bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PD-1 deletion restores susceptibility to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in miR-155-deficient mice
Authors: Zhang Jinyu , Braun Michel Y.
Published: March 2014

MiR-155 −/− mice are highly resistant to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), while Pdcd1−/− mice develop a more severe form of the disease. To determine the conflicting roles of these two molecules in the disease, we generated miR-155−/−Pdcd1−/− double knockout (DKO) mice. We found that ablation of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression in miR-155-deficient mice restored the susceptibility to EAE. The increased severity of the disease in DKO mice was accompanied by an enhanced T-cell infiltration into the brain as well as an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17. Furthermore, the major contribution of the DKO to EAE was T-cell intrinsic since adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells from DKO donors promoted the disease in lymphopenic recipients. These results define PD-1 deficiency in miR-155−/− mice as a promoting factor of autoimmune inflammation by increasing antigen-driven T-cell expansion and infiltration.
Tanay virus, a new species of virus isolated from mosquitoes in the Philippines
Authors: Nabeshima Takeshi , Inoue Shingo , Okamoto Kenta , Posadas-Herrera Guillermo , Yu Fuxun , Uchida Leo , Ichinose Akitoyo , Sakaguchi Miako , Sunahara Toshihiko , Buerano Corazon C. , Tadena Florencio P. , Orbita Ildefonso B. , Natividad Filipinas F. , Morita Kouichi
Published: March 2014

In 2005, we isolated a new species of virus from mosquitoes in the Philippines. The virion was elliptical in shape and had a short single projection. The virus was named Tanay virus (TANAV) after the locality in which it was found. TANAV genomic RNA was a 9562 nt+poly-A positive strand, and polycistronic. The longest ORF contained putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP); however, conserved short motifs in the RdRP were permuted. TANAV was phylogenetically close to Negevirus, a recently proposed taxon of viruses isolated from haemophagic insects, and to some plant viruses, such as citrus leprosis virus C, hibiscus green spot virus and blueberry necrotic ring blotch virus. In this paper, we describe TANAV and the permuted structure of its RdRP, and discuss its phylogeny together with those of plant viruses and negevirus.
Chlorido(2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrinato)iron(III): a new triclinic polymorph of Fe(OEP)Cl
Authors: Kohnhorst Saifon A. , Haller Kenneth J.
Published: March 2014

The previous structure determination of the title compound, [Fe(C36H44N4)Cl], was of a monoclinic polymorph [Senge (2005).Acta Cryst.E61, m399–m400]. The crystal structure of a new triclinic polymorph has been determined based on single-crystal X-ray diffraction data collected at 100 K. The asymmetric unit contains one molecule of the high-spin square-pyramidal iron(III) porphyrinate. The structure exhibits distinct nonstatistical alternative positions for most atoms and was consequently modeled as a whole-molecule disorder. The compound is characterized by an average Fe—N bond length of 2.065 (2) Å, an Fe—Cl bond length of 2.225 (4) Å, and the iron(III) cation displaced by 0.494 (4) Å from the plane of the 24-atom porphyrinate core, essentially the same as in the previously determined polymorph. Common features of the porphyrin plane–plane stacking involve two types of synthons, each of which can be further stabilized with additional H...Cl interactions to the axial chloride ligand, exhibiting concerted interactions of H atoms from the ethyl groups with the π-cloud electron density of adjacent molecules; the shortest methylene H-atom contacts are in the range 2.75–2.91 Å, resulting in plane–plane separations of 3.407 (4) and 3.416 (4) Å, and the shortest methyl H-atom contacts are 2.56–2.95 Å, resulting in plane–plane separations of 4.900 (5) and 4.909 (5) Å in the monoclinic polymorph. The plane-to-plane stacking synthons in the triclinic polymorph are similar, but at greater distances; the shortest methylene H-atom contacts are 2.86–2.94 Å, resulting in plane–plane separations of 3.45 (2) and 3.45 (3) Å, and the shortest methyl H-atom contacts are 2.89–3.20 Å, resulting in plane–plane separations of 5.081 (13) and 5.134 (13) Å, consistent with the density of the triclinic polymorph being 1.5% lower, suggesting lesser packing efficiency and lower stability in the triclinic polymorph. The major molecular differences found in the polymorphs is in three different orientations of the ethyl-group side chains on the periphery of the porphyrin core.
Evidence for function overlapping of CymA and the cytochrome bc1 complex in the Shewanella oneidensis nitrate and nitrite respiration
Authors: Fu Huihui , Jin Miao , Ju Lili , Mao Yinting , Gao Haichun
Published: March 2014

Shewanella oneidensis is an important model organism for its versatility of anaerobic respiration. CymA, a cytoplasmic membrane‐bound tetraheme c‐type cytochrome, plays a central role in anaerobic respiration by transferring electrons from the quinone pool to a variety of terminal reductases. Although loss of CymA results in defect in respiration of many electron acceptors (EAs), a significant share of the capacity remains in general. In this study, we adopted a transposon random mutagenesis method in a cymA null mutant to identify substituent(s) of CymA with respect to nitrite and nitrate respiration. A total of 87 insertion mutants, whose ability to reduce nitrite was further impaired, were obtained. Among the interrupted genes, the petABC operon appeared to be the most likely candidate given the involvement of the cytochrome bc1 complex that it encodes in electron transport. Subsequent analyses not only confirmed that the complex and CymA were indeed functionally overlapping in nitrate/nitrite respiration but also revealed that both proteins were able to draw electrons from ubiquinone and menaquinone. Furthermore, we found that expression of the bc1 complex was affected by oxygen but not nitrate or nitrite and by global regulators ArcA and Crp in an indirect manner.
Biodegradation of endocrine‐disrupting compounds by ligninolytic fungi: mechanisms involved in the degradation
Authors: Cajthaml Tomáš
Published: March 2014

