bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beta‐lapachone inhibits pathological retinal neovascularization in oxygen‐induced retinopathy via regulation of HIF‐1α
Authors: Park Sung Wook , Kim Jin Hyoung , Kim Ko‐Eun , Jeong Moon Hee , Park Hyunsung , Park Bongju , Suh Young‐Ger , Park Woo Jin , Kim Jeong Hun
Published: February 2014

Retinal neovascularization in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the most common cause of blindness for children. Despite evidence that hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‐1α ‐VEGF axis is associated with the pathogenesis of ROP, the inhibitors of HIF‐1α have not been established as a therapeutic target in the control of ROP pathophysiology. We investigated the hypothesis that degradation of HIF‐1α as a master regulator of angiogenesis in hypoxic condition, using β‐lapachone, would confer protection against hypoxia‐induced retinopathy without affecting physiological vascular development in mice with oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR), an animal model of ROP. The effects of β‐lapachone were examined after intraocular injection in mice with OIR. Intraocular administration of β‐lapachone resulted in significant reduction in hypoxia‐induced retinal neovascularization without retinal toxicity or perturbation of developmental retinal angiogenesis. Our results demonstrate that HIF‐1α–mediated VEGF expression in OIR is associated with pathological neovascularization, not physiological angiogenesis. Thus, strategies blocking HIF‐1α in the developing eye in the pathological hypoxia could serve as a novel therapeutic target for ROP.
Ischaemia‐related cell damage in extracorporeal preserved tissue – new findings with a novel perfusion model
Authors: Taeger Christian D. , Müller‐Seubert Wibke , Horch Raymund E. , Präbst Konstantin , Münch Frank , Geppert Carol I. , Birkholz Torsten , Dragu Adrian
Published: February 2014

Tissue undergoing free transfer in transplant or reconstructive surgery always is at high risk of ischaemia‐related cell damage. This study aims at assessing different procedures using an extracorporeal perfusion and oxygenation system to investigate the expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‐1‐α as marker for hypoxia and of the pro‐apoptotic protein Caspase‐3 in skeletal muscle to elucidate potential improvements in tissue conservation. Twenty‐four porcine rectus abdominis muscles were assigned to five different groups and examined after they had been extracorporeally preserved for 60 min. time. Group I was left untreated (control), group II was perfused with a cardioplegic solution, group III was flushed with 10 ml of a cardioplegic solution and then left untreated. Group IV and V were perfused and oxygenated with either an isotone crystalloid solution or a cardioplegic solution. Among others, immunohistochemistry (Caspase‐3 and HIF‐1‐α) of muscle samples was performed. Furthermore, oxygen partial pressure in the perfusate at the arterial and venous branch was measured. Expression of Caspase‐3 after 60 min. was reduced in all groups compared to the control group. Furthermore, all groups (except group III) expressed less HIF‐1‐α than the control group. Oxygenation leads to higher oxygen levels at the venous branch compared to groups without oxygenation. Using an extracorporeal perfusion and oxygenation system cell damage could be reduced as indicated by stabilized expressions of Caspase‐3 and HIF‐1‐α for 60 min. of tissue preservation. Complete depletion of oxygen at the venous branch can be prevented by oxygenation of the perfusate with ambient air.
Valsartan ameliorates ageing‐induced aorta degeneration via angiotensin II type 1 receptor‐mediated ERK activity
Authors: Shan HaiYan , Zhang Siyang , Li Xuelian , yu Kai , Zhao Xin , Chen Xinyue , Jin Bo , Bai XiaoJuan
Published: February 2014

Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays important roles in ageing‐related disorders through its type 1 receptor (AT1R). However, the role and underlying mechanisms of AT1R in ageing‐related vascular degeneration are not well understood. In this study, 40 ageing rats were randomly divided into two groups: ageing group which received no treatment (ageing control), and valsartan group which took valsartan (selective AT1R blocker) daily for 6 months. 20 young rats were used as adult control. The aorta structure were analysed by histological staining and electron microscopy. Bcl‐2/Bax expression in aorta was analysed by immunohistochemical staining, RT‐PCR and Western blotting. The expressions of AT1R, AT2R and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were detected. Significant structural degeneration of aorta in the ageing rats was observed, and the degeneration was remarkably ameliorated by long‐term administration of valsartan. With ageing, the expression of AT1R was elevated, the ratio of Bcl‐2/Bax was decreased and meanwhile, an important subgroup of MAPKs, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) activity was elevated. However, these changes in ageing rats could be reversed to some extent by valsartan. In vitro experiments observed consistent results as in vivo study. Furthermore, ERK inhibitor could also acquire partial effects as valsartan without affecting AT1R expression. The results indicated that AT1R involved in the ageing‐related degeneration of aorta and AT1R‐mediated ERK activity was an important mechanism underlying the process.
Monitoring Macroeconomic Imbalances: Is EU Surveillance More Effective than IMF Surveillance?
Authors: Moschella Manuela
Published: February 2014

