bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural substrates of plant proteases: how can protease degradomics extend our knowledge?
Authors: Tsiatsiani Liana , Gevaert Kris , Van Breusegem Frank
Published: October 2011

Despite the key role of proteolysis in various intensively studied biological processes, such as plant immunity, seed development and abiotic stress responses, our knowledge on the identity of natural protease substrates in plants remains scarce. In the genome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, for instance, approximately 700 genes code for proteases. However, only a few natural substrates have been identified, mainly because of the previous lack of sensitive proteomics technologies enabling the identification of low abundant proteins, together with a delay in the implementation of these technologies in the field of plant research. Here, we review the current knowledge on the identity of natural plant protease substrates and describe recently established degradomics technologies that should allow proteome‐wide studies of plant proteases in the near future.
Isolation and Culture of Preantral Follicles for Retrieving Oocytes for the Embryo Production: Present Status in Domestic Animals
Authors: Gupta PSP , Nandi S
Published: October 2011

Contents

The development of efficient ovarian preantral follicle (PF) isolation and culture systems provide a large number of oocytes for the manipulation and embryo production. It also helps for understanding the mechanisms of follicle and oocyte development. Isolation and culture protocols for PFs were developed for many domestic species like cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig, horse, camel, dog and cats; however, embryo production from oocytes derived from in vitro grown PFs was reported only in pigs, buffalo, sheep and goat. The rate of oocyte maturation from PFs grown in vitro is low and requires considerable research. This paper presents an overview of isolation and culture systems of PFs that have been developed for domestic species (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pigs, horse, camel, dog and cat) along with the current status of progress achieved in the direction of producing embryos using PFs as the source of oocyte in these species.
Thermal histories of Cretaceous basins in Korea: Implications for response of the East Asian continental margin to subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate
Authors: CHOI TAEJIN , LEE YONG IL
Published: October 2011

Thermal histories of Cretaceous sedimentary basins in the Korean peninsula have been assessed to understand the response of the East Asian continental margin to subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific (Izanagi) Plate. The Izanagi Plate subducted obliquely beneath the East Asian continent during the Early Cretaceous and orthogonally in the Late Cretaceous. First, the Jinan Basin, a pull‐apart basin, was studied by illite crystallinity and apatite fission‐track analyses. Analytical results indicate that Jinan Basin sediment was heated to a maximum temperature of approximately 287°C by burial. The sediment experienced two cooling episodes during ca 95–80 Ma and after ca 30 Ma, with a quiescent period between them. A similar cooling pattern is recognized in the Gyeongsang Basin, the largest Cretaceous basin in Korea. The Jinan and Gyeongsang Basins were cooled mainly by exhumation between ca 95 and 80 Ma, but the former was exhumed slightly earlier than the latter by transpressional force due to the subduction direction change of the Izanagi Plate. Comparison of thermal history of Korean Cretaceous basins with those of granitoids in northeastern China and the accretionary complexes in southwestern Japan reveals that the Upper Cretaceous regional exhumation of the East Asian continental margin including the Korean peninsula during ca 95–80 Ma was facilitated by the subduction of the Izanagi–Pacific ridge, which migrated northeastwards with time, resulting in the end of regional exhumation at ca 80 Ma in this region.
Post‐uptake metabolism affects quantification of amino acid uptake
Authors: Warren Charles R.
Published: October 2011

The quantitative significance of amino acids to plant nutrition remains controversial. This experiment determined whether post‐uptake metabolism and root to shoot export differ between glycine and glutamine, and examined implications for estimation of amino acid uptake.

Field soil containing a Eucalyptus pauciflora seedling was injected with uniformly 13C‐ and 15N‐labelled glycine or glutamine. I quantified 15N and 13C excess in leaves and roots and intact labelled amino acids in leaves, roots and stem xylem sap. A tunable diode laser quantified fluxes of 12CO2 and 13CO2 from leaves and soil.

60–360 min after addition of amino acid, intact molecules of U‐13C,15N glutamine were < 5% of 15N excess in roots, whereas U‐13C,15N glycine was 30–100% of 15N excess in roots. Intact molecules of glutamine, but not glycine, were exported from roots to shoots.

Post‐uptake metabolism and transport complicate interpretation of isotope labelling such that root and shoot contents of intact amino acid, 13C and 15N may not reflect rates of uptake. Future experiments should focus on reconciling discrepancies between intact amino acid, 13C and 15N by determining the turnover of amino acids within roots. Alternatively, post‐uptake metabolism and transport could be minimized by harvesting plants within minutes of isotope addition.
Caveolin‐1 regulates nitric oxide‐mediated matrix metalloproteinases activity and blood–brain barrier permeability in focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury
Authors: Gu Yong , Zheng Guoqing , Xu Mingjing , Li Yue , Chen Xingmiao , Zhu Wenzong , Tong Yao , Chung Sookja K. , Liu Ke Jian , Shen Jiangang
Published: October 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 147–156.

