bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of iliac conduit artery and hindlimb resistance vessels to luminal hyperfructosemia in the anaesthetized pig
Authors: Ruane‐O'Hora T. , Edge D. , Shortt C. M. , Markos F. , Noble M. I. M.
Published: October 2013

Aims

High fructose levels are found in diabetes mellitus, associated with high corn syrup diets, and have been claimed to cause hypertension. As the direct effects on conduit and resistance arteries have not been previously reported, we measured these in vivo in the anaesthetized pig with instrumented iliac arteries.

Methods

Experiments were performed on the iliac artery preparation in the anaesthetized pig: blood flow, diameter and pressure were measured in the iliac.

Results

The change in diameter of an occluded iliac artery segment filled with hyperfructosemic (15 μm) blood was 89.5 ± 22.1 μm (mean ± SE), contrasted with 7.7 ± 13.06 μm control (P = 0.005, paired t‐test, n = 6). There was no significant difference when compared with blood containing both hyperfructosemic blood and the nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor, N(G)‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (250 μg mL−1). Step changes in pressure and flow were achieved by progressive arterial stenosis during control saline and 15 μm min−1 fructose downstream intra‐arterial infusions. Linear regression of the step changes in blood pressure versus the instantaneous step changes in blood flow showed a statistically significant decrease in slope of the conductance (P < 0.001, analysis of covariance), indicating an increase in instantaneous peripheral vascular resistance. Peripheral autoregulation and conduit artery shear‐stress‐mediated dilatation were not significantly altered.

Conclusion

An elevated level of fructose caused dilatation of a conduit artery but constriction of resistance vessels. The latter effect could account, if maintained long‐term, for the hypertension claimed to be due to hyperfuctosemia.
Review article: evidence‐based dietary advice for patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Richman E. , Rhodes J. M.
Published: October 2013

Background

The therapeutic effect of enteral nutrition in Crohn's disease (CD) and the epidemiological associations between diet and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) implicate diet in IBD causation. There is little evidence, however, to support specific dietary changes and patients often receive contradictory advice.

Aim

To review the literature on the impacts of diet on IBD causation and activity to produce guidance based on ‘best available evidence’.

Method

Review of Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases from 1975 to 2012 using MeSH headings ‘crohn's disease’ ‘ulcerative colitis’ ‘enteral’ ‘diet’ ‘nutrition’ ‘fatty acid’ and ‘food additives’.

Results

Enteral nutrition with a formula‐defined feed is effective treatment for CD, but approximately 50% of patients relapse within 6 months of return to normal diet. There is no direct evidence of benefit from any other specific dietary modification in CD, but indirect evidence supports recommendation of a low intake of animal fat, insoluble fibre and processed fatty foods containing emulsifiers. Foods tolerated in sustained remission may not be tolerated following relapse. Some evidence supports vitamin D supplementation. In ulcerative colitis (UC), evidence is weaker, but high intakes of meat and margarine correlate with increased UC incidence and high meat intake also correlates with increased likelihood of relapse.

Conclusions

There is little evidence from interventional studies to support specific dietary recommendations. Nevertheless, people with IBD deserve advice based on ‘best available evidence’ rather than no advice at all, although dietary intake should not be inappropriately restrictive. Further interventional studies of dietary manipulation are urgently required.
Prostamide F2α receptor antagonism combined with inhibition of FAAH may block the pro‐inflammatory mediators formed following selective FAAH inhibition
Authors: Ligresti Alessia , Martos Jose , Wang Jenny , Guida Francesca , Allarà Marco , Palmieri Vittoria , Luongo Livio , Woodward David , Di Marzo Vincenzo
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose

Prostamides are lipid mediators formed by COX‐2‐catalysed oxidation of the endocannabinoid anandamide and eliciting effects often opposed to those caused by anandamide. Prostamides may be formed when hydrolysis of anandamide by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is physiologically, pathologically or pharmacologically decreased. Thus, therapeutic benefits of FAAH inhibitors might be attenuated by concomitant production of prostamide F2α. This loss of benefit might be minimized by compounds designed to selectively antagonize prostamide receptors and also inhibiting FAAH.

Experimental Approach

Inhibition of FAAH by a series of selective antagonists of prostamide receptors, including AGN 204396, AGN 211335 and AGN 211336, was assessed using rat, mouse and human FAAH in vitro, together with affinity for human recombinant CB1 and CB2 receptors. Effects in vivo were measured in a model of formalin‐induced inflammatory pain in mice.

Key Results

The prostamide F2α receptor antagonists were active against mouse and rat FAAH in the low μM range and behaved as non‐competitive and plasma membrane‐permeant inhibitors. AGN 211335, the most potent inhibitor of rat FAAH (IC50 = 1.2 μM), raised exogenous anandamide levels in intact cells and also bound to cannabinoid CB1 receptors. Both AGN 211335 and AGN 211336 (0.25–1 mg·kg−1, i.p.) inhibited the formalin‐induced nociceptive response in mice.