The paper examines the macroeconomic imbalance procedure (MIP) with the purpose of assessing its potential effectiveness compared to International Monetary Fund (IMF) surveillance. The comparison reveals that the MIP performs better than the Fund's surveillance in terms of the provision of clear and practical advice, knowledge of domestic polities and ease of activating sanctions. Neither the MIP nor the IMF, however, provide for mechanisms to prevent political considerations from interfering with the activation of sanctions and the distribution of the burden of adjustment. The MIP also does not attenuate problems of asymmetric treatment that create the conditions for public backlashes. Its single‐country focus and the limited integration of macroeconomic and financial analysis are further factors that may undermine the effectiveness of the MIP. In the conclusions, the paper reflects on the factors that may help explain the limited incorporation of the lessons available from the Fund's experience into the MIP.
Diagnosis – the limiting focus of taxonomy
Authors: Sturmberg Joachim P. , Martin Carmel M.
Published: February 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

The focus on the diagnosis is a pivotal aspect of medical practice since antiquity. Diagnostic taxonomy helped to categorize ailments to improve medical care, and in its social sense resulted in validation of the sick role for some, but marginalization or stigmatization for others. In the medical industrial complex, diagnostic taxonomy structured health care financing, management and practitioner remuneration. However, with increasing demands from multiple agencies, there are increasing unintended and unwarranted consequences of our current taxonomies and diagnostic processes resulting from the conglomeration of underpinning concepts, theories, information and motivations.

Results

We argue that the increasing focus on the diagnosis resulted in excessive compartmentalization – ‘partialism’ – of medical practice, diminishing medical care and being naively simplistic in light of the emerging understanding of the interconnected nature of the diseasome. The human is a complex organic system of interconnecting dynamics and feedback loops responding to internal and external forces including genetic, epigenetic and environmental attractors, rather than the sum of multiple discrete organs which can develop isolated diseases or multiple morbidities. Solutions to these unintended consequences of many contemporary health system processes involve revisiting the nature of diagnostic taxonomies and the processes of their construction. A dynamic taxonomic framework would shift to more relevant attractors at personal, clinical and health system levels recognizing the non‐linear nature of health and disease. Human health at an individual, group and population level is the ability to adapt to internal and external stressors with resilience throughout the life course, yet diagnostic taxonomies are increasingly constructed around fixed anchors.

Conclusions

Understanding diagnosis as dissecting, pigeonholing or bean counting (learning by dividing) is no longer useful, the challenge for the future is to understand the big picture (learning by connecting). Diagnostic categorization needs to embrace a meta‐learning approach open to human variability.
Characterization of the Life Cycle and Heteromeric Nature of the Macronucleus of the Ciliate Chilodonella uncinata Using Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Bellec Laure , Maurer‐Alcala Xyrus X. , Katz Laura A.
Published: February 2014

Only a limited number of studies exist on the life cycles of nonmodel ciliates such as Chilodonella uncinata (Cl: Phyllopharyngea). The handful of papers on this taxon indicate the presence of a heteromeric macronucleus, marked by separate DNA‐rich and DNA‐poor regions. Here, we study the life cycle of C. uncinata using confocal laser scanning microscopy with 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining, which allows us to differentiate nuclear dynamics of the micronucleus and the macronucleus during life‐cycle stages. We photo‐documented various stages and confirmed aspects of the development of the new macronucleus previously characterized by electron microscopy. We further reveal the heteromeric structure of the macronucleus with Z‐stacks and three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions. We find no evidence for the presence of an endosome at the center of the macronucleus during vegetative growth. In addition to illustrating the life cycle of this ciliate, the approaches developed for this study will enable additional comparative analyses of nuclear dynamics using fluorescence microscopy.
Sensitivity of seven PCRs for early detection of koi herpesvirus in experimentally infected carp, Cyprinus carpio L., by lethal and non‐lethal sampling methods
Authors: Monaghan S J , Thompson K D , Adams A , Bergmann S M
Published: February 2014

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) causes an economically important, highly infectious disease in common carp and koi, Cyprinus carpio L. Since the occurrence of mass mortalities worldwide, highly specific and sensitive molecular diagnostic methods have been developed for KHV detection. The sensitivity and reliability of these assays have essentially focused at the detection of low viral DNA copy numbers during latent or persistent infections. However, the efficacy of these assays has not been investigated with regard to low‐level viraemia during acute infection stages. This study was conducted to compare the sensitivity of seven different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect KHV during the first hours and days post‐infection (hpi; dpi), using lethal and non‐lethal sampling methods. The results highlight the limitations of the assays for detecting virus during the first 4 dpi despite rapid mortality in experimentally infected carp. False‐negative results were associated with time post‐infection and the tissue sampled. Non‐lethal sampling appears effective for KHV screening, with efficient detection in mucus samples obtained from external swabs during this early infection period (<5 dpi), while biopsies from gills and kidney were negative using the same PCR assays. Non‐lethal sampling may improve the reliability of KHV detection in subclinical, acutely infected carp.
Use of Mobile Video Show for Community Behavior Change on Maternal and Newborn Health in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Desta Binyam Fekadu , Mohammed Hajira , Barry Danika , Frew Aynalem Hailemichael , Hepburn Kenneth , Claypoole Christine
Published: February 2014

Introduction

A number of factors affect Ethiopia's efforts to meet Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. The Maternal and Newborn Health in Ethiopia Partnership (MaNHEP) project, as part of its overall strategy, implemented behavior change communication interventions to increase women's demand for and use of antenatal, birth, and postnatal services. Seeking to reach “media‐dark” areas, MaNHEP implemented a mobile video show focused on maternal and newborn health. We report on the effect of the mobile video show on community knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding maternal and newborn health, especially regarding care‐seeking behavior and use of a skilled attendant for birth and postnatal care.

