bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Models for Studying Secondary Plant Metabolite Digestion and Bioaccessibility
Authors: Alminger M. , Aura A.‐M. , Bohn T. , Dufour C. , El S.N. , Gomes A. , Karakaya S. , Martínez‐Cuesta M.C. , McDougall G.J. , Requena T. , Santos C.N.
Published: June 2014

There is an increased interest in secondary plant metabolites, such as polyphenols and carotenoids, due to their proposed health benefits. Much attention has focused on their bioavailability, a prerequisite for further physiological functions. As human studies are time consuming, costly, and restricted by ethical concerns, in vitro models for investigating the effects of digestion on these compounds have been developed and employed to predict their release from the food matrix, bioaccessibility, and assess changes in their profiles prior to absorption. Most typically, models simulate digestion in the oral cavity, the stomach, the small intestine, and, occasionally, the large intestine. A plethora of models have been reported, the choice mostly driven by the type of phytochemical studied, whether the purpose is screening or studying under close physiological conditions, and the availability of the model systems. Unfortunately, the diversity of model conditions has hampered the ability to compare results across different studies. For example, there is substantial variability in the time of digestion, concentrations of salts, enzymes, and bile acids used, pH, the inclusion of various digestion stages; and whether chosen conditions are static (with fixed concentrations of enzymes, bile salts, digesta, and so on) or dynamic (varying concentrations of these constituents). This review presents an overview of models that have been employed to study the digestion of both lipophilic and hydrophilic phytochemicals, comparing digestive conditions in vitro and in vivo and, finally, suggests a set of parameters for static models that resemble physiological conditions.
Ice Cream as a Vehicle for Incorporating Health‐Promoting Ingredients: Conceptualization and Overview of Quality and Storage Stability
Authors: Soukoulis Christos , Fisk Ian D. , Bohn Torsten
Published: June 2014

Ice cream is a product with peculiar textural and organoleptic features and is highly appreciated by a very broad spectrum of consumers. Ice cream's structure and colloidal design, together with its low‐temperature storage, renders it a very promising carrier for the stabilization and in vivo delivery of bioactive compounds and beneficial microorganisms. To date, many applications related to the design and development of functional ice cream have been documented, including products containing probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, dietary fibers, natural antioxidants such as polyphenols, essential and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and low glycemic index blends and blends fortified with mineral or trace elements. In this review, promising strategies for the incorporation of innovative functional additives to ice cream through the use of techniques such as microencapsulation, nanoemulsions, and oleogels are discussed, and current insights into the implications of matrix, processing, and digestion on bioactive compounds in frozen dairy desserts are comprehensively reviewed, thereby providing a holistic overview of the current and emerging trends in this functional food sector.
Applications and Perceptions of Date Labeling of Food
Authors: Newsome Rosetta , Balestrini Chris G. , Baum Mitzi D. , Corby Joseph , Fisher William , Goodburn Kaarin , Labuza Theodore P. , Prince Gale , Thesmar Hilary S. , Yiannas Frank
Published: June 2014

Open dating of food products has been practiced for decades, and has been key to achieving stock rotation at retail and providing information to consumers. The open date provides a simple communication tool, which may be based on product quality and/or food safety as determined by the manufacturer or retailer. Date marking is generally open but it can be closed (code intended for managing product at retail, and for recall and traceability), and the terminology and applications vary widely around the world. The variation in date labeling terms and uses contributes to substantial misunderstanding by industry and consumers and leads to significant unnecessary food loss and waste, misapplication of limited resources, unnecessary financial burden for the consumer and the food industry, and may also lead to potential food safety risk in regards to perishable foods. A “use by” or similar date cannot be relied on to indicate or guarantee food safety because absolute temperature control of food products throughout the food supply chain cannot be assured. This paper provides an introduction to the issue of food product date labeling and addresses its history in the United States, different terms used and various practices, U.S. and international frameworks, quality compared with safety, adverse impacts of misconceptions about date labeling, and advantages of technological innovations. Collaboration to develop a simple workable solution to address the challenges faced by stakeholders would have tremendous benefit. Conclusions include a call to action to move toward uniformity in date labeling, thereby decreasing confusion among stakeholders and reducing food waste.
A trade‐off between antipredatory behavior and pairing competition produced by male‑male tandem running in three Reticulitermes species
Authors: Li Gang‐Hua , Liu Long , Lei Chao‐Liang , Huang Qiu‐Ying
Published: June 2014

Due to the omnipresent risk of predation, termites have evolved many antipredatory behaviors. The two related species Reticulitermes speratus and R. chinensis have been demonstrated to use homosexual tandem running to decrease individual predation risk after shedding their wings. In this study, we tested risk of predation in the termite R. flaviceps, which is distantly related to the above two species. We determined that homosexual tandem running also led to low individual predation risk in dealates of R. flaviceps. Moreover, by combining a predation model with a competition model, we observed a typical trade‐off phenomenon between antipredatory behavior and pairing competition produced by male‑male tandem running in the above three Reticulitermes species. Our results indicated that male‑male tandem running could effectively protect disadvantaged individuals from being caught, but disadvantaged individuals would be easily eliminated in pairing competition after male‑male tandem running, suggesting that male‑male tandem running can promote population evolution in termites by repeatedly removing the relatively inferior male individuals.
The management of an ageing workforce: organisational policies inGermany andBritain
Authors: Schröder Heike , Muller‐Camen Michael , Flynn Matthew
Published: June 2014

