bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compound eyes of insects and crustaceans: Some examples that show there is still a lot of work left to be done
Authors: Meyer‐Rochow Victor Benno
Published: February 2014

Similarities and differences between the 2 main kinds of compound eye (apposition and superposition) are briefly explained before several promising topics for research on compound eyes are being introduced. Research on the embryology and molecular control of the development of the insect clear‐zone eye with superposition optics is one of the suggestions, because almost all of the developmental work on insect eyes in the past has focused on eyes with apposition optics. Age‐ and habitat‐related ultrastructural studies of the retinal organization are another suggestion and the deer cadLipoptena cervi, which has an aerial phase during which it is winged followed by a several months long parasitic phase during which it is wingless, is mentioned as a candidate species. Sexual dimorphism expressing itself in many species as a difference in eye structure and function provides another promising field for compound eye researchers and so is a focus on compound eye miniaturization in very small insects, especially those that are aquatic and belong to species, in which clear‐zone eyes are diagnostic or are tiny insects that are not aquatic, but belong to taxa like the Diptera for instance, in which open rather than closed rhabdoms are the rule. Structures like interommatidial hairs and glands as well as corneal microridges are yet another field that could yield interesting results and in the past has received insufficient consideration. Finally, the dearth of information on distance vision and depth perception is mentioned and a plea is made to examine the photic environment inside the foam shelters of spittle bugs, chrysales of pupae and other structures shielding insects and crustaceans.
Incentives for experimenting agents
Authors: Hörner Johannes , Samuelson Larry
Published: February 2014

We examine a repeated interaction between an agent who undertakes experiments and a principal who provides the requisite funding. A dynamic agency cost arises—the more lucrative the agent's stream of rents following a failure, the more costly are current incentives, giving the principal a motivation to reduce the project's continuation value. We characterize the set of recursive Markov equilibria. Efficient equilibria front‐load the agent's effort, inducing maximum experimentation over an initial period, until switching to the worst possible continuation equilibrium. The initial phase concentrates effort near the beginning, when most valuable, whereas the switch attenuates the dynamic agency cost.
Lifelong treatment with atenolol decreases membrane fatty acid unsaturation and oxidative stress in heart and skeletal muscle mitochondria and improves immunity and behavior, without changing mice longevity
Authors: Gómez Alexia , Sánchez‐Roman Ines , Gomez Jose , Cruces Julia , Mate Ianire , Lopez‐Torres Mónica , Naudi Alba , Portero‐Otin Manuel , Pamplona Reinald , De la Fuente Monica , Barja Gustavo
Published: February 2014

The membrane fatty acid unsaturation hypothesis of aging and longevity is experimentally tested for the first time in mammals. Lifelong treatment of mice with the β1‐blocker atenolol increased the amount of the extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase signaling protein and successfully decreased one of the two traits appropriately correlating with animal longevity, the membrane fatty acid unsaturation degree of cardiac and skeletal muscle mitochondria, changing their lipid profile toward that present in much more longer‐lived mammals. This was mainly due to decreases in 22:6n‐3 and increases in 18:1n‐9 fatty acids. The atenolol treatment also lowered visceral adiposity (by 24%), decreased mitochondrial protein oxidative, glycoxidative, and lipoxidative damage in both organs, and lowered oxidative damage in heart mitochondrial DNA. Atenolol also improved various immune (chemotaxis and natural killer activities) and behavioral functions (equilibrium, motor coordination, and muscular vigor). It also totally or partially prevented the aging‐related detrimental changes observed in mitochondrial membrane unsaturation, protein oxidative modifications, and immune and behavioral functions, without changing longevity. The controls reached 3.93 years of age, a substantially higher maximum longevity than the best previously described for this strain (3.0 years). Side effects of the drug could have masked a likely lowering of the endogenous aging rate induced by the decrease in membrane fatty acid unsaturation. We conclude that it is atenolol that failed to increase longevity, and likely not the decrease in membrane unsaturation induced by the drug.
Glutamate transporter GLT‐1 mediates N‐acetylcysteine inhibition of cocaine reinstatement
Authors: Reissner Kathryn J. , Gipson Cassandra D. , Tran Phuong K. , Knackstedt Lori A. , Scofield Michael D. , Kalivas Peter W.
Published: February 2014