Methods

Two main data sources are used: qualitative data gathered through mobile video show participant discussions in 31 randomly selected kebeles (villages with about 1000 households) and focus groups in 4 kebeles (2 from each region), and quantitative data generated from 510 randomly selected adults participating in MaNHEP's endline survey. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed by the research team, and the accuracy of the transcriptions and categorization was also checked.

Results

The mobile video show reached a total of 28,389 mostly young or adult females in 51 kebeles. At endline, mobile video show attendees (vs nonattendees) reported significantly (P < .001) higher rates of recall of key MaNHEP messages about use of health extension workers for pregnancy registration, labor and birth notification, and postnatal care. Qualitative analysis yielded 3 overarching themes: mirrors to the community (the portrayal is accurate); call to action (we have to change this); and improvement ideas (suggested positive actions).

Discussion

The entertaining nature and local organization of the mobile video show event encouraged attendance. Building the video around recognizable characters (particularly the husbands) contributed to bringing about desired changes in people's knowledge and beliefs. Making the show readily available (through the mobile van) and bundling it with facilitated reflection sessions had a considerable impact on people's knowledge and confidence.
Interpretation of National Policy Regarding Community‐Based Use of Misoprostol for Postpartum Hemorrhage Prevention in Ethiopia: A Tale of Two Regions
Authors: Spangler Sydney A. , Gobezayehu Abebe Gebramariam , Getachew Tewodros , Sibley Lynn M.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is responsible for a significant proportion of maternal mortality in developing countries. The uterotonic drug misoprostol (Cytotec) is a safe and effective means of preventing PPH. However, ministries of health in some countries are still grappling with policy that addresses the implementation of this targeted intervention in community settings and with communicating this policy throughout the health care system. The purpose of this study was to examine understandings of national policy for community‐based use of misoprostol to prevent PPH in 2 regions of Ethiopia: Amhara and Oromiya.

Methods

Qualitative in‐depth interviews were conducted with a cohort of purposefully selected health officials (N = 51) representing various administrative levels of the Ministry of Health and influential nongovernmental organizations. Broad topics included national policy for PPH prevention, safety and effectiveness of community‐based use of misoprostol, and preferences for misoprostol administration. Interview transcripts were analyzed for key concepts both across and within administrative levels.

Results

Among all officials, understandings of national policy for community‐based PPH prevention using misoprostol were unclear. Officials in Amhara tended to adopt a strict interpretation that reflected fear of misuse and a deep concern for encouraging home birth (thus deviating from the clear national goal to increase facility‐based birth). Conversely, Oromiya officials framed policy in terms of the broader national goal to reduce maternal mortality, which allowed them to adopt multiple means of misoprostol distribution.

Discussion

The differences observed in regional practice likely stem from an ambiguously perceived national policy within a climate of decentralization that allowed for flexibility in local implementation. A policy that is clear, specific, evidence‐based, and systematically communicated may facilitate common understanding of community‐based misoprostol for PPH prevention and, thus, increase women's access to this lifesaving intervention.
Altered brain protein expression profiles are associated with molecular neurological dysfunction in the PKU mouse model
Authors: Imperlini Esther , Orrù Stefania , Corbo Claudia , Daniele Aurora , Salvatore Francesco
Published: February 2014

Phenylketonuria (PKU), if not detected and treated in newborns, causes severe neurological dysfunction and cognitive and behavioral deficiencies. Despite the biochemical characterization of PKU, the molecular mechanisms underlying PKU‐associated brain dysfunction remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to gain insights into the pathogenesis of this neurological damage by analyzing protein expression profiles in brain tissue of Black and Tan BRachyury‐PahEnu2 mice (a mouse model of PKU). We compared the cerebral protein expression of homozygous PKU mice with that of their heterozygous counterparts using two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis analysis, and identified 21 differentially expressed proteins, four of which were over‐expressed and 17 under‐expressed. An in silico bioinformatic approach indicated that protein under‐expression was related to neuronal differentiation and dendritic growth, and to such neurological disorders as progressive motor neuropathy and movement disorders. Moreover, functional annotation analyses showed that some identified proteins were involved in oxidative metabolism. To further investigate the proteins involved in the neurological damage, we validated two of the proteins that were most strikingly under‐expressed, namely, Syn2 and Dpysl2, which are involved in synaptic function and neurotransmission. We found that Glu2/3 and NR1 receptor subunits were over‐expressed in PKU mouse brain. Our results indicate that differential expression of these proteins may be associated with the processes underlying PKU brain dysfunction, namely, decreased synaptic plasticity and impaired neurotransmission.