Conclusions and Implications

Synthetic compounds with indirect agonist activity at cannabinoid receptors and antagonist activity at prostamide receptors can be developed. Such compounds could be used as alternatives to selective FAAH inhibitors to prevent the possibility of prostamide F2α‐induced inflammation and pain.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids 2013. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐6
The role of midkine in skeletal remodelling
Authors: Liedert A , Schinke T , Ignatius A , Amling M
Published: October 2013

Bone tissue is subjected to continuous remodelling, replacing old or damaged bone throughout life. In bone remodelling, the coordinated activities of bone‐forming osteoblasts and bone‐resorbing osteoclasts ensure the maintenance of bone mass and strength. In early life, the balance of these cellular activities is tightly regulated by various factors, including systemic hormones, the mechanical environment and locally released growth factors. Age‐related changes in the activity of these factors in bone remodelling can result in diseases with low bone mass, such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a systemic and age‐related skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and structural degeneration of bone tissue, predisposing the patient to an increased fracture risk. The growth factor midkine (Mdk) plays a key role in bone remodelling and it is expressed during bone formation and fracture repair. Using a mouse deficient in Mdk, our group have identified this protein as a negative regulator of bone formation and mechanically induced bone remodelling. Thus, specific Mdk antagonists might represent a therapeutic option for diseases characterized by low bone mass, such as osteoporosis.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Midkine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐4
Stabilizing Mutualisms Threatened by Exploiters: New Insights from Ant–Plant Research
Authors: Orona‐Tamayo Domancar , Heil Martin
Published: October 2013

Mutualisms are commonly threatened by parasites and cheaters: species that exploit the host‐derived resources without providing an adequate service. Here, we summarize mechanisms for the stabilization of obligate defensive ant–plant mutualisms, a typical element of tropical lowland forests. Host plants exert partner choice and can sanction non‐defending ants by shedding the domatia that serve as nesting space or ceasing the production of ant rewards. Hosts can also restrict the exploitation of the ant rewards by means of specific biochemical traits that decrease their quality for non‐adapted generalist exploiters and, thus, convert them into exclusive rewards. Reward provisioning can even shift the competitive balance between mutualists and exploiters in favor of the mutualists. In turn, plant‐ants show adaptations in their colony structure and changes in their digestive capacities that enhance their efficiency in the use of the host‐derived resources. Founding queens use plant odors for host choice behavior, and ants not supplied with adequate amounts of EFN decrease their defensive service and thereby exert partner sanctions. Theoretical models and empirical research into mutualisms usually focus on actions that are taken by the host. Using ant‐plants as model systems, we are now discovering the importance of contributions that come from the symbiont. This discovery indicates the potential for multiple reciprocal interactions between phenotypically plastic hosts and symbionts, which contribute significantly to what is still considered a miracle: the stability of mutualisms in the presence of exploiters.
Inequalities of dental prosthesis use under universal healthcare insurance
Authors: Matsuyama Yusuke , Aida Jun , Takeuchi Kenji , Tsakos Georgios , Watt Richard G. , Kondo Katsunori , Osaka Ken
Published: October 2013

Background

Social inequalities in oral health exist in various countries. In Japan, a country with universal healthcare insurance policy, people can receive medical and dental care and pay only 10–30% of the total cost of treatment. Additionally, very poor Japanese can receive care without any charge, by the benefit of public assistance. These policies are considered to affect oral health inequalities.

Objectives

This study examined the association between using a dental prosthesis and household income among older Japanese people.

Methods

Self‐administered questionnaires were mailed to subjects as part of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) project in 2010. Of the 8576 people aged 65 years or more living in Iwanuma, Japan, 5058 responded. We used 4001 respondents with no missing values. We stratified into two groups by having 20 teeth or not. Then, cross‐tabulation, univariate logistic regression, and multivariate logistic regression were conducted for these two groups. The covariates are sex, age, education, and size of household.

Results

Of the all respondents included in the analyses, poorer respondents tended to have lower proportions with 20 or more teeth, and 54.6% respondents used dental prostheses. In the respondents with 19 or fewer teeth, higher‐income group tended to show significantly higher dental prosthesis use. But the poorest income group showed high prevalence of dental prosthesis use as same as highest income group. Multiple logistic regression among respondents with 19 or fewer teeth showed that after adjustment for sex, age, education, and size of household, compared with the respondents with annual incomes of US$ <5000, those with incomes of US$5000–9999 and US$10 000–14 999 had significantly lower odds ratios for using a dental prosthesis (OR = 0.48 [95% CI = 0.28–0.83], 0.56 [95% CI = 0.33–0.95], respectively). The other respondents did not show significant differences.

