bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syphilitic balanitis of Follmann
Authors: Oanţă Alexandru , Irimie Marius
Published: October 2013

Background

Syphilitic balanitis of Follmann (SBF) is a rare condition that is considered as manifestation of primary syphilis.

Materials and methods

A 28‐year‐old heterosexual male patient was consulted for a diffuse indurated dark red erythema of the glans penis accompanied by bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy. Serological tests for syphilis were found positive. Treatment consisting of a single intramuscular administration of 2.4 million units of benzathine‐penicillin was followed by complete disappearance of erythema and induration of the glans within two weeks.

Results

Syphilitic balanitis of Follmann presents with variable clinical appearances, and primary chancre may be absent, associated with, or occur after the balanitis. Usually the inguinal lymphadenopathy is present, and syphilitic serology is positive or is going to become positive. Treatment is identical to that of primary syphilis.

Conclusion

The recrudescence of syphilitic infection requires exclusion of SBF from the diagnosis of balanitis.
In vitro activities of antifungal drugs against dermatophytes isolated in Tokat, Turkey
Authors: Yenişehirli Gülgün , Tunçoğlu Ebru , Yenişehirli Aydan , Bulut Yunus
Published: October 2013

Background

In this study, we aimed to establish the in vitro antifungal susceptibilities of terbinafine, miconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, griseofulvin, and amphotericin B against dermatophyte isolates.

Methods

One hundred and seventy‐seven clinical isolates were tested: Trichophyton rubrum (n = 78), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (n = 49), Epidermophyton floccosum (n = 30), Trichophyton verrucosum (n = 16), and Trichophyton tonsurans (n = 4). The broth microdilution assay for antifungal susceptibility testing of dermatophytes was performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines in the M38‐A2 document.

Results

Our minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results showed that the values for terbinafine for all dermatophyte isolates were significantly lower than the values for amphotericin B, miconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and griseofulvin. For T. rubrum isolates, amphotericin B was more active than miconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole. Among the antifungal drugs tested, griseofulvin had the highest minimum inhibitory concentration values for T. mentagrophytes isolates.

Conclusion

Terbinafine was found to be the most effective antifungal drug against all tested dermatophyte isolates. Griseofulvin was the less active antifungal drug against T. mentagrophytes isolates. Performing antifungal susceptibility testing is especially important for screening the development of antifungal resistance.
AIDS‐related Kaposi's sarcoma in Brazil: trends and geopolitical distribution
Authors: Saraceni Valéria , Talhari Carolina C. , Pereira Gerson. F. , Golub Jonathan E. , Talhari Sinésio , Miranda Angélica E.
Published: October 2013

Background

AIDS‐related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a unique model of the relationship between viral infection, immunity, environmental, and genetic factors in viral cancers. The goal was to determine the distribution of KS cases among Brazilian geopolitical regions, looking at the ecological relationship with median CD4 cell count.

Methods

Ecological study using Brazilian National Diseases Reporting Databases: 1982–2009. Subjects ≥13 years of age who have KS cited in their AIDS reporting form were selected, and demographic and HIV exposure data were collected.

Results

We found 11,731 KS cases in the period, with a prevalence of 2.4% among AIDS cases; 88% were male, and 68% lived in the Southeast region, which accounted for 59% of AIDS cases. The regional and national prevalence trends were similar, although the highest proportion among women was found in the North region, which has the lowest number of both AIDS and KS cases. Heterosexual transmission accounted for 87% of HIV among women compared to 18% among men. Fifty‐seven percent of all KS cases were diagnosed before antiretroviral therapy (ART). Injection drug use accounted for 11% of KS cases. Median survival was 472 days before the ART era and 1482 after it (P < 0.001). Median CD4 counts increased in all regions in the period as ART coverage expanded, and a resulting correlating decline in KS cases was observed.

Conclusions

Prevalence of KS declined after the introduction of ART in all regions of Brazil, suggesting individual protection conveyed by ART.
Live bee acupuncture (Bong‐Chim) dermatitis: dermatitis due to live bee acupuncture therapy in Korea
Authors: Park Joon Soo , Lee Min Jung , Chung Ki Hun , Ko Dong Kyun , Chung Hyun
Published: October 2013

Live bee acupuncture (Bong‐Chim) dermatitis is an iatrogenic disease induced by so‐called live bee acupuncture therapy, which applies the honeybee (Apis cerana) stinger directly into the lesion to treat various diseases in Korea. We present two cases of live bee acupuncture dermatitis and review previously published articles about this disease. We classify this entity into three stages: acute, subacute, and chronic. The acute stage is an inflammatory reaction, such as anaphylaxis or urticaria. In the chronic stage, a foreign body granuloma may develop from the remaining stingers, similar to that of a bee sting reaction. However, in the subacute stage, unlike bee stings, we see the characteristic histological “flame” figures resulting from eosinophilic stimulation induced by excessive bee venom exposure. We consider this stage to be different from the adverse skin reaction of accidental bee sting.
How to attract them and keep them: the pharmacy attributes that matter to Australian residents with chronic conditions
Authors: McMillan Sara S , Sav Adem , Kelly Fiona , King Michelle A , Whitty Jennifer A , Wheeler Amanda J
Published: October 2013

Objective

To explore the attributes of pharmacy choice for people with chronic conditions.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted between May and October 2012, across four regions in three Australian states. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants with chronic conditions and unpaid carers. Interviews were analysed via the constant comparison method.

