bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the NICU environment on language deprivation in preterm infants
Authors: Rand Katherine , Lahav Amir
Published: October 2013

It is unclear whether the atypical language development commonly seen in preterm infants is a consequence of language deficiency experienced during their prolonged NICU stay. This review provides a novel viewpoint, which highlights the potential impact of the NICU design on the developmental origin of language disabilities in preterm infants.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to identify evidence‐based design solutions for providing preterm infants with a healthier linguistic hospital environment that aids growth and development.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous and inhaled fluticasone furoate in healthy Caucasian and East Asian subjects
Authors: Allen Ann , Bal Joanne , Cheesbrough Anne , Hamilton Melanie , Kempsford Rodger
Published: October 2013

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of inhaled and intravenous (i.v.) fluticasone furoate (FF) in healthy Caucasian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean subjects.

Method

This was an open label, randomized, two way crossover study in healthy Caucasian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean subjects (n = 20 per group). Inhaled FF (200 μg for 7 days, then 800 μg for 7 days from a dry powder inhaler [DPI]) was administered in one treatment period and i.v.FF (250 μg infusion) in the other. FF PK and serum cortisol (inhaled 200 μg only) were compared between the ethnic groups using analysis of variance. P450 CYP3A4 activity and safety were also assessed.

Results

Ethnic differences in i.v. FF PK were accounted for by body weight differences. CYP3A4 activity was similar across the groups. Higher FF systemic exposure was seen following inhaled dosing in Chinese, Japanese and Korean subjects compared with Caucasian subjects. Absolute bioavailability was greater (36%–55%) in all East Asian groups than for Caucasian subjects following inhaled FF 800 μg. Deconvolution analysis suggested inhaled FF resided in the lung of East Asian subjects longer than for Caucasians (time for 90% to be absorbed [t90]: 29.1–30.8 h vs. 21.4 h). In vitro simulation method predicted comparable delivered lung dose across ethnic groups. Serum cortisol weighted mean was similar between Caucasians and Chinese or Koreans, while in Japanese was on average 22% lower than in Caucasians. All FF treatments were safe and well tolerated.

Conclusion

Modestly higher (<50%) FF systemic exposure seen in East Asian subjects following inhaled dosing was not associated with a clinically significant effect on serum cortisol, suggesting that a clinical dose adjustment in East Asian subjects is not required.
hMICL and CD123 in combination with a CD45/CD34/CD117 backbone – a universal marker combination for the detection of minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Roug Anne S. , Larsen Hanne Ø. , Nederby Line , Just Tom , Brown Gordon , Nyvold Charlotte G. , Ommen Hans B. , Hokland Peter
Published: October 2013

Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has been extensively validated for the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Meanwhile, multicolour flow cytometry (MFC) has received less attention because the so‐called leukaemia‐associated immunophenotypes (LAIPs) are generally of lower sensitivity and specificity, and prone to change during therapy. To improve MRD assessment by MFC, we here evaluate the combination of human Myeloid Inhibitory C‐type Lectin (hMICL, also termed C‐type lectin domain family 12, member A, CLEC12A) and CD 123 (also termed interleukin‐3 receptor alpha, IL3RA) in combination with CD34 and CD117 (KIT), as an MRD assay in pre‐clinical and clinical testing in 69 AML patients. Spiking experiments revealed that the assay could detect MRD down to 10−4 in normal bone marrow with sensitivities equalling those of validated qPCR assays. Moreover, it provided at least one MFC MRD marker in 62/69 patients (90%). High levels of hMICL/CD123 LAIPs at the post‐induction time‐point were a strong prognostic marker for relapse in patients in haematological complete remission (P < 0·001). Finally, in post induction samples, hMICL/CD123 LAIPs were strongly correlated (r = 0·676, P = 0·0008) to applied qPCR targets. We conclude the hMICL/CD123‐based MFC assay is a promising MRD tool in AML.
Nickel and cobalt release from jewellery and metal clothing items inKorea
Authors: Cheong Seung Hyun , Choi You Won , Choi Hae Young , Byun Ji Yeon
Published: October 2013

Background

InKorea, the prevalence of nickel allergy has shown a sharply increasing trend. Cobalt contact allergy is often associated with concomitant reactions to nickel, and is more common inKorea than in western countries.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of items that release nickel and cobalt on theKorean market.

Materials and methods

A total of 471 items that included 193 branded jewellery, 202 non‐branded jewellery and 76 metal clothing items were sampled and studied with a dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test and a cobalt spot test to detect nickel and cobalt release, respectively.

Results

Nickel release was detected in 47.8% of the tested items. The positive rates in theDMGtest were 12.4% for the branded jewellery, 70.8% for the non‐branded jewellery, and 76.3% for the metal clothing items. Cobalt release was found in 6.2% of items. Among the types of jewellery, belts and hair pins showed higher positive rates in both theDMGtest and the cobalt spot test.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the prevalence of items that release nickel or cobalt among jewellery and metal clothing items is high inKorea.
Triethylene glycol bis(2‐ethylhexanoate) – a new contact allergen identified in a spectacle frame
Authors: Andersen Klaus E. , Vestergaard Malene E. , Christensen Lars P.
Published: October 2013

Background

Allergic reactions to spectacle frames are not unusual. A patient had a reproducible strong allergic patch test reaction to scrapings from the plastic material, and negative patch test results with available spectacle frame chemicals.

