bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description of two new species of Meharia Chrétien, 1915 (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) from East Africa
Authors: YAKOVLEV ROMAN , IVINSKIS POVILAS , RIMSAITE JOLANTA , SALDAITIS AIDAS
Published: April 2013

The genus Meharia Chrétien, 1915 is a monotypic genus in the subfamily Mehariinae (Yakovlev 2011), clearly differentiated from other taxa in the family Cossidae. The morphological features of the genus are described in detail by Komarov and Zolotuhin (2005), Borth et al. 2011, Saldaitis and Ivinskis (2010) and Yakovlev (2011). Two unknown species of Meharia were collected in Kenya and Malawi and we describe them herein as new. The new species are similar to Meharia acuta Wiltshire 1982 and are distributed in the Arabian Peninsula (Hacker 1999; Yakovlev 2011). All three species have specific tineoid appearance and labial palpi twice as long as the head diameter. Currently, including the two newly described species, the genus Meharia consists of 13 species (Hacker 1999; Hacker et al. 1999, 2001; Yakovlev and Saldaitis 2008; Yakovlev 2011): M. acuta Wiltshire (distributed in Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman); M. avicenna Yakovlev (distr. in S Iran); M. fischeri Yakovlev & Saldaitis (distr. in Morocco); M. hackeri Saldaitis, Ivinskis & Yakovlev (distr. on Socotra Island, Yemen); M. incurvariella Chrétien (distr. in Algeria and Morocco); M. murphyi Yakovlev & Saldaitis sp. nov. (distr. in Malawi); M. ostrauskasi Ivinskis & Saldaitis sp. nov. (distr. in Kenya); M. philbyi Bradley (distr. across the Arabian peninsula in Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman); M. scythica Komarov et Zolotuhin (distr. in the S Volga region, SW Russia: ); M. semilactea (Warren et Rothschild) (distr. in Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Yemen, the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, N Sudan, Morocco and Mauritania); M. tancredii Sutton (distr. in N. Iran); M. tanganyikae Bradley (distr. in Tanzania); M. yakovlevi Saldaitis & Ivinskis (distr. on Socotra Island, Yemen).
Evaluating the Land and Ocean Components of the Global Carbon Cycle in the CMIP5 Earth System Models
Authors: Anav A. , Friedlingstein P. , Kidston M. , Bopp L. , Ciais P. , Cox P. , Jones C. , Jung M. , Myneni R. , Zhu Z.
Published: April 2013

The authors assess the ability of 18 Earth system models to simulate the land and ocean carbon cycle for the present climate. These models will be used in the next Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) for climate projections, and such evaluation allows identification of the strengths and weaknesses of individual coupled carbon–climate models as well as identification of systematic biases of the models. Results show that models correctly reproduce the main climatic variables controlling the spatial and temporal characteristics of the carbon cycle. The seasonal evolution of the variables under examination is well captured. However, weaknesses appear when reproducing specific fields: in particular, considering the land carbon cycle, a general overestimation of photosynthesis and leaf area index is found for most of the models, while the ocean evaluation shows that quite a few models underestimate the primary production.The authors also propose climate and carbon cycle performance metrics in order to assess whether there is a set of consistently better models for reproducing the carbon cycle. Averaged seasonal cycles and probability density functions (PDFs) calculated from model simulations are compared with the corresponding seasonal cycles and PDFs from different observed datasets. Although the metrics used in this study allow identification of some models as better or worse than the average, the ranking of this study is partially subjective because of the choice of the variables under examination and also can be sensitive to the choice of reference data. In addition, it was found that the model performances show significant regional variations.
Apc regulates the function of hematopoietic stem cells largely through β-catenin–dependent mechanisms
Authors: Li Wenshu , Hou Yu , Ming Ming , Yu Long , Seba Amber , Qian Zhijian
Published: April 2013

Key Points

Apc regulates the function of HSCs/HPCs largely through a β-catenin–mediated pathway. Multiple downstream targets of Apc may be involved in the regulation of HSC self-renewal.
Mealybugs nested endosymbiosis: going into the ‘matryoshka’ system in Planococcus citri in depth
Authors: López-Madrigal Sergio , Latorre Amparo , Porcar Manuel , Moya Andrés , Gil Rosario
Published: April 2013

Background

In all branches of life there are plenty of symbiotic associations. Insects are particularly well suited to establishing intracellular symbiosis with bacteria, providing them with metabolic capabilities they lack. Essential primary endosymbionts can coexist with facultative secondary symbionts which can, eventually, establish metabolic complementation with the primary endosymbiont, becoming a co-primary. Usually, both endosymbionts maintain their cellular identity. An exception is the endosymbiosis found in mealybugs of the subfamily Pseudoccinae, such as Planococcus citri, with Moranella endobia located inside Tremblaya princeps.

Results

We report the genome sequencing of M. endobia str. PCVAL and the comparative genomic analyses of the genomes of strains PCVAL and PCIT of both consortium partners. A comprehensive analysis of their functional capabilities and interactions reveals their functional coupling, with many cases of metabolic and informational complementation. Using comparative genomics, we confirm that both genomes have undergone a reductive evolution, although with some unusual genomic features as a consequence of coevolving in an exceptional compartmentalized organization.

