bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Bauhinia saksuwaniae sp. nov. (Leguminosae–Caesalpinioideae) from Thailand
Authors: Mattapha Sawai , Chantaranothai Pranom , Suddee Somran
Published: December 2013

The following article from the Nordic Journal of Botany, ‘Bauhinia saksuwaniae sp. nov. (Leguminosae‐Caesalpinioideae) from Thailand.’ by Sawai Mattapha, Pranom Chantaranothai and Somran Suddee, published online on 11 December 2013 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Torbjörn Tyler and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to the publication of a species under the name B. nakhonpranomensis, prior to the publication of this article.
Picrorhiza tungnathii sp. nov. from western Himalaya, India
Authors: Pusalkar Prashant K.
Published: December 2013

The new species Picrorhiza tungnathii Pusalkar is described and illustrated from the western Himalaya, India. It is distinguished from the allied P. kurrooa Royle ex Benth. by being 10–25 cm tall, having a moderately dense, (10–)15–25‐flowered spike, a zygomorphic, 2‐lipped, glandular‐ciliate corolla that is equaling or slightly exceeding the calyx and partly visible or sub‐exserted between the calyx lobes, a conspicuously long (longer than the corolla lobes), curved corolla tube (1/2–4/5 the length of the calyx), unequal corolla lobes that are ovate‐lanceolate to lanceolate, acute to sub‐acuminate and moderately ciliate, a mid‐lobe of the upper lip that is obliquely erect, galeate with retuse or emarginate apex, lateral corolla lobes that are slightly smaller than the mid‐lobe of the upper lip, a lower corolla lip that is slightly shorter than the lateral lobes, obliquely erect or spreading, didynamous, long‐exserted (2–3 times the corolla) stamens, pollen of the Paederota‐type and a style that is 2–3 times as long as the corolla.
Multi‐Site and Multi‐Ionization of Sn in the Doping of BaTiO3
Authors: Lee Chung‐Eun , Randall Clive A. , Kim Doo‐Young , Kim Sang Hyuk
Published: December 2013

This article considers the diverse substitutional effects of the Sn cations in the BaTiO3 lattice and its impact on the electrical conduction as a function of A/B stoichiometry, oxygen partial pressure, and temperature. High‐density specimens were fabricated in the different oxygen partial pressures to control the valence state of Sn ion. Specifically, the nonstoichiometric materials were sintered in a low pO2 atmosphere (10−14 atm at 1320°C) and in a high pO2 atmosphere (10−0.21 atm at 1320°C), respectively. It is found that Sn occupying the Ti‐site acts as an acceptor dopant, and the electronic conductivity varies from a n‐type to p‐type transition, with increasing oxygen activity as mostly expected. However, there is an unusual case noted with Sn doping the A‐site where the conductivity, σ, is invariant at high pO2's, i.e., σ ~  with m ≈ 0 in the high pO2 regime. The variation of the conductivity is explained by a valence changing of Sn ion from +2 to +3 to +4 with increasing oxygen partial pressure, and we model this data across all conditions within a self‐consistent defect chemistry model.
Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations
Authors: Weber Lui C. , VanDerWal Jeremy , Schmidt Susanne , McDonald William J. F. , Shoo Luke P.
Published: December 2013

Aim

Our aims were to identify centres of endemism and to infer whether these areas have functioned as refugia for subtropical rain forest plants through historical climate fluctuations.

Location

Subtropical easternAustralia (23–33° S; 145–155° E).

Methods

We collated 25,000 records of 179 endemic rain forest plants to identify geographical areas with unusually high concentrations of endemic taxa and range‐restricted endemics. We then tested whether centres of endemism coincide with other features indicating refugia, including habitat stability over 120,000 years, and we related dispersal patterns to past habitat stability using seed weight as a surrogate for dispersal ability of endemic plant taxa.

Results

We identified five main centres of endemism. Historical stability and other processes affecting diversity, including current rainfall, rain forest area, and topographic complexity, explained 58% of variation in plant‐weighted endemism. Taxa with poor dispersal ability were concentrated in the areas that were most stable historically.

Main conclusions

Several lines of evidence suggest that centres of endemism have functioned as important refugia for subtropical rain forest taxa through historical climate fluctuations. The highest concentrations of range‐restricted endemic species occur in locations that are predicted to have maintained stable rain forest habitat over at least the past 120,000 years. This association was independent from other factors that were expected to promote diversity (i.e. rain forest area and current environmental suitability). These locations have disproportionately high concentrations of species with poor dispersal ability (large‐seeded species).
Regulation of cyp26a1 on Th17 cells in mouse peri‐implantation
Authors: Liu Hai‐Yan , Chao Huhe , Liu Zhen‐Kun , Xia Hong‐Fei , Song Zhihui , Yang Ying , Peng Jing‐Pian
Published: December 2013

