bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cis‐regulatory underpinnings of human GLI3 expression in embryonic craniofacial structures and internal organs
Authors: Abbasi Amir A. , Minhas Rashid , Schmidt Ansgar , Koch Sabine , Grzeschik Karl‐Heinz
Published: October 2013

The zinc finger transcription factor Gli3 is an important mediator of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. During early embryonic development Gli3 participates in patterning and growth of the central nervous system, face, skeleton, limb, tooth and gut. Precise regulation of the temporal and spatial expression of Gli3 is crucial for the proper specification of these structures in mammals and other vertebrates. Previously we reported a set of human intronic cis‐regulators controlling almost the entire known repertoire of endogenous Gli3 expression in mouse neural tube and limbs. However, the genetic underpinning of GLI3 expression in other embryonic domains such as craniofacial structures and internal organs remain elusive. Here we demonstrate in a transgenic mice assay the potential of a subset of human/fish conserved non‐coding sequences (CNEs) residing within GLI3 intronic intervals to induce reporter gene expression at known regions of endogenous Gli3 transcription in embryonic domains other than central nervous system (CNS) and limbs. Highly specific reporter expression was observed in craniofacial structures, eye, gut, and genitourinary system. Moreover, the comparison of expression patterns directed by these intronic cis‐acting regulatory elements in mouse and zebrafish embryos suggests that in accordance with sequence conservation, the target site specificity of a subset of these elements remains preserved among these two lineages. Taken together with our recent investigations, it is proposed here that during vertebrate evolution the Gli3 expression control acquired multiple, independently acting, intronic enhancers for spatiotemporal patterning of CNS, limbs, craniofacial structures and internal organs.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 influences cell motility and chemotaxis by regulating PI3K membrane localization in Dictyostelium
Authors: Sun Tong , Kim Bohye , Kim Lou W.
Published: October 2013

Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 (GSK3) is a multifunctional kinase involved in diverse cellular activities such as metabolism, differentiation, and morphogenesis. Recent studies showed that GSK3 in Dictyostelium affects chemotaxis via TorC2 pathway and Daydreamer. Now we report that GSK3 affects PI3K membrane localization, of which the mechanism has remained to be fully understood in Dictyostelium. The membrane localization domain (LD) of Phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase 1 (PI3K1) is phosphorylated on serine residues in a GSK3 dependent mechanism and PI3K1‐LD exhibited biased membrane localization in gsk3− cells compared to the wild type cells. Furthermore, multiple GSK3‐phosphorylation consensus sites exist in PI3K1‐LD, of which phosphomimetic substitutions restored cAMP induced transient membrane localization of PI3K1‐LD in gsk3− cells. Serine to alanine substitution mutants of PI3K1‐LD, in contrast, displayed constitutive membrane localization in wild type cells. Biochemical analysis revealed that GSK3 dependent serine phosphorylation of PI3K1‐LD is constitutive during the course of cAMP stimulation. Together, these data suggest that GSK3 dependent serine phosphorylation is a prerequisite for chemoattractant cAMP induced PI3K membrane localization.
Magnetic resonance diffusion tractography of the preterm infant brain: a systematic review
Authors: Pannek Kerstin , Scheck Simon M , Colditz Paul B , Boyd Roslyn N , Rose Stephen E
Published: October 2013

Aim

Preterm birth is associated with an increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) combined with tractography can be used to assess non‐invasively white matter microstructure and brain development in preterm infants. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of the current evidence obtained from tractography studies of preterm infants in whom MRI was performed up to term‐equivalent age.

Method

Databases were searched for dMRI tractography studies of preterm infants.

Results

Twenty‐two studies were assessed. The most frequently assessed tracts included the corticospinal tract, the corpus callosum, and the optic radiations. The superior longitudinal fasciculus, and the anterior and superior thalamic radiations were investigated less frequently. A clear relationship exists between diffusion metrics and postmenstrual age at the time of scanning, although the evidence of an effect of gestational age at birth and white matter injury is conflicting. Sex and laterality may play an important role in the relationship between diffusion metrics, early clinical assessment, and outcomes.

Interpretation

Studies involving infants of all gestational ages are required to elucidate the relationship between gestational age and diffusion metrics, and to establish the utility of tractography as a predictive tool. There is a need for more robust acquisition and analysis methods to improve the accuracy of assessing development of white matter pathways.
Reproducibility of an instrumented measure for passive ankle dorsiflexion in conscious and anaesthetized children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Hastings‐Ison Tandy , Blackburn Christine , Opie Nicholas L , Graham H Kerr , Rawicki Barry , Wolfe Rory , Simpson Pam , Baker Richard
Published: October 2013

Aim

The aims of this study were to (1) determine whether an instrumented measure will reduce measurement error to less than 5° in children with cerebral palsy (CP), (2) determine agreement and reliability of this instrumented measure in both conscious and anaesthetized participants, and (3) compare the method with previously reported measures.

Method

Thirty‐four ambulant children (15 males, 19 females), aged 3 to 9 years, with spastic CP were studied in a tertiary‐care paediatric hospital (21 with hemiplegia, 11 with diplegia, and two with quadriplegia). The majority of children functioned at Gross Motor Function Classification System level I (n=11) or II (n=18), with five children at level III. Ankle dorsiflexion at 50% bodyweight was photographed and measured. Each child was measured when conscious and when under mask anaesthesia by two experienced assessors.