image

We identified a set of proteins whose expression is affected by hyperphenylalaninemia. We think that phenylketonuria (PKU) brain dysfunction also depends on reduced Syn2 and Dpysl2 levels, increased Glu2/3 and NR1 levels, and decreased Pkm, Ckb, Pgam1 and Eno1 levels. These findings finally confirm that alteration in synaptic function, in transmission and in energy metabolism underlie brain damage provoked by hyperphenylalaninemias.
Divergent developmental expression and function of the proton‐coupled oligopeptide transporters PepT2 and PhT1 in regional brain slices of mouse and rat
Authors: Hu Yongjun , Xie Yehua , Keep Richard F. , Smith David E.
Published: February 2014

This study evaluated the developmental gene and protein expression of proton‐coupled oligopeptide transporters (POTs: peptide transporter, PepT1 and PepT2; peptide‐histidine transporter, PhT1 and PhT2) in different regions of rodent brain, and the age‐dependent uptake of a POT substrate, glycylsarcosine (GlySar), in brain slices. Slices were obtained from cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus of wildtype and PepT2 null mice, and from rats at different ages. Gene and protein expression were determined by real‐time PCR and immunoblot analyses. Brain slice uptakes of radiolabeled glycylsarcosine were determined in the absence and presence of excess unlabeled glycylsarcosine or l‐histidine, the latter being an inhibitor of PhT1/2 but not PepT1/2. As PepT2 and PhT1 transcripts were abundantly expressed in all three regions of mouse brain, little to no expression was observed for PepT1 and PhT2. PhT1 protein was present in brain regions of adult but not neonatal mice and expression levels increased with age in rats. Glycylsarcosine uptake, inhibition and transporter dominance did not show regional brain or species differences. However, there were clear age‐related differences in functional activity, with PepT2 dominating in neonatal mice and rats, and PhT1 dominating in adult rodents. These developmental changes may markedly impact the neural activity of both endogenous and exogenous (drug) peptides/mimetics.

image

Developmental gene and protein expression of peptide transporters was evaluated in various regions of rodent brain, along with age‐dependent uptake of dipeptide. We found marked changes in protein expression and functional activity of PhT1 and PepT2, the former predominating in adult and the latter in neonate. These developmental changes may markedly impact the neural activity of endogenous and exogenous peptides/mimetics.
Partial Benefits in the Social Security Disability Insurance Program
Authors: Yin Na
Published: February 2014

The current U.S. Social Security Disability Insurance program is an all‐or‐nothing system that has been criticized for creating strong work disincentives. In an empirically grounded and calibrated life‐cycle model, I simulate behavioral responses to a partial disability benefit system, a policy alternative to the current program, which allows individuals to claim partial disability and combine earnings with disability benefits. Simulation results show financial savings for the program as well as welfare improvements for individuals with disabilities.
Corruption and Seigniorage
Authors: MYLES GARETH D. , YOUSEFI HANA
Published: February 2014

There is convincing empirical evidence in cross‐section data of a positive correlation between the level of corruption and the rate of inflation. This paper explores whether this correlation can be a consequence of a government exploiting seigniorage to compensate for revenue lost to corruption. We embed corruption within an overlapping generations economy that has money as the only store of value and in which the government optimizes the rate of monetary growth. Three different forms of corruption are modeled, and it is shown that all three can be positively correlated with increased inflation.
A hybrid design to optimize preparation of lopinavir loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and comparative pharmacokinetic evaluation with marketed lopinavir/ritonavir coformulation
Authors: Ravi Punna Rao , Vats Rahul , Dalal Vikas , Murthy Aditya Narasimha
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To prepare stearic acid-based lopinavir (LPV) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) using a hybrid design and compare in-vivo performance of optimized formulation with marketed LPV/ritonavir (RTV) coformulation.

Methods

LPV SLNs were prepared by hot melt emulsion technique and optimized using Plackett–Burman design and Box–Behnken design. Physical characterization studies were conducted for the optimized SLNs. Comparative oral pharmacokinetic studies and tissue distribution studies of optimized SLNs and LPV/RTV coformulation were done in Wistar rats. In-vitro metabolic stability and intestinal permeability studies for LPV SLNs were undertaken to elucidate the mechanism involved in the pharmacokinetic improvement of LPV.

Key findings

Optimized SLNs exhibited nanometeric size (223 nm) with high entrapment efficiency (83%). In-vitro drug release study of SLNs showed biphasic sustained release behaviour. Significant increase in oral bioavailability of LPV from LPV SLNs (5 folds) and LPV/RTV coformulation (3.7 folds) was observed as compared with free LPV. LPV SLNs showed better tissue distribution of LPV in HIV reservoirs than LPV/RTV coformulation. In-vitro studies demonstrated that SLNs provided metabolic protection of LPV and were endocytosized during absorption.

