bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen sulphide increases hepatic differentiation of human tooth pulp stem cells compared with human bone marrow stem cells
Authors: Okada M. , Ishkitiev N. , Yaegaki K. , Imai T. , Tanaka T. , Fukuda M. , Ono S. , Haapasalo M.
Published: February 2014

Aim

To determine the differences in stem cell properties, in hepatic differentiation and in the effects of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) on hepatic differentiation between human bone marrow stem cells (hBMC) and stem cells from human exfoliated primary tooth pulp (SHED).

Methodology

CD117+ cells were magnetically separated and subjected to hepatic differentiation. CD117+ cell lineages were characterized for transcription factors indicative of stem cells by qRT‐PCR. For the last 9 days of the differentiation, the test cells were exposed to 0.1 ng mL−1 H2S. Immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry of albumin, alpha‐fetoprotein and carbamoyl phosphate synthetase were carried out after differentiation. Urea concentration and glycogen synthesis were also determined.

Results

Genes expressed in SHED were also expressed in BMC. No difference in expression level of hepatic markers was shown by immunofluorescence. SHED showed more positive cells than hBMC (P < 0.01). H2S increased the number of positive cells in both cultures (P < 0.01). Urea concentration and glycogen synthesis increased significantly after H2S exposure (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). Real‐time PCR data were analysed by RT2 profiler RT‐PCR Array Data Analysis version 3.5 (Qiagen), and ELISA data were analysed by Bonferroni's multiple comparison using Windows spss version 16 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). Bonferroni's multiple comparison test was also carried out after angle transformation for the percentage data of flow cytometer using Windows spss® version 16 (SPSS Inc). Statistical significance was accepted at P < 0.05.

Conclusions

Stem cells from human exfoliated primary tooth pulp and BMC have similar properties. The level of hepatic differentiation in SHED compared with BMC was the same or higher. H2S increased the level of hepatic differentiation.
FVIII and FIX inhibitors in people living with hemophilia in Cameroon, Africa: a preliminary study
Authors: Balôgôg P. N. , Tagny C. T. , Ndoumba A. , Mbanya D.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Hemophilia is a reality in Cameroon were more than 100 patients are registered and followed‐up in the Yaoundé Hemophilia treatment center.

Aim

We conducted a cross sectional study in patient living with hemophilia in that setting in order to determine the frequency of Factor VIII and IX specific inhibitors and the factors associated their presence.

Methods

From May to December 2012, venous blood samples of hemophiliac patients undergoing replacement therapy were collected in tubes containing 0.109 m (3.2%) trisodium citrate. Inhibitors were screened by APTT based method using 50 : 50 patients' plasma mixed with normal plasma incubated together for 2 h at 37 °C. Quantitative assay was carried out to measure Bethesda units (BU) with the Bethesda Nijmegen Assay. Samples were labeled as low titer inhibitor when <5 BU were detected.

Results

A total of 42 patients were tested among which four had haemophilia B while 38 had hemophilia A. Eight patients (19%) were found to have positive Bethesda test. The mean age of patients with inhibitors was 9.2 ± 6 years (2–18). Two of them were high responders (25%). the frequency of inhibitors was higher in severe hemophiliac patients.

Conclusion

The frequency of inhibitors in hemophiliac patient undergoing replacement therapy is high in Cameroon. Severity of disease was found to be the main contributing factor in patients who developed inhibitors.
Estimation of polyclonal IgG4 hybrids in normal human serum
Authors: Young Elizabeth , Lock Emma , Ward Douglas G. , Cook Alexander , Harding Stephen , Wallis Gregg L. F.
Published: February 2014

The in vivo or in vitro formation of IgG4 hybrid molecules, wherein the immunoglobulins have exchanged half molecules, has previously been reported under experimental conditions. Here we estimate the incidence of polyclonal IgG4 hybrids in normal human serum and comment on the existence of IgG4 molecules with different immunoglobulin light chains. Polyclonal IgG4 was purified from pooled or individual donor human sera and sequentially fractionated using light‐chain affinity and size exclusion chromatography. Fractions were analysed by SDS–PAGE, immunoblotting, ELISA, immunodiffusion and matrix‐assisted laser‐desorption mass spectrometry. Polyclonal IgG4 purified from normal serum contained IgG4κ, IgG4λ and IgG4κ/λ molecules. Size exclusion chromatography showed that IgG4 was principally present in monomeric form (150 000 MW). SDS–PAGE, immunoblotting and ELISA showed the purity of the three IgG4 samples. Immunodiffusion, light‐chain sandwich ELISA and mass spectrometry demonstrated that both κ and λ light chains were present on only the IgG4κ/λ molecules. The amounts of IgG4κ/λ hybrid molecules ranged from 21 to 33% from the five sera analysed. Based on the molecular weight these molecules were formed of two IgG4 heavy chains plus one κ and one λ light chain. Polyclonal IgG (IgG4‐depleted) was similarly fractionated according to light‐chain specificity. No evidence of hybrid IgG κ/λ antibodies was observed. These results indicate that hybrid IgG4κ/λ antibodies compose a substantial portion of IgG4 from normal human serum.
Suprathel®‐assisted surgical treatment of the hand in a dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patient
Authors: Sari Elif , Eryilmaz Tolga , Tetik Gulsum , Ozakpinar Hulda R , Eker Esabil
Published: February 2014

