bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling groundwater/surface water interaction in a managed riparian chalk valley wetland
Authors: House A. R. , Thompson J. R. , Sorensen J. P. R. , Roberts C. , Acreman M. C.
Published: July 2015

Understanding hydrological processes in wetlands may be complicated by management practices and complex groundwater/surface water interactions. This is especially true for wetlands underlain by permeable geology, such as chalk. In this study, the physically based, distributed model MIKE SHE is used to simulate hydrological processes at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology River Lambourn Observatory, Boxford, Berkshire, UK. This comprises a 10‐ha lowland, chalk valley bottom, riparian wetland designated for its conservation value and scientific interest. Channel management and a compound geology exert important, but to date not completely understood, influences upon hydrological conditions. Model calibration and validation were based upon comparisons of observed and simulated groundwater heads and channel stages over an equally split 20‐month period. Model results are generally consistent with field observations and include short‐term responses to events as well as longer‐term seasonal trends. An intrinsic difficulty in representing compressible, anisotropic soils limited otherwise excellent performance in some areas. Hydrological processes in the wetland are dominated by the interaction between groundwater and surface water. Channel stage provides head boundaries for broad water levels across the wetland, whilst areas of groundwater upwelling control discrete head elevations. A relic surface drainage network confines flooding extents and routes seepage to the main channels. In‐channel macrophyte growth and its management have an acute effect on water levels and the proportional contribution of groundwater and surface water. The implications of model results for management of conservation species and their associated habitats are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proposed human stratum corneum water domain in chemical absorption
Authors: Zhu Hanjiang , Jung Eui‐Chang , Hui Xiaoying , Maibach Howard
Published: July 2015

Compounds with varying physical and chemical properties may have different affinities to the stratum corneum (SC) and/or its intercellular lipids, keratin protein, and possible water domains. To better understand the mechanism of percutaneous absorption, we utilized 21 carbon‐14 labeled chemicals, with wide hydrophilicity (log P = −0.05 to 6.17), and quantified their absorption/adsorption properties for a short incubation time (15 min) with regards to intact SC membrane, delipidized SC membrane and SC lipid. A facile method was developed for SC/lipid absorption, providing a more equivalent procedure and comparable data. SC lipid absorption of chemical solutes positively correlated with the octanol/water partition coefficient (log P). Differences between the percent dose of chemical absorption to intact SC and the total percent dose contributed by the protein and lipid domains suggest the possibility and significance of a water domain. Absorption rate experiments showed a longer lag time for intact SC than for delipidized SC or SC lipid, suggesting that the water domain may delay chemical binding to protein and lipid domains, and may be a factor in the resistance of many chemicals to current decontamination methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Osteogenic Potential of Human Oral‐Periosteal Cells (PCs) Isolated From Different Oral Origin: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Ceccarelli Gabriele , Graziano Antonio , Benedetti Laura , Imbriani Marcello , Romano Federica , Ferrarotti Francesco , Aimetti Mario , Cusella De Angelis Gabriella M.
Published: July 2015

The periosteum is a specialized connective tissue containing multipotent stem cells capable of bone formation. In this study, we aimed at demonstrating that human oral periosteal cells derived from three different oral sites (upper vestibule, lower vestibule, and hard palate) represent an innovative cell source for maxillo‐facial tissue engineering applications in terms of accessibility and self‐commitment towards osteogenic lineage. Periosteal cells (PCs) were isolated from patients with different ages (20–30 yy, 40–50 yy, 50–60 yy); we then analyzed the in vitro proliferation capacity and the bone self‐commitment of cell clones culturing them without any osteogenic supplement to support their differentiation. We found that oral PCs, independently of their origin and age of patients, are mesenchymal stem cells with stem cell characteristics (clonogenical and proliferative activity) and that, even in absence of any osteogenic induction, they undertake the osteoblast lineage after 45 days of culture. These results suggest that oral periosteal cells could replace mesenchymal cells from bone marrow in oral tissue‐engineering applications. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 607–612, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Phenotypic Switch in Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle
Authors: Scirocco Annunziata , Matarrese Paola , Carabotti Marilia , Ascione Barbara , Malorni Walter , Severi Carola
Published: July 2015

As a general rule, smooth muscle cells (SMC) are able to switch from a contractile phenotype to a less mature synthetic phenotype. This switch is accompanied by a loss of differentiation with decreased expression of contractile markers, increased proliferation as well as the synthesis and the release of several signaling molecules such as pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemotaxis‐associated molecules, and growth factors. This SMC phenotypic plasticity has extensively been investigated in vascular diseases, but interest is also emerging in the field of gastroenterology. It has in fact been postulated that altered microenvironmental conditions, including the composition of microbiota, could trigger the remodeling of the enteric SMC, with phenotype changes and consequent alterations of contraction and impairment of gut motility. Several molecular actors participate in this phenotype remodeling. These include extracellular molecules such as cytokines and extracellular matrix proteins, as well as intracellular proteins, for example, transcription factors. Epigenetic control mechanisms and miRNA have also been suggested to participate. In this review key roles and actors of smooth muscle phenotypic switch, mainly in GI tissue, are described and discussed in the light of literature data available so far. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 295–302, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MRI screening for breast cancer in women at high risk; is the Australian breast MRI screening access program addressing the needs of women at high risk of breast cancer?
Authors: Schenberg Tess , Mitchell Gillian , Taylor Donna , Saunders Christobel
Published: July 2015

