bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design Space Approach in Optimization of Fluid Bed Granulation and Tablets Compression Process
Authors: Djuriš Jelena , Medarević Djordje , Krstić Marko , Vasiljević Ivana , Mašić Ivana , Ibrić Svetlana
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to optimize fluid bed granulation and tablets compression processes using design space approach. Type of diluent, binder concentration, temperature during mixing, granulation and drying, spray rate, and atomization pressure were recognized as critical formulation and process parameters. They were varied in the first set of experiments in order to estimate their influences on critical quality attributes, that is, granules characteristics (size distribution, flowability, bulk density, tapped density, Carr's index, Hausner's ratio, and moisture content) using Plackett-Burman experimental design. Type of diluent and atomization pressure were selected as the most important parameters. In the second set of experiments, design space for process parameters (atomization pressure and compression force) and its influence on tablets characteristics was developed. Percent of paracetamol released and tablets hardness were determined as critical quality attributes. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were applied in order to determine design space. ANNs models showed that atomization pressure influences mostly on the dissolution profile, whereas compression force affects mainly the tablets hardness. Based on the obtained ANNs models, it is possible to predict tablet hardness and paracetamol release profile for any combination of analyzed factors.
Molecular Characterization of Shiga Toxin-ProducingEscherichia coliIsolated from Ruminant and Donkey Raw Milk Samples and Traditional Dairy Products in Iran
Authors: Momtaz Hassan , Farzan Rahil , Rahimi Ebrahim , Safarpoor Dehkordi Farhad , Souod Negar
Published: July 2012

The aims of the current study were to detect the virulence factors and antibiotic resistance of Shiga toxin-producingE. coli, in animal milk and dairy products in Iran. AfterE. colidentification with culture method, PCR assay were developed for detection of pathogenic genes, serotypes and antibiotic resistance genes ofE. coli. Results showed that out of 719 samples, 102 (14.18%) were confirmed to be positive forE. coliand out of 102 positive samples, 17.64% were O26 and 13.72% were O157 and 1.96% were O91 and 1.96% were O145 serotypes. Totally, the prevalence ofstx1 andpapAgenes were the highest while the prevalence ofsfaSandfyuAwere the lowest in the positive samples. PCR results showed thattetA, tetBwere the highest (64.70%) andaac(3)-IVwere the lowest (27.45%) antibiotic resistant genes inE. colipositive samples. Our study indicated that the isolatedE. colitrains in these regions had a highest antibiotic resistance to tetracycline (58.82%) and the lowest to nitrofurantoin (3.92%).tetAgene andE. coliO157 serotype had highest andaac(3)-IVgene, andE. coliO145 serotype had a lowest frequency rates of antibiotics resistance genes, in the region.
Effect of Long-Term Paddy-Upland Yearly Rotations on Rice (Oryza sativa) Yield, Soil Properties, and Bacteria Community Diversity
Authors: Chen Song , Zheng Xi , Wang Dangying , Chen Liping , Xu Chunmei , Zhang Xiufu
Published: July 2012

A 10-year-long field trial (between 2001 and 2010) was conducted to investigate the effect of paddy-upland rotation on rice yield, soil properties, and bacteria community diversity. Six types of paddy-upland crop rotations were evaluated: rice-fallow (control; CK), rice-rye grass (RR), rice-potato with rice straw mulches (RP), rice-rapeseed with straw incorporated into soil at flowering (ROF), rice-rapeseed incorporated in soil after harvest (ROM), and rice-Chinese milk vetch (RC). Analysis of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) was used to determine microbial diversity among rotations. Rice yield increased for upland crops planted during the winter. RC had the highest average yield of 7.74 t/ha, followed by RR, RP, ROM, and ROF. Soil quality differences among rotations were found. RC and RP improved the soil mean weight diameter (MWD), which suggested that rice rotated with milk vetch and potato might improve the paddy soil structure. Improved total nitrogen (TN) and soil organic matter (SOM) were also found in RC and RP. The positive relationship between yield and TN/SOM might provide evidence for the effect of RC rotation on rice yield. A strong time dependency of soil bacterial community diversity was also found.
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis in Border Collie Dogs in Japan: Clinical and Molecular Epidemiological Study (2000–2011)
Authors: Mizukami Keijiro , Kawamichi Takuji , Koie Hiroshi , Tamura Shinji , Matsunaga Satoru , Imamoto Shigeki , Saito Miyoko , Hasegawa Daisuke , Matsuki Naoaki , Tamahara Satoshi , Sato Shigenobu , Yabuki Akira , Chang Hye-Sook , Yamato Osamu
Published: July 2012