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a progressive familial disorder composed of dermal mucosal blisters, flexion contractures and pseudosyndactylies. Flexion contractures and pseudosyndactyly can be treated with surgery but usually require skin grafting. Because of poor wound healing, skin graft harvesting is a challenge in these patients. In order to prevent donor‐site morbidities due to skin graft harvesting some alloplastic materials were introduced. In this study, we focused on Suprathel® as a new allograft material for covering the skin defects of a patient with dystrophic EB.
Neighborhood‐contingent indirect interactions between native and exotic plants: multiple shared pollinators mediate reproductive success during invasions
Authors: Waters S. M. , Fisher S. E. , Hille Ris Lambers J.
Published: February 2014

Native and exotic plants can influence one another's fecundity through their influence on shared pollinators. Specifically, invasion may alter abundance and composition of local floral resources, affecting pollinator visitation and ultimately causing seedset of natives in more‐invaded and less‐invaded floral neighborhoods to differ. Such pollinator‐mediated effects of exotic plants on natives are common, but native and exotic plants often share multiple pollinators, which may differ in their responses to altered floral neighborhoods. We quantified pollinator‐mediated interactions between three common forbs of western Washington prairies (native Microseris laciniata and Eriophyllum lanatum and European Hypochaeris radicata) in three floral neighborhoods: 1) high native and low exotic floral density, 2) high exotic floral density and low native density, and 3) experimentally manipulated low exotic floral density. Pollinator visitation rates varied by floral neighborhood, plant species identity, and their interaction for all three plant species. Similarly, pollinator functional groups (eusocial bees, solitary bees, and syrphid flies) contributed differing proportions of total visitation to each species depending upon neighborhood context. Consequently, in exotic neighborhoods H. radicata competed with native M. laciniata, reducing seed set, while simultaneously facilitating visitation and seed set for native E. lanatum. Seed set of H. radicata was also highest in exotic neighborhoods (with high densities of conspecifics), raising the possibility of a positive feedback between exotic abundance and success. Our results suggest that the outcome of indirect interactions between native and exotic plants depends on the density and the composition of the floral neighborhood and of the pollinator fauna, and on context‐dependent pollinator foraging.
Validation of biomarkers for loin meat quality (M. longissimus) of pigs
Authors: Pierzchala M. , Hoekman A.J.W. , Urbanski P. , Kruijt L. , Kristensen L. , Young J.F. , Oksbjerg N. , Goluch D. , te Pas M.F.W.
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to validate previously reported associations between microarray gene expression levels and pork quality traits using real‐time PCR. Meat samples and meat quality data from 100 pigs were collected from a different pig breed to the one tested by microarray (Large White versus Pietrain) and a different country of origin (Denmark versus Germany). Ten genes (CARP, MB, CSRP3, TNNC1, VAPB, TNNI1, HSPB1, TNNT1, TIMP‐1, RAD‐like) were chosen from the original microarray study on the basis of the association between gene expression levels and the meat quality traits meat %, back fat,pH24, drip loss %, coloura*, colourb*, colourL*, WB‐SF, SFA, MUFA, PUFA. Real‐time PCR detection methods were developed for validation of all ten genes, confirming association with drip loss (two of two genes), ultimatepH(three of four genes),a* (redness) (two of six genes) andL*(lightness) (two of four genes). Furthermore, several new correlations for MUFA and PUFA were established due to additional meat quality trait information on fatty acid composition not available for the microarray study. Regression studies showed that the maximum explanation of the phenotypic variance of the meat quality traits was 50% for the ultimatepHtrait using these ten genes only. Additional studies showed that the gene expression of several of the genes was correlated with each other. We conclude that the genes initially selected from the microarray study were robust, explaining variances of the genes for the meat quality traits.
The Road to Environmental Policy Integration is Paved with Obstacles: Intra‐ and Inter‐Organizational Conflicts in EU Transport Decision‐Making
Authors: Dyrhauge Helene
Published: February 2014

Transport is one of the most polluting sectors and needs to adopt environmental protection, yet the constant struggle between the environment and the economy is often won by economic priorities. This struggle makes environmental policy integration difficult, especially in the legislative process. This article analyzes the co‐decision process which led to the adoption of the 2011 Eurovignette Directive, and examines how intra‐organizational conflicts in the European Parliament and the Council shaped inter‐organizational negotiations and thus the level of environmental policy integration in the adopted policy. The European Parliament's rapporteur is identified as central for resolving differences between the actors. Overall, the paper argues that the economic crisis has strengthened existing national economic preferences over environmental protection, leading to environmental policy integration that is symbolic rather than substantial.
Factors influencing the durability of the glucose‐lowering effect of sitagliptin combined with a sulfonylurea
Authors: Kubota Akira , Yabe Daisuke , Kanamori Akira , Kuroe Akira , Takahashi Nobuo , Saito Tatsuhiko , Matsuba Ikuro , Nabe Koichiro , Kurose Takeshi , Seino Yutaka
Published: February 2014

