bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humane Anesthesia and Pain Management in Amphibian Limb Surgery of Rana pipiens
Authors: Koustubhan Punita , Kaplan David L. , Levin Michael
Published: February 2013

Adult Rana pipiens frogs are used as a model to investigate mechanisms of vertebrate organ regeneration, anti-tumor ribonucleases, zoological impacts of various pollutants, oncogenesis, neuroplasticity, and neurogenesis. In regenerative biology, the adult Rana pipiens frog is an important alternative to other frog models, such as Xenopus laevis, because it offers the opportunity to study and attempt to augment limb regeneration in an animal that spends significant time out of water and bears weight on its limbs. To elucidate regenerative processes, it is necessary to amputate the limb to study the processes associated with wound healing, blastema formation, and morphogenesis. Being able to revive the animal successfully with little or no side effects is paramount to these studies. Anesthesia and the effect it has on the frogs can vary based on the methods and post-operative care exercised during surgery. However, useful information is not readily available regarding current anesthesia methods or effective and humane analgesia use in amphibians. Amphibian patients are very sensitive to drug dosages, changes in temperature, humidity and water quality; here, special attention is given to these factors. This protocol establishes a humane anesthesia technique while maintaining physiological homeostasis during procedures in amphibians as well as a post-operative care plan addressing the clinical benefits of using analgesics in pain management. Suggestions for infection prevention are covered with a sample treatment plan to ensure that all of the animals have a positive outcome and all of the surgeries have reproducible results.
Loading Fluorescent Ca2+ Indicators into Living Cells
Authors: Bootman Martin D. , Rietdorf Katja , Collins Tony , Walker Simon , Sanderson Michael
Published: February 2013

Small-molecule fluorescent Ca2+ reporters are the most widely used tools in the field of Ca2+ signaling. The excellent spatial and temporal resolution afforded by fluorescent reporters has driven the understanding of Ca2+ as a messenger in many different cell types. In many situations, the cellular loading and monitoring of fluorescent Ca2+ indicators is quite trivial. However, there are numerous pitfalls that require consideration to ensure that optimal data are recorded. Fluorescent Ca2+ indicators have carboxylic acid groups for binding of Ca2+. Because these “free-acid” forms of the indicators are hydrophilic they cannot readily cross cell membranes and need to be introduced into cells using techniques such as microinjection, pinocytosis, or diffusion from a patch pipette. However, the most convenient and widely used method for loading indicators into cells is as hydrophobic compounds in which the carboxylic acid groups are esterified (commonly as acetoxymethyl [AM] or acetate esters). The ester versions of the indicators permeate the plasma membrane. The Ca2+-sensitive, free-acid form of the indicator is liberated following hydrolysis of the ester groups by intracellular esterases.
Converting Fluorescence Data into Ca2+ Concentration
Authors: Bootman Martin D. , Rietdorf Katja , Collins Tony , Walker Simon , Sanderson Michael
Published: February 2013

In many situations, fluorescent Ca2+ reporters are used to simply indicate that a change of Ca2+ concentration has occurred. Monitoring the emission from a Ca2+-sensitive indicator can be sufficient to tell whether a signal has arisen, and what its kinetic/spatial parameters were. The emission from an indicator does not have a linear relationship to the Ca2+ concentration within a cell; rather, the relationship between fluorescence emission and Ca2+ concentration is described by a logistic function. Simply recording fluorescence emission, therefore, provides a relative indication of the magnitude of a Ca2+ signal that should not be used for generating mean amplitude data. However, with a little consideration and effort, the fluorescence output can be calibrated to yield actual Ca2+ concentration.
SELEX to Identify Protein-Binding Sites on RNA
Authors: Manley James L.
Published: February 2013

SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) is a very powerful method for determining the binding site of a protein on RNA. It relies on the ability of an RNA-binding protein to select high-affinity RNA ligands from a randomized pool of RNAs. SELEX experiments are performed over several “rounds,” with each round resulting in increased enrichment of RNAs capable of binding to the protein. There are many variations of SELEX strategies, but they all rely on the ability to separate bound RNA from unbound RNA. The method presented here uses tagged proteins; however, it is also possible to use other separation techniques (e.g., filter binding or antibodies).
Gel Purification of RNA
Authors: Nilsen Timothy W.
Published: February 2013

For many applications, including size selection of RNAs and purification of in vitro transcription products, it is necessary to purify RNAs on a denaturing gel. This procedure describes how to purify transcripts that have been synthesized in vitro. It is useful for labeled or unlabeled RNAs when sufficient mass is present. It can also be used to isolate small RNAs. In general, RNA purification by denaturing gel electrophoresis is practical only when the size of the desired RNA is 600 nucleotides or less.
Ca2+-Sensitive Fluorescent Dyes and Intracellular Ca2+ Imaging
Authors: Bootman Martin D. , Rietdorf Katja , Collins Tony , Walker Simon , Sanderson Michael
Published: February 2013

