bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histamine Upregulates Nav1.8 Expression in Primary Afferent Neurons via H2 Receptors: Involvement in Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Yue Jia‐Xing , Wang Ran‐Ran , Yu Jie , Tang Ying‐Ying , Hou Wei‐Wei , Lou Guo‐Dong , Zhang Shi‐Hong , Chen Zhong
Published: July 2014

Introduction

The upregulation of Nav1.8 in primary afferents plays a critical role in the development and persistence of neuropathic pain. The mechanisms underlying the upregulation are not fully understood.

Aims

The present study aims to investigate the regulatory effect of histamine on the expression of Nav1.8 in primary afferent neurons and its involvement in neuropathic pain.

Results

Histamine at 10−8 M increased the expression of Nav1.8 in cultured DRG neurons. This effect could be blocked by H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine or famotidine, but not by H1 receptor antagonist pyrilamine or dual H3/H4 antagonist thioperamide. Peri‐sciatic administration of histamine increased Nav1.8 expression in the sciatic nerve and L4/L5 DRG neurons in a dose‐dependent manner, accompanied with remarkable mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral hindpaw. Famotidine but not pyrilamine or thioperamide inhibited Nav1.8 upregulation and pain hypersensitivity. In addition, famotidine (40 mg/kg, i.p.) not only suppressed autotomy behavior in the rat neuroma model of neuropathic pain but also attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia following partial sciatic nerve ligation. Moreover, famotidine inhibited Nav1.8 upregulation in the neuroma and ligated sciatic nerve.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that histamine increases Nav1.8 expression in primary afferent neurons via H2 receptor‐mediated pathway and thereby contributes to neuropathic pain. H2 receptor antagonists may potentially be used as analgesics for patients with neuropathic pain.
A Hybrid Color Quantization Algorithm Incorporating a Human Visual Perception Model
Authors: Schaefer Gerald , Nolle Lars
Published: July 2014

Color quantization is a common image processing technique where full color images are to be displayed using a limited palette of colors. The choice of a good palette is crucial as it directly determines the quality of the resulting image. Standard quantization approaches aim to minimize the mean squared error (MSE) between the original and the quantized image, which does not correspond well to how humans perceive the image differences. In this article, we introduce a color quantization algorithm that hybridizes an optimization scheme based with an image quality metric that mimics the human visual system. Rather than minimizing the MSE, its objective is to maximize the image fidelity as evaluated by S‐CIELAB, an image quality metric that has been shown to work well for various image processing tasks. In particular, we employ a variant of simulated annealing with the objective function describing the S‐CIELAB image quality of the quantized image compared with its original. Experimental results based on a set of standard images demonstrate the superiority of our approach in terms of achieved image quality.
Ectopic pancreas in a giant mediastinal cyst
Authors: Li Wilson W. , van Boven Wim Jan , Jurhill Roy R. , Bonta Peter I. , Annema Jouke T. , de Mol Bas A.
Published: July 2014

Ectopic pancreas located in the mediastium is an extremely rare anomaly. We present a case of an ectopic pancreas located in a giant mediastinal cyst in an 18‐year‐old man. He presented with symptoms of dyspnea due to external compression of the cyst on the left main bronchus. Complete surgical resection was performed through median sternotomy, with relief of the bronchial compression postoperatively. Literature review showed 20 previously reported cases. These masses were usually large (>10 cm), almost exclusively located in the anterior mediastinum, predominately cystic in nature and generally benign. Surgical resection was performed in all reported cases with a favorable prognosis. Due to the size of these masses, operative treatment can be challenging and should be carefully planned, with specific considerations regarding anesthetic and surgical management.
Laryngopharyngeal symptoms in patients with asthma: a cross‐sectional controlled study
Authors: Hamdan Abdul Latif , Jaffal Hussein , Btaiche Rachel , Turfe Zaahir A. , Bawab Ibrahim , Kanj Nadim , Tamim Hani
Published: July 2014

Objective

To examine the frequency and severity of laryngopharyngeal symptoms in asthmatic patients. The role of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease as a co‐morbid disease to asthma has not been previously reported.

Subjects and Method

Seventy‐two subjects, 36 asthmatics and 36 controls were included in this study. Demographic data included age, gender, status of asthma, use of steroid inhalers, smoking and history of allergy. Pulmonary function test was reported in 13 subjects. The evaluation consisted of filling the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) described by Belafsky et al. The total score, frequency and average score of each laryngopharyngeal symptom was computed in both groups.

Results

The mean age of patients was 46.61 ± 17.59 years with a female to male ratio of 2.3:1. Twenty patients were using steroid inhalers. Close to one third were smokers (30.6%) and 55.6% had allergic rhinitis. Thirty‐six percent had controlled asthma vs 64% were uncontrolled. The mean of the total RSI was significantly higher in patients compared with controls (12.03 ± 8.3 vs 6.64 ± 6.08, P value < 0.05). In the asthmatic group, 15 subjects had a positive RSI compared with only 4 in the control group (P value of 0.003). There was a significant difference in the prevalence and means of four laryngopharyngeal symptoms in patients vs controls.