We analyzed the changes of glycemic control over 12 months and the factors influencing blood glucose in 162 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes having inadequate glycemic control despite sulfonylurea‐based therapy who received add‐on sitagliptin. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) decreased significantly after 4 weeks of treatment, and this improvement was maintained for 1 year, although HbA1c was slightly higher in week 52 than in week 24. Comparison of the patients showing a ≥0.4% increase of HbA1c between weeks 24 and 52 (n = 57) with the others (n = 105) showed a significant difference in the change of bodyweight, as well as the dose of glibenclamide (both P < 0.01). Although combined therapy with sitagliptin and a sulfonylurea seems to be effective for at least 1 year, blood glucose levels are more likely to increase again in patients who show greater weight gain after 24 weeks of treatment and those receiving a higher dose of glibenclamide.
Variation and evolution of sex ratios at the northern range limit of a sexually polymorphic plant
Authors: Yakimowski S. B. , Barrett S. C. H.
Published: February 2014

Gender strategies involve three fundamental sex phenotypes – female, male and hermaphrodite. Their frequencies in populations typically define plant sexual systems. Patterns of sex‐ratio variation in a geographical context can provide insight into transitions among sexual systems, because environmental gradients differentially influence sex phenotype fitness. Here, we investigate sex‐ratio variation in 116 populations ofSagittaria latifoliaat the northern range limit in eastern N. America and evaluate mechanisms responsible for the patterns observed. We detected continuous variation in sex phenotype frequencies from monoecy through subdioecy to dioecy. There was a decline in the frequency and flower production of females in northerly populations, whereas hermaphrodite frequencies increased at the range limit, and in small populations. Tests of a model of sex‐ratio evolution, using empirical estimates of fitness components, indicated that the relative female and male contribution of males and hermaphrodites to fitness is closer to equilibrium expectations than female frequencies. Plasticity in sex expression and clonality likely contribute to deviations from equilibrium expectations.
Greenwoodochromini Takahashi from Lake Tanganyika is a junior synonym of Limnochromini Poll (Perciformes: Cichlidae)
Authors: Takahashi T.
Published: February 2014

The infraorbitals (IOs) of four species endemic to Lake Tanganyika were examined and on the basis of this information and previous morphological and molecular studies, the tribe Greenwoodochromini is synonymized with the tribe Limnochromini and a new combination for Limnochromis abeelei and Limnochromis staneri is proposed: Greenwoodochromis abeelei and Greenwoodochromis staneri. The revised tribe Limnochromini, comprising 10 species belonging to seven genera, is characterized by IOs representing types G and I. The revised genus Greenwoodochromis, which consists of four species, is characterized by IOs representing type I.
Rapid Detection of Salmonella in Food Samples by Polymerase Chain Reaction After a 10 h Pre‐enrichment
Authors: Khan Abdul Basit , Sahir Korish Hasnain , Ahmed Mushtaq , Khan Seema Ismat
Published: February 2014

Salmonella species have been frequently implicated in foodborne illnesses. These organisms can be transmitted via ingestion of a wide variety of contaminated food items and polluted drinking water. The detection of Salmonella in such commodities relies mainly on some laborious, and time‐consuming conventional methods. This warrants for development and/or adoption of other nonconventional, user‐friendly and rapid methods.

In view of the above‐mentioned facts, studies have been conducted to develop a simple, cost‐effective and rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based method for the detection of Salmonella in food samples using the primers for invA gene sequence. The method developed, based on PCR, has been compared with the conventional method for Salmonella detection. Experiments were performed with different inoculum sizes and time intervals to determine the sensitivity of the method. Optimization studies were also conducted using rice sample with different inoculum size and time interval combinations. Initially, the method developed was tested for its efficacy on different artificially contaminated samples, and later on, in commercially available products in comparison with the conventional method. The method developed is also free of any involvement of kit‐based proprietary instruments.