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is an inherited, neurodegenerative lysosomal disease that causes premature death. The present study describes the clinical and molecular epidemiologic findings of NCL in Border Collies in Japan for 12 years, between 2000 and 2011. The number of affected dogs was surveyed, and their clinical characteristics were analyzed. In 4 kennels with affected dogs, the dogs were genotyped. The genetic relationships of all affected dogs and carriers identified were analyzed. The survey revealed 27 affected dogs, but there was a decreasing trend at the end of the study period. The clinical characteristics of these affected dogs were updated in detail. The genotyping survey demonstrated a high mutant allele frequency in examined kennels (34.8%). The pedigree analysis demonstrated that all affected dogs and carriers in Japan are related to some presumptive carriers imported from Oceania and having a common ancestor. The current high prevalence in Japan might be due to an overuse of these carriers by breeders without any knowledge of the disease. For NCL control and prevention, it is necessary to examine all breeding dogs, especially in kennels with a high prevalence. Such endeavors will reduce NCL prevalence and may already be contributing to the recent decreasing trend in Japan.
Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Antioxidant Capacity in Pepper “Kulai” during Low-Temperature Storage
Authors: Tan Chung Keat , Ali Zainon Mohd , Ismail Ismanizan , Zainal Zamri
Published: July 2012

The objective of the present study was to simultaneously evaluate the effect of a postharvest treatment on the pepper's antioxidant content and its ability to retain its economical value during the postharvest period. The fruits were pretreated by modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with or without treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) before cold storage at 10°C. Changes in the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants, including the total phenolic, ascorbic acid levels and the total glutathione level, as well as enzymatic antioxidants, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), and catalase (CAT), were determined. Both treatments successfully extended the shelf life of the fruit for up to 25 days, and a high level of antioxidant capacity was maintained throughout the storage period. However, 1-MCP treatment maintained the high antioxidant capacity for a longer period of time. The 1-MCP-treated peppers maintained high levels of phenolic content, a high reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidised glutathione (GSSG) ratio, decreased levels of ascorbic acid and CAT activity, and increased levels of APX and GR compared with the peppers that were not treated with 1-MCP. The overall results suggested that a combination of 1-MCP and MAP was the most effective treatment for extending shelf life while retaining the nutritional benefits.
ZnFe2O4-TiO2Nanoparticles within Mesoporous MCM-41
Authors: Tang Aidong , Deng Yuehua , Jin Jiao , Yang Huaming
Published: July 2012

A novel nanocomposite ZnFe2O4-TiO2/MCM-41 (ZTM) was synthesized by a sol-gel method and characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), N2adsorption-desorption, Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry. The results confirmed the incorporation of ZnFe2O4-TiO2nanoparticles inside the pores of the mesoporous MCM-41 host without destroying its integrity. ZnFe2O4nanoparticles can inhibit the transformation of anatase into rutile phase of TiO2. Incorporation of ZnFe2O4-TiO2within MCM-41 avoided the agglomeration of nanoparticles and reduced the band gap energy of TiO2to enhance its visible light photocatalytic activity. UV-vis absorption edges of ZTM nanocomposites redshifted with the increase of Zn/Ti molar ratio. The nanocomposite approach could be a potential choice for enhancing the photoactivity of TiO2, indicating an interesting application in the photodegradation and photoelectric fields.
Inconsistent Condom Use among Public Primary Care Patients with Tuberculosis in South Africa
Authors: Matseke Gladys , Peltzer Karl , Louw Julia , Naidoo Pamela , Mchunu Gugu , Tutshana Bomkazi
Published: July 2012

The high rate of HIV infections among tuberculosis (TB) patients in South Africa calls for urgent HIV reduction interventions in this subpopulation. While correct and consistent condom use is one of the effective means of HIV prevention among sexually active people, there is insufficient research on condom use among TB patients in South Africa. The aim of this paper was to determine the prevalence of inconsistent condom use among public primary care TB patients and its associated factors using a sample of 4900 TB patients from a cross-sectional survey in three health districts in South Africa. Results indicated that when asked about their consistency of condom use in the past 3 months, 63.5% of the participants reported that they did not always use condoms. In the multivariable analysis, being married (OR=1.66; 95% CI 1.25–2.20) or cohabitating or separated, divorced, or widowed (OR=3.67; 1.85–7.29), lower educational level (OR=0.66; 0.46–0.94), greater poverty (OR=1.60; 1.25–2.20), not having HIV status disclosed (OR=0.34; 0.25–0.48), sexual partner on antiretroviral treatment (OR=0.38; 0.23–0.60), and partner alcohol use before sex (OR=1.56; 1.30–1.90) were significantly associated with inconsistent condom use in the past 3 months. The low proportion of consistent condom use among TB patients needs to be improved.
Evaluation of the Stress Level of Children with Idiopathic Scoliosis in relation to the Method of Treatment and Parameters of the Deformity
Authors: Leszczewska Justyna , Czaprowski Dariusz , Pawłowska Paulina , Kolwicz Aleksandra , Kotwicki Tomasz
Published: July 2012

Stress level due to existing body deformity as well as to the treatment with a corrective brace is one of factors influencing the quality of life of children with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing non-surgical management. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the stress level among children suffering from idiopathic scoliosis in relation to the method of treatment and the parameters of the deformity. Seventy-three patients with idiopathic scoliosis participated in the study. Fifty-two children were treated by means of physiotherapy, while 21 patients were treated with both Cheneau corrective brace and physiotherapy. To assess the stress level related to the deformity itself and to the method of treatment with corrective brace, the two Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaires (BSSQs) were applied, the BSSQ Deformity and the BSSQ Brace, respectively.
Spectroscopic Evaluation of Glioma Grading at 3T: The Combined Role of Short and Long TE
Authors: Kousi E. , Tsougos I. , Tsolaki E. , Fountas K. N. , Theodorou K. , Fezoulidis I. , Kapsalaki E. , Kappas C.
Published: July 2012

