bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nematode species distribution patterns at the Håkon Mosby Mud Volcano (Norwegian Sea)
Authors: Portnova Daria , Mokievsky Vadim , Soltwedel Thomas
Published: September 2010

The Håkon Mosby Mud Volcano (HMMV) is a methane seep that is densely populated by the bacteria Beggiatoa spp. as well as by tubeworms of the Family Siboglinidae. Analyses of samples from seven stations located in five different habitats (bare sediments, bacterial mats, siboglinid fields, sediments with small patches of siboglinids and areas of ‘normal’ sea floor) revealed differences in the density and species‐level diversity of nematode communities. Total densities increased from stations inside the mud volcano and on its rim towards the ‘normal’ areas outside the volcano. Nematode species diversity was similar in samples from the siboglinid fields and the bare HMMV sediments. However, the sediment with patches of siboglinids collected outside the volcano was characterised by a diverse nematode community comprising 47 species, whereas the control sediments without siboglinids yielded only 27 species. The nematode assemblage at the bacterial mat site included only two identified species, Halomonhystera disjuncta and Sabatieria ornata, with H. disjuncta being strongly dominant. Terschellingia distlamphida, S. ornata and Aponema ninae dominated nematode communities at the siboglinid fields and in bare HMMV sediments. Species dominating at stations inside the caldera were found in comparable low densities in the sediment with siboglinid patches collected outside the volcano, but were missing in the background samples, where species of Endeolophos, Acantholaimus and Desmoscolex were dominant. Species diversity generally decreased with sediment depth. A subsurface‐dwelling nematode community was observed in the siboglinid fields and the bare sediments. Background sediments showed a sharp decline with 18–20 species at 0–2 cm versus three species at 3–5 cm sediment depth. The trophic composition of the nematode fauna at the HMMV showed a prevalence of deposit feeders at almost all stations, whereas background sediments exhibited a uniform distribution of non‐selective and selective deposit feeders and epistrate feeders. The high percentage of deposit feeders inside the mud volcano could be related to the grain‐size distribution and the significantly higher bacterial biomass compared to the control sediments.
More Open but Not More Trusted? The Effect of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 on the United Kingdom Central Government
Authors: WORTHY BEN
Published: September 2010

This article examines the impact of Britain's Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 on British central government. The article identifies six objectives for FOI in the United Kingdom and then examines to what extent FOI has met them, briefly comparing the United Kingdom with similar legislation in Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. It concludes that FOI has achieved the core objectives of increasing transparency and accountability, though the latter only in particular circumstances, but not the four secondary objectives: improved decision‐making by government, improved public understanding, increased participation, and trust in government. This is not because the Act has “failed” but because the objectives were overly ambitious and FOI is shaped by the political environment in which it is placed.
Anatomy of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in adults: a pictorial essay with a multimodality approach
Authors: Hermans John J. , Beumer Annechien , De Jong Ton A. W. , Kleinrensink Gert‐Jan
Published: September 2010

A syndesmosis is defined as a fibrous joint in which two adjacent bones are linked by a strong membrane or ligaments. This definition also applies for the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, which is a syndesmotic joint formed by two bones and four ligaments. The distal tibia and fibula form the osseous part of the syndesmosis and are linked by the distal anterior tibiofibular ligament, the distal posterior tibiofibular ligament, the transverse ligament and the interosseous ligament. Although the syndesmosis is a joint, in the literature the term syndesmotic injury is used to describe injury of the syndesmotic ligaments. In an estimated 1–11% of all ankle sprains, injury of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis occurs. Forty percent of patients still have complaints of ankle instability 6 months after an ankle sprain. This could be due to widening of the ankle mortise as a result of increased length of the syndesmotic ligaments after acute ankle sprain. As widening of the ankle mortise by 1 mm decreases the contact area of the tibiotalar joint by 42%, this could lead to instability and hence early osteoarthritis of the tibiotalar joint. In fractures of the ankle, syndesmotic injury occurs in about 50% of type Weber B and in all of type Weber C fractures. However, in discussing syndesmotic injury, it seems the exact proximal and distal boundaries of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis are not well defined. There is no clear statement in the Ashhurst and Bromer etiological, the Lauge‐Hansen genetic or the Danis‐Weber topographical fracture classification about the exact extent of the syndesmosis. This joint is also not clearly defined in anatomical textbooks, such as Lanz and Wachsmuth. Kelikian and Kelikian postulate that the distal tibiofibular joint begins at the level of origin of the tibiofibular ligaments from the tibia and ends where these ligaments insert into the fibular malleolus. As the syndesmosis of the ankle plays an important role in the stability of the talocrural joint, understanding of the exact anatomy of both the osseous and ligamentous structures is essential in interpreting plain radiographs, CT and MR images, in ankle arthroscopy and in therapeutic management. With this pictorial essay we try to fill the hiatus in anatomic knowledge and provide a detailed anatomic description of the syndesmotic bones with the incisura fibularis, the syndesmotic recess, synovial fold and tibiofibular contact zone and the four syndesmotic ligaments. Each section describes a separate syndesmotic structure, followed by its clinical relevance and discussion of remaining questions.
Intervening in infancy: implications for autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Wallace Katherine S. , Rogers Sally J.
Published: September 2010