Practical Applications

Food products are being scrutinized intensively for Salmonella contamination, especially during export or marketing across the boundaries. Consequently, the food industry is facing economic problems like rejection of consignments, recall of the product, loss of product, marred product prestige, etc. Usually, 4 to 6 days are required for Salmonella detection. The manufacturers have either to ship the product without the laboratory clearance or to keep the product in storage until laboratory report is obtained. Both alternatives are not economically appealing. The product might be recalled or rejected as microbiological safety can be violated or additional handling and storage expenditures could be involved. These considerations demand for a rapid test for Salmonella detection that is at least as sensitive and accurate as the tests used currently. The PCR test described here fulfills these criteria and can be used for rapid detection of Salmonella in food testing laboratories.
The Relative Value Unit in Academic Geriatrics: Incentive or Impediment?
Authors: Resnick Neil M. , Radulovich Nichole
Published: February 2014

Although the number of older adults is rapidly expanding, the number of healthcare professionals trained in geriatrics is small and declining. The reasons are multifaceted, but because responsibility for training such professionals resides largely in academic health centers (AHCs), their support for geriatrics is critical. As AHCs face increasing financial pressure, many are seeking metrics to measure productivity and the Relative Value Unit (RVU) may be the one most commonly selected. Yet little is known about the RVU's effect on geriatric programs. Review of the literature and a survey of the leaders of the Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs suggest that the advantages of an RVU‐based metric are likely eclipsed by its negative impact on the care of older adults, the ability of academic geriatrics to accomplish its mission, and even the survival of geriatrics. If the RVU is to continue to be used as the index of productivity, it should be modified—by reweighting its codes (or by adding new ones)—and complemented by interventions to ensure patient access, care quality, and efficiency. Because an alternative metric, such as a Patient‐based Value Unit may be preferable, this article describes the principles on which one might be based. Regardless, urgent action is required by all stakeholders to address this issue. Without it, the future of academic geriatrics—and with it the innovative care models, research, and training the nation needs to improve care and bend the cost curve—will be difficult if not impossible to sustain.
A Controlled Quality Improvement Trial to Reduce the Use of Physical Restraints in Older Hospitalized Adults
Authors: Enns Echo , Rhemtulla Rishma , Ewa Vivian , Fruetel Karen , Holroyd‐Leduc Jayna M.
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To implement and evaluate an evidence‐informed multicomponent strategy to reduce physical restraint use in older adults admitted to acute care medical units.

Design

Stepped‐wedge trial.

Setting

Four acute care medical units in Calgary, Alberta, over a 4‐month time period.

Participants

Data were collected from individuals aged 65 and older present on the study units during monthly restraint audits.

Intervention

Development of opinion leaders among the nursing leadership, education and training of physicians and unit nurses, and implementation of least restraint rounds.

Measurements

The primary outcome was rate of restraint use as determined from walk‐around audits. Secondary outcomes included number of physician orders for physical restraints on the electronic medical record and fall reports.

Results

Thirteen percent to 27% of individuals were being restrained on the medical units before the intervention, with the vast majority of restraints being bed rails. This decreased to 7% to 14% after the intervention. The intervention resulted in a statistically significant reduction in restraint use measured in the early mornings (P = .01), and this trend continued after adjusting for unit and month (P = .06). Similarly, the rate of restraint use trended down at all other measured time periods but was not statistically significant. A limited number of individuals had an order for physical restraint within their electronic medical record (3% before, 2% after the intervention). The median number of monthly fall reports did not change (three before, three after; P = .60).

Conclusion

A multicomponent team‐focused quality improvement intervention has the potential to decrease the use of physical restraints in older hospitalized adults.
Acute‐phase reactants in periodontal disease: Current concepts and future implications
Authors: Archana Vilasan , Ambili Ranjith , Nisha Krishnavilasam Jayakumary , Seba Abraham , Preeja Chandran
Published: February 2014

Periodontal disease has been linked to adverse cardiovascular events by unknown mechanisms. C‐reactive protein is a systemic marker released during the acute phase of an inflammatory response and is a prognostic marker for cardiovascular disease, with elevated serum levels being reported during periodontal disease. Studies also reported elevated levels of various other acute‐phase reactants in periodontal disease. It has been reported extensively in the literature that treatment of periodontal infections can significantly lower serum levels of C‐reactive protein. Therefore, an understanding of the relationship between acute‐phase response and the progression of periodontal disease and other systemic health complications would have a profound effect on the periodontal treatment strategies. In view of this fact, the present review highlights an overview of acute‐phase reactants and their role in periodontal disease.
Rab‐mediated trafficking role in neurite formation
Authors: Villarroel‐Campos David , Gastaldi Laura , Conde Cecilia , Caceres Alfredo , Gonzalez‐Billault Christian
Published: February 2014

Neuronal cells are characterized by the presence of two confined domains, which are different in their cellular properties, biochemical functions and molecular identity. The generation of asymmetric domains in neurons should logically require specialized membrane trafficking to both promote neurite outgrowth and differential distribution of components. Members of the Rab family of small GTPases are key regulators of membrane trafficking involved in transport, tethering and docking of vesicles through their effectors. RabGTPases activity is coupled to the activity of guanine nucleotide exchange factors or GEFs, and GTPase‐activating proteins known as GAPs. Since the overall spatiotemporal distribution of GEFs, GAPs and Rabs governs trafficking through the secretory and endocytic pathways, affecting exocytosis, endocytosis and endosome recycling, it is likely that RabGTPases could have a major role in neurite outgrowth, elongation and polarization. In this review we summarize the evidence linking the functions of several RabGTPases to axonal and dendritic development in primary neurons, as well as neurite formation in neuronal cell lines. We focused on the role of RabGTPases from the trans‐Golgi network, early/late and recycling endosomes, as well as the function of some Rab effectors in neuritogenesis. Finally, we also discuss the participation of the ADP‐ribosylation factor 6, a member of the ArfGTPase family, in neurite formation since it seems to have an important cross‐talk with RabGTPases.

