bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Geochemistry: A Characterisation of Heterogeneity in Reference Materials
Authors: Bédard L. Paul , Néron Alexandre
Published: October 2013

Geochemical reference materials (RMs) for microbeam techniques are typically characterised by averages and dispersion statistics (e.g., standard deviation, variance) that are calculated for a number of measurements (beam shots). It is proposed that the mapping of RMs will add spatial information that better characterises the grouping and magnitudes of the heterogeneities and provides the information necessary to define a minimum analytical mass. A simple mathematical solution is proposed, which can be easily computed and understood. The analogous notions to sill and range from geostatistics are applied to the minimum analytical mass versus the relative standard deviation. To assess grouping and magnitudes of the heterogeneities, a ‘proximity number’ is computed for each average value ± ‘n’ standard deviations (magnitude). Different chemical anomalies have been simulated to demonstrate the behaviour of the proximity number. To further test the proposed spatial geochemistry concept, sulfide‐ and oxide‐bearing RMs have been selected because many are crippled with nugget effect. They have been mapped with a micro‐XRF apparatus, and results are presented for CHR‐Bkg, CHR‐Pt+, MASS‐1, MASS‐3, WMS‐1 and WMS‐1a. MASS‐1 and MASS‐3 are the most suitable RMs for microbeam techniques. Spatial geochemistry offers a new approach to better characterise reference materials.
Water Vapor‐Enhanced Diffusion in Alumina
Authors: Angle Jesse P. , Morgan Peter E. D. , Mecartney Martha L.
Published: October 2013

Experimental results indicate effective faster diffusion of oxygen in polycrystalline alumina when exposed to water vapor at high temperatures. α‐Al2O3 containing Ni metal particles was exposed to dry air or humid environments at 1300°C for up to 20 h. Oxidation of Ni in α‐Al2O3 to form NiAl2O4 was used to determine oxygen diffusion depth from the surface. The apparent kinetic rate constant for oxygen diffusion in the presence of water vapor was 79% higher compared with that in a dry atmosphere at 1300°C (1.4 × 10−13 m2/s for 0.2 atm versus 7.9 × 10−14 m2/s for dry air). (OH)− ions are smaller and more polarizable than O2−, which would be expected to lead to faster diffusion. This effect may impact sintering, creep, corrosion, oxidation, and the performance of thermal barrier coatings (TBC).
The Role of Innocent Guilt in Post‐Conflict Work
Authors: Christensen Anne‐Marie Søndergaard
Published: October 2013

The phenomenon of ‘innocent guilt’ regards cases where people feel guilty without being responsible for the wrongdoing or suffering at which the guilt is directed. The aim of this article is to develop a consistent account of innocent guilt and show how it may arise in the aftermath of conflicts. In order to do this, innocent guilt is contrasted with guilt and collective guilt, and the account is substantiated by drawing on the writings of Ludwig Wittgenstein and Emmanuel Levinas, who both consider the phenomenon of innocent guilt a necessary element in the fundamental structure of the ethical subject. These thinkers, furthermore, show a connection between guilt and possible victims of wrongdoing, rather than between guilt and personal acts of wrongdoing. Innocent guilt may thus appear in the aftermath of conflicts as an ethical and emotional response to the fact of finding oneself in a post‐conflict situation still marked by suffering. It thus reveals a fundamental need to contribute to the relieving of such suffering.
The significance of past interdrainage connectivity for studies of diversity, distribution and movement of freshwater‐limited taxa within a catchment
Authors: Carrea Cecilia , Anderson Leigh V. , Craw Dave , Waters Jonathan M. , Burridge Christopher P.
Published: October 2013

Aim

Historical connectivity between drainages may represent an underappreciated contributor to the biodiversity within a catchment. First, we tested whether an isolated population of freshwater‐limited galaxiids represents a contribution by past interdrainage connectivity to this system's biodiversity, rather than reflecting intracatchment dispersal or speciation. Second, we sought to distinguish between possible geomorphic processes that could have allowed any past connectivity.

Location

The Clutha and adjacent Southland region drainages on the South Island of New Zealand.

Methods

We estimated the phylogeographical relationships among 466 cytochrome b sequences from ‘roundhead’ Galaxias populations throughout the Southland region and the Clutha drainage, using three different methods. Subsequently, possible geomorphic mechanisms of interdrainage connectivity were examined concurrently with genetic population divergence time estimates obtained by coalescent analysis.

Results

All samples obtained in the lower Clutha system were genetically attributable to G. gollumoides and reflected at least a third, independent colonization event from Southland involving this species, rather than intradrainage dispersal or speciation by pre‐existing Clutha populations. Geomorphological inferences and divergence time estimates of less than 7 ka are consistent with headwater connections across low divides between the lower Clutha and the Catlins region of Southland, rather than anastomosing of main channels during low sea stands.