Cytochrome P450 26A1 (cyp26a1) is expressed in the mouse uterus during peri‐implantation. The repression of this protein is closely associated with a reduction in implantation sites, suggesting a specific role for cyp26a1 in pregnancy and prompting questions concerning how a metabolic enzyme can generate this distinct outcome. To explore the effective downstream targets of cyp26a1 and confirm if its role in peri‐implantation depends on its metabolic substrate RA (retinoic acid), we characterized the changes in the peripheral blood, spleen and uterine implantation sites using the cyp26a1 gene vaccine constructed before. Flow cytometry results showed a significant increase in CD4+RORγt+ Th17 cells in both the peripheral blood and spleen in the experimental group. The expression of RORγt and IL‐17 presented the Th17 cells reduction in uterus followed by the suppression of cyp26a1 expression. For greater certainty, cyp26a1 antibody blocking model and RNA interference model were constructed to determine the precise target immune cell group. High performance liquid chromatography results showed a significant increase in uterine at‐RA followed by the immunization of cyp26a1 gene vaccine. Both the ascertain by measuring RARα protein levels in peri‐implantation uterus after gene vaccine immunization and researches using the specific agonist and antagonist against RARα suggested that RARα may be the main RA receptor for signal transduction. These results provided more evidence for the signal messenger role of RA in cyp26a1 regulation from the other side. Here, we showed that the cyp26a1‐regulated Th17 cells are dependent on at‐RA signalling, which is delivered through RARα in mouse peri‐implantation.
Anchoring Democracy from Above? The European Union and Democratic Backsliding in Hungary and Romania after Accession
Authors: Sedelmeier Ulrich
Published: December 2013

This article analyzes the European Union's reactions to breaches of liberal democratic practices in Hungary and Romania during 2012–13 in order to assess its capacity to lock in democracy in the Member States. The article finds that a combination of partisan politics and weak normative consensus thwarted the EU's ability to use the sanctioning mechanism of Article 7. The effectiveness of alternative instruments that EU institutions used – social pressure, infringement procedures and issue linkage – varied across issues and countries. In Hungary, changes to illiberal practices generally remained limited, but differences in the EU's material leverage explain cross‐issue variation. The EU's relative success in Romania suggests that it is not necessarily powerless against democratic backsliding. It might require a demanding constellation of favourable conditions for both social and material pressure, but there are grounds for a more optimistic interpretation that material leverage might be unnecessary if the conditions for social pressure are favourable.
PREDICTING EXTREME RETURNS AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Fodor Andy , Krieger Kevin , Mauck Nathan , Stevenson Greg
Published: December 2013

We consider which readily observable characteristics of individual stocks may be used to forecast subsequent extreme price movements. We believe we are the first to explicitly consider the predictive influence of option implied volatility in such a framework, which we find to be an important indicator. However, after controlling for implied volatility levels, other factors, particularly firm age and size, continue to have additional predictive power of extreme returns. Furthermore, excluding predicted extreme return stocks leads to a portfolio that has lower risk (standard deviation of returns and lower beta) without sacrificing performance.
CHANGES IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE: ASSET CHARACTERISTICS OR MANAGERIAL PREFERENCES
Authors: Gombola Michael , Marciukaityte Dalia
Published: December 2013

We examine leverage changes around mergers by similar‐size firms. If asset characteristics drive leverage, both acquirer and target premerger leverage should predict long‐term postmerger leverage. We find that only acquirer premerger leverage has a long‐term effect. The effect of target premerger leverage, while highly significant right after the merger, disappears after two years. These findings cannot be explained by suboptimal premerger leverage of targets, sales of target assets, or corporate governance characteristics. As acquirer managers usually manage the merged firm, our findings support the hypothesis that managerial preferences have a strong effect on firm leverage.
Treatment efficacy of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients with mixed genotype 1/2 infection
Authors: Huang Ching‐I , Huang Chung‐Feng , Huang Jee‐Fu , Dai Chia‐Yen , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Hsieh Ming‐Yen , Lin Zu‐Yau , Chen Shinn‐Cherng , Wang Liang‐Yen , Yu Ming‐Lung , Chuang Wan‐Long
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

The treatment efficacy of patients with mixed hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1/genotype 2 (HCV‐1/2) remains unknown. We aimed to elucidate the sustained virological response (SVR) rate in patients with HCV‐1/2 infection.

Methods

One hundred and ten HCV‐1/2 patients treated with response‐guided peginterferon/ribavirin therapy (24 weeks for patients with a rapid virological response [RVR] and low viral loads; 48 weeks for patients without a RVR or high viral loads) were allocated. Two hundred HCV‐1 patients were selected as a historical control. Interleukin‐28B (IL‐28B) rs8099917 genotype was tested for the association with an SVR.

Results

The rates of RVR, sustained virologic response (SVR), and relapse rate were 71.8%, 87.3%, and 11.1%, respectively. The SVR rate was significantly higher in patients with an abbreviated regimen as compared with those with 48‐week regimen (95.5% vs 75.0%, P = 0.002), and both were similar to the HCV‐1 historical control. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that lower baseline viral loads were the single factor predictive of an RVR (odds ratio/95% confidence intervals [OR/CI] of 41.62/9.72–178.19, P < 0.001). The achievement of an RVR was the single best factor predictive of an SVR (OR/CI: 7.5/1.33–42.27, P = 0.02). Nevertheless, an abbreviated regimen became the single factor associated with an SVR if treatment regimen was taken into consideration (OR/CI: 11.0/1.25–96.79, P = 0.03). The SVR rate did not differ between patients with rs8099917 TT and TG/GG genotype (91.7% vs 87.5%, P = 0.63).