Purpose. To evaluate the diagnostic value of 3T1H-MRS in grading cerebral gliomas using short and long echo times.Methods. 1H-MRS was performed on 71 patients with untreated cerebral gliomas. Metabolite ratios of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, Cho/NAA, and mI/Cr were calculated for short and long TE and compared between low and high grade gliomas. Lipids were qualitatively evaluated. ROC analysis was performed to obtain the cut-off values for the metabolic ratios presenting statistical difference between the two glioma grades.Results. Intratumoral Cho/Cr at both TEs and long TE Cho/NAA were significantly different between low and high grade gliomas. Peritumoral NAA/Cr of both TEs, as well as long TE Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA ratios, significantly differentiated the two tumor grades. Diagnostic sensitivity of peritumoral short TE NAA/Cr proved to be superior over the other metabolic ratios, whereas intratumoral short TE Cho/Cr reached the highest levels of specificity and accuracy. Overall, short TE 1H-MRS reached higher total sensitivity in predicting glioma grade, over long TE.Conclusion. An advantage was found in using short TE over long TE 1H-MRS in the discrimination of low versus high grade gliomas. Moreover, the results suggested that the peritumoral area of gliomas may be more valuable in predicting glioma grade than using only the intratumoral area.
Factors Predicting Ventilator Dependence in Patients with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Tseng Chia-Cheng , Huang Kuo-Tung , Chen Yung-Che , Wang Chin-Chou , Liu Shih-Feng , Tu Mei-Lien , Chung Yu-Hsiu , Fang Wen-Feng , Lin Meng-Chih
Published: July 2012

Objectives. To determine risk factors associated with ventilator dependence in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).Study Design. A retrospective study was conducted at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, from January 1, 2007 to January 31, 2008.Methods. This study evaluated 163 adult patients (aged ≥18 years). Eligibility was evaluated according to the criterion for VAP, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Acute Physiological Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score. Oxygenation index, underlying comorbidities, septic shock status, previous tracheostomy status, and factors related to pneumonia were collected for analysis.Results. Of the 163 VAP patients in the study, 90 patients survived, yielding a mortality rate of 44.8%. Among the 90 surviving patients, only 36 (40%) had been weaned off ventilators at the time of discharge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify underlying factors such as congestive cardiac failure (P=0.009), initial high oxygenation index value (P=0.04), increased SOFA scores (P=0.01), and increased APACHE II scores (P=0.02) as independent predictors of ventilator dependence. Results from the Kaplan-Meier method indicate that initial therapy with antibiotics could increase the ventilator weaning rate (log Rank test,P<0.001).Conclusions. Preexisting cardiopulmonary function, high APACHE II and SOFA scores, and high oxygenation index were the strongest predictors of ventilator dependence. Initial empiric antibiotic treatment can improve ventilator weaning rates at the time of discharge.
Quantitative Portal Vein Velocity of Liver Cancer Patients with Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization on Angiography
Authors: Ho Yung-Jen , Chang Mu-Bai , Lin Yang-Hsien , Yao Chun-Hsu , Huang Tzung-Chi
Published: July 2012

Objective. We applied optical flow method (OFM) to quantify relative velocities of blood flow using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the vascular analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment.Methods. A total of 40 HCC patients treated by TACE were analyzed in this study. DSA imaging with a 12-inch field of view, 1024 × 1024 pixels and 4 frames/second was acquired. OFM developed for motion estimation is applied for blood flow estimation. Two acrylic phantoms were built to validate the method.Results. The relationship between the OFM and Doppler measurements was found linear withR2=0.99for both straight and curved tube phantoms. Quantitative blood flow distribution images of the portal vein region were presented. After TACE, the minimum, maximum and mean velocities in the portal vein all decreased (P<0.05). Additionally, the velocity in the portal vein is significantly lower with a higher Child-Pugh score (P<0.01).Conclusions. The present technique provides add-on quantitative information of flows to DSA and the hemodynamic analysis in relative quantifications of blood flow in portal vein of hepatocellular carcinoma patients using DSA.
Radioprotective Effect of Alk(en)yl Thiosulfates Derived from Allium Vegetables against DNA Damage Caused by X-Ray Irradiation in Cultured Cells: Antiradiation Potential of Onions and Garlic
Authors: Chang Hye-Sook , Endoh Daiji , Ishida Yushi , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Ozawa Shuji , Hayashi Masanobu , Yabuki Akira , Yamato Osamu
Published: July 2012

To evaluate a radioprotective effect of sodiumn-propyl thiosulfate (NPTS) and sodium 2-propenyl thiosulfate (2PTS) derived from onions and garlic, respectively, rat hepatoma H4IIE cells and mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells were preincubated with each of these compounds for 48 hours at 37°C before receiving 10 Gy of X-ray irradiation. Cell damage caused by the irradiation was quantified as comet tail moment, which represents the degree of DNA damage. X-ray-induced DNA damage was significantly decreased in both H4IIE and L5178Y cells by micromolar concentrations of NPTS and 2PTS compared with the control without the compounds. The protective effect was more potent with 2PTS than NPTS. Onions and garlic have antiradiation potential.
Muscle-Derived Cells for Treatment of Iatrogenic Sphincter Damage and Urinary Incontinence in Men
Authors: Gerullis H. , Eimer C. , Georgas E. , Homburger M. , El-Baz A. G. , Wishahi M. , Borós M. , Ecke T. H. , Otto T.
Published: July 2012