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening of women under 50 years old at high familial risk of breast cancer was given interim funding by Medicare in 2009 on the basis that a review would be undertaken. An updated literature review has been undertaken by the Medical Services Advisory Committee but there has been no assessment of the quality of the screening or other screening outcomes. This review examines the evidence basis of breast MRI screening and how this fits within an Australian context with the purpose of informing future modifications to the provision of Medicare‐funded breast MRI screening in Australia. Issues discussed will include selection of high‐risk women, the options for MRI screening frequency and measuring the outcomes of screening.
A Combinatorial Photocrosslinking Method for the Preparation of Porous Structures with Widely Differing Properties
Authors: Zant Erwin , Blokzijl Maarten M. , Grijpma Dirk W.
Published: July 2015

A novel method for the simultaneous preparation of a large number of porous polymeric structures with highly differing physical properties is developed. Low molecular weight methacrylate end‐functionalized polymers (macromers) are dissolved in ethylene carbonate, cooled to below the melting temperature of the solvent, and subsequently photocrosslinked. The crystallized and phase‐separated ethylene carbonate is extracted with water, upon which a porous crosslinked polymer network is obtained. The method is applied to combinatorial mixtures of methacrylate end‐functionalized polymers that are relevant in the biomedical field: poly(trimethylene carbonate‐dimethacrylate), poly(D,L‐lactide‐dimethacrylate), and poly(ethylene glycol‐dimethacrylate) dissolved in ethylene carbonate at concentrations of approximately 25 wt%. In this manner, 63 different porous polymeric structures with a very wide range of physical properties are prepared simultaneously. In the hydrated state the compressive moduli of the prepared structures range from 0.01 to 60 MPa, as water uptake ranges between 3 and 1500 wt%.

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Comparison of in‐flight aircraft icing algorithms based on ECMWF forecasts
Authors: Belo‐Pereira Margarida
Published: July 2015

This study presents an objective verification of different icing algorithms for two periods from 5 December 2012 to 17 April 2013 and from 9 October to 11 December 2013. The predicted icing potential and severity are evaluated against pilot reports of aircraft icing below 23 000 feet over Eastern United States. The icing algorithms are applied to the deterministic forecasts of European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Two of these algorithms are based only on forecasts of temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH), but the first uses fixed thresholds and the second uses a fuzzy logic approach. Although the second algorithm detects less icing events, it is more efficient with respect to the warning area, i.e. it forecasts icing over a smaller percentage of the airspace than the first algorithm. The impact of adding information from cloud liquid water (CLW) content and/or vertical velocity in the fuzzy logic scheme is assessed. Algorithms using T, CLW and vertical velocity as predictors are also tested. Most of the algorithms reveal a good performance in discriminating between icing and no‐icing conditions, but are less skilful in forecasting the icing severity. The results also show that the use of CLW is essential to avoid issuing too many warnings. Moreover, the algorithm combining T, RH, CLW and vertical velocity attains the best performance. This algorithm, SFIPO, has been operational at the Portuguese Meteorological Watch Office since June 2013, and an example of a severe icing episode in February 2014 over mainland Portugal is presented.
Pred‐hERG: A Novel web‐Accessible Computational Tool for Predicting Cardiac Toxicity
Authors: Braga Rodolpho C. , Alves Vinicius M. , Silva Meryck F. B. , Muratov Eugene , Fourches Denis , Lião Luciano M. , Tropsha Alexander , Andrade Carolina H.
Published: July 2015

The blockage of the hERG K+ channels is closely associated with lethal cardiac arrhythmia. The notorious ligand promiscuity of this channel earmarked hERG as one of the most important antitargets to be considered in early stages of drug development process. Herein we report on the development of an innovative and freely accessible web server for early identification of putative hERG blockers and non‐blockers in chemical libraries. We have collected the largest publicly available curated hERG dataset of 5,984 compounds. We succeed in developing robust and externally predictive binary (CCR≈0.8) and multiclass models (accuracy≈0.7). These models are available as a web‐service freely available for public at http://labmol.farmacia.ufg.br/predherg/. Three following outcomes are available for the users: prediction by binary model, prediction by multi‐class model, and the probability maps of atomic contribution. The Pred‐hERG will be continuously updated and upgraded as new information became available.
Virtual screening of a milk peptide database for the identification of food‐derived antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Liu Yufang , Eichler Jutta , Pischetsrieder Monika
Published: July 2015

Scope

Milk provides a wide range of bioactive substances, such as antimicrobial peptides and proteins. Our study aimed to identify novel antimicrobial peptides naturally present in milk.