Main conclusions

The observation of at least three interdrainage connectivity events influencing the diversity and distribution of G. gollumoides lineages within the Clutha system highlights the potential significance of these processes as contributors to the magnitude and distribution of biodiversity within catchments.
The Effect of Low‐Dose Carvedilol, Nebivolol, and Metoprolol on Central Arterial Pressure and Its Determinants: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Studinger Péter , Tabák Ádám G. , Chen Chen‐Huan , Salvi Paolo , Othmane Taha E.H. , Torzsa Péter , Kapocsi Judit , Fekete Bertalan C. , Tislér András
Published: October 2013

In this prospective, open‐label, randomized, controlled clinical trial the effects of low‐dose carvedilol, nebivolol, and metoprolol on central arterial pressure and augmentation index (AIx) and its heart rate–corrected value (AIx@75) were assessed. The authors randomized 75 hypertensive patients (18–70 years) to carvedilol 12.5/25 mg, metoprolol 50/100 mg, or nebivolol 2.5/5 mg daily and followed them up for 3 months. Central arterial pressure and AIx were measured with applanation tonometry at baseline and at the end of follow‐up. Analyses were restricted to 60 completers. Central systolic pressure decreased equally in all 3 treatment arms. AIx remained unchanged, while AIx@75 decreased significantly by 5.4%±2.5% in the nebivolol group. According to general linear models, individual change in heart rate was a strong predictor of change in AIx in the carvedilol group (r2=0.23, P=.03) although no similar association was found in the nebivolol group (r2=0.09). The impact of β‐blockers with vasodilator effects on pressure augmentation seems to be different with nebivolol having the largest potential of decreasing AIx@75. While AIx changes associated with carvedilol treatment are strongly driven by heart rate changes, those associated with nebivolol treatment seem to be the result of other mechanisms.
Nutrition and Nutraceutical Supplements for the Treatment of Hypertension: Part II
Authors: Houston Mark
Published: October 2013

Vascular biology, endothelial and vascular smooth muscle, and cardiac dysfunction play a primary role in the initiation and perpetuation of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and target organ damage. Nutrient‐gene interactions and epigenetics are predominant factors in promoting beneficial or detrimental effects in cardiovascular health and hypertension. Macronutrients and micronutrients can prevent, control, and treat hypertension through numerous mechanisms related to vascular biology. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and autoimmune dysfunction initiate and propagate hypertension and cardiovascular disease. There is a role for the select use of single and component nutraceutical supplements, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals in the treatment of hypertension based on scientifically controlled studies, which complement optimal nutrition, coupled with other lifestyle modifications.
Cancer research by means of tissue engineering – is there a rationale?
Authors: Horch Raymund E. , Boos Anja M. , Quan Yuan , Bleiziffer Oliver , Detsch Rainer , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Alexiou Christoph , Sun Jiaming , Beier Justus P. , Arkudas Andreas
Published: October 2013

Tissue engineering (TE) has evoked new hopes for the cure of organ failure and tissue loss by creating functional substitutes in the laboratory. Besides various innovations in the context of Regenerative Medicine (RM), TE also provided new technology platforms to study mechanisms of angiogenesis and tumour cell growth as well as potentially tumour cell spreading in cancer research. Recent advances in stem cell technology – including embryonic and adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells – clearly show the need to better understand all relevant mechanisms to control cell growth when such techniques will be administered to patients. Such TE‐Cancer research models allow us to investigate the interactions that occur when replicating physiological and pathological conditions during the initial phases of replication, morphogenesis, differentiation and growth under variable given conditions. Tissue microenvironment has been extensively studied in many areas of TE and it plays a crucial role in cell signalling and regulation of normal and malignant cell functions. This article is intended to give an overview on some of the most recent developments and possible applications of TE and RM methods with regard to the improvement of cancer research with TE platforms. The synthesis of TE with innovative methods of molecular biology and stem‐cell technology may help investigate and potentially modulate principal phenomena of tumour growth and spreading, as well as tumour‐related angiogenesis. In the future, these models have the potential to investigate the optimal materials, culture conditions and material structure to propagate tumour growth.
Treatment of periodontitis improves the atherosclerotic profile: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Teeuw Wijnand J. , Slot Dagmar E. , Susanto Hendri , Gerdes Victor E. A. , Abbas Frank , D'Aiuto Francesco , Kastelein John J. P. , Loos Bruno G.
Published: October 2013

Aim

Systematic review and meta‐analyses to study the robustness of observations that treatment of periodontitis improves the atherosclerotic profile.

Material and Methods

Literature was searched in Medline‐PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL and EMBASE, based on controlled periodontal intervention trials, including also a non‐intervention group. Data were extracted and meta‐analyses were performed.

Results

From 3928 screened studies, 25 trials met the eligibility criteria. These trials enrolled 1748 periodontitis patients. Seven trials enrolled periodontitis patients that were otherwise healthy, 18 trials recruited periodontal patients with various co‐morbidities, such as CVD or diabetes. None of the trials used hard clinical endpoints of CVD. However, improvement of endothelial function has been consistently reported. Meta‐analyses demonstrated significant weighted mean difference (WMD) for hsCRP (−0.50 mg/l, 95% CI:−0.78; −0.22), IL‐6 (−0.48 ng/l, 95% CI: −0.90; −0.06), TNF‐α (−0.75 pg/ml, 95% CI: −1.34; −0.17), fibrinogen (−0.47 g/l, 95% CI: −0.76; −0.17), total cholesterol (−0.11 mmol/l, 95% CI: −0.21; −0.01) and HDL‐C (0.04 mmol/l, 95% CI: 0.03; 0.06) favouring periodontal intervention. Importantly, periodontitis patients with co‐morbidity benefitted most from periodontal therapy; significant WMD were observed for levels of hsCRP (−0.71 mg/l, 95% CI: −1.05; −0.36), IL‐6 (−0.87 ng/l, 95% CI: −0.97; −0.78), triglycerides (−0.24 mmol/l, 95% CI: −0.26; −0.22), total cholesterol (−0.15 mmol/l, 95% CI: −0.29; −0.01), HDL‐C (0.05 mmol/l, 95% CI: 0.03; 0.06) and HbA1c (−0.43%, 95% CI: −0.60; −0.25).