Conclusions

Although universal healthcare insurance covered dental prostheses, a social gradient in dental prosthesis use was still observed. Low‐income respondents tended to not use dental prosthesis, but the poorest respondents showed dental prosthesis utilization as high as the highest income group.
Phaeochromocytoma crisis
Authors: Whitelaw B. C. , Prague J. K. , Mustafa O. G. , Schulte K.‐M. , Hopkins P. A. , Gilbert J. A. , McGregor A. M. , Aylwin S. J. B.
Published: October 2013

Phaeochromocytoma crisis is an endocrine emergency associated with significant mortality. There is little published guidance on the management of phaeochromocytoma crisis. This clinical practice update summarizes the relevant published literature, including a detailed review of cases published in the past 5 years, and a proposed classification system. We review the recommended management of phaeochromocytoma crisis including the use of alpha‐blockade, which is strongly associated with survival of a crisis. Mechanical circulatory supportive therapy (including intra‐aortic balloon pump or extra‐corporeal membrane oxygenation) is strongly recommended for patients with sustained hypotension. Surgical intervention should be deferred until medical stabilization is achieved.
Novel mutations in typical and atypical genetic loci through exome sequencing in autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia families
Authors: Faruq M. , Narang A. , Kumari R. , Pandey R. , Garg A. , Behari M. , Dash D. , Srivastava A.K. , Mukerji M.
Published: October 2013

Nearly a thousand mutations mapping to 60 different loci have been identified in cerebellar ataxias. However, almost 50% of the cases remain genetically uncharacterized and there is a difference in prevalence as well as in the phenotypic spectrum of ataxia among various geographical regions. This poses a challenge for setting up a genetic panel for screening ataxia. In our ataxic cohort of 1014 families, 61% are genetically uncharacterized (UC). We investigated the potential of whole exome sequencing in conjunction with homozygosity mapping (HM) to delineate the genetic defects in three uncharacterized families with recessive inheritance each manifesting some unusual phenotype: (i) infantile onset ataxia with hearing loss (IOAH), (ii) Juvenile onset cerebellar ataxia with seizures (JCS) and (iii) Friedreich ataxia‐like (FA‐like). We identified a novel missense mutation in c10orf2 in the family with IOAH, compound heterozygous mutations in CLN6 in the family with JCS and a homozygous frame‐shift mutation in SACS in the FA‐like patient. Phenotypes observed in our families were concordant with reported phenotypes of known mutations in the same genes thus obviating the need for functional validation. Our study revealed novel variations in three genes, c10orf2, CLN6, and SACS, that have so far not been reported in India. This study also demonstrates the utility of whole exome screening in clinics for early diagnosis.
Reconciling Children's Policy and Children's Rights: Barriers to Effective Government Delivery
Authors: Byrne Bronagh , Lundy Laura
Published: October 2013

Countries which have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, have committed to implementing its principles in law and policy. This article explores the challenges for securing children's rights through policy, drawing on a research project conducted for the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, which sought to identify barriers to effective government delivery for children and young people from the perspective of key stakeholders. The research concluded that, while some barriers (such as delay and availability of data) are not child‐specific, they can be accentuated when children and young people are the main focus of policy development and more so when seeking to adopt a child rights‐compliant approach to policy development and implementation.
Changes in Implicit Prices of Prairie Pothole Habitat
Authors: Lawley Chad
Published: October 2013

I estimate changes in agricultural land value discounts due to prairie pothole habitat. The implicit prices of pothole habitat acreage are estimated from a series of hedonic models using Manitoba agricultural land transaction data from 1990 to 2009. I find that the discount on wetland acreage increased by at least 40%, suggesting that significant unanticipated increases in the benefits of converting wetlands emerged over the course of the study period. I also estimate a series of quantile regression hedonic models. The quantile regression models indicate that the land value discounts on prairie pothole acreage as a percent of per acre sales prices are constant across the land value distribution. These results have implications for the design of habitat conservation programs, particularly those involving long‐term agreements between landowners and conservation agencies.
Mandibular bone loss in ewe induced by hypothalamic–pituitary disconnection
Authors: Oheim Ralf , Beil F. Timo , Krause Matthias , Bindl Ronny , Ignatius Anita , Pogoda Pia
Published: October 2013

Purpose

It is supposed that the demographic change will lead to an increase in patients with impaired alveolar bone conditions. Large animal models are of particular interest in this context as they are suitable for developing and testing new dental implants. Recently, we demonstrated that surgical hypothalamo–pituitary disconnection (HPD) causes a pronounced low‐turnover situation leading to cortical and trabecular bone loss in sheep. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of the HPD procedure on the alveolar bone.

Methods

Ten adult Merino ewes were randomly assigned to two groups: Control and HPD. After 6 months, we analysed the cortical and trabecular bone of all mandibles by histomorphometry and high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR‐pQCT).

Results

HPD ewes showed a significant decrease in cortical thickness by ~20%, a significant increase in cortical porosity by ~20% and a significant decrease in bone volume by ~30% in comparison with Control ewes.

Conclusion

Our results underline the importance of central regulatory mechanisms of bone turnover. However, further studies are needed to understand these central regulatory elements of bone turnover in detail and to judge the value of the HPD sheep for dental research.
Allergic contact dermatitis in Danish children referred for patch testing – a nationwide multicentre study
Authors: Simonsen Anne Birgitte , Deleuran Mette , Mortz Charlotte Gotthard , Johansen Jeanne Duus , Sommerlund Mette
Published: October 2013

Background

Although contact allergy among children was previously considered to be rare, data from the past decade have shown that it is common among children and that the prevalence may be increasing.