Conclusions

SLNs enhanced oral bioavailability and improved distribution profile of LPV to HIV reservoirs and hence could be better alternative to LPV/RTV coformulation.
Effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 selective inhibitor ipragliflozin on hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress, inflammation and liver injury in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Tahara Atsuo , Kurosaki Eiji , Yokono Masanori , Yamajuku Daisuke , Kihara Rumi , Hayashizaki Yuka , Takasu Toshiyuki , Imamura Masakazu , Li Qun , Tomiyama Hiroshi , Kobayashi Yoshinori , Noda Atsushi , Sasamata Masao , Shibasaki Masayuki
Published: February 2014

Objective

Sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 2 plays an important role in renal glucose reabsorption and has been highlighted as a therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects of SGLT2 selective inhibitor ipragliflozin in type 1 diabetic rats.

Methods

Type 1 diabetic rats were prepared by intravenous administration of streptozotocin (STZ). Ipragliflozin was acutely or chronically administered, and therapeutic effects were investigated.

Key findings

Single administration of ipragliflozin significantly increased urinary glucose excretion, and its effect lasted over 12 h. In addition, ipragliflozin improved glucose tolerance and sustainably reduced hyperglycaemia. Repeated administration of ipragliflozin to diabetic rats for 4 weeks significantly improved not only hyperglycaemia, but also hyperlipidaemia and hepatic steatosis with concomitant increases in urinary glucose excretion. In addition, ipragliflozin ameliorates renal glomerular hyperfiltration and albuminuria. Further, ipragliflozin reduced liver levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma levels of inflammatory markers, and improved liver injury as assessed by plasma levels of aminotransferases.

Conclusion

These results suggest that SGLT2 selective inhibitor ipragliflozin exerts a beneficial effect on glycaemic control and ameliorates diabetes-associated metabolic abnormalities and complications in STZ-induced diabetic rats, and would be a potential agent for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Effects of vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside and vitexin-4″-O-glucoside on growth and oxidative stress-induced cell apoptosis of human adipose-derived stem cells
Authors: Wei Wenjuan , Ying Xixiang , Zhang Wenjie , Chen Yinghui , Leng Aijing , Jiang Chen , Liu Jing
Published: February 2014

Objectives

Vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside (VOR) and vitexin-4″-O-glucoside (VOG) are the two main flavonoid glycosides of the leaves of Cratagus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N. E. Br. that has been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular system diseases. In this study, we simultaneously investigated the influence of VOR and VOG on human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to further characterize their anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic activity.

Methods

hADSCs were isolated, cultured in vitro and pretreated with 62.5 μm VOR or 120 μm VOG for 24 h and then exposed to 500 μm H2O2 for an additional 4 h.

Key findings

Pretreatment of hADSCs with VOR and VOG was demonstrated to significantly ameliorate the toxicity and apoptosis effects, such as morphological distortion, nuclear condensation, decreased intracellular caspase-3 activity and percentage of cells in apoptosis/necrosis by using morphological assay, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometric evaluation. In addition, VOR and VOG caused no cytotoxic effect on hADSCs at concentrations up to 250 and 480 μm, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that both VOR and VOG contribute to the protection against H2O2-mediated oxidative stress damage and could be safely used for a wide range of concentrations.
Use of NaHCO3 and MgO as additives for sheep fed only pasture for a restricted period of time per day: effects on intake, digestion and the rumen environment
Authors: Pérez‐Ruchel A. , Repetto J. L. , Cajarville C.
Published: February 2014

Effects of NaHCO3 and MgO buffer addition on intake and digestive utilization of a pasture were studied in wethers allowed a restricted time of access to forage. Twelve wethers housed in metabolic cages and fed fresh forage (predominantly Lotus corniculatus) ad libitum for 6 h/d were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: a control forage without buffer (C) or a forage plus buffer composed of a mixture of 750 g/kg NaHCO3 and 250 g/kg MgO at 20 g/kg dry matter intake (B). Feeding behaviour, feed and water intake and digestibility, urine output, Na urine elimination, kinetics of passage, ruminal pH and ammonia concentration, N balance and ruminal microbial N synthesis were determined in vivo, and the ruminal liquor activity was evaluated in vitro by fermentation of wheat straw. Addition of buffer increased total water intake (p = 0.05), Na urinary output (p = 0.01), purine derivative excretion in urine (p = 0.05) and tended to decrease mean total retention time in the digestive tract (p = 0.09). However, buffer addition increased ruminal pH (p < 0.001) and tended to decrease the ammonia concentration (p = 0.05). That use of buffer decreased ruminal activity was evidenced by a lower volume of gas produced in vitro (p = 0.01) possibly due to a lower microbial concentration in rumen liquor. The higher rumen dilution rate, likely due to a higher water intake, seems to have been the key driver of the actions of buffer supplementation on the rumen environment. Moreover, addition of NaHCO3 led to an increased urinary Na excretion, which should be considered due to its likely negative environmental impacts.
Female Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Treated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) and Its Association with S
erotonin 2A—1438 G/A Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Authors: Masiran Ruziana , Sidi Hatta , Mohamed Zahurin , Mohd Nazree Nur Elia , Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei , Midin Marhani , Das Srijit , Mohamed Saini Suriati
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are known for their sexual side effects. Different SSRIs may affect different areas of sexual function at different rates.