Conclusion

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease is more prevalent and more severe in patients with asthma vs controls.
COPD phenotypes in a lung cancer screening population
Authors: Balkan Arzu , Bulut Yonca , Fuhrman Carl R. , Fisher Stephen N. , Wilson David O. , Weissfeld Joel L. , Sciurba Frank C.
Published: July 2014

Background and Aims

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a very heterogeneous disease, and phenotypic categorization of a high‐risk population has many potential benefits. The present study uses a symptom questionnaire, low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) and pulmonary function tests (PFT) to phenotypically subgroup a high‐risk population.

Methods

Study group consisted of current or former smokers who underwent lung cancer screening with LDCT as a subgroup of Pittsburgh Lung Screening Study. In addition to LDCT, PFT and a symptom query questionnaire were obtained from each patient.

Results

The study group consisted of 3183 subjects (age 50–79) subdivided into eight groups according to presence of symptoms, obstruction on PFT and presence of emphysema on LDCT. A total of 501 (15.7%) subjects were asymptomatic, with no airflow obstruction or evidence of emphysema. There were 866 (27.2%) subjects with both obstruction on PFT and emphysema on LDCT, but only 660 (20.7%) had symptoms. Five hundred thirty (16.6%) of the subjects had no emphysema on LDCT but had obstruction on PFT, although only 370 (11.6%) had symptoms. Four hundred seventy‐four (14.9%) of subjects had emphysema on LDCT, but no airflow obstruction, with 312 (9.8%) symptomatic. Finally, 812 (25.5%) of subjects had no evidence of airflow obstruction on PFT or emphysema on LDCT, but had symptoms.

Conclusion

Combining LDCT with PFT and a comprehensive questionnaire allows subgroup classification of COPD phenotypes in a high‐risk population and may lead to earlier intervention and an improved framework for future studies.
Improving monitoring after pancreas transplantation alone: fine‐tuning of an old technique
Authors: Voskuil Michiel D. , Mittal Shruti , Sharples Edward J. , Vaidya Anil , Gilbert James , Friend Peter J. , Ploeg Rutger J.
Published: July 2014

Graft survival after pancreas transplantation alone (PTA) is significantly poorer than graft survival after simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) and is particularly affected by difficulty in monitoring rejection. Exocrine bladder drainage allows assessment of pancreas graft function as urinary amylase (UA). However, standards for UA collection and interpretation are not well defined. In this study, 21 bladder‐drained PTA recipients were monitored with daily values for UA and urine creatinine (Creat) concentration from post‐transplant 10‐mL samples and 24‐h collections. Clinical events were documented and correlated to UA measurements. UA values were found to increase post‐transplant until day 15, and large interpatient variability was noted (median 12 676 IU/L, range 668–60 369 IU/L). A strong correlation was found total 24‐h UA production and spot UA/Creat ratio (r = 0.80, p < 0.001). UA/Creat ratio showed less variation during episodes of impaired renal function; therefore, urinary amylase baseline was defined as the median UA/Creat ratio after day 15. A > 25% decrease of UA predicted 9/13 (69%) events. We conclude that individual baselines should be set once the values have stabilized after 15 d post‐transplant and that spot UA/Creat measures are reliable, patient friendly and indicate potential events after PTA.
ATTRIBUTION ERROR IN ECONOMIC VOTING: EVIDENCE FROM TRADE SHOCKS
Authors: Hayes Rosa C. , Imai Masami , Shelton Cameron A.
Published: July 2014

This article exploits the international transmission of business cycles to examine the prevalence of attribution error in economic voting in a large panel of countries from 1990 to 2009. We find that voters, on average, exhibit a strong tendency to oust the incumbent governments during an economic downturn, regardless of whether the recession is home‐grown or merely imported from trading partners. However, we find important heterogeneity in the extent of attribution error. A split sample analysis shows that countries with more experienced voters, more educated voters, and possibly more informed voters—all conditions that have been shown to mitigate other voter agency problems—do better in distinguishing imported from domestic growth. (JEL E3, E6)
Can translocated native fishes retain their trophic niche when confronted with a resident invasive?
Authors: Spurgeon Jonathan J. , Paukert Craig P. , Healy Brian D. , Kelley Cheryl A. , Whiting Daniel P.
Published: July 2014

Diet interactions between native and non‐native fishes may influence the establishment of native species within their historical range (i.e., reintroduction). Therefore, we illustrated the food web structure of and followed the transition of the federally endangered humpback chub Gila cypha into a novel food web following translocation and determined the potential for a non‐native species, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, to influence translocation success. Humpback chub and rainbow trout used resources high in the food web and assimilated similar proportions of native fishes, suggesting non‐native rainbow trout may occupy an ecological role similar to humpback chub. Subsequently, humpback chub may be well suited to colonise tributaries because of their ability to consume resources high in the food web. Additionally, diet partitioning may occur between all members of the fish community as indicated by separation in trophic niche space and little trophic overlap; although all species, particularly bluehead sucker Catostomus discobolus, used a broad range of food resources. Rainbow trout stomach content analysis corroborated stable isotope analysis and suggested rainbow trout diet consisted of aquatic and terrestrial macroinvertebrates, while larger rainbow trout (>120 mm total length) consumed a greater proportion of fish (incidence of piscivory = 5.3%). Trophic interactions may reveal an underutilized niche space or biotic resistance to the establishment of translocated native fishes. Continued translocation of humpback chub into tributaries appears to be one option for conservation. However, successful establishment of humpback chub may depend on continued removal of non‐native trout, increasing availability of diet sources at higher trophic levels.
Gene expression profile during functional maturation of a central mammalian synapse
Authors: Körber Christoph , Dondzillo Anna , Eisenhardt Gisela , Herrmannsdörfer Frank , Wafzig Oliver , Kuner Thomas
Published: July 2014