Conclusions

M. endobia seems to be responsible for the biosynthesis of most cellular components and energy provision, and controls most informational processes for the consortium, while T. princeps appears to be a mere factory for amino acid synthesis, and translating proteins, using the precursors provided by M. endobia. In this scenario, we propose that both entities should be considered part of a composite organism whose compartmentalized scheme (somehow) resembles a eukaryotic cell.
Human single-stranded DNA binding proteins are essential for maintaining genomic stability
Authors: Ashton Nicholas W , Bolderson Emma , Cubeddu Liza , O’Byrne Kenneth J , Richard Derek J
Published: April 2013

The double-stranded conformation of cellular DNA is a central aspect of DNA stabilisation and protection. The helix preserves the genetic code against chemical and enzymatic degradation, metabolic activation, and formation of secondary structures. However, there are various instances where single-stranded DNA is exposed, such as during replication or transcription, in the synthesis of chromosome ends, and following DNA damage. In these instances, single-stranded DNA binding proteins are essential for the sequestration and processing of single-stranded DNA. In order to bind single-stranded DNA, these proteins utilise a characteristic and evolutionary conserved single-stranded DNA-binding domain, the oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB)-fold. In the current review we discuss a subset of these proteins involved in the direct maintenance of genomic stability, an important cellular process in the conservation of cellular viability and prevention of malignant transformation. We discuss the central roles of single-stranded DNA binding proteins from the OB-fold domain family in DNA replication, the restart of stalled replication forks, DNA damage repair, cell cycle-checkpoint activation, and telomere maintenance.
High resolution melting analysis of KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA in KRASexon 2 wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Guedes Joana G , Veiga Isabel , Rocha Patrícia , Pinto Pedro , Pinto Carla , Pinheiro Manuela , Peixoto Ana , Fragoso Maria , Raimundo Ana , Ferreira Paula , Machado Manuela , Sousa Nuno , Lopes Paula , Araújo António , Macedo Joana , Alves Fernando , Coutinho Camila , Henrique Rui , Santos Lúcio L , Teixeira Manuel R
Published: April 2013

Background

KRAS is an EGFR effector in the RAS/RAF/ERK cascade that is mutated in about 40% of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Activating mutations in codons 12 and 13 of the KRAS gene are the only established negative predictors of response to anti-EGFR therapy and patients whose tumors harbor such mutations are not candidates for therapy. However, 40 to 60% of wild-type cases do not respond to anti-EGFR therapy, suggesting the involvement of other genes that act downstream of EGFR in the RAS-RAF-MAPK and PI3K-AKT pathways or activating KRAS mutations at other locations of the gene.

Methods

DNA was obtained from a consecutive series of 201 mCRC cases (FFPE tissue), wild-type for KRAS exon 2 (codons 12 and 13). Mutational analysis of KRAS (exons 3 and 4), BRAF (exons 11 and 15), and PIK3CA (exons 9 and 20) was performed by high resolution melting (HRM) and positive cases were then sequenced.

Results

One mutation was present in 23.4% (47/201) of the cases and 3.0% additional cases (6/201) had two concomitant mutations. A total of 53 cases showed 59 mutations, with the following distribution: 44.1% (26/59) in KRAS (13 in exon 3 and 13 in exon 4), 18.6% (11/59) in BRAF (two in exon 11 and nine in exon 15) and 37.3% (22/59) in PIK3CA (16 in exon 9 and six in exon 20). In total, 26.4% (53/201) of the cases had at least one mutation and the remaining 73.6% (148/201) were wild-type for all regions studied. Five of the mutations we report, four in KRAS and one in BRAF, have not previously been described in CRC. BRAF and PIK3CA mutations were more frequent in the colon than in the sigmoid or rectum: 20.8% vs. 1.6% vs. 0.0% (P=0.000) for BRAF and 23.4% vs. 12.1% vs. 5.4% (P=0.011) for PIK3CA mutations.

Conclusions

About one fourth of mCRC cases wild-type for KRAS codons 12 and 13 present other mutations either in KRAS, BRAF, or PIK3CA, many of which may explain the lack of response to anti-EGFR therapy observed in a significant proportion of these patients.
Serum pigment epithelium-derived factor levels are independently correlated with the presence of coronary artery disease
Authors: Wang Feifei , Ma Xiaojing , Zhou Mi , Pan Xiaoping , Ni Jie , Gao Meifang , Lu Zhigang , Hang Jingyu , Bao Yuqian , Jia Weiping
Published: April 2013

Background

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has been proved to be closely correlated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components that are all risk factors of cardiovascular disease and may play a protective role against vascular injury and atherosclerosis. The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between serum PEDF and coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

A total of 312 consecutive in-patients (including 228 with CAD and 197 with MetS) who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled. Serum PEDF was measured by sandwich enzyme immunoassay and used to carry out multivariate stepwise regression analysis to assess correlation with patient demographic and clinical parameters. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently correlated with CAD.

Results

Patients with MetS had significantly higher levels of serum PEDF than non-MetS subjects (11.1(8.2, 14.2) vs. 10.1(7.6, 12.4) μg/mL;P < 0.05). Patients with CAD also had significantly higher serum PEDF than non-CAD subjects (11.0(8.1, 14.2) vs. 10.3(8.1, 12.8) μg/mL;P < 0.05). Triglyceride (TG), C-reactive protein (CRP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and hypoglycemic therapy were independently correlated with serum PEDF levels, and serum PEDF was independently positively correlated with CAD.