Demographic change as well as pressure from theEuropeanUnion and national government are forcing organisations to change age‐discriminatoryHRMapproaches. Based on a qualitative analysis of eightBritish andGerman organisations, we found that commitment, scope, coverage and implementation of age management differ due to country‐specific institutions, particularly government, in nudging employers and unions to preferred age practices. This confirms the path dependency concept suggested by institutional theory. Nevertheless, we also found that industry‐specific factors mediate the implementation of age management, leading to some convergence across countries. This indicates that organisations deviate from the institutional path to implement practices that they deem important.
Evaluation of the causality of the low‐density lipoprotein receptor gene (LDLR) for serum lipids in pigs
Authors: Zeng Z. , Chen R. , Liu C. , Yang H. , Chen C. , Huang L.
Published: June 2014

A significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) for low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and total cholesterol (TC) was identified around the LDLR gene on chromosome 2 (SSC2) in a White Duroc × Erhualian F2 resource population and Sutai pigs in our previous study. However, in previous reports, the causality of LDLR with serum lipids is controversial in pigs. To systematically assess the causality of LDLR with serum lipids, association analyses were successively performed in three populations: Sutai pigs, a White Duroc × Erhualian F2 resource population and a Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) population. We first performed a haplotype‐based association study with 60K SNP genotyping data and evidenced the significant association with LDL‐C and TC around the LDLR gene region. We also found that there is more than one QTL for LDL‐C and TC on SSC2. Then, we evaluated the causalities of two missense mutations, c.1812C>T and c.1520A>G, with LDL‐C and TC. We revealed that the c.1812C>T SNP showed the strongest association with LDL‐C (P = 5.40 × 10−11) and TC (P = 3.64 × 10−8) and explained all the QTL effect in Sutai pigs. Haplotype analysis found that two missense SNPs locate within a 1.93‐Mb haplotype block. One major haplotype showed the strongest significant association with LDL‐C (P = 4.62 × 10−18) and TC (P = 1.06 × 10−9). However, the c.1812C>T SNP was not identified in the White Duroc × Erhualian intercross, and the association of c.1520A>G with both LDL‐C and TC did not achieve significance in this F2 population, suggesting population heterogeneity. Both missense mutations were identified in the Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) population and showed significant associations with LDL‐C and TC. Our data give evidence that the LDLR gene should be a candidate causative gene for LDL‐C and TC in pigs, but heterogeneity exists in different populations.
In Vivo Characterization of a Decellularized Dermis‐Polymer Complex for Use in Percutaneous Devices
Authors: Nam Kwangwoo , Matsushima Rie , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Fujisato Toshiya , Kishida Akio
Published: June 2014

To develop a method for making percutaneous devices that have high biocompatibility and do not induce downgrowth of epidermal cells, we prepared a partial decellularized dermis (DD)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) complex (PDPC) with a PMMA rod firmly stabilized inside. The porcine decellularized tissue was chosen because of its high biocompatibility and mechanical properties, and MMA was used because it would adhere firmly to a polymer such as a catheter. The MMA filled the cavities in the dermis and polymerized, anchoring to the collagenous fibrils inside the porcine DD. The PDPC was cemented to the PMMA rod tightly and it was integrated with the surrounding tissue within 12 weeks of implantation. Furthermore, no downgrowth of the epidermis, which may cause clinical problems, was observed. We consider that the tissue‐polymer complex may be a suitable candidate for use in percutaneous devices.
A role for prostaglandins in rapid cycling suggested by episode‐specific gene expression shifts in peripheral blood mononuclear cells: a preliminary report
Authors: Gurvich Artem , Begemann Martin , Dahm Liane , Sargin Derya , Miskowiak Kamilla , Ehrenreich Hannelore
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Over 12% of patients with bipolar disorder exhibit rapid cycling. The underlying biological mechanisms of this extreme form of bipolar disease are still unknown. This study aimed at replicating and extending findings of our previously published case report, where an involvement of prostaglandin synthesis‐related genes in rapid cycling was first proposed.

Methods

Psychopathological follow‐up of the reported case was performed under cessation of celecoxib treatment. In a prospective observational study, patients with bipolar disorder (n = 47; of these, four had rapid cycling) or with monopolar depression (n = 97) were recruited over a period of three years. Repeated psychopathology measurements were conducted using standard instruments. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained during as many consecutive episodes as possible and processed for mRNA isolation and quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGDS), aldo‐ketoreductase family 1, member C3 (AKR1C3), cyclooxygenase‐2 (PAN means all splice variants) (COX2PAN), prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and purinergic receptor P2X, ligand‐gated ion channel 7 (P2RX7).