Calyx of Held giant presynaptic terminals in the auditory brainstem form glutamatergic axosomatic synapses that have advanced to one of the best‐studied synaptic connections of the mammalian brain. As the auditory system matures and adjusts to high‐fidelity synaptic transmission, the calyx undergoes extensive structural and functional changes – in mice, it is formed at about postnatal day 3 (P3), achieves immature function until hearing onset at about P10 and can be considered mature from P21 onwards. This setting provides a unique opportunity to examine the repertoire of genes driving synaptic structure and function during postnatal maturation. Here, we determined the gene expression profile of globular bushy cells (GBCs), neurons giving rise to the calyx of Held, at different maturational stages (P3, P8, P21). GBCs were retrogradely labelled by stereotaxic injection of fluorescent cholera toxin‐B, and their mRNA content was collected by laser microdissection. Microarray profiling, successfully validated with real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and nCounter approaches, revealed genes regulated during maturation. We found that mostly genes implicated in the general cell biology of the neuron were regulated, while most genes related to synaptic function were regulated around the onset of hearing. Among these, voltage‐gated ion channels and calcium‐binding proteins were strongly regulated, whereas most genes involved in the synaptic vesicle cycle were only moderately regulated. These results suggest that changes in the expression patterns of ion channels and calcium‐binding proteins are a dominant factor in defining key synaptic properties during maturation of the calyx of Held.
Doctor – how quickly will my Parkinson's progress?
Authors: Fox S. H. , Ceravolo R.
Published: July 2014

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Chromosome 12p13 variants predict recurrence of ischaemic stroke in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Z. , Xu G. , Zhu W. , Cao L. , Bai W. , Xiong Y. , Yan B. , Liu X.
Published: July 2014

Background and purpose

A recent genome‐wide association study identified two genetic variants (rs12425791 and rs11833579) on chromosome 12p13 that confer risk of ischaemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to examine whether these two polymorphisms are associated with stroke onset and prognosis in a Chinese population.

Methods

rs12425791 and rs11833579 were genotyped using the improved multiple ligase detection reaction in 913 patients with ischaemic stroke. Analyses of genotype association with onset and prognosis outcomes were evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method, the log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

rs12425791 and rs11833579 were not associated with age of stroke onset (P = 0.786 and 0.340, respectively). However, these two polymorphisms were significantly associated with risk of stroke recurrence, especially for the large‐artery atherosclerosis (LAA) subtype, in recessive models [hazard ratio (HR) 2.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–6.12 for rs12425791; HR 2.13; 95% CI 1.03–4.40 for rs11833579]. The combined genotype of these two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms showed a locus‐dosage effect on recurrence of LAA subtype and was an independent prognostic factor for LAA subtype in the final multivariate Cox regression model.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that rs12425791 and rs11833579 on chromosome 12p13 may be useful biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of patients with the LAA subtype of ischaemic stroke.
Wing base morphology of Aetalionidae (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha) and its phylogenetic implications
Authors: Ogawa Naoki , Maruyama Munetoshi , Yoshizawa Kazunori
Published: July 2014

The Aetalionidae is a small family belonging to the treehopper superfamily Membracoidea (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha). Although the wing‐base morphology of Cicadomorpha was examined in detail recently, the wing base of this family has not been investigated to date. We examined morphology of the wing‐base structure of Aetalionidae. Using the characters selected from the wing base, we inferred the phylogenetic placement of this family and confirmed that it belongs to the superfamily Membracoidea and is likely a sister group of the Membracidae.
Valnoctamide enhances phasic inhibition: A potential target mechanism for the treatment of benzodiazepine‐refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Spampanato Jay , Dudek F. Edward
Published: July 2014

Valnoctamide (VCD), a derivative of valproate, suppresses electrographic seizures in animal models of status epilepticus (SE), even when the seizures are resistant to benzodiazepines (BZDs). We therefore tested the effect of VCD on miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in CA1 pyramidal cells to determine if VCD acts directly on γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors. Bath‐applied VCD induced a specific, rapid, dose‐dependent, and reversible slowing of the decay of mIPSCs (i.e., increased time constant) with no effect on their frequency or amplitude. This is similar to the effect of BZDs on mIPSCs, but the effect of VCD persisted in the presence of the BZD‐binding site antagonist flumazenil, and was additive to the effect of the BZD, diazepam. These data suggest that VCD acts through a different binding site than that of BZDs, which likely accounts for its effect on BZD‐refractory SE.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
The efficacy of the newer antiepileptic drugs in controlling seizures in pregnancy
Authors: Vajda Frank J. E. , O'Brien Terrence , Lander Cecilie , Graham Janet , Eadie Mervyn
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of the newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)—in particular lamotrigine, topiramate, and levetiracetam—in controlling epileptic seizures in pregnant women.