Key findings

Ninety-seven interviews were conducted. The majority of participants were regular patrons of one pharmacy and five attributes influenced this choice: patient-centred care, convenience, price, personal trait or preference and service/medication need. Patient-centred care, such as providing individualised medication counselling, continuity of care, development of relationships and respectful advice, emerged as an important attribute. There was minimal discussion as to choosing a pharmacy based on the provision of professional services, underscoring the limited consumer knowledge of such services and related standards of care.

Conclusion

Patient-centred care is an important attribute of quality care as perceived by people who are regular community pharmacy users. These findings highlight the need for pharmacy staff to implement a patient-centred approach to care, thus meeting the perceived needs of their customers. A greater effort is also necessary to raise the profile of pharmacy as a healthcare destination.
Computed tomography in patients with abdominal pain and diarrhoea: does the benefit outweigh the drawbacks?
Authors: Aisenberg G. M. , Grimes R. M.
Published: October 2013

The role of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of abdominal pain is well established. However, concern exists in regard to procedure‐related radiation levels, contrast‐medium toxicity and costs. We sought to determine whether the use of abdominal CT caused major changes in the management of patients who had abdominal pain and diarrhoea. We reviewed all abdominal CT examinations that were performed at our hospital from October through December 2010. We selected 574 scans that had been performed in patients who presented with or without diarrhoea. We examined the selected medical records to determine whether the CT scan changed patients' management. A scan was considered to be management changing if a decisive intervention occurred on the basis of the scan results. Among 124 scans in patients with diarrhoea and 450 scans in patients without diarrhoea, the scan results changed management in 13 of the patients with diarrhoea (11%) and in 233 of those without diarrhoea (52%) (P < 0.001). When management changed, the changes resulted from findings unrelated to diarrhoea. Despite its defined role in the assessment of abdominal pain, CT of patients that also had diarrhoea seldom caused a major change in management. The probability of CT causing such a change does not outweigh the cost, radiation risk or potential for contrast‐induced nephropathy.
Practical aspects of telehealth: set‐up and preparation for video consultations
Authors: Allen D. T. , Caldwell P. , Komesaroff P. A. , Loh P. K. , Mozer R. , Sabesan S. , Shaheen N. , Talman P. , Williams M. , Grabinski O. ,   Royal Australasian College of Physicians Telehealth Working Group
Published: October 2013

The third in a series of articles about the practical aspects of telehealth, this paper gives guidance on suitable setup for video consultations, including layout of rooms, managing sound and image quality, scheduling, testing and best practice in telehealth videoconferencing.
Systemic capillary leak syndrome: recognition prevents morbidity and mortality
Authors: Rabbolini D. J. , Ange N. , Walters G. D. , Pidcock M. , Randall K. L.
Published: October 2013

Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is extremely rare but carries a high morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis is made clinically by a classic triad of hypotension, hypoalbuminaemia and haemoconcentration. There have been recent advances in understanding the pathophysiological basis for SCLS and in effective prophylaxis. We report a case of SCLS to increase awareness of the condition and to highlight the benefits of prophylactic intravenous immunoglobulin in this condition.
An evolutionary‐based adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system for intelligent short‐term load forecasting
Authors: Kazemi S.M.R. , Seied Hoseini Mir Meisam , Abbasian‐Naghneh S. , Rahmati Seyed Habib A.
Published: October 2013

The continuing growth in size and complexity of electric power systems requires the development of applicable load forecasting models to estimate the future electrical energy demands accurately. This paper presents a novel load forecasting approach called genetic‐based adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (GBANFIS) to construct short‐term load forecasting expert systems and controllers. At the first stage, all records of data are searched by a novel genetic algorithm (GA) to find the most suitable feature of inputs to construct the model. Then, determined inputs are fed into the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system to evolve the initial knowledge‐base of the expert system. Finally, the initial knowledge‐base is searched by another robust GA to induce a better cooperation among the rules by rule weight derivation and rule selection mechanisms. We show the superiority and applicability of our approach by applying it to the Iranian monthly electrical energy demand problem and comparing it with the most frequently adopted approaches in this field. Results indicate that GBANFIS outperforms its rival approaches and is a promising tool for dealing with short‐term load forecasting problems.
A Forming Technique to Produce Spherical Ceramic Beads Using Sodium Alginate as a Precursor Binder Phase
Authors: Santos Christian J. Espinoza , Wei Teng‐Sing , Cho Bumrae , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to improve the forming techniques and parameters for producing spherical ceramic beads using sodium alginate as a sacrificial template. This process has the potential of producing beads for applications such as stress‐wave propagation of granular media, beads for milling, catalyst support, and encapsulation of drugs, as well as water filtration. This simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly approach to producing spherical ceramic beads using bead‐forming equipment occurs when a flat‐tipped needle produces droplets that cross‐link, forming green bodies upon contact with CaCl2 solution. An exchange of ions takes place where sodium alginates substitute their Na+ for Ca2+ to form semirigid bodies. Spherical ceramic beads using 50 wt% alumina suspension with 0.04 wt% polyacrylate dispersant are produced when: the viscosity of the slurry is below 0.3 Pa·s, the surface tension of the gelling solution is below 50 mN·m, and the distance of the nozzle tip to the reacting solution is ~3 cm. This approach for producing ceramic beads using alginates will allow its use for any type of ceramic material, changing its chemical composition, and controlling the microstructure and shape of the beads.
Low‐Fire Processing of MicrowaveBNBT‐Based High‐k Dielectric withLi2O–ZnO–B2O3Glass
Authors: Shih Yi‐Ting , Jean Jau‐Ho
Published: October 2013