Results

The follow‐up of our original case of a patient with rapid cycling who had shown impressive psychopathological improvement under celecoxib revealed complete loss of this effect upon discontinuation of the COX2 inhibitor. Episode‐specific gene expression measurements in PBMC of four newly recruited rapid cycling patients confirmed the higher expression of PTGDS in depressive compared to manic phases. Additionally, higher relative expression of PTGS2/COX2PAN was found. No comparable alterations were observable in samples available from the remaining 43 patients with bipolar disorder and the 97 monopolar depressed patients, emphasizing the advantages of the rapid cycling condition with its rapid and frequent shifts for identification of gene expression changes.

Conclusions

This study supports a role for prostaglandins in rapid cycling and advocates the cyclooxygenase cascade as a treatment target in this condition.
A spectral method for spatial downscaling
Authors: Reich Brian J. , Chang Howard H. , Foley Kristen M.
Published: June 2014

Complex computer models play a crucial role in air quality research. These models are used to evaluate potential regulatory impacts of emission control strategies and to estimate air quality in areas without monitoring data. For both of these purposes, it is important to calibrate model output with monitoring data to adjust for model biases and improve spatial prediction. In this article, we propose a new spectral method to study and exploit complex relationships between model output and monitoring data. Spectral methods allow us to estimate the relationship between model output and monitoring data separately at different spatial scales, and to use model output for prediction only at the appropriate scales. The proposed method is computationally efficient and can be implemented using standard software. We apply the method to compare Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model output with ozone measurements in the United States in July 2005. We find that CMAQ captures large‐scale spatial trends, but has low correlation with the monitoring data at small spatial scales.
Dental attendance among adult Finns after a major oral health care reform
Authors: Raittio Eero , Kiiskinen Urpo , Helminen Sari , Aromaa Arpo , Suominen Anna Liisa
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Between 2001 and 2002, all age limits restricting the availability of subsidized private dental care and Public Dental Services (PDS) were abolished in Finland. In addition, the reform aimed to address income‐ and residence‐related disparities in access to subsidized oral health care services. The aim of this study was to analyse how dental attendance and factors associated with it changed after the reform.

Methods

We carried out three consecutive surveys on the use of oral health care services and perceived oral health. The surveys were conducted in 2001 (n = 2837), in 2004 (n = 2420) and in 2007 (n = 2296), and the study population comprised Finnish adults born in 1970 or earlier. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with the use of the services.

Results

The percentage of respondents who attended dental care regularly or had used oral health care services over the past 12 months rose between 2001 and 2007. In particular, there was an increase in the proportion of subjects who used PDS. The average number of visits to a private dentist decreased between 2001 and 2007. In the regression analyses, the use of services was associated with older age, perceived lack of need for care, perceived toothache during the past 12 months, perceived good oral health, lower number of missing teeth and regular dental visiting habits. The use of private dental care services was associated with perceived good oral health and perceived lack of need for care, higher household income and older age in all three study years while the use of PDS was associated with younger age, perceived good oral health and perceived lack of need for care only in 2001.

Conclusions

The use of oral health care services rose and age did not seem to be a barrier to the use of oral health care services after the reform, as was the aim of the reform. No change in the association of household income with the use of oral health care services was seen after the OHCR.
Fixed restorations supported by Morse‐taper connection implants: a retrospective clinical study with 10–20 years of follow‐up
Authors: Mangano Carlo , Iaculli Flavia , Piattelli Adriano , Mangano Francesco
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Rehabilitation with implant‐supported fixed prostheses is a predictable modality to restore lost function and esthetics; however, fixed restorations are subject to biological and prosthetic complications, which may represent a problem in the long‐term. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term survival and complication rates of fixed restorations supported by Morse‐taper connection implants.

Materials and Methods

Between January 1992 and December 2002, 49 patients (age range 22–70 years), were included in this study. The restorations involved 58 fixed reconstructions (15 single crowns [SCS], 29 partial prostheses, 14 full‐arches), supported by 178 Morse‐taper connection implants with a follow‐up ranging from 10 to 20 years. Outcomes such as implant survival, marginal bone loss, frequency of biological and prosthetic complications as well as “complication‐free” survival of restorations were investigated.

Results

The 20‐year overall cumulative implant survival was 97.2%. A few biological (3.4%) and prosthetic (10.3%) complications were reported. The “complication‐free” survival rate of restorations was 85.5%. No statistically significant differences were observed among patients' gender, age, smoking or parafunctional habits, prosthesis site and type.

Conclusions

Satisfactory “complication‐free” survival rates can be achieved after 20 years for fixed restorations supported by Morse‐taper connection implants, with minimal marginal bone loss and complications.
The Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs2208454 Confers an Increased Risk for Ischemic Stroke: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Luo Man , Li Jiao‐Xing , Sun Xun‐Sha , Lai Rong , Wang Yu‐Fang , Xu Xiao‐Wei , Sheng Wen‐Li
Published: June 2014

Aim

A recent genome‐wide association study identified a strong association of covert magnetic resonance imaging infarcts with the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2208454. The aim of this study was to determine whether the rs2208454 polymorphism is associated with an increased risk for ischemic stroke (IS).