The roles of caveolin‐1 (cav‐1) in regulating blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability are unclear yet. We previously reported that cav‐1 was down‐regulated and the production of nitric oxide (NO) induced the loss of cav‐1 in focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. The present study aims to address whether the loss of cav‐1 impacts on BBB permeability and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity during cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion injury. We found that focal cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion down‐regulated the expression of cav‐1 in isolated cortex microvessels, hippocampus, and cortex of ischemic brain. The down‐regulation of cav‐1 was correlated with the increased MMP‐2 and ‐9 activities, decreased tight junction (TJ) protein zonula occludens (ZO)‐1 expression and enhanced BBB permeability. Treatment of NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester [l‐NAME, a non‐selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor] reserved the expression of cav‐1, inhibited MMPs activity, and reduced BBB permeability. To elucidate the roles of cav‐1 in regulating MMPs and BBB permeability, we used two approaches including cav‐1 knockdown in cultured brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) in vitro and cav‐1 knockout (KO) mice in vivo. Cav‐1 knockdown remarkably increased MMPs activity in BMECs. Meanwhile, with focal cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion, cav‐1 deficiency mice displayed higher MMPs activities and BBB permeability than wild‐type mice. Interestingly, the effects of l‐NAME on MMPs activity and BBB permeability was partly reversed in cav‐1 deficiency mice. These results, when taken together, suggest that cav‐1 plays important roles in regulating MMPs activity and BBB permeability in focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. The effects of l‐NAME on MMPs activity and BBB permeability are partly mediated by preservation of cav‐1.
Effect of levofloxacin on lithium – a pharmacokinetic study in rabbits
Authors: Rajagopalan Sujit , Shafiq Nusrat , Pandhi Promila , Malhotra Samir
Published: October 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate potential drug–drug interaction between lithium and levofloxacin. The study was conducted on New Zealand white rabbits with three groups having two subgroups each (n = 12). The first group compared the pharmacokinetic (Pk) parameters of lithium when lithium was given as a single dose (56 mg/kg) and when lithium was co‐administered with levofloxacin (35 mg/kg). The second group compared the Pk parameters of lithium when lithium was given for 6 days alone and when levofloxacin was given on the sixth day after lithium steady‐state levels were achieved. The third group compared the Pk parameters of lithium when lithium was given alone for 8 days and levofloxacin was given on days 6, 7, and 8 along with lithium. Apart from this, creatinine levels were also measured to detect nephrotoxicity effects because of this co‐administration. It was found that there was increase in lithium levels in all three groups. The increase was significant when a single dose of levofloxacin was administered with steady‐state level of lithium (Cmax of lithium: 2.54 ± 0.15 vs 2.79 ± 0.12 mm, P < 0.001 and AUC0‐α of lithium: 24.36 ± 3.68 vs 31.88 ± 4.83 mmol/mL h, P < 0.001). The increase in lithium levels was also significant when levofloxacin was coprescribed for 3 days after lithium steady‐state levels were achieved (Cmax increased from 2.72 ± 0.29 to 3.96 ± 0.29 mm, P < 0.001 and AUC0‐α increased from 27.1 ± 4.96 to 42.64 ± 4.94 mmol/mL h). Levofloxacin increases lithium levels when they are co‐administered, and this interaction might be clinically significant as they may be coprescribed.
The value of population pharmacokinetics and simulation for postmarketing safety evaluation of dosing guidelines for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index: buflomedil as a case study
Authors: Bourguignon Laurent , Ducher Michel , Matanza David , Bleyzac Nathalie , Uhart Mathieu , Odouard Emmanuel , Maire Pascal , Goutelle Sylvain
Published: October 2011

Population pharmacokinetics and simulation techniques currently play an important role in new drug development. This paper illustrates the potential value of those methods in postmarketing safety assessment, using buflomedil in elderly patients as an example. We retrospectively assessed the risk of buflomedil overdosing associated with the latest dosing recommendations of the French Drug Agency (AFSSAPS). First, buflomedil concentrations measured in 24 elderly patients were analysed with a nonparametric population approach. Then, the pharmacokinetic model was used to perform a 1000‐patient Monte Carlo simulation for the two recommended buflomedil dosage regimens. The maximum concentrations calculated after 10 days of therapy were compared with levels observed in reported cases of toxicity to assess the probability of overdosing. A three‐compartment model best fit concentration data. Population predictions showed little bias (−0.14 mg/L) and good precision (8.73 mg2/L2). Overall results of the simulation study showed that the application of the two recommended dosage regimens of buflomedil was associated with overdosing (Cmax > 10 mg/L) and potential toxicity in 2.9% of geriatric patients. In patients with mild renal impairment, who may receive the higher‐dosage regimen by therapeutic error, the probability of overdosing was 6.2%. Despite specific dosing recommendations in case of renal impairment, this study shows that the use of buflomedil could be associated with significant risk of overdosing in geriatric patients. Such results might have enhanced decision‐making when buflomedil safety was reassessed by AFSSAPS in 2006. The retrospective case of buflomedil illustrates how these methods may be valuable in postmarketing safety evaluation of potentially toxic drugs.
Physician Practices and Readiness for Medical Home Reforms: Policy, Pitfalls, and Possibilities
Authors: Hollingsworth John M. , Saint Sanjay , Sakshaug Joseph W. , Hayward Rodney A. , Zhang Lingling , Miller David C.
Published: October 2011

Objective.

To determine the proportion of physician practices in the United States that currently meets medical home criteria.

Data Source/Study Setting.

2007 and 2008 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.

Study Design.

