bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capillary Pressure as Related to Water Holding in Polyacrylamide and Chicken Protein Gels
Authors: Stevenson Clinton D. , Dykstra Michael J. , Lanier Tyre C.
Published: January 2013

The ability of food gels to hold water affects product yield and organoleptic quality. Most researchers believe that water is held by capillarity such that gels having smaller mean pore diameter and a more hydrophilic surface hold water more tightly. To date, however, only qualitative evidence relating pore size to water holding (WH) properties has been provided. The present study sought to provide quantitative confirmation of this hypothesis. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with image analysis was used to measure pore size, and water contact angle with the gel surface was measured by the captive bubble method, in both model polyacrylamide gels and heat‐induced protein (minced chicken breast) gels. These were related to water lost during cooking of meat pastes to form gels (cooking loss (CL)), as well as water lost upon centrifugation (expressible water (EW)) or by capillary suction (CSL) of all prepared gels, as inverse measures of WH. As predicted by the Young–Laplace equation for calculating capillary pressure, the presumed mechanism of WH, gels with lower water losses exhibited a more hydrophilic surface (smaller contact angle). Yet, both lower CL and CSL correlated with larger mean pore diameter of gels, not smaller as had been expected. Polyacrylamide gels varied more in WH than did prepared meat gels, yet only the capillary suction method was sensitive enough to detect these differences.

Practical Application:  The ability of gels to hold water is important for economics of processing, food quality, and food safety. This study investigated the prevailing theory for how gels hold water, capillarity. Both the pore sizes of gel microstructures and the degree of hydrophilicity of the polymers comprising each gel were quantitatively assessed and related to water holding (WH) properties, and this was the first report using such methodologies. It appeared that the degree of hydrophilicity was much more important explaining WH properties than pore size, and that future research of this kind should be carried out.
Intensity‐modulated radiotherapy using simultaneous‐integrated boost for definitive treatment of locally advanced mucosal head and neck cancer: Outcomes from a single‐institution series
Authors: Johnston Meredith , Guo Linxin , Back Michael , Guminski Alex , Lee Adrian , Hanna Catherine , Veivers David , Wignall Andrew , Eade Thomas
Published: January 2013

Introduction

The study aims to report outcomes for patients treated using intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with simultaneous‐integrated boost and weekly cisplatin for American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III/IV mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs).

Methods

Records for 67 patients treated definitively with IMRT for HNSCC were reviewed. By including only those treated with weekly cisplatin, 45 patients were eligible for analysis. Treatment outcomes, effect of patient, tumour and treatment characteristics on disease recurrence were analysed.

Results

All patients completed IMRT to 7000 cGy in 35 fractions, with concurrent weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2 (median 6 cycles). Median follow‐up was 28 months for living patients. Two‐year loco‐regional recurrence‐free, metastasis‐free and overall survival were 85.4, 81.0 and 87.4%, respectively. Local recurrence occurred in three patients, and distant recurrence in eight patients.

Conclusions

Our results show efficacy of IMRT and weekly cisplatin in the treatment of stage III/IV HNSCC at our institution with respect to loco‐regional control.
Multisource feedback for radiation oncologists
Authors: Vinod Shalini Kavita , Lonergan Denise Margaret
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Multisource feedback (MSF) is an assessment of performance through evaluation of an individual's competence from multiple perspectives. It is mandated in many specialist training schemes in medicine. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of implementing MSF for consultant radiation oncologists.

Methods

A validated tool consisting of a self‐assessment questionnaire, medical colleague questionnaire, co‐worker questionnaire and patient questionnaire was used for MSF. Statements were rated on a 5‐point Likert scale with 1 being a low rating and 5 a high rating. Seven radiation oncologists volunteered to undergo MSF. They each nominated 10 medical colleagues, 10 co‐workers and 10 patients to be surveyed. Clinician feedback was provided as an individual report with a mean score and range for each data item.

Results

Two hundred ten surveys were mailed out and seven self‐assessments were completed. The response rate was 87% for medical colleagues, 89% for co‐workers and 79% for patients. The mean feedback scores averaged for the radiation oncologists ranged from 4.4 to 4.9, significantly higher than self‐assessments scores which ranged from 3.2 to 3.7. MSF identified areas for potential improvement including communication and collaboration with co‐workers and accessibility to and adequacy of clinic space for patients. All radiation oncologists found the MSF a positive experience, and five planned to make changes in their practice in response to this.

Conclusions

The high response rate to the surveys has shown that it is feasible to implement MSF for radiation oncologists. This could potentially be used as a method for ongoing revalidation.
Circulating microparticles in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Crookston Kendall P. , Sibbitt Wilmer L. , Chandler Wayne. L. , Qualls Clifford R. , Roldan Carlos A.
Published: January 2013

Aim

Phosphatidylserine‐rich microparticles derived from endothelial cells, platelets and leukocytes have been implicated as surrogate markers of cellular activation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Because microparticles have also been associated with many primary neurologic diseases, this study investigated whether cellular‐derived microparticles are also implicated in neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE).