Introduction. Aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of injection of autologous muscle-derived cells into the urinary sphincter for treatment of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence in men and to characterize the injected cells prior to transplantation.Methods. 222 male patients with stress urinary incontinence and sphincter damage after uroloical procedures were treated with transurethral injection of autologous muscle-derived cells. The transplanted cells were investigated after cultivation and prior to application by immunocytochemistry using different markers of myogenic differentiation. Feasibility and functionality assessment was achieved with a follow-up of at least 12 months.Results. Follow-up was at least 12 months. Of the 222 treated patients, 120 responded to therapy of whom 26 patients (12%) were continent, and 94 patients (42%) showed improvement. In 102 (46%) patients, the therapy was ineffective. Clinical improvement was observed on average 4.7 months after transplantation and continued in all improved patients. The cells injected into the sphincter were at least~50% of myogenic origin and representative for early stages of muscle cell differentiation.Conclusions. Transurethral injection of muscle-derived cells into the damaged urethral sphincter of male patients is a safe procedure. Transplanted cells represent different phases of myogenic differentiation.
Postlecture Evaluation of a Positive Youth Development Subject for University Students in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the postlecture evaluation by the students taking a course (Tomorrow's Leaders) that attempted to promote their leadership qualities and intrapersonal competencies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong. Except for the last lecture, students were invited to respond to a 12-item postlecture questionnaire after each lecture. Results showed that the students had positive perceptions of the subject, class, and teacher attributes, and they had positive global evaluation of the teacher and the subject. The postlecture evaluation questionnaire was found to possess good psychometric properties. Multiple regression analyses showed that subject, class, and teacher attributes were predictive of global evaluation of the lecture and the teacher. In conjunction with other evaluation findings, the present findings strongly suggest that students had positive perceptions of the attributes and benefits of “Tomorrow's Leaders.”
Leishmaniaspp. Epidemiology of Canine Leishmaniasis in the Yucatan Peninsula
Authors: López-Céspedes A. , Longoni S. S. , Sauri-Arceo C. H. , Sánchez-Moreno M. , Rodríguez-Vivas R. I. , Escobedo-Ortegón F. J. , Barrera-Pérez M. A. , Bolio-González M. E. , Marín C.
Published: July 2012

Canine Leishmaniasis is widespread in various Mexican states, where different species ofLeishmaniahave been isolated from dogs. In the present study, we describe the detection ofL. braziliensis, L. infantum,andL. mexicanain serum of dogs from the states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico). A total of 412 sera were analyzed by ELISA using the total extract of the parasite and the iron superoxide dismutase excreted by different trypanosomatids as antigens. We found the prevalence ofL. braziliensisto be 7.52%,L. infantumto be 6.07%, andL. mexicanato be 20.63%, in the dog population studied. The results obtained with ELISA using iron superoxide dismutase as the antigen were confirmed by western blot analysis with its greater sensitivity, and the agreement between the two techniques was very high.
Transparent Testa16Plays Multiple Roles in Plant Development and Is Involved in Lipid Synthesis and Embryo Development in Canola
Authors: Deng Wei , Chen Guanqun , Peng Fred , Truksa Martin , Snyder Crystal L. , Weselake Randall J.
Published: July 2012

Transparent Testa16 (TT16), a transcript regulator belonging to the Bsister MADS box proteins, regulates proper endothelial differentiation and proanthocyanidin accumulation in the seed coat. Our understanding of its other physiological roles, however, is limited. In this study, the physiological and developmental roles of TT16 in an important oil crop, canola (Brassica napus), were dissected by a loss-of-function approach. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated down-regulation of tt16 in canola caused dwarf phenotypes with a decrease in the number of inflorescences, flowers, siliques, and seeds. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that tt16 deficiency affects pollen tube guidance, resulting in reduced fertility and negatively impacting embryo and seed development. Moreover, Bntt16  RNAi plants had reduced oil content and altered fatty acid composition. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the seeds of the RNAi plants had fewer oil bodies than the nontransgenic plants. In addition, tt16  RNAi transgenic lines were more sensitive to auxin. Further analysis by microarray showed that tt16 down-regulation alters the expression of genes involved in gynoecium and embryo development, lipid metabolism, auxin transport, and signal transduction. The broad regulatory function of TT16 at the transcriptional level may explain the altered phenotypes observed in the transgenic lines. Overall, the results uncovered important biological roles of TT16 in plant development, especially in fatty acid synthesis and embryo development.
Novel pseudopolymorph of the active metabolite of perindopril
Authors: Bojarska Joanna , Maniukiewicz Waldemar , Sieroń Lesław , Fruziński Andrzej , Kopczacki Piotr , Walczyński Krzysztof , Remko Milan
Published: July 2012