Without any doubt, endocrine‐disrupting compounds (EDCs) represent an environmental risk for wildlife and human beings. Endocrine‐disrupting effects were found for many chemicals in products for personal use, industrial compounds and even in classical persistent organic pollutants (POPs). In order to understand the fate of EDCs in the environment, it is highly important to identify and to clarify the biodegradation mechanisms that can lead to their decomposition. Ligninolytic fungi (LF) are interesting microorganisms that are capable of participating in a variety of versatile decomposition mechanisms. The microorganisms represent a useful model group and, moreover, LF or their enzymes can be actively used for decontamination. Potential optimization of the decontamination process provides another important reason why it is necessary for understanding the mechanisms of EDC transformation. This minireview summarizes current knowledge about the LF biodegradation mechanisms of the most important micropollutants (xenoestrogens), including nonylphenols, bisphenol A and 17α‐ethinylestradiol and polychlorinated biphenyls as POPs with endocrine‐disrupting potency. Generally, LF exhibit the ability to either polymerize the target pollutants or to substantially decompose the original structure using ligninolytic enzymes and cytochrome P‐450. Moreover, most of the transformation processes are accompanied by reduction of the endocrine‐disrupting activity or ecotoxicity.
Infrared Spectra of U.S. Automobile Original Finishes (1998–2000).IX. Identification of Bismuth Oxychloride and Silver/White Mica Pearlescent Pigments Using Extended RangeFT‐IRSpectroscopy,XRFSpectrometry, andSEM/EDSAnalysis
Authors: Suzuki Edward M.
Published: March 2014

Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) was the first viable synthetic pearl pigment developed 50 years ago. It was only used for a limited time period in automotive paint (model years 1998–2000), serving to produce luster for a single Chrysler black metallic color. Identification of this pigment in an unknown automotive paint can thus facilitate determination of the vehicle of origin. Bismuth oxychloride imparts effects similar to those produced by silver/white mica pearlescent pigments, and such a pigment was used together with bismuth oxychloride in at least one original equipment manufacturer (OEM) basecoat. Silver/white micas are now used primarily in white pearl tricoat systems. This article describes the identification of bismuth oxychloride and silver/white mica pearlescent pigments in automotive finishes usingFT‐IRspectroscopy, X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, andSEM/EDSanalysis. Data for some cadmium pigments, which were used in automotive paint several decades ago, are also presented as they produce infrared absorptions similar to that of bismuth oxychloride.
Validation of a differential diagnostic model of diabetic nephropathy and non‐diabetic renal diseases and the establishment of a new diagnostic model 糖尿病肾病和非糖尿病性肾脏疾病的鉴别诊断模型的验证及新模型的建立
Authors: Liu Mo‐yan , Chen Xiang‐mei , Sun Xue‐feng , Zhou Jian‐hui , Zhang Xue‐guang , Zhu Han‐yu , Chen Yi‐zhi , Liu Shu‐wen , Wei Ri‐bao , Tang Li , Cai Guang‐yan , Zhang Li , Bai Xue‐yuan
Published: March 2014

Background

The aims of the present study were to validate the differential diagnostic model of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and non‐diabetic renal diseases (NDRD) established in 2003 and to establish a new diagnostic model suitable for the current clinical characteristics of DN.

Methods

We examined 200 patients with Type 2 diabetes who underwent kidney biopsy from 2004 to 2012. The 2003 differential diagnostic model based on the data collected from 1993 to 2003 was evaluated by the diagnostic test and changes in the clinical differentiation parameters of DN and NDRD were analyzed. Logistic regression, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) analysis were applied.

Results

The 2003 diagnostic model showed an accuracy of 77.5%. A significantly elevated incidence of hematuria, longer history of diabetes, and reduced level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were observed in the DN group from 2004 to 2012 compared with DN group from 1993 to 2003. Histories of diabetes mellitus (Dm), systolic blood pressure (Bp), HbA1c (Gh), hematuria (Hu), diabetic retinopathy (Dr), and hemoglobin (Hb) are independently related to DN. Thus, a new diagnostic model was constructed as follows: PDN = exp (0.846 + 0.022 Dm + 0.033Bp + 2.050 Gh–2.664 Hu–0.078 Hb + 2.942Dr)/[1 + exp (0.846 + 0.022 Dm + 0.033 Bp + 2.050 Gh–2.664 Hu–0.078 Hb + 2.942 Dr)].Validation tests determined that the accuracy of the new model were 90.9%.