Imaging Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent indicators provides a common approach for studying Ca2+ signals in many contexts. Fluorescent indicators are particularly useful for measuring acute Ca2+ changes in a relatively noninvasive manner. The availability of indicators that can be targeted to specific cellular domains, coupled with variations in affinity, brightness or spectral characteristics, provides tools for exploring spatially and temporally diverse Ca2+ signals, and moreover, multiplexing the readout of Ca2+ with other cellular functions. This article aims to give the novice experimentalist some insight into the considerations and potential pitfalls that impinge on the use of fluorescent Ca2+ indicators.
Estimating Surface Area in Biological Structures
Authors: West Mark J.
Published: February 2013

Stereological estimates of surface have led to important insights into normal and pathological processes. This article describes the process of estimating surface area in biological structures. It includes a discussion of relationship equations for estimating surface and procedures for estimating surface area of components of organ systems. It also provides an example of estimation of the area of the pial surface of the human brain.
Practical Considerations for Long-Term Time-Lapse Imaging of Epithelial Morphogenesis in Three-Dimensional Organotypic Cultures
Authors: Ewald Andrew J.
Published: February 2013

Epithelia are one of the fundamental tissues in the animal body, and there is broad interest in understanding the cellular and molecular basis of their formation, growth, remodeling, and pathologic degeneration. Unfortunately, from an imaging perspective, many epithelial tissues develop deep within the animal and are inaccessible to high-resolution optical imaging with visible wavelengths. To circumvent this problem, researchers have long sought to model epithelial morphogenesis in culture systems. Protocols for culturing whole epithelial organs have existed since the 1950s, but the use of three-dimensional (3D) organotypic cultures of epithelial fragments has advanced dramatically in recent years. There has been a considerable increase in interest in imaging cell behaviors and molecular activities within these cultures. This article discusses the common technical challenges associated with imaging epithelial morphogenesis in 3D cultures and presents a range of specific strategies to address these challenges. Solutions are presented, first conceptually and then at several levels of sophistication and expense. The goal is to help you adapt those specific methods most useful to your own research, in a manner compatible with your needs and budget.
An Optical Fiber-Based Uncaging System
Authors: Kandler Karl , Nguyen Tuan , Noh Jihyun , Givens Richard S.
Published: February 2013

This article describes the assembly and performance of a simple and inexpensive ultraviolet-flash system suitable for rapid focal photolysis of caged compounds in cultured neurons and brain slices. Advantages and limitations of this system are discussed. Examples are provided illustrating how this system can be used for stimulating neurons and mapping their functional inputs in brain slices.
A Developmental Framework for Complex Plasmodesmata Formation Revealed by Large-Scale Imaging of the Arabidopsis Leaf Epidermis
Authors: Fitzgibbon Jessica , Beck Martina , Zhou Ji , Faulkner Christine , Robatzek Silke , Oparka Karl
Published: February 2013

Plasmodesmata (PD) form tubular connections that function as intercellular communication channels. They are essential for transporting nutrients and for coordinating development. During cytokinesis, simple PDs are inserted into the developing cell plate, while during wall extension, more complex (branched) forms of PD are laid down. We show that complex PDs are derived from existing simple PDs in a pattern that is accelerated when leaves undergo the sink–source transition. Complex PDs are inserted initially at the three-way junctions between epidermal cells but develop most rapidly in the anisocytic complexes around stomata. For a quantitative analysis of complex PD formation, we established a high-throughput imaging platform and constructed PDQUANT, a custom algorithm that detected cell boundaries and PD numbers in different wall faces. For anticlinal walls, the number of complex PDs increased with increasing cell size, while for periclinal walls, the number of PDs decreased. Complex PD insertion was accelerated by up to threefold in response to salicylic acid treatment and challenges with mannitol. In a single 30-min run, we could derive data for up to 11k PDs from 3k epidermal cells. This facile approach opens the door to a large-scale analysis of the endogenous and exogenous factors that influence PD formation.
Diversity and evolutionary relationships of T7‐like podoviruses infecting marine cyanobacteria
Authors: Dekel‐Bird Naama P. , Avrani Sarit , Sabehi Gazalah , Pekarsky Irina , Marston Marcia F. , Kirzner Shay , Lindell Debbie
Published: February 2013

Phages are extremely abundant in the oceans, influencing the population dynamics, diversity and evolution of their hosts. Here we assessed the diversity and phylogenetic relationships among T7‐like cyanophages using DNA polymerase (replication), major capsid (structural) and photosynthesis psbA (host‐derived) genes from isolated phages. DNA polymerase and major capsid phylogeny divided them into two discrete clades with no evidence for gene exchange between clades. Clade A phages primarily infect Synechococcus while clade B phages infect either Synechococcus or Prochlorococcus. The major capsid gene of one of the phages from clade B carries a putative intron. Nearly all clade B phages encode psbA whereas clade A phages do not. This suggests an ancient separation between cyanophages from these two clades, with the acquisition or loss of psbA occurring around the time of their divergence. A mix and match of clustering patterns was found for the replication and structural genes within each major clade, even among phages infecting different host genera. This is suggestive of numerous gene exchanges within each major clade and indicates that core phage functions have not coevolved with specific hosts. In contrast, clustering of phage psbA broadly tracks that of the host genus. These findings suggest that T7‐like cyanophages evolve through clade‐limited gene exchanges and that different genes are subjected to vastly different selection pressures.
Empirical Evidence on the Implicit Determinants of Compensation in Big 4 Audit Partnerships
Authors: KNECHEL W. ROBERT , NIEMI LASSE , ZERNI MIKKO
Published: February 2013