Aims

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), its clinical correlates, and association with 5HT2A (rs6311) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who were on SSRI therapy.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study on 95 female outpatients with MDD treated with SSRI. The patients were in remission as determined by Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Genomic DNA was isolated from buccal swabs and samples were processed using a real time polymerase chain reaction.

Main Outcome Measures

The presence or absence of FSD as measured by the Malay Version of Female Sexual Function Index and 5HT2A-1438 G/A (rs6311) SNP.

Results

The overall prevalence of FSD was 32.6%. After controlling for age, number of children, education level, total monthly income, SSRI types, and SSRI dosing, being employed significantly enhanced FSD by 4.5 times (odds ratio [OR] = 4.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00, 20.30; P = 0.05). Those having marital problems were 6.7 times more likely to have FSD (OR = 6.67; 95% CI 1.57, 28.34). 5HT2A-1438 G/A (rs6311) SNP was not significantly associated with FSD.

Conclusion

There was no significant association between FSD and the 5HT2A (rs6311) SNP in patients with MDD on SSRI therapy. Employment status and marital state were significantly associated with FSD among these patients.
Keeping a cool mind: head–body temperature differences in the common wall lizard
Authors: Sannolo M. , Mangiacotti M. , Sacchi R. , Scali S.
Published: February 2014

Evidence of head–body temperature differences are known for many species of medium‐ to large‐sized reptiles, but are scanty for small lacertid lizards. In this study, we heated 48 individuals of Podarcis muralis (19 males and 29 females) in order to investigate their ability to achieve and maintain local temperature differences between body parts. Lizards were put into polystyrene boxes and heated with incandescent lamps. Temperatures were measured with both an infrared thermometer and an infrared camera at four different body points every 20 min for 2 h. We found a statistically significant thermal gradient from the tip of the nose, the coolest part of the body, to the trunk, the warmest area, whereas the head achieved an intermediate temperature. We therefore hypothesize that P. muralis is able to physiologically regulate the heat distribution across its body. Podarcis muralis is sexually dimorphic, but neither sex nor body size are associated with temperature differences between individuals. The two measurement devices used responded differently to insulating material and to living animals, possibly indicating that infrared camera is able to detect dermal heat, while infrared thermometer detects mainly epidermal heat. This study shows for the first time that P. muralis can achieve and maintain temperature differences between the head and the body.
Playing as a mutant in a virtual world: understanding overlapping story worlds in popular culture video games
Authors: Rowsell Jennifer , Pedersen Isabel , Trueman Douglas
Published: February 2014

On the basis of interview data with a video game designer, this author team explores the nuances of stories and story worlds in video games as complex multimodal, compositional processes that can be harnessed to our understandings about contemporary literacy learning. How we enter, exit, mediate and transmediate stories across media channels has been naturalised into the ways that we view and understand media texts, yet as literacy scholars interested in the role of media and literacy learning and teaching, do we actually understand the mediational practices and logic enacted when a story moves from a film to a video game? This article goes some way in extrapolating the process of story transformation when a ‘canonical’ story moves from a film text to a gaming text. By usingX‐Men Destinyas our exemplar, the article classifies and attends to three overlapping worlds that are negotiated when approaching adapted video games: acanonical mythic universe, theadapted game worldand thestory world of a learner, in order to enable the harnessing of video game practices for literacy contexts.
Ben 10, superheroes and princesses: primary teachers' views of popular culture and school literacy
Authors: Dickie John , Shuker Mary Jane
Published: February 2014

The introduction of national standards for reading, writing and mathematics for children aged 5 to 12 years in New Zealand schools raises the question of whether this will lead to narrower interpretation of the school curriculum. Although Ministry of Education guidelines for teachers interpret literacy as social and cultural practice, national standards indicate a more skills‐driven, teacher‐centred approach. This research explored how primary teachers of children aged 5 to 7 years can reconcile this apparent difference by asking them about their views on incorporating children's funds of knowledge of popular culture into the school literacy curriculum. The findings from a survey and teacher case studies are reported here. Although a small number of teachers viewed popular culture negatively, most positioned it within the official curriculum and drew on it particularly for use with writing activities. In this paper, we aim to illustrate how teachers can avoid a narrow interpretation of literacy curriculum by drawing on children's expertise in popular culture.
Genetic characterization of the hmp locus, a chemotaxis‐like gene cluster that regulates hormogonium development and motility in Nostoc punctiforme
Authors: Risser Douglas D. , Chew William G. , Meeks John C.
Published: February 2014