Methods and results

The components of an endogenous bovine milk peptide database were virtually screened for charge, amphipathy, and predicted secondary structure. Thus, 23 of 248 screened peptides were identified as candidates for antimicrobial effects. After commercial synthesis, their antimicrobial activities were determined against Escherichia coli NEB5α, E. coli ATCC25922, and Bacillus subtilis ATCC6051. In the tested concentration range (<2 mM), bacteriostatic activity of 14 peptides was detected including nine peptides inhibiting both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The most effective fragment was TKLTEEEKNRLNFLKKISQRYQKFΑLPQYLK corresponding to αS2‐casein151–181, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4.0 μM against B. subtilis ATCC6051, and minimum inhibitory concentrations of 16.2 μM against both E. coli strains. Circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed conformational changes of most active peptides in a membrane‐mimic environment, transitioning from an unordered to α‐helical structure.

Conclusion

Screening of food peptide databases by prediction tools is an efficient method to identify novel antimicrobial food‐derived peptides. Milk‐derived antimicrobial peptides may have potential use as functional food ingredients and help to understand the molecular mechanisms of anti‐infective milk effects.
Alleviation of high fat diet‐induced obesity by oligofructose in gnotobiotic mice is independent of presence of Bifidobacterium longum
Authors: Woting Anni , Pfeiffer Nora , Hanske Laura , Loh Gunnar , Klaus Susanne , Blaut Michael
Published: July 2015

Scope

Diet‐induced obesity is associated with changes in the gut microbiota and low‐grade inflammation. Oligofructose was reported to ameliorate high fat diet‐induced metabolic disorders in mice by restoring the number of intestinal bifidobacteria. However, this has not been experimentally demonstrated.

Methods and results

We fed conventional mice, germfree mice, mice associated with a simplified human gut microbiota composed of eight bacterial species including Bifidobacterium longum (SIHUMI), and mice associated with SIHUMI without B. longum a low fat diet (LFD), a high fat diet (HFD), or a HFD containing 10% oligofructose (HFD + OFS) for five weeks. We assessed body composition, bacterial cell numbers and metabolites, markers of inflammation, and gut permeability. Conventional mice fed HFD or HFD + OFS did not differ in body weight gain and glucose tolerance. The gnotobiotic mouse groups fed LFD or HFD + OFS gained less body weight and body fat, and displayed an improved glucose tolerance compared with mice fed HFD. These differences were not affected by the presence of B. longum. Mice fed HFD showed no signs of inflammation or increased intestinal permeability.

Conclusion

The ability of oligofructose to reduce obesity and to improve glucose tolerance in gnotobiotic mice fed HFD was independent of the presence of B. longum.
Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Lee Jaewook , Kim Si‐Hyun , Choi Dong‐Sic , Lee Jong Seok , Kim Dae‐Kyum , Go Gyeongyun , Park Seon‐Min , Kim Si Hyun , Shin Jeong Hwan , Chang Chulhun L. , Gho Yong Song
Published: July 2015

The release of extracellular vesicles, also known as outer membrane vesicles, membrane vesicles, exosomes, and microvesicles, is an evolutionarily conserved phenomenon from bacteria to eukaryotes. It has been reported that Mycobacterium tuberculosis releases extracellular vesicles harboring immunologically active molecules, and these extracellular vesicles have been suggested to be applicable in vaccine development and biomarker discovery. However, the comprehensive proteomic analysis has not been performed for M. tuberculosis extracellular vesicles. In this study, we identified a total of 287 vesicular proteins by four LC‐MS/MS analyses with high confidence. In addition, we identified several vesicular proteins associated with the virulence of M. tuberculosis. This comprehensive proteome profile will help elucidate the pathogenic mechanism of M. tuberculosis. The data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001160 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001160).
Gel‐free mass spectrometry analysis of Drosophila melanogaster heads
Authors: Aradska Jana , Bulat Tanja , Sialana Fernando J. , Birner‐Gruenberger Ruth , Erich Buchner , Lubec Gert
Published: July 2015

Membrane proteins play key roles in several fundamental biological processes such as cell signalling, energy metabolism and transport. Despite the significance, these still remain an under‐represented group in proteomics datasets. Herein, a bottom‐up approach to analyse an enriched membrane fraction from Drosophila melanogaster heads using multidimensional liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with tandem‐mass spectrometry (MS/MS) that relies on complete solubilisation and digestion of proteins, is reported. An enriched membrane fraction was prepared using equilibrium density centrifugation on a discontinuous sucrose gradient, followed by solubilisation using the filter‐aided sample preparation (FASP), tryptic and sequential chymotryptic digestion of proteins. Peptides were separated by reversed‐phase (RP) LC at high pH in the first dimension and acidic RP‐LC in the second dimension coupled directly to an Orbitrap Velos Pro mass spectrometer. A total number of 4812 proteins from 114 865 redundant and 38 179 distinct peptides corresponding to 4559 genes were identified in the enriched membrane fraction from fly heads. These included brain receptors, transporters and channels that are most important elements as drug targets or are linked to disease. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001712 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001712).
Grain boundary recombination in semiconductors: the grain boundary interaction case
Authors: Tarento René‐Jean , Mekki Djamel‐Eddine
Published: July 2015