There is a scarcity of empirically validated treatments for infants and toddlers under age 3 years with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), as well as a scarcity of empirical investigation into successful intervention characteristics for this population. Yet early screening efforts are focused on identifying autism risk in children under age 3 years. In order to build ASD interventions for infants and toddlers upon a foundation of evidence‐based characteristics, the current paper presents the results of a systematic literature search and effect size analysis of efficacious interventions for infants and toddlers with other developmental disorders: those who were born prematurely, have developmental impairments, or are at high risk for developmental impairments due to the presence of a biological or familial condition associated with developmental impairments. A review of 32 controlled, high‐quality experimental studies revealed that the most efficacious interventions routinely used a combination of four specific intervention procedures, including (1) parent involvement in intervention, including ongoing parent coaching that focused both on parental responsivity and sensitivity to child cues and on teaching families to provide the infant interventions, (2) individualization to each infant’s developmental profile, (3) focusing on a broad rather than a narrow range of learning targets, and (4) temporal characteristics involving beginning as early as the risk is detected and providing greater intensity and duration of the intervention. These four characteristics of efficacious interventions for infants and toddlers with other developmental challenges likely represent a solid foundation from which researchers and clinicians can build efficacious interventions for infants and toddlers at risk for or affected by ASD.
Oxytocin to augment labour during home births: an exploratory study in the urban slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Moran AC , Wahed T , Afsana K
Published: September 2010

Please cite this paper as: Moran A, Wahed T, Afsana K. Oxytocin to augment labour during home births: an exploratory study in the urban slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh. BJOG 2010;117:1608–1615.

Objective  In Bangladesh, the majority of women give birth at home. There is anecdotal evidence that unqualified allopathic practitioners (UAPs) administer oxytocin at home births to augment labour pain. The objective is to explore the use of oxytocin to augment labour pain during home births in an urban slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Design  Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting  KamrangirChar slum, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Population  Married women with a home birth or who experienced labour at home in the 6 months prior to the survey (n = 463) were interviewed. Twenty‐seven UAPs were interviewed to validate women’s responses.

Methods  Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify significant predictors of oxytocin use.

Main outcome measures  Reported use of oxytocin to augment labour pain.

Results  Forty‐six percent of women reported using medicine or other treatments to augment labour pain, 131 of whom reported using oxytocin (28% of total). Traditional birth attendants were the predominant decision‐makers of when to use oxytocin. The medication was provided by a UAP who administered the drug via saline infusion or intramuscular injection. Higher education, lower parity, reported long labour (more than 12 hours), and knowledge of and positive attitudes towards oxytocin were significantly associated with oxytocin use after controlling for other factors. In the validation exercise, there was agreement about the use of oxytocin to augment labour in 22 of 27 cases (82%).

Conclusions  About one‐third of women used oxytocin to augment labour pain. This practice has implications for health education as well as future research to assess the impact on adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Strengthening HIV services for pregnant women: an opportunity to reduce maternal mortality rates in Southern Africa/sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Moodley J , Pattinson RC , Baxter C , Sibeko S , Abdool Karim Q
Published: September 2010

Please cite this paper as: Moodley J, Pattinson R, Baxter C, Sibeko S, Abdool Karim Q. Strengthening HIV services for pregnant women: an opportunity to reduce maternal mortality rates in Southern Africa/sub‐Saharan Africa. BJOG 2011;118:219–225.

Reliable data from South Africa emanating from WHO recommendations for the Safe Motherhood programme underscores HIV/AIDS as the most common cause of maternal deaths. The strengthening of HIV services for pregnant women especially in countries with a high burden of HIV infection will reduce HIV‐related and un‐related maternal mortality rates. High‐quality and complete data on maternal deaths is a critical foundation for reliably monitoring temporal trends in maternal deaths, and causes thereof, but needs substantial strengthening in many resource‐constrained settings.

HIV/AIDS is an increasing contributor to direct and indirect causes of maternal deaths in sub‐Saharan Africa. A review of published data on maternal deaths and its association with HIV shows that reliable data come from the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths from South Africa, population‐based surveys in sentinel populations, and facility‐based data. Despite an increase in knowledge of the HIV status of pregnant women and the initiation of antiretroviral treatment, reversals in trends towards increased maternal deaths are not being observed. The strengthening of HIV services provides an opportunity to alter HIV epidemic trajectories and reduce maternal deaths.
Ammonium chloride and tunicamycin are novel toxins for dopaminergic neurons and induce Parkinson’s disease‐like phenotypes in medaka fish
Authors: Matsui Hideaki , Ito Hidefumi , Taniguchi Yoshihito , Takeda Shunichi , Takahashi Ryosuke
Published: September 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 1150–1160.