Conclusions

Serum PEDF levels are independently positively associated with CAD in a Chinese population. Elevated PEDF may act as a protective response against vascular damage and subsequent CAD.
Follicle-stimulating hormone responsiveness in antral follicles from aryl hydrocarbon receptor knockout mice
Authors: Hernández-Ochoa Isabel , Gao Liying , Peretz Jackye , Basavarajappa Mallikarjuna S , Bunting Stacey L , Karman Bethany N , Paulose Tessie , Flaws Jodi A
Published: April 2013

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that pre-pubertal aryl hydrocarbon receptor knockout (AHRKO) mice have slow antral follicle growth and reduced capacity to produce estradiol compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Although previous studies have suggested that this is likely due to a reduced ability of the AHRKO follicles to respond to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), this possibility was not directly tested. Thus, the goal of these studies was to test the hypothesis that low FSH responsiveness is responsible for the slow growth and reduced estradiol production observed in pre-pubertal AHRKO versus WT antral follicles.

Methods

Antral follicles from WT and AHRKO mice were cultured with varying amounts of FSH (0–15 IU/mL) for up to 7 days, and subjected to measurements of growth, FSH receptor and steroidogenic regulator expression, sex steroid hormone levels, and inhibin beta-A expression. General linear models (GLM) for repeated measures were used to compare follicle diameters over time among treatments. If the global tests from GLM were significant, Tukey’s tests were used for pairwise comparisons. Remaining comparisons among groups were performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s post hoc test.

Results

The results indicate that FSH stimulated growth in both WT and AHRKO follicles, but that high levels of FSH (10–15 IU/mL) were required for AHRKO follicles to reach maximal growth, whereas lower levels of FSH (5 IU/mL) were required for WT follicles to reach maximal growth. Further, FSH stimulated expression of FSH receptor, steroidogenic factors, and inhibin beta-A as well as production of steroid hormones in both WT and AHRKO follicles, but the degree of stimulation differed betw een WT and AHRKO follicles. Interestingly, FSH treatment increased expression of FSH receptor, some steroidogenic regulators, inhibin beta-A, and steroid hormone production more in AHRKO follicles compared to WT follicles.

Conclusions

Collectively, these data suggest that the slow growth, but not reduced steroidogenesis in AHRKO follicles, is due to their reduced ability to respond to FSH compared to WT follicles. These data also suggest that the AHR may contribute to the ability of FSH to stimulate proper follicle growth, but it may not contribute to FSH-induced steroidogenesis.
Biodegradation of 2,4-dinitrophenol with laccase immobilized on nano-porous silica beads
Authors: Dehghanifard Emad , Jonidi Jafari Ahmad , Rezaei Kalantary Roshanak , Mahvi Amir Hosein , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Esrafili Ali
Published: April 2013

Many organic hazardous pollutants, including 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP), which are water soluble, toxic, and not easily biodegradable make concerns for environmental pollution worldwide. In the present study, degradation of nitrophenols-contained effluents by using laccase immobilized on the nano-porous silica beads was evaluated. 2,4-DNP was selected as the main constituent of industrial effluents containing nitrophenols. The performance of the system was characterized as a function of pH, contact time, temperature, pollutant, and mediator concentrations. The laccase-silica beads were employed in a mixed-batch reactor to determine the degradation efficiency after 12 h of enzyme treatment. The obtained data showed that the immobilized laccase degraded more than 90% of 2,4-DNP within 12 h treatment. The immobilization process improved the activity and sustainability of laccase for degradation of the pollutant. Temperatures more than 50°C reduced the enzyme activity to about 60%. However, pH and the mediator concentration could not affect the enzyme activity. The degradation kinetic was in accordance with a Michaelis–Menten equation with Vmax and Km obtained as 0.25–0.38 μmoles/min and 0.13–0.017 mM, respectively. The stability of the immobilized enzyme was maintained for more than 85% of its initial activity after 30 days. Based on the results, it can be concluded that high resistibility and reusability of immobilized laccase on CPC-silica beads make it considerable choice for wastewater treatment.
Genomic analysis of a newly isolated of Japanese encephalitis virus strain, CQ11-66, from a pediatric patient in China
Authors: Xu Li-Juan , Liu Ruixi , Ye Sheng , Ling Hua , Zhu Chao-Min
Published: April 2013

Background

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is one of the major causative agents of viral encephalitis in East Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia. However, no clinical JEV strain has yet been isolated from JE patients in Chongqing, China. In this study, we report the genomic analysis of a new JEV strain, CQ11-66, isolated from a pediatric patient in Chongqing, China.

Findings

Virus isolation was carried out in BHK-21 cells. Nested PCR was used to detect and isolate the JEV strain, and computer analysis of phylogenetic relationships, nucleic acid homology studies and deduction of the amino acid sequence were conducted using ClustalX (1.8) and Mega5 software. The JEV strain CQ11-66 was isolated from patient cerebrospinal fluid. The sequenced genome of CQ11-66 was 10,863 nucleotides in length, whereas other strains, such as SX09S-01, contain 10,965 nucleotides. Sequence comparison of the CQ11-66 polyprotein open reading frame (ORF) with those of 21 other JEV strains revealed that the nucleotide sequence divergence ranged from 1.68% to 18.46%. Sequence analysis of the full-length CQ11-66 E gene sequence with those of 30 other JEV isolates also identified nucleotide divergence, ranging from 1.69% to 18.74%. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the CQ11-66 strain belonged to genotype III.