Objectives

To describe the demographics of all children referred for patch testing in Denmark during 2003–2011, to examine the frequency and relevance of positive patch test reactions, and to assess the most common allergens.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the patch test data from the Danish National Database of Contact Allergy was performed.

Results

Of 2594 children and adolescents aged 1–17 years, 25.1% had one or more positive patch test reactions. The associated relevance was 66.4%. The most common sensitizers were metals, fragrances, and hair dyes. The frequency of positive patch test reactions and allergic contact dermatitis was significantly higher among girls.

Conclusions

Allergic contact dermatitis in children is a significant clinical problem. Contact allergy should always be considered when children with recalcitrant eczema are encountered, and special attention should be paid to girls. Patch testing is important, and children may be tested with the same patch test concentrations as adults.
Restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis: development and validation of a new scoring system for pouch dysfunction and quality of life
Authors: Brandsborg S. , Nicholls R. J. , Mortensen L. S. , Laurberg S.
Published: October 2013

Aim

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a pouch dysfunction score that could identify the aspects of function which have the greatest impact on quality of life as perceived by the patient.

Method

All (n = 1757) patients having restorative proctocolectomy in Denmark between 1980 and 2010 were identified. Of these, 1229 were available for study and were sent a questionnaire on bowel function and quality of life (QoL) designed specifically for this study. Function was correlated with QoL in a multivariate model using ordinal logistic regression with QoL as a dependent variable. The pouch dysfunction score was developed from a randomly selected half of the study population and the validity was tested on the other half.

Results

1047 (85%) patients returned the questionnaire. On multivariate analysis, the symptom domains of ‘incomplete emptying’, ‘severity of urgency’, ‘number of bowel movements/24 h’, ‘major incontinence’ and ‘use of anti‐diarrhoeal medication’ were associated with reduced QoL. The score was divided into three categories including ‘none’, ‘minor’ and ‘some/major’ pouch dysfunction. The corresponding coefficients gave the score a range from 0 to 7.5. There was a highly significant difference (P < 0.001) in score between the categories. The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.81.

Conclusion

Urgency, incomplete emptying, number of bowel movements/24 h, major incontinence and use of anti‐diarrhoeal medication have a major impact on QoL. There was a high accuracy for the score, demonstrating its potential clinical usefulness in relating symptoms to QoL.
Genetic Algorithm Classifier System for Semi‐Supervised Learning
Authors: Dee Miller L. , Soh Leen‐Kiat , Scott Stephen
Published: October 2013

Real‐world datasets often contain large numbers of unlabeled data points, because there is additional cost for obtaining the labels. Semi‐supervised learning (SSL) algorithms use both labeled and unlabeled data points for training that can result in higher classification accuracy on these datasets. Generally, traditional SSLs tentatively label the unlabeled data points on the basis of the smoothness assumption that neighboring points should have the same label. When this assumption is violated, unlabeled points are mislabeled injecting noise into the final classifier. An alternative SSL approach is cluster‐then‐label (CTL), which partitions all the data points (labeled and unlabeled) into clusters and creates a classifier by using those clusters. CTL is based on the less restrictive cluster assumption that data points in the same cluster should have the same label. As shown, this allows CTLs to achieve higher classification accuracy on many datasets where the cluster assumption holds for the CTLs, but smoothness does not hold for the traditional SSLs. However, cluster configuration problems (e.g., irrelevant features, insufficient clusters, and incorrectly shaped clusters) could violate the cluster assumption. We propose a new framework for CTLs by using a genetic algorithm (GA) to evolve classifiers without the cluster configuration problems (e.g., the GA removes irrelevant attributes, updates number of clusters, and changes the shape of the clusters). We demonstrate that a CTL based on this framework achieves comparable or higher accuracy with both traditional SSLs and CTLs on 12 University of California, Irvine machine learning datasets.
Current concepts and systematic review of vascularized composite allotransplantation of the abdominal wall
Authors: Berli Jens U. , Broyles Justin M. , Lough Denver , Shridharani Sachin M. , Rochlin Danielle , Cooney Damon S. , Lee W. P. Andrew , Brandacher Gerald , Sacks Justin M.
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Abdominal wall vascularized composite allotransplantation (AW‐VCA) is a rarely utilized technique for large composite abdominal wall defects. The goal of this article is to systematically review the literature and current concepts of AW‐VCA, outline the challenges ahead, and provide an outlook for the future.

Methods

Systematic review of the literature was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed to identify relevant articles discussing results of AW‐VCA. Cadaver and animal studies were excluded from the systematic review, but selectively included in the discussion.

Results

The resultant five papers report their results on AW‐VCA(Transplantation, 85, 2008, 1607; Am J Transplant, 7, 2007, 1304; Transplant Proc, 41, 2009, 521; Transplant Proc, 36, 2004, 1561; Lancet, 361, 2003, 2173). These papers represent the result of two study groups in which a total of 18 AW‐VCA were performed in 17 patients. Two different operative approaches were used. Overall flap/graft survival was 88%. No mortality related to the transplant was reported. One cadaver study and two animal models were identified and separately presented (Transplant Proc, 43, 2011, 1701; Transplantation, 90, 2010, 1590; Journal of Surgical Research, 162, 2010, 314).