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta‐analyses demonstrate that periodontal treatment improves endothelial function and reduces biomarkers of atherosclerotic disease, especially in those already suffering from CVD and/or diabetes.
Practitioner Review: Evidence‐based practice guidelines on alcohol and drug misuse among adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Bekkering G.E. , Aertgeerts B. , Asueta‐Lorente J.‐F. , Autrique M. , Goossens M. , Smets K. , van Bussel J.C.H. , Vanderplasschen W. , Van Royen P. , Hannes K.
Published: October 2013

Background

Context‐specific evidence‐based guidelines on how to prevent and treat substance misuse among adolescents are currently lacking in many countries. Due to the time consuming nature of de novo guideline development, the ADAPTE collaboration introduced a methodology to adapt existing guidelines to a local context. An important step in this method is a systematic review to identify relevant high‐quality evidence‐based guidelines. This study describes the results of this step for the development of guidelines on adolescent alcohol and drug misuse in Belgium.

Methods

Rigorous systematic review methodology was used. This included searches of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PsychInfo, and ERIC in June 2011), websites of relevant organizations, and reference lists of key publications. Experts in the field were also contacted. Included were Dutch, English, French, or German evidence‐based practice guidelines from 2006 or later on the prevention, screening, assessment, or treatment of alcohol or illicit drug misuse in persons aged 12–18 years. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of the guidelines using the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation) instrument.

Scope

This overview provides a framework of current knowledge in adolescent alcohol and drug misuse prevention and treatment.

Results

This systematic review identified 32 relevant evidence‐based guidelines on substance misuse among adolescents. Nine guidelines were judged to be of high quality; of which four had recommendations specifically on adolescents: one on school‐based prevention, one on substance misuse prevention in vulnerable young people and two on alcohol misuse with specific sections for the adolescent population. There were few commonalities as guidelines focused on different target groups, professional disciplines and type and level of substance misuse. Evidence to support the recommendations was sparse, and many recommendations were based on expert consensus or on studies among adults. Also, the link between evidence and recommendations was often unclear.

Conclusions

There are a substantial number of guidelines addressing substance misuse in adolescents. However, only four high‐quality guidelines included recommendations specific for adolescents. The current level of evidence that underpins the recommendations in these high‐quality guidelines is low.
A randomized clinical trial of Cogmed Working Memory Training in school‐age children with ADHD: a replication in a diverse sample using a control condition
Authors: Chacko A. , Bedard A.C. , Marks D.J. , Feirsen N. , Uderman J.Z. , Chimiklis A. , Rajwan E. , Cornwell M. , Anderson L. , Zwilling A. , Ramon M.
Published: October 2013

Background

Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT) has received considerable attention as a promising intervention for the treatment of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. At the same time, methodological weaknesses in previous clinical trials call into question reported efficacy of CWMT. In particular, lack of equivalence in key aspects of CWMT (i.e., contingent reinforcement, time‐on‐task with computer training, parent–child interactions, supportive coaching) between CWMT and placebo versions of CWMT used in previous trials may account for the beneficial outcomes favoring CWMT.

Methods

Eighty‐five 7‐ to 11‐year old school‐age children with ADHD (66 male; 78%) were randomized to either standard CWMT (CWMT Active) or a well‐controlled CWMT placebo condition (CWMT Placebo) and evaluated before and 3 weeks after treatment. Dependent measures included parent and teacher ratings of ADHD symptoms; objective measures of attention, activity level, and impulsivity; and psychometric indices of working memory and academic achievement (Clinical trial title: Combined cognitive remediation and behavioral intervention for the treatment of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01137318).

Results

CWMT Active participants demonstrated significantly greater improvements in verbal and nonverbal working memory storage, but evidenced no discernible gains in working memory storage plus processing/manipulation. In addition, no treatment group differences were observed for any other outcome measures.

Conclusions

When a more rigorous comparison condition is utilized, CWMT demonstrates effects on certain aspects of working memory in children with ADHD; however, CWMT does not appear to foster treatment generalization to other domains of functioning. As such, CWMT should not be considered a viable treatment for children with ADHD.
Affective neural response to restricted interests in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Cascio Carissa J. , Foss‐Feig Jennifer H. , Heacock Jessica , Schauder Kimberly B. , Loring Whitney A. , Rogers Baxter P. , Pryweller Jennifer R. , Newsom Cassandra R. , Cockhren Jurnell , Cao Aize , Bolton Scott
Published: October 2013

Background

Restricted interests are a class of repetitive behavior in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) whose intensity and narrow focus often contribute to significant interference with daily functioning. While numerous neuroimaging studies have investigated executive circuits as putative neural substrates of repetitive behavior, recent work implicates affective neural circuits in restricted interests. We sought to explore the role of affective neural circuits and determine how restricted interests are distinguished from hobbies or interests in typical development.