Objectives

To identify the culprit allergen in this patient's spectacle frame.

Materials and methods

An extract from the temple arms was analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), and a major low molecular weight compound was detected. This compound was isolated by semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography and identified by GC‐MS and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The purified compound was diluted in ethanol, and a dilution series was prepared for patch testing.

Results

Triethylene glycol bis(2‐ethylhexanoate) was identified as the major compound in the extract. Patch testing of the patient proved that triethylene glycol bis(2‐ethylhexanoate) was the causative allergen in the spectacle frame. Ten consecutive eczema patients tested as controls were negative.

Conclusion

Triethylene glycol bis(2‐ethylhexanoate) is a new, hitherto unreported contact allergen.
Stoma siting and the ‘arcuate line’ of Douglas: might it be of relevance to later herniation?
Authors: Al‐Momani H. , Miller C. , Stephenson B. M.
Published: October 2013

Aim

Preoperative stoma site marking aims to select an appropriate location for stoma positioning but there are no fixed anatomical points of reference. A stoma raised below the arcuate line (AL) of the posterior rectus sheath may be a contributing factor to later herniation.

Method

The patients' preferred position for a stoma was marked preoperatively by a nurse stomatherapist in 75 unselected cases. The position of the AL was determined in relation to standard anatomical landmarks (umbilicus, xiphoid process, pubic symphysis and the anterior superior iliac spines).

Results

The proportion of patients whose stoma trephine was sited below the AL varied with the anatomical landmark examined. Measurements of symphysis pubis to xiphoid process or height above the iliac spines revealed 36−41% of chosen sites were at or below the AL. In 16 of 29 (55%) women the marked sites were at or below the AL. Of 44 patients who had their site marked above the AL, 23 (53%) were within 2 cm of the AL. In obese patients and those with a waist circumference greater than 100 cm over 50% had their site marked at or within 2 cm of the AL.

Conclusion

To ensure a stoma site is above the AL of the posterior rectus sheath its centre should be at least 4 cm above a horizontal line between the anterior superior iliac spines. This might reduce later herniation rates.
10−7 m 17β‐oestradiol enhances odonto/osteogenic potency of human dental pulp stem cells by activation of the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Wang Y. , Zheng Y. , Wang Z. , Li J. , Wang Z. , Zhang G. , Yu J.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Oestrogen has been proven to significantly enhance osteogenic potency, while oestrogen deficiency usually leads to impaired osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. However, little is known concerning direct effects of oestrogen on differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs).

Materials and methods

In this study, human DPSCs were isolated and treated with 10−7 m 17β‐oestradiol (E2). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and alizarin red staining were performed.

Results

Alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red showed that E2 treatment significantly enhanced ALP activity and mineralization ability of DPSCs, but had no effect on cell proliferation. Real‐time RT‐PCR and western blot assay demonstrated that odonto/osteogenic markers (ALP, RUNX2/RUNX2, OSX/OSX, OCN/OCN and DSPP/DSP) were significantly upregulated in the cells after E2 treatment. Moreover, phosphorylation of cytoplasmic IκBα/P65 and expression of nuclear P65 were enhanced in a time‐dependent manner following E2 treatment, suggesting activation of NF‐κB signaling. Conversely, inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway suppressed E2‐mediated upregulation of odonto/osteogenic markers, indicating that the NF‐κB pathway was pivotal for E2‐mediated differentiation.

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence that 10−7 m 17β‐oestradiol promoted odonto/osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs via activation of the NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Completeness of digital accessible knowledge of the plants of Brazil and priorities for survey and inventory
Authors: Sousa‐Baena Mariane Silveira , Garcia Letícia Couto , Peterson Andrew Townsend
Published: October 2013

Aim

Biodiversity information is the focus of major initiatives aimed at assembling large‐scale primary‐data documentation (‘digital accessible knowledge’) of the distribution of life on Earth. Recent efforts within Brazil have assembled a massive amount of such documentation for Brazilian plants, which we analyse in this study. Our aim is to identify areas representing gaps in current knowledge; these gaps can guide future botanical exploration and discovery in Brazil.

Location

Brazil.

Methods

We assessed angiosperm inventories across Brazil at diverse spatial scales using statistics that summarize inventory completeness. In particular, we assess the completeness of geographical knowledge of Brazilian floras as measured in terms of geographical distance and climatic difference from well‐documented sites.

Results

Spatial knowledge of Brazilian angiosperms is very unevenly distributed: well‐known sites are concentrated in eastern and southern regions, whereas the remainder of the country remains poorly documented. Worse still, in many regions, areas lacking detailed botanical documentation coincide with areas of intense habitat destruction, such that many such sites will never be documented scientifically.