Conclusion

Literature review reports AW‐VCA is technically feasible with low morbidity and mortality. Functional outcomes are not reported and minimally considered. With advancements in vascularized composite allotransplantation research and decreasing toxicity of immunosuppression therapies and immunomodulatory regimens, AW‐VCA can be applied in circumstances beyond conjunction with visceral transplantation.
Child disability services in Bangladesh: Scherzer et al. reply
Authors: Scherzer Alfred L , Chhagan Meera , Kauchali Shuaib , Susser Ezra
Published: October 2013

Please also see the reply to this letter by McConachie and Salt.
Stores and Stores reply
Authors: Stores Gregory , Stores Rachel
Published: October 2013

This is a reply to the letter by Sumpter.
Chronic kidney disease and diabetes in the National Health Service: a cross‐sectional survey of the UK National Diabetes Audit
Authors: Hill C. J. , Cardwell C. R. , Patterson C. C. , Maxwell A. P. , Magee G. M. , Young R. J. , Matthews B. , O'Donoghue D. J. , Fogarty D. G.
Published: October 2013

Aims

We investigated the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and attainment of therapeutic targets for HbA1c and blood pressure in a large UK‐based diabetes population.

Methods

The UK National Diabetes Audit provided data from 1 January 2007 to 31 March 2008. Inclusion criteria were a documented urinary albumin:creatinine ratio and serum creatinine. Patients were stratified according to chronic kidney disease stage and albuminuria status. Chronic kidney disease was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml min−1 1.73 m−2, albuminuria or both. The proportions of patients achieving nationally defined glycaemic and systolic blood pressure targets were determined.

Results

The cohort comprised 1 423 669 patients, of whom 868 616 (61%) met inclusion criteria. Of the patients analysed, 92.2% had Type 2 diabetes. A higher proportion of people with Type 2 diabetes (42.3%) had renal dysfunction compared with those with Type 1 diabetes (32.4%). Achievement of systolic blood pressure and HbA1c targets was poor. Among people with Type 1 diabetes, 67.8% failed to achieve an HbA1c < 58 mmol/mol (7.5%). Of all people with diabetes, 37.8% failed to achieve a systolic blood pressure < 140 mmHg. Blood pressure control was poor in advanced chronic kidney disease. For example, mean (standard deviation) systolic blood pressure rose from 128.6 (15.4) mmHg among people with Type 1 diabetes and normal renal function to 141.0 (23.6) mmHg in those with chronic kidney disease stage 5 and macroalbuminuria.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of chronic kidney disease and poor attainment of treatment targets highlights a large subset of the diabetes population at increased risk of cardiovascular mortality or progressive kidney disease.
Bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate to root dentin after exposure to different irrigation solutions
Authors: Nagas Emre , Cehreli Zafer C. , Uyanik Mehmet Ozgur , Durmaz Veli , Vallittu Pekka K. , Lassila Lippo V.J.
Published: October 2013

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the regional push‐out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) after exposure to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA), and peracetic acid (PAA) irrigation solutions.

Materials and Methods

1‐mm‐thick longitudinal slabs of root dentin were obtained from freshly extracted human canine teeth (n = 80). Simulated root perforation defects, 1 mm in diameter, were prepared in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of radicular dentin. Mineral trioxide aggregate was placed into the cavities, and the specimens were stored for 1 week at 37°C. Thereafter, the specimens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20) according to the irrigation solution applied over the repair sites: Group 1–10 ml of 5.25% NaOCl for 10 min; Group 2–10 ml of 5.25% NaOCl for 10 min, followed by 5 ml 17% EDTA for 5 min; Group 3–10 ml of 5.25% NaOCl for 10 min, followed by application of 5 ml 1% PAA for 5 min; and Group 4–no irrigation. Push‐out test was performed at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Debonding values were compared statistically using two‐way analysis of variance and Tukey tests (P < 0.05).

Results

The push‐out bond strength of MTA was not affected by the type of irrigation solution or location of the perforation defects (both P < 0.05). Stereomicroscopic inspection of the samples showed that the bond failure was predominantly adhesive.

Conclusion

Exposure of repaired root perforations to 5.25% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, or 1% PAA does not alter the dislocation resistance of MTA at different locations of root dentin.
Competitor avoidance drives within‐host feeding site selection in a passively dispersed herbivore
Authors: GÓMEZ SARA , GONDA‐KING LIAHNA , ORIANS COLIN M. , PREISSER EVAN L.
Published: October 2013

Evolutionary theory predicts that ovipositing females that can actively disperse should select hosts that increase offspring performance. However, for organisms that are exclusively passively dispersed, feeding site selection is possible only at the within‐host level. This is particularly important for their offspring, which have strong temporal and spatial dispersal constraints within a host. Such constraints are probably magnified by tissue quality heterogeneity caused by competing herbivores.