image

Intracellular trafficking emerges as key regulator of neurite and axon elongation. We summarized how members of RabGTPase family regulate several aspects of neuronal differentiation. Trans‐Golgi network resident Rabs (in green) promotes neurite growth through exocytic carriers; whereas recycling endosome associated Rabs (in red) promote neurite elongation by local membrane delivery. Early/late endosome associated Rabs (in blue) show mixed behaviour, depending on the experimental model, a feature which is also discussed in the review.
Urotensin II promotes vagal‐mediated bradycardia by activating cardiac‐projecting parasympathetic neurons of nucleus ambiguus
Authors: Brailoiu Gabriela Cristina , Deliu Elena , Rabinowitz Joseph E. , Tilley Douglas G. , Koch Walter J. , Brailoiu Eugen
Published: February 2014

Urotensin II (U‐II) is a cyclic undecapeptide that regulates cardiovascular function at central and peripheral sites. The functional role of U‐II nucleus ambiguus, a key site controlling cardiac tone, has not been established, despite the identification of U‐II and its receptor at this level. We report here that U‐II produces an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in retrogradely labeled cardiac vagal neurons of nucleus ambiguus via two pathways: (i) Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum via inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor; and (ii) Ca2+ influx through P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels. In addition, U‐II depolarizes cultured cardiac parasympathetic neurons. Microinjection of increasing concentrations of U‐II into nucleus ambiguus elicits dose‐dependent bradycardia in conscious rats, indicating the in vivo activation of the cholinergic pathway controlling the heart rate. Both the in vitro and in vivo effects were abolished by the urotensin receptor antagonist, urantide. Our findings suggest that, in addition, to the previously reported increase in sympathetic outflow, U‐II activates cardiac vagal neurons of nucleus ambiguus, which may contribute to cardioprotection.

image

Our study characterizes the effects of urotensin II (U‐II) on cardiac‐projecting nucleus ambiguus neurons. U‐II depolarizes these neurons, promotes Ca2+ entry via P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels and Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum via inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors. U‐II microinjection into the nucleus ambiguus elicits bradycardia in conscious rats. Thus, U‐II increases cardiac vagal tone, potentially promoting cardioprotection, as previously reported.
Hydrochlorothiazide‐induced hyperuricaemia in the pharmacogenomic evaluation of antihypertensive responses study
Authors: Vandell A. G. , McDonough C. W. , Gong Y. , Langaee T. Y. , Lucas A. M. , Chapman A. B. , Gums J. G. , Beitelshees A. L. , Bailey K. R. , Johnson R. J. , Boerwinkle E. , Turner S. T. , Cooper‐DeHoff R. M. , Johnson J. A.
Published: February 2014

Objective

Elevations in uric acid (UA) and the associated hyperuricaemia are commonly observed secondary to treatment with thiazide diuretics. We sought to identify novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)‐induced elevations in UA and hyperuricaemia.

Methods

A genome‐wide association study of HCTZ‐induced changes in UA was performed in Caucasian and African American participants from the pharmacogenomic evaluation of antihypertensive responses (PEAR) study who were treated with HCTZ monotherapy. Suggestive SNPs were replicated in Caucasians and African Americans from the PEAR study who were treated with HCTZ add‐on therapy. Replicated regions were followed up through expression and pathway analysis.

Results

Five unique gene regions were identified in African Americans (LUC7L2, ANKRD17/COX18, FTO, PADI4 and PARD3B), and one region was identified in Caucasians (GRIN3A). Increases in UA of up to 1.8 mg dL−1 were observed following HCTZ therapy in individuals homozygous for risk alleles, with heterozygotes displaying an intermediate phenotype. Several risk alleles were also associated with an increased risk of HCTZ‐induced clinical hyperuricaemia. A composite risk score, constructed in African Americans using the ‘top’ SNP from each gene region, was strongly associated with HCTZ‐induced UA elevations (P = 1.79 × 10−7) and explained 11% of the variability in UA response. Expression studies in RNA from whole blood revealed significant differences in expression of FTO by rs4784333 genotype. Pathway analysis showed putative connections between many of the genes identified through common microRNAs.

Conclusion

Several novel gene regions were associated with HCTZ‐induced UA elevations in African Americans (LUC7L2, COX18/ANKRD17, FTO, PADI4 and PARD3B), and one region was associated with these elevations in Caucasians (GRIN3A).
Salivary: flow and proteins of the innate and adaptive immunity in the limited and diffused systemic sclerosis
Authors: Knaś Małgorzata , Zalewska Anna , Waszkiewicz Napoleon , Szulimowska Julita , Dzięcioł Janusz , Sierakowski Stanisław , Waszkiel Danuta
Published: February 2014

Background

However, there are some informations on the salivary glands involvement in systemic sclerosis, and there is a lack of any data about salivary glands function depending on systemic sclerosis subsets.