Conclusions

The treatment efficacy of patients with HCV‐1/2 was satisfactory. The role of IL‐28B genetic variants in the population with response‐guided therapy was limited.
Carnitine for prevention of antituberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity: A randomized, clinical trial
Authors: Hatamkhani Shima , Khalili Hossein , Karimzadeh Iman , Dashti‐Khavidaki Simin , Abdollahi Alireza , Jafari Sirous
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

In the present study, the potential benefits of oral carnitine in preventing antituberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity (ATDH) were evaluated.

Methods

Fifty‐four patients in the carnitine and 62 patients in the placebo group completed the study. The carnitine group received 1000 mg oral carnitine solution twice daily for 4 weeks. The placebo group received 10 mL of oral placebo solution twice daily for 4 weeks. ATDH was defined as an increase in the serum level of aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase greater than three or five times of the upper limit of normal with or without clinical symptoms of hepatotoxicity, respectively.

Results

During the study period, 29 (25%) patients experienced ATDH. Among these patients, nine (16.7%) and 20 (32.3%) were in the carnitine and placebo groups, respectively (P = 0.049). Based on multivariate logistic regression model, age over 35 years old (odds ratio [OR] = 7.01, P = 0.002), human immunodeficiency virus infection (OR = 40.4, P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR = 37.6, P = 0.001), and placebo treatment (OR = 0.1, P = 0.01) were identified as predisposing factors for ATDH.

Conclusion

Results of our preliminary clinical trial suggested that cotreatment with 2000 mg oral L‐carnitine solution daily for 4 weeks significantly decreased the rate of ATDH.
Role of IL28B for chronic hepatitis C treatment toward personalized medicine
Authors: Matsuura Kentaro , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: December 2013

Genome‐wide association studies recently revealed that certain interleukin‐28B (IL28B) polymorphisms are strongly associated with responses to pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) therapy in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1, as well as with spontaneous clearance of HCV. Subsequent reports revealed that IL28B genotypes also affect treatment efficacy in chronic infection with other HCV genotypes. Furthermore, there have been several reports that implicate IL28B genotypes in inflammatory status, progression of fibrosis and adverse clinical outcomes in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Therapy of CHC recently entered a new era with the deployment of direct‐acting antivirals. These include nonstructural 3/4A protease inhibitors which have shown promise in combination with PEG‐IFN/RBV in several clinical trials. IFN‐free therapy is expected to be useful especially in IFN‐resistant patients and may become the standard of care in the future. Several clinical trials have revealed an association between IL28B genotype and treatment efficacy in triple therapy or IFN‐free regimens. On the other hand the mechanism of the effect of IL28B on HCV infection has not yet been elucidated. Recently, it was shown that the polymorphism of IFN‐lambda 4 (IFNL4) is in high linkage disequilibrium with that of near IL28B, and more strongly associated with spontaneous or treatment‐induced HCV clearance than IL28B genotypes, especially in individuals of African ancestry. This finding provides new insights into the genetic regulation of HCV clearance and its clinical management. IL28B genotyping will be also useful for personalized CHC treatment in the forthcoming era of direct‐acting antivirals.
Endoscopic diagnosis of early neoplasia of the esophagus with narrow band imaging: Correlations among background coloration and iodine staining findings
Authors: Takahashi Masakazu , Shimizu Yuichi , Ono Masayoshi , Suzuki Mio , Omori Saori , Yoshida Takeshi , Mori Yasuaki , Nakagawa Manabu , Ono Shouko , Nakagawa Soichi , Mabe Katsuhiro , Kato Mototsugu , Hatanaka Kanako , Asaka Masahiro , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

It was previously reported that high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia of the esophagus turns pink within a few minutes after iodine staining (pink‐color sign; PCS); however, iodine staining is uncomfortable. By using narrow band imaging (NBI), color change in the area between the intraepithelial papillary capillary loop (background coloration; BGC) is often observed within the brownish area. The diagnostic usefulness of BGC findings for differentiating high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia from low‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia was evaluated.

Methods

In a prospective observational study from September 2010 to August 2012, 285 patients who were in a high‐risk group for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma underwent endoscopic examination. Lesions with both endoscopic findings of dilated intraepithelial papillary capillary loop on NBI and iodine‐unstained areas were studied, in which endoscopic biopsy or endoscopic resection was subsequently performed. The esophageal background mucosa was also evaluated on the basis of the iodine staining pattern (uniform type: Group U, scattered type: Group S).

Results

One hundred three esophageal lesions in 87 patients were studied. When BGC was used as the differentiation index, sensitivity was 93.8%, specificity was 88.2%, and accuracy was 91.3%. When PCS was used, sensitivity was 97.9%, specificity was 88.2%, and accuracy was 93.2% (P = 0.79). In Group U (n = 54), BGC had an accuracy of 93.8%, and PCS had an accuracy of 92.3% (P = 1.0). On the other hand, in Group S (n = 33), BGC had an accuracy of 86.8%, while PCS had an accuracy of 94.7% (P = 0.27).