Methods

Analysis of data in the Australian Register of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy concerning seizure control in 1,534 pregnancies in women with AED‐treated epilepsies.

Results

In AED monotherapy (1,111 pregnancies), use of levetiracetam in pregnancies in the Australian Register was associated with levels of seizure control similar to those that applied for the major older AEDs carbamazepine and valproate, but with levels of seizure control superior to those associated with use of lamotrigine and topiramate.

Significance

Levetiracetam shows promise as a satisfactory drug for controlling seizures in pregnancy.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Cytochrome P450 and myocardial ischemia: potential pharmacological implication for cardioprotection
Authors: Barau Caroline , Ghaleh Bijan , Berdeaux Alain , Morin Didier
Published: July 2014

Cytochromes P450 (CYP) are a large family of enzymes widely involved in hepatic drug metabolism. While most CYP are extensively expressed in the liver, some of them are also detected in the heart where they participate through arachidonic acid metabolism to a variety of eicosanoids synthesis with different cardiovascular effects. Studies performed in the last years reported that several isoenzymes of microsomal CYP (i.e. CYP 2J2, CYP 2C8, CYP 2C9, CYP 4F) can play a role in the pathogenesis of ischemia–reperfusion. Moreover, various data indicate that microsomal CYP could represent a relevant target to develop pharmacological therapies to attenuate ischemia–reperfusion injury in the heart. As mitochondria appear to play a central role during ischemia–reperfusion, mitochondrial CYP, mainly involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis, could also become potential therapeutic target for cardioprotective strategies. Indeed, CYP 11A1 and CYP 27A1 could contribute to the preservation of the mitochondrial integrity by limiting the formation and enhancing elimination of toxic oxysterols. Further studies are required to explore whether modulation of these mitochondrial CYP could really produce cardioprotection in the human heart.
Naturopathic medicine in India
Authors: Nair Pradeep MK , Nanda Awantika
Published: July 2014

Background

Naturopathy is a traditional system of medicine that believes in the body's innate capacity to heal itself. In India, the philosophy and practice of naturopathy differs from that of other countries. Yet little is known about the practice and regulatory affairs of naturopathy in India.

Objectives

To explore the Indian perspective of naturopathy in terms of philosophy, practice, regulatory issues, challenges and future directions.

Methods

An online literature search was carried out in PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords ‘naturopathic medicine’, ‘AYUSH systems’, ‘naturopathy’ and ‘CAM in India’. Websites of universities and government bodies were also searched for details regarding regulation and registration. Unstructured interviews were conducted with eminent experts and local physicians via telephone and in person to understand the challenges in practice and their views on the standardisation of naturopathy.

Results

Naturopathic medicine in India is a purely drugless approach. Naturopathic physicians use diet therapy, mud, hydrotherapy, massage, acupuncture, chromotherapy, magnet therapy, acupressure and yoga therapy as their main interventions. Lack of appropriate regulatory bodies, research, uniformity in practice and adequate support from the government are the main issues facing the naturopathic community in India.

Conclusion

Naturopathy, as practised in India, is a drugless system that believes in the body's self‐healing capability. The lack of solid evidence for many of its modalities indicates the need to offer adequate research training to professionals to assist them in building an evidence‐based practice. The standardisation of naturopathy can only happen by forming a central regulatory council and by calibrating its educational standards with respect to traditional philosophies.
Analysis of reinforced concrete plates subjected to impact employing the truss‐like discrete element method
Authors: Kosteski L. E. , Riera J. D. , Iturrioz I. , Singh R. K. , Kant T.
Published: July 2014

The prediction of the response of reinforced concrete structures subjected to projectiles impact still presents open questions. These include the rate dependence of material properties, the interaction between concrete and steel reinforcement and the simulation of fracture and fragmentation. Because the appearance of discontinuities in the target structure is difficult to account using a continuum approach, the application of discrete models was developed as an appealing alternative. A version of the discrete model in which nodal masses are linked by an array of uniaxial elements, herein called discrete element method, is used in this study. This method was implemented in the system Abaqus to take advantage of its numerical and post‐processing capabilities. A reinforced concrete rectangular plate subjected to impact of a projectile is examined in detail. Comparisons between experimental and numerical results are shown with the aim of validating the proposed method.
Reconstructing atmospheric CO2 during the Plio–Pleistocene transition by fossil Typha
Authors: Bai Yun‐Jun , Chen Li‐Qun , Ranhotra Parminder S. , Wang Qing , Wang Yu‐Fei , Li Cheng‐Sen
Published: July 2014