Conclusions

Changes in people with DN, clinical characteristics have reduced the diagnostic efficacy of the 2003 diagnostic model. The newly established model can provide a better, more current differentiation between DN and NDRD.
Allergic rhinitis may impact the recovery of pulmonary function tests after moderate/severe asthma exacerbation in children
Authors: Yilmaz O. , Bakirtas A. , Ertoy Karagol H. I. , Topal E. , Demirsoy M. S.
Published: March 2014

Background

During an asthma exacerbation, pulmonary function test parameters (PFTs) return to their baseline values within a few weeks. Factors affecting the recovery of PFTs other than the severity of exacerbation are not well known.

Objective

The primary aim of the study was to determine the risk factors for recovery of PFTs > 7 days after a moderate to severe asthma exacerbation in children.

Methods

Children who had moderate to severe asthma exacerbation performed serial prebronchodilator PFTs on days 1, 3, 7 of the exacerbation and then once weekly until their PFTs reached a plateau. All children received systemic corticosteroid for 3 days and inhaled salbutamol as long as they needed.

Results

Fifty‐seven children were recruited. When all PFTs were considered, 42% and 74% of children recovered within 7 and 14 days, respectively. The last recovered PFT parameter was FEF25–75. Allergic rhinitis (AR) (P = 0.016), persistent AR (P = 0.005), and severe asthma exacerbation (P = 0.009) were significantly higher in children whose PFTs recover >7 days; only severe asthma exacerbation was different for recovery >14 days (P = 0.048). Logistic regression analysis revealed that AR and severe asthma exacerbation increase the recovery of PFTs > 7 days by 4.3 (95% CI: 1.29–14.67) and 8.1 (95% CI: 1.51–44.43), respectively.

Conclusions

Recovery of PFTs during a moderate/severe asthma exacerbation may take up to 4 weeks. Apart from severity of the exacerbation, AR is a significant factor affecting the recovery time of PFTs and therefore may impact asthma management. This issue reinforces the combined treatment of AR and asthma.
MicroRNAs and their relevance to ABC transporters
Authors: Haenisch Sierk , Werk Anneke Nina , Cascorbi Ingolf
Published: March 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, which regulate the expression of their target genes post‐transcriptionally by RNA interference. They are involved in almost all cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, cell survival and the maintenance of tissue specificity. Recent findings also suggest that efflux pumps of the ABC (ATP‐binding cassette) transporter family are subject to miRNA‐mediated gene regulation. Moreover, it seems that ABC transporters are embedded in a concerted and miRNA‐guided network of concurrently regulated proteins that mediate altered drug transport and cell survival in changing environmental conditions. In this review, we summarize recent findings of miRNAs interacting with ABC transporters, which have been connected with drug distribution as well as with drug resistance. Additionally, we specify findings of complex miRNA–protein pathways conferring increased drug export and cell survival.
Outcomes of theON FIREpeer support programme for children and adolescents in families with mental health problems
Authors: Foster Kim , McPhee Ingrid , Fethney Judith , McCloughen Andrea
Published: March 2014

Children in families with mental health problems may encounter multiple risks to their well‐being. General aims of peer support programmes for these children include fostering resilience and effective coping strategies, and enhancing self‐esteem and social skills. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes from a pilot multi‐site implementation of theON FIREpeer support programme. The purpose ofON FIREis to cultivate hope, resilience and well‐being in children and adolescents aged 8–17 years living in families affected by sibling or parental mental health problems. We employed a pre‐post test (baseline and 4 months) evaluation using a suite of outcome measures. TheStrengths andDifficultiesQuestionnaire (SDQ),Children'sHopeScale,KidsConnectionsScale andPositive andNegativeAffectScale forChildren (PANAS‐C) were completed for 64 child/adolescent participants. At baseline, participants had significantly greater difficulties compared withAustralian norms. At 4 months, there were significant differences inchildren'shope and in connections outside the family. There were no significant differences in theSDQor thePANAS‐C.
Contact allergy to ingredients of hair cosmetics – a comparison of female hairdressers and clients based on IVDK 2007–2012 data
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Gefeller Olaf , John Swen Malte , Schnuch Axel , Geier Johannes
Published: March 2014

Background

Cosmetics for bleaching, waving/relaxing and dyeing hair contain well‐known allergens, leading to a substantial number of cases of allergic contact dermatitis.

Objective

To compare the frequency of important contact allergens (i) between two distinct groups of exposed patients, and (ii) with previous surveillance data.

Methods

On the basis of data collected by the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK; www.ivkd.org) between 2007 and 2012 in 824 female hairdressers and 2067 female clients, the current spectrum of contact sensitization to ingredients of hair cosmetics, as contained in different pertinent series, is described.

Results

A similar burden of sensitization as in previous analyses was observed, but with some increase in sensitization to oxidative hair dye components in clients. Some allergens mainly affected hairdressers, such as ammonium persulfate (18.7% positive) and glyceryl monothioglycolate (GMTG; still 4.7% positive, with a few cases also in young hairdressers, despite removal from the German market).