Methods

Ischemic stroke patients (n = 712) and control subjects (n = 774) from a southern Chinese Han population were included. The snapshot technique was used for genotype analysis.

Results

Compared with the GT+GG or GG genotype, the frequency of the TT genotype was significantly higher in IS than in controls. After adjusting for age, gender, family history of IS, hypertension history, and history of diabetes mellitus, a significant correlation between the TT genotype and IS persisted (TT vs. GT+GG: adjusted OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.16–2.77; TT vs. GG: adjusted OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.20–2.94). In subgroup analyses, SNP rs2208454 was significantly associated with large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) (TT vs. GG: adjusted OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.19–3.93), but failed to show significant association with small‐artery occlusion or cardioembolism IS subtypes.

Conclusions

Single nucleotide polymorphism rs2208454 confers an increased risk for IS in a southern Chinese Han population. When the IS subtype was examined, the effect of the SNP was restricted to LAA.
Screening for autism spectrum disorders in children with epilepsy: where to begin … and where to go?
Authors: Fodstad Jill C , Dunn David W
Published: June 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Eom et al. on pages 1110–1105 of this issue.
Sleep disturbances in children, adolescents, and young adults with severe psychomotor impairment: impact on parental quality of life and sleep
Authors: Tietze Anna L , Zernikow Boris , Michel Erik , Blankenburg Markus
Published: June 2014

Aim

In childhood, severe psychomotor impairment (SPMI) is associated with profound sleep disturbances. With the help of newly developed and validated measures, we systematically assessed how much a child's sleep disturbance affects parental sleep and quality of life (QoL) in this specific patient group.

Method

Parents and their children with SPMI were enrolled from three outpatient centers and one in‐patient center in Germany. We administered a set of questionnaires to the parents that addressed their child's sleep quality, the sleep disturbance‐related parental burden, and the impact on both parental sleep and QoL. Additional questionnaires were used to gather data describing our sample group to allow for comparison with published norms.

Results

Parents of 214 children, adolescents, and young adults with SPMI (114 males, 100 females; mean age 10y 5mo, SD 5y 6mo, range 0.1–25y) responded to the questionnaire set (response rate of 66%). We found severe impairment of parental health status and QoL. More than 50% of the parents suffered from a sleep disorder (e.g. prolonged sleep latency, shortened sleep duration). Sleep disturbances in children, adolescents, and young adults correlated strongly with parental sleep disturbances, parental impairment of physical and mental functioning, parental social functioning, and parental working ability.

Interpretation

Sleep‐related difficulties have a significant sociomedical impact on the parents of children, adolescents, and young adults with complex neurological diseases. Typically, parents are severely affected in various aspects of daily living. There is a need for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that match the complex sociomedical needs of these patients and their families.
Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus experience psychosensorial symptoms during hypoglycaemia
Authors: Law J. R. , Yeşiltepe‐Mutlu G. , Helms S. , Meyer E. , Özsu E. , Çizmecioğlu F. , Lin F.C. , Hatun Ş. , Calikoglu A. S.
Published: June 2014

Aim

To describe mood and psychosensorial symptoms of hypoglycaemia in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus in two countries with different cultures, Turkey and the USA.

Methods

We developed a 68‐item questionnaire assessing physical, behavioural, mood and psychosensorial symptom frequency and ratings [‘good’, ‘bad’, or ‘both’ (sometimes good, sometimes bad)]. Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes were recruited from paediatric diabetes clinics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the USA and Kocaeli University in Turkey. The percentages of participants at each clinic who endorsed individual symptoms, symptom categories and symptom ratings were calculated and compared.

Results

Cronbach's α values were > 0.7 for each real symptom category. No symptom items were excluded from the questionnaire analysis based on item‐total correlation results which were all > 0.2. Data were collected from 132 participants (69 from University of North Carolina, 63 from Kocaeli University, 54% male). The mean (sd) age of the participants was 14.9 (1.9) years, HbA1c level was 8.7 (1.8) % and duration of Type 1 diabetes was 5.8 (3.7) years. On average, each physical symptom was experienced by 65.2% of participants, each behavioural symptom by 46.5%, each mood symptom by 42.8%, and each psychosensorial symptom by 48.9%. On average, each physical, behavioral, mood and psychosensorial symptom was rated as ‘good’ or ‘both’ by 23.0, 29.1, 36.9 and 37.2% of participants, respectively. There were no symptom differences between the groups in each country.