Method

Plasma microparticles were measured in 51 SLE patients and 22 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Acute NPSLE was defined as major NPSLE (acute stroke, transient ischemic attack, psychosis, isolated seizures, major cognitive disorder, or acute confusional state) and NPSLE disease activity was measured with the neurologic components of the SLE Disease Activity Index (Neuro‐SLEDAI).

Results

Neuro‐SLEDAI levels varied widely in SLE patients, consistent with variable NPSLE activity. When considering all patients with SLE, there was no difference in total microparticles relative to matched controls, 2158/μL (interquartile range [IQR] 1214–3463) versus 2782/μL (IQR 1586–2990; P = 0.57) nor differences in microparticles derived from either platelets (P = 0.40), monocytes (P = 0.15) or endothelial cells (P = 0.32). However, levels of circulating monocyte‐derived microparticles significantly and independently correlated with NPSLE (r = −0.28; P = 0.045), corticosteroid dosage (r = −0.38; P = 0.006) and levels of circulating C5a (r = 0.54; P < 0.0001). Non‐neurologic SLE disease activity was not associated with microparticles.

Conclusion

Circulating cell‐derived microparticles are reduced in active NPSLE, although the relative contribution of reduced microparticle production, increased consumption or intravascular sequestration, remain uncertain.
Independent and shared effects of environmental features and space driving avian community beta diversity across a coastal gradient in southern Brazil
Authors: Gianuca Andros Tarouco , Bastazini Vinicius Augusto Galvão , Dias Rafael Antunes , Hernández Malva Isabel Medina
Published: January 2013

Beta diversity is defined as the variation in species composition among sites within a region of interest. This variation can be explained by different metacommunity paradigms, which are not mutually exclusive. While species sorting emphasizes the role of habitat features in affecting species composition, the neutral model suggests that constraints on dispersal are key assembly factors. We assessed the role of environmental features and spatial descriptors at multiple scales, in affecting avian beta diversity across a gradient of coastal habitats in southern Brazil. During the winter 2008 and summer 2009, we counted birds in 57 plots on a sandy beach and in coastal dunes and coastal grasslands (19 plots per habitat). We measured the structure of the herbaceous vegetation, the number of individual cactuses and shrubs, and the percentages of sand and water cover on each plot. We generated spatial filters by means of principal coordinates of neighbour matrices. We used variation partitioning based on redundancy analysis to decompose the fraction of beta diversity explained by environmental features and spatial descriptors at the scale of the entire gradient and within each habitat type. In both seasons, environmental variables explained 33% of beta diversity across the entire gradient. A third of this amount could also be explained by space, representing the fraction of species and environmental variables that were spatially structured. Pure environmental processes explained about 22% of beta diversity. Pure spatial control was weak at this larger scale. The opposite pattern was found within each habitat type, as there was no environmental control and neutral processes became dominant at this smaller scale. Our study thus presents a case where the strong environmental gradient filters out different species at the largest scale, whereas stochastic processes and spatial autocorrelation increase with loss of environmental heterogeneity within habitat types.
Analysis of Family‐ and Population‐Based Samples Using Multiple Linkage Disequilibrium Mapping
Authors: Chiu Yen‐Feng , Lee Chun‐Yi , Kao Hui‐Yi , Pan Wen‐Harn , Hsu Fang‐Chi
Published: January 2013

We report two methods for linkage disequilibrium mapping that involve incorporation of covariates through parametric modeling to utilize combined case‐parent trios and unrelated case and/or control data. The proposed two combined methods were used to map the disease locus of hypertension in the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene with incorporation of ACE activity. The efficiencies in estimating the disease locus increased by 351‐ and 100‐fold in the hybrid study with respect to the two proposed methods when compared to the estimates from the trios study; and they changed by 1.4‐ and 0.4‐fold, respectively, when compared to the case‐control study. Efficiency of disease locus estimates was greatly improved in both simulations and hypertension studies based on the hybrid data, compared to case‐parent trio studies only. These newly developed methods preserve the advantages of the previous methods, including flexible modeling and assessment of gene‐gene and gene‐covariate effects, while providing more power by using all the data combined. The computing program for analysis using the separate and hybrid data sets is freely available on the author's website.
Treatment goals for moderate to severe psoriasis: An Australian consensus
Authors: Baker Christopher , Mack Alexandra , Cooper Alan , Fischer Gayle , Shumack Stephen , Sidhu Shireen , Soyer Peter , Wu Jason , Chan Jonathan , Nash Peter , Rawlin Morton , Radulski Barbara , Foley Peter
Published: January 2013

Background/Objectives

The high incidence of comorbidities in patients with psoriasis, significant impact on quality of life and patients' dissatisfaction with treatment led a European group to develop a consensus position on psoriasis treatment goals. There is an evident need for similar treatment goals in Australia. The aim of this project was to develop Australian treatment goals that reflect the local environment.

Methods

A panel of 12 representatives was drawn from across Australia consisting of nine dermatologists and a rheumatologist, a dermatology nurse and a general practitioner (GP)/dermatology trainee. The group met on three occasions between September 2011 and March 2012. The panel undertook a literature review and critically examined available evidence‐based treatment goals. A questionnaire relating to psoriasis assessment and specific treatment outcomes was developed. Following discussion and debate, recommended treatment goals for psoriasis patients in Australia were determined.