Conclusions

Hair dyes remain important contact allergens, despite various attempts by the cosmetic industry to introduce hair dyes with lower allergenic potential. The re‐emergence of GMTG as an occupational allergen should be considered as a warning signal (‘sentinel event’) prompting close monitoring.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Right Ventricular Outflow Tract and Left Ventricular Intracavitary Obstruction
Authors: Malik Rabiya , Maron Martin S. , Rastegar Hassan , Pandian Natesa G.
Published: March 2014

Obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is a rare finding in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients unlike left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Although there are guidelines that aid in clinical decision making in patients with LVOT obstruction, there are none addressing RVOT obstruction. As RVOT obstruction may pose serious clinical implications similar to LVOT obstruction, appropriate medical and surgical management is very important. A unique phenotype of HCM with RVOT obstruction in conjunction with left ventricle (LV) intracavitary obstruction is discussed.
Posteromedial Papillary Muscle Rupture Following Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvotomy
Authors: Açar Göksel , Toprak Cuneyt , Avci Anıl , Efe Suleyman Cagan , Esen Ali Metin
Published: March 2014

Mini‐Abstract

We report a case of Inoue balloon mitral valvotomy in a patient with low echo score that was complicated by severe regurgitation caused by a rupture of a papillary muscle, which only became apparent the day after the procedure. Our case highlights the importance of the follow‐up of patients undergoing balloon mitral valvotomy even following a successful procedure on suitable valves.
Three‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Allows Detailed Evaluation of Left Atrial Function in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy–Insights from the MAGYAR‐Path Study
Authors: Domsik Péter , Kalapos Anita , Chadaide Számi , Sepp Róbert , Hausinger Péter , Forster Tamás , Nemes Attila
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) represents a generalized myopathic process affecting both ventricular and atrial myocardium. Reduced left atrial (LA) function was demonstrated in HCM by different methods. Three‐dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has just been introduced for the evaluation of LA. This study was designed to compare 3DSTE‐derived LA volumetric and strain parameters in HCM with healthy controls.

Methods

The study comprised 23 consecutive HCM patients (mean age: 48.5 ± 15.1 years, 14 men). Their results were compared to 23 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. Complete two‐dimensional Doppler echocardiography and 3DSTE have been performed in all cases.

Results

Calculated LA maximum (66.4 ± 20.4 mL vs. 36.0 ± 6.1 mL, P < 0.0001) and minimum (39.2 ± 19.1 vs. 16.0 ± 4.6 mL, P < 0.0001) volumes and LA volume before atrial contraction (53.6 ± 19.9 vs. 24.0 ± 6.2 mL, P < 0.0001) were significantly increased in HCM patients. Atrial stroke volumes respecting cardiac cycles proved to be increased, while emptying fractions were decreased in subjects with HCM. Mean global radial (−12.2 ± 6.7% vs. −19.6 ± 11.7, P < 0.05), longitudinal (26.5 ± 16.5% vs. 29.8 ± 12.1%, P < 0.05) and 3D strain (−6.1 ± 4.4% vs. −12.5 ± 10.2%, P < 0.05) proved to be significantly reduced in HCM patients as compared with matched controls.

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography allows detailed evaluation of LA (dys) function in HCM by volumetric and strain measurements.
Task‐related preparatory modulations multiply with acoustic processing in monkey auditory cortex
Authors: Massoudi Roohollah , Van Wanrooij Marc M. , Van Wetter Sigrid M. C. I. , Versnel Huib , Van Opstal A. John
Published: March 2014

We characterised task‐related top‐down signals in monkey auditory cortex cells by comparing single‐unit activity during passive sound exposure with neuronal activity during a predictable and unpredictable reaction‐time task for a variety of spectral‐temporally modulated broadband sounds. Although animals were not trained to attend to particular spectral or temporal sound modulations, their reaction times demonstrated clear acoustic spectral‐temporal sensitivity for unpredictable modulation onsets. Interestingly, this sensitivity was absent for predictable trials with fast manual responses, but re‐emerged for the slower reactions in these trials. Our analysis of neural activity patterns revealed a task‐related dynamic modulation of auditory cortex neurons that was locked to the animal's reaction time, but invariant to the spectral and temporal acoustic modulations. This finding suggests dissociation between acoustic and behavioral signals at the single‐unit level. We further demonstrated that single‐unit activity during task execution can be described by a multiplicative gain modulation of acoustic‐evoked activity and a task‐related top‐down signal, rather than by linear summation of these signals.
Attenuation of urokinase activity during experimental ischaemia protects the cerebral barrier from damage through regulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and NAD(P)H oxidase
Authors: Rakkar Kamini , Srivastava Kirtiman , Bayraktutan Ulvi
Published: March 2014

Ischaemic injury impairs the integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In this study, we investigated the molecular causes of this defect with regard to the putative correlations among NAD(P)H oxidase, plasminogen–plasmin system components, and matrix metalloproteinases. Hence, the activities of NAD(P)H oxidase, matrix metalloproteinase‐2, urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA), and tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA), and superoxide anion levels, were assessed in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) alone or OGD followed by reperfusion (OGD + R). The integrity of an in vitro model of BBB comprising HBMECs and astrocytes was studied by measuring transendothelial electrical resistance and the paracellular flux of albumin. OGD with or without reperfusion (OGD ± R) radically perturbed barrier function while concurrently enhancing uPA, tPA and NAD(P)H oxidase activities and superoxide anion release in HBMECs. Pharmacological inactivation of NAD(P)H oxidase attenuated OGD ± R‐mediated BBB damage through modulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and tPA, but not uPA activity. Overactivation of NAD(P)H oxidase in HBMECs via cDNA electroporation of its p22‐phox subunit confirmed the involvement of tPA in oxidase‐mediated BBB disruption. Interestingly, blockade of uPA or uPA receptor preserved normal BBB function by neutralizing both NAD(P)H oxidase and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 activities. Hence, selective targeting of uPA after ischaemic strokes may protect cerebral barrier integrity and function by concomitantly attenuating basement membrane degradation and oxidative stress.
Induction of sexual reproduction and genetic diversity in the cheese fungus Penicillium roqueforti
Authors: Ropars Jeanne , López‐Villavicencio Manuela , Dupont Joëlle , Snirc Alodie , Gillot Guillaume , Coton Monika , Jany Jean‐Luc , Coton Emmanuel , Giraud Tatiana
Published: March 2014