We investigated within‐host feeding site selection of passively dispersed neonates of a sessile herbivore, the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand), when it shares its eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis Carrière) host with another sessile herbivore, the elongate hemlock scale (Fiorinia externa Ferris). Within‐host feeding site selection was studied (a) at the shoot level (with or without F. externa) using choice tests, and (b) at the needle level by scoring insect presence in field surveys.

Adelges tsugae avoided F. externa‐colonised foliage in both the choice tests and field surveys. As A. tsugae has no efficient predators or parasitoids in the study area, we conclude that our results are due to the presence of the competing herbivore.

Although A. tsugae cannot actively disperse among hosts, we showed that within‐host feeding site selection is an important mechanism to minimise the co‐occurrence with a competing herbivore that has known negative impacts on A. tsugae population densities. Studying within‐host feeding site selection in a multiple‐species context could assist in understanding and predicting the impact of destructive pests such as A. tsugae and the interactions with their novel hosts.
Genetic persistence of an initially introduced brown trout (Salmo truttaL.) population despite restocking of foreign conspecifics
Authors: Thaulow Jens , Borgstrøm Reidar , Heun Manfred
Published: October 2013

The persistence of the initial genetic structure despite later stocking with foreign conspecifics is influenced by several factors, leading to different levels of introgression. Stream spawning has been assumed to be the prevailing recruitment strategy of brown trout (Salmo truttaL.). However, in lakes with limited stream spawning habitat, but still with high natural recruitment, lake spawning has been proposed. Using fourteen microsatellites, we assessed the genetic structure in a small allopatric brown trout population in theLakeSkavatn, located on theHardangervidda mountain plateau,Norway. A total of 265 brown trout were obtained from the lake itself, the outlet stream, two tributaries, a littoral sample from a presumed lake spawning site, a suggested stocking source, and a lake sample from 1967, representing the initial lake population. The sixSkavatn samples were best represented by three genetic components, showing a shift from the initial population, but with no genetic signal from the suggested stocking source. The littoral sample had the largest similarity to the initial lake population, possibly indicating the importance of lake spawning in a system where streams offer unpredictable spawning and rearing conditions. Due to large annual variations in recruitment contributions from the different spawning and rearing locations, the genetic structure of the lake population probably vary over time.
Protein kinase C regulates tonic GABAA receptor‐mediated inhibition in the hippocampus and thalamus
Authors: Bright Damian P. , Smart Trevor G.
Published: October 2013

Tonic inhibition mediated by extrasynaptic GABAA receptors (GABAARs) is an important regulator of neuronal excitability. Phosphorylation by protein kinase C (PKC) provides a key mode of regulation for synaptic GABAARs underlying phasic inhibition; however, less attention has been focused on the plasticity of tonic inhibition and whether this can also be modulated by receptor phosphorylation. To address this issue, we used whole‐cell patch clamp recording in acute murine brain slices at both room and physiological temperatures to examine the effects of PKC‐mediated phosphorylation on tonic inhibition. Recordings from dentate gyrus granule cells in the hippocampus and dorsal lateral geniculate relay neurons in the thalamus demonstrated that PKC activation caused downregulation of tonic GABAAR‐mediated inhibition. Conversely, inhibition of PKC resulted in an increase in tonic GABAAR activity. These findings were corroborated by experiments on human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing recombinant α4β2δ GABAARs, which represent a key extrasynaptic GABAAR isoform in the hippocampus and thalamus. Using bath application of low GABA concentrations to mimic activation by ambient neurotransmitter, we demonstrated a similar inhibition of receptor function following PKC activation at physiological temperature. Live cell imaging revealed that this was correlated with a loss of cell surface GABAARs. The inhibitory effects of PKC activation on α4β2δ GABAAR activity appeared to be mediated by direct phosphorylation at a previously identified site on the β2 subunit, serine 410. These results indicate that PKC‐mediated phosphorylation can be an important physiological regulator of tonic GABAAR‐mediated inhibition.
Saccade and vergence eye movements: a review of motor and premotor commands
Authors: Coubard Olivier A.
Published: October 2013

Neuropsychology examines the relationship between cognitive activity and corresponding cerebral conditions. At one end, psychophysics meticulously describes the details of behavior. At the other, physiology records brain cell activity during cognitive tasks. Bridging the two, neuropsychology establishes the neural correlate of behaviour when correlation methods are used, and extends to the critical neural substrate when a causal relationship can be established. Here we revisit the Hering‐versus‐Helmholtz controversy on binocular coordination from the psychophysician's description of combined saccade‐vergence eye movements to the neurophysiological recording of motor and premotor neurons of the oculomotor neural circuitry. Whilst neo‐Heringian psychophysicians and physiologists have accumulated arguments for separate saccade and vergence systems, at both the behavioral and the neural premotor levels, neo‐Helmholtzians have also provided evidence for monocular programmed eye movements and commands at the premotor level. Bridging the two, we conclude that Hering and Helmholtz were both right. Importantly, the latter's viewpoint brings to the fore the importance of adaptive processes throughout life, in view of the neurobiological constraints emphasized by the former.
Distribution of dopamine transporter immunoreactive fibers in the human amygdaloid complex
Authors: García‐Amado María , Prensa Lucía
Published: October 2013