The effects ofLi2O–ZnO–B2O3(LZB) glass addition on densification and dielectric properties ofBa4(Nd0.85Bi0.15)9.33Ti18O54(BNBT) have been investigated. At a given ratio ofZnO/B2O3, the glass softening point decreases, but the thermal expansion coefficient and dielectric constant increase with increasingLi2Ocontent in theLZBglass. With 10 vol%LZBglass, the densification temperature reduces greatly from 1300°C for pureBNBTto 875°C–900°C forBNBT + LZBdielectric, and the densification enhancement becomes more significant with increasingLi2Ocontent in theLZBglass. The above result is attributed to a chemical reaction taking place at the interface ofLZB/BNBTduring firing, which becomes less extensive with increasingLi2Ocontent in theLZBglass. Therefore, more residualLZBglass, which acts as a densification promoter toBNBT, is left with increasingLi2Ocontent. For theLZBglass with aLi2Ocontent in the range 10–30 mol%, the resulting 90 vol%BNBT + 10 vol%LZBmicrowave dielectric has a dielectric constant of 55–70, product (Q × fr) of quality factor (Q) and resonant frequency (fr) of 1000–3000 GHz at 5–5.79 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) of 10–60 ppm/°C in the temperature range between 25°C and 80°C.
The Morphology Control of BaTiO3 Particles Synthesized in Water and a Water/Ethanol Solvent
Authors: Maček Kržmanc Marjeta , Bračko Ines , Budič Bojan , Suvorov Danilo
Published: October 2013

The experimental conditions for the growth of shape‐controlled BaTiO3 particles in NaOH and Ba(NO3)2 aqueous and water/ethanol solutions using various TiO2‐containing precursors were studied at 80°C–100°C. The different chemistries and physical characteristics of the precursors resulted in different BaTiO3 formation rates and morphologies. Nanocrystalline anatase led to irregularly shaped BaTiO3 particles, whereas star‐like, single‐crystalline BaTiO3 particles grew from aerogel TiO2 and sodium titanate (NT) belts in alkaline aqueous solutions. With the addition of ethanol, the star‐like BaTiO3 particles changed to square‐like, the size of which decreased with an increase in the ethanol content. The electron microscopy observations supported a dissolution–precipitation mechanism as the primary reaction mechanism for the formation of BaTiO3 nanocrystals, which further aggregated into single‐crystalline star‐ or square‐like particles by oriented attachment. The modification in the water solution with ethanol is believed to influence both the nucleation and aggregation process and consequently influence the particle shape and size.
Sol–Gel‐Derived Amorphous‐MgNb2O6 Thin Films for Transparent Microelectronics
Authors: Ho Yi‐Da , Chen Kung‐Rong , Huang Cheng‐Liang
Published: October 2013

In this work, transparent amorphous‐MgNb2O6 thin films were fabricated on ITO/glass substrates using the sol–gel method. The change in the chemical states, as well as the optical and dielectric properties of MgNb2O6 films at various annealing temperatures is investigated. In this study, MgNb2O6 films exhibited the amorphous phase when the annealing temperature was below 600°C. From X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the major parts of the films' chemical states can be indexed as Mg2+, Nb5+, Nb4+, and O2−. Furthermore, the Nb4+ element can be reduced at higher annealing temperatures. The average transmission percentage in the visible range (λ = 400–800 nm) is over 80% for all MgNb2O6/ITO/glass samples, whereas the optical band gap (Eg) for all samples is estimated at ~4 eV. In addition, the dielectric constant was calculated to be higher than 20 under a 1 MHz AC electric field, with a leakage current density below 2 × 10−7 A/cm2 at 1 V. In this study, the fabrication procedure and experiment results of MgNb2O6 films are introduced for transparent microelectronics.
Enhancing In Vitro Bioactivity of Melt‐Derived 45S5 Bioglass® by Comminution in a Stirred Media Mill
Authors: Romeis Stefan , Hoppe Alexander , Eisermann Claudia , Schneider Nadine , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Schmidt Jochen , Peukert Wolfgang
Published: October 2013