The emblematic fungus Penicillium roqueforti is used throughout the world as a starter culture in the production of blue‐veined cheeses. Like other industrial filamentous fungi, P. roqueforti was thought to lack a sexual cycle. However, an ability to induce recombination is of great economic and fundamental importance, as it would make it possible to transform and improve industrial strains, promoting the creation of novel phenotypes and eliminating the deleterious mutations that accumulate during clonal propagation. We report here, for the first time, the induction of the sexual structures of P. roqueforti — ascogonia, cleistothecia and ascospores. The progeny of the sexual cycle displayed clear evidence of recombination. We also used the recently published genome sequence for this species to develop microsatellite markers for investigating the footprints of recombination and population structure in a large collection of isolates from around the world and from different environments. Indeed, P. roqueforti also occurs in silage, wood and human‐related environments other than cheese. We found tremendous genetic diversity within P. roqueforti, even within cheese strains and identified six highly differentiated clusters that probably predate the use of this species for cheese production. Screening for phenotypic and metabolic differences between these populations could guide future development strategies.
The effect of treatment with immune modulators on endometrial cytokine expression in mares susceptible to persistent breeding‐induced endometritis
Authors: Woodward E. M. , Christoffersen M. , Horohov D. , Squires E. L. , Troedsson M. H. T.
Published: March 2014

Reasons for performing study

Research has shown that 6 h after breeding is a critical time during the uterine innate immune response, and the failure to respond appropriately will result in persistent breeding‐induced endometritis. This presents a potential opportunity to modulate the course of inflammation towards a timely resolution.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of immune modulation on endometrialmRNAexpression of inflammatory genes in susceptible mares 6 h after breeding. The hypothesis was that immune modulation alters endometrial cytokine expression in susceptible mares.

Study design

A randomised controlled study to evaluate the effects of mycobacterial cell wall extract and dexamethasone on endometrial gene expression after insemination in 6 mares susceptible to persistent breeding‐induced endometritis.

Methods

Six susceptible mares were selected based on their uterine inflammatory response to insemination. Mares were inseminated during 3 oestrous cycles with 1 × 109nonviable spermatozoa and 1) no additional treatment (control), or in combination with 2) dexamethasone (50 mg i.v.) at the time of insemination, or 3) with mycobacterial cell wall extract (1.5 ml i.v.) administered 24 h prior to insemination. Mares received one treatment per cycle in randomised order, and each mare served as her own control. Endometrial biopsies were collected 6 h after breeding, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis for interleukin (IL)1β,IL6, interferon γ,IL10andIL1RAwas performed. Relative quantification values reported fold changes inmRNAexpression from the control. Data were analysed using anANOVAand significance was set at P<0.05.

Results

Expression ofIL1β mRNAwas lower after treatment with dexamethasone (P<0.001) and mycobacterial cell wall extract (P<0.05) when compared with control. No differences were detected in themRNAexpression of the other cytokines after any of the treatments.

Conclusions

Treatment with immune modulators alters endometrialmRNAexpression ofIL1βafter insemination. A better understanding of the mechanisms of immune modulation in the equine uterus can help to improve treatments for persistent breeding‐induced endometritis.
Special Licorice Extracts Containing Lowered Glycyrrhizin and Enhanced Licochalcone A Prevented Helicobacter pylori‐Initiated, Salt Diet‐Promoted Gastric Tumorigenesis
Authors: Park Jong‐Min , Park Sang‐Ho , Hong Kyung‐Sook , Han Young‐Min , Jang Sang‐Ho , Kim Eun‐Hee , Hahm Ki‐Baik
Published: March 2014

Objective

In spite of cytoprotective and anti‐inflammatory actions, conventional licorice extracts (c‐lico) were limitedly used due to serious side effects of glycyrrhizin. As our group had successfully isolated special licorice extracts (s‐lico) lowering troublesome glycyrrhizin, but increasing licochalcone A, we have compared anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative, and cytoprotective actions of s‐lico and c‐lico against either in vitro or in vivo Helicobacter pylori infection.

Methods

RT‐PCR and Western blot were performed to check anti‐inflammatory action and electron spin resonance (ESR) and DCFDA spectroscopy to check antioxidative action. s‐lico or c‐lico was pretreated 1 hours before H. pylori infection on AGS cells. Interleukin‐10 deficient mice inoculated H. pylori and followed with high salt containing pallet diets to produce H. pylori‐associated chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric tumors, during which s‐lico or c‐lico‐containing pellet diets were administered up to 24 weeks.