Conclusions

Diagnosis using BGC on NBI may substitute for diagnosis based on PCS in many patients.
Assessment of liver fibrosis with elastography point quantification technique in chronic hepatitis B virus patients: A comparison with liver pathological results
Authors: Ma Jiao‐jiao , Ding Hong , Mao Feng , Sun Hui‐chuan , Xu Chen , Wang Wen‐ping
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

Elastography point quantification (ElastPQ) was a newly non‐invasive method for the assessment of liver fibrosis by measuring liver stiffness. We aimed at evaluating the reproducibility of ElastPQ technology in the determination of liver stiffness and to investigate the value of ElastPQ in liver fibrosis staging among chronic hepatitis B patients.

Methods

A total of 291 successive patients who underwent liver partial hepatectomy or biopsy were examined with the ElastPQ technology for the measurement of liver stiffness. Ten ElastPQ measurements were obtained in the right lobe of the liver through the seventh to the tenth intercostal space for every patient. The reproducibility of ElastPQ technology was analyzed with intraclass correlation (ICC) of reliability analysis. Comparing the median of 10 measurements of ElastPQ with liver fibrosis, necroinflammatory activity, and steatosis pathologically, as well as gender and age, potential factors affecting liver stiffness were explored by multiple linear regression analysis, and the performances of ElastPQ were evaluated with repeated measures anova and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The ICC of 10 measurements of liver stiffness with ElastPQ technique was 0.798, which indicated a good reproducibility. Liver fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity were positively correlated with ElastPQ (P = 0.00, 0.01 < 0.05) while other factors had no effect on ElastPQ. There was significant difference of ElastPQ between S1 (5.60 ± 2.55 kPa) and S2 (7.44 ± 3.43 kPa) (P = 0.01 < 0.05), and S3 (8.71 ± 3.14 kPa) and S4 (10.87 ± 5.25 kPa) (P = 0.01 < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve was 0.94 (6.99 kPa, the optimal cut‐off value) for ElastPQ measured with ElastPQ between S0–1 and S2–3, 0.89 (9.00 kPa) for ElastPQ between S2–3 and S4.

Conclusion

ElastPQ is a valid and reproducible non‐invasive technology in liver stiffness measurement among chronic hepatitis B patients. The stage of liver fibrosis and the grade of necroinflammatory activity are associated with values of ElastPQ while liver fibrosis is the dominating factor affecting liver stiffness measured by ElastPQ.
Side population cell fractions from hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines increased with tumor dedifferentiation, but lack characteristic features of cancer stem cells
Authors: Nakayama Masamichi , Ogasawara Sachiko , Akiba Jun , Ueda Kosuke , Koura Keiko , Todoroki Keita , Kinoshita Hisafumi , Yano Hirohisa
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a minority population with stem cell‐like characteristics, play important roles in cancer development and progression. Putative CSC markers, such as CD13, CD90, CD133, and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and side population (SP) technique are generally used in an attempt to isolate CSCs. We aimed to clarify the relationship between CSCs and clonal dedifferentiation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We used a well‐differentiated HCC cell line (HAK‐1A) and a poorly differentiated HCC cell line (HAK‐1B) established from a single nodule with histological heterogeneity. HAK‐1B arose because of clonal dedifferentiation of HAK‐1A. The SP cells and non‐SP (NSP) cells were isolated from the two cell lines with a FACSAria II and used for the analyses.

Results

The SP cell fractions in HAK‐1A and HAK‐1B were 0.2% and 0.9%, respectively. CD90 or EpCAM was not expressed in either HAK‐1A or HAK‐1B, while CD13 and CD133 were expressed in HAK‐1B alone. Although sphere forming ability, tumorigenicity, growth rate, and CD13 expression were higher in HAK‐1B SP cells than HAK‐1B NSP cells, there were no differences in drug resistance, colony forming ability, or cell cycle rates between HAK‐1B SP and NSP cells, suggesting HAK‐1B SP cells do not fulfill CSC criteria.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested a possible relationship between the expression of CSC markers and clonal dedifferentiation. However, the complete features of CSC could not be identified in SP cells, and the concept of SP cells as a universal marker for CSC may not apply to HAK‐1A and HAK‐1B.
Effects of dietary supplementation of glucosamine sulfate on intestinal inflammation in a mouse model of experimental colitis
Authors: Bak Youn‐Kyung , Lampe Johanna W. , Sung Mi‐Kyung
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

Epidemiological evidences suggested an inverse association between the use of glucosamine supplements and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. In this study, the efficacy of glucosamine to attenuate dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis, a precancerous condition for CRC, was evaluated.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were separated into three groups receiving glucosamine sulfate at concentrations of 0, 0.05, and 0.10% (w/w) of AIN‐93G diet, respectively for 4 weeks. Colitis was induced by supplying two cycles (5 days per cycle) of 2% DSS in the animals' drinking water.

Results

Glucosamine supplementation at the level of 0.10% of the diet (w/w) reduced colitis‐associated symptoms as measured by disease activity index (DAI). Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β, and nuclear factor‐kappa B mRNA expression in the colonic mucosa was significantly lower in animals fed 0.10% glucosamine compared with those of the control group. Expression of the tight junction proteins ZO‐1 and occludin was significantly higher in the 0.10% glucosamine‐supplemented group compared with the other groups. Also, colonic protein expression of lipocalin 2, and serum concentrations of interleukin‐8 and amyloid P component (SAP) were significantly reduced in the 0.10% glucosamine‐supplemented group compared with the control group.