Results

The standard error of measurement (SEM) ranged from 3.9° (anaesthetized; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.3–4.0°) to 6.7° (conscious; 95% CI 5.3–8.0°). This compared favourably with previously reported dorsiflexion measures (SEM range 6.5–7.8°) in conscious children with CP. Intrarater reliability was good in both conditions (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: range 0.95 [anaesthetized; 95% CI 0.92–0.98] to 0.86 [conscious; 95% CI 0.76–0.95]). The ICC for interrater reliability ranged from 0.87 (anaesthetized; 95% CI 0.81–0.93) to 0.65 (conscious; 95% CI 0.50–0.81).

Interpretation

Passive ankle dorsiflexion using an instrumented measure has face validity and may assist in the improvement of reproducibility under anaesthesia for clinical research. When an individual is conscious, this technique is not better than trained assessors using conventional goniometry reported in the literature and is not recommended for routine clinical use.
Cardiac Assessment in Pediatric Mice: Strain Analysis as a Diagnostic Measurement
Authors: Andrews Thomas G. , Lindsey Merry L. , Lange Richard A. , Aune Gregory J.
Published: October 2013

Echocardiography is a robust tool for assessing cardiac function in both humans and laboratory animals. Conventional echocardiographic measurements, including chamber dimensions, wall thickness, and ejection fraction are routinely obtained to assess cardiac function in mice. Recently, myocardial strain and strain rate measurements have been added to functional assessments to provide additional details on regional abnormalities that are not evident using conventional measurements. To date, all studies of strain and strain rate in mice or rats have involved adult animals. This study serves to outline methods for acquiring echocardiographic images in pediatric mice and to provide myocardial strain and strain rate values for healthy C57BL/6J mice between 3 and 11 weeks old. Between weeks 3 and 11, left ventricular radial strain ranged from 32 to 43% and longitudinal strain ranged from −15 to −19%, with analysis over time showing no significant changes with aging (radial strain, P = 0.192 and longitudinal strain, P = 0.264; n = 4 for each time point evaluated). In conclusion, myocardial strain analysis in pediatric mice is technically feasible and has potential application in studying the pathophysiology of pediatric cardiovascular disease.
Statin restores cardiac autonomic response to acute hypoxia in hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Brasileiro‐Santos Maria S. , Barreto‐Filho José A. S. , Santos Raul D. , Chacra Ana P. M. , Sangaleti Carine Teles , Alvez Gisele , Bezerra Otavio Coelho , Bortoloto Luiz Aparecido , Irigoyen Maria C. , Consolim‐Colombo Fernanda M.
Published: October 2013

Background

Hypercholesterolaemia may alter cardiovascular autonomic function. We investigated the autonomic cardiovascular regulation during normoxia and hypoxia in familial isolated HC patients with or without statin treatment.

Materials and methods

Low (LF‐RR) and high (HF‐RR) components of spectral analysis of RR interval and systolic arterial pressure (LF‐SAP) were obtained during 5 min of normoxia and isocapnic hypoxia (10% O2) in 10 normotensive familial HC patients without medication, in seven HC patients after a 12‐week treatment period with 40 mg of simvastatin (HC + SVT) and in eight matched normal volunteers (CO).

Results

The HC patients had significant impairment of cardiac autonomic modulation parameters compared with CO at normoxia, which was maintained or even accentuated during hypoxia; these parameters included lower total variance of RR, increased normalized LF‐RR, decreased normalized HF‐RR, increased LF‐RR/HF‐RR ratio, higher LF‐SAP component and reduced α index. However, the HC + SVT group had a significant improvement in all parameters: the LF‐RR and LF‐SAP decreased (indicating a decrease in cardiac and vascular sympathetic activity), the HF‐RR increased (indicating an increase in parasympathetic activity) and the spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity improved. These changes were detected at normoxia and were maintained during hypoxia.

Conclusions

Our data are the first to show that isolated HC is characterized by an increase in cardiac and vasomotor sympathetic drive, a decrease in cardiac vagal modulation and baroreflex impairment during normoxia and hypoxia. In addition, our data suggest that statin treatment has a potential role in restoring the physiological cardiovascular autonomic control at baseline and during cardiovascular challenge.
Floral resources, body size, and surrounding landscape influence bee community assemblages in oak‐savannah fragments
Authors: WRAY JULIE C. , NEAME LISA A. , ELLE ELIZABETH
Published: October 2013

Fragmentation of natural habitats due to urban development is predicted to have negative impacts on species diversity. The surrounding landscape (or ‘matrix’) of urban or semi‐natural habitats can sometimes support biodiversity, but the amount of support will depend on species‐specific traits, and on the resources available in the fragment and the matrix.

Using data on bees collected from 19 oak‐savannah fragments, the question of whether bee communities differ when fragments are embedded in different landscapes (Douglas‐fir forest vs. urban residential neighbourhoods) was investigated, and also whether these differences could be attributed to species‐specific traits of bees (e.g. body size, specialization) and/or within‐fragment floral resources.