45S5 Bioglass® (45S5 BG) is a frequently applied Type A bioactive material, capable of forming an inherent bond to bone and soft tissue. Currently, applied melt‐derived bioactive glass powders (BG) exhibit particle sizes between a few to several hundred micrometers. Recent studies on nanometer‐sized bioactive glasses (nBGs), produced by bottom‐up methods like sol–gel processing or flame spray pyrolysis, have indicated their great potential for several biomedical applications. In this study, the feasibility of top‐down processing starting from bulk 45S5 BG by wet comminution in a stirred media mill was investigated. The products were assessed by in vitro hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCAp) formation in simulated body fluid, which is a marker for bioactive behavior. The study reveals the paramount influence of the used solvent for a successful top‐down processing: In comparison with the as‐received material bioactivity is lost for powders processed in water, preserved for comminution in ethanol and increased for powders processed using the alcohols n‐butanol, n‐pentanol, and n‐hexanol. It was also found that only for the latter solvents, the chemical composition of the glass is maintained during comminution. Flake‐like, slightly porous particles with specific surface areas of ~25–30 m2/g are obtained. Thus, the presented comminution approach offers a convenient technique to process 45S5 BG with enhanced bioactivity.
Dilatometric Study of U1−xAmxO2±δ Sintering: Determination of Activation Energy
Authors: Horlait Denis , Lebreton Florent , Delahaye Thibaud , Blanchart Philippe
Published: October 2013

In the framework of minor actinide bearing blanket fuel fabrication, the sintering of uranium/americium (U0.85Am0.15O2 ± δ) homogeneous mixed‐oxide pellets was studied. After the characterization of the U0.85Am0.15O2 ± δ starting powder (granulometry, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy), its densification under a reducing atmosphere was monitored through dilatometric measurements and compared to a similar experiment with UO2+δ. During the heating phase, up to 2173 K, the U0.85Am0.15O2 ± δ pellet shrinks from 70 to 95%TD (theoretical density). Neck formation and growth initiate the densification of this pellet at 1200 K. Two subsequent mechanisms were also evidenced, and a maximum shrinkage rate was observed between 2000 and 2100 K, suggesting an optimal sintering temperature within this range. The associated activation energy (Q) of sintering process was also determined using three different models which yield values noticeably higher than those reported or measured for UO2.
Inspiring altruism: reflecting on the personal relevance of emotionally evocative prosocial media characters
Authors: Farsides Tom , Pettman Danelle , Tourle Louise
Published: October 2013

Educators have proposed that admired behavior by media characters evokes audience emulation if subsequent personal reflection results in audience members realizing that they want to and are able to behave in a similar manner. Two experiments investigated this. In Study 1, exposure to prosocial media models increased altruistic inclinations among teenagers only if they were also instructed to reflect on the personal significance of what they had seen. In Study 2, medical students exposed to prosocial media models had higher empathic and altruistic intentions if they reflected on the personal rather than the professional significance of what they had seen. Personal inspiration and recognition of enactment possibilities seemed key determinants of emulation.
Reward‐based, task‐setting education strategy on glycemic control and self‐management for low‐income outpatients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Guo Honglei , Tian Xiaoli , Li Rixia , Lin Jingna , Jin Nana , Wu Zhongming , Yu Demin
Published: October 2013

Aims/Introduction

The purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility and effect of a reward‐based, task‐setting strategy for low‐income outpatients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Indigent diabetes outpatients without glucometers were eligible to participate in this trial. A total of 132 cases were randomly recruited. Participants in group B used glucometers for self‐monitoring at no cost. Group A participants could keep the glucometers only if the glycosylated hemoglobin level declined compared with the baseline visit; for those not achieving a reduction in the glycosylated hemoglobin level, the glucometers would have to be returned. Group C served as the control group without self‐monitoring setout. Diabetes education was provided to all groups. Metabolic indices and self‐management were evaluated after 6 months of follow up.

Results

Group A had a significant decline in the glycosylated hemoglobin level (−0.97%) and medical costs (−159 yuan) compared with the baseline visit, whereas groups B and C had a decrease in the glycosylated hemoglobin levels alone (−0.62 and −0.57%, respectively). The body mass index did not change significantly in any group. There was a statistical difference in the glycosylated hemoglobin level of group A compared with groups B and C. Self‐management in group A improved the outcome relative to groups B and C.

Conclusions

This preliminary evidence suggests that the program is feasible, acceptable for improving patient self‐management, and cost‐effective in reducing the glycosylated hemoglobin level and medical costs.
Allocation of Prizes in Contests with Participation Constraints
Authors: Megidish Reut , Sela Aner
Published: October 2013

We study all‐pay contests with an exogenous minimal effort constraint where a player can participate in a contest only if his effort (output) is equal to or higher than the minimal effort constraint. Contestants are privately informed about a parameter (ability) that affects their cost of effort. The designer decides about the size and number of prizes. We analyze the optimal prize allocation for the contest designer who wishes to maximize either the total effort or the highest effort. It is shown that if the minimal effort constraint is relatively high, the winner‐take‐all contest in which the contestant with the highest effort wins the entire prize sum does not maximize the expected total effort or the expected highest effort. Rather, a random contest in which the entire prize sum is equally allocated to all the participants yields a higher expected total effort as well as a higher expected highest effort.
Incentives, Capital Budgeting, and Organizational Structure
Authors: de Motta Adolfo , Ortega Jaime
Published: October 2013