Conclusion

These results suggest that glucosamine attenuates the colitis disease activity by suppressing NF‐κB activation and related inflammatory responses.
SbHKT1;4, a member of the high‐affinity potassium transporter gene family from Sorghum bicolor, functions to maintain optimal Na+/K+ balance under Na+ stress
Authors: Wang Tian‐Tian , Ren Zhi‐Jie , Liu Zhi‐Quan , Feng Xue , Guo Rui‐Qi , Li Bao‐Guo , Li Le‐Gong , Jing Hai‐Chun
Published: December 2013

In halophytic plants, the high‐affinity potassium transporter HKT gene family can selectively uptake K+ in the presence of toxic concentrations of Na+. This has so far not been well examined in glycophytic crops. Here, we report the characterization of SbHKT1;4, a member of the HKT gene family from Sorghum bicolor. Upon Na+ stress, SbHKT1;4 expression was more strongly upregulated in salt‐tolerant sorghum accession, correlating with a better balanced Na+/K+ ratio and enhanced plant growth. Heterogeneous expression analyses in mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Arabidopsis thaliana indicated that overexpressing SbHKT1;4 resulted in hypersensitivity to Na+ stress, and such hypersensitivity could be alleviated with the supply of elevated levels of K+, implicating that SbHKT1;4 may mediate K+ uptake in the presence of excessive Na+. Further electrophysiological evidence demonstrated that SbHKT1;4 could transport Na+ and K+ when expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The relevance of the finding that SbHKT1;4 functions to maintain optimal Na+/K+ balance under Na+ stress to the breeding of salt‐tolerant glycophytic crops is discussed.
Farinose flavonoids are associated with high freezing tolerance in fairy primrose (Primula malacoides) plants
Authors: Isshiki Ryutaro , Galis Ivan , Tanakamaru Shigemi
Published: December 2013

The deposition of surface (farinose) flavonoids on aerial parts of some Primula species is a well‐documented but poorly understood phenomenon. Here, we show that flavonoid deposition on the leaves and winter buds may contribute strongly to preventing freezing damage in these plants. The ice nucleation temperature of fairy primrose (Primula malacoides) leaves covered with natural flavone was approximately 6 °C lower compared to those that had their flavone artificially removed. Additionally, farinose flavonoids on the leaves reduced subsequent electrolyte leakage (EL) from the cells exposed to freezing temperatures. Interestingly, exogenous application of flavone at 4 mg/g fresh weight to P. malacoides leaves, which had the original flavone mechanically removed, restored freezing tolerance, and diminished EL from the cells to pretreatment values. Our results suggest that farinose flavonoids may function as mediators of freezing tolerance in P. malacoides, and exogenous application of flavone could be used to reduce freezing damage during sudden but predictable frost events in other plant species.
Is salamander hindlimb regeneration similar to that of the forelimb? Anatomical and morphogenetic analysis of hindlimb muscle regeneration in GFP‐transgenic axolotls as a basis for regenerative and developmental studies
Authors: Diogo R. , Murawala P. , Tanaka E. M.
Published: December 2013

The axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum is one of the most used model organisms in developmental and regenerative studies because it is commonly said that it can reconstitute a normal and fully functional forelimb/hindlimb after amputation. However, there is not a publication that has described in detail the regeneration of the axolotl hindlimb muscles. Here we describe and illustrate, for the first time, the regeneration of the thigh, leg and foot muscles in transgenic axolotls that express green fluorescent protein in muscle fibers and compare our results with data obtained by us and by other authors about axolotl forelimb regeneration and about fore‐ and hindlimb ontogeny in axolotls, frogs and other tetrapods. Our observations and comparisons point out that: (1) there are no muscle anomalies in any regenerated axolotl hindlimbs, in clear contrast to our previous study of axolotl forelimb regeneration, where we found muscle anomalies in 43% of the regenerated forelimbs; (2) during axolotl hindlimb regeneration there is a proximo‐distal and a tibio‐fibular morphogenetic gradient in the order of muscle regeneration and differentiation, but not a ventro‐dorsal gradient, whereas our previous studies showed that in axolotl forelimb muscle regeneration there are proximo‐distal, radio‐ulnar and ventro‐dorsal morphogenetic gradients. We discuss the broader implications of these observations for regenerative, evolutionary, developmental and morphogenetic studies.
Assessment of possible immunotoxicity of the antipsychotic drug clozapine
Authors: Abdelrahman Yaseen , Fararjeh Mohammad , Abdel-Razeq Wesam , Mohammad Mohammad K , Bustanji Yasser
Published: December 2013

Objectives

The immunomodulatory effects of clozapine (CLZ), antipsychotic drug, were investigated in vivo using female Balb/c mice. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of CLZ, antipsychotic drug, following daily intraperitoneal injection to female Balb/c mice over a period of 21 days.

Methods

Mice were divided into five groups, eight animals per group. Group I, served as a control group, received only the vehicle. Groups II–V received a daily intraperitoneal dose of CLZ (1, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively) over a period of 21 days.

Key findings

CLZ has shown a significant decrease in the animal body weight, and it showed a significant decrease in the percentage of circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes while circulating monocytes were increased. The immunotoxicity has been also assessed by evaluating spleen cellularity, humoral immune response to a foreign antigen using sheep red blood cells and delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. The results showed a marked suppression in these responses in CLZ-treated mice compared with the control group. Detectable changes have also been noticed in the histology of the footpad tissue and spleen.