No differences were found in overall richness or abundance of bees, but there were distinct differences in plant and bee community composition between matrix types. Common wood‐nesters and late‐flying, small‐bodied bees tended to be found in urban‐associated fragments, which also had a lower availability of within‐fragment floral resources.

Forest‐associated fragments, on the other hand, had a greater density and richness of early‐flowering native plant species, and supported a higher abundance of large‐bodied bee species. Bumble bee abundance, in particular, increased with increasing proportion of forest cover in the surrounding landscape.

Large‐bodied bees appear to respond to increased availability of within‐fragment floral resources, but it was also hypothesised that nesting and floral resources in matrix habitat drive the differences in bee community assemblages.
Functional integrity of the habenula is necessary for social play behaviour in rats
Authors: van Kerkhof Linda W. M. , Damsteegt Ruth , Trezza Viviana , Voorn Pieter , Vanderschuren Louk J. M. J.
Published: October 2013

During post‐weaning development, a marked increase in peer–peer interactions is observed in mammals, including humans, which is signified by the abundance of social play behaviour. Social play is highly rewarding, and known to be modulated through monoaminergic neurotransmission. Recently, the habenula has received widespread attention because of its role in the regulation of monoaminergic neurotransmission as well as in a variety of emotional and cognitive functions. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the involvement of the habenula in social play behaviour. Using the neuronal activity maker c‐fos, we showed that the habenula was activated after 24 h of social isolation in adolescent rats, and that a subsequent social play interaction reduced c‐fos activity in the medial part of the lateral habenula. This suggested that habenula activity modulated the aversive properties of social isolation, which was alleviated by the positive effects of social play. Furthermore, after functional inactivation of the habenula, using a mixture of the GABA receptor agonists baclofen and muscimol, social play behaviour was markedly reduced, whereby responsiveness to play solicitation was more sensitive to habenula inactivation than play solicitation itself. Together, our data indicate an important role for the habenula in the processing of positive (i.e. social play behaviour) and negative (i.e. social isolation) social information in adolescent rats. Altered habenula function might therefore be related to the social impairments in childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders such as autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and early‐onset schizophrenia.
Catch Me If You Can: Diel Activity Patterns of Mammalian Prey and Predators
Authors: Monterroso Pedro , Alves Paulo Célio , Ferreras Pablo
Published: October 2013

The activity patterns exhibited by animals are shaped by evolution, but additionally fine‐tuned by flexible responses to the environment. Predation risk and resource availability are environmental cues which influence the behavioural decisions that make both predators and prey engage in activity bursts, and depending on their local importance, can be strong enough to override the endogenous regulation of an animals’ circadian clock. In Southern Europe, wherever the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is abundant, it is the main prey of most mammalian mesopredators, and rodents are generally the alternative prey. We evaluated the bidirectional relation between the diel activity strategies of these mammalian mesopredators and prey coexisting in south‐western Europe. Results revealed that even though predation risk enforced by mammalian mesocarnivores during night‐time was approximately twice and five times higher than during twilight and daytime, respectively, murids consistently displayed unimodal nocturnal behaviour. Conversely, the European rabbits exhibited a bimodal pattern that peaked around sunrise and sunset. Despite the existence of some overlap between the diel rhythms of mesocarnivores and rabbits, their patterns were not synchronized. We suggest that the environmental stressors in our study areas are not severe enough to override the endogenous regulation of the circadian cycle in murids. European rabbits, however, are able to suppress their biological tendency for nocturnality by selecting a predominantly crepuscular pattern. In spite of the higher energetic input, mesocarnivores do not completely track rabbits’ activity pattern. They rather track rodents’ activity. We propose that these systems have probably evolved towards a situation where some degree of activity during high‐risk periods benefits the overall prey population survival, while the accessibility to sufficient prey prevents predators to completely track them.
Acquisition and interpretation of radiographs of the equine skull
Authors: Barrett M. F. , Easley J. T.
Published: October 2013

The complex anatomy of the equine skull creates a radiographic challenge. However, radiographs are a commonly required tool in diagnosing dental and sinonasal disease, as well as other disorders of the equine skull. High quality, complete radiographic studies are essential for adequate evaluation. Radiographic technique and interpretation are reviewed in this paper.
Identification and treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the distal sagittal ridge of the third metacarpal bone
Authors: Wright I. M. , Minshall G. J.
Published: October 2013

Reasons for performing study

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the distal sagittal ridge of the third metacarpal bone (McIII) has not previously been described in the literature.

Objectives

To describe the clinical, radiological and arthroscopic features ofOCDof the distal sagittal ridge of theMcIIIand to report outcome in a series of cases.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Case records and images of horses withOCDof the distal sagittal ridge of theMcIIIadmitted to a single referral centre betweenFebruary 2006 andFebruary 2013 were reviewed. Follow‐up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire and/or racing performance.

Results

Osteochondritis dissecans of the distal sagittal ridge of theMcIIIwas found in 16 lame horses; 9 unilaterally and 7 bilaterally. Lesions were consistently identified with flexed lateromedial radiographs and in 21 joints in dorsopalmar projections also. These were arthroscopically accessible from the dorsal compartment with metacarpophalangeal joints maximally flexed. This permitted fragment removal and lesion debridement. Thirteen of 14 horses with follow‐up of ≥12 months post surgery performed athletically including 11 of 12 Thoroughbreds that raced.