The recombination velocity and the barrier height at a grain boundary are investigated with respect to the interaction between two parallel grain boundaries. A self‐consistent calculation has been performed within the Read‐Hall‐Shockley framework. The procedure takes into account of the space‐charge region and the quasi‐neutral region assuming a rigid displacement of the bands. The grain‐boundary energy states are considered in the half‐filled‐level model. The dependence of the recombination parameters are reported versus the excitation and the semiconductor and grain‐boundary characteristics. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Strain and carrier transport along dislocations
Authors: Reiche Manfred , Kittler Martin , Pippel Eckhard , Erfurth Winfried , Haehnel Angelika , Uebensee Hartmut
Published: July 2015

A significant increase of the drain current is verified if defined numbers and types of dislocations are present in the channel of MOSFETs. For pMOSFETs, analysed here, an enhancement by a factor of eight exists if mixed dislocations are placed in the channel. The drain current increase is caused by higher concentration and higher mobility of holes on dislocations. It is shown that cores of mixed dislocations possess uniaxial compressive strain components in the order of ε ≅ –0.1 which are significantly higher than in the strain field surrounding a dislocation. The exceptional high uniaxial strain results in dramatic alterations of the silicon band structure. Upward shifts of the upper valence bands appear forming a quantum wire. The generation of the quantum wire forces hole confinement along dislocations and generates a one‐dimensional hole gas (1DHG). Confinement and energy quantization are assumed to be most important for the increased carrier transport along dislocations. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluation of ACCESS model cloud properties over the Southern Ocean area using multiple‐satellite products
Authors: Luo San , Sun Zhian , Zheng Xiaogu , Rikus Lawrie , Franklin Charmaine
Published: July 2015

Radiation field and cloud properties over the Southern Ocean area generated by the Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator (ACCESS) are evaluated using multiple‐satellite products from the Fast Longwave And Shortwave radiative Fluxes (FLASHFlux) project and NASA/GEWEX surface radiation budget (SRB) data. The cloud properties are also evaluated using the observational simulator package COSP, a synthetic brightness temperature model (SBTM) and cloud liquid‐water path data (UWisc) from the University of Wisconsin satellite retrievals. All of these evaluations are focused on the Southern Ocean area in an effort to understand the reasons behind the short‐wave radiation biases at the surface. It is found that the model overestimates the high‐level cloud fraction and frequency of occurrence of small ice‐water content and underestimates the middle and low‐level cloud fraction and water content.

In order to improve the modelled radiation fields over the Southern Ocean area, two main modifications have been made to the physical schemes in the ACCESS model. Firstly the autoconversion rate at which the cloud water is converted into rain and the accretion rate in the warm rain scheme have been modified, which increases the cloud liquid‐water content in warm cloud layers. Secondly, the scheme which determines the fraction of supercooled liquid water in mixed‐phase clouds in the parametrization of cloud optical properties has been changed to use one derived from CALIPSO data which provides larger liquid cloud fractions and thus higher optical depths than the default scheme. Sensitivity tests of these two schemes in ACCESS climate runs have shown that applying either can lead to a reduction of the solar radiation reaching the surface and reduce the short‐wave radiation biases.
Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy: comparison of complications and cost to the open approach
Authors: Baker E. H. , Ross S. W. , Seshadri R. , Swan R. Z. , Iannitti D. A. , Vrochides D. , Martinie J. B.
Published: July 2015

Background

Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RP) has shown some advantages over open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OP) but no data has been published providing a cost comparison.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all pancreaticoduodenectomies at a single quaternary cancer referral center was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative characteristics, complications, and charge data were recorded, and then compared using standard statistical methods.

Results

71 pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed: 22 RP and 49 OP. Patients undergoing OP had similar demographics, comorbidities, pathology, and oncologic characteristics as patients undergoing RP. While operative charges were higher for RP, once inpatient stay associated costs and follow‐up costs were included, there was no difference in total costs between RP and OP.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing RP have equivalent rates of R0 resection as OP, and benefit from decreased number of complications, surgical site infections, and length of stay in the intensive care unit. Once cost of complications and follow‐up are incorporated, no significant difference between procedures exists. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current treatment of hepatitis B virus infections
Authors: De Clercq Erik
Published: July 2015

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains an important global burden with an estimated 240 million HBV carriers worldwide and more than half a million people dying annually from the consequences of the HBV infection. Besides interferon and pegylated interferon, there are five antiviral drugs [lamivudine, adefovir (dipivoxil), entecavir, telbivudine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate] that have proved effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. These five antiviral drugs interfere with viral DNA synthesis, which consists of a step reminiscent of the reverse transcriptase step in the replicative cycle of HIV. None of the antiviral drugs, or interferon, are capable of eradicating the covalently closed circular DNA, which remains settled as an episome within the virus‐infected hepatocytes. In the short‐term (1–3 years), the use of antiviral treatment is aimed at reducing viral DNA below levels of detection, whereas in the long term (10 years and, possibly, lifelong), treatment is aimed at reducing the progression to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver decompensation, and death. As long as the virus can hide as the episomal covalently closed circular DNA, attempts to envisage a definite cure of the HBV infection may seem fortuitous. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate as a Macrophage Enriched Phospholipid
Authors: Akgoc Zeynep , Iosim Sonia , Seyfried Thomas N.
Published: July 2015

Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP) is a structural isomer of phosphatidylglycerol (PtdGro) with an unusual sn‐1:sn‐1′ fatty acyl configuration and is found almost exclusively in late endosomes/lysosomes. BMP comprises only about 1–2 % of the total phospholipids in most mammalian cells, but accumulates in tissues of humans and animals with lysosomal storage disorders including the gangliosidoses. Total BMP content was significantly greater in cells of macrophage/microglial origin than in cells of macroglial origin. BMP composition was similar in tumorigenic/metastatic macrophages and non‐tumorigenic macrophages/microglia. Finally, BMP fatty acid composition differed between cells grown in culture and obtained in vivo suggesting an influence from growth environment.
Application of the Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen and its relation to functioning in schizophrenia
Authors: Gelder Brooke M. , Loughland Carmel M. , Carr Vaughan J. , Schofield Peter W.
Published: July 2015

Objective

This study investigated the ability of the Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen (ARCS) to detect cognitive deficit in individuals with schizophrenia, relative to the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), and explored the associations between the ARCS and functional outcomes. We hypothesised that the ARCS would be able to better discriminate between individuals with schizophrenia and healthy controls than the MMSE, and that ARCS performance would be correlated with measures of social and vocational functioning.

Methods

The participants were 19 community-dwelling individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 19 healthy controls recruited from the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank (ASRB). Participants completed the ARCS, MMSE, and self-report measures of social and vocational functioning. Clinical and diagnostic data stored by the ASRB were also utilised.

Results

The schizophrenia group performed worse than the control group on the ARCS, with memory,t(36)=2.49,p=0.02, 95% CI [−1.84, −18.79] and fluency,t(36)=2.40,p=0.02, 95% CI [−1.87, −22.24] domains being the main discriminating measures. The RBANS also discriminated between the two groups, and ARCS and RBANS total scores were moderately to strongly correlated. There was no difference between the two groups on the MMSE after controlling for demographic variables. ARCS performance was associated with employment status [χ2(1)=7.16,p=0.007].

Conclusion

The ARCS may be sensitive to the cognitive deficits in outpatients with schizophrenia and an indicator of functional outcomes in this population.
Transcranial direct current stimulation and neuroplasticity genes: implications for psychiatric disorders
Authors: Chhabra Harleen , Shivakumar Venkataram , Agarwal Sri Mahavir , Bose Anushree , Venugopal Deepthi , Rajasekaran Ashwini , Subbanna Manjula , Kalmady Sunil V. , Narayanaswamy Janardhanan C. , Debnath Monojit , Venkatasubramanian Ganesan
Published: July 2015

Background and Aim

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive and well-tolerated brain stimulation technique with promising efficacy as an add-on treatment for schizophrenia and for several other psychiatric disorders. tDCS modulates neuroplasticity; psychiatric disorders are established to be associated with neuroplasticity abnormalities. This review presents the summary of research on potential genetic basis of neuroplasticity-modulation mechanism underlying tDCS and its implications for treating various psychiatric disorders.

Method

A systematic review highlighting the genes involved in neuroplasticity and their role in psychiatric disorders was carried out. The focus was on the established genetic findings of tDCS response relationship with BDNF and COMT gene polymorphisms.

Result

Synthesis of these preliminary observations suggests the potential influence of neuroplastic genes on tDCS treatment response. These include several animal models, pharmacological studies, mentally ill and healthy human subject trials.

Conclusion

Taking into account the rapidly unfolding understanding of tDCS and the role of synaptic plasticity disturbances in neuropsychiatric disorders, in-depth evaluation of the mechanism of action pertinent to neuroplasticity modulation with tDCS needs further systematic research. Genes such as NRG1, DISC1, as well as those linked with the glutamatergic receptor in the context of their direct role in the modulation of neuronal signalling related to neuroplasticity aberrations, are leading candidates for future research in this area. Such research studies might potentially unravel observations that might have potential translational implications in psychiatry.
Effect of l-theanine on glutamatergic function in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Ota Miho , Wakabayashi Chisato , Sato Noriko , Hori Hiroaki , Hattori Kotaro , Teraishi Toshiya , Ozawa Hayato , Okubo Tsutomu , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Glutamatergic dysfunction in the brain has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Previous studies suggested that l-theanine affects the glutamatergic neurotransmission and ameliorates symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The aims of the present study were twofold: to examine the possible effects of l-theanine on symptoms in chronic schizophrenia patients and to evaluate the changes in chemical mediators, including glutamate + glutamine (Glx), in the brain by using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

Method

The subjects were 17 patients with schizophrenia and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. l-Theanine (250 mg/day) was added to the patients’ ongoing antipsychotic treatment for 8 weeks. The outcome measures were the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores and MRS results.