Methods

The unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow, the activity of peroxidase, the total amount of lactoferrin, lysozyme and sIgA were determined in two subgroups of systemic sclerosis and healthy controls.

Results

In the unstimulated saliva of both patients groups, the salivary flow, the output of total protein and peroxidase activity were significantly lower; the total: sIgA and lactoferrin were significantly higher as compared with the control. In the stimulated saliva of the patients with limited form, the total lysozyme and peroxidase activity were significantly higher than in the control. In the stimulated saliva of the patients with diffused form, the salivary flow was significantly lower and the total sIgA and peroxidase activity were significantly higher than in the control.

Conclusion

Systemic sclerosis regardless of its subset affects salivary defense system of human unstimulated and stimulated saliva. Patients with the limited form experience the same impairment of the submandibular glands function as compared with patients with the diffused form. Only patients with the diffused form are deficient in respect of stimulated saliva secretion; the parotid glands of the patients with the limited form have a good secretory capacity in comparison with the healthy control.
Academic Growth Trajectories and Family Relationships Among African American Youth
Authors: Dotterer Aryn M. , Lowe Katie , McHale Susan M.
Published: February 2014

This study explored trajectories of African American youths' academic functioning and assessed whether changes in parent–adolescent relationships were associated with changes in youths' academic functioning. The data were drawn from a 3‐year longitudinal study of gender socialization and development in two‐parent African American families and included 197 families. Findings revealed gender differences in achievement trajectories and indicated that boys not only had lower levels of academic achievement compared to girls, but also experienced steeper declines in school self‐esteem during adolescence. Changes in parent–adolescent relationship quality were linked to changes in academic functioning: Increases in conflict were related to decreases in GPA, school bonding, and school self‐esteem and increases in warmth were related to increases in school bonding and school self‐esteem.
Influence of the Nonvolatile Fraction on the Sensory Perception of 40% (v/v) Ethanol‐Containing French Grape Brandies
Authors: Fiches G. , Deleris I. , Saint‐Eve A. , Passot S. , Brunerie P. , Souchon I.
Published: February 2014

Several studies performed on wines have shown that nonvolatile and matrix components can have an impact on sensory perception through physicochemical and/or sensory interactions. In distilled spirits and as for many other food products, relationships between these components and the sensory perception are still misunderstood. In the present study, we investigated the impact of nonvolatile components on the sensory perception of two 40% (v/v) ethanol‐containing French grape brandies with different compositions and sensory qualities. For this purpose, a reconstitution strategy involving freeze‐drying was developed to test the contributions of nonvolatile components to the sensory perception of brandies. The studied products contained different levels of nonvolatile components, and corresponding to extremes values of the nonvolatile components concentration range usually found in French grape brandies. Sensory results highlighted no significant sensory difference between the two reconstituted brandies. To validate results, sensory evaluations were also performed on model beverages and revealed that sugar and phenols at contents of between 5–25 g/L and 200–1,000 mg/L, respectively, did not have an impact on sensory perception. It could therefore be hypothesized that physicochemical and sensory mechanisms involving ethanol, which is present in very large amounts in distilled beverages, can influence physicochemical interactions and sensory perception, and reduce the impact of nonvolatile components on final sensory perception.

Practical Applications

This study reaffirmed the importance of aromatic perception to the global sensory image of brandies: perception differences between French grape brandies seemed to be mainly due to differences in their volatile composition. This composition depends on aroma compound formation and selection steps in the global production process of the product, such as fermentation and distillation. Product characteristics, especially their 40% v/v ethanol content, can modify sensory perception and possibly hide the effects of some nonvolatile components. The latter are known to highly contribute to the sensory profile of alcoholic drinks with lower ethanol content such as wine. This study also highlighted an interesting strategy to test the role of each sensory component on overall sensory perception and to draw conclusions about the perception complexity of beverages such as brandies.
Detection Thresholds of 10 Odor‐active Compounds Naturally Occurring in Food Using a Replicated Forced‐Choice Ascending Method of Limits
Authors: Jaeger Sara R. , de Silva H. Nihal , Lawless Harry T.
Published: February 2014

A series of threshold measurements for aroma detection of 10 compounds naturally occurring in foods were collected on 113 individuals in quadruplicate, using a 3‐alternative forced‐choice ascending method of limits. Mixed‐model analyses examined differences among compounds, subgroups of individuals tested as cohorts, order effects and several covariates such as age, gender, propylthiouracil sensitivity and body mass index. Differences among compounds were observed, as expected. Women had lower thresholds (higher sensitivity) than men for three of the 10 compounds, cis‐3‐hexenol, isovaleric acid and 4‐methyl octanoic acid. A consistent warm‐up effect was noted for the second compound tested on any given day. The overall panel was tested in cohorts of approximately 10 panelists each, and significant residual variation was noted for β‐ionone and isobutyraldehyde, for which bimodal threshold distributions were observed. The latter result suggests that testing small groups of panelists (e.g. n = 10), as suggested by the ASTM E‐679 procedure, may not accurately capture the population threshold variability, nor provide an accurate estimate of the mean detection threshold. The research contributes to guidelines regarding good practice for odor detection testing.