Conclusions

Results showed significant immunomuodulatory effects of CLZ when used in Balb/c mice.
Association of caspase‐14 and filaggrin expression with keratinization of the oral mucosa and reconstruction culture rat models
Authors: Murakami H. , Okamura K. , Aoki S. , Sakagami R. , Yamazaki J.
Published: December 2013

Background and Objective

Keratinization of the oral mucosa, such as the gingiva, has been shown to be important for periodontal health. Caspase‐14 is a protease that plays a role in keratinization of the epidermis. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the expression of caspase‐14 is intimately linked with keratinization and to examine the effect of the main component of green tea on the improvement of keratinization in rat oral mucosal preparations.

Material and Methods

Histological and immunohistochemical analyses and quantitative mRNA measurements of caspase‐14 and its substrate filaggrin were performed using different types of rat epithelial tissue and organotypic reconstruction culture models derived from epithelial cells and fibroblasts taken from the rat oral mucosa.

Results

In the skin, palate, buccal mucosa and esophagus, the degree of keratinization appeared to be associated with expression of cytokeratin 10. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of caspase‐14 and filaggrin were consistent with the degree of keratinization in the following order: skin > palate > buccal mucosa > esophagus. The culture models of palatal and buccal mucosa retained a stratified epithelial structure. Expression of caspase‐14 appeared to be stronger in the palatal model than in the buccal model. Remarkably, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) improved the localization of cytokeratins and increased the expression of caspase‐14 and filaggrin. This expression was more intense in the palatal model than in the buccal model, indicating that both models maintain the intrinsic properties of keratinization of the mucosa from where the cultured cells were derived.

Conclusions

These results suggest that keratinization is closely associated with expression of caspase‐14 and filaggrin. Our reconstruction models are promising tools for drug evaluation and show that EGCG is beneficial for improving both keratinization and expression of the linked protease in the oral mucosa.
Comparative pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of tylosin tartrate and tylosin phosphate after a single oral and i.v. administration in chickens
Authors: Ji L.‐W. , Dong L.‐L. , Ji H. , Feng X.‐W. , Li D. , Ding R.‐L. , Jiang S.‐X.
Published: December 2013

The pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of tylosin tartrate and tylosin phosphate were carried out in broiler chickens according to a principle of single dose, random, parallel design. The two formulations of tylosin were given orally and intravenously at a dose level of 10 mg/kg b.w to chicken after an overnight fasting (n = 10 chickens/group). Serial blood samples were collected at different time points up to 24 h postdrug administration. A high performance liquid chromatography method was used for the determination of tylosin concentrations in chicken plasma. The tylosin plasma concentration's time plot of each chicken was analyzed by the 3P97 software. The pharmacokinetics of tylosin was best described by a one‐compartmental open model 1st absorption after oral administration. After intravenous administration the pharmacokinetics of tylosin was best described by a two‐compartmental open model, and there were no significant differences between tylosin tartrate and tylosin phosphate. After oral administration, there were significant differences in the Cmax (0.18 ± 0.01, 0.44 ± 0.09) and AUC (0.82 ± 0.05, 1.57 ± 0.25)between tylosin phosphate and tylosin tartrate. The calculated oral bioavailability (F) of tylosin tartrate and tylosin phosphate were 25.78% and 13.73%, respectively. Above all, we can reasonably conclude that, the absorption of tylosin tartrate is better than tylosin phosphate after oral administration.
Molecular and social regulation of worker division of labour in fire ants
Authors: Manfredini Fabio , Lucas Christophe , Nicolas Michael , Keller Laurent , Shoemaker DeWayne , Grozinger Christina M.
Published: December 2013

Reproductive and worker division of labour (DOL) is a hallmark of social insect societies. Despite a long‐standing interest in worker DOL, the molecular mechanisms regulating this process have only been investigated in detail in honey bees, and little is known about the regulatory mechanisms operating in other social insects. In the fire ant Solenopsis invicta, one of the most studied ant species, workers are permanently sterile and the tasks performed are modulated by the worker's internal state (age and size) and the outside environment (social environment), which potentially includes the effect of the queen presence through chemical communication via pheromones. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning these processes are unknown. Using a whole‐genome microarray platform, we characterized the molecular basis for worker DOL and we explored how a drastic change in the social environment (i.e. the sudden loss of the queen) affects global gene expression patterns of worker ants. We identified numerous genes differentially expressed between foraging and nonforaging workers in queenright colonies. With a few exceptions, these genes appear to be distinct from those involved in DOL in bees and wasps. Interestingly, after the queen was removed, foraging workers were no longer distinct from nonforaging workers at the transcriptomic level. Furthermore, few expression differences were detected between queenright and queenless workers when we did not consider the task performed. Thus, the social condition of the colony (queenless vs. queenright) appears to impact the molecular pathways underlying worker task performance, providing strong evidence for social regulation of DOL in S. invicta.
Re‐evaluating otherness in genocidal ideology
Authors: Murray Elisabeth Hope
Published: December 2013