Results

The panel agreed by consensus on recommended psoriasis treatment goals in the Australian environment. There was recognition that in addition to psoriasis area severity index (PASI) assessment, a quality of life assessment was highly relevant in determining psoriasis severity and treatment outcome. Mild psoriasis was defined as PASI ≤ 10 and a dermatology life quality index (DLQI) ≤ 10, with moderate to severe psoriasis defined as PASI > 10 and/or DLQI > 10. The presence of certain definedclinical features would elevate a patient's classification from mild to moderate/severe. The target for treatment was defined as a maintained change in PASI ≥ 75% improvement and DLQI ≤ 5. These largely concurred with the European treatment goals. A flow chart for psoriasis management in Australia based on outcome measures was developed.

Conclusions

There is a need to identify and articulate treatment goals for psoriasis. Assessment of psoriasis severity requires both physical scoring (PASI) and consideration of quality of life measures (DLQI). Identification of treatment goals will guide clinicians in treatment decision‐making, enhance the availability and appropriate use of therapies and increase patient satisfaction with their care.
Proliferative nodules of undifferentiated spindle cells arising in a large congenital melanocytic naevus
Authors: Christou Elizabeth M , Chen Andrew Chih‐Chieh , Sugo Ella , Barbaric Draga , Wargon Orli
Published: January 2013

Proliferative nodules (PN) are benign lesions that arise in large congenital melanocytic naevi (LCMN). Clinically and histologically they can be difficult to differentiate from malignancies, which are also associated with LCMN. The PN in this case consisted of undifferentiated spindle cells and exhibited unusual histological features including negative stains for melanocytic markers (S100, HMB45 and MelA), negative stain for c‐Kit, high mitotic index and unusual morphology of the lesional cells. As a result, a firm histological classification could not be made, which posed a challenge for the clinical management.
The major allergen of the Parietaria pollen contains an LPS‐binding region with immuno‐modulatory activity
Authors: Bonura A. , Corinti S. , Schiavi E. , Giacomazza D. , Gianguzza F. , Di Felice G. , Colombo P.
Published: January 2013

Background

The major allergens in Parietaria pollen, Par j 1 and Par j 2, have been identified as lipid transfer proteins. The family of the Par j 1 allergens is composed of two isoforms, which differ by the presence of a 37 amino acid peptide (Par37) exclusive to the Par j 1.0101 isoform. The goal of this study was to elucidate the biological properties of the Par37 peptide.

Methods

In silico analysis, spectrofluorimetric experiments and in vitro cell culture assays were used to identify the biological properties of Par37. In addition, a mouse model of sensitization was used to study the influence of Par37 in the murine immune response.

Results

In silico analysis predicted that Par37 displays characteristics of a host defence peptide. Spectrofluorimetric analysis, real‐time PCR and ELISA assays demonstrated that Par37 possesses an LPS‐binding activity influencing cell signalling in vitro. In RAW264.7 cells, LPS‐induced IL‐6 and TNF‐α transcription and translation were inhibited after preincubation with Par37. Consistent with these data, inhibition of IFN‐γ secretion was observed in murine spleen cells and in human PBMC. Finally, mice immunized with the two Par j 1 isoforms differing in the presence or absence of the Par37 peptide showed different immunological behaviours in vivo.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the Par j 1.0101 allergen displays LPS‐binding activity due to the presence of a 37 amino acid COOH‐terminal region and that this region is capable of influencing cytokine and antibody responses in vitro and in vivo.
Glutathione‐S‐transferase P1, early exposure to mould in relation to respiratory and allergic health outcomes in children from six birth cohorts. A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tischer C. G. , Gref A. , Standl M. , Bauer M. , Bergström A. , Brauer M. , Carlsten C. , Gehring U. , Granell R. , Henderson J. , Kerkhof M. , MacNutt M. , Melén E. , Wickman M. , Heinrich J.
Published: January 2013

Background

There are conflicting study results regarding the association of exposure to visible mould and fungal components in house dust with respiratory and allergic diseases in children. It has been suggested that functional polymorphisms of the GSTP1 gene may influence the risk for allergic disorders through an impaired defence against oxidant injury.

Methods

We examined in six birth cohorts of over 14 000 children whether the association between early exposure to reported mould at home in relation to respiratory and allergic diseases is modified by a single nucleotide polymorphism of the GSTP1 gene.

Results

We observed a positive association of mould exposure with nasal symptoms (2–10 year) aOR: 1.19 (1.02–11.38). Further, there was a borderline significant increased risk of rhinoconjunctivitis (6–8 year) in children homozygous for the minor allele Val/Val, aOR: 1.25 (0.98–1.60). In stratified analyses, subjects homozygous for the minor allele and exposed to mould at home were at increased risk for early wheezing aOR: 1.34 (1.03–1.75), whereas the major allele may confer susceptibility for later nasal outcomes, (6–8 year) aOR: 1.20 (1.00–1.45) and (2–10 year) aOR: 1.30 (1.04–1.61), respectively. For none of the health outcomes studied, we found gene by environment interactions.