The Earth has undergone a significant climate switch from greenhouse to icehouse during the Plio–Pleistocene transition (PPT) around 2.7–2.4 million years ago (Ma), marked by the intensification of the Northern Hemisphere glaciation (NHG) ~2.7 Ma. Evidence based on oceanic CO2 [(CO2)aq], supposed to be in close equilibrium with the atmospheric CO2 [(CO2)atm], suggests that the CO2 decline might drive such climate cooling. However, the rarity of direct evidence from [CO2]atm during the interval prevents determination of the atmospheric CO2 level and further assessment on the impact of its fluctuation. Here, we reconstruct the [CO2]atm level during 2.77–2.52 Ma based on a new developed proxy of stomatal index on Typha orientalis leaves from Shanxi, North China, and depict the first [CO2]atm curve over the past 5 Ma by using stomata‐based [CO2]atm data. Comparisons of the terrestrial‐based [CO2]atm and the existed marine‐based [CO2]aq curves show a similar general trend but with different intensity of fluctuations. Our data reveal that the high peak of [CO2]atm occurred at 2.77–2.52 Ma with a lower [CO2]aq background. The subsequent sharp fall in [CO2]atm level might be responsible for the intensification of the NHG based on their general temporal synchronism. These findings shed a significant light for our understanding toward the [CO2]atm changes and its ecological impact since 5 Ma.
The relationship between socio‐economic factors and responsiveness gaps in primary, preventative and health promotion services
Authors: Zalmanovitch Yair , Vashdi Dana R.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To examine whether there are individual level factors such as socio‐economic status that may predict disparities in the public's experiences with and expectations of their health‐care providers.

Data sources/study setting

Primary data were collected in 2010. The sample comprised of 1211 Israeli citizens above the age of 18.

Study design

Participants were randomly approached at one points in time and presented with statements regarding practices they experience and practices that are important to them related to primary care, preventive care and health promotion. We calculated a difference scores for each health‐care area. We measured socio‐economic status (SES) with three separate variables relating to income, education and living location.

Data collection/extraction methods

Employees of a professional telephone survey firm conducted the survey. Multiple regression was used with the responsiveness gap in each of three health‐care areas as the dependent variables.

Principal findings

We found that level of education is negatively related to the extent of the responsiveness gap in both primary and preventive health care and that income is negatively related to the responsiveness gap in health promotion.

Conclusions

Personal characteristics such asSESare related to people's perceptions about the extent of the responsiveness gap. Policy makers can now expend efforts and resources in minimizing such responsiveness gaps among specific populations.
Comparison on Microstructure and Infrared Emissivity Properties of 3D Needled Composites
Authors: Wang Fuyuan , Cheng Laifei , Fan Xiaomeng , Yin Xiaowei , Zhang Litong
Published: July 2014

Three‐dimensional (3D) needled composites, C/C, C/C‐SiC, and C/SiC, were prepared and their infrared emissivity properties in 1000–1600°C were investigated. Results showed that the infrared emissivity of all composites increased almost linearly with temperatures. In comparison with C/C, C/C‐SiC composites reduced by 10% in the total emissivity. Twenty‐two vol% SiC in C/C‐SiC composites caused a low zone in 10–14 μm, corresponding to the theoretical emissivity of SiC. For C/SiC composites prepared by CVI, 68 vol% SiC caused a “V” shape in the spectral emissivity. The high SiC content also endued the high infrared emissivity properties for C/SiC composites.
Sex‐related differences in the nutritional value of Japanese quail meat
Authors: Sartowska Katarzyna E. , Korwin‐Kossakowska Agnieszka , Polawska Ewa , Lipinska Paulina , Sender Grazyna
Published: July 2014

The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of birds’ sex on the carcass composition and meat (breast muscle) nutritional value in Japanese quails in a large‐scale four‐generation study. Standard poultry feed was used, based on maize, soya bean meal and wheat. Four generations of quails were housed up to the age of 17 weeks each. Then samples of breast muscle were collected after dissection and analysed for basic nutrient content and for fatty acids composition. Results were analysed by GLM procedure in SAS, and significance of differences between birds of different sex was estimated by Duncan's test. Dissection revealed marked differences between birds’ of different sex in case of relative organ weight. Results of meat analyses showed no differences in the basic composition. Fatty acids analyses showed a more advantageous profile in female meat.
Changes during ripening in chemical composition, proteolysis, volatile composition and texture in Kashar cheese made using raw bovine, ovine or caprine milk
Authors: Temizkan Riza , Yasar Kurban , Hayaloglu Ali A.
Published: July 2014

Kashar cheeses were manufactured from pure ovine (OV), bovine (BV) and caprine (CP) milk, and the chemical composition, cheese yield, proteolysis, hardness, meltability and volatile composition were studied during 90 days. Gross chemical composition, cheese yield and level of proteolysis were higher in OV cheeses than those of BV or CP cheeses. Glu, Val, Leu, Phe and Lys were the most abundant free amino acids (FAA) in the samples, and the concentrations of individual FAA were at the highest levels in OV cheeses with following BV and CP cheeses. Urea‐PAGE patterns and RP‐HPLC peptide profiles of the BV cheeses were completely different from the small ruminants’ milk cheeses (OV or CP). Higher and lower hardness and meltability values were observed in CP cheeses, respectively. OV cheeses resulted in higher levels of the major volatile compounds. In conclusion, the Kashar cheese made using OV milk can be recommended due to high meltability, proteolysis and volatiles.
Visceral adipose tissue measured by DXA correlates with measurement by CT and is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in children
Authors: Bosch T. A. , Dengel D. R. , Kelly A. S. , Sinaiko A. R. , Moran A. , Steinberger J.
Published: July 2014

Background

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) generally demonstrates a stronger relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors than total body fat or subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare VAT estimated in children by total volume dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) with a gold standard measurement, single slice (L4–L5) computed tomography (CT).