Perturbations in protein folding and degradation are key pathological mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent evidence suggests that mishandling of proteins may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD. We have utilized medaka fish to monitor the effects of injecting neurotoxins into the CSF space. In this study, ammonium chloride, tunicamycin, and lactacystin were tested for their ability to disturb lysosomal proteolysis, N‐glycosylation in the endoplasmic reticulum, and proteasomal degradation, respectively. All of the substances tested induced selective loss of dopaminergic neurons, movement disorders and inclusion bodies. Among them, the features of the inclusion bodies that developed after ammonium chloride injection mimicked those of PD: co‐localization of ubiquitin and phosphorylated α‐synuclein, as well as the presence of LC3 protein in the inclusion bodies. Our study demonstrated that medaka fish are useful for examining the effects of environmental toxins and lysosome inhibition, and lysosome inhibitors may be factors in the development of PD.
On the Chvátal rank of linear relaxations of the stable set polytope
Authors: Holm Eugenia , Torres Luis M. , Wagler Annegret K.
Published: September 2010

We study the Chvátal rank of two linear relaxations of the stable set polytope, the edge constraint and the clique constraint stable set polytope. For some classes of graphs whose stable set polytope is given by 0/1‐valued constraints only, we present either the exact value of the Chvátal rank or upper bounds (of the order of their largest cliques and stable sets), which improve the bounds previously known from the literature (of the order of the graph itself).
U–Pb zircon geochronology of coesite‐bearing eclogites from the southern Dulan area of the North Qaidam UHP terrane, northwestern China: spatially and temporally extensive UHP metamorphism during continental subduction
Authors: ZHANG J. X. , MATTINSON C. G. , YU S. Y. , LI J. P. , MENG F. C.
Published: September 2010

Coesite‐bearing eclogites from >100 km2in the southern Dulan area, North Qaidam Mountains (NQM) of western China, contain zircon that records protolith crystallization and ultra high pressure (UHP) metamorphism. Sensitive High‐Resolution Ion Microprobe (Mass Spectrometer) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry U–Pb analyses from cathodoluminescence (CL)‐dark zircon cores in a coesite‐bearing eclogite yield an upper intercept age of 838 ± 50 Ma, and oscillatory zoned cores in a kyanite‐bearing eclogite gave a weighted mean206Pb/238U age of 832 ± 20 Ma. These zircon cores yield steep heavy rare earth element (HREE) slopes and negative Eu anomalies that suggest a magmatic origin. Thus,c. 835 Ma is interpreted as the eclogite protolith age. Unzoned CL‐grey or ‐bright zircon and zircon rims from four samples yield weighted mean ages of 430 ± 4, 438 ± 2, 446 ± 10 and 446 ± 3 Ma, flat HREE patterns without Eu anomalies, and contain inclusions of garnet, omphacite, rutile, phengite and rare coesite. These ages are interpreted to record 16 ± 5 Myr of UHP metamorphism. These new UHP ages overlap the age range of both eclogite and paragneiss from the northern Dulan area, suggesting that all UHP rock types in the Dulan area belong to the same tectonic unit. Our results are consistent with slow continental subduction, but do not match oceanic subduction and diapiric exhumation UHP model predictions. These new data suggest that, similar to eclogites in other HP/UHP units of the NQM and South Altyn Tagh, protoliths of the eclogites in the Dulan area formed in a continental setting during the Neoproterozoic, and then subducted to mantle depth together with continental materials during the Early Palaeozoic.
A Novel, Innovative Ovine Model of Chronic Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Induced by Multiple Coronary Ligations
Authors: Schmitto Jan D. , Mokashi Suyog A. , Lee Lawrence S. , Laurence Rita , Schotola Hanna , Coelho‐Filho Otavio , Rajab Taufiek K. , Kwong Raymond , Bolman III R. Morton , Quintel Michael , Cohn Lawrence H. , Chen Frederick Y.
Published: September 2010

Heart failure is one of the fastest‐growing epidemics worldwide in health care today. Although a wide variety of animal models exist to create chronic heart failure, there are few truly successful, reproducible models with ischemic dilation and mitral regurgitation. Six healthy sheep (36 ± 5 kg) underwent multiple, strategic coronary artery ligations on the left ventricle (LV). Six to eight ligations were performed transmurally on three of four segments of the LV: anterior, lateral, and posterior. Side branches of the left anterior descending and circumflex arteries were ligated to create multiple, patchy areas of myocardial infarction. Cardiac global and regional systolic function was assessed by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The extent, the characteristics, and the location of the myocardial infarction were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed by late gadolinium enhancement imaging. The overall mortality rate was 16.7% (1/6 animals). Animals who survived showed a significantly reduced ejection fraction (mean 60 ± 5% to 28 ± 7%; P < 0.05); additionally, two out of the remaining five (40%) animals developed mild to moderate mitral regurgitation quantified by cardiac MRI. Furthermore, each animal developed clinical signs of heart failure (tachycardia, dyspnea, and tachypnea) consistent with global, dilated cardiomyopathy noted on MRI. Creating and reproducing a model of global, ischemic cardiomyopathy with functional mitral regurgitation is an arduous task. We have developed a promising model of ischemic heart failure using multiple ligations, which mimics the sequelae of human cardiomyopathy. Our proposed model is highly effective, reproducible, and may be used for experimental research on heart failure (cardiac assist devices, heart transplant, etc.).
Latency to first seizure after temporal lobectomy predicts long‐term outcome
Authors: Buckingham Sarah E. , Chervoneva Inna , Sharan Ashwini , Zangaladze Andro , Mintzer Scott , Skidmore Christopher , Nei Maromi , Evans James , Pequignot Edward , Sperling Michael R.
Published: September 2010

Purpose:  Temporal lobectomy is a well‐established treatment for refractory temporal lobe epilepsy, yet many patients experience at least one seizure postoperatively. Little is known about the prognostic significance of the time from surgery to first seizure relapse in predicting long‐term outcome.