Divisional managers compete for financial resources in what is often referred to as an internal capital market. They also have a common interest in maximizing corporate profits, as this determines the resources available to the firm as a whole. Both goals are powerful motivators but can at times conflict: while the amount of resources available to the firm depends on corporate performance, divisional funding depends upon the division's performance relative to the rest. We propose a model in which organizational form is endogenous, divisions compete for corporate resources, and managers have implicit incentives. We show that organizational design can help companies influence their divisional managers' potentially conflicting goals. Our analysis relates the firm's organizational structure to the source of incentives (external vs. internal), the nature of the incentives (competition vs. cooperation), the level of corporate diversification, the development of the capital market, and to industry and firm characteristics.
The USPTO Trademark Case Files Dataset: Descriptions, Lessons, and Insights
Authors: Graham Stuart J.H. , Hancock Galen , Marco Alan C. , Myers Amanda Fila
Published: October 2013

This article describes the “USPTO Trademark Case Files Dataset” of trademark applications and registrations derived from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) main database for administering trademark case files. The dataset provides detailed information on 6.7 million trademark applications filed with, or registrations issued by, the USPTO between January 1870 and January 2012, including ownership, mark characteristics, classification, prosecution events, and renewal and maintenance history. This article provides a comprehensive description of the dataset, including discussions of the legal framework affecting and the administrative processes generating these data. We provide a “first look” at the information the dataset captures and present key trends in trademark applications, registrations, and renewals. We highlight data elements valuable to researchers and the general public, and discuss issues that may arise in using these data. In describing these data, we aim to encourage new streams of research on trademarks and what they indicate about their users, the strategies for employing them, and the wider economic impacts that these data will help uncover.
Price Discrimination in Two‐Sided Markets
Authors: Liu Qihong , Serfes Konstantinos
Published: October 2013

We examine the profitability and welfare implications of targeted price discrimination (PD) in two‐sided markets. First, we show that equilibrium discriminatory prices exhibit novel features relative to discriminatory prices in one‐sided models and uniform prices in two‐sided models. Second, we compare the profitability of perfect PD, relative to uniform prices in a two‐sided market. The conventional wisdom from one‐sided horizontally differentiated markets is that PD hurts the firms and benefits consumers, prisoners' dilemma. We show that PD, in a two‐sided market, may actually soften the competition. Our results suggest that the conventional advice that PD is good for competition based on one‐sided markets may not carry over to two‐sided markets.
Reasons for eating ‘unhealthy’ snacks in overweight and obese males and females
Authors: Cleobury L. , Tapper K.
Published: October 2013

Background

Snack foods are often high in fat and sugar. Thus, reducing snack consumption may be a useful weight management strategy. However, individuals may snack for a variety of reasons with different implications for intervention. The present study examined the perceived reasons for eating main meals, ‘unhealthy’ snacks (i.e. snacks high in fat or sugar) and ‘healthy’ snacks in overweight and obese participants.

Methods

Over a period of 5 days, 28 males and 27 females completed a food diary every time they ate. As well as providing details about the type of eating episode and food eaten, they also rated their agreement with 13 different reasons for eating (identified from relevant literature and a pilot study).

Results

Across a total of 1084 eating episodes, 358 were coded as snacks, 79% of which were high in either fat or sugar. The results showed that hunger and temptation (external eating) were reported as a reason for eating unhealthy snacks in 49% and 55% of all episodes, respectively. Eating because the individual was feeling fed up, bored or stressed (emotional eating) was given as a reason in 26% of episodes.

Conclusions

These findings point to the potential utility of intervention strategies that target cravings, enhance self‐control or promote stimulus control.
Melatonin administration decreases adipogenesis in the liver of ob/ob mice through autophagy modulation
Authors: de Luxán‐Delgado Beatriz , Caballero Beatriz , Potes Yaiza , Rubio‐González Adrian , Rodríguez Illán , Gutiérrez‐Rodríguez José , Solano Juan J. , Coto‐Montes Ana
Published: October 2013

Despite efforts to curb the incidence of obesity and its comorbidities, this condition remains the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. To identify ways to reduce this global effect, we investigated the actions of daily melatonin administration on oxidative stress parameters and autophagic processes as a possible treatment of obesity in ob/ob mice. The involvement of melatonin in many physiological functions, such as the regulation of seasonal body weight variation, glucose uptake, or adiposity, and the role of this indoleamine as an essential antioxidant, has become the focus of numerous anti‐obesity studies. Here, we examined the oxidative status in the livers of obese melatonin‐treated and untreated mice, observing a decrease in the oxidative stress levels through elevated catalase activity. ROS‐mediated autophagy was downregulated in the liver of melatonin‐treated animals and was accompanied by significant accumulation of p62. Autophagy is closely associated with adipogenesis; in this study, we report that melatonin‐treated obese mice also showed reduced adiposity, as demonstrated by diminished body weight and reduced peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma expression. Based on these factors, it is reasonable to assume that oxidative stress and autophagy play important roles in obesity, and therefore, melatonin could be an interesting target molecule for the development of a potential therapeutic agent to curb body weight.
Age‐related alterations in gene expression of gingival fibroblasts stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Domon H. , Tabeta K. , Nakajima T. , Yamazaki K.
Published: October 2013

Background and Objective

Elderly people exhibit increased susceptibility to a number of autoimmune and infectious diseases, such as periodontitis. Although aging is reportedly associated with a decline in immune function, age‐related alterations in periodontal tissue have remained elusive. In the present study, we comprehensively analyzed the effect of aging on the expression of selected genes using mouse gingival fibroblasts.