Methods

We compared a group of children with ASD to a typically developing (TD) group of children with strong interests or hobbies, employing parent report, an operant behavioral task, and functional imaging with personalized stimuli based on individual interests.

Results

While performance on the operant task was similar between the two groups, parent report of intensity and interference of interests was significantly higher in the ASD group. Both the ASD and TD groups showed increased BOLD response in widespread affective neural regions to the pictures of their own interest. When viewing pictures of other children's interests, the TD group showed a similar pattern, whereas BOLD response in the ASD group was much more limited. Increased BOLD response in the insula and anterior cingulate cortex distinguished the ASD from the TD group, and parent report of the intensity and interference with daily life of the child's restricted interest predicted insula response.

Conclusions

While affective neural network response and operant behavior are comparable in typical and restricted interests, the narrowness of focus that clinically distinguishes restricted interests in ASD is reflected in more interference in daily life and aberrantly enhanced insula and anterior cingulate response to individuals’ own interests in the ASD group. These results further support the involvement of affective neural networks in repetitive behaviors in ASD.
Development of the ‘Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire’ (EDA‐Q): preliminary observations on a trait measure for Pathological Demand Avoidance
Authors: O'Nions Elizabeth , Christie Phil , Gould Judith , Viding Essi , Happé Francesca
Published: October 2013

Background

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a term increasingly used in the United Kingdom to describe children who obsessively resist everyday demands, going to extreme lengths to avoid these. There is debate about its relationship with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Unlike ASD, children with PDA are said to use socially manipulative avoidance strategies; and unlike ODD, they resort to extreme, embarrassing or age‐inappropriate behaviour. To date, there has been little research into PDA, and it remains contentious. Currently, there are no questionnaire instruments available to aid consistency in description. This study reports the development and preliminary validation of the ‘Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionnaire’ (EDA‐Q), designed to quantify PDA traits based on parent‐reported information.

Methods

The validation study involved data from 326 parents of children aged 5‐17 allocated to six groups based on information reported by parents about received diagnoses and behavioural difficulties: (a) typically developing children (N = 102), (b) children with ASD without disruptive behaviour (N = 36), (c) children with ASD with disruptive behaviour (N = 48), (d) children for whom PDA was suspected by parents (irrespective of other diagnoses) (N = 67), (e) children who had, according to parents, been identified as having PDA by a health professional, irrespective of other diagnoses (N = 50), and (6) disruptive behaviour or behavioural problems without suspected/identified ASD or PDA (N = 23).

Results

Although the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) did not differentiate PDA from those with ASD plus disruptive behaviour; score on the EDA‐Q was significantly higher in PDA than all comparison groups. ROC analysis indicated good sensitivity (.80) and specificity (.85). Across all case groups, females scored higher than males on the EDA‐Q. Separate cut‐off scores were identified for older and younger age‐groups.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the potential utility of the EDA‐Q to assist the identification of this unusual profile for future research.
Subungual squamous cell carcinoma and exostosis in third toe – case report and literature review
Authors: Valero J. , Gallart J. , Gonzalez D. , Deus J. , Lahoz M.
Published: October 2013

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the ungual apparatus is a rare neoplasia. Although it is the most prevalent malignant tumour in this region, its diagnosis is often delayed because it is likened to benign or infectious processes.

Objectives

Present a case of SCC with subungual location in a toe, and carry out a review of the literature in relation to the most important aspects of subungual SCC in toes.

Methods

We describe the case of a white woman aged 72, with SCC located in the pulp and in the distal area of the nail bed of the third toe, associated with subungual exostosis. The literature on SCC in the subungual area of toes, in all its forms under clinical or histopathological presentation, is reviewed by means of a search involving Medline, PubMed, and Google Academic, from January 1994 to December 2011.

Results

Only 36 cases of subungual SCC in toes were reported in the 18 years that were reviewed. The average age of cases reviewed was 58.92, and the male‐to‐female ratio was 2 : 1. The most affected toe is the hallux, in 69.4% of cases. In 50% of cases, aetiology is unknown or indeterminate; in 22.3% of cases, aetiology is metastatic; and in 19.5% of cases, it is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). In 58.2% of cases, partial or total resection of the distal phalanx was carried out, of the entire toe, or of the osseous ray of the foot.