Methods:  In a retrospective analysis of patients who reported at least one complex partial seizure (CPS) or generalized tonic–clonic seizure (GTCS) after anterior temporal lobectomy (n = 268), we used a nominal response logistic model to predict the odds ratio (OR) of a seizure outcome based on length of the latency period from surgery to first postoperative seizure. A modified Engel outcome class scheme was used. We controlled for factors known to influence postoperative outcome, including history of tonic–clonic seizures, intelligence quotient (IQ), preoperative seizure frequency, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and history of febrile convulsions.

Results:  In the univariate analysis, the latency from surgery to the first postoperative disabling seizure was significantly associated with long‐term outcome. Longer latency was associated with higher odds of being seizure‐free or improved (modified Engel’s classes 1, 2, and 3) relative to the unimproved state (class 4) (p < 0.001, 0.001 and 0.004, respectively). Conversely, a shorter latency increased the likelihood of achieving the worst prognosis (class 4) relative to class 1 (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis yielded similar results.

Discussion:  Latency to the first postoperative seizure predicts long‐term outcome, with short latencies portending poor prognosis and long latencies portending a good prognosis. This information can be used for patient counseling and may influence decisions regarding reoperation.
A 10‐Year Review of the Food Science Summer Scholars Program: A Model for Research Training and for Recruiting Undergraduate Students into Graduate Programs and Careers in Food Science
Authors: Roberts Angela J. , Robbins Janette , McLandsborough Lynne , Wiedmann Martin
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  A pressing problem facing regulatory agencies, academia, and the food industry is a shortage of qualified food science graduates, particularly those with advanced degrees (that is, M.S. or Ph.D.). In 2000, the Cornell Institute of Food Science established the annual Food Science Summer Scholars Program as an experiential summer research program for undergraduate students with the goal of increasing the number of individuals enrolling in graduate programs in Food Science and entering careers in food science. In 2008, to explore expansion to other food science programs, the program also included 5 students placed at the Univ. of Massachusetts. Between 2000 and 2009, a total of 147 undergraduate students, representing a nationally and internationally diverse student body, have participated in the program. Sixty program participants have been recruited from nonfood science majors and 25 have been U.S. citizens representing traditionally underrepresented minorities. Forty‐five program alumni have completed graduate degrees with a food science or related major, and 56 alumni are currently pursuing graduate degrees in food science or related disciplines. Thirty program alumni are working in the food industry. The Food Science Summer Scholars Program at Cornell and the Univ. of Massachusetts has proved to be an effective program for recruiting students into graduate programs and careers in food science. Furthermore, the Summer Scholars Program at Cornell and the Univ. of Massachusetts serves as a model for the development of a cooperative multi‐institutional food science summer research program for undergraduates to further increase the supply of students for graduate study and careers in food science.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF INTRAPELVIC MASSES IN DOGS
Authors: SPECTOR DANIEL I. , FISCHETTI ANTHONY J. , KOVAK‐McCLARAN JANET R.
Published: September 2010

In people, the computed tomography (CT) characteristics of intrapelvic masses can be used to distinguish a malignant from a benign mass. As prognosis varies greatly between malignant and benign intrapelvic masses, knowledge of their biological behavior can aid treatment planning before surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine if CT characteristics exist to help differentiate benign from malignant intrapelvic masses in dogs. The CT images of 14 dogs with a histopathologically confirmed intrapelvic mass were evaluated. Postcontrast internal heterogeneity of the mass was the only characteristic significantly associated with malignancy (P=0.005). Preoperative CT examination of intrapelvic masses in dogs can provide prognostic information before invasive surgical treatment.
Modified Laparoscopic Splenectomy: A Beneficial Technique for ABO‐incompatible Living Donor Renal Transplantation Candidates on Hemodialysis
Authors: Matsuoka Susumu , Uchida Kazuharu , Tominaga Yoshihiro , Uno Nobuaki , Simabukuro Syuichi , Hiramitsu Takahisa , Goto Norihiko , Sato Tetsuhiko , Nagasaka Takaharu , Watarai Yoshihiko
Published: September 2010