Conclusions

In addition to the classic physical symptoms experienced during hypoglycaemia, adolescents with Type 1 diabetes report psychosensorial, mood and behavioral symptoms, and some describe them as positive experiences. Symptom experiences were similar in these two countries with different cultures.
Efficacy and safety of canagliflozin over 52 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Yale J.‐F. , Bakris G. , Cariou B. , Nieto J. , David‐Neto E. , Yue D. , Wajs E. , Figueroa K. , Jiang J. , Law G. , Usiskin K. , Meininger G. ,   on behalf of the DIA3004 Study Group
Published: June 2014

Aim

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and within a subset of Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD; estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≥30 and <50 ml/min/1.73 m2).

Methods

In this 52‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, patients (N = 269; mean eGFR, 39.4 ml/min/1.73 m2) received canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg and placebo once daily. Efficacy endpoints included changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), body weight and systolic blood pressure (BP); adverse events (AEs) were also recorded.

Results

At week 52, canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg reduced HbA1c compared with placebo (−0.19, −0.33 and 0.07%, respectively); placebo‐subtracted differences (95% confidence interval) were −0.27% (−0.53, 0.001) and −0.41% (−0.68, −0.14). Canagliflozin also lowered FPG, body weight and BP versus placebo. Overall AE incidence was 85.6, 80.9, and 86.7% with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg and placebo, respectively. Osmotic diuresis–related AEs were more common with both canagliflozin doses, and incidences of urinary tract infections and volume depletion–related AEs were higher with canagliflozin 300 mg versus placebo. Decreases in eGFR (−2.1, −4.0 and −1.6 ml/min/1.73 m2) were seen with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg compared with placebo. Canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg provided median percent reductions in urine albumin to creatinine ratio versus placebo (−16.4, −28.0 and 19.7%).

Conclusions

Canagliflozin improved glycaemic control and was generally well tolerated in patients with T2DM and within a subset of Stage 3 CKD over 52 weeks.
Polymorphisms in the heparanase gene in multiple myeloma association with bone morbidity and survival
Authors: Andersen Niels F. , Vogel Ulla , Klausen Tobias W. , Gimsing Peter , Gregersen Henrik , Abildgaard Niels , Vangsted Annette J.
Published: June 2014

Objectives

In multiple myeloma, heparanase (HSPE) is involved in myeloma cell growth, angiogenesis, osteoclastogenesis and shedding of syndecan‐1, a key player in myeloma pathophysiology. Different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HSPE gene with effect on gene function have been described, and some are associated with haematological malignancies.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated four SNPs rs11099592, rs4364254, rs4693608 and rs6535455 in the HSPE gene in 348 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients with focus on bone morbidity (lytic bone disease and vertebral fractures) and outcome after high‐dose chemotherapy with stem cell support (HDT).

Results

We observed that homozygous carriers of the rs4693608 wild‐type A‐allele had a higher frequency of vertebral fractures compared to carriers of the variant G‐allele, P = 0.02. In multivariate analysis, homozygous carriers of the rs6535455 variant T‐allele had a longer survival than homo‐ and heterozygous carriers of the wild‐type C‐allele, hazard ratio 0.3 (95% CI 0.1–0.7, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

The SNPs rs4693608 and rs6535455 in the HSPE gene may influence bone morbidity and outcome in multiple myeloma. Our results are an interesting observation but can be chance findings and need confirmation in studies exploring the functional role of SNPs in the HSPE gene in multiple myeloma.
Influence of monkey dorsolateral prefrontal and posterior parietal activity on behavioral choice during attention tasks
Authors: Katsuki Fumi , Saito Mizuki , Constantinidis Christos
Published: June 2014

The dorsolateral prefrontal and the posterior parietal cortex have both been implicated in the guidance of visual attention. Traditionally, posterior parietal cortex has been thought to guide visual bottom‐up attention and prefrontal cortex to bias attention through top‐down information. More recent studies suggest a parallel time course of activation of the two areas in bottom‐up attention tasks, suggesting a common involvement, though these results do not necessarily imply identical roles. To address the specific roles of the two areas, we examined the influence of neuronal activity recorded from the prefrontal and parietal cortex of monkeys as they performed attention tasks based on choice probability and on correlation between reaction time and neuronal activity. The results revealed that posterior parietal but not dorsolateral prefrontal activity correlated with behavioral choice during the fixation period, prior to the appearance of the stimulus, resembling a bias factor. This preferential influence of posterior parietal activity on behavior was transient, so that dorsolateral prefrontal activity predicted choice after the appearance of the stimulus. Additionally, reaction time was better predicted by posterior parietal activity. These findings confirm the involvement of both dorsolateral prefrontal and posterior parietal cortex in the bottom‐up guidance of visual attention, but indicate different roles of the two areas in the guidance of attention and a dynamic time course of their effects, influencing behavior at different stages of the task.
Prevalence of epilepsy—An unknown quantity
Authors: Beghi Ettore , Hesdorffer Dale
Published: June 2014