Material and Methods

Gingival fibroblasts derived from young (8 wk of age) and old (≥ 24 mo of age) C57BL/6 mice were stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide or live P. gingivalis strain W83. Expression of cytokines/chemokines, innate immune receptors, growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases and osteoclastogenesis‐related molecules were evaluated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA for interleukin‐6 and transforming growth factor‐β1.

Results

Gingival fibroblasts derived from old mice exhibited decreased gene expression of Il‐6, Cxcl1, Tlr2, Tlr4, Irak3 (IRAK‐M), Kgf, Timp1, Timp3 and Rankl under resting conditions, whereas the expression levels of Tgfβ1, Mmp3, Mmp13 and Opg were increased. Age‐related differences were also detected at the protein level. Although P. gingivalis W83 upregulated Vegf, Fgf‐2 and Bmp2 expression in both young and old gingival fibroblasts, the stimulatory effect on these genes was significantly lower in old gingival fibroblasts.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that aging altered the expression of a number of genes in gingival fibroblasts. Thus, alterations in the balance of these molecules could play a critical role in periodontitis progression in the elderly.
Osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells after transfection with recombinant lentiviral vector containing follicular dendritic cell secreted protein
Authors: Xiang L. , Ma L. , He Y. , Wei N. , Gong P.
Published: October 2013

Background and Objective

Follicular dendritic cell secreted protein (FDC‐SP), has been identified in human periodontal ligament (PDL) in a recent study. It is suggested that the expression of FDC‐SP might be associated with the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). However, the intrinsic mechanism regarding this is still unclear. The aim of this study was to establish hPDLCs with safe and efficient overexpression of FDC‐SP and to elucidate the influence of FDC‐SP transfection on hPDLC osteogenesis in periodontal regeneration.

Material and Methods

We first applied a recombinant lentiviral vector containing FDC‐SP to transfect hPDLCs via different multiplicity of infection (MOI) levels (1, 10, 20, 50 and 100). Western blot was performed to confirm the expression of FDC‐SP. MTT assay was employed to evaluate the proliferation status of transfected cells. Then, the extent of osteogenic differentiation was investigated by simultaneous monitoring of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assessment, immunofluorescent staining, the expression patterns of osteoblastic markers and mineralization staining.

Results

We found that hPDLCs transfected via MOI 20, 50 and 100 exhibited expression of FDC‐SP protein compared with MOI 1 and 10. There was no significant effect of FDC‐SP transfection (at different MOI levels of 1, 10 and 20) on the proliferation of hPDLCs, whereas higher MOI levels (50 and 100) inhibited cell proliferation ability. In addition, ALP activity decreased significantly in FDC‐SP‐transfected hPDLCs at day 7. When stained with alizarin red, cells overexpressing FDC‐SP formed less mineralized nodules at 21 d post‐induction of differentiation, compared with the control cultures. Osteogenic inhibition was also confirmed by ALP immunostaining. Moreover, mRNA expression levels of osteoblastic markers decreased after FDC‐SP transfection, which were in accordance with western blot results.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that MOI 20 is optimal to transfect hPDLCs, which achieves safe and efficient overexpression of FDC‐SP in transfected cells. Moreover, FDC‐SP overexpression inhibits osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs. The present study contributes to a better understanding of the biological functions governing FDC‐SP‐induced hPDLC differentiation.
Functional responses of plant communities to management, landscape and historical factors in semi‐natural grasslands
Authors: Vandewalle M. , Purschke O. , de Bello F. , Reitalu T. , Prentice H.C. , Lavorel S. , Johansson L.J. , Sykes M.T.
Published: October 2013

Question

To what extent do historical and present‐day management regimes and landscape characteristics affect the functional structure of semi‐natural grassland communities?

Location

Semi‐natural grasslands, the Baltic island of Öland, Sweden.

Methods

We assessed community functional structure within 475 (50 cm × 50 cm) semi‐natural grassland vegetation plots using two indices: community‐weighted mean trait values (CWM) and functional divergence (FD), calculated using the Rao quadratic entropy index. Spatially explicit regressions were used to assess the extent to which the CWM and FD for different plant traits are explained by past and present levels of local grazing management, and the present and historical characteristics of the surrounding landscape.

Results

Across traits, the CWM and FD of individual grasslands were strongly associated with current grazing intensity, but also with local management history and past landscape structure.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that grassland functional structure in the fragmented present‐day landscape reflects not only present conditions, but also the historical context of the grassland fragments – where the presence of extensive grassland habitat in the surroundings provided a diverse pool of grazing‐tolerant species. The study also suggests that information on landscape history, and its effects on the local species pool, may improve predictions of future plant community structure.
Use of first‐generation HCV protease inhibitors in patients coinfected by HIV and HCV genotype 1
Authors: Salmon‐Ceron Dominique , Arvieux Cédric , Bourlière Marc , Cacoub Patrice , Halfon Philippe , Lacombe Karine , Pageaux Georges‐Philippe , Pialoux Gilles , Piroth Lionel , Poizot‐Martin Isabelle , Rosenthal Eric , Pol Stanislas
Published: October 2013

Background

In HCV genotype 1‐infected patients with HIV co‐infection, tritherapy [HCV protease inhibitors (PIs) plus peg‐interferon and ribavirin] has been shown to have an increased rate of sustained virological response. However, complex drug‐to‐drug interactions and tolerability issues remain a concern.