Advances in laparoscopy have enabled minimally invasive surgical treatment of splenic diseases. Even with these advances, laparoscopic splenectomy in patients on dialysis can be difficult because of tissue fragility due to the underlying renal disease. We report a safe surgical technique for laparoscopic splenectomy in patients on maintenance dialysis that is suitable for use before ABO‐incompatible living donor renal transplantation (LDRTx). Between June 1972 and December 2006, a total of 800 patients underwent LDRTx in our department, including 82 patients who underwent ABO‐incompatible LDRTx. Between April 2001 and December 2006 we performed laparoscopic splenectomy in 48 hemodialysis patients as a pretreatment before ABO‐incompatible LDRTx. Under general anesthesia the operation was performed using a new technique, referred to as the “splenic hilum lump method.” We evaluated the surgical outcomes, such as the operative time, amount of blood loss, efficacy, and complications. The mean operative time was 131.6 ± 38.4 min and mean blood loss was 126 ± 395 mL. Blood transfusion was required in three patients. All cases had satisfactory kidney function after LDRTx and none developed kidney graft failure due to acute rejection. Almost all patients could walk the day after laparoscopic splenectomy and were satisfied with the cosmetic appearance of the scar after wound healing. The surgical technique we report here can be safely performed on patients with renal failure who require caution because of tissue fragility. Laparoscopic splenectomy is a safe, effective and less invasive operative procedure as a pretreatment for ABO‐incompatible LDRTx.
Relationship Between the Dimension of Parathyroid Glands Estimated by Ultrasonography and the Hyperplastic Pattern in Patients With Renal Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Matsuoka Susumu , Tominaga Yoshihiro , Sato Tetsuhiko , Uno Nobuaki , Hiramitu Takahisa , Goto Norihiko , Nagasaka Takaharu , Uchida Kazuharu
Published: September 2010

In renal hyperparathyroidism (HPT), the parathyroid glands initially proliferate diffusely and polyclonally, and are then transformed to monoclonal nodular hyperplasia with aggressive growth potential. In this study we evaluated the relationship between the maximal dimension of parathyroid glands estimated by ultrasonography (US) and the hyperplastic pattern of parathyroid glands in patients with renal HPT. Between October 1999 and December 2006, 141 patients who underwent total parathyroidectomy (PTx) with forearm autograft in our department were enrolled in this study. In these patients 308 parathyroid glands were detected by US before PTx. The largest dimension of the gland estimated preoperatively by US was correlated closely with its measurement at surgery (R2 was 0.31, P < 0.001). The maximal dimension of diffuse hyperplastic glands was significantly smaller than that of the glands with nodular hyperplastic glands (P < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between the pattern of parathyroid hyperplasia and the glandular diameter when we defined 8 mm as the maximal diameter estimated by US as a cut‐off value. As a result of receiver operating characteristic analyses, using these criteria the US technique could predict nodular hyperplasia with a high sensitivity (78.9%) and specificity (78.7%). Parathyroid glands that are enlarged by more than 8 mm in the largest dimension estimated by US may represent glands with nodular hyperplasia.
A Case Report of the Cascade Filtration System: A Safe and Effective Method for Low‐density Lipoprotein Apheresis During Pregnancy
Authors: Ertorer Melek Eda , Guvenc Birol , Haydardedeoglu Bulent , Tekinturhan Ferda
Published: September 2010

Women with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) should be treated effectively during pregnancy, as elevated low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels may result in life‐threatening consequences. Hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase inhibitors are contraindicated during pregnancy, therefore LDL apheresis should be considered in the management of such pregnant cases. There are five different methods of selective LDL apheresis: heparin‐induced extracorporeal LDL precipitation, double filtration plasmapheresis, direct adsorption of lipoproteins, dextran sulfate adsorption, and LDL immunoadsorption. The cascade filtration system is another modern and effective method for the extracorporeal elimination of LDL‐C, although it is not as selective as the methods mentioned above. Herein, we present the case of a pregnant woman with heterozygous FH and extremely elevated LDL‐C levels who has been successfully treated with the cascade filtration system until delivery. As far as we can ascertain, LDL apheresis with the cascade filtration system during pregnancy has not yet been reported in the literature.
Coronary Plaque Morphology Using Virtual Histology–Intravascular Ultrasound Analysis in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kono Keiji , Fujii Hideki , Miyoshi Naoki , Kawamori Hiroyuki , Shite Jyunya , Hirata Ken‐ichi , Fukagawa Masafumi
Published: September 2010

Most dialysis patients have coronary artery disease at the initiation of dialysis therapy and these patients also have marked vascular calcification. Virtual histology–intravascular ultrasound (VH–IVUS) provides coronary tissue maps that are color coded by four major plaque components and facilitate the characterization of coronary plaque composition in vivo. The aim of this study was to identify coronary plaque characteristics in dialysis patients using VH–IVUS. Twenty‐three patients with coronary artery disease were included in this study. Of these, 12 patients had normal renal function or mild renal insufficiency (control group) and 11 patients were receiving maintenance dialysis therapy (hemodialysis group). We performed coronary angiography and VH–IVUS analysis on culprit lesions of all patients in the study. The result of VH–IVUS analysis showed that the hemodialysis group had a greater plaque volume, lower percentage of fibrous plaque, and higher percentage of dense calcium plaque compared with the control group. In addition, the serum phosphate levels were significantly associated with the percentage of necrotic core and dense calcium plaque in all study patients. Our findings suggest that the amount of necrotic core and dense calcium plaques increase significantly in hemodialysis patients, and that disordered mineral metabolism may be associated with coronary plaque morphology.
PRE‐RIGOR MANIPULATION OF BEEF FORESHANK ALTERS SARCOMERE LENGTH OF INDIVIDUAL CHUCK MUSCLES
Authors: CASTAÑON BELINDA I. , LAWRENCE TY E.
Published: September 2010

Sixteen beef carcasses were harvested to determine the effect of pre‐rigor foreshank positioning on the ultimate sarcomere length and objective tenderness values of seven chuck muscles. After final inspection, the left side foreshank was positioned caudal to the point of the shoulder and secured until the completion of rigor. The right side foreshank served as the control and was allowed to hang in the normal position, cranial to the point of the shoulder. Biceps brachii, infraspinatus, pectoralis profundus, serratus ventralis, supraspinatus, teres major and triceps brachii muscles were excised from each carcass half for sarcomere length and Warner–Bratzler shear force determinations.