The nuclei of the human amygdaloid complex can be distinguished from each other on the basis of their cytoarchitecture, chemistry and connections, all of which process the information needed for the different functions (ranging from attention to memory and emotion) of the amygdala. This complex receives dopaminergic input that exerts modulatory effects over its intrinsic network and is critical for reward‐related learning and fear conditioning. To determine the specific distribution of the dopaminergic input through the different nuclei and nuclear subdivisions of this structure we used stereological tools to quantify the fibers containing the dopamine transporter (used to signal the dopaminergic phenotype) in post‐mortem samples from control individuals. Dopaminergic axons targeted every nucleus of the amygdaloid complex, and the density of dopamine transporter‐containing axons varied considerably among its nuclear groups. The central group showed the greatest density of dopamine transporter‐positive fibers, more than double the density of the basolateral group, the second most densely innervated structure. The dopamine transporter‐positive innervation is very scant in the corticomedial group. The density of dopamine transporter‐positive fibers did not vary among the nuclei of the basolateral group – i.e. basal, lateral and accessory basal nuclei – although there were significant density gradients among the subdivisions of these nuclei. These detailed quantitative data on dopamine transporter‐positive innervation in the human amygdaloid complex can offer a useful reference in future studies aimed at analysing putative dysfunctions of this system in diseases involving brain dopamine, such as certain anxiety disorders, Parkinson′s disease and schizophrenia.
Glutamate neurons in the substantia nigra compacta and retrorubral field
Authors: Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Wang Hui‐Ling , Morales Marisela
Published: October 2013

Dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra compacta (SNC), ventral tegmental area (VTA) and retrorubral field (RRF) play a role in reward, motivation, learning, memory, and movement. These neurons are intermingled with GABAergic neurons. Recent evidence shows that the VTA contains glutamatergic neurons expressing vesicular glutamate transporter type 2 (VGluT2); some of them co‐express tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Here, we used a combination of radioactive in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry to explore whether any of the vesicular glutamate transporters [vesicular glutamate transporter type 1 (VGluT1), VGluT2, or vesicular glutamate transporter type 3 (VGluT3)] were encoded by neurons in the SNC or RRF. We found expression of VGluT2 mRNA, but not of VGluT1 or VGluT3, in the SNC and RRF. These VGluT2 neurons rarely showed TH immunoreactivity. Within the SNC, the VGluT2 neurons were infrequently found at the rostral level, but were often seen at the medial and caudal levels intercalated in the mediolateral portion of the dorsal tier, at a ratio of one VGluT2 neuron per 4.4 TH neurons. At this level, VGluT2 neurons were also found in the adjacent substantia nigra reticulata and substantia nigra pars lateralis. Within the RRF, the VGluT2 neurons showed an increasing rostrocaudal gradient of distribution. The RRF proportion of VGluT2 neurons in relation to TH neurons was constant throughout the rostrocaudal levels, showing an average ratio of one VGluT2 neuron per 1.7 TH neurons. In summary, we provide evidence indicating that the SNC and RRF, which are traditionally considered to be dopaminergic areas, have neurons with the ability to participate in glutamate signaling.
Birds exploit herbivore‐induced plant volatiles to locate herbivorous prey
Authors: Amo Luisa , Jansen Jeroen J. , van Dam Nicole M. , Dicke Marcel , Visser Marcel E.
Published: October 2013

Arthropod herbivory induces plant volatiles that can be used by natural enemies of the herbivores to find their prey. This has been studied mainly for arthropods that prey upon or parasitise herbivorous arthropods but rarely for insectivorous birds, one of the main groups of predators of herbivorous insects such as lepidopteran larvae. Here, we show that great tits (Parus major) discriminate between caterpillar‐infested and uninfested trees. Birds were attracted to infested trees, even when they could not see the larvae or their feeding damage. We furthermore show that infested and uninfested trees differ in volatile emissions and visual characteristics. Finally, we show, for the first time, that birds smell which tree is infested with their prey based on differences in volatile profiles emitted by infested and uninfested trees. Volatiles emitted by plants in response to herbivory by lepidopteran larvae thus not only attract predatory insects but also vertebrate predators.
Postural tachycardia syndrome following human papillomavirus vaccination
Authors: Blitshteyn S.
Published: October 2013

Background and purpose

Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a heterogeneous disorder of the autonomic nervous system that may have an autoimmune etiology.

Methods

Six patients who developed new onset POTS 6 days to 2 months following human papillomavirus vaccination are reported.

Results

Three patients also had neurocardiogenic syncope, and three patients were diagnosed with possible small fiber neuropathy. Symptoms in all patients improved over 3 years with pharmacotherapy and non‐pharmacological measures but residual symptoms persisted. Molecular mimicry with formation of cross‐reacting autoantibodies to the potential targets of the autonomic ganglia, neurons, cardiac proteins or vascular receptors is considered as a possible pathogenesis of new onset POTS after immunization.