Conclusions

Unlike more proximal lesions,OCDof the distal sagittal ridge appears to affect theMcIIIpreferentially. Lesions were identified on dorsopalmar and flexed lateromedial radiographs only and are amenable to arthroscopic surgery. Clinicians should be aware of the potential forOCDto affect the distal sagittal ridge of theMcIIItogether with the radiographic projections needed to identify its presence. A modified arthroscopic approach to the dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint is necessary in order to access lesions.
Time‐scale separation – Michaelis and Menten's old idea, still bearing fruit
Authors: Gunawardena Jeremy
Published: October 2013

Michaelis and Menten introduced to biochemistry the idea of time‐scale separation, in which part of a system is assumed to be operating sufficiently fast compared to the rest so that it may be taken to have reached a steady state. This allows, in principle, the fast components to be eliminated, resulting in a simplified description of the system's behaviour. Similar ideas have been widely used in different areas of biology, including enzyme kinetics, protein allostery, receptor pharmacology, gene regulation and post‐translational modification. However, the methods used have been independent andad hoc. In the present study, we review the use of time‐scale separation as a means to simplify the description of molecular complexity and discuss recent work setting out a single framework that unifies these separate calculations. The framework offers new capabilities for mathematical analysis and helps to do justice to Michaelis and Menten's insights about individual enzymes in the context of multi‐enzyme biological systems.
Insights into subunit interactions in the Sulfolobus acidocaldarius archaellum cytoplasmic complex
Authors: Banerjee Ankan , Neiner Tomasz , Tripp Patrick , Albers Sonja‐Verena
Published: October 2013

Archaella are the archaeal motility structure that is the functional pendant of the bacterial flagellum but is assembled by a mechanism similar to that for type IV pili. Recently, it was shown by Banerjee et al. that FlaX, a crenarchaeal archaellum subunit from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, forms a ring‐like oligomer, and it was proposed that this ring may act as a static platform for torque generation in archaellum rotation [Banerjee A et al. (2012) J Biol Chem 287, 43322–43330]. Moreover, the hexameric crystal structure of FlaI was solved, and its dual function in the assembly and the rotation of the archaellum was demonstrated [Reindl S et al. (2013) Mol Cell 49, 1069–1082]. In this study, we show by biochemical and biophysical techniques that FlaX from S. acidocaldarius acts as a cytoplasmic scaffold in archaellum assembly, as it interacts with FlaI as well as with the recA family protein FlaH, the only cytoplasmic components of the archaellum. Interaction studies using various truncated versions of FlaI demonstrated that its N‐ and C‐termini interact with FlaX. Moreover, using microscale thermophoresis, we show that FlaI, FlaX and FlaH interact with high affinities in the nanomolar range. Therefore, we propose that these three proteins form the cytoplasmic motor complex of the archaellum.

Structured digital abstract

FlaH and FlaI bind by mst (View interaction)

FlaXc physically interacts with FlaI by pull down (1, 2)

FlaI and FlaXc bind by mst (1, 2)

FlaI binds to FlaXc by pull down (View interaction)
US and Domestic Market Gains and Asian Investors’ Overconfident Trading Behavior
Authors: Chuang Wen‐I , Lee Bong‐Soo , Wang Kai‐Li
Published: October 2013

We find that subsequent to both US and domestic market gains, both Asian individual and institutional investors increase their trading and that this effect is more pronounced in bull markets, in periods of relatively favorable investor sentiment, in periods of extremely high market returns, and in markets with short‐sale constraints. We also find that individual investors trade more in response to market gains than institutional investors. Moreover, we find that further integration of Asian stock markets with US stock markets after the Asian financial crisis in 1998 is an important reason for Asian investors’ response to US market gains.
Changes in the structure and function of northern Alaskan ecosystems when considering variable leaf‐out times across groupings of species in a dynamic vegetation model
Authors: Euskirchen Eugénie S. , Carman Tobey B. , McGuire A. David
Published: October 2013

The phenology of arctic ecosystems is driven primarily by abiotic forces, with temperature acting as the main determinant of growing season onset and leaf budburst in the spring. However, while the plant species in arctic ecosystems require differing amounts of accumulated heat for leaf‐out, dynamic vegetation models simulated over regional to global scales typically assume some average leaf‐out for all of the species within an ecosystem. Here, we make use of air temperature records and observations of spring leaf phenology collected across dominant groupings of species (dwarf birch shrubs, willow shrubs, other deciduous shrubs, grasses, sedges, and forbs) in arctic and boreal ecosystems in Alaska. We then parameterize a dynamic vegetation model based on these data for four types of tundra ecosystems (heath tundra, shrub tundra, wet sedge tundra, and tussock tundra), as well as ecotonal boreal white spruce forest, and perform model simulations for the years 1970–2100. Over the course of the model simulations, we found changes in ecosystem composition under this new phenology algorithm compared with simulations with the previous phenology algorithm. These changes were the result of the differential timing of leaf‐out, as well as the ability for the groupings of species to compete for nitrogen and light availability. Regionally, there were differences in the trends of the carbon pools and fluxes between the new phenology algorithm and the previous phenology algorithm, although these differences depended on the future climate scenario. These findings indicate the importance of leaf phenology data collection by species and across the various ecosystem types within the highly heterogeneous Arctic landscape, and that dynamic vegetation models should consider variation in leaf‐out by groupings of species within these ecosystems to make more accurate projections of future plant distributions and carbon cycling in Arctic regions.
Arctic marine fishes and their fisheries in light of global change
Authors: Christiansen Jørgen S. , Mecklenburg Catherine W. , Karamushko Oleg V.
Published: October 2013