Results indicate that sarcomere length was altered (P < 0.05) for all muscles. When the foreshank was placed in the caudal position pre‐rigor, both the serratus ventralis and triceps brachii muscles had higher (P < 0.05) shear values than when the foreshank was allowed to remain in its natural position.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

As the beef industry continues to search for methods to add value to the chuck, these data may offer insight into a practical method to increase sarcomere length and enhance palatability and marketability of underutilized muscles.
CHANGES IN SALT EXTRACTABLE PROTEIN AND CA2+‐ATPASE ACTIVITY OF MINCE FROM SILVER CARP (HYPOPHTHALMICHTHYS MOLLITRIX) DURING FROZEN STORAGE: A KINETIC STUDY
Authors: PAN JINFENG , SHEN HUIXING , LUO YONGKANG
Published: September 2010

Changes in salt extractable protein (SEP) and Ca2
+
‐ATPase activity of actomyosin from washed and unwashed silver carp stored at −10 and −20C were investigated. The resultant decrease of SEP and Ca2
+
‐ATPase activity mainly occurred in the first 5 and 7 weeks, and the changes obeyed first‐order model. The kinetic models of SEP and Ca2
+
‐ATPase changes were established during frozen storage. The rate constant k of decline in SEP and Ca2+‐ATPase activity of samples stored at −10C were higher than that of samples stored at −20C; the D value of samples stored at −10C were lower than that of samples stored at −20C. Compared with washed samples, unwashed samples had a higher rate constant k and activation energies E, and a lower D value. Activation energies E of SEP were higher than E of Ca2+‐ATPase activity in all samples.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Silver carp is one of the main freshwater fish species in China. Washing is an important step for fish processing and temperature is an important factor on fish protein storage. The changes of the kinetic models of SEP and Ca2+‐ATPase during frozen storage can explain the effect of temperature and time on silver carp mince quality. These kinetic models can be used to predict the silver carp protein functional changes during frozen storage, and help to provide better methods to effectively utilize silver carp protein resource.
The Protective Effects of Long‐Term Oral Administration of Marine Collagen Hydrolysate from Chum Salmon on Collagen Matrix Homeostasis in the Chronological Aged Skin of Sprague‐Dawley Male Rats
Authors: Liang Jiang , Pei Xinrong , Zhang Zhaofeng , Wang Nan , Wang Junbo , Li Yong
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  To investigate the long‐term effects of marine collagen hydrolysate (MCH) from Chum Salmon skin on the aberrant collagen matrix homeostasis in chronological aged skin, Sprague‐Dawley male rats of 4‐wk‐old were orally administrated with MCH at the diet concentrations of 2.25% and 4.5% for 24 mo. Histological and biochemical analysis revealed that MCH had the potential to inhibit the collagen loss and collagen fragmentation in chronological aged skin. Based on immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis, collagen type I and III protein expression levels in MCH‐treated groups significantly increased as compared with the aged control group. Furthermore, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis showed MCH was able to increase the expressions of procollagen type I and III mRNA (COL1A2 and COL3A1) through activating Smad signaling pathway with up‐regulated TGF‐βRII (TβRII) expression level. Meanwhile, MCH was shown to inhibit the age‐related increased collagen degradation through attenuating MMP‐1 expression and increasing tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 expression in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, MCH could alleviate the oxidative stress in chronological aged skin, which was revealed from the data of superoxide dismutase activity and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level in skin homogenates. Therefore, MCH was demonstrated to have the protective effects on chronological skin aging due to the influence on collagen matrix homeostasis. And the antioxidative property of MCH might play an important role in the process.
Activity‐Guided Isolation and Identification of Radical Scavenging Components in Gao‐Cha Tea
Authors: Lu Rui‐Li , Hu Feng‐Lin , Xia Tao
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Gao‐Cha is a traditional Chinese health tea made from Acer ginnala. We performed a components and radical scavenging activity analysis to identify any medicinal components in this tea. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC)‐1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picryhydrazyl (HPTLC‐DPPH) assay showed that the methanolic extract contained strong radical scavengers. Quantative analysis revealed that the IC50 of the extract against 1 mM DPPH was 52.7 ± 0.6 μg/mL. Bioactive‐guided isolations led to procurement of 3 radical scavengers with IC50s of 17.5 ± 2.1, 29.3 ± 2.5, and 21.6 ± 1.7 μg/mL, respectively. Analysis of the high resolution‐electric spray ionization‐mass spectrometer and 1H, 13C, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer at 135°, heteronuclear quantum coherence, correlating spectroscopy coupling, and heteronuclear multiple bond coherence (HMBC) data revealed that the compounds were methyl 3, 4, 5‐trihydroxybenzoate (1), quercetin‐3‐O‐α‐rhamnopyranoside (2), and 2,6‐bis (3,4,5‐trihydroxybenzoyl)‐aceritol (3). Bioactive combined components analysis revealed that, apart from compounds 1, 2, and 3, the tea possibly contained radical scavengers: ginnalin A (4) and B (5), 2″‐O‐Galloylquercitrin (6) and 3″‐O‐Galloyl‐quercitrin (7). Compounds 2, 6, and 7 were isolated from Acer ginnala for the first time. The positions of the 2 galloyl moieties in compound 3 were unambiguously established by the HMBC spectrum for the first time.
The Ecology and Pathobiology of Clostridium difficile Infections: An Interdisciplinary Challenge
Authors: Dubberke E. R. , Haslam D. B. , Lanzas C. , Bobo L. D. , Burnham C.‐A. D. , Gröhn Y. T. , Tarr P. I.
Published: September 2010