We mapped survey items to the National Committee on Quality Assurance's (NCQA's) medical home standards. After awarding points for each “passed” element, we calculated a practice's infrastructure score, dividing its cumulative total by the number of available points. We identified practices that would be recognized as a medical home (Level 1 [25–49 percent], Level 2 [50–74 percent], or Level 3 [infrastructure score ≥75 percent]) and examined characteristics associated with NCQA recognition.

Results.

Forty‐six percent (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 42.5–50.2) of all practices lack sufficient medical home infrastructure. While 72.3 percent (95 percent CI, 64.0–80.7 percent) of multi‐specialty groups would achieve recognition, only 49.8 percent (95 percent CI, 45.2–54.5 percent) of solo/partnership practices meet NCQA standards. Although better prepared than specialists, 40 percent of primary care practices would not qualify as a medical home under present criteria.

Conclusion.

Almost half of all practices fail to meet NCQA standards for medical home recognition.
European Long‐Term Care Programs: Lessons for Community Living Assistance Services and Supports?
Authors: Nadash Pamela , Doty Pamela , Mahoney Kevin J. , Von Schwanenflugel Matthias
Published: October 2011

Objective

To uncover lessons from abroad for Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS), a federally run voluntary public long‐term care (LTC) insurance program created under the Accountable Care Act of 2010.

Data Sources

Program administrators and policy researchers from Austria, England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Study Design

Qualitative methods focused on key parameters of cash for care: how programs set benefit levels; project expenditures; control administrative costs; regulate the use of benefits; and protect workers.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Structured discussions were conducted during an international conference of LTC experts, followed by personal meetings and individual correspondence.

Principal Findings

Germany's self‐financing mandate and tight targeting of benefits have resulted in a solvent program with low premiums. Black markets for care are likely in the absence of regulation; France addresses this via a unique system ensuing legal payment of workers.

Conclusions

Programs in the five countries studied have lessons, both positive and negative, relevant to CLASS design.
Multilingualism and Multicompetence: A Conceptual View
Authors: FRANCESCHINI RITA
Published: October 2011

The overall aim of this article is to argue that the functioning of every language system is based on a potential multilingual competence. The empirical basis for this is now broad enough to gain a comprehensive view on the overall competence of a multilingual individual. Moreover, increasing theoretical reflection has conferred an increasingly independent profile in the field of multilingualism research. In the main part of this article, a definition of multilingualism is proposed and related to the term “multicompetence.” The proposed definition of multilingualism, emerging from sociolinguistically rooted studies, distinguishes not only the classical social, institutional, and individual dimensions of observation but includes a new interaction dimension as well. The term “multicompetence” is then discussed in its historical development form on which psycholinguistics oriented studies. The European LINEE project tries to enlarge the concept of multicompetence with the aim of making it suitable for a sociolinguistic embedding. This usage‐based approach is presented and further claims for more conceptual reflections in the field of multilingualism are made.
A Multilingual Approach: Conclusions and Future Perspectives: Afterword
Authors: GORTER DURK , CENOZ JASONE
Published: October 2011

This article summarizes the individual contributions to this special issue and discusses the advantages and implications of adopting a multilingual approach. The advantages include the possibility of examining language practices in context and providing insights about the way languages are acquired and used. This multilingual approach also opens new paths for research and language assessment and has implications for language teaching.
Caveman Politics: Evolutionary Leadership Preferences and Physical Stature
Authors: Murray Gregg R. , Schmitz J. David
Published: October 2011

Objective

Following evolutionary psychology, we argue that physical stature matters in preferences regarding political leadership. Particularly, a preference for physically formidable leaders evolved to promote survivability in the violent human ancestral history.

Methods

We present two studies of original data to assess individual attitudes regarding the association between physical stature and political leadership. Analytical methods include ordered probit regression.

Results

The findings are consistent with the evolutionary theory presented here. Study 1 indicates that individuals tend to prefer leaders with greater physical stature, while Study 2 indicates that males with greater physical stature are more likely to think of themselves as qualified to be a leader and, through this increased sense of efficacy, they are more likely to demonstrate interest in pursuing a leadership position.

Conclusion

Consistent with emerging evidence from other research perspectives, political behavior, in this case preferences regarding political leadership, is shaped by both environmental and evolutionary forces.
Likelihood Approach for Detecting Imprinting and In Utero Maternal Effects Using General Pedigrees from Prospective Family‐Based Association Studies
Authors: Yang Jingyuan , Lin Shili
Published: October 2011

Summary Genetic imprinting and in utero maternal effects are causes of parent‐of‐origin effect but they are confounded with each other. Tests attempting to detect only one of these effects would have a severely inflated type I error rate if the assumption of the absence of the other effect is violated. Some existing methods avoid the potential confounding by modeling imprinting and in utero maternal effect simultaneously. However, these methods are not amendable to extended families, which are commonly recruited in family‐based studies. In this article, we propose a likelihood approach for detecting imprinting and maternal effects (LIME) using general pedigrees from prospective family‐based association studies. LIME formulates the probability of familial genotypes without the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium assumption by introducing a novel concept called conditional mating type between marry‐in founders and their nonfounder spouses. Further, a logit link is used to model the penetrance. To deal with the issue of incomplete pedigree genotypic data, LIME imputes the unobserved genotypes implicitly by considering all compatible ones conditional on the observed genotypes. We carried out a simulation study to evaluate the relative power and type I error of LIME and two existing methods. The results show that the use of extended pedigree data, even with incomplete information, can achieve much greater power than using nuclear families for detecting imprinting and in utero maternal effects without leading to inflated type I error rates.
Liquid Desiccant Solvent Extraction of Alumina‐Filled Thermoreversible Gels
Authors: Shanti N. O. , DeNolf G. C. , Shull K. R. , Faber K. T.
Published: October 2011