Conclusion

A genetic influence of the GSTP1 gene cannot be ruled out, but the magnitude of the effect is a matter of further research. In conclusion, the interplay between gene and environments is complex and remains subject of further study.
Foetal umbilical artery Doppler in small preterms: (IQ) Neurocognitive outcome at 5 years of age
Authors: Eger Siw Helen W. , Sommerfelt Kristian , Kiserud Torvid , Markestad Trond
Published: January 2013

Aim

To investigate whether absent or reversed end‐diastolic flow in the umbilical artery (AREDF) is associated with neonatal mortality, morbidity or long‐term neurocognitive outcome in extremely preterm infants exposed to preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction.

Methods

Prenatal Doppler data were retrospectively collected for liveborn infants with gestational age (GA) <28 weeks or birth weight (BW) <1000 g, born small for gestational age (SGA‐ BW <5th percentile for GA) or of mothers with preeclampsia at the four largest university hospitals in Norway during 1999–2000. Neonatal mortality and morbidities, cerebral palsy (CP) and IQ at 5 years of age were compared for infants with or without AREDF.

Results

Of 260 infants, 84 were eligible and 71 of them had sufficient Doppler data. Of these, 38 (54%) had AREDF. Of 33 infants born <28 weeks, 7 of 19 (37%) with AREDF and none of 14 without AREDF had severe cerebral haemorrhage (SCH) (p = 0.01). AREDF was not significantly associated with mortality, other NICU morbidities, CP or reduced IQ. For the 38 infants with GA ≥28 weeks, AREDF (19 of 38) was not associated with adverse outcomes.

Conclusion

Absent or reversed end‐diastolic flow in the umbilical artery (AREDF) was associated with increased risk of SCH in extremely preterm infants (GA <28 weeks).
Identification of pathogenic microorganisms directly from positive blood vials by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Nonnemann Bettina , Tvede Michael , Bjarnsholt Thomas
Published: January 2013

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) is a promising and fast method for identifying fungi and bacteria directly from positive blood cultures. Various pre‐treatment methods for MALDI‐TOF MS identification have been reported for this purpose. In‐house results for identification of bacterial colonies by MALDI‐TOF MS using a cut‐off score of 1.5 did not reduce the diagnostic accuracy compared with the recommended cut‐off score of 1.8. A 3‐month consecutive study of positive blood cultures was carried out in our laboratory to evaluate whether the Sepsityper™ Kit (Bruker Daltonics) with Biotyper 2.0 software could be used as a fast diagnostic tool for bacteria and fungi and whether a 1.5 cut‐off score could improve species identification compared with the recommended score of 1.8. Two hundred and fifty‐six positive blood vials from 210 patients and 19 blood vials spiked with fungi were examined. Using the cut‐off score of 1.8, 81% Gram‐negative bacteria were identified to the species level compared to 84% using a cut‐off score of 1.5. For Gram‐positive bacteria 44% were identified to the species level with a cut‐off of 1.8 compared to 55% with the value of 1.5. The overall identification rate was 63% (cut‐off 1.5) and 54% (cut‐off 1.8). Seventy‐seven per cent of fungal species were identified with both log scores. MALDI‐TOF MS was in this study found to be a powerful tool in fast diagnosis of Gram‐negative bacteria and fungi and to a lesser degree of Gram positives. Using 1.5 as cut‐off score increased the diagnosis for both Gram‐positives and ‐negatives bacteria.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation patterns in discordant sib pairs with alcohol dependence
Authors: Zhao Rongrong , Zhang Ruiling , Li Wenqiang , Liao Yanhui , Tang Jinsong , Miao Qin , Hao Wei
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Alcohol dependence is a complex disease caused by a confluence of environmental and genetic factors. Epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence.

Methods

To determine if alterations in gene‐specific methylation were associated with alcohol dependence, a genome‐wide DNA methylation analysis was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from alcohol‐dependent patients and siblings without alcohol dependence as controls. The Illumina Infinium Human Methylation450 BeadChip was used and gene‐specific methylation of DNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was assessed. Genes ALDH1L2, GAD1, DBH and GABRP were selected to validate beadchip results by pyrosequencing.

Results

Compared to normal controls, 865 hypomethylated and 716 hypermethylated CG sites in peripheral blood mononuclear cell DNA in alcohol‐dependent patients were identified. The most hypomethylated CG site is located in the promoter of SSTR4 (somatostatin receptor 4) and the most hypermethylated CG site is GABRP (gamma‐aminobutyric acid A receptor). The results from beadchip analysis were consistent with that of pyrosequencing.