The incidence, prevalence, and mortality of epilepsy vary across countries with different economies. Differences can be explained by methodological problems, premature mortality, seizure remission, socioeconomic factors, and stigma. Diagnostic misclassification—one possible explanation—may result from inclusion of patients with acute symptomatic or isolated unprovoked seizures. Other sources of bias include age and ethnic origin of the target population, definitions of epilepsy, retrospective versus prospective ascertainment, sources of cases, and experienced and perceived stigma. Premature mortality is an issue in low‐income countries (LICs), where treatment gap, brain infections, and traumatic brain injuries are more common than in high‐income countries (HICs). Death rates may reflect untreated continued seizures or inclusion of acute symptomatic seizures. Lack of compliance with antiepileptic drugs has been associated with increased risk for death, increased hospital admissions, motor vehicle accidents, and fractures in poor communities. Epilepsy is a self‐remitting clinical condition in up to 50% of cases. Studies in untreated individuals from LICs have shown that the proportion of remissions overlaps that of countries where patients receive treatment. When the identification of patients is based on spontaneous reports (e.g., door‐to‐door surveys), patients in remission may be less likely to disclose the disease for fear of stigmatization with no concurrent benefits. This might lead to underascertainment of cases when assessing the lifetime prevalence of epilepsy. In LICs, the proportion of people living in poverty is greater than in HICs. Poverty is associated with risk factors for epilepsy, risk for developing epilepsy, and increased mortality. The high incidence and prevalence of epilepsy found in LICs is also observed in low income individuals from HICs. Epileptogenic conditions are associated with an increased mortality. This may partly explain the difference between incidence and lifetime prevalence of epilepsy in LICs. Poverty within LICs and HICs could be a preventable cause of mortality in epilepsy.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Size‐Dependent Male Mate Preference and its Association with Size‐Assortative Mating in a Mangrove Snail, Littoraria ardouiniana
Authors: Ng Terence P. T. , Williams Gray A.
Published: June 2014

In many animals, body size plays a crucial role in mating success in the context of competition and preference for mates. Increasing evidence has shown that male mate preference can be size‐dependent and, therefore, an important driver of size‐assortative mating. To test this theory, mate choice experiments were performed during the three consecutive stages of mating behaviour, namely trail following, shell mounting and copulation, in the dioecious mangrove snail, Littoraria ardouiniana. These experiments identified two possible forms of size‐dependent male mate preference which could contribute to the formation of size‐assortative mating in these snails. Firstly, whereas small males were unselective, large males were selective and preferred to follow mucus trails laid by large females. Alternatively, the results can also be interpreted as all males were selective and adopted a mating strategy of selecting females similar to, or larger than, their own sizes. Both small and large males also copulated for longer with large than with small females, and this was more pronounced in large males. When two males encountered a female, they engaged in physical aggression, with the larger male excluding the smaller male from copulating with the female. This study, therefore, demonstrated that size‐dependent male mate preference may, along with male–male competition, play an important role in driving size‐assortative mating in these mangrove snails, and this may also be the case in other species that exhibit male mate choice.
EU Citizenship without Duties
Authors: Kochenov Dimitry
Published: June 2014

Many believe that duties should be at the essence of citizenship. This paper dismisses this view, using EU law as the main context of analysis, by making five interrelated claims. (1) There are no empirically observable duties of EU citizenship; (2) such duties would lack any legal‐theoretical foundation, if the contrary were true; (3) legal‐theoretical foundations of the duties of citizenship are lacking also at the Member State level; (4) EU law plays an important role in undermining the ability of the Member States where residual duties remain to enforce them; (5) this development is part of a greater EU input into the strengthening of democracy, the rule of law and human rights in the Member States and reflects a general trend of de‐dutification of citizenship around the democratic world. If these conclusions are correct, it is time to stop categorising EU citizenship duties among the desiderata of EU law.
Laminar inflammatory events in lean and obese ponies subjected to high carbohydrate feeding: Implications for pasture‐associated laminitis
Authors: Burns T. A. , Watts M. R. , Weber P. S. , McCutcheon L. J. , Geor R. J. , Belknap J. K.
Published: June 2014

Reasons for performing study

Acute, massive enteral carbohydrate overload is associated with laminar inflammation in equids; it is unclear if the same is true for a more prolonged period of moderate dietary carbohydrate intake.

Objectives

To characterise laminar inflammation in ponies exposed to a dietary carbohydrate challenge meant to mimic acute pasture exposure.

Study design

In vivo experiment.

Methods

Mixed‐breed ponies (n = 22) received a diet of hay chop (nonstructural carbohydrate [NSC] ∼7% on a dry matter [DM] basis) for 4 weeks prior to initiation of the experimental feeding protocol. Following dietary acclimation, ponies were stratified into either Lean (n = 11, body condition score [BCS] ≤4) or Obese (n = 11, BCS ≥7) groups and each group further stratified to either remain on the control, low NSC diet (n = 5 each for Obese and Lean) or receive a high NSC diet (hay chop supplemented with sweet feed and oligofructose, total diet ∼42% NSC; n = 6 each for Obese and Lean) for a period of 7 days. Laminar samples were collected following euthanasia and sections stained immunohistochemically for CD163, MAC387/calprotectin and cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) using commercially available antibodies. The number of CD163 (+) and MAC387(+) cells was quantified for each section; the distribution of COX‐2 expression was qualitatively assessed. Laminar mRNA concentrations of several proinflammatory molecules (interleukin‐1β [IL‐1β], IL‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α [TNFα], IL‐8, IL‐10, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 [MCP‐1], MCP‐2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), E‐selectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) and COX‐2 were evaluated using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