Ideas of otherness in both nationalism and genocide studies do not sufficiently explain genocidal levels of policy and ideological development, nor do they help identify groups that may be selected in the future for this particular kind of destruction. This article sets out to introduce the typology of ‘anti‐nation’ to the dialogue of nationalism studies in order to more aptly identify prospective groups at risk of future possible genocidal aggression. This article looks to the Armenian genocide to provide analysis for a greater understanding of the way radicalising ideology evolves regarding the anti‐nation during the early years of identity development in states radicalising towards genocide.
The Non‐Identity of Appearances and Things in Themselves
Authors: Stang Nicholas F.
Published: December 2013

According to the ‘One Object’ reading of Kant's transcendental idealism, the distinction between the appearance and the thing in itself is not a distinction between two objects, but between two ways of considering one and the same object. On the ‘Metaphysical’ version of the One Object reading, it is a distinction between two kinds of properties possessed by one and the same object. Consequently, the Metaphysical One Object view holds that a given appearance, an empirical object, is numerically identical to the thing in itself that appears as that object. I raise various indiscernibility arguments against that view; because an appearance has different spatiotemporal and modal properties than a thing in itself, no appearance can be identical to a thing in itself. I point out that these arguments are similar to arguments against Monism, the view that material objects are numerically identical to the matter of which they are made. I outline some strategies Monists have developed to respond to these indiscernibility arguments and then develop parallel responses on behalf of the Metaphysical One Object view. However, I then raise another indiscernibility argument, to which, I argue, the Metaphysical One Object view cannot respond, even using the resources I have developed thus far. I develop a modified version of the Metaphysical One Object view that can respond to this new indiscernibility argument, but, I argue, this modified version of the One Object view is only a terminological variant of the Two Object view. When the Metaphysical One Object view is fully thought through it becomes the Two Object view. I conclude that Kantian appearances are not numerically identical to the things in themselves that appear to us.
Influence of eye rotation on peripheral eye length measurement obtained with a partial coherence interferometry instrument
Authors: Verkicharla Pavan K. , Suheimat Marwan , Mallen Edward A. H. , Atchison David A.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

The eye rotation approach for measuring peripheral eye length leads to concern about whether the rotation influences results, such as through pressure exerted by eyelids or extra‐ocular muscles. This study investigated whether this approach is valid.

Methods

Peripheral eye lengths were measured with a Lenstar LS 900 biometer for eye rotation and no‐eye rotation conditions (head rotation for horizontal meridian and instrument rotation for vertical meridian). Measurements were made for 23 healthy young adults along the horizontal visual field (±30°) and, for a subset of eight participants along the vertical visual field (±25°). To investigate the influence of the duration of eye rotation, for six participants measurements were made at 0, 60, 120, 180 and 210 s after eye rotation to ±30° along horizontal and vertical visual fields.

Results

Peripheral eye lengths were not significantly different for the conditions along the vertical meridian (F1,7 = 0.16, p = 0.71). The peripheral eye lengths for the conditions were significantly different along the horizontal meridian (F1,22 = 4.85, p = 0.04), although not at individual positions (p ≥ 0.10) and were not important. There were no apparent differences between the emmetropic and myopic groups. There was no significant change in eye length at any position after maintaining position for 210 s.

Conclusion

Eye rotation and no‐eye rotation conditions were similar for measuring peripheral eye lengths along horizontal and vertical visual field meridians at ±30° and ±25°, respectively. Either condition can be used to estimate retinal shape from peripheral eye lengths.
Parasitic worms and allergies in childhood: Insights from population studies 2008–2013
Authors: Amoah Abena S. , Boakye Daniel A. , van Ree Ronald , Yazdanbakhsh Maria
Published: December 2013

The last few decades have seen a marked increase in the global prevalence of allergic diseases particularly among children. Among the factors attributed to this rise has been reduced exposure to pathogens during childhood leading to insufficient maturation of the regulatory arm of developing immune systems. Over the years, a number of epidemiological studies have observed an inverse relationship between parasitic worm (helminth) infections and allergies. The purpose of this review is to highlight insights from population studies conducted among children published between 2008 and 2013 that explore the complex dynamics between helminth infections and allergies. These insights include the effect of anthelmintic treatment on allergic responses, an elucidation of immune mechanisms and an examination of helminth‐induced immunoglobulin E cross‐reactivity. A better understanding of the relationship between helminths and allergies is imperative as research directions move toward harnessing the therapeutic potential of helminths and their products in the treatment of allergic disorders.
Children's cognitive recovery after day‐case general anesthesia: a randomized trial of propofol or isoflurane for dental procedures
Authors: Millar Keith , Bowman Adrian W. , Burns Deirdre , McLaughlin Paul , Moores Tony , Morton Neil S. , Musiello Toni , Wallace Ewan , Wray Alyson , Welbury Richard R.
Published: December 2013

Background

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is well established in adults but has been underinvestigated in children. As day‐case procedures are increasingly common, it is important to establish whether children suffer significant POCD. Pediatric POCD has been associated with several intravenous and inhalation anesthetics, but isoflurane has not been studied. As evidence indicates superior recovery after propofol, the study compared POCD after propofol or isoflurane anesthesia.

Objectives

To compare the effects of propofol versus isoflurane upon children's POCD.

Methods

Fifty‐eight children aged 5–14 years were randomized to propofol (total intravenous anesthesia) or isoflurane for day‐case dental procedures. Reaction time (RT), verbal and visual memory, psychomotor coordination, and attention were assessed preoperatively, prior to discharge and at 24 h.