Results

There were significant improvements in the PANSS positive scale and sleep quality after the l-theanine treatment. As for MRS, we found no significant differences in Glx levels before and after the 8 week l-theanine treatment. However, significant correlations were observed between baseline density of Glx and change in Glx density by l-theanine.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that l-theanine is effective in ameliorating positive symptoms and sleep quality in schizophrenia. The MRS findings suggest that l-theanine stabilises the glutamatergic concentration in the brain, which is a possible mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect.
α2-adrenoceptor binding in Flinders-sensitive line compared with Flinders-resistant line and Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Lillethorup Thea Pinholt , Iversen Peter , Wegener Gregers , Doudet Doris Jeanne Marie , Landau Anne Marlene
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Disturbances in the noradrenergic system, including alterations in the densities of α2-adrenoceptors, are posited to be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. In this study, we investigate the binding of α2-adrenoceptors in regions relevant to depression in an animal model of depression.

Methods

Using in vitro autoradiography techniques and the selective α2-ligand, [3H]RX 821002, we investigated the density of α2-adrenoceptors in female Flinders-sensitive line (FSL) rats, a validated model of depression, and in two traditional control groups – female Flinders-resistant line (FRL) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.

Results

The α2-adrenoceptor density was increased in most regions of the FSL rat brain when compared with SD rats (10% across regions). Moreover, the α2-adrenoceptor density was further increased in the FRL rats compared with both FSL (10% across regions) and SD rats (24% across regions).

Conclusions

The increase in α2-adrenoceptor binding in cortical regions in the FSL strain compared with the SD control strain is in accord with α2-adrenoceptor post-mortem binding data in suicide victims with untreated major depression. However, the differences in binding observed in the two control groups were unexpected and suggest the need for further studies in a larger cohort of animals of both sexes.
THE WEST FRONT OF TINTERN ABBEY CHURCH, MONMOUTHSHIRE
Authors: Morris †Richard K , Coldstream Nicola , Turner Rick
Published: July 2015

The conservation and repair of the west front of Tintern Abbey church, undertaken by Cadw between 2005 and 2010, provided an unrivalled opportunity to survey, record and analyse the design, construction and alteration of a much-celebrated example of medieval architecture. This paper considers in detail the moulding profiles and ornament of the west front and offers a developmental history for this part of the abbey church. Comparisons are made with ecclesiastical architecture elsewhere in England and Wales, and with the contemporary programme of work being undertaken at nearby Chepstow Castle. Two appendices outline the history of its conservation since 1900 and assess some Victorian drawn records of the west front.
Whole-grain products and whole-grain types are associated with lower all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the Scandinavian HELGA cohort
Authors: Johnsen Nina F. , Frederiksen Kirsten , Christensen Jane , Skeie Guri , Lund Eiliv , Landberg Rikard , Johansson Ingegerd , Nilsson Lena M. , Halkjær Jytte , Olsen Anja , Overvad Kim , Tjønneland Anne
Published: July 2015

No study has yet investigated the intake of different types of whole grain (WG) in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a healthy population. The aim of the present study was to investigate the intake of WG products and WG types in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a large Scandinavian HELGA cohort that, in 1992–8, included 120 010 cohort members aged 30–64 years from the Norwegian Women and Cancer Study, the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study, and the Danish Diet Cancer and Health Study. Participants filled in a FFQ from which data on the intake of WG products were extracted. The estimation of daily intake of WG cereal types was based on country-specific products and recipes. Mortality rate ratios (MRR) and 95 % CI were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model. A total of 3658 women and 4181 men died during the follow-up (end of follow-up was 15 April 2008 in the Danish sub-cohort, 15 December 2009 in the Norwegian sub-cohort and 15 February 2009 in the Swedish sub-cohort). In the analyses of continuous WG variables, we found lower all-cause mortality with higher intake of total WG products (women: MRR 0·89 (95 % CI 0·86, 0·91); men: MRR 0·89 (95 % CI 0·86, 0·91) for a doubling of intake). In particular, intake of breakfast cereals and non-white bread was associated with lower mortality. We also found lower all-cause mortality with total intake of different WG types (women: MRR 0·88 (95 % CI 0·86, 0·92); men: MRR 0·88 (95 % CI 0·86, 0·91) for a doubling of intake). In particular, WG oat, rye and wheat were associated with lower mortality. The associations were found in both women and men and for different causes of deaths. In the analyses of quartiles of WG intake in relation to all-cause mortality, we found lower mortality in the highest quartile compared with the lowest for breakfast cereals, non-white bread, total WG products, oat, rye (only men), wheat and total WG types. The MRR for highestv.lowest quartile of intake of total WG products was 0·68 (95 % CI 0·62, 0·75,Ptrend over quartiles< 0·0001) for women and 0·75 (95 % CI 0·68, 0·81,Ptrend over quartiles< 0·0001) for men. The MRR for highestv.lowest quartile of intake of total WG types was 0·74 (95 % CI 0·67, 0·81,Ptrend over quartiles< 0·0001) for women and 0·75 (95 % CI 0·68, 0·82,Ptrend over quartiles< 0·0001) for men. Despite lower statistical power, the analyses of cause-specific mortality according to quartiles of WG intake supported these results. In conclusion, higher intake of WG products and WG types was associated with lower mortality among participants in the HELGA cohort. The study indicates that intake of WG is an important aspect of diet in preventing early death in Scandinavia.
Retinoic acid induces macrophage cholesterol efflux and inhibits atherosclerotic plaque formation in apoE-deficient mice
Authors: Zhou Wenjing , Lin Jiacheng , Chen Hongen , Wang Jingjing , Liu Yan , Xia Min
Published: July 2015