Methods

A total of 329 (152 females, 177 males) children ages 6–18 years (mean age 12.3 ± 3.6) and with average body mass index percentile of 54.9% (3–99%) had their VAT estimated by both CT and DXA. Linear association between methods was measured using Pearson's correlation. Multiple linear regressions compared the associations between cardiometabolic risk factors and both CT‐VAT and DXA‐VAT, respectively.

Results

In children, DXA‐VAT was correlated significantly with CT‐VAT, with a stronger relationship in overweight and obese children. Multiple regression analysis showed that both estimates of VAT were significantly associated with lipids and insulin sensitivity, measured by euglycaemic‐hyperinsulinaemic clamp. Additionally, DXA‐VAT was associated with diastolic blood pressure, homeostasis model of insulin resistance and fasting insulin, but CT‐VAT was not.

Conclusion

In children, total volume DXA‐VAT and single slice CT‐VAT are significantly correlated and each demonstrates similar associations with cardiometabolic risk factors. This suggests that DXA is a useful and valid method for estimation of VAT in children.
Chitin deacetylase family genes in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Xi Y. , Pan P.‐L. , Ye Y.‐X. , Yu B. , Zhang C.‐X.
Published: July 2014

Chitin deacetylases (CDAs) are enzymes required for one of the pathways of chitin degradation, in which chitosan is produced by the deacetylation of chitin. Bioinformatic investigations with genomic and transcriptomic databases identified four genes encoding CDAs in Nilaparvata lugens (NlCDAs). Phylogenetic analysis showed that insect CDAs were clustered into five major groups. Group I, III and IV CDAs are found in all insect species, whereas the pupa‐specific group II and gut‐specific group V CDAs are not found in the plant‐sap/blood‐sucking hemimetabolous species from Hemiptera and Anoplura. The developmental and tissue‐specific expression patterns of four NlCDAs revealed that NlCDA3 was a gut‐specific CDA, with high expression at all developmental stages; NlCDA1, NlCDA2 and NlCDA4 were highly expressed in the integument and peaked periodically during every moulting, which suggests their roles in chitin turnover of the insect old cuticle. Lethal phenotypes of cuticle shedding failure and high mortality after the injection of double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) for NlCDA1, NlCDA2 and NlCDA4 provide further evidence for their functions associated with moulting. No observable morphological and internal structural abnormality was obtained in insects treated with dsRNA for gut‐specific NlCDA3.
The regulatory T cell effector molecule fibrinogen‐like protein 2 is necessary for the development of rapamycin‐induced tolerance to fully MHC‐mismatched murine cardiac allografts
Authors: Urbanellis Peter , Shyu Wendy , Khattar Ramzi , Wang Jihong , Zakharova Anna , He Wei , Sadozai Hassan , Amir Achiya Z. , Shalev Itay , Phillips M. James , Adeyi Oyedele , Ross Heather , Grant David , Levy Gary A. , Chruscinski Andrzej
Published: July 2014

Therapies that promote tolerance in solid organ transplantation will improve patient outcomes by eliminating the need for long‐term immunosuppression. To investigate mechanisms of rapamycin‐induced tolerance, C3H/HeJ mice were heterotopically transplanted with MHC‐mismatched hearts from BALB/cJ mice and were monitored for rejection after a short course of rapamycin treatment. Mice that had received rapamycin developed tolerance with indefinite graft survival, whereas untreated mice all rejected their grafts within 9 days. In vitro, splenic mononuclear cells from tolerant mice maintained primary CD4+ and CD8+ immune responses to donor antigens consistent with a mechanism that involves active suppression of immune responses. Furthermore, infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus strain WE led to loss of tolerance suggesting that tolerance could be overcome by infection. Rapamycin‐induced, donor‐specific tolerance was associated with an expansion of regulatory T (Treg) cells in both the spleen and allograft and elevated plasma levels of fibrinogen‐like protein 2 (FGL2). Depletion of Treg cells with anti‐CD25 (PC61) and treatment with anti‐FGL2 antibody both prevented tolerance induction. Tolerant allografts were populated with Treg cells that co‐expressed FGL2 and FoxP3, whereas rejecting allografts and syngeneic grafts were nearly devoid of dual‐staining cells. We examined the utility of an immunoregulatory gene panel to discriminate between tolerance and rejection. We observed that Treg‐associated genes (foxp3, lag3, tgf‐β and fgl2) had increased expression and pro‐inflammatory genes (ifn‐γ and gzmb) had decreased expression in tolerant compared with rejecting allografts. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that Treg cells expressing FGL2 mediate rapamycin‐induced tolerance. Furthermore, a gene biomarker panel that includes fgl2 can distinguish between rejecting and tolerant grafts.
Deporting Fathers: Involuntary Transnational Families and Intent to Remigrate among Salvadoran Deportees
Authors: Cardoso Jodi Berger , Hamilton Erin Randle , Rodriguez Nestor , Eschbach Karl , Hagan Jacqueline
Published: July 2014