Main conclusions

This study illustrates how biodiversity survey and inventory efforts can be guided by existing knowledge. That is, to the extent that existing biodiversity knowledge is made digital and openly available, and to the extent that information is sufficiently comprehensive and informative, spatial summaries of completeness such as that presented here offer clear and strategic directions for maximizing the yield of new knowledge from any de novo field efforts.
Prognostic Value of Coronary Flow Reserve in Asymptomatic Moderate or Severe Aortic Stenosis with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Nonobstructed Coronary Arteries
Authors: Banovic Marko , Bosiljka Vujisic‐Tesic , Voin Brkovic , Milan Petrovic , Ivana Nedeljkovic , Dejana Popovic , Danijela Trifunovic , Serjan Nikolic
Published: October 2013

Aim: Patients with moderate and severe aortic stenosis (AS) and without obstructive epicardial coronary disease have been shown to have an impairment of coronary flow reserve (CFR). We investigated the prognostic significance of CFR in predicting death during mid‐to‐long‐term follow‐up in asymptomatic patients with moderate/severe AS, preserved ejection fraction (EF), and with nonobstructed coronary arteries. Method and Result: A total of 127 patients with moderate or severe AS (effective orifice area of 1.5 cm2 or less), mean age 66 ± 11 were enrolled in this prospective study. The median follow‐up was 32 ± 7 months. All patients had standard Doppler echo study, coronary angiography, and adenosine‐stress transthoracic Doppler echo for CFR measurement. Univariate analysis showed that diabetes mellitus, CFR, aortic valve area (AVA), maximal velocity (Vmax), mean pressure gradient (Pmean), energy loss index (ELI), aortic valve resistance (AVR), NT‐proBNP, E/E′, valvulo‐arterial impedance (Zva), and stroke work loss (SWL) were associated (P < 0.05) with death. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that only Zva and CFR were independent predictors of death, with the CFR being the single strongest predictor (Table 2). Using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, the CFR value of 1.85 had the highest accuracy in predicting the death during mid‐to‐long‐term follow‐up (area under the curve; AUC 0.890, P = 0.009, sensitivity 96.3%, specificity 75%; 95% CI 0.287–0.946; Fig. 1). The Zva value of 5.52 Hg/mL per m had a sensitivity 70.0% and specificity 72.0% (AUC 0.766, 95% CI 0.587–0.946; P = 0.005). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that CFR has a prognostic value in patients with asymptomatic moderate or severe AS with preserved EF and nonobstructed coronary arteries.
Knock‐down of filaggrin does not affect lipid organization and composition in stratum corneum of reconstructed human skin equivalents
Authors: van Drongelen Vincent , Alloul‐Ramdhani Mariam , Danso Mogbekeloluwa O. , Mieremet Arnout , Mulder Aat , van Smeden Jeroen , Bouwstra Joke A. , El Ghalbzouri Abdoelwaheb
Published: October 2013

Human skin mainly functions as an effective barrier against unwanted environmental influences. The barrier function strongly relies on the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC), which is composed of corneocytes embedded in an extracellular lipid matrix. The importance of a proper barrier function is shown in various skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis (AD), a complex human skin disorder strongly associated with filaggrin (FLG) null mutations, but their role in barrier function is yet unclear. To study the role of FLG in SC barrier properties in terms of SC lipid organization and lipid composition, we generated an N/TERT‐based 3D‐skin equivalent (NSE) after knock‐down of FLG with shRNA. In these NSEs, we examined epidermal morphogenesis by evaluating the expression of differentiation markers keratin 10, FLG, loricrin and the proliferation marker ki67. Furthermore, the SC was extensively analysed for lipid organization, lipid composition and SC permeability. Our results demonstrate that FLG knock‐down (FLG‐KD) did not affect epidermal morphogenesis, SC lipid organization, lipid composition and SC permeability for a lipophilic compound in NSEs. Therefore, our findings indicate that FLG‐KD alone does not necessarily affect the functionality of a proper barrier function.
Emerging trends of long non‐coding RNAs in gene activation
Authors: Krishnan Jaya , Mishra Rakesh K.
Published: October 2013

The RNA world has gained increasing importance in the recent past as its role beyond coding for proteins and components of translational machinery is becoming more and more prominent. Recent studies have shown pervasive transcription throughout the genome generating a large number of non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) but few of these RNAs have been shown to perform regulatory functions. Among the regulatory RNAs, the long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) form an interesting class which, with their ability to bind to a variety of targets, can play pivotal roles in cellular processes including regulation of gene expression. While lncRNAs are well known for their role in repressing gene expression, their role in gene activation is only emerging from recent studies. Here we review how the lncRNAs can mediate gene activation by a variety of mechanisms and explore their importance in biological processes.
Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 regulates tau phosphorylation through direct activation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β
Authors: Kawakami Fumitaka , Shimada Naoki , Ohta Etsuro , Kagiya Go , Kawashima Rei , Maekawa Tatsunori , Maruyama Hiroko , Ichikawa Takafumi
Published: October 2013

Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has been identified as the causal molecule for autosomal‐dominant Parkinson's disease (PD). Experimental evidence indicates that LRRK2 may play an important role in the pathology induced by abnormal phosphorylation of tau. In the present study, we demonstrated that LRRK2 directly associates with GSK‐3β, and that this interaction enhances the kinase activity of GSK‐3β. Furthermore, we found that LRRK2‐mediated activation of GSK‐3β induces high phosphorylation of tau at Ser396 in SH‐SY5Y cells. From our present findings, we conclude that LRRK2 may function as a novel enhancer for GSK‐3β and as a physiological regulator of neurite outgrowth and axonal transport through regulation of the GSK‐3β‐mediated phosphorylation of tau at the cellular level. Since LRRK2 is detected in tau‐positive inclusions in brain tissue affected by various neurodegenerative disorders, including PD, LRRK2‐stimulated phosphorylation of tau by GSK‐3β may be involved in development of pathological features in the initial stage of PD.

