cvs TRY 3 and IR 36. Reverse transcription PCR in healthy plants revealed significantly higher constitutive expression of this gene in cvs TRY 3 and IR 36 which was not found in IR 50. However, expression of this gene in cv. IR 50 was found to be cold‐inducible. The natural expression level of Osmyb4 in disease‐resistant rice varieties provides molecular evidences for their possible role in regulating disease resistance.
Extracts from Epilobium sp. herbs induce apoptosis in human hormone-dependent prostate cancer cells by activating the mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Stolarczyk Magdalena , Naruszewicz Marek , Kiss Anna K
Published: April 2013

Objectives

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of standardized aqueous extracts from Epilobium angustifolium L., E. parviflorum Schreb. and E. hirsutum L. herbs on the apoptosis of hormone-dependent prostate cancer cells (LNCaP).

Methods

The extracts were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography−diode array detector coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS). Apoptosis in the cells was analysed using Annexin V–fluorescein isothiocyanate, and mitochondrial potential, Δψm, using JC-1 by flow cytometry. Caspase-3 activity was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Key findings

Using the HPLC-DAD-MS/MS method, 38 constituents were characterized. Extracts contained significant amounts of oenothein B as well as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Exposure of LNCaP cells to the extracts (20, 50 and 70 μg/ml) resulted in a significant increase in the level apoptotic cells, from 2.86 ± 0.5% (for untreated cells) up to 86.6 ± 1.0%. All extracts significantly decreased the mitochondrial potential, Δψm, resulting in an increase in the activity of caspase-3 from 0.3 ± 0.07 ng/mg of protein (for untreated cells) up to 1.26 ± 0.32 ng/mg of protein.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that Epilobium extracts are active against LNCaP prostate cancer cells and that their apoptotic activity is related to activation of the mitochondrial pathway. The high oenothein B content may influence the biological activity of these plant materials.
Transverse sectioning for histological assessment of sebaceous glands in healthy dogs and canine sebaceous adenitis
Authors: Bond R. , Brooks H.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To evaluate transverse sectioning for histological assessment of canine sebaceous glands in health and disease.

Methods

Skin specimens were obtained from the cadavers of six healthy beagle dogs and from an archive of tissue sections of 24 dogs with a histological diagnosis of sebaceous adenitis.

Results

In healthy beagle dogs, both the mean numbers of compound hair follicles and sebaceous lobes observed in transverse sections were approximately threefold higher (P < 0 · 001) than those seen in vertical sections. A similar relationship was noted in examples of sebaceous adenitis. In cases of sebaceous adenitis, there was a complete absence of sebaceous glands in paired transverse and vertical sections in 14 cases, whereas in 3 dogs glands were observed in transverse sections where none were seen in vertical sections. The percentages of hair follicles with associated sebaceous glands in affected dogs did not vary between transverse (12 · 3%) and vertical (13 · 3%) sections, whereas 89% (vertical) and 96% (transverse) of follicles had associated glands in the healthy beagle dogs.

Significance

Transverse sectioning of canine skin specimens to allow visualization of the follicular isthmus or deep portion of the common infundibulum enhances the histological assessment of sebaceous glands in both health and disease.
Phylogenetic relationships among Orostachys subsection Orostachys species (Crassulaceae) based on nuclear and chloroplast DNA data
Authors: KOZYRENKO Marina M. , GONTCHAROVA Svetlana B. , GONTCHAROV Andrey A.
Published: April 2013

Nuclear ribosomal ITS and four cpDNA intergenic spacer sequences were used to assess how the patterns of molecular differentiation are related to taxonomic boundaries and geographic distribution in polymorphic and taxonomically complex Orostachys subsection Orostachys (Crassulaceae). Two major cpDNA lineages were identified in a set of Orostachys populations, lineage A, comprising 13 closely related haplotypes found in 11 populations of monocarpic O. malacophylla var. malacophylla, O. maximowiczii, and O. gorovoii and lineage B that included 9 out of 10 divergent haplotypes found in five populations of O. paradoxa, distinct in perennial stoloniferous habit. Our data suggest that the current concepts of O. malacophylla var. malacophylla, O. maximowiczii, and O. gorovoii are incompatible with the differentiation at the cpDNA level. Neither of these taxa could be allied to a particular haplotype or haplotype clade. The pattern of relationships between 7 ITS ribotypes found in 17 populations supported neither the morphology‐based taxonomic subdivision in the subsection Orostachys nor grouping according to geographical origin of the populations or lineages recovered with cpDNA data. A high level of similarity of ITS rDNA sequences between the subsection members suggests their relatively recent and rapid divergence from a common ancestor.
Genotypic diversity and genetic structure of populations of the distylous aquatic plantNymphoides peltata(Menyanthaceae) in China
Authors: LIAO Yi‐Ying , YUE Xiao‐Li , GUO You‐Hao , GITURU Wahiti Robert , WANG Qing‐Feng , CHEN Jin‐Ming
Published: April 2013

Nymphoides peltatais a distylous aquatic plant. In order to explore the relative importance of clonal growth and sexual reproduction within populations and also to reveal the origin of the commonly occurring one style morph populations in China, we studied the clonal diversity and population genetic structure of this species. By using seven single sequence repeat primer pairs, a total of 192 multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were identified among the 472 samples from the 21 populations analyzed; each population had two or more MLGs. The number of MLGs was lower for the one style morph populations than distylous populations. Analysis of molecular variance showed that a smaller proportion of genetic variation resided among populations (36.8%). A neighbor‐joining tree indicated that there was no significant geographical structure of the genetic variation among populations ofN. peltata. The Bottleneck tests indicated that there had been significant bottlenecks in most of the studied populations. The successful sexual recruitment from seeds may have contributed to the high clonal diversity in distylous populations ofN.peltatain China. Demographic stochasticity or bottleneck should account for the one style morph population with several MLGs. And also the bottleneck effects or demographic changes caused by human activities occurring randomly in populations should account for the finding of no significant geographical structure of the genetic variation among the investigated populations ofN.peltata.