Discussion

DNA methylation might be associated with alcohol dependence. Genes SSTR4, ALDH1L2, GAD1, DBH and GABRP may participate in the biological process of alcohol dependence.
Effects of high potassium chloride supplementation on water intake and bodyweight gains in pregnant and lactating mice
Authors: Murai Iori , Shukuin Susumu , Sugimoto Miki , Ikeda Shuntaro , Kume Shin‐ichi
Published: January 2013

Thirty‐one ICR pregnant mice were assigned to a control or a potassium chloride (KCl) diet group to clarify the effects of KCl supplementation on water intake, bodyweight gains and serum components in pregnant and lactating mice, and 5% KCl was supplemented in KCl diets from 6.5 days post coitus to 1 or 14 days after parturition. Feed intake was not affected by treatment, but supplemental KCl decreased bodyweight gains of lactating mice and their neonatal mice. Water intake and urine volume of KCl supplemented mice were significantly higher than those of control mice during pregnancy and supplemental KCl decreased serum urea N in pregnant mice. Supplemental KCl increased water intake drastically in lactating mice immediately after parturition and increased serum K at 14 days after parturition. Histological alteration using hematoxylin–eosin was not found in the kidney of each mouse at 1 or 14 days after parturition. These results indicate that high KCl supplementation accelerates water intake in lactating mice and prevents bodyweight gains of maternal and neonatal mice during lactation.
Biological rhythms related to metabolism in Japanese Shorthorn cattle under varying environments and management techniques
Authors: Ogino Mizuna , Matsuura Akihiro , Yamazaki Atusi , Irimajiri Mami , Takahashi Hideyuki , Komatsu Tokushi , Kushibiki Shiro , Shingu Hiroyuki , Kasuya Etsuko , Hasegawa Yoshihisa , Hodate Koichi
Published: January 2013

Plasma insulin (INS), thyroxin (T4), glucose (GLU), non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), rectal temperature (RT) and eating behavior were evaluated in Japanese Shorthorn cattle under varying external environments and management techniques. Serial blood collection and assessments of RT and eating behavior were performed over 48 h in the spring, summer, autumn and winter in four female cattle reared under either free‐stall and ad libitum feeding (FA) conditions or tie‐stall and restricted feeding (TR) conditions. Cycle patterns for each parameter were examined using spectral analysis, and correlations between parameters were investigated using cross‐spectral analysis. Rhythms for all parameters, except eating behavior and T4, did not differ significantly among the varied external environments and between management techniques, although seasonal differences in the concentration or value of parameters were observed. An approximate 3‐ or 4‐h rhythm cycle detected in T4, GLU, NEFA, BUN, and RT might be the common metabolic rhythm. Under both conditions, the metabolite levels showed strong correlations with eating behavior. Moreover, GLU positively correlated with INS at lag time of 0 h, as did eating behavior and RT.
A next step in adeno‐associated virus‐mediated gene therapy for neurological diseases: regulation and targeting
Authors: Chtarto Abdelwahed , Bockstael Olivier , Tshibangu Terence , Dewitte Olivier , Levivier Marc , Tenenbaum Liliane
Published: January 2013

Recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) vectors mediating long term transgene expression are excellent gene therapy tools for chronic neurological diseases. While rAAV2 was the first serotype tested in the clinics, more efficient vectors derived from the rh10 serotype are currently being evaluated and other serotypes are likely to be tested in the near future. In addition, aside from the currently used stereotaxy‐guided intraparenchymal delivery, new techniques for global brain transduction (by intravenous or intra‐cerebrospinal injections) are very promising.

Various strategies for therapeutic gene delivery to the central nervous system have been explored in human clinical trials in the past decade. Canavan disease, a genetic disease caused by an enzymatic deficiency, was the first to be approved. Three gene transfer paradigms for Parkinson's disease have been explored: converting L‐dopa into dopamine through AADC gene delivery in the putamen; synthesizing GABA through GAD gene delivery in the overactive subthalamic nucleus and providing neurotrophic support through neurturin gene delivery in the nigro‐striatal pathway.

These pioneer clinical trials demonstrated the safety and tolerability of rAAV delivery in the human brain at moderate doses. Therapeutic effects however, were modest, emphasizing the need for higher doses of the therapeutic transgene product which could be achieved using more efficient vectors or expression cassettes. This will require re‐addressing pharmacological aspects, with attention to which cases require either localized and cell‐type specific expression or efficient brain‐wide transgene expression, and when it is necessary to modulate or terminate the administration of transgene product. The ongoing development of targeted and regulated rAAV vectors is described.
Why did Italians protest against Berlusconi's sexist behaviour? The role of sexist beliefs and emotional reactions in explaining women and men's pathways to protest
Authors: Paladino Maria‐Paola , Zaniboni Sara , Fasoli Fabio , Vaes Jeroen , Volpato Chiara
Published: January 2013

By taking advantage of the Italian protest in 2009 in reaction to the behaviour of then Prime Minister Berlusconi, in this research, we investigated the role of sexist beliefs (i.e., hostile sexism, complementary gender differentiation, protective paternalism, and heterosexual intimacy) and group‐based emotional reactions (i.e., anger, humiliation, and sadness) to women's and men's action mobilization against public forms of sexism. The findings of this study suggest that women and men engaged in this protest for different reasons. Women mobilized to express their anger at Berlusconi's sexist behaviour, an emotion related to the condemnation of hostile sexist views and benevolent sexist beliefs about heterosexual intimacy. In contrast, the strength of men's participation in the protest was affected by humiliation, an emotion related to the condemnation of hostile sexist beliefs and support for complementary gender differentiation. This emotional path suggests that men likely protested to restore their reputations. These findings underline the role of sexist beliefs and group‐based emotions in transforming the condemnation of a sexist event into action mobilization against sexism for both women and men.
Interleukin‐1β enhances cell migration through AP‐1 and NF‐κB pathway‐dependent FGF2 expression in human corneal endothelial cells
Authors: Lee Jeong Goo , Heur Martin
Published: January 2013

Background information

Interleukin (IL)‐1β is a major pro‐inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in the regulation of inflammation and wound healing in the cornea. Elucidation of IL‐1β signalling may help identify therapeutic targets for corneal wound healing; however, mechanisms such as cell migration, a component of IL‐1β‐induced wound healing response in human corneal endothelial cells (CEC), have not been well characterised.