A liquid desiccant solvent extraction technique is introduced to significantly reduce the amount of warping during drying in thermoreversibly gelcast alumina samples by eliminating capillary stresses during the initial solvent removal stage. This process is combined with a secondary drying step in a vacuum oven with an in‐line solvent trap, allowing for the complete recovery of the alcohol solvent used in producing gels. Optimal concentrations and immersion times for poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)‐based and water‐based liquid desiccants are determined, along with the osmotic stresses and equilibrium solvent concentrations of gels immersed in these desiccants. Solvent loss during the liquid desiccant solvent extraction step, volumetric shrinkage during drying and sintering, and sintered porosity are measured. It is determined that a ~10 wt% poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)/90 wt% isopropyl alcohol liquid desiccant is optimal.
Effects of redox modulation by inhibition of thioredoxin reductase on radiosensitivity and gene expression
Authors: Selenius Markus , Hedman Mattias , Brodin David , Gandin Valentina , Rigobello Maria Pia , Flygare Jenny , Marzano Christine , Bindoli Alberto , Brodin Ola , Björnstedt Mikael , Fernandes Aristi P.
Published: October 2011

The thioredoxin system is a promising target when aiming to overcome the problem of clinical radiation resistance. Altered cellular redox status and redox sensitive thiols contributing to induction of resistance strongly connect the ubiquitous redox enzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) to the cellular response to ionizing radiation. To further investigate possible strategies in combating clinical radiation resistance, human radio‐resistant lung cancer cells were subjected to a combination of single fractions of γ‐radiation at clinically relevant doses and non‐toxic levels of a well‐characterized thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, the phosphine gold(I) compound [Au(SCN)(PEt3)]. The combination of the TrxR‐inhibitor and ionizing radiation reduced the surviving fractions and impaired the ability of the U1810 cells to repopulate by approximately 50%. In addition, inhibition of thioredoxin reductase caused changes in the cell cycle distribution, suggesting a disturbance of the mitotic process. Global gene expression analysis also revealed clustered genetic expression changes connected to several major cellular pathways such as cell cycle, cellular response to stress and DNA damage. Specific TrxR‐inhibition as a factor behind the achieved results was confirmed by correlation of gene expression patterns between gold and siRNA treatment. These results clearly demonstrate TrxR as an important factor conferring resistance to irradiation and the use of [Au(SCN)(PEt3)] as a promising radiosensitizing agent.
Toxoplasma gondii excretory secretory antigenic proteins of diagnostic potential
Authors: SAADATNIA GEITA , MOHAMED ZEEHAIDA , GHAFFARIFAR FATEMEH , OSMAN EMELIA , MOGHADAM ZOHREH KAZEMI , NOORDIN RAHMAH
Published: October 2011

Saadatnia G, Mohamed Z, Ghaffarifar F, Osman E, Kazemi Moghadam Z, Noordin R. Toxoplasma gondii excretory secretory antigenic proteins of diagnostic potential. APMIS 2012; 120: 47–55.

Infection with Toxoplasma gondii is widespread and important in humans, especially pregnant women and immunosuppressed patients. A panel of tests is usually required for diagnosis toxoplasmosis. Excretory secretory antigen (ESA) is highly immunogenic, and thus it is a good candidate for investigation into new infection markers. ESA was prepared from tachyzoites of RH strain of T. gondii by mice intraperitoneal infection. Sera were obtained from several categories of individuals who differed in their status of anti‐Toxoplasma IgM, IgG and IgG avidity antibodies. The ESA was subjected to SDS‐PAGE, two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis. Antigenic bands of approximate molecular weights of 12, 20 and 30 kDa, when probed with anti‐human IgM‐HRP and IgA‐HRP, showed good potential as infection markers. The highest sensitivity of the bands was 98.7% with combination of IgM and IgA blots with sera of patients with anti‐Toxoplasma IgM+ IgG+. The specificities were 84% and 70% with sera from other infections and healthy controls in IgM blots and IgA blots respectively. By mass spectrometry, the 12 kDa protein was identified as thioredoxin. The two top proteins identified for 20 kDa molecule were microneme protein 10 and dense granule protein 7; whereas that for 30 kDa were phosphoglycerate mutase 1 and phosphoglycerate mutase.
A 1‐Year Prospective Study on Co‐Axis® Implants Immediately Loaded with a Full Ceramic Crown
Authors: Vandeweghe Stefan , Cosyn Jan , Thevissen Eric , Van den Berghe Linda , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: October 2011

Introduction: The Co‐Axis® implant (Southern Implants®, Irene, South Africa) has a 12‐degree angle in the implant neck to overcome angulation problems.

Aim: To examine bone loss, peri‐implant health, and aesthetical outcome after 1‐year follow‐up.