It has been suggested that retinoic acid (RA) has a potential role in the prevention of atherosclerotic CVD. In the present study, we used J774A.1 cell lines and primary peritoneal macrophages to investigate the protective effects of RA on foam cell formation and atherogenesis in apoE-deficient (apoE− / −) mice. A total of twenty male apoE− / − mice (n 10 animals per group), aged 8 weeks, were fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) and treated with vehicle or 9-cis-RA for 8 weeks. The atherosclerotic plaque area in the aortic sinus of mice in the 9-cis-RA group was 40·7 % less than that of mice in the control group (P< 0·01). Mouse peritoneal macrophages from the 9-cis-RA group had higher protein expression levels of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1) than those from the control group. Serum total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were lower in the 9-cis-RA group than in the control group (P< 0·05). In vitro studies showed that incubation of cholesterol-loaded J774A.1 macrophages with 9-cis-RA (0·1, 1 and 10 μmol/l) induced cholesterol efflux in a dose-dependent manner. The 9-cis-RA treatment markedly attenuated lipid accumulation in macrophages exposed to oxidised LDL. Moreover, treatment with 9-cis-RA significantly increased the protein expression levels of ABCA1 and ABCG1 in J774A.1 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, 9-cis-RA dose-dependently enhanced the protein expression level of liver X receptor-α (LXRα), the upstream regulator of ABCA1 and ABCG1. Taken together, the present results show that 9-cis-RA suppresses foam cell formation and prevents HFD-induced atherogenesis via the LXRα-dependent up-regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1.
Threonine affects digestion capacity and hepatopancreatic gene expression of juvenile blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)
Authors: Habte-Tsion Habte-Michael , Ren Mingchun , Liu Bo , Xie Jun , Ge Xianping , Chen Ruli , Zhou Qunlan , Pan Liangkun
Published: July 2015

The present study conducted a 9-week feeding trial to investigate the effects of threonine (Thr) on the digestion capacity and hepatopancreas gene expression of juvenile blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala). For this purpose, three tanks (300 litres/tank) were randomly arranged and assigned to each experimental diet. Juvenile fish were fed with diets containing graded Thr levels (0·58, 1·08, 1·58, 2·08 or 2·58 % of the diet) to apparent satiation four times daily. At the end of the feeding trial, the results indicated that hepatopancreas weight, hepatosomatic index, hepatopancreatic protein content, intestinal weight, intestosomatic index and intestinal protein content increased with increasing dietary Thr levels up to 1·58 % and thereafter decreased (P< 0·05). The activities of chymotrypsin, trypsin, amylase and lipase elevated as dietary Thr levels increased up to 1·58 % (P< 0·05), while these activities decreased in most cases after 1·58 % dietary Thr except for chymotrypsin and trypsin in the hepatopancreas (plateau 1·58–2·08 % Thr). The relative gene expression levels of chymotrypsin, trypsin, amylase, lipase, target of rapamycin and insulin-like growth factor-I were up-regulated, and the highest values were observed with 1·58 % dietary Thr or 1·58 and 2·08 % dietary Thr, whereas the relative gene expression levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2 gradually decreased (P< 0·10) as dietary Thr levels increased up to 1·58 % and thereafter significantly increased (P< 0·05), which could explain that about 1·58 % dietary Thr could improve the growth and development of digestive organs and activities of digestive enzymes of juvenile blunt snout bream.
A comparison of plasma and prostate lycopene in response to typical servings of tomato soup, sauce or juice in men before prostatectomy
Authors: Grainger Elizabeth M. , Hadley Craig W. , Moran Nancy E. , Riedl Kenneth M. , Gong Michael C. , Pohar Kamal , Schwartz Steven J. , Clinton Steven K.
Published: July 2015