Methods

Under the auspices of four French scientific societies of medicine, a committee was charged of establishing guidelines on the use of first‐generation HCV PIs in these patients. This scientific committee based its work on preliminary results from tritherapy clinical trials in co‐infected patients and, since data on these patients are still scarce, on the statements already made by the French Association for the Study of the Liver (AFEF) on the use of tritherapy in HCV mono‐infected patients, written in May 2011 and updated in 2012. Each AFEF guideline concerning HCV monoinfection was examined to determine whether it could be used in the context of HIV/HCV coinfection.

Results

These guidelines are addressed for the treatment of coinfected patients with various profiles, including treatment‐naïve or patients with failure to previous bitherapy and mention those patients for whom tritherapy should start or those for whom it should be delayed. Preliminary results of triple therapy as well as factors associated to virological response are also discussed. Other issues include virological monitoring, clinical and virological criteria to stop therapy, practical treatment management, treatment adherence and the management of side effects and interactions with antiretroviral drugs. These guidelines were submitted for critical review to independent experts.
Independent domestications of cultivated tree peonies from different wild peony species
Authors: Yuan Jun‐Hui , Cornille Amandine , Giraud Tatiana , Cheng Fang‐Yun , Hu Yong‐Hong
Published: October 2013

An understanding of plant domestication history provides insights into general mechanisms of plant adaptation and diversification and can guide breeding programmes that aim to improve cultivated species. Cultivated tree peonies (genus Paeonia L.) are among the most popular ornamental plants in the world; yet, the history of their domestication is still unresolved. Here, we explored whether the domestication in China of historically cultivated peonies, that is, the common and flare cultivated tree peonies, was a single event or whether independent domestications occurred. We used 14 nuclear microsatellite markers and a comprehensive set of 553 tree peonies collected across China, including common tree peonies, flare tree peonies and the wild species or subspecies that are potential contributors to the cultivated tree peonies, that is, Paeonia rockii ssp. rockii, P. rockii ssp. atava, P. jishanensis and P. decomposita. Assignment methods, a principal component analysis and approximate Bayesian computations provided clear evidence for independent domestications of these common tree and flare tree peonies from two distinct and allopatric wild species, P. jishanensis and P. rockii ssp. atava, respectively. This study provides the first example of independent domestications of cultivated trees from distinct species and locations. This work also yields crucial insight into the history of domestication of one of the most popular woody ornamental plants. The cultivated peonies represent an interesting case of parallel and convergent evolution. The information obtained in this study will be valuable both for improving current tree peony breeding strategies and for understanding the mechanisms of domestication, diversification and adaptation in plants.
The LysR‐type transcription factor HbrL is a global regulator of iron homeostasis and porphyrin synthesis in Rhodobacter capsulatus
Authors: Zappa Sébastien , Bauer Carl E.
Published: October 2013

The purple bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus is unique among Rhodobacteriacae as it contains a putative iron response regulator (Irr) but does not possess a copy of the ferric uptake regulator (Fur). Interestingly, an in‐frame deletion mutant of Irr shows no major role in iron homeostasis. Instead, we showed that the previously identified activator of haem gene expression HbrL is a crucial regulator of iron homeostasis. We demonstrated that an HbrL deletion strain is unable to grow in iron‐limited medium in aerobic, semi‐aerobic and photosynthetic conditions and that suppressor strains can be isolated with mutations in iron uptake genes. Gene expression studies revealed that HbrL is a transcriptional activator of multiple ferrous and ferric iron uptake systems in addition to a haem uptake system. Finally, HbrL activates the expression of numerous haem biosynthesis genes. Thus, HbrL has a central role in controlling the amount of iron transport in conjunction with the synthesis of its cognate tetrapyrrole haem.
A dual role for the inducer in signalling by MalT, a signal transduction ATPase with numerous domains (STAND)
Authors: Liu Peng , Danot Olivier , Richet Evelyne
Published: October 2013

Signal transduction ATPases with numerous domains (STAND) are widespread proteins, whose activation involves inducer‐dependent conversion of resting ADP‐bound monomers into active ATP‐bound multimers. This process notably comprises opening of the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD), nucleotide exchange and NOD‐mediated multimerization. How inducer binding to the sensor domain, whose structure is not conserved throughout the STAND family, causes protein activation remains unclear. We used MalT, an Escherichia coli transcription factor, as a STAND model system, to address this question by dissecting the signalling pathway in vitro. We have found that inducer binding to the sensor is the first step of the activation pathway. It both triggers opening of the NOD and makes the MalT multimer competent for binding promoter MalT sites via its DNA‐binding domains. Based on available data, we proposed that inducer trigger of NOD opening is a conserved STAND feature, irrespective of the sensor structure. As discussed, an additional role for the inducer, as found for MalT, might pertain to other types of STANDs.
Trypanosoma brucei harbours a divergent XPB helicase paralogue that is specialized in nucleotide excision repair and conserved among kinetoplastid organisms
Authors: Badjatia Nitika , Nguyen Tu N. , Lee Ju Huck , Günzl Arthur
Published: October 2013