The dimethyl sulfoxide hemisolvate of perindoprilat [systematic name: (1S)-2-((S)-{1-[(2S,3aS,7aS)-2-carboxyoctahydro-1H-indol-1-yl]-1-oxopropan-2-yl}azaniumyl)pentanoate dimethyl sulfoxide hemisolvate], C17H28N2O5·0.5C2H6OS, an active metabolite of perindopril, has been synthesized, structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and compared with its ethanol disolvate analogue [Pascardet al.(1991).J. Med. Chem.34, 663–669]. Both compounds crystallize in the orthorhombicP212121space group in the same zwitterionic form, with a protonated alanine N atom and an anionic carboxylate group at then-alkyl chain. The three structural units present in the unit cell (two zwitterions and the solvent molecule) are held together by a rich system of O—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen-bond contacts.
An optically resolved crystal of thiomalate: (S)-1-phenylethanaminium (R)-thiomalate
Authors: Igawa Kosuke , Yoshinari Nobuto , Konno Takumi
Published: July 2012

The asymmetric unit of the optically resolved title salt, C8H12N+·C4H5O4S−, contains a 1-phenylethanaminium monocation and a thiomalate (3-carboxy-2-sulfanylpropanoate) monoanion. The absolute configurations of the cation and the anion are determined to beSandR, respectively. In the crystal, cation–anion N—H...O hydrogen bonds, together with anion–anion O—H...O and S—H...O hydrogen bonds, construct a two-dimensional supramolecular sheet parallel to theabplane. The two-dimensional sheet is linked with the upper and lower sheets through C—H...π interactions to stack along thecaxis.
Cell‐penetrating Peptides as a Novel Transdermal Drug Delivery System
Authors: Nasrollahi Saman A. , Taghibiglou Changiz , Azizi Ebrahim , Farboud Effat S.
Published: July 2012

In the last decade, almost one‐third of the newly discovered drugs approved by the US FDA were biomolecules and biologics. Effective delivery of therapeutic biomolecules to their target is a challenging issue. Innovations in drug delivery systems have improved the efficiency of many of new biopharmaceuticals. Designing of novel transdermal delivery systems has been one of the most important pharmaceutical innovations, which offers a number of advantages. The cell‐penetrating peptides have been increasingly used to mediate delivery of bimolecular cargoes such as small molecules, small interfering RNA nucleotides, drug‐loaded nanoparticles, proteins, and peptides, both in vitro and in vivo, without using any receptors and without causing any significant membrane damage. Among several different drug delivery routes, application of cell‐penetrating peptides in the topical and transdermal delivery systems has recently garnered tremendous attention in both cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical research and industries. In this review, we discuss history of cell‐penetrating peptides, cell‐penetrating peptide/cargo complex formation, and their mechanisms of cell and skin transduction.
Effectiveness of a national approach to prescribing education for multiple disciplines
Authors: Khanal Santosh , Buckley Tom , Harnden Chris , Koo Michelle , Peterson Gregory , Ryan Anna , Tse Justin , Westbury Juanita , Zuo Yeqin
Published: July 2012

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of a national approach to prescribing education on health professional students’ prescribing and therapeutics knowledge, across multiple disciplines.

Methods

In a university examination setting, 83 medical, 40 pharmacy and 13 nurse practitioner students from three different universities completed a set of multiple choice questions (MCQs) before and after completing an online module from the National Prescribing Curriculum (NPC). To minimize overestimation of knowledge, students had to indicate the level of certainty for each answer on a three‐point scale. MCQs were scored using a validated certainty‐based marking scheme resulting in a composite score (maximum 30 and minimum −60). Students were asked to rate their perception of usefulness of the module.

Results

At the pre‐module phase, there were no significant differences in the composite MCQ scores between the medical (9.0 ± 10.3), pharmacy (10.2 ± 10.6) and nurse practitioner (8.0 ± 10.7) students. The scores improved significantly for all groups at the post‐module phase (P < 0.01 for all groups) by similar extents (post‐module results: medical, 14.5 ± 9.6; pharmacy, 14.4 ± 9.9; nurse practitioner, 12.1 ± 9.6). 39.4% of the MCQs answered incorrectly with high level of certainty at the pre‐module phase were still answered incorrectly with high level of certainty at the post‐module phase. Almost all students (with no significant difference between the groups) found the NPC modules, post‐module MCQs and feedback useful as a learning tool.

Conclusions

A national online approach to prescribing education can improve therapeutics knowledge of students from multiple disciplines of health care and contribute towards streamlining interdisciplinary learning in medication management.
Gender‐specific pollinator preference for floral traits
Authors: de Jager Marinus L. , Ellis Allan G.
Published: July 2012

Shifts between alternative pollinator types are regarded as the main source of divergent selection underlying angiosperm floral diversification. However, pollinating species can exhibit substantial intraspecific variation, particularly between genders, in key morphological and behavioural traits determining their interactions with flowers. This potential mechanism of floral diversification remains largely unexplored.

The bee fly, Megapalpus capensis, is the predominant pollinator of the remarkable array of floral forms of the sexually deceptive daisy Gorteria diffusa. Flies exhibit strong gender‐specific interactions with the variable insect‐like spots which characterize G. diffusa inflorescences.