Conclusions

JEV genotype III still circulates in Chongqing and it is therefore important for active surveillance of JEV genotype III to be conducted in the pediatric population.
Chondrocyte density, proteoglycan content and gene expressions from native cartilage are species specific and not dependent on cartilage thickness: a comparative analysis between rat, rabbit and goat
Authors: Kamisan Norazian , Naveen Sangeetha Vasudevaraj , Ahmad Raja Elina , Tunku Kamarul
Published: April 2013

Background

In many pre-clinical studies of cartilage tissue, it has been generally assumed that the major difference of the tissue between the species is the tissue thickness, which is related to the size of the animal itself. At present, there appear to be lack of studies demonstrating the relationship between chondrocyte densities, protein content, gene expressions and cartilage thickness in the various animal models that are commonly used. The present study was conducted to determine whether or not chondrocyte density, proteoglycan/protein content and selective chondrocyte gene expression are merely related to the cartilage thickness (thus animal size), and not the intrinsic nature of the species being investigated. Mature animals (rabbit, rats and goats) were sacrificed for their hind knee cartilages. Image analyses were performed on five consecutive histological sections, sampled from three pre-defined locations at the lateral and medial femoral condyles. Cartilage thickness, chondrocyte density, Glycosaminoglycan (GAGs)/protein content and gene expression levels for collagen II and SOX-9 were compared across the groups. Correlation analysis was done between cartilage thickness and the other variables.

Results

The mean cartilage thickness of rats, rabbits and goats were 166.5 ± 10.9, 356.2 ± 25.0 907.5 ± 114.6 μm, respectively. The mean cartilage cell densities were 3.3 ± 0.4×10-3 for rats, 2.6 ± 0.3×10-3 for rabbits and 1.3 ± 0.2×10-3 cells/μm2 for goats. The mean μg GAG/mg protein content were 23.8 ± 8.6 in rats, 20.5 ± 5.3 in rabbits and 328.7 ± 64.5 in goats; collagen II gene expressions were increased by 0.5 ± 0.1 folds in rats; 0.6 ± 0.1 folds in rabbits, and 0.1 ± 0.1 folds in goats, whilst the fold increase of SOX-9 gene expression was 0.5 ± 0.1 in rats, 0.7 ± 0.1 in rabbits and 0.1 ± 0.0 in goats. Cartilage thickness correlated positively with animals’ weight (R2 =0.9856, p = 0.001) and GAG/protein content (R2 =0.6163, p = <0.001). Whereas, it correlates negatively with cell density (R2 = 0.7981, p < 0.001) and cartilage gene expression levels (R2 = 0.6395, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There are differences in the composition of the articular cartilage in diverse species, which are not directly dependent on the cartilage thickness of these animals but rather the unique characteristics of that species. Therefore, the species-specific nature of the cartilage tissue should be considered during any data interpretation.
Patterns of radiotherapy practice for biliary tract cancer in Japan: results of the Japanese radiation oncology study group (JROSG) survey
Authors: Isohashi Fumiaki , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Oikawa Hirobumi , Onishi Hiroshi , Uchida Nobue , Maebayashi Toshiya , Kanesaka Naoto , Tamamoto Tetsuro , Asakura Hirofumi , Kosugi Takashi , Uno Takashi , Ito Yoshinori , Karasawa Katsuyuki , Takayama Makoto , Manabe Yoshihiko , Yamazaki Hideya , Takemoto Mitsuhiro , Yoshioka Yasuo , Nemoto Kenji , Nishimura Yasumasa
Published: April 2013

Background

The patterns of radiotherapy (RT) practice for biliary tract cancer (BTC) in Japan are not clearly established.

Methods

A questionnaire-based national survey of RT used for BTC treatment between 2000 and 2011 was conducted by the Japanese Radiation Oncology Study Group. Detailed information was collected for 555 patients from 31 radiation oncology institutions.

Results

The median age of the patients was 69 years old (range, 33–90) and 81% had a good performance status (0–1). Regarding RT treatment, 78% of the patients were treated with external beam RT (EBRT) alone, 17% received intraluminal brachytherapy, and 5% were treated with intraoperative RT. There was no significant difference in the choice of treatment modality among the BTC subsites. Many patients with EBRT were treated with a total dose of 50 or 50.4 Gy (~40%) and only 13% received a total dose ≥60 Gy, even though most institutions (90%) were using CT-based treatment planning. The treatment field consisted of the primary tumor (bed) only in 75% of the patients. Chemotherapy was used for 260 patients (47%) and was most often administered during RT (64%, 167/260), followed by after RT (63%, 163/260). Gemcitabine was the most frequently used drug for chemotherapy.

Conclusions

This study established the general patterns of RT practice for BTC in Japan. Further surveys and comparisons with results from other countries are needed for development and optimization of RT for patients with BTC in Japan.
Differences between sporadic and MEN related primary hyperparathyroidism; clinical expression, preoperative workup, operative strategy and follow-up
Authors: Twigt Bas A , Scholten Anouk , Valk Gerlof D , Rinkes Inne HM Borel , Vriens Menno R
Published: April 2013

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is most commonly sporadic (sPHPT). However, sometimes PHPT develops as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 or 2A. In all, parathyroidectomy is the only curative treatment. Nevertheless, there are important differences in clinical expression and treatment.