Results

s‐lico had fabulous efficacy on scavenging ROS which was further confirmed by DCFDA study and ESR measurement. The expressions of COX‐2, iNOS, VEGF, and IL‐8 were increased after H. pylori infection, of which levels were significantly decreased with s‐lico in a dose‐dependent manner. s‐lico significantly ameliorated hypoxia‐induced or H. pylori‐induced angiogenic activities. s‐lico significantly ameliorated H. pylori‐induced gastric damages as well as gastritis. Our animal model showed significant development of gastric tumors including adenoma and dysplasia relevant to H. pylori infection, and s‐lico administration significantly attenuated incidence of H. pylori‐induced gastric tumorigenesis.

Conclusions

Special licorice extracts can be anticipating substance afforded significant attenuation of either H. pylori‐induced gastritis or tumorigenesis based on potent antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and antimutagenic actions.
Altitudinal trends in species richness and diversity of Mesoamerican parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Veijalainen Anu , Sääksjärvi Ilari E. , Tuomisto Hanna , Broad Gavin R. , Bordera Santiago , Jussila Reijo
Published: March 2014

Utilising short‐term but geographically extensive sampling in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, we examined altitudinal trends in species richness and diversity of ichneumonid parasitoid wasps. This study covered 19 subfamilies, including four globally large subfamilies that have not yet been taxonomically revised in the Neotropics.

Sampling was done at 25 sites classified into three elevational categories on the basis of the average elevation of traps at each site (low 34–659 m a.s.l., middle 1033–1709 m a.s.l., and high 1930–2565 m a.s.l.). A total of 2847 ichneumonid individuals were captured and sorted into 751 morphospecies, most of which were identified to the genus level.

We found a clear compositional gradient in ichneumonid communities along the elevational gradient, as the majority of species were restricted to either one elevational zone or two adjacent zones. In our data, mid‐ and high‐elevation sites had generally higher ichneumonid species richness and diversity than low‐elevation sites. These trends were largely similar to those found in larger scale Mesoamerican ichneumonid studies.

Yet, the low ichneumonid richness at low elevations may partly be a sampling artefact. This provides a new piece of evidence for the suggestion that extensive sampling is needed for uncovering the real diversity of ichneumonids in tropical lowland forests, and that the reputation of Ichneumonidae as a notable example of a reversed latitudinal diversity gradient may be undeserved.
Usefulness of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in predicting positive biopsy after high‐intensity focused ultrasound for treatment of localized prostate cancer
Authors: Muto Satoru , Kaminaga Tatsuro , Horiuchi Akira , Kitamura Kousuke , Saito Keisuke , Isotani Shuji , Yamaguchi Raizo , Ide Hisamitsu , Furui Shigeru , Horie Shigeo
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To investigate the clinical effectiveness of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in predicting local recurrence or residual disease after high‐intensity focused ultrasound for treatment of localized prostate cancer.

Methods

The present study included patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent high‐intensity focused ultrasound of whole‐gland ablation as primary therapy. Clinicopathological variables including proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and prostate‐specific antigen and its derivatives were analyzed to predict the positive prostate biopsy results using univariate and multivariate analyses. Furthermore, the presence of tumor in each of the 12 prostate sectors by T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy were evaluated and compared with prostate biopsy results in each of the 12 prostate sectors in order to evaluate the local cancer distribution in the prostate after high‐intensity focused ultrasound.

Results

Overall, we carried out 85 prostate biopsies in 52 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the positive finding of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was the only statistically significant prognostic parameter of pathological tumor progression in patients after high‐intensity focused ultrasound. Prostate biopsy cores were obtained from 952 prostate sectors of 52 patients and 85 prostate biopsies. Compared with T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (sensitivity 52.8%, specificity 97.4%, positive predictive value 44.2% and negative predictive value 98.1%, P < 0.001) has higher values to predict local tumor progression in prostate sectors after high‐intensity focused ultrasound.

Conclusions

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a useful, non‐invasive diagnostic modality that predicts local tumor progression in patients after high‐intensity focused ultrasound, as well as local cancer distribution at each of the prostate sectors with pinpoint accuracy.
Changes in Quality and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Bunched and Topped Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Plants during Storage at 5 or 10C
Authors: Tsouvaltzis Pavlos , Brecht Jeffrey K.
Published: March 2014

Quality changes of bunched and topped radishes (Raphanus sativus L.) during postharvest storage were investigated. Bunched radish plants, topped roots and detached leaves were stored at 5 or 10C for 9 days. Yellowing and wilting of leaves during storage at 10C were the main visual quality deteriorations in bunched radishes. Leaf detachment reduced respiration and ethylene production rates and weight loss of roots, and resulted in lower ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity and phenolic content especially during storage at 10C. Root color did not change during storage, with or without leaf detachment. Leaf color did not change at 5C, whereas lightness and chroma increased and hue angle decreased at 10C, with larger changes observed in detached leaves. H2O2 content as well as peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase activities in the root tissue were unaffected by leaf detachment, but increased during storage especially at 10C after 9 days of storage.