Structured digital abstract

LRKK2 physically interacts with GSK-3B by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

LRRK2 physically interacts with GSK-3B by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

LRRK2 binds to GSK-3B by pull down (View interaction)

GSK-3B physically interacts with LRRK2 and TAU by pull down (View interaction)
The impact of concordant and discordant comorbidities on patient‐assessed quality of diabetes care
Authors: Aung Eindra , Donald Maria , Coll Joseph , Dower Jo , M. Williams Gail , Doi Suhail A. R.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To examine the impact of concordant and discordant comorbidities on patients' assessments of providers' adherence to diabetes‐specific care guidelines and quality of chronic illness care.

Research design and methods

A population‐based survey of 3761 adults with type 2 diabetes, living in Queensland, Australia was conducted in 2008. Based on self‐reports, participants were grouped into four mutually exclusive comorbid categories: none, concordant only, discordant only and both concordant and discordant. Outcome measures included patient‐reported providers' adherence to guideline‐recommended care and the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC), which measures care according to the Chronic Care Model. Analyses using the former measure included logistic regressions, and the latter measure included univariate analysis of variance, both unadjusted and adjusted for sampling region, gender, age, educational attainment, diabetes duration and treatment status.

Results

Having concordant comorbidities increased the odds of patient‐reported providers' adherence for 7 of the 11 guideline‐recommended care activities in unadjusted analyses. However, the effect remained significant for only two provider activities (reviews of medication and/or complications and blood pressure examinations) when adjusted. A similar pattern was found for the both concordant and discordant comorbidity category. The presence of discordant comorbidities influenced only one provider activity (blood pressure examinations). No association between comorbidity type and the overall PACIC score was found.

Conclusions

Comorbidity type is associated with diabetes‐specific care, but does not seem to influence broader aspects of chronic illness care directly. Providers need to place more emphasis on care activities which are not comorbidity‐specific and thus transferable across different chronic conditions.
Skin viscoelasticity during hormone replacement therapy for climacteric ageing
Authors: Piérard G. E. , Hermanns‐Lê T. , Paquet P. , Piérard‐Franchimont C.
Published: October 2013

Synopsis

Background

Climacteric ageing refers to the period of women's life centred by the perimenopause. This step of life is responsible for initiating skin atrophic withering and slackness responsible for changes in the viscoelasticity of the dermal connective tissue. Some women benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for controlling some unpleasant internal climacteric changes (osteoporosis, vasomotor instability, …).

Objective

To investigate some corrective effects of HRT on the functional damages in the dermal tensile strength.

Patients and Methods

This study was performed on 200 healthy Caucasian women. In vivo skin viscoelasticity was assessed using the suction method.

Results

Skin distensibility and hysteresis appeared increased at menopause with or without HRT. By contrast, the biological elasticity significantly decreased out of HRT.

Conclusion

Some drugs and cosmetics might attempt at improving such viscoelastic attributes of the skin at menopause.
Immediate and extended effects of sodium lauryl sulphate exposure on stratum corneum natural moisturizing factor
Authors: Hoffman D. R. , Kroll L. M. , Basehoar A. , Reece B. , Cunningham C. T. , Koenig D. W.
Published: October 2013

Synopsis

Objectives

Natural moisturizing factor (NMF) serves as the primary humectant of the stratum corneum (SC), principally comprised of hygroscopic amino acids and derivatives that absorb moisture. Barrier disruption has been shown to differentially affect the levels of specific NMF components, though the kinetics of NMF component restoration following disruption have not been examined. Here, we investigated the impact of barrier disruption caused by surfactant exposure on a subset of NMF components immediately following exposure and out to 10 days post‐exposure.

Methods

Volunteers wore patches containing either 1% w/v sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or distilled water on their forearms for 24 h. Measurements of transepidermal water loss, erythema, SC water content and a subset of SC NMF and lipid components were obtained at both sites before treatment, the day of patch removal, and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 days following treatment.

Results

Most measured NMF components decreased in response to SLS exposure. Exceptions were increases in lactate, ornithine and urea, and no difference in proline levels. In the days following exposure, reduced levels of several NMF components continued at the SLS site; however, all measured NMF components demonstrated equivalence to the vehicle control within 10 days. Histidine pH 7, lactate, ornithine and urea were the first to achieve levels equivalent to the vehicle control site, normalizing within 1 day after patch removal.