Methods

We analyzed a consecutive cohort of patients treated for sporadic, MEN1-related, and MEN2A-related PHPT and compared them regarding clinical and biochemical parameters, differences in preoperative workup, operative strategies, findings, and outcome.

Results

A total of 467 patients with sPHPT, 52 with MEN1- and 16 with MEN2A-related PHPT were analyzed. Patients with sPHPT were older, more often female and had higher preoperative calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, when compared with MEN1 and MEN2A patients. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) was performed in 367 of 467 sPHPT patients (79%). One abnormal parathyroid was found in 426 patients (91%). Two or more in 35 patients (7%). In six patients (1%) no abnormal parathyroid gland was retrieved. Of 52 MEN1 patients, eight (15%) underwent a MIP and 44 patients (85%) underwent conventional neck exploration (CNE); with resection of fewer than 3½ enlarged glands in 21 patients (40%), subtotal parathyroidectomy (SPTX, 3-3½ glands) in seventeen (33%) and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (TPTX) in six (12%). Eleven patients (21%) had persistent disease, 29 (56%) recurrent PHPT and nine (17%) permanent hypoparathyroidism, mostly after TPTX. Of 16 MEN2A patients, six (38%) underwent MIP, four (25%) CNE and six (38%) selective resection of the enlarged gland(s) during total thyroidectomy. Three patients (19%) suffered from persistent PHPT and two (13%) developed recurrent disease.

Conclusions

Sporadic PHPT, MEN1- and MEN2A-related PHPT are three distinct entities as is reflected preoperatively by differences in gender, age at diagnosis and calcium and PTH levels.

MEN2A patients are very similar to sPHPT with respect to operative approach and findings. MIP is the treatment of choice for both. MIP has low rates of persistent and recurrent PHPT and a low complication rate. The percentage of multiglandular disease and recurrences are significantly higher in MEN1 patients, demonstrating the need for a different approach. We advocate treating these patients with CNE and SPTX.
Determination of the content of rosmarinic acid by HPLC and analytical comparison of volatile constituents by GC-MS in different parts of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt
Authors: Liu Jing , Wan Yuklam , Zhao Zhongzhen , Chen Hubiao
Published: April 2013

Background

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. is not only an edible plant but also a traditional medicinal plant commonly used for treating common cold. It is widely cultivated in southern China. The anatomical parts of P. frutescens that are recorded as medicines in the Chinese material medica are: Perillae Caulis, Perillae Folium and Perillae Fructus, which are the dried stems, the dried leaves and the dried ripe fruits, respectively. Rosmarinic acid is one of major polyphenolic ingredients found in all three Perillae Caulis, Perillae Folium and Perillae Fructus. The characteristic volatile oil of P. frutescens is believed to be another essential composition of the herb, giving its wide range of use.

Results

A simple, rapid and accurate HPLC-DAD method was set up, suitable for the assay of rosmarinic acid in Perillae Fructus, Perillae Folium and Perillae Caulis. 12 batches of Perillae Caulis, 12 batches of Perillae Folium and 13 batches of Perillae Fructus from 8 different regions of mainland China and Hong Kong herbal markets were collected for evaluating the quality of P. frutescens. Results showed that Perillae Folium typically had the highest content of rosmarinic acid. Certain macroscopic characteristics were related to the concentration of rosmarinic acid. The volatile components were identified and compared in Perillae Fructus, Perillae Folium and Perillae Caulis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Extracts were prepared by steam distillation. Twelve, seventeen and nine compounds were identified and accounted for 69.71%, 50.54% and 81.73% of all identified peak areas in Perillae Caulis, Perillae Folium and Perillae Fructus respectively. The identified components were analyzed for comparison of Perillae Caulis, Perillae Folium and Perillae Fructus more effectively.

Conclusions

This work provides a means by which samples of various parts of P. frutescens can be evaluated in terms of their pharmacologically active components. It should be of value in the efficient exploitation of P. frutescens plant material in clinical applications and drug development.
Mapping the lignin distribution in pretreated sugarcane bagasse by confocal and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
Authors: Coletta Vitor Carlos , Rezende Camila Alves , da Conceição Fernando Rodrigues , Polikarpov Igor , Guimarães Francisco Eduardo Gontijo
Published: April 2013

Background

Delignification pretreatments of biomass and methods to assess their efficacy are crucial for biomass-to-biofuels research and technology. Here, we applied confocal and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) using one- and two-photon excitation to map the lignin distribution within bagasse fibers pretreated with acid and alkali. The evaluated spectra and decay times are correlated with previously calculated lignin fractions. We have also investigated the influence of the pretreatment on the lignin distribution in the cell wall by analyzing the changes in the fluorescence characteristics using two-photon excitation. Eucalyptus fibers were also analyzed for comparison.

Results

Fluorescence spectra and variations of the decay time correlate well with the delignification yield and the lignin distribution. The decay dependences are considered two-exponential, one with a rapid (τ1) and the other with a slow (τ2) decay time. The fastest decay is associated to concentrated lignin in the bagasse and has a low sensitivity to the treatment. The fluorescence decay time became longer with the increase of the alkali concentration used in the treatment, which corresponds to lignin emission in a less concentrated environment. In addition, the two-photon fluorescence spectrum is very sensitive to lignin content and accumulation in the cell wall, broadening with the acid pretreatment and narrowing with the alkali one. Heterogeneity of the pretreated cell wall was observed.