High carbohydrate feeding resulted in no increase in laminar proinflammatory cytokine expression; laminar COX‐2 expression was increased by high carbohydrate feeding. No laminar leucocyte infiltration was observed in response to high carbohydrate feeding.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the marked laminar inflammation observed in models of sepsis‐associated laminitis may not play a central role in the pathophysiology of pasture‐associated laminitis.
Ribosomal mutations affecting the translation of genes that use non‐optimal codons
Authors: Pelchovich Gidi , Nadejda Sigal , Dana Alexandra , Tuller Tamir , Bravo Ignacio G. , Gophna Uri
Published: June 2014

Genes that are laterally acquired by a new host species often contain codons that are non‐optimal to the tRNA repertoire of the new host, which may lead to insufficient translational levels. Inefficient translation can be overcome by different mechanisms, such as incremental amelioration of the coding sequence, compensatory mutations in the regulatory sequences leading to increased transcription or increase in gene copy number. However, there is also a possibility that ribosomal mutations can improve the expression of such genes. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effects of point mutations in the endogenous ribosomal proteins S12 and S5 in Escherichia coli, which are known to be involved in the decoding of the mRNA, on the efficiency of translation of exogenous genes that use non‐optimal codons, in vivo. We show that an S12 mutant in E. coli is able to express exogenous genes, with non‐optimal codons, to higher levels than the wild‐type, and explore the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon in this mutant. Our results suggest that the transient emergence of mutants that allow efficient expression of exogenous genes with non‐optimal codons could also increase the chances of fixation of laterally transferred genes.
Coral–algal phase shifts alter fish communities and reduce fisheries production
Authors: Ainsworth Cameron H. , Mumby Peter. J.
Published: June 2014

Anthropogenic stress has been shown to reduce coral coverage in ecosystems all over the world. A phase shift towards an algae‐dominated system may accompany coral loss. In this case, the composition of the reef‐associated fish assemblage will change and human communities relying on reef fisheries for income and food security may be negatively impacted. We present a case study based on the Raja Ampat Archipelago in Eastern Indonesia. Using a dynamic food web model, we simulate the loss of coral reefs with accompanied transition towards an algae‐dominated state and quantify the likely change in fish populations and fisheries productivity. One set of simulations represents extreme scenarios, including 100% loss of coral. In this experiment, ecosystem changes are driven by coral loss itself and a degree of habitat dependency by reef fish is assumed. An alternative simulation is presented without assumed habitat dependency, where changes to the ecosystem are driven by historical observations of reef fish communities when coral is lost. The coral–algal phase shift results in reduced biodiversity and ecosystem maturity. Relative increases in the biomass of small‐bodied fish species mean higher productivity on reefs overall, but much reduced landings of traditionally targeted species.
Festulolium fibre characteristics and digestibility as affected by maturity
Authors: Østrem L. , Volden B. , Steinshamn H. , Volden H.
Published: June 2014

This study compared the forage quality ofFestulolium entries of festucoid (Hykor) and loloid attributes (Felopa andNorwegian candivars) with major cultivars of the parent species perennial ryegrass and meadow fescue, and with timothy. ForageNDF, iNDF, kdNDFandDDMwere analysed at vegetative stage, early heading, heading and anthesis during spring growth (SG) and two subsequent regrowths over two production years at two locations in Norway.NDFand iNDFincreased and kdNDFandDDMdecreased with advancing maturity, mostly expressed inSG, with negative correlations betweenDDMandNDFand iNDFandADL, and strong positive correlations with kdNDF. InSG, across years and locations, the content of NDF at heading stage was 30% higher and iNDF400% higher in stems than in leaves, while stem kdNDFwas about 50% of that in leaves. In general, timothy cv.Grindstad andFestulolium cv.Hykor had the highestNDFandiNDFand the lowest kdNDFvalues.Loloid entries ofFestulolium were quite similar to perennial ryegrass, although the tetraploid entry proved better than the others with respect to forage quality. Regarding nutritive value, the festucoid and loloid types ofFestulolium should be considered separate groups. The effect of year was more pronounced than that of location, for which the ranking of entries was quite similar. LoloidFestulolium is prone to winter damage, and, although it has higher nutritive value than the parent species, its use will depend on the conditions for winter survival.
Genetic factors influencing inhibitor development in a cohort of South African haemophilia A patients
Authors: Lochan A. , Macaulay S. , Chen W. C. , Mahlangu J. N. , Krause A.
Published: June 2014