Practical Applications

Radishes are marketed with the leaves attached on the enlarged root, which is the edible part of the plant, or are topped so that leaves are removed from the root. Consumers prefer to purchase radishes with the leaves attached because their green color is an indication of freshness. In retail market, higher than recommended temperatures are often encountered, resulting in yellowing of leaves; therefore, plants are topped and only the root is distributed. However, the effects of storage temperature as well as the removal of leaves on nutritional compounds of the edible roots have not been investigated and need to be determined, because nutritional quality is of increasing interest to the consumers. This study provides information on the effect of temperature and leaves removal on metabolism and quality of radish plants during storage, which can be applicable to sustain the quality and increase commercial marketing of radishes.
Antitoxin Characteristic of Licorice Extract: The Inhibitory Effect on Aflatoxin Production in Aspergillus parasiticus
Authors: Mohseni Rashin , Noorbakhsh Fatemeh , Moazeni Maryam , Nasrollahi Omran Ayatolah , Rezaie Sassan
Published: March 2014

Recent investigations revealed the effects of herbal extracts on both fungal growth as well as aflatoxins production. In the present study, we tried to evaluate antifungal activity as well as antitoxin activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) extract. Strain American Type Culture Collection 15517 of Aspergillus parasiticus was used to perform antifungal susceptibility test according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute document M27‐A3, and the rate of aflatoxin production was determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography technique after exposure to different concentrations of licorice extract. Quantitative changes in the expression of the aflR gene were analyzed by measuring the cognate aflR mRNA level with quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. Our obtained results demonstrated the inhibitory effect of licorice extract on Aspergillus parasiticus growth at 500 mg/mL of licorice extract. In addition, a significant decrease in aflatoxin production was revealed at the same concentration. However, the production of aflatoxin B1 was entirely inhibited in 10 g/mL of licorice extract. The level of aflR gene expression was significantly decreased after the exposure of fungal cells to 500 g/mL of licorice extract. Evaluation of the antifungal and antitoxin activity of licorice extract on Aspergillus parasiticus revealed its antifungal properties as well as its effective ability to decrease aflatoxin production.

Practical Application

Several classes of synthetic antifungal drugs are used today to treat fungal infections in humans and crops. However, this antifungal therapy is not always effective because of emerging of drug‐resistant strains. Therefore, using effective natural antifungal agents with fewer side effects is a promising approach to combat fungal diseases either in medicine or in agriculture. In the present study, we introduced the licorice extract as a novel natural compound to inhibit the growth and production of aflatoxin in the filamentous fungi Aspergillus parasiticus and evaluated this natural herbal extract as an antifungal agent.
Humbling Turkishness: Undoing the Strategies of Exclusion and Inclusion of Turkish Modernity
Authors: Demir Ipek
Published: March 2014

Kurds make up about a fifth of Turkey's population. Turkey has taken steps – albeit slowly and reluctantly – towards increased recognition of Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights. However, within Turkey there is also a steeply rising tide of Turkish nationalism, prejudice and intolerance towards Kurds, and increasing anti‐Kurdish sentiment. This article brings studies of Kurdishness and Turkishness into a single conversation and traces the relationship between Turkish modernity, Orientalized Kurdishness and the construction of Turkishness as the efendi (master) identity. It does this by drawing attention to “strategies of exclusion and inclusion” in the construction of official Turkish history, and relates these to the way in which the tense borders between Kurds and Turks are maintained and currently reproduced. It also presents a normative argument in favour of “humbling Turkishness” and “solidarity trading zones”.
MEDICINE NON‐ADHERENCE IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: Williams Allison Fiona , Manias Elizabeth , Gaskin Cadeyrn J. , Crawford Kimberley
Published: March 2014

Background

The increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease, the relative shortage of kidney donors and the economic‐ and health‐related costs of kidney transplant rejection make the prevention of adverse outcomes following transplantation a healthcare imperative. Although strict adherence to immunosuppressant medicine regimens is key to preventing kidney rejection, evidence suggests that adherence is sub‐optimal. Strategies need to be developed to help recipients of kidney transplants adhere to their prescribed medicines.

Findings

This review has found that a number of factors contribute to poor adherence, for example, attitudes towards medicine taking and forgetfulness. Few investigations have been conducted, however, on strategies to enhance medicine adherence in kidney transplant recipients. Strategies that may improve adherence include pharmacist‐led interventions (incorporating counselling, medicine reviews and nephrologist liaison) and nurse‐led interventions (involving collaboratively working with recipients to understand their routines and offering solutions to improve adherence). Strategies that have shown to have limited effectiveness include supplying medicines free of charge and providing feedback on a participant's medicine adherence without any educational or behavioural interventions.

Conclusion

Transplantation is the preferred treatment option for people with end‐stage kidney disease. Medicine non‐adherence in kidney transplantation increases the risk of rejection, kidney loss and costly treatments. Interventions are needed to help the transplant recipient take all their medicines as prescribed to improve general well‐being, medicine safety and reduce healthcare costs.
Melatonin synergizes with citalopram to induce antidepressant‐like behavior and to promote hippocampal neurogenesis in adult mice
Authors: Ramírez‐Rodríguez Gerardo , Vega‐Rivera Nelly Maritza , Oikawa‐Sala Julián , Gómez‐Sánchez Ariadna , Ortiz‐López Leonardo , Estrada‐Camarena Erika
Published: March 2014