Conclusions

Our results reveal lignin domains with different concentration levels. The acid pretreatment caused a disorder in the arrangement of lignin and its accumulation in the external border of the cell wall. The alkali pretreatment efficiently removed lignin from the middle of the bagasse fibers, but was less effective in its removal from their surfaces. Our results evidenced a strong correlation between the decay times of the lignin fluorescence and its distribution within the cell wall. A new variety of lignin fluorescence states were accessed by two-photon excitation, which allowed an even broader, but complementary, optical characterization of lignocellulosic materials. These results suggest that the lignin arrangement in untreated bagasse fiber is based on a well-organized nanoenvironment that favors a very low level of interaction between the molecules.
Heteromorphic variants of chromosome 9
Authors: Kosyakova Nadezda , Grigorian Ani , Liehr Thomas , Manvelyan Marina , Simonyan Isabella , Mkrtchyan Hasmik , Aroutiounian Rouben , Polityko Anna D , Kulpanovich Anna I , Egorova Tatiana , Jaroshevich Evgenia , Frolova Alla , Shorokh Natalia , Naumchik Irina V , Volleth Marianne , Schreyer Isolde , Nelle Heike , Stumm Markus , Wegner Rolf-Dieter , Reising-Ackermann Gisela , Merkas Martina , Brecevic Lukretija , Martin Thomas , Rodríguez Laura , Bhatt Samarth , Ziegler Monika , Kreskowski Katharina , Weise Anja , Sazci Ali , Vorsanova Svetlana , Cioffi Marcelo de Bello , Ergul Emel
Published: April 2013

Background

Heterochromatic variants of pericentromere of chromosome 9 are reported and discussed since decades concerning their detailed structure and clinical meaning. However, detailed studies are scarce. Thus, here we provide the largest ever done molecular cytogenetic research based on >300 chromosome 9 heteromorphism carriers.

Results

In this study, 334 carriers of heterochromatic variants of chromosome 9 were included, being 192 patients from Western Europe and the remainder from Easter-European origin. A 3-color-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probe-set directed against for 9p12 to 9q13~21.1 (9het-mix) and 8 different locus-specific probes were applied for their characterization. The 9het-mix enables the characterization of 21 of the yet known 24 chromosome 9 heteromorphic patterns. In this study, 17 different variants were detected including five yet unreported; the most frequent were pericentric inversions (49.4%) followed by 9qh-variants (23.9%), variants of 9ph (11.4%), cenh (8.2%), and dicentric- (3.8%) and duplication-variants (3.3%). For reasons of simplicity, a new short nomenclature for the yet reported 24 heteromorphic patterns of chromosome 9 is suggested. Six breakpoints involved in four of the 24 variants could be narrowed down using locus-specific probes.

Conclusions

Based on this largest study ever done in carriers of chromosome 9 heteromorphisms, three of the 24 detailed variants were more frequently observed in Western than in Eastern Europe. Besides, there is no clear evidence that infertility is linked to any of the 24 chromosome 9 heteromorphic variants.
The epidemiology of food allergy in Europe: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Nwaru Bright I , Panesar Sukhmeet S , Hickstein Lennart , Rader Tamara , Werfel Thomas , Muraro Antonella , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber Karin , Roberts Graham , Sheikh Aziz ,   European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology FoodAllergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines group
Published: April 2013

Background

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology is in the process ofdeveloping its Guideline for Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis, and this protocolof a systematic review is one of seven inter‐linked evidence syntheses thatare being undertaken in order to provide a state‐of‐the‐art synopsis of thecurrent evidence base in relation to epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis andclinical management and impact on quality of life, which will be used toinform the formulation of clinical recommendations.

The aims of the systematic review will be to understand and describe theepidemiology of food allergy, i.e. frequency, risk factors and outcomes ofpatients suffering from food allergy, and to describe how thesecharacteristics vary by person, place and time.

Methods

A highly sensitive search strategy has been developed to retrieve articlesthat have investigated the various aspects of the epidemiology of foodallergy. The search will be implemented by combining the concepts of foodallergy and its epidemiology from electronic bibliographic databases.

Discussion

This systematic review will provide the most up to date estimates of thefrequency of food allergy in Europe. We will attempt to break these down byage and geographical region in Europe. Our analysis will take into accountthe suitability of the study design and the respective study biases thatcould affect exposure and outcome. We will examine the different methods todiagnose food allergy and the associated measures of occurrence.
Sex difference in Double Iron ultra-triathlon performance
Authors: Sigg Katrin , Knechtle Beat , Rüst Christoph A , Knechtle Patrizia , Lepers Romuald , Rosemann Thomas
Published: April 2013

Background

The present study examined the sex difference in swimming (7.8 km), cycling (360 km), running (84 km), and overall race times for Double Iron ultra-triathletes.

Methods

Sex differences in split times and overall race times of 1,591 men and 155 women finishing a Double Iron ultra-triathlon between 1985 and 2012 were analyzed.