Materials and Methods: Fifteen single implants were placed in 14 patients in the premaxilla and immediately loaded with a screw‐retained full ceramic crown. Periapical radiographs and standardized photographs were taken to determine bone loss and soft tissue changes. Plaque and bleeding levels were assessed. Patients' satisfaction was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 questionnaire.

Results: After 1 year, all implants survived and mean bone loss was 1.20 mm, with no significant changes after 6 months. Plaque levels were low and no significant changes were observed. Bleeding levels decreased during the initial 3 months, but were constant thereafter. Before final torqueing was performed after 6 months, four cases of screw loosening occurred. Also, one crown had a piece of porcelain chipped off. Patients reported an overall increase in well‐being. A mean midfacial recession of 0.37 mm was observed. The mesial papilla showed a slight increase of 0.14 mm, while the distal papilla decreased 0.35 mm.

Conclusion: With 100% survival and stable bone levels after 6 months, the Co‐Axis implant showed a good clinical outcome when immediately loaded. The use of a full ceramic crown as a first and final restoration resulted in a good aesthetic outcome with few changes in papilla fill, although midfacial soft tissue was stable only after 1 year.
Increased expression of NOR‐1 mRNA in the skeletal muscles of cold‐exposed neonatal chicks
Authors: IJIRI Daichi , MATSUBARA Tomoko , KANAI Yukio , HIRABAYASHI Miho
Published: October 2011

Nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A (NR4A) subgroup orphan receptors are rapidly induced by various physiological stimuli and have been suggested to regulate oxidative metabolism and muscle mass in mammalian skeletal muscle. The results showed that the NR4A subgroup orphan receptor, NOR‐1 (NR4A3), was acutely increased in skeletal muscles of neonatal chicks in response to short‐term cold exposure. The increased NOR‐1 gene expression was concomitant with cold‐induced changes in gene expression of both myostatin and proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator‐1 (PGC‐1α), and the increase in skeletal muscle mass. These observations suggest that NOR‐1 might play a role in controlling skeletal muscle growth in cold‐exposed neonatal chicks.
Association between energy status early postpartum and subsequent embryonic mortality in high‐yielding recipient cows
Authors: SENOSY Waleed , ZAIN Alaa Eldin , ABDEL‐RAZEK Abdel‐Razek Khalifa , UCHIZA Michiko , TAMEOKA Nanae , IZAIKE Yoshiaki , OSAWA Takeshi
Published: October 2011

High‐yielding Holstein‐Friesian recipients (n = 43) were used in order to investigate the relation between energy balance status during the early postpartum period and subsequent embryonic mortality after transferring good‐quality frozen embryos. Blood samples were collected during the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh weeks postpartum in order to measure energy status indicators. These indicators include β hydroxyl butyric acid (BHBA), non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA), total cholesterol (T‐chol), glucose and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Moreover, body condition scores (BCS) were assessed during the same period. Pregnancy diagnosis by ultrasonography at the 28th day postestrus and embryo viability was ascertained until 45 days postestrus in order to detect late embryonic mortality (LEM). The pregnancy rate on day 28 was 44.2% (19/43); however, five cows (11.6%) experienced LEM by day 45. Based on the non‐return rate at day 24, non‐pregnant animals, as diagnosed by ultrasonography, were allocated into animals with longer estrus intervals than 24 days (32.5%; mid‐embryonic mortality (MEM) group) and animals returning to estrus by day 24 postestrus (23.5%; early embryonic mortality (EEM) group). At week 5 postpartum, BCS was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the LEM group than that of pregnant (PREG), EEM and MEM groups. NEFA was significantly higher in animals that experienced LEM (LEM group) at week 7 postpartum (289.6 ± 47.0 µEq/L; P < 0.01) than that of PREG (196.8 ± 16.0 µEq/L), EEM (157.2 ± 18.6 µEq/L) and MEM groups (191.5 ± 14.4 µEq/L). In conclusion, lower BCS at week 5 postpartum and higher NEFAs at week 7 postpartum may be associated with subsequent LEM in high‐yielding recipient cows.
Fermentation quality and chemical composition of shrub silage treated with lactic acid bacteria inoculants and cellulase additives
Authors: SUN Qizhong , GAO Fengqin , YU Zhu , TAO Ya , ZHAO Shufen , CAI Yimin
Published: October 2011

Effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants and cellulase additives on fermentation quality and chemical compositions of shrub silages were studied by using a small‐scale fermentation system. Two LAB inoculants of Qingbao (Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilacticii, Lactobacillus casei and Clostridium phage) and Caihe (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis and Pediococcus acidilactici) and a commercial cellulase made from Trichoderma reesei were used as additives for intermediate pea‐shrub, rush bushclover, arborescent ceratoides and shrubby silage preparation. The crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and water‐soluble carbohydrate contents of the four shrub materials were 10.1–14.2, 62.6–67.2 and 1.9–3.5% on a dry matter basis, respectively. All shrub silages had pH 3.40–4.43, ammonia‐N 0.1–0.2% g/kg and lactic acid 1.3–2.9% on a fresh matter basis. The silage quality of LAB‐inoculated silages did not have a greater effect than control silages, except shrubby silage preparation. Silages treated with the cellulase, the pH of rush bushclover and shrubby sweetvetch silage were significantly (P < 0.05) lower and the lactic acid content were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the control silages. The results confirmed that shrub contained a relatively high content of crude protein; its silages can be preserved in good quality, and they are new potential resources for livestock feed.
Effects of porcine leptin receptor gene polymorphisms on backfat thickness, fat area ratios by image analysis, and serum leptin concentrations in a Duroc purebred population
Authors: UEMOTO Yoshinobu , KIKUCHI Takashi , NAKANO Hikaru , SATO Shuji , SHIBATA Tomoya , KADOWAKI Hiroshi , KATOH Kazuo , KOBAYASHI Eiji , SUZUKI Keiichi
Published: October 2011