Results

Stimulation of human CEC with IL‐1β activated expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and resulted in enhanced cell migration. This, in turn, was abolished by treatment with either IL‐1 receptor antagonist or SU‐5402, a pan–fibroblast growth factor signalling inhibitor. Phosphatidyl inositol (PI) 3‐kinase or IL receptor‐associated kinase 1/4 antagonists demonstrated that IL receptor‐associated kinase 1/4 activates PI 3‐kinase, which in turn phosphorylates p38 and inhibitor κB kinase α/β, leading to FGF2 expression through activation of activator protein 1 (AP‐1) and nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) in human CEC. Treatment of IL‐1β‐stimulated human CEC with either AP‐1 or NF‐κB antagonists decreased FGF2 expression and resulted in reduced IL‐1β‐enhanced cell migration. Co‐treatment of IL‐1β‐stimulated human CEC with both inhibitors completely blocked FGF2 expression and IL‐1β‐enhanced cell migration. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that AP‐1 and NF‐κB directly bind to the FGF2 promoter following IL‐1β stimulation.

Conclusions

The results show that binding of IL‐1β to its receptor in human CEC leads to parallel activation of AP‐1 and NF‐κB pathways, leading, in turn, to FGF2 expression and enhanced cell migration.
Seasonal Habitat Use of Agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) is Driven by the Palm Attalea phalerata in Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: Cid Bruno , Oliveira‐Santos Luiz Gustavo R. , Mourão Guilherme
Published: January 2013

Resource availability can influence animal movement causing changes in home‐range size and arrangement between seasons. We investigated the influence of acuri palm (Attalea phalerata) on the occupancy of agouti Dasyprocta azare during both the dry and rainy seasons, as well as the abandonment probabilities in the transition between seasons in the Brazilian Pantanal. The agoutis occupied a high proportion of the forested areas in the rainy season (0.83), but the occupancy decreased in the dry season (0.39). In the rainy season, occupancy by agoutis was not correlated with acuri palm availability, while in the dry season, it was positively correlated with the palm's availability. The acuri palm availability also drove the agoutis' probability of site abandonment from the rainy to the dry season, with higher abandonment probability in sites with low acuri palm availability. These findings show that this large‐seeded palm can be an important resource for the agoutis' populations during the fruit‐scarcity period. The acuri palm seeds may be particularly important for agoutis using fragmented forests, given that the large‐seeded palms are able to persist even in small fragments, which is untrue for other important resource.
Fragment‐Based Design of Novel Quinazolinon Derivatives as Human Acrosin Inhibitors
Authors: Ning Weiwei , Zhu Ju , Zheng Canhui , Liu Xuefei , Song Yunlong , Zhou Youjun , Zhang Xiaomeng , Zhang Ling , Sheng Chunquan , Lv Jiaguo
Published: January 2013

Human acrosin is a promising target for the male contraceptives. On the basis of the active site of human acrosin, a series of novel quinazolinon compounds were designed by a fragment docking and growing strategy. In vitro anti‐acrosin assay revealed that all the compounds showed potent human acrosin inhibitory activities. In particular, compounds 5c and 5g are more active than the known inhibitors. Molecular docking studies revealed that the quinazolinon inhibitors interacted with human acrosin mainly through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The binding mode was also consistent with the structure–activity relationships. The quinazolinon derivatives in this study can serve as new lead structure for the development of novel male contraceptives.
The Role of Affect in the Neurodevelopment of Morality
Authors: Decety Jean , Howard Lauren H.
Published: January 2013

Human social existence is characterized by an intuitive sense of fairness, concern for others, and the observance of cultural norms. This prosocial sensitivity is the foundation for adult morality, emanating from the sophisticated integration of emotional, motivational, and cognitive mechanisms across development. In this article, we discuss how an integrated neurodevelopmental approach helps us understand moral judgment and behavior. We examine data emphasizing the importance of affect in moral development and we suggest that moral cognition is underpinned by specific, although not unique, neural networks. The regions recruited in moral cognition underlie specific states of emotion, along with cognitive and motivational processes, which emerge and interconnect over the course of development to produce adaptive social behavior.
Considerations of Fairness in the Adolescent Brain
Authors: Crone Eveline A.
Published: January 2013