One-fourth of deportees from the United States are parents of US-citizen children. We do not know how separation from families affects remigration among deportees, who face high penalties given unlawful reentry. We examined how family separation affects intent to remigrate among Salvadoran deportees. The majority of deportees with children in the United States were also separated from their spouse, and the vast majority had US-citizen children. Family separation was the single most important factor affecting intent to remigrate. We interpret these findings in light of immigration policy debates.
Sensitivity to Confidence Cues Increases during the Second Year of Life
Authors: Brosseau‐Liard Patricia E. , Poulin‐Dubois Diane
Published: July 2014

We investigated the emergence in infancy of a preference to imitate individuals who display confidence over lack of confidence. Eighteen‐ and 24‐month‐olds (N = 70) were presented with an experimenter who demonstrated the use of several objects accompanied by either nonverbal expressions of confidence or lack of confidence. At 24 months, infants were more likely to imitate the actions when demonstrated by a confident experimenter than by an unconfident experimenter; 18‐month‐olds showed no such preference. The experimenter then presented an additional imitation trial and a word‐learning trial while displaying a neutral expression. Twenty‐four‐month‐olds persisted in preferentially imitating a previously confident experimenter, but prior confidence had no effect on their word learning. These findings demonstrate a developmental increase in infants’ use of confidence cues toward the end of the second year of life.
Genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of human rhinoviruses in South Africa
Authors: Pretorius Marthi A. , Tempia Stefano , Treurnicht Florette K. , Walaza Sibongile , Cohen Adam L. , Moyes Jocelyn , Hellferscee Orienka , Variava Ebrahim , Dawood Halima , Chhagan Meera , Haffjee Sumayya , Madhi Shabir A. , Cohen Cheryl , Venter Marietjie
Published: July 2014

Background

Rhinoviruses (RV) are a well‐established cause of respiratory illness. RV‐C has been associated with more severe illness. We aimed to characterize and compare the clinical presentations and disease severity of different RV type circulating in South Africa.

Method

We performed two analyses of RV‐positive specimens identified through surveillance in South Africa across all age groups. First, RV‐positive specimens identified through severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) surveillance in four provinces was randomly selected from 2009 to 2010 for molecular characterization. Second, RV‐positive specimens identified through SARI, influenza‐like illness (ILI) and control surveillance at hospitals and outpatient clinics in during 2012–2013 were used to determine the association of RV type with severe disease. Selected specimens were sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was performed.

Results

Among the 599 sequenced specimens from 2009 to 2010 and 2012 to 2013, RV‐A (285, 48%) and RV‐C (247, 41%) were more commonly identified than RV‐B (67, 11%), with no seasonality and a high genetic diversity. A higher prevalence of RV infection was identified in cases with SARI [515/962 (26%); aRRR = 1·6; 95% CI 1·21; 2·2] and ILI [356/962 (28%); aRRR = 1·9; 95% CI 1·37; 2·6] compared with asymptomatic controls (91/962, 22%). There was no difference in disease severity between the different type when comparing SARI, ILI and controls.

Conclusion

All three type of RV were identified in South Africa, although RV‐A and RV‐C were more common than RV‐B. RV was associated with symptomatic respiratory illness; however, there was no association between RV type and disease severity.
A set covering based matheuristic for a real‐world city logistics problem
Authors: Boschetti Marco , Maniezzo Vittorio
Published: July 2014

This paper describes an application of a matheuristic algorithm to a real‐world city logistics problem for a mid‐sized town, whose core could be modeled as a multitrip vehicle routing problem with time windows, pickup and deliveries, and heterogeneous fleet. The proposed matheuristic is based on a dual ascent procedure applied to an extended set covering model (SCC) and on a randomized constructive heuristic. It starts by constructing an initial set of feasible solutions. The corresponding routes are the starting subset of columns of SCC. At each iteration, the dual ascent based on a Lagrangian optimization of the SCC computes a near‐optimal dual solution that is returned along with a primal solution obtained by a Lagrangian heuristic. The dual costs are used for generating new feasible solutions by means of the constructive heuristic, and the corresponding routes are the new columns added to the SCC. At the end of the algorithm, the best heuristic solution is pruned to get a feasible solution for the city logistics problem. The matheuristic could actually solve different city logistics scenarios to be used as a basis for a successive stakeholders concertation process. A further interesting byproduct of this research is the dual ascent procedure that also proved effective on the classical set covering problem, in addition to its extension considered in this paper.
Redescription of the Little‐known Ciliate Apoamphisiella vernalis (Stokes, 1887) Berger, 2006 (Ciliophora, Hypotricha) from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Authors: Paiva Thiago Da Silva , Dias Roberto Júnio Pedroso , Da Silva‐Neto Inácio Domingos
Published: July 2014

Apoamphisiella Foissner, 1997 is a genus of hypotrichous ciliates reported to occur in various locations in the world, but that seems particularly widespread in the Americas. In this study, the first record of Apoamphisiella vernalis for Brazil is presented based on a population from the Atlantic Forest of the Minas Gerais state. A redescription of A. vernalis made from light and scanning electron microscopy observations unveils a unique combination of diagnostic features for this species, namely the presence of green cortical granules, one contractile vacuole lacking collecting canals, and the rear end of both left and right marginal cirral rows located at same level. Moreover, A. vernalis is found to be an omnivorous predator, feeding on arcelline testate amoebae, rotifers, and other organisms.
A Quantitative Real‐Time Immuno‐PCR Assay for Detection of Staphylococcus Aureus Enterotoxin H
Authors: Kwon Ka Hee , Hwang Sun Young , Park Young Kyung , Yoon Jang Won , Kim Sangphil , Hong Joonbae
Published: July 2014