In order to explore variation in the preferences of male and female pollinators for the visual, tactile and olfactory components of these spots, and its implications for floral diversification, we used a sequence of binary choice tests where we manipulated individual spot components.

Male and female flies exhibited contrasting preferences for spot components with females preferring simplistic spots and avoiding UV highlights, whilst males prefer any additional visual and tactile phenotypic complexity.

Floral odour alone elicited significant preference in females only, indicating that, in contrast to orchids, sexual deception in G. diffusa is achieved largely through visual mimicry of female pollinators.

Our results clearly show that elaboration of the insect‐like spots has evolved in response to male preferences and suggest that a trade‐off exists between the attraction of male and female flies, which may have contributed to the divergence in floral phenotype between morphotypes of G. diffusa

Pollinators exhibit gender differences in floral preferences and behaviour which is another potential source of divergent selection contributing to angiosperm floral diversification.
Age‐dependent trade‐offs between immunity and male, but not female, reproduction
Authors: McNamara Kathryn B. , van Lieshout Emile , Jones Therésa M. , Simmons Leigh W.
Published: July 2012

Immune function is costly and must be traded off against other life‐history traits, such as gamete production. Studies of immune trade‐offs typically focus on adult individuals, yet the juvenile stage can be a highly protracted period when reproductive resources are acquired and immune challenges are ubiquitous. Trade‐offs during development are likely to be important, yet no studies have considered changes in adult responses to immune challenges imposed at different stages of juvenile development.

By manipulating the timing of a bacterial immune challenge to the larvae of the cotton bollworm moth, we examined potential trade‐offs between investment into immunity at different stages of juvenile development (early or late) and subsequent adult reproductive investment into sperm or egg production.

Our data reveal an age‐dependent trade‐off between juvenile immune function and adult male reproductive investment. Activation of the immune response during late development resulted in a reduced allocation of resources to eupyrene (fertilizing) sperm production. Immune activation from the injection procedure itself (irrespective of whether individuals were injected with an immune elicitor or a control solution) also caused reproductive trade‐offs; males injected early in development produced fewer apyrene (nonfertilizing) sperm. Contrary to many other studies, our study demonstrates these immune trade‐offs under ad libitum nutritional conditions. No trade‐offs were observed between female immune activation and adult reproductive investment.

We suggest the differences in trade‐offs observed between male sperm types and the absence of reproductive trade‐offs in females may be the result of ontogenetic differences in gamete production in this species. Our data reveal developmental windows when trade‐offs between immune function and gametic investment are made, and highlight the importance of considering multiple developmental periods when making inferences regarding the fundamental trade‐offs expected between immune function and reproduction.
Cluster analysis of fruit and vegetable‐related perceptions: an alternative approach of consumer segmentation
Authors: Simunaniemi A.‐M. , Nydahl M. , Andersson A.
Published: July 2012

How to cite this article  Simunaniemi A.‐M., Nydahl M. & Andersson A. (2012) Cluster analysis of fruit and vegetable related perceptions: an alternative approach of consumer segmentation. J Hum Nutr Diet. 26, 38–47

Background:  Audience segmentation optimises health communication aimed to promote healthy dietary habits, such as fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption. The present study aimed to segment respondents into clusters based on F&V‐related perceptions, and to describe these clusters with respect to F&V consumption and sex.

Methods:  The cross‐sectional study was conducted using a semi‐structured questionnaire. The respondents were randomly selected among Swedish adults (n = 1304; response rate 51%; 56% women). A two‐step cluster analysis was conducted followed by a binary logistic regression with cluster membership as a dependent variable. The clusters were compared using t‐tests and chi‐squared tests. P < 0.05 (two‐sided) was considered statistically significant. The respondents’ open‐ended answers of determinants of F&V consumption were used as a descriptive support for the conducted multivariate analysis.

Results:  Of the two identified clusters, the Positive cluster (n = 476) was older and consumed more vegetables (both sexes) and fruit (women only), whereas men in the Indifferent cluster (n = 715) consumed more juice. Indifferent cluster reported more F&V consumption preventing factors, such as storage and preparation difficulties and low satisfaction with F&V selection and price. Not liking or not having a habit of F&V consumption, laziness, forgetting and a lack of time were mentioned as main barriers to F&V consumption.

Conclusions:  The Indifferent cluster reports more practical and life‐style related difficulties. The Positive cluster consumes more vegetables, perceives fewer F&V‐related difficulties, and looks for more dietary information. The findings confirm that cluster analysis is an appropriate way of identifying consumer subgroups for targeted health and nutrition communication.
Lesions of Hypothalamic Mammillary Body Desynchronise Milk‐Ejection Bursts of Rat Bilateral Supraoptic Oxytocin Neurones
Authors: Wang Y.‐F. , Negoro H. , Higuchi T.
Published: July 2012