In light of ocean warming and loss of Arctic sea ice, harvested marine fishes of boreal origin (and their fisheries) move poleward into yet unexploited parts of the Arctic seas. Industrial fisheries, already in place on many Arctic shelves, will radically affect the local fish species as they turn up as unprecedented bycatch. Arctic marine fishes are indispensable to ecosystem structuring and functioning, but they are still beyond credible assessment due to lack of basic biological data. The time for conservation actions is now, and precautionary management practices by the Arctic coastal states are needed to mitigate the impact of industrial fisheries in Arctic waters. We outline four possible conservation actions: scientific credibility, ‘green technology’, legitimate management and overarching coordination.
Consistency of Return to Normal Function, Productivity, and Satisfaction Following Migraine Attacks Treated With Sumatriptan/Naproxen Sodium Combination
Authors: Landy Stephen H. , Cady Roger K. , Nelsen Andrew , White Jonathan , Runken M. Chris
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To assess the consistency of improved functioning, productivity, and medication satisfaction in migraines treated with a single tablet of sumatriptan 85 mg/naproxen sodium 500 mg (S/NS) using an early intervention approach.

Methods

Two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 4‐period crossover, multi‐attack, multi‐center, outpatient studies of moderate to severe adult migraineurs were conducted to compare S/NS with placebo. Participants recorded outcome assessments in a diary during the 24 hours following study medication. Analyses were conducted on the intent‐to‐treat population who treated at least 1 attack. Statistical significance between treatment groups used analysis of variance repeated measures models and the intent‐to‐treat population. There were no corrections for multiplicity.

Results

Almost half (48.5%) of migraineurs treated with S/NS returned to normal functioning at 2 hours and 73.3% at 4 hours postdose, compared with 28.7% (2 hours) and 43.3% (4 hours) of placebo‐treated attacks. Total productivity loss over the 24 hours postdose was significantly reduced following S/NS treatment (2.5 hours on average) compared with placebo (4.0 hours). Sumatriptan/naproxen treatment resulted in significantly higher medication satisfaction scores on the efficacy, functionality, and total efficacy subscales compared with placebo in all attacks in both studies. Sumatriptan/naproxen treatment also provided significantly greater ease of use in 7 of the 8 attacks. Although tolerability was high in both treatment groups (over 90%), the placebo group was significantly less bothered by side effects in 6 of 8 attacks.

Conclusion

Results from these 2 randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multi‐attack, crossover studies demonstrated the rapid and consistent restoration of patients' functioning, the consistent reduction in productivity loss, and high satisfaction ratings from patients treating multiple migraine attacks with S/NS using an early intervention approach.
Effect of rice bran protein extract on enzymatic browning inhibition in potato puree
Authors: Kubglomsong Supatcha , Theerakulkait Chockchai
Published: October 2013

Effect of rice bran protein extract (RBPE) on enzymatic browning inhibition in potato puree was studied by colour measurement and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) inhibition. RBPE inhibited browning in potato puree and showed a higher per cent potato PPO inhibition at pH 4.0 and 5.0 than those at pH 3.0, 6.0 and 7.0 (P ≤ 0.05). RBPE heated to 40 and 60 °C had browning inhibition in potato puree and per cent potato PPO inhibition at a similar extent to unheated RBPE (P > 0.05). Browning inhibition and per cent potato PPO inhibition of RBPE were decreased when it was heated to 80 °C (P ≤ 0.05). RBPE inhibited browning in potato puree higher than 5, 10 and 20 mm ascorbic acid and 5 and 10 mm citric acid (P ≤ 0.05). Regarding the kinetics study, RBPE exhibited a mixed‐type inhibition for potato PPO. Therefore, RBPE has a potential to be used as a natural antibrowning agent in the potato industry.
Effect of storage on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of quince nectar
Authors: Yilmaz Emel , Karadeniz Feryal
Published: October 2013

The changes of bioactive components and antioxidant activity of quince nectar were determined during 9 months of storage at 5, 20, 30 and 40 °C. The amount of total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity was significantly declined during storage at all temperatures. Loss of L‐ascorbic acid at 5, 20, 30 and 40 °C was 32.08%, 43.69%, 65.21% and 88.82%, respectively. L‐ascorbic acid degradation was in accordance with the first‐order reaction kinetics, and activation energy was found as 43.65 kJ mol−1. After 9 months of storage, Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) contents of quince nectars were 15.01, 16.64, 21.69 and 57.89 mg kg−1 at 5, 20, 30 and 40 °C, respectively. HMF accumulation fitted a zero‐order kinetic model, and activation energy was found as 88.30 kJ mol−1. A significant correlation was found among L‐ascorbic acid, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity.
Behavioral and Electrophysiological Indices of Memory in Typically Developing and Hypoxic‐Ischemic Injured Infants
Authors: Norwood Agatha , Wagner Jennifer B. , Motley Christine , Hirch Suzanna B. , Vogel‐Farley Vanessa K. , Nelson Charles A.
Published: October 2013