Results

Reaction time and psychomotor control were impaired postoperatively in both groups but recovered at 24 h. Delayed verbal recall was significantly impaired only after propofol. Both groups had significant impairment of visual memory postoperatively and at 24 h, and of recognition memory postoperatively only.

Conclusions

Propofol and isoflurane exert similar adverse effects on RT, psychomotor coordination, and visual memory. Selective impairment of verbal recall by propofol is consistent with adult evidence of the drug's effect on retrieval. The enduring postoperative impairment of memory has implications for instructions to parents and caregivers for the safety and well‐being of children in the 24 h after day‐case anesthesia with propofol and isoflurane.
Effective postoperative pain management in children after ambulatory surgery, with a focus on tonsillectomy: barriers and possible solutions
Authors: Dorkham Mariana C. , Chalkiadis George A. , von Ungern Sternberg Britta S. , Davidson Andrew J.
Published: December 2013

Pain following ambulatory surgery is often poorly managed at home. Certain procedures, such as tonsillectomy, cause high levels of pain for at least 1 week postoperatively. This impacts significantly on recovery and postoperative morbidity with regards to oral intake, sleep, and behavior. Barriers to effective postoperative pain management at home following discharge have been investigated and incorporate: parental factors, such as the ability to recognize and assess their child's pain, and misconceptions about analgesics; child factors, such as refusal to take medication; medication factors, such as ineffective medication or inadequate formulation or dose of analgesics; and system factors, such as poor discharge instructions, difficulty in obtaining medication and lack of information provision. A number of interventions have been suggested and trialled in an effort to address these barriers, which encompass educational strategies, improved information provision, improved medication regimens, and the provision of tools to aid parents in the pain management of their children. All in all, improvements in pain outcomes have been minor, and a more holistic approach, that appreciates the complex and multifaceted nature of pain management at home, is required.
Hydroxy‐plastochromanol and plastoquinone‐C as singlet oxygen products during photo‐oxidative stress in Arabidopsis
Authors: SZYMAŃSKA RENATA , NOWICKA BEATRYCZE , KRUK JERZY
Published: December 2013

In the present study, we have shown that hydroxy‐plastochromanol and plastoquinone‐C, the hydroxy derivatives of plastochromanol and plastoquinone‐9, respectively, are specifically formed from the parent compounds upon action of singlet oxygen and can be regarded as stable, specific, natural products of singlet oxygen action during photo‐oxidative stress in vivo. The presented data indicate that plastoquinone‐C formation dominates mainly during relatively short periods of high light stress where efficient production of singlet oxygen takes place, whereas hydroxy‐plastochromanol is rather formed under conditions of long‐term, less pronounced generation of singlet oxygen. An interesting observation was that hydroxy‐plastochromanol is formed even at very low light conditions (5–10 μmol photons m−2 s−1), indicating that singlet oxygen is generated not only during high light stress but also its formation by photosystem II is inseparably connected with the functioning of this photosystem even at the lowest light intensities.
Development of a Multiplex PCR for the Identification of Major Pathogenic Bacteria of Post‐Partum Endometritis in Dairy Cows
Authors: Aghamiri SM , Haghkhah M , Ahmadi MR , Gheisari HR
Published: December 2013

Contents

Post‐partum period has an important role in cows' breeding due to its effects on reproductive efficiency and subsequent pregnancy. Escherichia coli, Trueperella pyogenes (Arcanobacterium pyogenes), Fusobacterium necrophorum and Prevotella melaninogenicus are recognized as major pathogens associated with uterine endometrial lesions. The objective of this study was to identify these pathogens using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a culture‐independent sensitive method. A total of 172 cows were examined 25–35 days post‐partum, and 128 cows were examined at 2 weeks later (39–49 days post‐partum). Uterine discharges were collected by covered plastic infusion pipettes. The prevalence of endometritis was greater in the first examination than the second (35.5% vs. 16%). E. coli was detected in eight of the samples, T. pyogenes was detected in 13 of the samples and F. necrophorum was detected in 11 of the samples. There was no positive sample of P. melaninogenicus. Uterine contamination by T. pyogenes and F. necrophorum in the first examination was higher than the second examination. T. pyogenes affected as a tendency the prevalence of clinical endometritis in first examination. Primiparous cows showed 4.02 times higher odds of clinical endometritis compared with second‐parity cows in first examination. A multiplex PCR protocol as a simple, less expensive, fast assay was introduced to identify E. coli, T. pyogenes and F. necrophorum.
Globalisation and Inter‐occupational Inequality: Empirical Evidence from OECD Countries
Authors: Bigsten Arne , Munshi Farzana
Published: December 2013

How does globalisation affect inter‐occupational wage inequality within countries? This paper examines this by focusing on two dimensions of globalisation: openness to trade and openness to capital flows, using a relatively new data set on occupational wages. Estimates from a dynamic model for 15 OECD countries spanning the period 1983–2003 suggest that increased openness increases occupational wage inequality in poorer OECD countries as predicted by the Heckscher–Ohlin–Samuelson model, but for the more advanced OECD countries, we find no significant effect. The absence of the expected result for the latter category can be due to a rapid increase in the supply of skilled labour, to outsourcing of skilled jobs or because changes in the trade flows are too small to have any significant effect in those countries.