This study investigates the implicit financial incentives of individual Big 4 audit partners by examining the association between a partner's compensation and characteristics of the audit firm, audit partner, and individual partner clientele for Big 4 firms in Sweden. Using tax and financial data for individual audit partners and clients, our empirical findings indicate that there is significant variation in the implicit determinants that are associated with compensation across the Big 4. We find that audit partners’ compensation is positively associated with the size of their clientele or the number of publicly traded clients, both of which represent revenue‐generating opportunities. Similarly, compensation and developing an industry specialization are positively related. In three firms, gaining clients is clearly related to an increase in compensation, while losing a client is associated with a reduction in partner income in only one firm. We find that audit partner income is more sensitive to performance‐related incentives, such as attracting new clients, as partners progress in their career. Finally, we find evidence that audit failures, proxied by reporting errors related to issuing a going concern opinion, are associated with lower compensation. These results should be of interest to the auditing profession, audit firms, and regulators when they consider the effects of implicit incentives of partner compensation on audit quality.
Nitrogen losses from the soil/plant system: a review
Authors: Cameron K.C. , Di H.J. , Moir J.L.
Published: February 2013

Losses of nitrogen from the soil/plant system not only reduce soil fertility and plant yield but can also create adverse impacts on the environment. Ammonia emissions into the atmosphere contribute to acid rain and represent an indirect source of nitrous oxide greenhouse gas emissions. Nitrate leaching losses into rivers and lakes can cause eutrophication resulting in excessive growth of aquatic weeds and algae, which can reduce fish populations and the recreational value of the water. Nitrate contamination of drinking water supplies can cause health risks. Legislation that is designed to limit nitrate leaching losses from land has become a constraint on agricultural land use in many countries. Nitrous oxide emissions into the atmosphere contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer and also make a significant contribution to climate change. This review describes the nitrogen cycle in temperate soil/plant systems, the processes involved in each of the individual nitrogen loss pathways, the factors affecting the amounts of losses and the methods that are available to reduce these losses. The review has shown that careful management of temperate soil/plant systems using best management practices and newly developed technologies can increase the sustainability of agriculture and reduce its impact on the environment.
Susceptibility of Prunus rootstocks against Marcus and Dideron isolates of Plum pox virus by graft‐inoculation
Authors: Rubio M. , Dicenta F. , Masse M. , Duval H.
Published: February 2013

Sharka (Plum pox virus, PPV) is one of the most important diseases affecting stone fruits. While there is much information on the reaction of cultivars to PPV infection, details about rootstocks are scarce. In this study, we evaluated 28 stone fruit rootstocks belonging to different Prunus species against the Marcus and Dideron strains of PPV. Rootstocks were evaluated under controlled conditions during two growing seasons using two inoculation methods: direct inoculation of own‐rooted rootstocks and grafting onto PPV‐infected GF305 peach seedlings. Our results showed a generalised susceptibility of the rootstocks evaluated. Evaluating own‐rooted rootstocks was more efficient than the traditional method of grafting onto infected GF305 seedlings. As expected, PPV‐M was found to be more aggressive than PPV‐D, producing symptoms and occurring in a higher number of plants, as shown by ELISA. The most susceptible rootstocks were Myran, Viking, Myro pg Pecher, Julior, Myrobolan 29C, Rubira, Myrobolan B, MrS 2/5, Jaspi and MP8. The least susceptible were GF677, Myrotop, Citation and ZH6. These results highlight the necessity to breed PPV‐resistant rootstocks for the different stone fruit species.
Primary human muscle precursor cells obtained from young and old donors produce similar proliferative, differentiation and senescent profiles in culture
Authors: Alsharidah Mansour , Lazarus Norman R. , George Tomasz E. , Agley Chibeza C. , Velloso Cristiana P. , Harridge Stephen D. R.
Published: February 2013

The myogenic behaviour of primary human muscle precursor cells (MPCs) obtained from young (aged 20–25 years) and elderly people (aged 67–82 years) was studied in culture. Cells were compared in terms of proliferation, DNA damage, time course and extent of myogenic marker expression during differentiation, fusion, size of the formed myotubes, secretion of the myogenic regulatory cytokine TGF‐β1 and sensitivity to TGF‐β1 treatment. No differences were observed between cells obtained from the young and elderly people. The cell populations were expanded in culture until replicative senescence. Cultures that maintained their initial proportion of myogenic cells (desmin positive) with passaging (n = 5) were studied and compared with cells from the same individuals in the non‐senescent state. The senescent cells exhibited a greater number of cells with DNA damage (γ‐H2AX positive), showed impaired expression of markers of differentiation, fused less well, formed smaller myotubes and secreted more TGF‐β. The data strongly suggest that MPCs from young and elderly people have similar myogenic behaviour.
China's regional agricultural productivity growth in 1985–2007: A multilateral comparison1
Authors: Wang Sun Ling , Tuan Francis , Gale Fred , Somwaru Agapi , Hansen James
Published: February 2013