Conclusions

Chronic tissue irritation caused by microtrauma associated with subungual exostosis is the most probable aetiology of the case presented.
Constraints on the evolution of function‐valued traits: a study of growth in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Irwin K. K. , Carter P. A.
Published: October 2013

Growth trajectories often impact individual fitness. They are continuous by nature and so are amenable to analysis using a function‐valued (FV) trait framework to reveal their underlying genetic architecture. Previous studies have found high levels of standing additive genetic (co)variance for growth trajectories despite the expectation that growth should be responding to frequent strong directional selection. In this study, the FV framework is used to estimate the additive genetic covariance function for growth trajectories in larval Tribolium castaneum to address questions about standing additive genetic (co)variance and possible evolutionary constraints on growth and to predict responses to four plausible selection regimes. Results show that additive genetic (co)variance is high at the early ages, but decreases towards later ages in the larval period. A selection gradient function of the same size and in the same direction of the first eigenfunction of the G‐function should give the maximal response. However, evolutionary constraints may be acting to keep this maximal response from being realized, through either conflicting effects on survivability and fecundity of larger body size, few evolutionary directions having sufficient additive variance for a response, genetic trade‐offs with other traits or physiological regulatory mechanisms. More light may be shed on these constraints through the development of more sophisticated statistical approaches and implementation of additional empirical studies to explicitly test for specific types of constraints.
Suppression of aphids by augmentative release of larvae of flightless Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Seko T. , Sumi A. , Nakano A. , Kameshiro M. , Kaneda T. , Miura K.
Published: October 2013

The release of the larvae of flightless ladybird beetles could extend the duration of effective control because of the longer presence of adult stages, and the per individual production cost for juvenile stages is lower than that for adult stages. A preliminary release experiment was conducted to assess the effectiveness in controlling two aphid species, Aphis gossypii and Aulacorthum solani, using second instars of a flightless strain of Harmonia axyridis. The number of A. gossypii was suppressed in greenhouses that contained the flightless strain compared with greenhouses that contained the wild‐type strain. In one of two replicates, more flightless adults were observed on the plants for longer than wild‐type adults. However, it was not clear whether the extension of the residence period contributed to the effectiveness in controlling aphids directly, because the population of ladybirds in the greenhouses consisted of both larvae and adults during parts of the experimental period. In flightless H. axyridis, the release of larvae was more effective in suppressing A. solani than the release of adults. These results suggest that it may be more effective to release larvae of flightless H. axyridis than wild‐type larvae or flightless adults.
Marteiliosis in mussels: a rare disease?
Authors: Gombač M , Kušar D , Ocepek M , Pogačnik M , Arzul I , Couraleau Y , Jenčič V
Published: October 2013

Among 1280 cultured and wild adult Mediterranean mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis, collected over a 1‐year surveillance period from the Slovene Adriatic Sea, 0.3% were histologically positive for the presence of Marteilia spp. The infection was concentrated in winter. Employing the molecular methods of PCR, cloning, DNA restriction and sequencing, only Marteilia refringens type M was detected in all the infected mussels. Although all life‐cycle stages of M. refringens severely infected digestive glands, only sporadic disruption of epithelial cells of digestive tubules and focal destruction of digestive tubules were observed in the infected mussels. This was the first detection of M. refringens in M. galloprovincialis from the Slovene Adriatic Sea with the lowest prevalence reported to date. In addition, our results highlight the need for sequencing to complement the established PCR‐RFLP analysis for correct parasite typing.
Food deprivation causes rapid changes in the abundance and glucidic composition of the cutaneous mucous cells of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L.
Authors: Landeira‐Dabarca A , Álvarez M , Molist P
Published: October 2013

Cutaneous mucus is the first physical and chemical barrier of fish. This slime layer is secreted by mucous cells located in the epidermis and is mainly composed of glycoproteins that have their origin in the diet. Therefore, food deprivation can potentially change the abundance and glucidic nature of skin mucous cells, thus changing the mucus properties. To test this hypothesis, we conducted an experiment with Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. Changes in the number and glucidic nature of epidermal mucus cells were analysed using standard techniques. The outcome of this study shows that food deprivation caused a rapid decrease in the density of epidermal mucous cells in Atlantic salmon. Lectin histochemistry revealed a change in the presence and stainability of some sugar residues in the mucous cells of unfed fish compared with fed fish. Given that the primary reason for mucus secretion in fish is for protection against infections, we speculate that the changes in the mucus properties caused by nutritional stress may affect their disease resistance. This fact is particularly important for fish that spend a period of time deprived of food, either as a part of their natural life cycle, or as part of farming practices.
Hexamitiasis leads to lower metabolic rates in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) juveniles
Authors: Ogut H , Parlak R
Published: October 2013

This study assessed the effects of Hexamita salmonis (Moore) on metabolism of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) and its effect on the host's susceptibility to infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) after antiparasitic treatment. Rainbow trout naturally infected with H. salmonis were treated with 10 mg metronidazole kg fish−1 per day, and their physiological recovery was assessed through measuring resting metabolism on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after treatment. In addition, we exposed the naïve fish to H. salmonis and measured the resting metabolism (oxygen consumption as mg O2 kg−1 per hour) on the 10th, 20th and 30th day after the exposure to assess the variation in metabolic rates after infection. Significantly lower rates of metabolic activity (P < 0.05) were anticipated 20 days after infection with H. salmonis compared with the fish infected with H. salmonis for 10 days or with the parasite‐free fish. Similarly, the treated fish needed about 20 days to fully recover from hexamitiasis. The susceptibility of rainbow trout to IPNV remained unchanged in the presence of H. salmonis. Weight loss was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in infected than that in the parasite‐free fish. Fish should be examined regularly for H. salmonis and treated immediately whether found to prevent economic losses and excessive size variation.
Meta‐analysis: Is sequential therapy superior to standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in Asian adults?
Authors: Yoon Hyuk , Lee Dong Ho , Kim Nayoung , Park Young Soo , Shin Cheol Min , Kang Kyu Keun , Oh Dong Hyun , Jang Dong Kee , Chung Jun‐Won
Published: October 2013

Background and Aim

Although several meta‐analyses suggested that sequential therapy (SQT) is superior to standard triple therapy (STT) for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, these results were mainly based on the studies from Italy. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of 10‐day SQT for H. pylori infection compared with STT in Asian adults.