Successful milk ejection depends on a bolus release of oxytocin, which results from the synchronised burst firing of magnocellular oxytocin neurones in several hypothalamic nuclei. Despite extensive studies of the mechanism underlying the burst synchrony of oxytocin neurones in the same nucleus, brain regions controlling burst synchronisation among different nuclei remain elusive. We hypothesised that some structures in the ventroposterior hypothalamus may function as the major component of neural circuits controlling burst synchronisation of bilateral oxytocin neurones. To test this hypothesis, we recorded burst firing of bilateral oxytocin neurones in the two supraoptic nuclei after microsurgical disconnection of different hypothalamic regions in anaesthetised lactating rats. The results obtained showed that the interhemispheric section of the caudal part of the hypothalamus but not the rostral hypothalamus resulted in burst desynchronisation. The difference in burst onset time between paired bursts of bilateral oxytocin neurones was 129.2 ± 34.7 s, which is significantly (P < 0.01) longer than that of sham‐lesioned controls (0.24 ± 0.02 s). Hypothalamic lesions leading to the desynchronisation involved the mammillary body, supramammillary nucleus and tuberomammillary nucleus in the ventroposterior hypothalamus. Consistently, electrolytic lesion of the median part of this mammillary body region also desynchronised the burst of bilateral oxytocin neurones and disrupted milk ejections. These results indicate that the mammillary body region is critically involved in the burst synchronisation of bilateral oxytocin neurones during suckling and possibly functions as the major component of a putative synchronisation centre.
Demography and speciation history of the homoploid hybrid pinePinus densataon the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: GAO JIE , WANG BAOSHENG , MAO JIAN‐FENG , INGVARSSON PÄR , ZENG QING‐YIN , WANG XIAO‐RU
Published: July 2012

Pinus densatais an ecologically successful homoploid hybrid that inhabits vast areas of heterogeneous terrain on the south‐eastern Tibetan Plateau as a result of multiple waves of colonization. Its region of origin, route of colonization onto the plateau and the directions of introgression with its parental species have previously been defined, but little is known about the isolation and divergence history of its populations. In this study, we surveyed nucleotide polymorphism over eight nuclear loci in 19 representative populations ofP. densataand its parental species. Using this information and coalescence simulations, we assessed the historical changes in its population size, gene flow and divergence in time and space. The results indicate a late Miocene origin forP. densataassociated with the recent uplift of south‐eastern Tibet. The subsequent differentiation between geographical regions of this species began in the late Pliocene and was induced by regional topographical changes and Pleistocene glaciations. The ancestralP. densatapopulation had a large effective population size but the central and western populations were established by limited founders, suggesting that there were severe bottlenecks during the westward migration out of the ancestral hybrid zone. After separating from their ancestral populations, population expansion occurred in all geographical regions especially in the western range. Gene flow inP. densatawas restricted to geographically neighbouring populations, resulting in significant differentiation between regional groups. The new information on the divergence and demographic history ofP. densatareported herein enhances our understanding of its speciation process on the Tibetan Plateau.
Glucose‐dependent trafficking of 5‐HT3 receptors in rat gastrointestinal vagal afferent neurons
Authors: Babic T. , Troy A. E. , Fortna S. R. , Browning K. N.
Published: July 2012

Background  Intestinal glucose induces gastric relaxation via vagally mediated sensory‐motor reflexes. Glucose can alter the activity of gastrointestinal (GI) vagal afferent (sensory) neurons directly, via closure of ATP‐sensitive potassium channels, and indirectly, via the release of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) from mucosal enteroendocrine cells. We hypothesized that glucose may also be able to modulate the ability of GI vagal afferent neurons to respond to the released 5‐HT, via regulation of neuronal 5‐HT3 receptors.

Methods  Whole‐cell patch clamp recordings were made from acutely dissociated GI‐projecting vagal afferent neurons exposed to equiosmolar Krebs’ solution containing different concentrations of d‐glucose (1.25–20 mmol L−1) and the response to picospritz application of 5‐HT assessed. The distribution of 5‐HT3 receptors in neurons exposed to different glucose concentrations was also assessed immunohistochemically.

Key Results  Increasing or decreasing extracellular d‐glucose concentration increased or decreased, respectively, the 5‐HT‐induced inward current and the proportion of 5‐HT3 receptors associated with the neuronal membrane. These responses were blocked by the Golgi‐disrupting agent Brefeldin‐A (5 μmol L−1) suggesting involvement of a protein‐trafficking pathway. Furthermore, l‐glucose did not mimic the response of d‐glucose implying that metabolic events downstream of neuronal glucose uptake are required to observe the modulation of 5‐HT3 receptor mediated responses.

Conclusions & Inferences  These results suggest that, in addition to inducing the release of 5‐HT from enterochromaffin cells, glucose may also increase the ability of GI vagal sensory neurons to respond to the released 5‐HT, providing a means by which the vagal afferent signal can be amplified or prolonged.
Phytochrome B inhibits binding of phytochrome‐interacting factors to their target promoters
Authors: Park Eunae , Park Jeongmoo , Kim Junghyun , Nagatani Akira , Lagarias J. Clark , Choi Giltsu
Published: July 2012