In this study, we estimate total factor productivity (TFP) growth as well as multilateral TFP index for 25 contiguous China provinces over the 1985–2007 period. Agricultural output growth for each province was decomposed into TFP growth and input growth, where input growth was further disaggregated into contributions from growth of labor, capital, land, and intermediate goods. Over the study period, TFP growth contributed 2.7 percentage points to output growth annually, which was slightly higher than the input growth contribution of 2.4 percentage points per annum. On average, the annual rate of productivity growth peaked during 1996–2000, at 5.1%. It slowed in 2000–2005 to a rate of 3.2% per annum and declined in the most recent years (2005–2007) to −3.7%. Differences in productivity among regions persisted over the entire period. The tendency toward faster TFP growth in relatively well‐off coastal regions may imply a widening of regional inequality.
So Close, So Far Away: Analysis of Surnames in a Town of Twins (Cândido Godói, Brazil)
Authors: De Oliveira Marcelo Zagonel , Schüler‐Faccini Lavínia , Demarchi Dario A. , Alfaro Emma L. , Dipierri José E. , Veronez Mauricio R. , Colling Cassel Marlise , Tagliani‐Ribeiro Alice , Silveira Matte Ursula , Ramallo Virginia
Published: February 2013

Cândido Godói is a small Brazilian town known for high rates of twin birth. In 2011, a genetic study showed that this localized high rate of twin births could be explained by a genetic founder effect. Here we used isonymic analysis and surname distribution to identify population subgroups within 5316 inhabitants and 665 different surnames. Four clusters were constructed based on different twin rates (P< 0.001; MRPP test). Fisher'sαand consanguinity index showed low and high values, respectively, corresponding with observed values in isolated communities with high levels of genetic drift. Values ofAandBestimators confirmed population isolation. Three boundaries were identified with Monmonier's maximum difference algorithm (P= 0.007). Inside the isolated sections, surnames of different geographic origins, language, and religion were represented. With an adequate statistical methodology, surname analyses provided a close approximation of historic and socioeconomic background at the moment of colony settlement. In this context, the maintenance of social and cultural practices had strong implications for the population's structure leading to drift processes in this small town, supporting the previous genetic study.
Movement, activity and hunting behaviour of leopards in the Cederberg mountains, South Africa
Authors: Martins Quinton , Harris Stephen
Published: February 2013

Few data are available on the behaviour of leopards in the absence of competing large predators and human impact, both of which are believed to influence leopard activity and movements. Remote camera traps and global positioning system (GPS) collars were used to quantify leopard activity in the Cederberg Mountains, seasonal and sexual differences in their movements, and determine whether nocturnal hunting success was related to lunar activity. Seventy‐seven per cent of camera‐trap photographs were at night, with a strong male bias (69%) in captures. Daily displacement using one location per day suggested that males moved significantly further than females. However, multiple locations (≥6 per day) showed no difference because males moved in a more linear fashion, but not further each day, than females. In the Cederberg Mountains, an open rocky habitat with low human impact and no competing predators, leopards were predominantly nocturnal, mainly hunting diurnal prey species. Hunting success was low: leopards travelled long distances between kills, with nocturnal hunting success higher on darker nights.
Farm‐derived Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus sciuri W620 prevents asthma phenotype in HDM‐ and OVA‐exposed mice
Authors: Hagner S. , Harb H. , Zhao M. , Stein K. , Holst O. , Ege M. J. , Mayer M. , Matthes J. , Bauer J. , von Mutius E. , Renz H. , Heine H. , Pfefferle P. I. , Garn H.
Published: February 2013

Background

Farm‐derived dust samples have been screened for bacteria with potential allergo‐protective properties. Among those was Staphylococcus sciuri W620 (S. sciuri W620), which we tested with regard to its protective capacities in murine models of allergic airway inflammation.

Methods

We employed two protocols of acute airway inflammation in mice administering either ovalbumin (OVA) or house dust mite extract (HDM) for sensitization. Mechanistic studies on the activation of innate immune responses to S. sciuri W620 were carried out using human primary monocytic dendritic cells (moDC) and co‐culture with autologous T cells.

Results

The allergo‐protective properties of S. sciuri W620 were proven in a TH2‐driven OVA model as well as in a mixed TH1/TH2 phenotype HDM model as demonstrated by abrogation of eosinophils and neutrophils in the airways after intranasal treatment. In the HDM model, lymph node cell TH1/TH2 signature cytokines were decreased in parallel. Studies on human moDC revealed an activation of TLR2 and NOD2 receptors and initiation of DC maturation following incubation with S. sciuri W620. Cytokine expression analyses after exposure to S. sciuri W620 showed a lack of IL‐12 production in moDC due to missing transcription of the IL‐12p35 mRNA. However, such DC selectively supported TH1 cytokine release by co‐cultured T cells.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Our proof‐of‐concept experiments verify the screening system of farm‐derived dust samples as suitable to elucidate new candidates for allergo‐protection. S. sciuri W620 was shown to possess preventive properties on airway inflammation providing the basis for further mechanistic studies and potential clinical implication.
Tonic regulation of vascular permeability
Authors: Curry F.‐R. E. , Adamson R. H.
Published: February 2013