The leptin receptor (LEPR) gene is considered a candidate gene for fatness traits. It is located on SSC 6 in a region in which quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for backfat thickness (BF), fat area ratios, and serum leptin concentration (LEPC) have previously been detected in a Duroc purebred population. The objectives of the present study were to identify porcine LEPR polymorphisms and examine the effects of LEPR polymorphisms on fatness traits in this same population. The Duroc pigs (226 to 953 pigs) were evaluated for BF, fat area ratios using image analysis, and LEPC. A total of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the full‐length LEPR coding region were identified in pigs from the base population. Four non‐synonymous SNPs of the LEPR gene and 15 microsatellite markers on SSC 6 were then genotyped in all pigs. During candidate gene analysis, we detected significant effects of the non‐synonymous SNP c.2002C>T in exon 14 on all traits. In fine mapping analysis, significant QTLs for BF, fat area ratios, and LEPC were detected near the LEPR gene in the same region. These results indicated that the c.2002C>T SNP of LEPR has a strong effect on BF, fat area ratios and LEPC.
Nutritional status, dietary intake and oral quality of life in elderly complete denture wearers
Authors: Cousson Pierre Yves , Bessadet Marion , Nicolas Emmanuel , Veyrune Jean‐Luc , Lesourd Bruno , Lassauzay Claire
Published: October 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00545.x

Nutritional status, dietary intake and oral quality of life in elderly complete denture wearers

Background and objective:  The prevalence of malnutrition increases with age because of many factors. Edentulousness leads to the avoidance of many types of foods. The aim of this study was to determine whether elderly complete denture wearers have a higher risk of malnutrition than dentate controls.

Material and methods:  A Mini‐Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and a 3‐day dietary record were compiled for a group of fully dentates (21 women and 29 men; mean age 70.1 ± 6.1) and for a group of complete denture wearers (31 women and 16 men; mean age 70.1 ± 8.1). Socio‐demographic data and scores on the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire were collected.

Results:  Inter‐group comparison of MNA scores showed that more subjects in the edentulous group (21.3%) risked malnutrition than in the dentate group (0%). The variability of the MNA could be explained for 22% by dental status, 7% by loneliness and 4% by the GOHAI score (regression analysis). Both groups had insufficient energy intakes and deficits in vitamins and micronutrients; moreover, edentulous subjects had lower intakes than dentate subjects.

Conclusion:  The use of conventional dentures increases the risk of malnutrition in the elderly.
Compressive strains and displacement in a partially dentate lower jaw rehabilitated with two different treatment modalities
Authors: Tihacek Sojic Ljiljana , Lemic Aleksandra Milic , Tanasic Ivan , Mitrovic Nenad , Milosevic Milos , Petrovic Aleksandar
Published: October 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00572.x

Compressive strains and displacement in a partially dentate lower jaw rehabilitated with two different treatment modalities

Background:  Understanding of the biomechanical consequences of the stresses generated to the supporting bone during occlusal loading is significant for improving the design and clinical planning process in partial edentulism therapy.

Objective:  The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of strain and displacement on the partially dentate lower jaw rehabilitated with an partial denture (RPD) and to compare it to the strain and displacement distribution on a partially dentate lower jaw rehabilitated with a cantilever fixed partial denture (FPD).

Material and methods:  The experimental models were a partially dentate mandible with full‐arch PFM crowns and RPD and a partially dentate mandible rehabilitated with a full‐arch cantilever FPD. Strains and displacement were measured using the Digital Image Correlation Method.

Results:  Displacement values of the first experimental model ranged from 0.31 to 0.54 mm with strains from 1.35 to 2.34%. Analysis of the second experimental model results showed displacement values from 0 to 0.34 mm, while strains were in the range of 0–1.40%.

Conclusion:  Higher displacements and strains of bone tissue were observed below the RPD, especially in the region of the distal abutment and distal portion of the free‐end saddle. Strains within bone and the bone‐denture contact area were mostly influenced by the teeth and denture vertical displacement.
Inhibition of type IA topoisomerase by a monoclonal antibody through perturbation of DNA cleavage–religation equilibrium
Authors: Leelaram Majety Naga , Bhat Anuradha Gopal , Hegde Shivanand Manjunath , Manjunath Ramanathapuram , Nagaraja Valakunja
Published: October 2011