Conclusion

Results imply that NMF components derived from sweat and urea cycling are least impacted by SLS exposure whereas NMF components derived from degradation of filaggrin and/or other S‐100 proteins are most impacted. This implies the restoration of the processes responsible for S‐100 protein processing into free amino acids takes several days to return to normal. Further examination of the enzymes involved in S‐100 protein processing following barrier disruption would provide insight into the pathway(s) for NMF restoration during SC recovery.
Proportional Odds Models with High‐Dimensional Data Structure
Authors: Zahid Faisal Maqbool , Tutz Gerhard
Published: October 2013

The proportional odds model is the most widely used model when the response has ordered categories. In the case of high‐dimensional predictor structure, the common maximum likelihood approach typically fails when all predictors are included. A boosting techniquepomBoostis proposed to fit the model by implicitly selecting the influential predictors. The approach distinguishes between metric and categorical predictors. In the case of categorical predictors, where each predictor relates to a set of parameters, the objective is to select simultaneously all the associated parameters. In addition, the approach distinguishes between nominal and ordinal predictors. In the case of ordinal predictors, the proposed technique uses the ordering of the ordinal predictors by penalizing the difference between the parameters of adjacent categories. The technique has also a provision to consider some mandatory predictors (if any) that must be part of the final sparse model. The performance of the proposed boosting algorithm is evaluated in a simulation study and applications with respect to mean squared error and prediction error. Hit rates and false alarm rates are used to judge the performance ofpomBoostfor selection of the relevant predictors.
Overcoming ‘Economic Backwardness’ in the European Union
Authors: Epstein Rachel A.
Published: October 2013

Long before the cold war and the Iron Curtain's construction, the European continent was marked by a developmental divide in which the east suffered relative economic deprivation compared to the west. This article revisits the sources of ‘economic backwardness’ in eastern Europe and asks whether post‐communist states' membership in the European Union (EU) upends the earlier structural conditions that had traditionally prevented east–west economic convergence. The article finds that while there is more economic opportunity for post‐communist states in the EU than outside it, EU membership does not subvert the major drivers of the developmental divide. EU membership does, however, limit economic volatility for the New Member States (NMS), which, in historical perspective, is a boon for eastern populations and stabilizing for democratic politics.
Biomarkers in the assessment of acute and chronic kidney diseases in the dog and cat
Authors: Cobrin A. R. , Blois S. L. , Kruth S. A. , Abrams‐Ogg A. C. G. , Dewey C.
Published: October 2013

In both human and veterinary medicine, diagnosing and staging renal disease can be difficult. Measurement of glomerular filtration rate is considered the gold standard for assessing renal function but methods for its assessment can be technically challenging and impractical. The main parameters used to diagnose acute and chronic kidney disease include circulating creatinine and urea concentrations, and urine‐specific gravity. However, these parameters can be insensitive. Therefore, there is a need for better methods to diagnose and monitor patients with renal disease. The use of renal biomarkers is increasing in human and veterinary medicine for the diagnosis and monitoring of acute and chronic kidney diseases. An ideal biomarker would identify site and severity of injury, and correlate with renal function, among other qualities. This article will review the advantages and limitations of renal biomarkers that have been used in dogs and cats, as well as some markers used in humans that may be adapted for veterinary use. In the future, measuring a combination of biomarkers will likely be a useful approach in the diagnosis of kidney disorders.
Spawning and Larval Development of the Four‐Sided Sea Cucumber, Isostichopus badionotus (Selenka 1867), under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Zacarías‐Soto Magali , Olvera‐Novoa Miguel A. , Pensamiento‐Villarauz Saúl , Sánchez‐Tapia Itzel
Published: October 2013

The objective of this study was to generate information for the development of Isostichopus badionotus culture protocols by determining optimal spawning methods, egg production, length and duration of larval stages, and larval habitat settlement preferences. Studies performed during the spawning seasons of 2010 and 2011 showed that this organism spawns between July and November without mechanical or chemical induction. The larval development has five well‐defined stages: early, mid and late auricularia, doliolaria, and pentactula. Juveniles (654.3 µm length) were obtained on average 25 days after fertilization (DAF), when larvae were incubated at 25 ± 1 C. No preference was observed for any of the materials used for settlement of the larvae. The easy adaptation of I. badionotus to the culture conditions and the competence of the larvae to complete metamorphosis while feeding solely on microalgae concentrates make this species an excellent candidate for farming. However, it is necessary to continue designing techniques for larval culture and to establish appropriate captivity conditions that allow multiannual reproduction.
Technical Efficiency of Shrimp Farming in Bangladesh: An Application of the Stochastic Production Frontier Approach
Authors: Begum MST. Esmat A. , Hossain Mohammad I. , Papanagiotou Evangelos
Published: October 2013

This study estimates the levels and determinants of farm‐level technical efficiency of shrimp farmers, using the stochastic production frontier function involving a model for technical inefficiency effects. A sample of 90 brackish water shrimp farms were surveyed in the region of Shyamnagar Upazila of the Satkhira District, Bangladesh, to study their economic efficiencies. Data were collected, using a questionnaire survey from September to October 2011. The mean technical efficiency level of the shrimp farmers was estimated at 82%, and thus, farmers operate 18% below the production frontier. The results suggest that the inefficiency effect is significant, and that education, age, non‐farm income and distance of the farm are significant determinants of technical inefficiency. By operating at full technical efficiency levels, shrimp production can increase from the current yield of 225.56 to 265.28 kg/ha. Besides improving technical efficiency, technological progress and extension services (such as dissemination of proper information of the technological practices and further adoption of technological practices) can also contribute to increased shrimp production levels. Finally, quality feed and fingerling at affordable prices need to be ensured to further promote shrimp production.
Effect of Temperature on Growth and Survival in Juvenile Opossum Pipefish, Microphis brachyurus: First Observations on the Species in Culture Conditions
Authors: Martinez‐Cardenas Leonardo , Sumaya‐Martínez Maria T. , Valdez‐Hernández Edna F. , González‐Díaz Alfonso A. , Soria‐Barreto Miriam , Castañeda‐Chavez María R. , Ruiz‐Velazco Javier M. , Peña‐Messina Emilio
Published: October 2013