Our major theme is that the layered structure of the endothelial barrier requires continuous activation of signalling pathways regulated by sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) and intracellular cAMP. These pathways modulate the adherens junction, continuity of tight junction strands, and the balance of synthesis and degradation of glycocalyx components. We evaluate recent evidence that baseline permeability is maintained by constant activity of mechanisms involving the small GTPases Rap1 and Rac1. In the basal state, the barrier is compromised when activities of the small GTPases are reduced by low S1P supply or delivery. With inflammatory stimulus, increased permeability can be understood in part as the action of signalling to reduce Rap1 and Rac1 activation. With the hypothesis that microvessel permeability and selectivity under both normal and inflammatory conditions are regulated by mechanisms that are continuously active, it follows that when S1P or intracellular cAMP are elevated at the time of inflammatory stimulus, they can buffer changes induced by inflammatory agents and maintain normal barrier stability. When endothelium is exposed to inflammatory conditions and subsequently exposed to elevated S1P or intracellular cAMP, the same processes restore the functional barrier by first re‐establishing the adherens junction, then modulating tight junctions and glycocalyx. In more extreme inflammatory conditions, loss of the inhibitory actions of Rac1‐dependent mechanisms may promote expression of more inflammatory endothelial phenotypes by contributing to the up‐regulation of RhoA‐dependent contractile mechanisms and the sustained loss of surface glycocalyx allowing access of inflammatory cells to the endothelium.
Endoscopy‐assisted breast‐conserving surgery for early breast cancer
Authors: Saimura Michiyo , Mitsuyama Shoshu , Anan Keisei , Koga Kenichiro , Watanabe Masato , Ono Minoru , Toyoshima Satoshi
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Endoscopic surgery is reportedly associated with smaller scars and greater patient satisfaction. Herein we evaluate the early results of endoscopy‐assisted breast‐conserving surgery(E‐BCS).

Methods

Between May 2009 and October 2010, 61 women with breast cancer underwent E‐BCS. We performed E‐BCS on patients with tumors measuring less than 2 cm, without skin or pectoralis muscles invasion. Any patients with microcalcified lesions or axillary lymph node metastasis were excluded. We used an endoscopic vein retractor to dissect the dorsal layer of the mammary gland from a small axillar incision. We dissected the subcutaneous layer and cut the mammary gland vertically from a periareolar incision. We evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics, the surgical outcomes, and early cosmetic results.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 58.5 years, and the mean tumor size was 1.4 cm. Sentinel node biopsy was positive in seven patients, all of whom underwent axillary node dissection. An additional intraoperative resection of the breast was performed in 12 patients. The mean length of the operation was 167 min, and the mean blood loss was 27 mL. Eight patients received a boost to the tumor bed. The cosmetic results were satisfactory, and the wound scar was inconspicuous in most patients.

Conclusion

Herein we demonstrate that E‐BCS is a feasible and safe procedure for patients with early breast cancer. It allows for a better cosmetic scar location and offers patients favorable aesthetic results in the short‐term follow‐up results.
A longitudinal investigation of the impact of faculty reflective practices on students' evaluations of teaching
Authors: Winchester Tiffany M. , Winchester Maxwell K.
Published: February 2013

Though there have been many studies conducted that emphasise faculty reflection as a crucial feature of professional practice, there appears to have been little empirical evidence to support the proposition that reflective practice improves the quality of teaching. Previous research demonstrated that reflective practice could be encouraged by weekly formative student evaluations of teaching (SETs). This study investigated the impact of reported reflective practice using formative SETs on changes to summative SETs, typically conducted at the end of a teaching period. Data was collected in a rural UK‐based university‐college in 11 modules (n = six faculty members, n = 413 students) in Business, Countryside and Environment, Foundation Degree and Veterinary Nursing programmes over the period of 2 years of data collection. Findings show that on average, SET scores increased for all reflective practitioners year on year and increased more for those faculty members who demonstrated higher levels of reflection.
Chemometrics‐Based Approach to Feature Selection of Chromatographic Profiles and its Application to Search Active Fraction of Herbal Medicine
Authors: Chen Chao , Yuan Jie , Li Xiao‐Jie , Shen Zhi‐Bin , Yu Dao‐Hai , Zhu Jun‐Fang , Zeng Fan‐Lin
Published: February 2013

In our previous report (J Pharmaceut Biomed 56 (2011) 443–447), a support vector machine (SVM)‐based pharmacodynamic model was established for predicting active fractions of herbal medicines (HMs), where information contents embedded in the chromatograms of the fractions were represented with the peak areas. However, in this representation the global characteristics of the chromatograms were completely missed, which is definitely contrary to the global and holistic views in theories of HMs and undoubtedly reduce the success rate of this model. To deal with the challenge, two chemometrics methods, that is, minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) and particle swarm optimizer (PSO), were applied in this article for feature selection of the whole chromatograms, and the PSO was also used to tune the SVM parameters. As a case, a sample HM, that is, Xiangdan injection, was investigated. The predictive accuracy was fully evaluated and compared with those by other popular and reported methods. Furthermore, the confirmation on the independent predicting set exhibited that the predicted bioactivities were well consistent with the experimental values. The important potential application of the present model is to be extended to help search active fractions of other HMs.
Prevalence and risk of migraine headaches in adult fragile X premutation carriers
Authors: Au J , Akins RS , Berkowitz‐Sutherland L , Tang H‐T , Chen Y , Boyd A , Tassone F , Nguyen DV , Hagerman R
Published: February 2013