Type IA DNA topoisomerases, typically found in bacteria, are essential enzymes that catalyse the DNA relaxation of negative supercoils. DNA gyrase is the only type II topoisomerase that can carry out the opposite reaction (i.e. the introduction of the DNA supercoils). A number of diverse molecules target DNA gyrase. However, inhibitors that arrest the activity of bacterial topoisomerase I at low concentrations remain to be identified. Towards this end, as a proof of principle, monoclonal antibodies that inhibit Mycobacterium smegmatis topoisomerase I have been characterized and the specific inhibition of Mycobacterium smegmatis topoisomerase I by a monoclonal antibody, 2F3G4, at a nanomolar concentration is described. The enzyme‐bound monoclonal antibody stimulated the first transesterification reaction leading to enhanced DNA cleavage, without significantly altering the religation activity of the enzyme. The stimulated DNA cleavage resulted in perturbation of the cleavage–religation equilibrium, increasing single‐strand nicks and protein–DNA covalent adducts. Monoclonal antibodies with such a mechanism of inhibition can serve as invaluable tools for probing the structure and mechanism of the enzyme, as well as in the design of novel inhibitors that arrest enzyme activity.
Looking inside the nest: the hidden structure of the merger galaxy NGC 1316 (Fornax A)
Authors: Beletsky Y. , Gadotti D. A. , Moiseev A. , Alves J. , Kniazev A.
Published: October 2011

We present an analysis of the circumnuclear structure of NGC 1316 using both near-infrared imaging and stellar kinematics. 2D decomposition of the images suggests the presence of a structure that resembles inner gaseous spiral arms, at about 5–15 arcsec from the centre (≈500 to 1500 pc). We also find a disc-like stellar structure with radius less than 200 pc. Analysis of previously published SINFONI integral field kinematics data indicates a kinematically decoupled core in the same spatial scale, further evidence that indeed the nuclear stellar structure found is a kinematically cold stellar disc. We suggest that both newly found structural components are the result of a recent accretion of a companion galaxy.
The Hubble Space Telescope colours of high-redshift Population III galaxies with strong Lyα emission
Authors: Zackrisson Erik , Inoue Akio K. , Rydberg Claes-Erik , Duval Florent
Published: October 2011

Population III (pop III) galaxies, made partly or exclusively of metal-free stars, are predicted to exist at high redshifts and may produce very strong Lyα emission. A substantial fraction of these Lyα photons are likely absorbed in the intergalactic medium at z > 6, but recent simulations suggest that significant Lyα emission may be detectable up to z≈ 8.5, i.e. well into the reionization epoch. Here, we argue that high-redshift pop III galaxies with strong Lyα emission can be identified in Hubble Space Telescope imaging data because of their unusual colours. We quantify this effect in some of the filters used in Y-band dropout searches for galaxies at z≈ 8 and find that pop III galaxies with high Lyα fluxes may exhibit much bluer J−H colours at z≈ 8–10 than any normal type of galaxy at these redshifts. This colour signature can arise even if pop III stars account for as little as ∼10−3 to 10−2 of the stellar mass in these galaxies. Some of the anomalously blue objects reported in current Y-band dropout samples do in fact meet the colour criteria for Lyα-emitting pop III galaxies.
Detection of radio emission from a nova-like cataclysmic variable: evidence of jets?
Authors: Körding E. G. , Knigge C. , Tzioumis T. , Fender R.
Published: October 2011

Jets have been detected in many accreting compact objects, and recently indications for jets have finally been found for transient cataclysmic variables (dwarf novae). However, so far, there have been no convincing reports of radio emission from white dwarfs undergoing stable disc accretion at a high rate, the so-called nova-like variables. Here, we present the first reproducible radio detection of a nova-like cataclysmic variable. The accretion rate and the distance of the detected source V3885 Sgr are comparable to the dwarf nova SS Cyg during its plateau phase. The detected radio emission is also of a similar level, although the source seems to show a steep spectrum. Besides V3885 Sgr, we have also observed IX Vel as well as reanalysed the available data for AC Cnc. Due to dynamic range limitations for IX Vel, we were not able to reach the required sensitivity and only obtained an upper limit. For AC Cnc we cannot confirm the previous detection. We discuss the detection of V3885 Sgr in the context of other types of accreting objects and conclude that the most likely source of the radio emission is optically thin synchrotron emission originating in a jet. Thus, tentative evidence for jets has now been found in both steady and transient CVs, making a universal connection between disc accretion and jet formation possible.
THE REMOVAL OF PSYCHROTROPIC SPORES FROM MILK PROTEIN ISOLATE FEEDS USING TUBULAR CERAMIC MICROFILTERS
Authors: HEAD LAURA E. , BIRD MICHAEL R.
Published: October 2011

The application of microfiltration (MF) to remove spores from high solids content (5–15 wt %) Milk protein isolate (MPI) solutions are reported as a possible alternative process to pasteurization. MPI feeds were inoculated with Bacillus mycoides spores as a safer alternative to Bacillus cereus found in dairy feeds. The protocol used led to successful filtration outcomes for 5 and 10 wt % feeds, with the most encouraging result for 10 wt % found using a 12.0‐µm membrane and 1.4 m/s cross‐flow velocity. This produced a flux of 123 L m2/hr (LMH), a 90% protein transmission and a 2.6 log spore reduction. The filtration of 15 wt % MPI solutions proved more challenging. The best set of results for this feed was also obtained using a 12.0‐µm membrane at 1.4 m/s, producing a flux of 27 LMH, 96.5% protein transmission and a 2.1 log spore reduction. These results indicate that large pore ceramic MF may be a suitable technology to replace or augment pasteurization for high solids content dairy feeds.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Milk and other dairy products are highly nutritious media, in which microorganisms can cause spoilage. The use of microfiltration (MF) as an alternative to pasteurization to reduce the microbial load of raw skim milk is a well‐established technology being used to produce commercially available products such as Cravendale® milk. However, its application in reducing bacteria from highly viscous dairy‐based solutions has not become established because of issues of low flux and high fouling tendency. The novelty in this study is the filtration of high solids content (up to 15 wt %) MPI streams to reduce microbial load.