Results

The annual number of finishes increased linearly for women and exponentially for men. Men achieved race times of 1,716 ± 243 min compared to 1,834 ± 261 min for women and were 118 ± 18 min (6.9%) faster (p < 0.01). Men finished swimming within 156 ± 63 min compared to women with 163 ± 31 min and were 8 ± 32 min (5.1 ± 5.0%) faster (p < 0.01). For cycling, men (852 ± 196 min) were 71 ± 70 min (8.3 ± 3.5%) faster than women (923 ± 126 min) (p < 0.01). Men completed the run split within 710 ± 145 min compared to 739 ± 150 min for women and were 30 ± 5 min (4.2 ± 3.4%) faster (p = 0.03). The annual three fastest men improved race time from 1,650 ± 114 min in 1985 to 1,339 ± 33 min in 2012 (p < 0.01). Overall race time for women remained unchanged at 1,593 ± 173 min with an unchanged sex difference of 27.1 ± 8.6%. In swimming, the split times for the annual three fastest women (148 ± 14 min) and men (127 ± 20 min) remained unchanged with an unchanged sex difference of 26.8 ± 13.5%. In cycling, the annual three fastest men improved the split time from 826 ± 60 min to 666 ± 18 min (p = 0.02). For women, the split time in cycling remained unchanged at 844 ± 54 min with an unchanged sex difference of 25.2 ± 7.3%. In running, the annual fastest three men improved split times from 649 ± 77 min to 532 ± 16 min (p < 0.01). For women, however, the split times remained unchanged at 657 ± 70 min with a stable sex difference of 32.4 ± 12.5%.

Conclusions

To summarize, the present findings showed that men were faster than women in Double Iron ultra-triathlon, men improved overall race times, cycling and running split times, and the sex difference remained unchanged across years for overall race time and split times. The sex differences for overall race times and split times were higher than reported for Ironman triathlon.
Metabolomic analyses for atherosclerosis, diabetes, and obesity
Authors: Du Fuyong , Virtue Anthony , Wang Hong , Yang Xiao-Feng
Published: April 2013

Insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, and atherosclerosis is a global health problem. A portfolio of abnormalities of metabolic and vascular homeostasis accompanies T2DM and obesity, which are believed to conspire to lead to accelerated atherosclerosis and premature death. The complexity of metabolic changes in the diseases presents challenges for a full understanding of the molecular pathways contributing to the development of these diseases. The recent advent of new technologies in this area termed “Metabolomics” may aid in comprehensive metabolic analysis of these diseases. Therefore, metabolomics has been extensively applied to the metabolites of T2DM, obesity, and atherosclerosis not only for the assessment of disease development and prognosis, but also for the biomarker discovery of disease diagnosis. Herein, we summarize the recent applications of metabolomics technology and the generated datasets in the metabolic profiling of these diseases, in particular, the applications of these technologies to these diseases at the cellular, animal models, and human disease levels. In addition, we also extensively discuss the mechanisms linking the metabolic profiling in insulin resistance, T2DM, obesity, and atherosclerosis, with a particular emphasis on potential roles of increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondria dysfunctions.
Simulated microgravity facilitates cell migration and neuroprotection after bone marrow stromal cell transplantation in spinal cord injury
Authors: Mitsuhara Takafumi , Takeda Masaaki , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Manabe Tomotaka , Matsumoto Masaya , Kawahara Yumi , Yuge Louis , Kurisu Kaoru
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Recently, cell-based therapy has gained significant attention for the treatment of central nervous system diseases. Although bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are considered to have good engraftment potential, challenges due to in vitro culturing, such as a decline in their functional potency, have been reported. Here, we investigated the efficacy of rat BMSCs (rBMSCs) cultured under simulated microgravity conditions, for transplantation into a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

rBMSCs were cultured under two different conditions: standard gravity (1G) and simulated microgravity attained by using the 3D-clinostat. After 7 days of culture, the rBMSCs were analyzed morphologically, with RT-PCR and immunostaining, and were used for grafting. Adult rats were used for constructing SCI models by using a weight-dropping method and were grouped into three experimental groups for comparison. rBMSCs cultured under 1 g and simulated microgravity were transplanted intravenously immediately after SCI. We evaluated the hindlimb functional improvement for 3 weeks. Tissue repair after SCI was examined by calculating the cavity area ratio and immunohistochemistry.

Results

rBMSCs cultured under simulated microgravity expressed Oct-4 and CXCR4, in contrast to those cultured under 1 g conditions. Therefore, rBMSCs cultured under simulated microgravity were considered to be in an undifferentiated state and thus to possess high migration ability. After transplantation, grafted rBMSCs cultured under microgravity exhibited greater survival at the periphery of the lesion, and the motor functions of the rats that received these grafts improved significantly compared with the rats that received rBMSCs cultured in 1 g. In addition, rBMSCs cultured under microgravity were thought to have greater trophic effects on reestablishment and survival of host spinal neural tissues because cavity formations were reduced, and apoptosis-inhibiting factor expression was high at the periphery of the SCI lesion.