Tomato product consumption and estimated lycopene intake are hypothesised to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. To define the impact of typical servings of commercially available tomato products on resultant plasma and prostate lycopene concentrations, men scheduled to undergo prostatectomy (n 33) were randomised either to a lycopene-restricted control group ( < 5 mg lycopene/d) or to a tomato soup (2–2¾ cups prepared/d), tomato sauce (142–198 g/d or 5–7 ounces/d) or vegetable juice (325–488 ml/d or 11–16·5 fluid ounces/d) intervention providing 25–35 mg lycopene/d. Plasma and prostate carotenoid concentrations were measured by HPLC. Tomato soup, sauce and juice consumption significantly increased plasma lycopene concentration from 0·68 (sem 0·1) to 1·13 (sem 0·09) μmol/l (66 %), 0·48 (sem 0·09) to 0·82 (sem 0·12) μmol/l (71 %) and 0·49 (sem 0·12) to 0·78 (sem 0·1) μmol/l (59 %), respectively, while the controls consuming the lycopene-restricted diet showed a decline in plasma lycopene concentration from 0·55 (sem 0·60) to 0·42 (sem 0·07) μmol/l ( − 24 %). The end-of-study prostate lycopene concentration was 0·16 (sem 0·02) nmol/g in the controls, but was 3·5-, 3·6- and 2·2-fold higher in tomato soup (P= 0·001), sauce (P= 0·001) and juice (P= 0·165) consumers, respectively. Prostate lycopene concentration was moderately correlated with post-intervention plasma lycopene concentrations (r 0·60, P =0·001), indicating that additional factors have an impact on tissue concentrations. While the primary geometric lycopene isomer in tomato products was all-trans (80–90 %), plasma and prostate isomers were 47 and 80 % cis, respectively, demonstrating a shift towards cis accumulation. Consumption of typical servings of processed tomato products results in differing plasma and prostate lycopene concentrations. Factors including meal composition and genetics deserve further evaluation to determine their impacts on lycopene absorption and biodistribution.
Efficacy of the Omega-3 Index in predicting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight and obese adults: a pilot study
Authors: Parker Helen M. , O’Connor Helen T. , Keating Shelley E. , Cohn Jeffrey S. , Garg Manohar L. , Caterson Ian D. , George Jacob , Johnson Nathan A.
Published: July 2015

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an independent predictor of CVD in otherwise healthy individuals. Lown-3 PUFA intake has been associated with the presence of NAFLD; however, the relationship between a biomarker ofn-3 status – the Omega-3 Index – and liver fat is yet to be elucidated. A total of eighty overweight adults (fifty-six men) completed the anthropometric and biochemical measurements, including the Omega-3 Index, and underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy assessment of liver fat. Bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses were performed with reference to prediction of liver fat percentage. The mean Omega-3 Index was high in both NAFLD (intrahepatic lipid concentration≥5·5 %) and non-NAFLD groups. The Omega-3 Index, BMI, waist circumference, glucose, insulin, TAG, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were positively correlated, and HDL and erythrocyten-6:n-3 ratio negatively correlated with liver fat concentration. Regression analysis found that simple anthropometric and demographic variables (waist, age) accounted for 31 % of the variance in liver fat and the addition of traditional cardiometabolic blood markers (TAG, HDL, hsCRP and ALT) increased the predictive power to 43 %. The addition of the novel erythrocyte fatty acid variable (Omega-3 Index) to the model only accounted for a further 3 % of the variance (P=0·049). In conclusion, the Omega-3 Index was associated with liver fat concentration but did not improve the overall capacity of demographic, anthropometric and blood markers to predict NAFLD.
Substitution of whole cows’ milk with defatted milk for 4 months reduced serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and total apoB in a sample of Mexican school-age children (6–16 years of age)
Authors: Villalpando Salvador , Lara Zamudio Yaveth , Shamah-Levy Teresa , Mundo-Rosas Verónica , Manzano Alejandra Contreras , Lamadrid-Figueroa Héctor
Published: July 2015

We carried out this study to compare the effect of consuming whole, partially defatted and defatted cows’ milk for 4 months on serum concentrations of blood indicators of cardiovascular risk (CVR) in Mexican children and adolescents. Children aged between 6 and 16 years living in indigenous boarding schools in Mexico and who were usual consumers of whole milk were recruited to this study. Totally, thirteen boarding schools were randomly selected to receive full supplies of whole, partially defatted and defatted cows’ milk for 4 months. Serum total cholesterol (TC), TAG, HDL-cholesterol, apoA and total apoB, and Lp(a) concentrations were measured before and after the intervention. Comparisons were made with multi-level mixed-effects linear regression models using the difference in differences approach. Compared with the whole milk group, TC, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and total apoB were lower in defatted milk consumers by –0·43, –0·28, –0·16 mmol/l and −0·05 g/l, respectively (allP<0·001). Compared with the whole milk group, the group that consumed partially defatted milk showed a significant decrease in the concentrations of LDL-cholesterol (−0·12,P=0·01), apoA (−0·05 g/l,P=0·01) and total apoB (−0·05 g/l,P=0·001). Defatted milk intake for 4 months reduced some of the serum indicators of CVR.
Partial resistance to homologous challenge infections of the digenean Echinostoma caproni in ICR mice
Authors: Muñoz-Antoli C. , Cortés A. , Martín-Grau C. , Fried B. , Esteban J.G. , Toledo R.
Published: July 2015

In the present paper, we analyse the effect of a primary infection of ICR mice with Echinostoma caproni (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) on the generation of resistance against homologous challenge infections. In ICR mice, E. caproni induces chronic infections concomitantly with strong responses characterized by the development of T-helper 1 (Th1)-type local immune responses with elevated levels of local interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and inflammatory and antibody responses. Here, the effect of the response generated against a primary infection with E. caproni in the generation of resistance against subsequent homologous infections was analysed. For this purpose, ICR mice were challenged with metacercariae of E. caproni and the results obtained showed that primary infection induces partial resistance against subsequent homologous infections in ICR mice. This resistance was expressed as a reduced rate of infection, worm recovery and worm size, indicating that primary infection induces changes in the host, making a hostile environment for the development of the parasite.