Clostridium difficile is a well recognized pathogen of humans and animals. Although C. difficile was first identified over 70 years ago, much remains unknown in regards to the primary source of human acquisition and its pathobiology. These deficits in our knowledge have been intensified by dramatic increases in both the frequency and severity of disease in humans over the last decade. The changes in C. difficile epidemiology might be due to the emergence of a hypervirulent stain of C. difficile, ageing of the population, altered risk of developing infection with newer medications, and/or increased exposure to C. difficile outside of hospitals. In recent years, there have been numerous reports documenting C. difficile contamination of various foods, and reports of similarities between strains that infect animals and strains that infect humans as well. The purposes of this review are to highlight the many challenges to diagnosing, treating, and preventing C. difficile infection in humans, and to stress that collaboration between human and veterinary researchers is needed to control this pathogen.
Rabies Vaccination Compliance Following Introduction of the Triennial Vaccination Interval – the Texas Experience
Authors: Rogers C. L.
Published: September 2010

In 2003 the Texas Board of Health approved a modification to the Texas Administrative Code that permitted pet owners to have their dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) vaccinated against rabies every 3 years, provided a triennial vaccine was used. The change had been opposed by hundreds in the veterinary community, some concerned that its implementation would be followed by a decrease in rabies vaccination rates. To determine if this decrease had occurred, rabies vaccination rates for 4 years before and after migration to the 3‐year vaccination interval were examined. Data for dogs and cats, ≥4 months of age, were collected from the Texas Department of Health Rabies Incident Report database. Each animal’s record included its current rabies vaccination status. The number of animals that were currently vaccinated against rabies was tallied and the percent vaccinated was calculated. From 1999 through 2002, 46% of dogs were vaccinated against rabies. From 2004 through 2007, 56% of dogs were vaccinated against rabies. From 1999 to 2002, 18% of cats were vaccinated against rabies. From 2004 to 2007, 30% of cats were vaccinated against rabies. There has been a significant increase in the numbers of dogs (P < 0.001), and cats (P < 0.001), vaccinated against rabies since the introduction of the triennial vaccination interval. This observational study documents the positive changes in rabies vaccination rates following migration from a 1‐year to 3‐year vaccination interval.
Managing Technology Selection and Development Risk in Competitive Environments
Authors: Bhaskaran Sreekumar R. , Ramachandran Karthik
Published: September 2010

Managing development decisions for new products based on dynamically evolving technologies is a complex task, especially in highly competitive industries. Product managers often have to choose between introducing an incrementally better, safe new product early and a superior, yet highly risky, product later. Recommendations for managing such performance vs. time‐to‐market trade‐offs often ignore competitive reactions to development decisions. In this paper, we study how a firm could incorporate the presence of a strategic competitor in making technology selection and investment decisions regarding new products. We consider a model in which an innovating firm and its rival can introduce a new product immediately or pursue a more advanced product for later launch. Further, the firm can reduce the uncertainty surrounding product development by dedicating more resources; the effectiveness of this investment depends on the firm's innovative capacity. Our model generates two sets of insights. First, in highly competitive industries, firms can adopt different technologies and effectively use introduction timing to mitigate the effects of price competition. More importantly, the firm could strategically invest in the advanced product to influence its rival's technology choice. We characterize equilibrium development and investment decisions of the firms, and derive innovative capacity hurdles that govern a firm's choice between the risky and safe alternatives. The effects of development flexibility—where firms might have the option to revert to the safe product if the advanced product fails—are also considered.
Optical reporters of synaptic activity in neural circuits
Authors: Dreosti Elena , Lagnado Leon
Published: September 2010

One of the most basic computational elements within a circuit is the synapse across which signals are transferred. Here we summarize some experimental strategies that allow the synaptic basis of circuit function to be studied through imaging. The two most promising approaches available currently are pHluorin‐based reporters of synaptic vesicle fusion and genetically encoded calcium indicators localized to presynaptic terminals. Other potential approaches include the optical sensing of local voltage changes or of neurotransmitter substances, but the spatial and temporal sensitivity of the current reporters would need to be improved.
Channel-Mediated Tonic GABA Release from Glia
Authors: Lee Soojung , Yoon Bo-Eun , Berglund Ken , Oh Soo-Jin , Park Hyungju , Shin Hee-Sup , Augustine George J. , Lee C. Justin
Published: September 2010

Tonic Inhibition

Neuronal inhibition has recently drawn much attention; however, the mechanisms involved in tonic release of and the cellular source of the neurotransmitter involved, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), have been difficult to pin down.