Filamentous cyanobacteria are capable of gliding motility, but the mechanism of motility is not well defined. Here we present a detailed characterization of the hmp locus from Nostoc punctiforme, which encodes chemotaxis‐like proteins. Deletions of hmpB, C, D and E abolished differentiation of hormogonia under standard growth conditions, but, upon addition of a symbiotic partner exudate, the mutant strains differentiated hormogonium‐like filaments that lacked motility and failed to secrete hormogonium specific polysaccharide. The hmp locus is expressed as two transcripts, one originating 5′ of hmpA and encompassing the entire hmp locus, and the other 5′ of hmpB and encompassing hmpBCDE. The CheA‐like HmpE donates phosphate to its own C‐terminal receiver domain, and to the CheY‐like HmpB, but not to the PatA family CheY‐like HmpA. A GFP‐tagged variant of each hmp locus protein localized to a ring adjacent to the septum on each end of the rod‐shaped cell. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that PilA localizes to a ring at the junction between cells. The phenotype of the deletion strains, and the localization of the Hmp proteins and the putative PilA protein to rings at the cell junctions are consistent with the hypothesis that these proteins are part of the junctional pore complex observed in a number of filamentous cyanobacteria.
Metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease in a Southern Chinese population
Authors: Li Yongqiang , Chen Youming , Liu Xinyu , Liang Yan , Shao Xiaofei , Zhang Ying , Wang Honglei , Wang Xiaohong , Li Bin , Deng Kangping , Liu Qin , Holthöfer Harry , Liu Hongmei , Zou Hequn
Published: February 2014

Aim

To explore the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a Southern Chinese population.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 1724 community‐based Southern Chinese participants from June to October 2012. The prevalence of MS (as defined by the International Diabetes Federation) and CKD (defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 and/or albuminuria) was determined. The association between MS and CKD was then analyzed using STATA software.

Results

Metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with CKD (P < 0.001) in the unadjusted analyses as well as after adjustment for potential confounders. The unadjusted odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio for MS were 3.53 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.62 to 4.75, P < 0.001) and 2.52 (95% CI 1.84 to 3.54, P < 0.001). When further adjusted for diabetes and hypertension, the association of MS and CKD was significant (odds ratio (OR) 1.63, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.32, P = 0.006). After adjustment for potential confounders, three components and four/five components were associated with CKD. The OR for three components and four/five components were 2.90 (95% CI 1.70 to 4.96, P < 0.001) and 3.64(95% CI 1.95 to 6.80, P < 0.001), when compared with those without components. High blood pressure, high serum triglyceride level, elevated fasting glucose level and central obesity were associated with CKD (P < 0.05). The odds ratios for elevated blood pressure, elevated serum triglyceride levels, elevated fasting glucose and central obesity were 1.80 (95% CI 1.25 to 2.62, P = 0.002), 1.56 (95% CI 1.14 to 2.14, P = 0.006), 2.54 (95% CI 1.82 to 3.57, P < 0.001), and 1.50 (95% CI 1.10 to 2.07, P = 0.01), respectively.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that MS is associated with CKD in Southern Chinese population, which may provide important information for the overall control of these diseases.
Crown depth as a result of evolutionary games: decreasing solar angle should lead to shallower, not deeper crowns
Authors: Vermeulen Peter Johannes
Published: February 2014

There is a general notion in the literature that, with increasing latitude, trees have deeper crowns as a result of a lower solar elevation angle. However, these predictions are based on models that did not include the effects of competition for light between individuals. Here, I argue that there should be selection for trees to increase the height of the crown base, as this decreases shading by neighbouring trees, leading to an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS). Because the level of between‐tree shading increases with decreasing solar angle, the predicted ESS will shift to higher crown base height.

This argument is supported by a simulation model to check for the effects of crown shape and the change of light intensity that occurs with changing solar angle on model outcomes.

So, the lower solar angle at higher latitudes would tend to select for shallower, and not deeper, crowns.

This casts doubt on the common belief that a decreasing solar angle increases crown depth. More importantly, it shows that different assumptions about what should be optimized can lead to different predictions, not just for absolute trait values, but for the direction of selection itself.
Treatment of Wilson's disease motor complications with deep brain stimulation
Authors: Hedera Peter
Published: February 2014

A considerable proportion of patients with Wilson's disease (WD) experience neurologic symptoms that are functionally disabling. The most common neurologic problems in advanced WD include dystonia and tremor. Medically refractory idiopathic dystonia and essential tremor (ET) have been successfully treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS), functional surgical therapy targeting the globus pallidus pars interna (GPi), or the ventral intermediate (Vim) thalamic nucleus. Even though the pathophysiology of tremor is different in WD and ET, available experience supports DBS targeting the Vim for WD patients. Dystonia associated with WD is classified as secondary dystonia and GPi stimulation has yielded mixed results in these patients. The presence of structural changes in the basal ganglia may limit the therapeutic success of DBS for WD dystonia compared with idiopathic dystonia. In spite of these limitations, DBS in WD may be an effective approach to treat medically refractory residual neurologic symptoms in carefully selected patients.
Levels of sirolimus in saliva and blood following mouthwash application
Authors: Nudelman Z , Friedman M , Barasch D , Nemirovski A , Findler M , Pikovsky A , Gutkind JS , Czerninski R
Published: February 2014

Objectives

Sirolimus (rapamycin) is a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor with antiproliferative activity. Its systemic administration is currently evaluated for the management of squamous cell carcinoma and various oral disorders. Topical oral application can enhance availability, efficacy and improve safety and compliance. Our objective was to evaluate the release profile and the safety of a sirolimus mouthwash.