Methods

We performed an electronic search of the Cochrane Library, Medline, and Embase up to April 21, 2013, with no language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials comparing 10‐day SQT with STT for H. pylori eradication in Asian adults were included in this analysis. The primary outcome measures were the risk ratios (RRs) for successful eradication of H. pylori based on intention to treat comparing SQT with STT. The secondary outcome measures were the RRs for side effects.

Results

Seventeen randomized controlled trials with a total of 3419 participants (1591 for SQT and 1828 for STT) met the inclusion criteria. The eradication rate was 81.8% (95% CI: 78.9−84.6) for SQT and 74.3% (95% CI: 69.6−78.8) for SST, respectively. The pooled RR was 1.10 (95% CI: 1.04−1.16, P = 0.0005), which demonstrated significant superiority of SQT over STT, and the number needed to treat was 14 (95% CI: 9–29). There were no significant differences between SQT and STT in the risk of side effects (the pooled RR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.87−1.10, P = 0.73).

Conclusion

Ten‐day SQT appears to be superior to STT for H. pylori eradication in Asian adults. However, the pooled efficacy is lower than results from earlier European studies.
Tea Consumption and Mortality in the Oldest‐Old Chinese
Authors: Ruan Rongping , Feng Lei , Li Jialiang , Ng Tze‐Pin , Zeng Yi
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To investigate the association between tea consumption and mortality in the oldest‐old Chinese.

Design

Population‐based longitudinal data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were analyzed using a Cox semiparametric proportional hazard model.

Setting

Six hundred thirty‐one randomly selected counties and cities of China's 22 provinces.

Participants

Individuals aged 80 and older (N = 9,093) who provided complete data in the baseline survey (1998).

Measurements

Self‐reported current frequency of tea drinking and past frequency at approximately age 60 were ascertained at baseline survey; a follow‐up survey was conducted 2000, 2002, and 2005.

Results

In the oldest‐old Chinese, tea consumption was associated with lower risk of mortality after adjusting for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, health practices, and health status. Compared with non‐tea drinkers, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 0.90 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.84–0.96) for daily tea drinkers (at the baseline survey, 1998) and 1.00 (95% CI = 1.01–1.07) for occasional tea drinkers (P for linear trend .003). Similar results were found when tea drinking status at age 60 was used in the analysis. Further analysis showed that subjects who reported frequent tea drinking at age 60 and at the baseline survey had a 10% lower risk of mortality than subjects who reported infrequent tea drinking at age 60 and at the baseline survey (HR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.84–0.97).

Conclusion

Tea consumption is associated with lower risk of mortality in the oldest‐old Chinese.
Can stable isotope analysis reveal dietary differences among groups with distinct income levels in the city of Piracicaba (southeast region, Brazil)?
Authors: Gragnani J. G. , Garavello M. E. P. E. , Silva R. J. , Nardoto G. B. , Martinelli L. A.
Published: October 2013

Background

The present study aimed to determine whether the δ13C and δ15N of fingernails (δ13CF and δ15NF, respectively) would exhibit differences between groups from different income levels in the city of Piracicaba, Brazil.

Methods

In 2010, the fingernails of 273 participants belonging to six income groups were analysed to determine isotopic composition. δ13CF and δ15NF were compared with the stable isotope of a putative diet (δ13CD and δ15ND, respectively), which was estimated via an isotopic mass balance using, as a weighting factor, macronutrient intake by the main food items, as obtained by the 2008–2009 household food purchases conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics.

Results

δ13CF values showed a decreasing trend towards the lower income level groups, in accordance with the δ13CD values that showed the same trend. This isotopic change was mainly a result of the higher consumption of beef, bread, soft drinks and dairy by the highest income group; and also as a result of the higher consumption of soybean oil, rice and sugar by the lowest income group. The δ15NF values failed to capture differences in groups between income levels. This outcome was not expected because individuals in a higher income group tend to consume more animal protein and, as a result of the trophic fractionation, have higher δ15N values.