MF represents an attractive alternative processing technique to pasteurization for the treatment of dairy products. Whereas pasteurization only destroys heat‐sensitive spoilage and pathogenic bacteria, MF is capable of removing all types of microorganisms including thermoduric and spore‐forming bacteria. Moreover, MF can be carried out using lower temperatures than those used during pasteurization.
Does HLA‐B*2706 protect against ankylosing spondylitis? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Van GAALEN Floris Alexander
Published: October 2011

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*2706 is a relatively rare subtype of HLA‐B27. In contrast to most HLA‐B27 subtypes, some studies have reported HLA‐B*2706 to be protective against ankylosing spondylitis (AS). A systematic review and a meta‐analysis of available studies was performed to investigate the association of HLA‐B*2706 with AS. After literature review a random effect meta‐analysis was performed. No studies were found comparing the frequency of HLA‐B*2706 in AS patients and controls. Meta‐analysis of seven studies using HLA‐B27‐positive AS patients and controls showed a protective effect of HLA‐B*2706 on development of AS in HLA‐B27 individuals (odds ratio = 0.128, 95% CI = 0.043–0.378, P < 0.001). The results of the meta‐analysis of HLA‐B*2706 in HLA‐B27‐positive patients and controls is preliminary evidence of a protective effect of HLA‐B*2706 against AS in the population. There is a clear need for additional studies on HLA‐B*2706 in AS. Due to the fact that HLA‐B*2706 is more or less restricted to Southeast Asia, researchers in this part of the world may have an essential role in performing these studies.
The Structural Role of Zn in Nuclear Waste Glasses
Authors: Cassingham Nathan J. , Stennett Martin C. , Bingham, Paul A. , Hyatt Neil C. , Aquilanti Giuliana
Published: October 2011

Addition of ZnO and CaO to current United Kingdom high level nuclear waste (HLW) glass frits is currently under consideration with the aim of improving processing behavior and aqueous durability. This study was performed in order to better understand the structural role of Zn in model U.K. HLW glasses and, in particular, the role of Zn as a network modifier, intermediate, or former in such materials. Zinc K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy was applied to simple soda‐lime‐silicate glasses doped with ZnO and on model inactive U.K. HLW glasses consisting of simulated Magnox and Blend (25 wt% Magnox + 75 wt% ThORP reprocessing waste) wastes. X‐ray absorption near edge and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy provided conclusive evidence that Zn occurs in four‐fold coordination with Zn–O contact distances of 1.95 ± 0.01 Å in all glasses studied. Analysis of the extended X‐ray absorption fine structure data also indicates the presence of short range order with Si next nearest neighbor atoms present at a Zn–Si contact distance of 3.58 ± 0.03 Å.
Involvement of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in pudendal inhibition of nociceptive bladder activity in cats
Authors: Larson Jeffrey A. , Ogagan P. Dafe , Chen Guoqing , Shen Bing , Wang Jicheng , Roppolo James R. , de Groat William C. , Tai Changfeng
Published: October 2011

Non‐technical summary  Lower urinary tract disorders including painful and overactive bladder conditions are very difficult to treat. Neuromodulation which is one of the successful therapies for lower urinary tract disorders, stimulates afferent nerves to modulate the neural pathway and achieve a therapeutic effect. We show that the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 is activated in the central nervous system during pudendal neuromodulation. Understanding the neurotransmitter mechanisms involved in neuromodulation therapy may promote the development of new pharmacological treatments or improve the clinical outcome by combining neuromodulation with pharmacological therapy.
Relationship between physiological measures of excitability and levels of glutamate and GABA in the human motor cortex
Authors: Stagg C. J. , Bestmann S. , Constantinescu A. O. , Moreno Moreno L. , Allman C. , Mekle R. , Woolrich M. , Near J. , Johansen‐Berg H. , Rothwell J. C.
Published: October 2011

Non‐technical summary  Inter‐individual differences in regional GABA as assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) relate to behavioural variation in humans. However, it is not clear what the relationship is between MRS measures of the concentration of neurotransmitters in a region and synaptic activity. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) techniques provide physiological measures of cortical excitation or inhibition. Here, we investigated the relationship between MRS and TMS measures of glutamatergic and GABAergic activity within the same individuals. We demonstrated a relationship between MRS‐assessed glutamate levels and a TMS measure of global cortical excitability, suggesting that MRS measures of glutamate do reflect glutamatergic activity. However, there was no clear relationship between MRS‐assessed GABA levels and TMS measures of synaptic GABAA or GABAB activity. A relationship was found between MRS‐assessed GABA and a TMS protocol with less clearly understood physiological underpinnings. We speculate that this protocol may therefore reflect extrasynaptic GABA tone.