Adolescents experience a marked change in their evaluation of fairness, trust, and reciprocity that leads to more altruistic behavior and tendencies that are oriented toward others. In this article, I highlight advances in brain imaging research to focus on how adolescents make social decisions. Using the Ultimatum Game and the Trust Game as examples, I show that adolescents are relatively focused on the self in early adolescence, with impulse control and perspective taking increasing in later adolescence and early adulthood. These changes are accompanied by a shift in the relative contribution of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, a region important for self‐referential processing, to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and temporal‐parietal junction, regions important for controlling selfish impulses and perspective taking. This shift in balance may tip adolescents toward more self‐oriented choices in early adolescence and allow them to consider consequences for others in later adolescence.
Little Liars: Development of Verbal Deception in Children
Authors: Lee Kang
Published: January 2013

Lying is common among adults and a more complex issue in children. In this article, I review two decades of empirical evidence about lying in children from the perspective of speech act theory. Children begin to tell lies in the preschool years for anti‐ and prosocial purposes, and their tendency to lie changes as a function of age and the type of lies being told. In addition, children's ability to tell convincing lies improves with age. In the article, I highlight the central roles that children's understanding of mental states and social conventions play in the development of lying. I also identify areas for research to be done to develop a more comprehensive picture of the typical and atypical developmental courses of verbal deception in children.
Developmental Trajectories of Acculturation in Hispanic Adolescents: Associations With Family Functioning and Adolescent Risk Behavior
Authors: Schwartz Seth J. , Des Rosiers Sabrina , Huang Shi , Zamboanga Byron L. , Unger Jennifer B. , Knight George P. , Pantin Hilda , Szapocznik José
Published: January 2013

This study examined longitudinal acculturation patterns, and their associations with family functioning and adolescent risk behaviors, in Hispanic immigrant families. A sample of 266 Hispanic adolescents (Mage = 13.4) and their primary parents completed measures of acculturation, family functioning, and adolescent conduct problems, substance use, and sexual behavior at five timepoints. Mixture models yielded three trajectory classes apiece for adolescent and parent acculturation. Assimilated adolescents reported the poorest family functioning, but adolescent assimilation negatively predicted adolescent cigarette smoking, sexual activity, and unprotected sex indirectly through family functioning. Follow‐up analyses indicated that discrepancies between adolescent and parent family functioning reports predicted these adolescent outcomes. Results are discussed regarding acculturation trajectories, adolescent risk behavior, and the mediating role of family functioning.
Update on treatment of hereditary angioedema
Authors: Xu Y.‐Y. , Buyantseva L. V. , Agarwal N. S. , Olivieri K. , Zhi Y.‐X. , Craig T. J.
Published: January 2013

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disease characterized by recurrent, self‐limiting episodes of swelling. New research and therapies have recently emerged and are now available; however, many physicians are not aware of the new developments in HAE. To update immunologists and other health care providers on new advances in HAE therapies, a PubMed, OVID and Google literature search were used to develop this manuscript. English language peer‐reviewed angioedema articles were selected. High quality clinical trials were reviewed and summarized. Acute therapy in the past often consisted of symptom relief with narcotics, hydration and fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Androgens and FFP are frequently used despite multiple, significant side‐effects. Newer therapies include C1‐inhibitor – both human plasma derived and recombinant – as well as contact system modulators such as ecallantide and icatibant. These newer products can be used for treatment of acute attacks of HAE, and C1‐inhibitors can also be used for prophylaxis. These disease‐specific therapies have proven to work by placebo‐controlled studies, have minimal adverse effects and can be utilized for the treatment of HAE.
Simultaneous blockade of programmed death 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) induces synergistic anti-tumour effect in vivo
Authors: Yasuda S , Sho M , Yamato I , Yoshiji H , Wakatsuki K , Nishiwada S , Yagita H , Nakajima Y
Published: January 2013

Recent basic and clinical studies have shown that the programmed death ligand (PD-L)/PD-1 pathway has a significant role in tumour immunity, and its blockade has a therapeutic potential against several human cancers. We hypothesized that anti-angiogeneic treatment might augment the efficacy of PD-1 blockade. To this end, we evaluated combining the blockade of PD-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in a murine cancer model using Colon-26 adenocarcinoma. Interestingly, simultaneous treatment with anti-PD-1 and anti-VEGFR2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) inhibited tumour growth synergistically in vivo without overt toxicity. Blocking VEGFR2 inhibited tumour neovascularization significantly, as demonstrated by the reduced number of microvessels, while PD-1 blockade had no impact on tumour angiogenesis. PD-1 blockade might promote T cell infiltration into tumours and significantly enhanced local immune activation, as shown by the up-regulation of several proinflammatory cytokine expressions. Importantly, VEGFR2 blockade did not interfere with T cell infiltration and immunological activation induced by PD-1 blockade. In conclusion, simultaneous blockade of PD-1 and VEGFR2 induced a synergistic in-vivo anti-tumour effect, possibly through different mechanisms that might not be mutually exclusive. This unique therapeutic strategy may hold significant promise for future clinical application.
Higher mortality in metabolically obese normal‐weight people than in metabolically healthy obese subjects in elderly Koreans
Authors: Choi Kyung Mook , Cho Hyun Joo , Choi Hae Yoon , Yang Sae Jeong , Yoo Hye Jin , Seo Ji A. , Kim Sin Gon , Baik Sei Hyun , Choi Dong Seop , Kim Nan Hee
Published: January 2013

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) and the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in elderly Korean men and women, and especially to compare metabolically obese normal‐weight (MONW) and metabolically healthy obese (MHO) subjects.