FMR1
premutation carriers are common in the general population (1/130–260 females and 1/250–810 males) and can be affected by fragile X‐associated tremor ataxia syndrome, fragile X‐associated primary ovarian insufficiency, anxiety, depression, hypertension, sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism. Here we report the results of a pilot study to assess the prevalence and risk of migraine in FMR1 premutation carriers. Three hundred fifteen carriers (203 females; 112 males) and 154 controls (83 females; 71 males) were seen sequentially as part of a family study. A standardized medical history, physical examination and confirmation of diagnosis of migraine headaches were performed by a physician. The prevalence of migraine was 54.2% in female carriers (mean age/SD: 49.60/13.73) and 26.79% in male carriers (mean age/SD: 59.94/14.27). This prevalence was higher compared to female (25.3%; mean age/SD: 47.60/15.21; p =  0.0001) and male controls (15.5%; mean age/SD; 53.88/13.31; p =  0.0406) who underwent the same protocol and were confirmed to be negative for the FMR1 mutation by DNA testing. We hypothesize that the increased prevalence of migraine headaches in FMR1 premutation carriers is likely related to the mitochondrial abnormalities that have recently been reported. Screening for migraine should be considered when evaluating FMR1 premutation carriers in the future.
The use of abdominal muscle training, breathing exercises and abdominal massage to treat paediatric chronic functional constipation
Authors: Silva C. A. G. , Motta M. E. F. A.
Published: February 2013

Aim

The effect of muscular training, abdominal massage and diaphragmatic breathing was compared with medical treatment in a prospective randomized trial of patients with chronic functional constipation.

Method

Patients aged 4–18 years old with functional constipation according to the Rome III criteria were randomized to physiotherapy or medical treatment. In the physiotherapy group, exercises (isometric training of the abdominal muscles, diaphragmatic breathing exercises and abdominal massage) were employed during 12 40‐min sessions twice a week by a trained physiotherapist, with laxatives. Patients in the medication group were only given laxatives. Primary outcome measures were frequency of defaecation and faecal incontinence. The analysis was performed by intention‐to‐treat.

Results

After 6 weeks of treatment, the frequency of bowel movements was higher in the physiotherapy group [5.1 (2.1) days/week] than in the medication group [3.9 (2.0) days/week] (P = 0.01). The frequency of faecal incontinence was no different between the groups [3.6 (1.9) days/week vs 3.0 (2.1) days/week] (P = 0.31).

Conclusion

The combined use of isometric training of abdominal muscles, breathing exercises and abdominal massage increased defaecation frequency after 6 weeks but faecal incontinence remained unchanged. Physiotherapy may be a useful treatment for constipation.
Knowledge and attitude of dental faculty members towards evidence‐based dentistry in Iran
Authors: Sabounchi S. S. , Nouri M. , Erfani N. , Houshmand B. , Khoshnevisan M. H.
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Educating dental practitioners is a major component in obtaining evidence‐based approach to oral health care, but there is no evidence about knowledge and attitude of dental faculty members towards evidence‐based dentistry (EBD) in Iran.

Materials and methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted using self‐administered questionnaires on dental school faculties in Iran to assess their knowledge and attitude towards basic principles and methods of EBD. A total of eight dental schools were randomly selected of 17 public and two existing private schools. Validated questionnaire with an appropriate reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.67 – 0.87) was conducted on (n = 505) available dental instructors. The covered dimensions were perceived knowledge on critical appraisal, actual knowledge of EBD concepts, evidence‐accessing methods and attitudes about EBD. Correlations were assessed between background characteristics and four main parts of the questionnaire, and multiple linear regression analysis was also used.

Results

A total of 377 of 505 dental instructors returned completed questionnaires (response rate 74.65%). The mean perceived knowledge score was 15.32 ± 4.69 on a range of 6–36, and mean actual knowledge was 7.98 ± 2.0 on a range of 0–11 for all respondents with an overall positive attitude towards EBD.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the level of actual knowledge of dental faculties about basic principles of EBD was moderate in Iran. However, faculties' overall interest and positive attitude towards learning EBD is encouraging. Therefore, it is highly recommended that degree/certificate continuing educational programmes be planned by the organising committees.
Stem cell transplantation after reduced‐intensity conditioning for sickle cell disease
Authors: Matthes‐Martin Susanne , Lawitschka Anita , Fritsch Gerhard , Lion Thomas , Grimm Brigitte , Breuer Sabine , Boztug Heidrun , Karlhuber Susanne , Holter Wolfgang , Peters Christina , Minkov Milen
Published: February 2013