Lee
et al.

(p.
790
, published online 23 September) showed that tonic release of GABA in the cerebellum occurs through the Bestrophin 1 anion channel of cerebellar astrocytes and Bergmann glial cells. These results confirm that glia can serve as a source of GABA for tonic inhibition of neurons and provide more evidence for interactions between neurons and glia cells that have implications for our understanding of brain-signaling mechanisms.
Lineage Relationship Analysis of RORγt
+
Innate Lymphoid Cells
Authors: Sawa Shinichiro , Cherrier Marie , Lochner Matthias , Satoh-Takayama Naoko , Fehling Hans Jörg , Langa Francina , Di Santo James P. , Eberl Gérard
Published: September 2010

Innate Innit?

Innate lymphocytes (ILCs) are a recently described population of immune cells that produce cytokines like those associated with T helper cells, but lack the recombined antigen receptors characteristic of T cells. Again, like some T helper cell lineages, a proportion of ILCs express the transcription factor RORγt. These include lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells required for fetal lymphoid tissue organogenesis and a population of natural killer (NK)–like cells that function in gut immune responses.

Sawa
et al.

(p.
665
; see the Perspective by

Veldhoen and Withers

) wondered whether the RORγt-expressing ILCs all develop from the same progenitor population. Indeed, they found a fetal liver progenitor that gave rise to several phenotypically distinct populations. However, the LTi cells were not progenitors for the NK-like cells. It seems the trajectory of different ILC populations is developmentally regulated, and postnatally ILCs are favored that play a role in intestinal defense before the gut is fully colonized by intestinal microbiota.
Stimulation of Defense Reactions in
Medicago truncatula
by Antagonistic Lipopeptides from
Paenibacillus
sp. Strain B2
Authors: Selim Sameh , Negrel Jonathan , Wendehenne David , Ochatt Sergio , Gianinazzi Silvio , van Tuinen Diederik
Published: September 2010

With the aim of obtaining new strategies to control plant diseases, we investigated the ability of antagonistic lipopolypeptides (paenimyxin) from
Paenibacillus
sp. strain B2 to elicit hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
) production and several defense-related genes in the model legume
Medicago truncatula
. For this purpose,
M. truncatula
cell suspensions were used and a pathosystem between
M. truncatula
and
Fusarium acuminatum
was established. In
M. truncatula
cell cultures, the induction of H
2
O
2
reached a maximum 20 min after elicitation with paenimyxin, whereas concentrations higher than 20 μM inhibited H
2
O
2
induction and this was correlated with a lethal effect. In plant roots incubated with different concentrations of paenimyxin for 24 h before inoculation with
F. acuminatum
, paenimyxin at a low concentration (ca. 1 μM) had a protective effect and suppressed 95% of the necrotic symptoms, whereas a concentration higher than 10 μM had an inhibitory effect on plant growth. Gene responses were quantified in
M. truncatula
by semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Genes involved in the biosynthesis of phytoalexins (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, chalcone synthase, chalcone reductase), antifungal activity (pathogenesis-related proteins, chitinase), or cell wall (invertase) were highly upregulated in roots or cells after paenimyxin treatment. The mechanisms potentially involved in plant protection are discussed.
Isolation and Physiology of Bacteria from Contaminated Subsurface Sediments
Authors: Bollmann Annette , Palumbo Anthony V. , Lewis Kim , Epstein Slava S.
Published: September 2010

The majority of environmental microorganisms cannot be grown by traditional techniques. Here we employed, and contrasted with conventional plating, an alternative approach based on cultivation of microorganisms inside diffusion chambers incubated within natural samples, followed by subculturing in petri dishes. Using this approach, we isolated microorganisms from subsurface sediments from the Field Research Center (FRC) in Oak Ridge, TN. The sediments were acidic and highly contaminated with uranium, heavy metals, nitrate, and organic pollutants. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed clear differences between diversity of isolates obtained by the diffusion chamber approach and those obtained by conventional plating. The latter approach led to isolation of members of the
Alpha
- and
Gammaproteobacteria
,
Actinobacteria
, and
Verrucomicrobia
. Isolates obtained via the diffusion chamber approach represented the
Alpha
-,
Beta
-, and
Gammaproteobacteria
,
Actinobacteria
,
Firmicutes
, and
Bacteroidetes
. Notably, one-third of the isolates obtained by the new method were closely related to species known from previous molecular surveys conducted in the FRC area. Since the initial growth of microorganisms inside diffusion chambers occurred in the presence of the environmental stress factors, we expected the isolates we obtained to be tolerant of these factors. We investigated the physiologies of selected isolates and discovered that the majority were indeed capable of growth under low pH and/or high concentrations of heavy metals and nitrate. This indicated that in contrast to conventional isolation, the diffusion chamber-based approach leads to isolation of species that are novel, exhibit tolerance to extant environmental conditions, and match some of the species previously discovered by molecular methods.