In Mexico, natural populations of the opossum pipefish, Microphys brachyurus, are under pressure by anthropogenic alteration of their habitat and unregulated fishing as this species is traded as an aquarium fish, where its survival is low due to inadequate culture practices. The development of culturing techniques has been a successful strategy to protect many exploited species through providing an alternative source to wild exploitation. The aim of this study was to examine the effect on growth, condition, and survival of pipefish cultured for 6 wk at temperatures of 26, 28, and 30 C. Pipefish were fed enriched Artemia nauplii maintaining a ration rate of 14% body weight per day (dry weight Artemia : wet weight fish). The pipefish cultured at 26 and 28 C were longer, heavier, grew faster, and presented better condition than those at 30 C. The survival of pipefish cultured at 26 C was greater (83%) than at 30 C (30%) but not different than at 28 C (50%). This study is the first to report the acceptance of Artemia nauplii by juveniles of the species and that a temperature of 30 C is not suitable for juvenile M. brachyurus culture.
Cage‐cultured Largemouth Bronze Gudgeon, Coreius guichenoti: Biochemical Profile of Plasma and Physiological Response to Acute Handling Stress
Authors: Zhao Jianhua , Zhu Yongjiu , Yang Deguo , Chen Jianwu , He Yongfeng , Li Xi , Feng Xianbin , Xiong Bangxi
Published: October 2013

We examined the blood biochemical profile and the physiological response to acute handling stress of a historically important economic but currently a rare endangered fish, Largemouth bronze gudgeon, Coreius guichenoti, in the upper Yangtze River. The results showed that the glucose (GLU) and triglyceride (TG) levels in the cage‐cultured C. guichenoti were significantly higher than those of the wild type, and the basal cortisol (COR) level was higher than that of most other fish species. In the stress experiment, the fish were subjected to a low‐ and high‐intensity handling stress, respectively, and sampling was performed before the stress and at 0, 1, 4, 12, 24, 72, 120, and 168 h after the stress. The levels of COR, GLU, lactate (LA), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of stressed fish exhibited an increase first and then a recovery to the pre‐stress levels with a typical acute stress response in the first 24 h. Fish in both stressed groups were spontaneously infected with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis from the 24th to the 168th h, and exhibited a chronic stress response. These data would facilitate the studies of blood physiology of C. guichenoti and related fish in health evaluation, species propagation and conservation, as well as the stress response in aquaculture.
Heat Shock Protein Regulation in Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, is Altered by Dietary Soybean Meal Inclusion and Anti‐Phopholipase A2 Antibody
Authors: Sealey Wendy M. , Barrows Frederic T. , Smith Charles E. , Wacyk Jurij M. , Powell Madison S. , Hardy Ronald W. , Shelden Eric A.
Published: October 2013

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) can promote integrity of damaged intestinal epithelial tissues. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a commercially available anti‐phospholipase A2 antibody on growth, feed efficiency, Hsp expression, and intestinal health of rainbow trout fed diets containing high levels of soybean meal (SBM). Six practical‐type diets (45% protein; 15% fat) were formulated to contain 0, 17.5, or 35% SBM with and without antibody. Each diet was fed to three replicate tanks of fish (20 fish/tank; initial weight 21 g) for 9 wk. RNA was isolated from liver and intestinal tissues (n = 3/tank) to detect alterations in Hsp 27, Hsp 70, and Hsp 90 expression. Fish fed a diet containing 35% SBM had decreased growth and intestinal damage. Hsp 27 and Hsp 90 mRNA was elevated in fish fed 35% SBM. Fish fed 35% SBM with antibody had lower Hsp 90 mRNA expression than fish without antibody. These data indicate that feeding rainbow trout high levels of SBM alters the expression of some Hsps and anti‐phospholipase A2 antibody supplementation does not normalize growth or prevent distal enteritis in fish fed 35% SBM.
Transepithelial ion transport across duct cells of the salivary gland
Authors: Ohana E
Published: October 2013

Fluid and electrolyte secretions are vital for all epithelia and when aberrant lead to numerous pathophysiological conditions. Electrolyte transport across epithelia generates the osmotic force for fluid movement and is mediated by several membrane proteins expressed on both apical and basolateral poles of epithelial cells. Sodium and chloride are crucial for regulation of fluid secretion, thus regulating salivary volume. Bicarbonate (), on the other hand, is the major pH buffer; hence, aberrant secretion is a major factor in diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF) causing altered mucin hydration and solubilization. Here, the structure–function mechanisms of the major membrane transporters involved in salivary duct electrolyte transport are reviewed focusing on transepithelial movement of Cl− and .
Duloxetine Compared with Pregabalin for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain Management in Patients with Suboptimal Pain Response to Gabapentin and Treated with or without Antidepressants: A Post Hoc Analysis
Authors: Tanenberg Robert J. , Clemow David B. , Giaconia Joseph M. , Risser Richard C.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To examine the efficacy of duloxetine vs. pregabalin in the treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), comparing patient subgroups with and without concomitant antidepressant use.