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is affected in some neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression. Numerous evidence indicates that plasma levels of melatonin are decreased in depressed patients. Also, melatonin exerts positive effects on the hippocampal neurogenic process and on depressive‐like behavior. In addition, antidepressants revert alterations of hippocampal neurogenesis present in models of depression following a similar time course to the improvement of behavior. In this study, we analyzed the effects of both, citalopram, a widely used antidepressant, and melatonin in the Porsolt forced swim test. In addition, we investigated the potential antidepressant role of the combination of melatonin and citalopram (MLTCITAL), its type of pharmacological interaction on depressive behavior, and its effect on hippocampal neurogenesis. Here, we found decreased immobility behavior in mice treated with melatonin (<14–33%) and citalopram (<17–30%). Additionally, the MLTCITAL combination also decreased immobility (<22–35%) in comparison with control mice, reflecting an antidepressant‐like effect after 14 days of treatment. Moreover, MLTCITAL decreased plasma corticosterone levels (≤13%) and increased cell proliferation (>29%), survival (>39%), and the absolute number of ‐associated new neurons (>53%) in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. These results indicate that the MLTCITAL combination exerts synergism to induce an antidepressant‐like action that could be related to the modulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. This outcome opens the opportunity of using melatonin to promote behavioral benefits and hippocampal neurogenesis in depression and also supports the use of the MLTCITAL combination as an alternative to treat depression.
Survival and reproduction of plant species in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: SUN Hang , NIU Yang , CHEN Yong‐Sheng , SONG Bo , LIU Chang‐Qiu , PENG De‐Li , CHEN Jian‐Guo , YANG Yang
Published: March 2014

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) is the highest and largest plateau in the world. It covers correspondingly wide geological, topographical, and climatic gradients, and thus hosts greater biodiversity than surrounding lowlands and other high elevation regions. Due to its extreme environmental and biological diversity, the QTP is an ideal region for studying adaptations of plant species under harsh environmental conditions at multiple evolutionary levels. Many recent ecological studies have revealed functions of distinctive morphological features of various plants in the region that improve their reproductive success. Examples include large and showy bracts, hairy inflorescences, and drooping flowers. Numerous other investigations have examined QTP plants' sexual systems, patterns of biomass allocations, and biotic interactions. This paper summarizes recent advances in understanding of morphological adaptations, plant–plant interactions, plant–pollinator interactions, floral color patterns, pollination adaptations, and resource allocation patterns of alpine plants of the QTP. The overall aim is to synthesize current knowledge of the general mechanisms of plant survival and reproduction in this fascinating region.
EFFICIENT ESTIMATION FOR PERIODIC AUTOREGRESSIVE COEFFICIENTS VIA RESIDUALS
Authors: Tang L. , Shao Q.
Published: March 2014

A two‐step estimation method is proposed for periodic autoregressive parameters via residuals when the observations contain trend and periodic autoregressive time series. The oracle efficiency of the proposed Yule–Walker‐type estimator is established. The performance is illustrated by simulation studies and real data analysis.
Long‐term outcomes of second treatment after initial transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Young‐Il , Park Joong‐Won , Kwak Hee‐Won , Kim Bo Hyun , Lee Ju Hee , Lee In Joon , Kim Tae Hyun , Kim Seong Hoon , Koh Young Hwan , Kim Hyun Beom , Kim Chang‐Min
Published: March 2014

Background & Aims

All outcome studies concerning the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are based on the initial treatment. However, remaining, progressing or recurring tumours (RPRTs) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are common; therefore, various second treatments are administered to HCC patients. Here, we investigated the long‐term outcomes of second treatments for RPRT after initial TACE.

Methods

We enrolled 855 consecutive HCC patients who underwent TACE as the initial treatment at the National Cancer Center, Korea, from January 2004 to December 2010.

Results

The median follow‐up was 43.4 months, and the median progression‐free survival following initial TACE was 4.0 months, being 18.1 and 1.0 months for complete remission and progressive disease respectively. Second treatments were administered to 790 RPRT patients (92.4%); the most common was TACE (56.4%), followed by best supportive care (22.8%), systemic chemotherapy (9.4%), external radiotherapy (4.4%), radiation ablation (RFA; 2.9%), resection (2.0%) and liver transplantation (1.4%). Median overall survival (mOS) for initial TACE was 18.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 16.6–21.0 months]; after second treatments, it was 12.4 (95% CI, 10.6–14.2) months, differing significantly by mRECIST assessment, BCLC stage and RPRT type (28.0, 5.0 and 3.9 months for intrahepatic, vascular and extrahepatic RPRT, respectively; P < 0.001). Intrahepatic RPRT with a curative treatment as a second treatment showed the best OS.

Conclusion

These novel insights into the patterns and long‐term outcomes of second treatments for RPRT in HCC patients who underwent initial TACE are expected to aid in formulating treatment strategies for HCC patients.
Context‐Sensitive Natural Language Generation: From Knowledge‐Driven to Data‐Driven Techniques
Authors: Dethlefs Nina
Published: March 2014

Context‐sensitive Natural Language Generation is concerned with the automatic generation of system output that is in several ways adaptive to its target audience or the situational circumstances of its production. In this article, I will provide an overview of the most popular methods that have been applied to context‐sensitive generation. A particular focus will be on the shift from knowledge‐driven to data‐driven approaches that has been witnessed in the last decade. While this shift has offered powerful new methods for large‐scale adaptivity and flexible output generation, purely data‐driven approaches still struggle to reach the linguistic depth of their knowledge‐driven predecessors. Bridging the gap between both types of approaches is therefore an important future research direction.