Rapid, quantitative and sensitive detection methods are essential for prevention and risk assessment of food poisoning. In this study, we developed quantitative real‐time immuno‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐iPCR), a highly sensitive and efficient method for detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin H (SEH). The qRT‐iPCR is based on antigen–antibody recognition, similar to the traditional enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, unlike ELISA, the method relies on DNA probes and RT‐PCR for detection rather than on a chromogenic reaction. We produced recombinant SEs and monoclonal antibodies for SEH. Then, coupled RT‐PCR using DNA probes was applied. This qRT‐iPCR showed a lower limit of detection (LOD) than traditional ELISA did. In the sandwich format, qRT‐iPCR system could detect approximately 4.5 pg/mL of SEH. Our qRT‐iPCR system simplified the detection and quantification of SEH and accelerated the process compared with traditional ELISA. To our knowledge, this is the most sensitive technique for detection of SEH reported to date.

Practical Applications

Sensitive and rapid commercial kits to detect and quantify staphylococcal enterotoxin H, which could not be detected by the existing kits, would be developed based on the quantitative real‐time immuno‐polymerase chain reaction method in this study and they can improve the process of risk assessment of food poisoning.
Unmet treatment needs of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asia: Gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asia Pacific Survey
Authors: Goh Khean Lee , Choi Myung Gyu , Hsu William Ping I , Chun Hoon Jai , Mahachai Varocha , Kachintorn Udom , Leelakusolvong Somchai , Kim Nayoung , Rani Abdul Aziz , Wong Benjamin CY , Wu Justin , Chiu Cheng Tang , Chu Romeo , Shetty Vikram , Bocobo Joseph C , Chan Melchor M , Lin Jaw Town
Published: July 2014

Background and Aim

Data on patient satisfaction with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are scarce in Asia. The perspectives of Asian patients with GERD and their satisfaction with PPI therapy were investigated.

Methods

The GERD in Asia Pacific Survey (GAPS) was conducted from December 2011 to March 2012. Patients aged 21–55 years with self‐reported doctor‐diagnosed GERD, who had experienced symptoms in the previous 12 months, and were currently taking PPIs were enrolled. After a pilot study, a questionnaire was completed by respondents from six Asian countries during face‐to‐face interviews.

Results

A total of 450 patients with GERD participated in the GAPS. Although the respondents generally complied with treatment, response to therapy was only partially successful. Most respondents indicated that PPIs eliminated pain (72%), took effect within 30 min (76%), provided sustained relief (73%), and provided nocturnal relief (77%). However, 45% of respondents reported limited improvement in nocturnal symptoms, and 49% continued to take adjunctive therapy to manage their symptoms. After treatment, respondent's “well‐being” had improved. However, GERD still had a negative impact on well‐being for 76% of respondents after treatment, compared with 94% before treatment.

Conclusions

Asian patients reported a negative impact of GERD on their daily lives. Many respondents continued to experience symptoms despite reporting good compliance with PPI therapy, emphasizing the shortcomings of currently available therapy for GERD. This survey is the first to highlight Asian patients' perspectives of GERD and PPI therapy, and provides a platform for further evaluation.
Major predictors of portal hypertensive enteropathy in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Aoyama Taiki , Oka Shiro , Aikata Hiroshi , Igawa Atsushi , Nakano Makoto , Naeshiro Noriaki , Yoshida Shigeto , Tanaka Shinji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: July 2014

Background and Aim

Portal hypertensive enteropathy (PHE) is acknowledged as a source of bleeding, and predicting its presence has become more important. We assessed PHE using capsule endoscopy (CE) and investigated factors that may predict its presence, including portosystemic shunts (PSs).

Methods

We analyzed data from 134 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis, from February 2009 to September 2013. All patients had undergone dynamic computed tomography and esophagogastroduodenoscopy before CE examination. The frequencies and types of PHE lesions, and the relationships between the presence of PHE and patients' clinical characteristics were evaluated. The distribution of the lesions was also determined.

Results

PHE was found in 91 (68%), erythema in 70 (52%), erosions in 25 (19%), angioectasia in 24 (18%), villous edema in 18 (13%), and varices in 10 (7%) patients. Most lesions were located in the jejunum. The clinical characteristics associated with the presence of PHE were a Child‐Pugh grade of B or C (P = 0.0058), and the presence of PSs (P < 0.0001), ascites (P = 0.0017), portal thrombosis (P = 0.016), esophageal varices (P = 0.0017), and portal hypertensive gastropathy (P = 0.0029). The presence of PSs was an independent predictor of PHE (odds ratio [OR]: 3.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27–7.95). Among the shunt types, left gastric vein (OR: 5.31; 95% CI: 1.97–17.0) and splenorenal shunts (OR: 4.26; 95% CI: 1.29–19.4) were independent predictors of PHE.

Conclusion

PSs, especially left gastric vein and splenorenal shunts, appear to reliably predict the presence of PHE.