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is still associated with substantial morbidity and reduced life expectancy. Disease‐related mortality rises to 14% in adolescents and young adults. Overall and disease‐free survival following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is 90% and 95%, respectively. To reduce transplant‐associated late effects, the feasibility of a highly immunosuppressive reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen was explored in children with SCD and a matched sibling donor. Eight patients (median age, 9 yr) and symptomatic SCD were included. The conditioning regimen consisted of fludarabine, melphalan and either thiotepa or total lymphoid irradiation plus antithymocyte globuline or alemtuzumab. The graft was bone marrow in seven and cord blood in one case. The conditioning regimen was well tolerated and no severe infectious complications occurred. All patients displayed mixed chimaerism on day +28. After a median follow‐up of 4 yr, 3/8 patients have mixed leucocyte chimaerism and 8/8 patients have 100% donor erythropoiesis. HSCT from matched sibling donors following a RIC regimen was well tolerated and resulted in cure in all patients studied. If confirmed in larger patient cohorts, these observations will have important implications for the indications of HSCT in children with SCD.
Enkephalin knockdown in the central amygdala nucleus reduces unconditioned fear and anxiety
Authors: Poulin Jean‐François , Bérubé Patrick , Laforest Sylvie , Drolet Guy
Published: February 2013

The endogenous opioid enkephalins (ENK) are highly expressed in the central nucleus of the amygdaloid complex (CeA) where several lines of evidence point to a potential role in the modulation of fear and anxiety. In this study, we aimed to assess the role ofCeA ENKusing local injections of a lentiviral vector expressing a short hairpinRNA(shRNA) targetingENKinSprague–Dawley rats. We injected this vector in theCeAand a 56% downregulation ofENK mRNAwas observed in animals when compared with scrambled shRNAanimals. Anxiety‐like behaviors were also assessed using the elevated plus maze and social interaction test. There was an increase in exploration of open arms of the elevated plus maze inENKknockdown animals compared with controls, but no change in social interaction. In addition, we used the contextual fear conditioning procedure to assess fear expression and learning in these animals. There was a reduction in freezing induced by acute shocks during the training procedure. Interestingly, associative learning was not affected, andENKknockdown animals displayed an equivalent freezing when re‐exposed to the conditioning chamber 48 h later. These results contrast with knockout mice studies, which ascribed anxiolytic properties toENK, and they demonstrate the need for a thorough understanding and characterization of neuroanatomically distinctENKpathways.
Dopaminergic and GABA‐ergic markers of impulsivity in rats: evidence for anatomical localisation in ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex
Authors: Jupp Bianca , Caprioli Daniele , Saigal Niel , Reverte Ingrid , Shrestha Saurav , Cumming Paul , Everitt Barry J. , Robbins Trevor W. , Dalley Jeffrey W.
Published: February 2013

Accumulating evidence indicates that impulsivity, in its multiple forms, involves cortical and subcortical mechanisms and abnormal dopamine (DA) transmission. Although decreased DA D2/D3 receptor availability in the nucleus accumbens (NAcb) predicts trait‐like impulsivity in rats it is unclear whether this neurochemical marker extends to both the NAcb core (NAcbC) and shell (NAcbS) and whether markers for other neurotransmitter systems implicated in impulsivity such as serotonin (5‐HT), endogenous opioids and γ‐amino‐butyric acid (GABA) are likewise altered in impulsive rats. We therefore used autoradiography to investigate DA transporter (DAT), 5‐HT transporter (5‐HTT) and D1, D2/D3, μ‐opioid and GABA(A) receptor binding in selected regions of the prefrontal cortex and striatum in rats expressing low and high impulsive behaviour on the five‐choice serial reaction‐time task. High‐impulsive (HI) rats exhibited significantly lower binding for DAT and D2/D3 receptors in the NAcbS and for D1 receptors in the NAcbC compared with low‐impulsive (LI) rats. HI rats also showed significantly lower GABA(A) receptor binding in the anterior cingulate cortex. For all regions where receptor binding was altered in HI rats, binding was inversely correlated with impulsive responding on task. There were no significant differences in binding for 5‐HTT or μ‐opioid receptors in any of the regions investigated. These results indicate that altered D2/D3 receptor binding is localised to the NAcbS of trait‐like impulsive rats and is accompanied by reduced binding for DAT. Alterations in binding for D1 receptors in the NAcbC and GABA(A) receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex demonstrate additional markers and putative mechanisms underlying the expression of behavioural impulsivity.
Restless legs syndrome in end‐stage renal disease: a multicenter study in Taiwan
Authors: Lin C.‐H. , Wu V.‐C. , Li W.‐Y. , Sy H.‐N. , Wu S.‐L. , Chang C.‐C. , Chiu P.‐F. , Lion H.‐H. , Lin C.‐Y. , Chang H.‐W. , Lin S.‐Y. , Wu K.‐D. , Chen Y.‐M. , Wu R.‐M.
Published: February 2013

Background and purpose

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an underestimated movement disorder in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Several clinical and laboratory factors were inconsistently reported to associate with RLS. We aim to perform a large‐scale multicenter study to investigate the possible associated risk factors of RLS in patients with ESRD in Taiwan, a country with the highest incidence of uremia in the world.

Methods

From October 2009 to October 2011, we constitutively recruited 1130 patients with ESRD from 17 hemodialysis centers. Demographic, laboratory data, presence and severity of RLS were collected. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by logistic regression models.