Behavioral and electrophysiological indices of memory were examined in 12‐month‐old typically developing control infants (CON) and infants with history of perinatal hypoxic‐ischemic injury (HII) across 2 days. Using a visual paired comparison (VPC) procedure, novelty preference was tested immediately after a familiarization period and then after delays of 2 min and 24 h. Both groups showed a significant novelty preference only for the no‐delay condition. On day two, event‐related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while infants viewed the VPC familiar face, a more recently familiarized face, and a novel face, and mean amplitude for components thought to reflect memory (positive slow wave, PSW) and attention (negative central, Nc) were computed. In temporal regions, HII showed a diminished Nc and enhanced PSW to the recently familiarized face, while CON showed a similar trend for the PSW only. Overall, infants showed the largest PSW over left scalp regions. Finally, a positive correlation between VPC novelty preference after 24 h and PSW was found in CON, and preliminary results suggest that this association differs as a function of group. Therefore, in comparison with CON, HII showed both similarities and differences on individual tasks of memory as well as potentially disparate relations between the behavioral and neural mechanisms underlying memory performance.
Tunic cell populations during fusion events in the colonial ascidian Didemnum vexillum (Tunicata)
Authors: Sellers Andrea E. , Fagerberg Wayne R. , Litvaitis Marian K.
Published: October 2013

We documented changes in the abundance and distribution patterns of tunic cells involved in the allorecognition response of the colonial aplousobranch Didemnum vexillum, whose zooids do not share a common vascular system. A histological examination of the fusion zone of isogeneic (CIAs) and allogeneic (CAAs) fused colony assays revealed that tunic cuticles were rapidly regenerated. The underlying tunic matrix fused readily in all assays and controls. We identified four different types of tunic cells. Phagocytic cells represented the most abundant cell type in allogeneic fusions, followed by morula cells. These cells were more abundant at the immediate fusion junction than at 120 μm or 240 μm from the junction, most likely because they mediate the allorecognition reaction. Elongated filopodial cells also were present, although only at very low abundances, and a layer of bladder cells was located immediately below the cuticle. Our results provide quantitative evidence for the involvement of tunic cells in the allorecognition response of a highly invasive ascidian.
Unusual burn injury due to application of white vinegar and aspirin mixture
Authors: Irkoren Saime , Sivrioglu Nazan
Published: October 2013

Traditional medicine remedies are believed to provide relief from pain; nevertheless, it can be a risky procedure if these remedies are prepared inappropriately. Here, we describe a patient who suffered from a split‐thickness leg burn after applying a self‐inflicted mixture consisting of white vinegar and aspirin prepared for knee pain. This case report highlights a rare cause of a chemical burn that could become more common with increasing use of traditional remedies worldwide.
Artificial dermis (Matriderm®) followed by skin graft as an option in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with complete circumferential and peripheral deep margin assessment
Authors: Bertolli Eduardo , Campagnari Mariane , Molina André S , Macedo Mariana P , Pinto Clovis AL , Cunha Isabela W , Duprat Neto João P
Published: October 2013

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a locally invasive neoplasia with a pattern of infiltrative growth that leads to extended resections. To avoid unnecessary resections and spare tissues, its treatment requires an adequate assessment of the margins. We present a case where artificial dermis (Matriderm®) was used followed by skin graft for reconstruction. We present a 50‐year‐old woman with a DFSP in the occipital region. She was referred to us after a first surgery with positive margins. A wide local excision with a 2‐cm margin was performed and periosteal tissue was also removed, which led to exposure of the skull. Matriderm was placed on the bone surface and dressings were changed every other day. Meanwhile, margins were evaluated by the complete circumferential and peripheral deep margin assessment (CCPDMA) and were positive for DFSP in the superior margin. After 4 weeks the area was completely covered by granulation tissue and a new resection followed by reconstruction with a skin graft was performed. With regard to the difficulties in the margin assessment in DFSP, we present artificial dermis (Matriderm) as an option for reconstructive surgery in these patients, especially when a skin graft cannot be performed as a first option.
High rates of extra‐pair paternity in two equatorial populations of rufous‐collared sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis
Authors: Eikenaar Cas , Bonier Frances , Martin Paul R. , Moore Ignacio T.
Published: October 2013

The latitudinal increase in extra‐pair paternity (EPP) rates in birds suggests broad selective benefits to low EPP rates in the tropics. However, we have few EPP data from tropical birds, particularly from species with close relatives at high latitudes. Here, we report EPP rates in two resident equatorial populations of rufous‐collared sparrow Zonotrichia capensis, a genus well‐represented at high latitudes. We found 64% and 60% of broods contained extra‐pair offspring, and 42% and 52% of all young were extra‐pair. EPP rates were similar in these populations, despite clear differences in elevation, temperature, rainfall, and breeding season length. These findings provide evidence that EPP rates in tropical birds can be as high as those observed in temperate birds, and suggest that the selective pressures acting on EPP rates vary markedly across tropical birds.
Death preparedness: a concept analysis
Authors: McLeod‐Sordjan Renee
Published: October 2013

Aim

To report analysis of the concept death preparedness in the context of end‐of‐life shared decisions and communication.