Phytochromes are red and far‐red light receptors in plants that mediate critical responses to light throughout the lifecycle. They achieve this in part by targeting negatively acting bHLH transcription factors called phytochrome‐interacting factors (PIFs) for degradation within the nucleus. However, it is not known whether protein degradation is the primary mechanism by which phytochromes inhibit these repressors of photomorphogenesis. Here, we use chromatin immunoprecipitation to show that phyB inhibits the regulatory activity of PIF1 and PIF3 by releasing them from their DNA targets. The N‐terminal fragment of phyB (NG‐GUS‐NLS; NGB) also inhibits binding of PIF3 to its target promoters. However, unlike full‐length phyB, NGB does not promote PIF3 degradation, establishing the activity of NGB reflects its ability to inhibit PIF binding to DNA. We further show that Pfr forms of both full‐length phyB and NGB inhibit DNA binding of PIF1 and PIF3 in vitro. Taken together, our results indicate that phyB inhibition of PIF function involves two separate processes: sequestration and protein degradation.
Clinical signs, therapy and zoonotic risk of pet guinea pigs with dermatophytosis
Authors: Kraemer A. , Hein J. , Heusinger A. , Mueller R. S.
Published: July 2012

Systematic studies about pet guinea pigs with dermatophytosis are rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical signs, therapy and zoonotic risk of pet guinea pigs with dermatophytosis. Questionnaires from both owners (n = 74) of pet guinea pigs with dermatophytosis and their veterinarians (n = 101) were analysed regarding clinical signs, therapy and data pertinent to zoonotic potential. Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes was found in 97% of cases. In the weeks preceding the onset of the clinical signs, a new guinea pig joined the household in 43% of cases. One third of the affected guinea pigs had lived in the household for less than 3 months. Predominant clinical signs were alopecia (83%), scaling (73%) and crusting (70%). The most commonly affected body site was the head (75%). In approximately one quarter of the cases humans showed clinical signs of dermatophytosis, in half the households, only children were affected. Skin lesions were seen most often on the face, the neck and the arms. Pet guinea pigs carrying dermatophytes must be considered a serious zoonotic risk for their owners, especially for children. A major risk factor for dermatophytosis seems to be a recent acquisition of a new guinea pig.
Transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells ameliorates vascular dysfunction and portal hypertension in carbon tetrachloride‐induced rat liver cirrhotic model
Authors: Sakamoto Masaharu , Nakamura Toru , Torimura Takuji , Iwamoto Hideki , Masuda Hiroshi , Koga Hironori , Abe Mitsuhiko , Hashimoto Osamu , Ueno Takato , Sata Michio
Published: July 2012

Background and Aim

In cirrhosis, sinusoidal endothelial cell injury results in increased endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and decreased nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, leading to portal hypertension. However, the effects of transplanted endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) on the cirrhotic liver have not yet been clarified. We investigated whether EPC transplantation reduces portal hypertension.

Methods

Cirrhotic rats were created by the administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) twice weekly for 10 weeks. From week 7, rat bone marrow‐derived EPCs were injected via the tail vein in this model once a week for 4 weeks. Endothelial NOS (eNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and caveolin expressions were examined by Western blots. Hepatic tissue ET‐1 was measured by a radioimmunoassay (RIA). Portal venous pressure, mean aortic pressure, and hepatic blood flow were measured.

Results

Endothelial progenitor cell transplantation reduced liver fibrosis, α‐smooth muscle actin‐positive cells, caveolin expression, ET‐1 concentration and portal venous pressure. EPC transplantation increased hepatic blood flow, protein levels of eNOS and VEGF. Immunohistochemical analyses of eNOS and isolectin B4 demonstrated that the livers of EPC‐transplanted animals had markedly increased vascular density, suggesting reconstitution of sinusoidal blood vessels with endothelium.

Conclusions

Transplantation of EPCs ameliorates vascular dysfunction and portal hypertension, suggesting this treatment may provide a new approach in the therapy of portal hypertension with liver cirrhosis.
Prevalence of disturbed bowel functions and its association with disturbed bladder and sexual functions in the male population
Authors: Gwee Kok‐Ann , Siah Kewin Tien Ho , Wong Reuben K , Wee Sharon , Wong Mee‐Lian , Png Damian J C
Published: July 2012

Background and Aim

Chronic constipation is usually associated with young women, and urinary and sexual dysfunction has been reported as co‐morbidity. Elderly men also appear to suffer from chronic constipation, as well as lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction, but their association as co‐morbidity has not been studied in the community. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of bowel symptoms in our community with particular reference to the association with urinary and sexual dysfunction in the male population.

Methods

A population‐based cross–sectional survey involving 2276 subjects (1143 male, 1133 female) representative of the Singapore population demographics was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of chronic bowel disturbances, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Results

The prevalence of chronic constipation was 25.1% overall, with the highest in men aged ≥ 70 years (35.8%) followed by women aged 20–29 years (30.5%). The commonest symptoms reported in chronic constipation were hard stool (95.1%), straining (90.9%) and incomplete evacuation (53.8%). Bloating was often experienced by 25.5% of the community, among whom 61.1% had some form of bowel disturbance. In men aged ≥ 30 years, LUTS (7.8% v 3.1%) and ED (60.5% v 48.6%) were more common in men with than without chronic constipation; constipation was an independent predictor of ED.

Conclusions

In this Asian urban community, chronic constipation was more common than previously suspected, and urinary and erectile dysfunction were found to be co‐morbidity in men.