Methods

This post hoc analysis assessed data from a randomized 12‐week study that confirmed the noninferiority of duloxetine to pregabalin. In the previously published study, patients with DPNP with inadequate response to gabapentin were switched to duloxetine monotherapy, combination therapy of duloxetine plus gabapentin, or pregabalin monotherapy. Current, stable antidepressant use was allowed; 79 patients were concomitantly treated with antidepressants and 328 without antidepressants. In this post hoc analysis, improvement in the weekly mean of diary‐based average daily pain ratings (numerical rating scale: 0–10) in antidepressant users and nonusers was analyzed using a longitudinal mixed‐models repeated‐measures (MMRM) analysis, including a test of the 3‐way interaction (antidepressant subgroup by treatment by week) to assess whether the differences among treatment groups over 12 weeks differ between the antidepressant‐use subgroups.

Results

The 3‐way interaction was significant (P = 0.035), demonstrating that treatment‐group differences in pain reduction over time differ between the subgroups. Among patients without antidepressant use, patients treated with duloxetine had significantly greater pain reduction than pregabalin at Week 4 and at each successive week up to the 12‐week endpoint (−2.8 for duloxetine and −2.1 for pregabalin; P = 0.031); patients treated with duloxetine plus gabapentin had greater pain reduction than pregabalin at Weeks 2, 3, 5, and 7 to 9 (P ≤ 0.05) but not at endpoint (−2.4; P = 0.222). Among concomitant antidepressant users, no treatment‐group differences were found.

Conclusions

In patients with DPNP inadequately treated with gabapentin without the concomitant use of antidepressants, switching to duloxetine instead of pregabalin may provide better pain reduction. Conversely, in nonresponders to gabapentin who are concomitantly using an antidepressant, switching to duloxetine or pregabalin may provide similar pain reductions.
Relationship between Sensory Stimulation and Side Effects in Percutaneous Radiofrequency Treatment of the Trigeminal Ganglion
Authors: Koning Mark V. , Koning Nick J. , Koning Henk M. , van Kleef Maarten
Published: October 2013

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) treatment of the trigeminal ganglion for treating patients with trigeminal neuralgia, to determine which patients have a long‐term benefit, and to evaluate the effect of RF parameters.

Methods

A retrospective study in 28 consecutive patients in combination with a follow‐up questionnaire (n = 26, 93% response).

Results

An initial treatment effect of 89% was observed, 60% sustained at 12‐month follow‐up. Major side effects were hypesthesia (56%), dry eye (20%), and masseter muscle weakness (12%). A lower sensory stimulation threshold during treatment was associated with better patient satisfaction (P = 0.016), improved pain relief (P = 0.039), and trended toward more hypesthesia (P = 0.077).

Discussion

This low‐volume study reported treatment effects in an older population that were similar to previous studies. Only a higher incidence of hypesthesia was detected by long‐term follow‐up. This study supported the high efficiency of RF treatment, but there was a high level of side effects. Most notable, low sensory stimulation was associated with increased hypesthesia, whereas higher stimulation levels yielded less effectiveness. Further investigation of an optimal sensory stimulation range for percutaneous RF treatment of the trigeminal ganglion was found to be warranted.
Long‐Term Response of Neuropathic Pain to Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Relapsing Diabetic Lumbosacral Radiculoplexus Neuropathy. A Case Report
Authors: Tamburin Stefano , Magrinelli Francesca , Favaro Flaviano , Briani Chiara , Zanette Giampietro
Published: October 2013

Diabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy (DLRPN) is a rare painful peripheral neuropathic complication of diabetes mellitus. The clinical features of DLRPN include severe neuropathic pain, weakness, atrophy, and sensory loss in the lower limbs with asymmetrical distribution. Nerve ischemia due to inflammation and microvasculitis has been suggested as the pathophysiological mechanism for DLRPN. Analgesics and drugs for neuropathic pain often cannot achieve adequate pain control in DLRPN. Some reports suggest that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) may reduce pain in DLRPN, but the mechanisms of this effect are unclear.

We report a patient with relapsing DLRPN who was followed up for 8 years and whose pain improved after IVIg on nine occasions. We measured serum cytokines before and after IVIg; serum tumor necrosis factor α was increased when the patient reported pain and normalized after IVIg in parallel with pain improvement.

Our data extend the notion that some types of pain, including peripheral neuropathic pain, may respond to IVIg and give some clue on the mechanism of this therapeutic effect. They are also consistent with the suggested role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and offer support to the hypothesis that cytokines may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain.
Use of a large multiparent wheat mapping population in genomic dissection of coleoptile and seedling growth
Authors: Rebetzke Greg J. , Verbyla Arunas P. , Verbyla Klara L. , Morell Matthew K. , Cavanagh Colin R.
Published: October 2013