Background

Forty percent of older people require decision‐making and communication in the final days of life. Elaborate defence mechanisms have yielded a public consciousness that no longer passively views death acceptance, but instead has a defensive orientation of preparedness. The term ‘death preparedness’ depicts this death attitude.

Design

Concept analysis.

Data sources

Data were collected over 3 months in 2013. A series of searches of scholarly peer‐reviewed literature published in English were conducted of multiple databases. Specific keywords included such phrases as: death acceptance, death avoidance, death rejection, death preparedness, resolution of life, breaking bad news and readiness to die.

Methods

Walker and Avant's method was chosen as a deductive method to distinguish between the defining attributes of death preparedness and its relevant attributes.

Results

Death preparedness involves a transition of facilitated communication with a healthcare provider that leads to awareness and/or acceptance of end of life, as evidenced by an implementation of a plan. An appraisal of attitudes towards death and one's mortality precedes the concept, followed by an improved quality of death and dignity at end of life.

Conclusion

The concept of death preparedness in the process of dying should be the focus of research to explore areas to improve advanced directive planning and acceptance of palliation for chronic health conditions.
Swiss Nursing Homes Human Resources Project (SHURP): protocol of an observational study
Authors: Schwendimann René , Zúñiga Franziska , Ausserhofer Dietmar , Schubert Maria , Engberg Sandra , de Geest Sabina
Published: October 2013

Aim

To explore the relationships among various nursing homes characteristics including work environment, careworker outcomes and resident outcomes in Swiss nursing homes.

Background

In Switzerland, a growing number of older people live in nursing homes. Although research has addressed the issue of quality of nursing care in such facilities, few have integrated a range of interrelated factors that may influence the quality and safety of residential care. The Swiss Nursing Homes Human Resources Project will comprehensively assess key organizational factors, their interrelationships and the associations between these factors and careworker and resident outcomes.

Design

Cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Three‐year multi‐centre study (2011–2013) including a representative sample of approximately 160 nursing homes across the three language regions in Switzerland. Survey data will come from approximately 6000 careworkers and 160 administrators. Survey questionnaires will include variables on organizational facility characteristics and resident outcomes, careworker socio‐demographic and professional characteristics, the quality of their work environments, resident safety climates and careworker outcomes. Appropriate descriptive and comparative analysis will be used and multivariate and multilevel analyses will be applied to examine the relationships among the various factors including quality of the work environment, safety climate, work stressors, rationing of care, workload, careworker and resident characteristics, as well as resident and careworker outcomes.

Discussion

The study results will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the interrelationships between key organizational factors and resident/careworker outcomes and will also support planning and conducting interventions to improve quality of care concerning organizational factors affecting careworkers in daily practice.
‘He's hard work, but he's worth it’. The Experience of Caregivers of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Challenging Behaviour: A Meta‐Synthesis of Qualitative Research
Authors: Griffith G. M. , Hastings R. P.
Published: October 2013

Background

The purpose of this review is to synthesize the qualitative literature on the perspectives of those caring for a family member with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour, with a focus on their experiences of support services.

Materials and Methods

A thorough literature search resulted in 17 studies being selected for inclusion in the meta‐synthesis.

Results

Five primary themes were identified: (i) love, (ii) altered identity, (iii) crisis management, (iv) support is not just ‘challenging behaviour’ services, and (v) the future: low expectations, high hopes.

Conclusions

Carers spoke of the deep love for their family member and of the chronic strain the demands of caregiving placed upon them. Support services often caused additional problems and high levels of stress for caregivers, although there were also reports of good practice. The findings may inform clinicians and service providers about how best to support families of individuals with challenging behaviour.
Endocavitary Structures in the Outflow Tract: Anatomy and Electrophysiology of the Conus Papillary Muscles
Authors: HAI JO JO , DESIMONE CHRISTOPHER V. , VAIDYA VAIBHAV R. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J.
Published: October 2013

Ablation and Mapping of the Conus Papillary Muscle

Catheter ablation is an increasingly used and successful treatment choice for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) arrhythmias. While the role of endocavitary structures and the regional morphology of the ventricular inflow tract and the right atrium as a cause for difficulty with successful ablation are well described, similar issues within the RVOT are not well understood. It is also not commonly appreciated that one of the papillary muscles is located within the proximal RVOT. We report 3 patients in which ventricular arrhythmia was targeted and ablated in the conus papillary muscle. The anatomic features, potential role of the fascicular conduction system, and unique challenges with mapping arrhythmia arising from this structure are discussed.
Suicide Attempt by Complete Self‐Removal of a 12‐Year‐Old Permanent Pacemaker System: Case Report
Authors: NORGAARD METTE LYKKE , MELCHIOR THOMAS , WAGNER THOMAS , HAUGAN KETIL
Published: October 2013

Suicide Attempt by Complete Self‐Removal of a 12‐Year‐Old Permanent Pacemaker System

Introduction

Psychological adaption after pacemaker implantation can be challenging in patients with psychiatric disease. Suicide by self‐removal of a permanent pacemaker system is a rare phenomenon described in a few cases in patients with psychiatric disorders.