Conserved from yeast to humans, TFIIH is essential for RNA polymerase II transcription and nucleotide excision repair (NER). TFIIH consists of a core that includes the DNA helicase Xeroderma pigmentosum B (XPB) and a kinase subcomplex. Trypanosoma brucei TFIIH harbours all core complex components and is indispensable for RNA polymerase II transcription of spliced leader RNA genes (SLRNAs). Kinetoplastid organisms, however, possess two highly divergent XPB paralogues with only the larger being identified as a TFIIH subunit in T. brucei. Here we show that a knockout of the gene for the smaller paralogue, termed XPB‐R (R for repair) resulted in viable cultured trypanosomes that grew slower than normal. XPB‐R depletion did not affect transcription in vivo or in vitro and XPB‐R was not found to occupy the SLRNA promoter which assembles a RNA polymerase II transcription pre‐initiation complex including TFIIH. However, XPB‐R−/− cells were much less tolerant than wild‐type cells to UV light‐ and cisplatin‐induced DNA damage, which require NER. Since XPB‐R−/− cells were not impaired in DNA base excision repair, XPB‐R appears to function specifically in NER. Interestingly, several other protists possess highly divergent XPB paralogues suggesting that XPBs specialized in transcription or NER exist beyond the Kinetoplastida.
Decreased submandibular adiponectin is involved in the progression of autoimmune sialoadenitis in non‐obese diabetic mice
Authors: Su Y‐C , Xiang R‐L , Zhang Y , Ding C , Cong X , Guo X‐H , Yang N‐Y , Hua H , Wu L‐L , Yu G‐Y
Published: October 2013

Objective

To investigate a possible role of adiponectin in the pathogenesis of autoimmune sialoadenitis in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome.

Materials and Methods

Expression of adiponectin and its receptors (AdipoR1/2) was detected by PCR, immunoblotting, or immunofluorescence. The level of adiponectin was quantified by ELISA. Adiponectin‐related signaling molecules and pro‐inflammatory cytokines were examined by PCR or immunoblotting. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and caspase 3 activation.

Results

Adiponectin and AdipoR1/2 mRNA and protein were expressed in submandibular glands. Adiponectin immunostaining was widely diffused in the cytoplasm of acinar and ductal cells. AdipoR1 was mainly distributed in acinar cytoplasm, while AdipoR2 was predominantly located at acinar cell membrane. Submandibular adiponectin levels were reduced during the progression of autoimmune sialoadenitis in 7‐, 14‐, and 21‐week‐old NOD mice, while AdipoR1/2 levels were unchanged. The levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2, and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase were decreased, while interferon (IFN)‐γ and glandular apoptosis were temporally increased at all time points. Moreover, exogenous adiponectin supplement inhibited, whereas neutralizing endogenous adiponectin by its antibody promoted IFN‐γ‐induced apoptosis and caspase 3 activation in cultured submandibular acinar cells.

Conclusions

Adiponectin plays a protective role on submandibular cells. Decreased adiponectin might promote glandular destruction in autoimmune sialoadenitis.
Development and utilization of genomic and genic microsatellite markers in Assam tea (Camellia assamica ssp. assamica) and related Camellia species
Authors: Bhardwaj Pankaj , Kumar Rahul , Sharma Himanshu , Tewari Rupinder , Ahuja Paramvir S. , Sharma Ram K.
Published: October 2013

Microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are valuable tools for many purposes, such as phylogenetic, fingerprinting and molecular breeding studies. However, such marker resources are unavailable in Assam tea (Camellia assamica ssp. assamica; Masters). With an objective to enrich the repertoire of microsatellite markers in traditional tea, 185 novel microsatellite (150 genomic and 35 genic) markers were identified from (GA)n‐enriched genomic libraries and public expressed sequence data in Assam tea. High‐quality 0.412‐Mb non‐redundant (NR) genomic data set derived from nucleotide sequencing of 1297 (GA)n‐enriched genomic positive clones and 2723 unigenes (1.33 Mb) predicted from 10 803 random public expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in C. assamica ssp. assamica were utilized for identification of genomic and genic microsatellite markers, respectively. The average number of alleles and polymorphic information content (PIC) recorded for the newly developed SSR markers were 6.17 and 0.398, respectively. The average observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity varied from 0.626 to 0.697, respectively. These markers were found to be highly transferable (74.5–100%) to cultivated (C. sinensis, C. assamica ssp. lasiocalyx) and five wild Camellia species. Genetic diversity coefficient detected a high level of divergence in 24 cultivated tea accessions (69.3%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that major groupings were broadly in accordance with taxonomic classification of tea, and all the wild Camellia species remained as an out‐group. The high polymorphic content coupled with high rate of cross‐transferability demonstrates wider applicability of novel microsatellite markers in genotyping, genetic diversity, genome mapping and evolutionary studies in various Camellia species.