Identification of alleles towards the selection for improved seedling vigour is a key objective of many wheat breeding programmes. A multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population developed from four commercial spring wheat cultivars (cvv. Baxter, Chara, Westonia and Yitpi) and containing ca. 1000 F2‐derived, F6:7 RILs was assessed at two contrasting soil temperatures (12 and 20 °C) for shoot length and coleoptile characteristics length and thickness. Narrow‐sense heritabilities were high for coleoptile and shoot length (h2 = 0.68–0.70), indicating a strong genetic basis for the differences among progeny. Genotypic variation was large, and distributions of genotype means were approximately Gaussian with evidence for transgressive segregation for all traits. A number of significant QTL were identified for all early growth traits, and these were commonly repeatable across the different soil temperatures. The largest negative effects on coleoptile lengths were associated with Rht‐B1b (−8.2%) and Rht‐D1b (−10.9%) dwarfing genes varying in the population. Reduction in coleoptile length with either gene was particularly large at the warmer soil temperature. Other large QTL for coleoptile length were identified on chromosomes 1A, 2B, 4A, 5A and 6B, but these were relatively smaller than allelic effects at the Rht‐B1 and Rht‐D1 loci. A large coleoptile length effect allele (a = 5.3 mm at 12 °C) was identified on chromosome 1AS despite the relatively shorter coleoptile length of the donor Yitpi. Strong, positive genetic correlations for coleoptile and shoot lengths (rg = 0.85–0.90) support the co‐location of QTL for these traits and suggest a common physiological basis for both. The multiparent population has enabled the identification of promising shoot and coleoptile QTL despite the potential for the confounding of large effect dwarfing gene alleles present in the commercial parents. The incidence of these alleles in commercial wheat breeding programmes should facilitate their ready implementation in selection of varieties with improved establishment and early growth.
Metabolic engineering of biomass for high energy density: oilseed‐like triacylglycerol yields from plant leaves
Authors: Vanhercke Thomas , El Tahchy Anna , Liu Qing , Zhou Xue‐Rong , Shrestha Pushkar , Divi Uday K. , Ral Jean‐Philippe , Mansour Maged P. , Nichols Peter D. , James Christopher N. , Horn Patrick J. , Chapman Kent D. , Beaudoin Frederic , Ruiz‐López Noemi , Larkin Philip J. , de Feyter Robert C. , Singh Surinder P. , Petrie James R.
Published: October 2013

High biomass crops have recently attracted significant attention as an alternative platform for the renewable production of high energy storage lipids such as triacylglycerol (TAG). While TAG typically accumulates in seeds as storage compounds fuelling subsequent germination, levels in vegetative tissues are generally low. Here, we report the accumulation of more than 15% TAG (17.7% total lipids) by dry weight in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) leaves by the co‐expression of three genes involved in different aspects of TAG production without severely impacting plant development. These yields far exceed the levels found in wild‐type leaf tissue as well as previously reported engineered TAG yields in vegetative tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana and N. tabacum. When translated to a high biomass crop, the current levels would translate to an oil yield per hectare that exceeds those of most cultivated oilseed crops. Confocal fluorescence microscopy and mass spectrometry imaging confirmed the accumulation of TAG within leaf mesophyll cells. In addition, we explored the applicability of several existing oil‐processing methods using fresh leaf tissue. Our results demonstrate the technical feasibility of a vegetative plant oil production platform and provide for a step change in the bioenergy landscape, opening new prospects for sustainable food, high energy forage, biofuel and biomaterial applications.
Mapping of quantitative trait loci for floral scent compounds in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)
Authors: Andargie Mebeaselassie , Knudsen Jette T. , Pasquet Remy S. , Gowda Bhavani S. , Muluvi Geoffrey M. , Timko Michael P.
Published: October 2013

Floral scent is a very important trait in plant evolution. Currently, little is known about the inheritance of floral scent in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) or changes that might have occurred during its domestication. Therefore, we analysed scent volatiles and molecular markers in a population of 159 F7 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross of a domesticated blackeye cowpea cultivar, ‘524B’ and a wild accession ‘219‐01’. Using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC–MS) 23 volatile compounds were identified that fall into five general functional categories. Twenty‐two of the compounds displayed quantitative variation in the progeny, and a total of 63 QTLs influencing the amounts of these volatiles were mapped onto the cowpea genetic marker map. Although QTLs for volatile compounds putatively involved in cowpea flower scent were found on 9 of the 11 cowpea chromosomes, they were not evenly distributed with QTLs mainly clustered on LGs 1, LGs 2 and LG 4. Our results serve as a starting point for both more detailed analyses of complex scent biosynthetic pathways and the development of markers for marker‐assisted breeding of scented rose varieties.
Integration of AFLPs, SSRs and SNPs markers into a new genetic map of industrial chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. sativum)
Authors: Muys Céline , Thienpont Claire‐Noëlle , Dauchot Nicolas , Maudoux Olivier , Draye Xavier , Cutsem Pierre Van
Published: October 2013

A chicory genetic map of 1208 cM has been created using 247 F2 plants and 237 markers (170 AFLP, 28 SSR, 27 EST‐SNP and 12 EST‐SSR). This map covers 84% of the chicory genome. The chicory‐genic‐markers‐associated sequences were used to find potential orthologs in mapped lettuce ESTs from the Compositae Genome Project Database. Twenty‐seven putative orthologous pairs were retained, pinpointing seven putative blocks of synteny that covered 11% of the chicory genome and 13% of the lettuce genome, opening new perspectives for the analysis of these two species.