Conclusion

Correct diagnosis of POTS and awareness that POTS may occur after vaccination in young women is essential for prompt and effective management of this condition.
Insect morphology in the age of phylogenomics: innovative techniques and its future role in systematics
Authors: Friedrich Frank , Matsumura Yoko , Pohl Hans , Bai Ming , Hörnschemeyer Thomas , Beutel Rolf G.
Published: October 2013

A brief account of the history of insect morphology is given. Different techniques and analytical methods used in current projects on insect morphology and phylogeny and their optimized combined application are described. These include fixation, dissection, maceration, histology (microtome sectioning), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM), focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), bleaching, micro‐computed tomography (μCT), computer‐based three‐dimensional reconstruction, focus stacking of digital images, geometric morphometrics and the storage of morphological metadata. The role of insect morphology in the “age of phylogenomics” is discussed.
Mandibular trabecular bone as fracture indicator in 80‐year‐old men and women
Authors: Hassani‐Nejad Azar , Ahlqwist Margareta , Hakeberg Magnus , Jonasson Grethe
Published: October 2013

The objective of the present study was to compare assessments of the mandibular bone as fracture risk indicators for 277 men and women. The mandibular trabecular bone was evaluated in periapical radiographs, using a visual index, as dense, mixed dense and sparse, or sparse. Bone texture was analysed using a computer‐based method in which the number of transitions from trabeculae to intertrabecular spaces was calculated. The sum of the sizes and intensities of the spaces between the trabeculae was calculated using Jaw‐X software. Women had a statistically significantly greater number of fractures and a higher frequency of sparse mandibular bone. The OR for having suffered a fracture with visually sparse trabecular bone was highest for the male group (OR = 5.55) and lowest for the female group (OR = 3.35). For bone texture as an indicator of previous fracture, the OR was significant for the female group (OR = 2.61) but not for the male group, whereas the Jaw‐X calculations did not differentiate between fractured and non‐fractured groups. In conclusion, all bone‐quality assessments showed that women had a higher incidence of sparse trabecular bone than did men. Only the methods of visual assessment and trabecular texture were significantly correlated with previous bone fractures.
Dihydroavenanthramide D prevents UV‐irradiated generation of reactive oxygen species and expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and ‐3 in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Mi , Noh Eun‐Mi , Kwon Kang‐Beom , Hwang Bo‐Mi , Hwang Jin‐Ki , You Yong‐Ouk , Kim Min Seuk , Lee Wan , Lee Jeong‐Ho , Kim Hye‐Jung , Kim Jong‐Suk , Lee Young‐Rae
Published: October 2013

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces photoageing by upregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human skin cells. Dihydroavenanthramide D (DHAvD) is a synthetic analog to naturally occurring avenanthramide, which is the active component in oats. Although anti‐inflammatory, anti‐atherosclerotic and antioxidant effects have been reported, the antiphotoageing effects of DHAvD are yet to be understood. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of DHAvD on UVB‐induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of MMPs, and its molecular mechanism in UVB‐irradiated human dermal fibroblasts. Western blot and real‐time PCR analyses revealed that DHAvD inhibited UVB‐induced MMP‐1 and MMP‐3 expression. It also significantly blocked UVB‐induced ROS generation in fibroblasts. Additionally, DHAvD attenuated UVB‐induced phosphorylation of MAPKs, activation of NF‐κB and AP‐1. DHAvD regulates UVB‐irradiated MMP expression by inhibiting ROS‐mediated MAPK/NF‐κB and AP‐1 activation. DHAvD may be a useful candidate for preventing UV light‐induced skin photoageing.
Downregulation of postsynaptic density‐95‐interacting regulator of spine morphogenesis reduces glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity by differentially regulating glutamate receptors in rat cortical neurons
Authors: Luo Peng , Yang Yuefan , Liu Wei , Rao Wei , Bian Huan , Li Xin , Chen Tao , Liu Mengdong , Zhao Yongbo , Dai Shuhui , Yan Xu , Fei Zhou
Published: October 2013

Glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity is involved in many neurological diseases. Preso, a novel postsynaptic scaffold protein, mediates excitatory synaptic transmission and various synaptic functions. In this study, we investigated the role of Preso in the regulation of glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity in rat cortical neurons. Knockdown of Preso with small interfering RNA improved neuronal viability and attenuated the elevation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release after glutamate treatment. Downregulation of Preso also inhibited an increase in the BAX/Bcl‐2 ratio and cleavage of caspase‐9 and caspase‐3. Although the expression and distribution of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) 1/5, NR1, NR2A and NR2B were not changed by knockdown of Preso, downregulation of Preso protected neurons from glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity by inhibiting mGluR and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor function. However, downregulation of Preso neither affected the expression of GluR1 and GluR2 nor influenced the function of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionate receptor after glutamate treatment. Furthermore, intracellular Ca2+ was an important downstream effector of Preso in the regulation of excitotoxicity. These results suggest that expression of Preso promotes the induction of excitotoxicity by facilitating different glutamate receptor signaling pathways. Therefore, Preso might be a potential pharmacological target for preventing and treating neurological diseases.