Results

We found the prevalence of RLS to be 25.3% in patients with ESRD. Having type 2 diabetes [OR = 3.61 (2.27–5.77), P < 0.01], low serum transferrin saturation [OR = 1.42 (1.01–2.03), P < 0.05] and duration of dialysis [OR = 1.09 (1.03–1.14), P < 0.01] were associated with RLS. In contrast, high serum hemoglobin level was inversely associated with RLS [OR = 0.61 (0.40–0.89), P < 0.05]. RLS has a significant impact on sleep quality in dialysis patients. Among patients with RLS, history of type 2 diabetes [OR = 4.04 (1.65–10.79), P < 0.05], low serum hemoglobin level [OR = 5.41 (2.43–13.12), P < 0.01] and duration of dialysis [OR = 1.01 (1.01–1.02), P < 0.01] were associated with increased severity of RLS.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that RLS is common in Taiwanese dialysis patients. Clinicians should have a high suspicion for the presence of RLS symptoms in patients with ESRD, especially those with type 2 diabetes, anemia, low serum iron status and long duration of dialysis.
Olfactory Snake‐Predator Discrimination in the Cape Ground Squirrel
Authors: Phillips Molly A. , Waterman Jane M.
Published: February 2013

Small mammals have a number of means to detect and avoid predators, including visual, auditory and olfactory cues. Olfactory cues are particularly important for nocturnal or fossorial species where visual cues would not be as reliable. The Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inauris) is a semi‐fossorial, diurnal mammal from southern Africa. Cape ground squirrels encounter multiple species of predatory snake that pursue individuals underground where visual and social cues are limited. We assessed whether Cape ground squirrels use odours to discriminate between snakes by presenting a non‐venomous snake, a venomous snake and a control odour collected on polyethylene cubes to 11 adult female squirrels from 11 different social groups. Cape ground squirrels responded by inspecting the cube, displaying snake harassment–associated behaviours and decreasing time spent in close proximity to snake odours when compared with a control. They also displayed discrimination between two snake species by increasing the frequency of cube inspection and increasing harassment behaviours with venomous snake odours when compared with non‐venomous snake odours. We conclude that Cape ground squirrels respond with snake‐specific antipredator behaviours when presented olfactory cues alone. Olfactory discrimination may be maintained by the decreased utility of other methods of predator detection: sight and group detection, in below‐ground encounters.
Understanding Mimicry – with Special Reference to Vocal Mimicry
Authors: Wickler Wolfgang
Published: February 2013

The term mimicry was introduced to biology in 1862 byHenryWalterBates in his evolutionary explanation of deceptive communication in nature, based on a three‐part interaction system of a mimicked organism or object (called model), a mimicking organism (called mimic), and one or more organisms as selecting agents. Bates gave two incongruous definitions of mimicry: one from the viewpoint of a natural agent that selects for, and in consequence is deceived by, the close resemblance of a toxic model's warning signal and the similar appearance of a palatable mimic, and another one from the viewpoint of a human taxonomist who under an evolutionary aspect focuses on convergent resemblance between model and mimic. Later definitions of Müllerian (F.Müller), arithmetic (A.Wallace) and social (M.Moynihan) mimicry abolish deception in the natural selecting agent, rely on the convergence criterion alone, fuse the roles of model and mimic but have to accept a mix of homologous and convergent resemblance amongst them for a functional explanation. The definition of vocal mimicry (E.Armstrong) refers to a learned resemblance between mimic and heterospecific model by character duplication (no convergence), so far without known (deceived or not deceived) natural selecting agents. It excludesBatesian vocal mimicry. The functional ethological understanding of mimicry as a tripartite communication system (W.Wickler) is consistent with Bates' concept and accepts deception as key element of Batesian mimicry beyond homologous and convergent resemblances. Deception is seen as caused by the divergence between a sign and its meaning for the natural selecting agent. This understanding covers mimicry in all behaviour domains, provides a generally applicable definition of mimic and model so far missing in any mimicry concept, and it distinguishes – still in line with Henry Bates – cultural from genetically determined model‐mimic‐resemblance; this applies to vocal mimicry in particular. Convergently evolved model‐mimic‐resemblance, not essential inBatesian mimicry but mandatory for its alternatives, marks a fundamental distinction betweenBatesian mimicry (includingMimesis) and all other conceptualized mimicries and accounts for the non‐existence of a unified meaning of the term mimicry. However, character convergence does not help to explain the mere existence of mimicry phenomena and is irrelevant for their permanence in nature. I therefore propose to remove the convergence argument from any mimicry definition.
All That is Just Ersatz: The Meaning of Work in the Life of Immigrant Newcomers
Authors: Roberman Sveta
Published: February 2013

In this study, I present the case of middle‐age and late middle‐age Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union to Germany, who are attempting to rebuild their employment biographies and construct identities of social worth and status in the new country but are constrained from entering formal salaried jobs and are thus pushed into alternative work schemes. I explore the everyday experiences of these subjects and analyze why the alternative work projects fail to provide an equal substitute for formal salaried employment. Highlighting work as a crucial resource for the construction of immigrants’ self‐perceptions, identities, and sense of belonging in a new country, I challenge claims about the diminishing meaning of work—in particular what is considered to be standard (long‐term, salaried) employment—in the construction of identities and determination of social hierarchies in contemporary Western societies. [unemployment–underemployment, nonstandard work, immigrant experience, recognition, marginalization]