Practical Applications

This research reports on odor detection thresholds for 10 compounds. The data were obtained using a 3‐alternative forced‐choice ascending method of limits which was executed in accordance with the specifications in ASTM E‐679. Mean and standard deviation ratio values obtained from 113 individuals are reported for each odorant. For researchers studying foods, beverages and personal/household care products where these odorants are odor‐active, the data have practical significance. Further, the research has implications for others measuring odor thresholds. Specifically, we find that odor threshold testing is prone to warm‐up effects and we caution that threshold testing using small groups may be prone to misestimation of population thresholds.
Improved oral bioavailability of breviscapine via a Pluronic P85-modified liposomal delivery system
Authors: Zhou Yue , Ning Qing , Yu Dan-ni , Li Wei-guang , Deng Jin
Published: February 2014

Objectives

Breviscapine, a hydrophobic drug used for treating cardiovascular disease, was encapsulated in liposomes to improve its pharmaceutical characteristics. This study describes a novel liposome composition approach to specifically inhibit the P-glycoprotein efflux system.

Methods

Breviscapine-loaded Pluronic P85-coated liposomes were prepared by the thin film hydration technique. The particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency of the formulations were characterized. In-vitro drug release and permeability of Caco-2 cells were investigated. In-vitro characteristics and pharmacokinetics of the liposomes were evaluated in rat studies.

Key findings

The Pluronic P85-modified liposomes dispersed individually and had an approximate diameter of 118.8 ± 4.9 nm and a zeta potential of −35.4 ± 1.5 mV. Encapsulation efficiency was more than 90%. The use of the P85-coated liposomes resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) increased absorption of breviscapine in Caco-2 cells and in 5.6-fold enhancement in its oral bioavailability in rats.

Conclusion

The P85-modified liposomes for the oral delivery of breviscapine were prepared using l-α-phosphatidylcholine (soy-hydrogenated) and cholesterol with a narrow size distribution. This method seems to effectively enhance the bioavailability of breviscapine in rats.
Calavita's Law & Society: (En)racing Law and Society
Authors: Bell Jeannine
Published: February 2014

One of the sharpest critiques of law and society scholarship in recent years has come from scholars who maintain that law and society scholarship fails to address the issue of race appropriately. This essay considers several critiques of law and society scholars' engagement with issues of race and uses them to evaluate Kitty Calavita's exploration of race in Invitation to Law & Society: An Introduction to the Study of Real Law (2010). The essay advocates the use of “race as process” as a mode of analysis that will allow for greater explanatory power to law and society scholarship when it touches on racial issues.
Lochner v. New York and the Challenge of Legal Historiography
Authors: Schweber Howard
Published: February 2014

This essay reviews three works addressing the famous case Lochner v. New York: David E. Bernstein, Rehabilitating Lochner: Defending Individual Rights Against Progressive Reform (2011); Howard Gillman, The Constitution Besieged: The Rise and Demise of Lochner Era Police Powers (1992); and Victoria Nourse, “A Tale of Two Lochners: The Untold History of Substantive Due Process and the Idea of Fundamental Rights” (2009). The author argues that a comparison of these three works raises historiographic issues relating to legal historians’ deployment of assumptions about the continuity of legal development, the role of key actors or social forces, and the autonomy of legal development in relation to other societal events. Further, the essay argues that there is a tendency toward “law school historiography,” referring to the selection of historiographic approach to suit a preconceived jurisprudential narrative that appears when the subject is the history of legal and, especially, constitutional doctrine.
Habitat modification in tidepools by bioeroding sea urchins and implications for fine‐scale community structure
Authors: Davidson Timothy M. , Grupe Benjamin M.
Published: February 2014

By creating novel habitats, habitat‐modifying species can alter patterns of diversity and abundance in marine communities. Many sea urchins are important habitat modifiers in tropical and temperate systems. By eroding rocky substrata, urchins can create a mosaic of urchin‐sized cavities or pits separated by exposed, often flat surfaces. These microhabitats appear to harbor distinct assemblages of species. We investigated how a temperate rocky intertidal community uses three small‐scale (<100 cm2) microhabitats created by or adjacent to populations of the purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus): pits occupied by urchins, unoccupied pits, and adjacent flat spaces. In tidepools, flat spaces harbored the highest percent cover of algae and sessile fauna, followed by empty pits and then occupied pits. The Shannon diversity and richness of these sessile taxa were significantly higher in flat spaces and empty pits than in occupied pits. The composition of these primary space holders in the microhabitats also varied. Unlike primary space holders, mobile fauna exhibited higher diversity and richness in empty pits than in flat spaces and occupied pits, although results were not significant. The protective empty pit microhabitat harbored the highest densities of most trophic functional groups. Herbivores, however, were densest in flat spaces, concordant with high algal coverage. These results suggest the habitats created by S. purpuratus in addition to its biological activities alter community structure at spatial scales finer than those typically considered for sea urchins.
Genetic seascape of the threatened Caribbean elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, on the Puerto Rico Shelf
Authors: Mège Pascal , Schizas Nikolaos V. , Garcia Reyes Joselyd , Hrbek Tomas
Published: February 2014