A critical complication of factor VIII (FVIII) replacement therapy in Haemophilia A (HA) treatment is inhibitor development. Known genetic factors predisposing to inhibitor development include FVIII (F8) gene mutations, ethnicity, a family history of inhibitors and FVIII haplotype mismatch. The aim of this study was to characterize and correlate these genetic factors in a cohort of South African HA patients. This was a retrospective study that included 229 patients and involved the analysis of patient files, HA molecular and clinical databases and molecular analysis of the F8 gene haplotype. Of the 229 patients, 51% were of black ethnicity, 49% were white, 5% had mild HA, 4% were moderate and 91% were severe, 36% were int22 positive and 13% were inhibitor positive. Of the inhibitor positive patients, 72% were black patients. Inhibitors were reported in 27% of black int22 positive patients, 13% of black int22 negative patients, 9% of white int22 positive patients and 7% of white int22 negative. The H1 haplotype was more common in whites (75%) and H2 was more common in blacks (74%). H3 and H5 were only found in black patients and had a higher frequency of inhibitor development than H1 and H2. In this small HA cohort, black patients had a significantly higher frequency of inhibitor development and the results were indicative of an association between inhibitor development, ethnicity and haplotype.
A prospective study of the incidence of asymptomatic pulp necrosis following crown preparation
Authors: Kontakiotis E. G. , Filippatos C. G. , Stefopoulos S. , Tzanetakis G. N.
Published: June 2014

Aim

To determine the incidence of asymptomatic pulp necrosis following crown preparation as well as the positive predictive value of the electric pulp testing.

Methodology

A total of 120 teeth with healthy pulps scheduled to receive fixed crowns (experimental teeth) were included. Teeth were divided into two groups according to the preoperative crown condition (intact teeth and teeth with preoperative caries, restorations or crowns) and into four groups according to tooth type (maxillary anterior teeth, maxillary posterior teeth, mandibular anterior teeth and mandibular posterior teeth). Experimental and control teeth were submitted to electric pulp testing on three different occasions before treatment commencement (stage 0), at the impression making session (stage 1) and just before the final cementation of the crown (stage 2). Teeth that were considered to contain necrotic pulps were submitted to root canal treatment. Upon access, absence of bleeding was considered as a confirmation of pulp necrosis. Data were analysed using bivariate (chi‐square) and multivariate analysis (logistic regression). All reported probability values (P‐values) were based on two‐sided tests and compared to a significance level of 5%.

Results

The overall incidence of pulp necrosis was 9%. Intact teeth had a significantly lower incidence of pulp necrosis (5%) compared with preoperatively structurally compromised teeth (13%) [(OR: 9.113, P = 0.035)]. No significant differences were found amongst the four groups with regard to tooth type (P = 0.923). The positive predictive value of the electric pulp testing was 1.00.

Conclusions

The incidence of asymptomatic pulp necrosis of teeth following crown preparation is noteworthy. The presence of preoperative caries, restorations or crowns of experimental teeth correlated with a significantly higher incidence of pulp necrosis. Electric pulp testing remains a useful diagnostic instrument for determining the pulp condition.
Adult pityriasis lichenoides‐like mycosis fungoides: a clinical variant of mycosis fungoides
Authors: de Unamuno Bustos Blanca , Ferriols Amparo P. , Sánchez Rosa B. , Rabasco Ana G. , Vela Carmen G. , Piris Miguel A. , Alegre de Míquel Víctor
Published: June 2014

Background

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most frequent type of cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Its clinicopathological spectrum is wide, and the resulting diversity makes it difficult to establish a differential diagnosis among pityriasis lichenoides (PL), lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), and atypical MF.

Objectives

This study describes four patients with longstanding PL‐like lesions, in whom clinicopathological correlations contributed towards the establishment of definitive diagnoses of MF.

Methods

The clinical histories of the four patients were reviewed. Skin biopsies were processed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical techniques. Disease spread was studied according to laboratory tests, complete blood counts, biochemical parameters, lactate dehydrogenase, lymphocyte populations, and Sézary cells. Thoracoabdominopelvic computed tomography was performed.

Results

The four patients included two women and two men, aged 35–70 years, all of whom had chronic skin lesions located mainly on the trunk and extremities. In three patients, initial clinicopathological correlations led to the diagnosis of PL; further biopsies were required to diagnose MF. In all patients, the atypical lymphocytic infiltrate showed a lichenoid or perivascular distribution with focal epidermotropism and parakeratosis. All cases proved positive for CD4 and CD3, and negative for CD20, CD8, and CD30. Polymerase chain reaction showed monoclonal‐type T cells in one and polyclonal infiltrates in three patients. All patients were initially treated with topical corticosteroids and photochemotherapy. None of the treatments proved completely successful, but subsequent tests have yielded no evidence of disease progression in any patient.

Conclusions

In patients with clinical features of longstanding PL and histological findings consistent with MF, differential diagnosis must include PL, LyP, and papular MF. As some forms of PL evolve towards MF and PL‐like forms of MF, these patients should undergo regular follow‐up and repeated biopsies in order to discard diagnoses of atypical forms of MF.