Conclusions

Here we show that transplantation of rBMSCs cultured under simulated microgravity facilitates functional recovery from SCI rather than those cultured under 1 g conditions.
Editorial: Fat chance to enhance B cell function
Authors: Calder Philip C
Published: April 2013

Discussion on the current state of understanding of how omega-3 fats influence lipid raft structure and function in lymphocytes, drawing on the most recent study in B cells.
Editorial: Triple-agent TGF-β
Authors: Hegner Björn , Schaub Theres , Dragun Duska
Published: April 2013

Discussion of TGF-β and its ternary engagement in local intra-graft differentiation processes, including induction of tolerance, acute cellular rejection, and interstitial fibrosis.
Cycling around cell–cell adhesion with Rho GTPase regulators
Authors: McCormack Jessica , Welsh Natalie J. , Braga Vania M. M.
Published: April 2013

The formation and stability of epithelial adhesive systems, such as adherens junctions, desmosomes and tight junctions, rely on a number of cellular processes that ensure a dynamic interaction with the cortical cytoskeleton, and appropriate delivery and turnover of receptors at the surface. Unique signalling pathways must be coordinated to allow the coexistence of distinct adhesive systems at discrete sub-domains along junctions and the specific properties they confer to epithelial cells. Rho, Rac and Cdc42 are members of the Rho small GTPase family, and are well-known regulators of cell–cell adhesion. The spatio-temporal control of small GTPase activation drives specific intracellular processes to enable the hierarchical assembly, morphology and maturation of cell–cell contacts. Here, we discuss the small GTPase regulators that control the precise amplitude and duration of the levels of active Rho at cell–cell contacts, and the mechanisms that tailor the output of Rho signalling to a particular cellular event. Interestingly, the functional interaction is reciprocal; Rho regulators drive the maturation of cell–cell contacts, whereas junctions can also modulate the localisation and activity of Rho regulators to operate in diverse processes in the epithelial differentiation programme.
Is Declining malaria vector population in Africa a result of intervention Measures or sampling tools inefficiency?
Authors: Kweka Eliningaya
Published: April 2013

Recent entomological surveys have shown a declining trend of malaria vector population in sub-Saharan Africa and the observation have beenassociated with the scale-up and intensive use of malaria intervention measures such as insecticides treated nets and insecticide residual sprays.However, little is known on the contribution of the mosquito sampling tools inefficiency on the declining trends of malaria vector population. Inthis commentary paper, we explore the possibility of contribution of mosquito sampling tools’ inefficiency to the observed declining trends ofmalaria vector population in Africa.
Fatores associados com conhecimento e preferências alimentares em crianças de 3-9 anos na cidade de Pelotas, Brasil
Authors: Mintem Gicele Costa , Victora Cesar Gomes , Lima Rosângela da Costa
Published: April 2013

Introdução: Conhecimento e preferências alimentares influenciam hábitos alimentares de crianças interferindo na sua saúde e estado nutricional. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever conhecimento sobre alimentos saudáveis e preferências alimentares de crianças de 3-9 anos residentes em Pelotas, Brasil, avaliando sua associação com seus principais determinantes. Métodos: Estudo transversal de base populacional incluindo 580 crianças de 144 setores censitários. Foram utilizadas fotografias de oito pares de alimentos, cada par composto por um alimento considerado saudável e outro similar, com alta densidade energética e/ou baixo valor nutricional. Escores de conhecimentos e de preferências foram criados, variando de 0 a 10. A análise incluiu testes t, correlação de Pearson, teste de tendência linear (ANOVA), e regressão linear múltipla. Resultados: O escore médio para conhecimento (6,6) foi superior ao de preferências adequadas (4,0). A associação entre conhecimento e preferências foi fraca (r=0,15; p<0,001). Nas análises ajustadas, o conhecimento foi maior entre meninas e entre crianças mais velhas, de nível social alto, que já frequentavam a escola e naquelas em séries mais adiantadas. O efeito positivo da escolaridade da mãe sobre o conhecimento foi maior entre crianças mais velhas e que cursavam séries mais adiantadas. As únicas variáveis associadas com as preferências alimentares foram a frequência à escola e uma interação positiva entre escolaridade materna e idade da criança. Conclusões: As crianças apresentaram um conhecimento adequado sobre a qualidade dos alimentos, mas preferiram alimentos de alta densidade energética.
Effects of amantadine on behavior, respiratory chain enzymes and creatine kinase in an animal model of schizophrenia
Authors: Lucena David De
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Glutamate dysregulation may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and NMDA antagonists seem to be effective in its treatment. We evaluated the efficacy of amantadine (AMA) in preventing ketamine (KET)-induced effects in an animal model of schizophrenia. Methods: Adult Wistar rats received 10 mg/kg AMA for 10 days, followed by 7 days of 25 mg/kg KET ip. Thirty minutes after the last injection, rats were placed in an open-field apparatus for 60 minutes and killed by decapitation afterwards. Amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and striatum were isolated and analyzed for creatine kinase (CK) and respiratory chain enzyme activities. Results: KET increased crossings and reduced grooming, which was not prevented by AMA. KET also increased stereotypic movements, which was partially prevented by AMA. As for CK activity, KET increased it in the prefrontal cortex, striatum and amygdala, and AMA prevented it only in prefrontal cortex and striatum. The activity of complex I was not altered by KET, however, AMA+KET increased it in the striatum and amygdala. KET increased the activity of complex II in the striatum as well, whereas AMA+KET increased it in hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum. KET did not alter complex I-III activity, whereas AMA+KET increased it in hippocampus and amygdala. AMA+KET also increased complex IV activity in hippocampus and striatum, whereas KET had no effect on this activity. Conclusion: AMA did not prevent most of KET-induced alterations. New animal models should be employed in the study of AMA as a potential novel drug for schizophrenia.