Conclusions

The combination of household purchase surveys and stable isotopic composition in modern humans is found to be a valuable tool, especially with respect to determining the role of C3 and C4 plants through the complex modern food chain.
Wheat genotypic variability in grain yield and carbon isotope discrimination under Mediterranean conditions assessed by spectral reflectance
Authors: Lobos Gustavo A. , Matus Iván , Rodriguez Alejandra , Romero‐Bravo Sebastián , Araus José Luis , del Pozo Alejandro
Published: October 2013

A collection of 368 advanced lines and cultivars of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from Chile, Uruguay, and CIMMYT (Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y Trigo), with good agronomic characteristics were evaluated under the Mediterranean conditions of central Chile. Three different water regimes were assayed: severe water stress (SWS, rain fed), mild water stress (MWS; one irrigation around booting), and full irrigation (FI; four irrigations: at tillering, flag leaf appearance, heading, and middle grain filling). Traits evaluated were grain yield (GY), agronomical yield components, days from sowing to heading, carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) in kernels, and canopy spectral reflectance. Correlation analyses were performed for 70 spectral reflectance indices (SRI) and the other traits evaluated in the three trials. GY and Δ13C were the traits best correlated with SRI, particularly when these indices were measured during grain filling. However, only GY could be predicted using a single regression, with Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI2: 2,200; 1,100) having the best fit to the data for the three trials. For Δ13C, only individual regressions could be forecast under FI (r2: 0.25–0.37) and MWS (r2: 0.45–0.59) but not under SWS (r2: 0.03–0.09). NIR‐based SRI proved to be better predictors than those that combine visible and NIR wavelengths.
Corticosterone administration up‐regulated expression of norepinephrine transporter and dopamine β‐hydroxylase in rat locus coeruleus and its terminal regions
Authors: Fan Yan , Chen Ping , Li Ying , Cui Kui , Noel Daniel M. , Cummins Elizabeth D. , Peterson Daniel J. , Brown Russell W. , Zhu Meng‐Yang
Published: October 2013

Stress has been reported to activate the locus coeruleus (LC)–noradrenergic system. In this study, corticosterone (CORT) was orally administrated to rats for 21 days to mimic stress status. In situ hybridization measurements showed that CORT ingestion significantly increased mRNA levels of norepinephrine transporter (NET) and dopamine β‐hydroxylase (DBH) in the LC region. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting revealed that CORT treatment also increased protein levels of NET and DBH in the LC, as well as NET protein levels in the hippocampus, the frontal cortex and the amygdala. However, CORT‐induced increase in DBH protein levels only appeared in the hippocampus and the amygdala. Elevated NET and DBH expression in most of these areas (except for NET protein levels in the LC) was abolished by simultaneous treatment with combination of corticosteroid receptor antagonist mifepristone and spironolactone (s.c. for 21 days). Also, treatment with mifepristone alone prevented CORT‐induced increases of NET expression and DBH protein levels in the LC. In addition, behavioral tasks showed that CORT ingestion facilitated escape in avoidance trials using an elevated T‐maze, but interestingly, there was no significant effect on the escape trial. Corticosteroid receptor antagonists failed to counteract this response in CORT‐treated rats. In the open‐field task, CORT treatment resulted in less activity in a defined central zone compared to controls and corticosteroid receptor antagonist treatment alleviated this increase. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that chronic exposure to CORT results in a phenotype that mimics stress‐induced alteration of noradrenergic phenotypes, but the effects on behavior are task dependent. As the sucrose consumption test strongly suggests CORT ingestion‐induced depression‐like behavior, further elucidation of underlying mechanisms may improve our understanding of the correlation between stress and the development of depression.

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Chronic stress and dysfunction of the noradrenergic system are etiologically related to depression. In an attempt to explore their interaction, we found that chronic ingestion of corticosterone (CORT) up‐regulated expression of noradrenergic transporter (NET) and dopamine β‐hydroxylase (DBH) in the locus coeruleus and its main projection regions, which may induce an increase in cellular norepinephrine concentration. This interaction may represent an adaptive action to stress for maintaining homeostasis.
Genomic editing opens new avenues for zebrafish as a model for neurodegeneration
Authors: Schmid Bettina , Haass Christian
Published: October 2013

Zebrafish has become a popular model organism to study human diseases. We will highlight the advantages and limitations of zebrafish as a model organism to study neurodegenerative diseases and introduce zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator‐like effector nucleases, and the recently established clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat‐associated system for genome editing. The efficiency of the novel genome editing tools now greatly facilitates knock‐out and, importantly, also makes knock‐in approaches feasible in zebrafish. Genome editing in zebrafish avoids unspecific phenotypes caused by off‐target effects and toxicity as frequently seen in conventional knock‐down approaches.
Molecular mechanism of ERK dephosphorylation by striatal‐enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase
Authors: Li Rong , Xie Di‐Dong , Dong Jun‐hong , Li Hui , Li Kang‐shuai , Su Jing , Chen Lai‐Zhong , Xu Yun‐Fei , Wang Hong‐Mei , Gong Zheng , Cui Guo‐Ying , Yu Xiao , Wang Kai , Yao Wei , Xin Tao , Li Min‐Yong , Xiao Kun‐Hong , An Xiao‐fei , Huo Yuqing , Xu Zhi‐gang , Sun Jin‐Peng , Pang Qi
Published: October 2013