It has been proposed that the elkhorn coral Acropora palmata is genetically separated into two distinct provinces in the Caribbean, an eastern and a western population admixing in Western Puerto Rico and around the Mona Passage. In this study, the genetic structure of A. palmata sampled at 11 Puerto Rican localities and localities from Curaçao, the Bahamas and Guadeloupe were examined. Analyses using five microsatellite markers showed that 75% of sampled colonies had unique genotypes, the rest being clone mates. Genetic diversity among genets was high (HE = 0.761) and consistent across localities (0.685–0.844). FST ranged from −0.011 to 0.047, supporting low but significant genetic differentiation between localities within the previously reported eastern and western genetic provinces. Plots of genetic per geographic distances and significant Mantel tests supported isolation‐by‐distance (IBD) within Puerto Rico. Analysis with the software STRUCTURE favored a scenario with weak differentiation between two populations, assigning Eastern Puerto Rican locations (Fajardo and Culebra), Guadeloupe and Curaçao to the Caribbean eastern population and Western Puerto Rican locations (west of Vega Baja and Ponce), Mona and the Bahamas to the Caribbean western population. Vieques and San Juan area harbored admixed profiles. Standardized FST per 1000 km unit further supported higher differentiation between localities belonging to different STRUCTURE populations, with IBD being stronger within Puerto Rico than on larger regional scales. This stronger genetic transition seems to separate localities between putative eastern and western provinces in the Eastern Puerto Rican region, but not around the Mona Passage.
Diel activity and short‐distance movement pattern of the European spiny lobster, Palinurus elephas, acoustically tracked
Authors: Giacalone Vincenzo M. , Barausse Alberto , Gristina Michele , Pipitone Carlo , Visconti Valerio , Badalamenti Fabio , D'Anna Giovanni
Published: February 2014

This paper presents the results of the application of an ultrasonic telemetry system to the investigation of short‐term movements in the European spiny lobster, Palinurus elephas, in a coastal area of NW Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea). Ten lobsters were tagged with miniaturized transmitters and released over a favourable habitat and their movements then recorded by means of nine automated receivers with the objective of investigating post‐release displacement, home‐range extension, movement patterns, activity rhythm and the influence of lunar light intensity on lobster activity. Acoustic detection data were used to assess activity and home range using estimates of horizontal and vertical movements and minimum convex polygons, respectively. Continuous wavelet transform (CWT) analysis was applied to time series of position data. Acoustic data from five of 10 lobsters were successfully recorded across a 78‐day study period between April and June 2008. All of them displayed an activity pattern characterized by diurnal sheltering and nocturnal foraging, with higher activity (i.e., longer distances travelled) at night. Their home range measured between 1629 and 8641 m2, and all lobsters relocated every 4.6 days on average, probably in search of unexploited feeding grounds. For this reason we hypothesize a nomadic movement pattern for our tagged lobsters. CWT analyses highlighted a 24‐h periodicity in lobster activity, with higher activity from sunset to sunrise. No clear influence of moon phase on lobster activity was detected.
Sex and age‐biased nematode prevalence in reptiles
Authors: Brown David S. , Symondson William O. C.
Published: February 2014

Prevalence and intensity of parasitic infections are often higher in male than in female vertebrates. This bias may represent either differences between host sex in exposure or susceptibility to parasites. The former may be due to sex‐specific behaviour of the host, including differential habitat use or diet. Differences in susceptibility are often regarded as a negative effect of male sex steroid hormones on the immune system. Host–parasite dynamics are of great interest in terms of reptile survival, ecology and conservation. We used, for the first time, molecular diagnostics to track nematode parasitism in wild populations of reptiles noninvasively. Using slow worms (Anguis fragilis) as a model species, we investigated the interacting effects of time of year, sex, length, weight and climatic variables on the prevalence of the gastroenterological parasitic nematodeNeoxysomatium brevicaudatum. Faeces were collected from three sites over 2 years. There was an interaction between sex and time of year, with lower nematode prevalence in males than in females inJuly orAugust (different between years) but a high prevalence in males in April. As the latter is during the slow worm breeding season, this may be the result of testosterone‐induced immunosuppression. A second‐order interaction between slow worm length and weight was found to be significant, with a positive association between prevalence and body condition in young slow worms and a negative association in older slow worms. The convex pattern of nematode prevalence with age that emerged suggests an increase with age‐related exposure and a decrease with age‐related acquired immunity.