Methods and Results

We describe a case of attempted suicide by complete self‐removal of a 12‐year‐old permanent pacemaker system in a 70‐year‐old male patient with a bipolar disorder and a history of previous suicide attempts.

Conclusions

Suicide attempt by self‐removal of a permanent pacemaker system is very rare. In patients with a history of psychiatric disease and previous suicide attempts, careful information about the function of a pacemaker should be given.
Progression of Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tholen Susanne , Klofat Katharina , Pan Cheng Rui , Schmaderer Christoph , Lutz Jens , Heemann Uwe , Baumann Marcus
Published: October 2013

Aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) is elevated in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and predicts cardiovascular risk. However, the natural progression of arterial stiffness in these patients remains uncertain. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate the development of aPWV and to identify potential factors associated with its progression. aPWV measurement was carried out in 70 CKD patients at baseline and after 12 months. Correlations to several variables, in particular annual glomerular filtration rate reduction and diabetes mellitus, were studied. In the cohort, aPWV significantly increased in 1 year by 1.1 m/s (P<.01). Dividing the group into patients with stable and progressive aPWV, factors associated with accelerated progression were age, systolic blood pressure, and diabetes, whereas loss of renal function had no significant impact. The annual aPWV progression in CKD patients reached 1 m/s, which predicts an increased cardiovascular risk. Variables involved with progressive arterial stiffness need further evaluation.
Increased Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness as a Predictor for Hypertension: A Cross‐Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Dicker Dror , Atar Eli , Kornowski Ran , Bachar Gil N.
Published: October 2013

The aim of the study was to determine whether epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EAT), a new cardiometabolic risk factor, is associated with essential hypertension. The sample included 127 asymptomatic patients with one or more cardiovascular risk factors consecutively referred for cardiac computed tomography angiography. Data were collected retrospectively and compared between hypertensive (n=39) and normotensive (n=88) patients. The hypertensive patients had a significantly higher mean EAT thickness than the normotensive group (2.81±1.6 mm vs 2.07±1.43 mm; P=.011) and a significantly elevated mean coronary artery calcium score (316.8±512.6 vs 108.73±215; P=.0257). The odds ratio for a patient with tissue thickness ≥2.4 mm having hypertension was 1.396 (95% confidence interval, 1.033–1.922). Factors independently associated with hypertension were body mass index, low‐density lipoprotein, and age. A model score was developed using the logistic regression coefficients for calculation of individual risk. Hypertensive patients have significantly higher than normal EAT thickness. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness may serve as a risk indicator for hypertension and cardiovascular morbidity.
Fracture Resistance of Premolar Teeth Restored with Silorane‐Based or Dimethacrylate‐Based Composite Resins
Authors: Akbarian Golsa , Ameri Hamideh , Chasteen Joseph E. , Ghavamnasiri Marjaneh
Published: October 2013

Statement of Problem

To restore posterior teeth using low‐shrinkage composite to minimize microleakage.

Purpose

To compare the fracture resistance of mesio‐occlusal‐distal (MOD) cavity preparations restored with either low‐shrinkage composite or with dimethacrylate‐based composite in conjunction with cavity liners and without them.

The null hypothesis of the study is that there are no differences in either fracture resistance or fracture mode between the silorane group and dimethacrylate groups with and without the use of cavity liners.

Method and Materials

Sixty maxillary premolars were divided into six groups of 10. MOD cavities were prepared in four groups: F: posterior composite (FiltekTM P60); GF: 0.5‐mm Glass Ionomer (Fuji LC) + posterior composite; FF: 0.5‐mm flowable composite (FiltekTM Supreme XT) + posterior composite; and S: low‐shrinkage composite (FiltekTM P90). Negative (N) and positive (P) control groups consisted of unrestored and sound teeth, respectively. The specimens were thermocycled and loaded. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, Tukey, and chi‐square tests (α = 0.05).

Results

Groups FF (1643.09 ± 187/80 N) and GF (1596.80 ± 163/93 N) (p = 0.06 > 0.05) were statistically identical, although less than group P (1742/33 ± 110/08 N), but still demonstrated greater fracture resistance than the other groups. The fracture resistance of group S (1434/69 ± 107/62 N) was identical to GF and FF (p = 0.06 > 0.05). The fracture resistance of F (1353/19 ± 233/90 N) was less than GF and FF, and statistically identical to S (p = 0.87 > 0.05).

Conclusion

Silorane‐based composite showed a resistance to fracture similar to methacrylate‐based composite restorations regardless of whether cavity liners were used.

Clinical Significance

The findings of this study support the selection of silorane‐based composite for the restoration of maxillary premolars with standardized Class II cavity preparations in order to strengthen the resistance to fracture to the same extent as do dimethacrylate composites using cavity liners or without them.