Striatal‐enriched tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) is an important regulator of neuronal synaptic plasticity, and its abnormal level or activity contributes to cognitive disorders. One crucial downstream effector and direct substrate of STEP is extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK), which has important functions in spine stabilisation and action potential transmission. The inhibition of STEP activity toward phospho‐ERK has the potential to treat neuronal diseases, but the detailed mechanism underlying the dephosphorylation of phospho‐ERK by STEP is not known. Therefore, we examined STEP activity toward para‐nitrophenyl phosphate, phospho‐tyrosine‐containing peptides, and the full‐length phospho‐ERK protein using STEP mutants with different structural features. STEP was found to be a highly efficient ERK tyrosine phosphatase that required both its N‐terminal regulatory region and key residues in its active site. Specifically, both kinase interaction motif (KIM) and kinase‐specific sequence of STEP were required for ERK interaction. In addition to the N‐terminal kinase‐specific sequence region, S245, hydrophobic residues L249/L251, and basic residues R242/R243 located in the KIM region were important in controlling STEP activity toward phospho‐ERK. Further kinetic experiments revealed subtle structural differences between STEP and HePTP that affected the interactions of their KIMs with ERK. Moreover, STEP recognised specific positions of a phospho‐ERK peptide sequence through its active site, and the contact of STEP F311 with phospho‐ERK V205 and T207 were crucial interactions. Taken together, our results not only provide the information for interactions between ERK and STEP, but will also help in the development of specific strategies to target STEP‐ERK recognition, which could serve as a potential therapy for neurological disorders.

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Regulation of phospho‐ERK by STEP underlies important neuronal activities. A detailed enzymologic characterisation and cellular studies of STEP revealed that specific residues in KIM and active site mediated ERK recognition. Structural differences between the KIM‐ERK interfaces and the active site among different ERK phosphatases could be targeted to develop specific STEP inhibitor, which has therapeutic potential for neurological disorders. PKA, protein kinase A & NGF, nerve growth factor.
Regulation of DNA methylation by ethanol induces tissue plasminogen activator expression in astrocytes
Authors: Zhang Xiaolu , Kusumo Handojo , Sakharkar Amul J. , Pandey Subhash C. , Guizzetti Marina
Published: October 2013

Alcohol exposure affects neuronal plasticity in the adult and developing brain. Astrocytes play a major role in modulating neuronal plasticity and are a target of ethanol. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is involved in modulating neuronal plasticity by degrading the extracellular matrix proteins including fibronectin and laminin and is up‐regulated by ethanol in vivo. In this study we explored the hypothesis that ethanol affects DNA methylation in astrocytes thereby increasing expression and release of tPA. It was found that ethanol increased tPA mRNA levels, an effect mimicked by an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity. Ethanol also increased tPA protein expression and release, and inhibited DNMT activity with a corresponding decrease in DNA methylation levels of the tPA promoter. Furthermore, it was observed that protein levels of DNMT3A, but not DNMT1, were reduced in astrocytes after ethanol exposure. These novel studies show that ethanol inhibits DNA methylation in astrocytes leading to increased tPA expression and release; this effect may be involved in astrocyte‐mediated inhibition of neuronal plasticity by alcohol.

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We propose that ethanol, by decreasing DNMT‐3a (DNA methyltransferase) levels and by inhibiting DNMT activity, reduces DNA methylation of the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) promoter and leads to increased tPA mRNA and protein expression in astrocytes; tPA released is also increased by ethanol. As tPA promotes the degradation of neuritogenic extracellular matrix, the observed dysregulation of the epigenetic mechanism of DNA methylation in astyrocytes may be involved in ethanol‐induced inhibition of astrocyte‐mediated neuritogenesis.
Neuroprotective and anti‐apoptotic effects of liraglutide on SH‐SY5Y cells exposed to methylglyoxal stress
Authors: Sharma Mohit K. , Jalewa Jaishree , Hölscher Christian
Published: October 2013

Glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) is a growth factor that has demonstrated neuroprotective properties in a range of studies. In an APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we previously found protective effects on memory formation, synaptic plasticity, synapse survival and a reduction of amyloid synthesis and plaque load in the brain. Here, we analyse the neuroprotective properties of the GLP‐1 analogue liraglutide in human neuroblastoma cell line SH‐SY5Y during methyl glyoxal stress. We show for the first time that cell viability was enhanced by liraglutide (XTT assay) in a dose‐dependent way, while cytotoxicity (LDH assay) and apoptosis were reduced. Expression of the pro‐survival Mcl1 signaling protein was increased, as was activation of cell survival kinases Akt, MEK1/2 and the transcription factor p90RSK. Liraglutide also decreased pro‐apoptotic Bax and Bik expression. In addition, the membrane potential and the influx of calcium into the cell were enhanced by liraglutide. GLP‐1 receptor expression was also increased by the drug. The results demonstrate a range of growth factor‐related cytoprotective processes induced by liraglutide, which is currently on the market as a treatment for type 2 diabetes (Victoza®). It is also tested in clinical trials in patients with Alzheimer disease.

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We investigated the neuroprotective properties of the GLP‐1 analogue liraglutide in SH‐SY5Y cells during methyl glyoxal stress. Cell survival was enhanced, while cytotoxicity and apoptosis was reduced. Expression of the pro‐survival Mcl1 signaling protein, activation of Akt, MEK1/2 and the transcription factor p90RSK was increased. Pro‐apoptotic Bax and Bik expression was reduced, and the influx of calcium into the cell was normalised. The results demonstrate a range of growth factor related cytoprotective processes induced by the drug liraglutide.