Patients and methods

A total of 2317 elderly people (over 60 years of age) were studied using follow‐up data from the South‐West Seoul (SWS) Study, a prospective cohort study. Mortality from all causes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) were evaluated according to the combination of the presence or absence of MetS and Asian‐specific body mass index (BMI) criteria (BMI <23 kg/m2; normal weight, BMI 23–24·9 kg/m2; overweight, BMI ≥25 kg/m2; obesity).

Results

During a median follow‐up of 10·3 years, 393 subjects died, including 126 from CVD. Among subjects with MetS, all‐cause and CVD mortality were significantly higher in normal‐weight subjects than overweight or obese individuals in Cox proportional‐hazard models adjusted for confounding factors. Furthermore, among six groups with various MetS/BMI combinations, MONW individuals had the highest risk, whereas overweight subjects without MetS had the lowest risk of death from all causes and CVD [HR = 2·2 (95% CI = 1·4–3·4), HR = 3·0 (95% CI = 1·4–6·6) respectively]. Interestingly, all‐cause mortality was significantly higher in MONW than MHO individuals.

Conclusions

In contrast to MHO subjects, elderly individuals with the MONW phenotype exhibited greater all‐cause mortality during 10 years of follow‐up.
Aberrant TGF‐β signaling underlies the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm in Shprintzen‐Goldberg syndrome
Authors: Jan A
Published: January 2013

Mutations in the TGF‐β repressor SKI cause Shprintzen‐Goldberg syndrome with aortic aneurysm

Doyle et al. (2012)

Nature Genetics 44(11):1249–54
Transfer Efficiency Analysis of Margin‐Based Programs
Authors: Rude James , Ker Alan
Published: January 2013

AgriStability, Canada's major farm support and business risk management program, has been in place since 2007. As with most agricultural insurance programs, AgriStability creates opposing incentives where moral hazard and misallocation effects discourage production while the risk reduction effects encourage production. We investigate the relative size of these effects to determine both the degree to which production is distorted and the percentage of government transfer that remains with the producer. Our results indicate mild but differential effects across crops. We find roughly 45% of program payments remains with primary producers. These findings are of particular interest because of their World Trade Organization implications.
Are early and late rate of force development differently influenced by fast‐velocity resistance training?
Authors: de Oliveira Felipe B. D. , Rizatto Guilherme F. , Denadai Benedito S.
Published: January 2013

This study examined the effect of fast‐velocity concentric isokinetic resistance training (FV) on the rate of force development (RFD) at early (<100 ms) and late phases (>100 ms) of rising muscle force. Nine men participated in a 6‐week resistance training intervention for the lower body, and nine matched subjects participated as controls (CON). During concentric isokinetic (180°s−1) knee extension training, subjects were instructed to do each contraction ‘as fast and forcefully as possible’. Maximal muscle strength (MVC) and RFD (0–10, 0–20, …, 0–250 ms from the onset of contraction) were measured during maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the knee extensors (KE). There were no significant changes in MVC of KE in both groups after intervention (FV = 314·2 ± 101·1 versus 338·7 ± 88·0 N∙m, P>0·05; CON = 293·3 ± 94·8 versus 280·0 ± 72·2 N∙m, P>0·05). The RFD increased 39–71% at time intervals up to 90 ms from the onset of the contraction (P<0·05), whereas no change occurred at later time intervals. Similarly, relative RFD (i.e.%MVC∙s−1) (RFDr) increased 33–56% at time intervals up to 70 ms from the onset of the contraction (P<0·05). It can be concluded that a short period of resistance training performed with concentric fast‐velocity isokinetic muscle contractions is able to enhance RFD and RFDr obtained at the early phase of rising muscle force.
International workshop: islet transplantation without borders enabling islet transplantation in Greece with international collaboration and innovative technology
Authors: Papas Klearchos K. , Karatzas Theodore , Berney Thierry , Minor Thomas , Pappas Paris , Pattou François , Shaw James , Toso Christian , Schuurman Henk‐Jan
Published: January 2013

Recently, initiatives have been undertaken to establish an islet transplantation program in Athens, Greece. A major hurdle is the high cost associated with the establishment and maintenance of a clinical‐grade islet manufacturing center. A collaboration was established with the University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland, to enable remote islet cell manufacturing with an established and validated fully operational team. However, remote islet manufacturing requires shipment of the pancreas from the procurement to the islet manufacturing site (in this case from anywhere in Greece to Geneva) and then shipment of the islets from the manufacturing site to the transplant site (from Geneva to Athens). To address challenges related to cold ischemia time of the pancreas and shipment time of islets, a collaboration was initiated with the University of Arizona, Tucson, USA. An international workshop was held in Athens, December 2011, to mark the start of this collaborative project. Experts in the field presented in three main sessions: (i) islet transplantation: state‐of‐the‐art and the “network approach”; (ii) technical aspects of clinical islet transplantation and outcomes; and (iii) islet manufacturing – from the donated pancreas to the islet product. This manuscript presents a summary of the workshop.