Subjects and methods

A sirolimus mouthwash (0.05 mg ml−1) was applied to ten healthy male volunteers. Saliva and blood samples were taken after rinsing. Mass spectrometry and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay were used to determine saliva and blood levels of sirolimus. A topical oral release profile measurement and safety evaluation were performed.

Results

After rinsing with the mouthwash, a classic immediate release profile was noted in the oral cavity. Extremely high initial sirolimus levels rapidly declined over a 4‐hour period. Systemic exposure was limited, with a maximum level significantly lower than therapeutic doses, and safety was confirmed.

Conclusions

A single rinse with sirolimus mouthwash leads to high transient levels of the drug in the saliva. Although levels were variable, a therapeutic concentration was achieved topically along with minimal systemic absorption. These results broaden the potential clinical use of oral topical rapalogs.
Caterpillar‐induced plant volatiles remain a reliable signal for foraging wasps during dual attack with a plant pathogen or non‐host insect herbivore
Authors: PONZIO CAMILLE , GOLS RIETA , WELDEGERGIS BERHANE T. , DICKE MARCEL
Published: February 2014

Plants respond to herbivory with the emission of plant volatiles, which can be used by the herbivores' natural enemies to locate their hosts or prey. In nature, plants are often simultaneously confronted with insect herbivores and phytopathogens, potentially interfering with the attraction of the herbivores' enemies as a result of modifications of the induced volatile blend. Here, we investigated parasitoid (Cotesia glomerata) attraction to volatiles of plants challenged by different attackers, either alone or in combination with Pieris brassicae caterpillars, hosts of C. glomerata. We used a natural system consisting of Brassica nigra plants, eggs and larvae of P. brassicae, Brevicoryne brassicae aphids and the bacterial phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. In all cases, parasitoids successfully located host‐infested plants, and wasp foraging behaviour was unaffected by the simultaneous presence of a non‐host attacker or host eggs. Analysis of the volatile emissions show that the volatile blends of caterpillar‐infested treatments were different from those without caterpillars. Furthermore, dually attacked plants could not be separated from those with only caterpillars, regardless of non‐host identity, supporting the behavioural data. Our results suggest that, in this system, indirect plant defences may be more resistant to interference than is generally assumed, with volatiles induced during dual attack remaining reliable indicators of host presence for parasitoids.
Accuracy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Information on Birth Certificates: Florida and Massachusetts, 2004–06
Authors: Cohen Bruce , Bernson Dana , Sappenfield William , Kirby Russell S. , Kissin Dmitry , Zhang Yujia , Copeland Glenn , Zhang Zi , Macaluso Maurizio ,   States Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology (SMART) Collaborative
Published: February 2014

Background

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) includes fertility procedures where both egg and sperm are handled in the lab. ART use has increased considerably in recent years, accounting for 47 090 livebirths in the US in 2010. ART increases the probability of multiple gestation births, which are at higher risks than singletons for adverse outcomes. Additionally, ART is associated with a greater risk of complications during pregnancy, labour, and delivery, and increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton births.

Methods

We merged Florida and Massachusetts birth records from 2004–06 with the National ART Surveillance System (NASS) and using NASS as the gold standard, calculated sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of ART reporting on the birth certificates by maternal, infant, and hospital characteristics. We fit random‐effects logistic regression models to evaluate simultaneously the association of ART reporting with these predictors while accounting for correlation among births occurring in the same hospital.

Results

Sensitivity of ART reporting on the birth certificate was 28.9% in Florida and 41.4% in Massachusetts. Specificity was >99% in both states. PPV was 45.5% in Florida and 54.6% in Massachusetts. The odds of ART reporting varied by state and by several maternal and delivery characteristics including age, parity, history of fetal loss, plurality, race/Hispanic ethnicity, delivery payment source, pre‐existing conditions, and complications during pregnancy or labour and delivery.

Conclusions

There was significant under‐reporting of ART procedures on the birth certificates. Using data on ART births identified only from birth certificates yields a biased sample of the population of ART births.
Auxin is a central player in the hormone cross‐talks that control adventitious rooting
Authors: Pacurar Daniel Ioan , Perrone Irene , Bellini Catherine
Published: February 2014

Vegetative propagation of economically important woody, horticultural and agricultural species rely on an efficient adventitious root (AR) formation. The formation of ARs is a complex genetic trait regulated by the interaction of environmental and endogenous factors among which the phytohormone auxin plays an essential role. This article summarizes the current knowledge related to the intricate network through which auxin controls adventitious rooting. How auxin and recently identified auxin‐related compounds affectARformation in different plant species is discussed. Particular attention is addressed to illustrate how auxin has a central role in the hormone cross‐talk leading toARdevelopment. In parallel, we describe the molecular players involved in the control of auxin homeostasis, transport and signaling, for a better understanding of the auxin action during adventitious rooting.