Both pre‐clinical and clinical studies indicate that N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) may be useful in treating relapse to addictive drug use. Cocaine self‐administration in rats reduces both cystine‐glutamate exchange and glutamate transport via GLT‐1 in the nucleus accumbens, and NAC treatment normalizes these two glial processes critical for maintaining glutamate homeostasis. However, it is not known if one or both of these actions by NAC is needed to inhibit relapse to cocaine seeking. To determine whether the restoration of GLT‐1 and/or cystine‐glutamate exchange is required for NAC to inhibit cue‐induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking, we utilized the rat self‐administration/extinction/reinstatement model of cocaine relapse. Rats were pre‐treated in the nucleus accumbens with vivo‐morpholino antisense oligomers targeting either GLT‐1 or xCT (catalytic subunit of the cystine‐glutamate exchanger) overlapping with daily NAC administration during extinction (100 mg/kg, i.p. for the last 5 days). Rats then underwent cue‐induced reinstatement of active lever pressing in the absence of NAC, to determine if preventing NAC‐induced restoration of one or the other protein was sufficient to block the capacity of chronic NAC to inhibit reinstatement. The vivo‐morpholino suppression of xCT reduced cystine‐glutamate exchange but did not affect NAC‐induced reduction of reinstated cocaine seeking. In contrast, suppressing NAC‐induced restoration of GLT‐1 not only prevented NAC from inhibiting reinstatement, but augmented the capacity of cues to reinstate cocaine seeking. We hypothesized that the increased reinstatement after inhibiting NAC induction of GLT‐1 resulted from increased extracellular glutamate, and show that augmented reinstatement is prevented by blocking mGluR5. Restoring GLT‐1, not cystine‐glutamate exchange, is a key mechanism whereby daily NAC reduces cue‐induced cocaine reinstatement.
Arachidonic acid metabolites and enzyme transcripts in asthma are altered by cigarette smoking
Authors: Thomson N. C. , Chaudhuri R. , Spears M. , Messow C. M. , Jelinsky S. , Miele G. , Nocka K. , Takahashi E. , Hilmi O. J. , Shepherd M. C. , Miller D. K. , McSharry C.
Published: February 2014

Background

Arachidonic acid metabolites are implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma although only limited information is available on the impact of current smoking history on these metabolites. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of smoking status on urinary, sputum, and plasma eicosanoid concentrations and relevant enzyme transcripts in asthma.

Methods

In 108 smokers and never smokers with asthma and 45 healthy controls [smokers and never smokers], we measured urinary tetranor prostaglandin (PG)D2 (PGDM) and leukotriene (LT)E4, induced sputum fluid LTB4, LTE4, PGD2, and PGE2, plasma secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), and 11β prostaglandin F2α (11βPGF2α), and, in a subgroup with severe asthma, airway leukocyte and epithelial cell mRNA expression levels of arachidonic acid metabolic enzymes.

Results

Smokers with asthma had higher urinary LTE4; 83 (59, 130) vs 59 (40, 90) pg/mg creatinine, P = 0.008, and PGDM; 60 (35, 100) vs 41 (28, 59) ng/mg creatinine, P = 0.012 concentrations, respectively, and lower sputum PGE2 concentrations 80 (46, 157) vs 192 (91, 301) pg/ml, P = 0.001 than never smokers with asthma. Sputum LTB4(P = 0.013), and plasma 11βPGF2α(P = 0.032), concentrations, respectively, were increased in smokers with asthma compared with healthy smokers. Asthma‐specific and smoking‐related increases (>1.5‐fold expression) in arachidonate 15‐lipoxygenase and gamma‐glutamyltransferase transcripts were demonstrated.

Conclusions

Several arachidonic acid metabolites and enzyme transcripts involving both lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways are increased in smokers with asthma and differ from never smokers with asthma. Possibly targeting specific lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways that are activated by asthma and cigarette smoking may optimize therapeutic responses.
Association between low blood glucose increase during glucose tolerance tests in pregnancy and impaired fetal growth
Authors: Rogne Tormod , Jacobsen Geir W.
Published: February 2014

Objective

To evaluate how different levels of increase in maternal blood glucose from a fasting state to 2 h after an oral glucose challenge in late pregnancy are associated with fetal growth, with special emphasis on those with a low increase.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Subjects

We followed 855 women, of whom 70% had an increased risk for carrying lighter babies.

Study design and methods

Ultrasound was used to estimate fetal growth in gestational weeks 25, 33 and 37. In week 37 the women had a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test, and fasting and 2‐h capillary glucose values were recorded with the difference between these two called delta (∆) glucose. Three groups were constructed from the ∆ glucose distribution: Low below the 10th centile; Medium between the 10th and 90th centiles; and High above the 90th centile. Missing data were imputed. Linear and Poisson regression models were applied.

Outcome measures

Estimated fetal weight, percent deviation from expected fetal weight and anthropometric measures at birth.

Results

The Low group carried the lightest fetuses and the High group the heaviest. The fetal growth in the Low group deviated increasingly more in a negative direction from week 25 to 37 than in the other groups.

Conclusion

In a high‐risk population, a positive relation between ∆ glucose and fetal growth was found. The Low group demonstrated impaired growth. More attention should be paid to pregnant women with an insufficient increase in glucose after a glucose challenge. Future studies should challenge our findings in high‐risk and low‐risk populations.
Dietary mannanase‐hydrolyzed copra meal improves growth and increases muscle weights in growing broiler chickens
Authors: Ibuki Masahisa , Yoshimoto Yu , Inui Mariko , Fukui Kensuke , Yonemoto Hiroko , Saneyasu Takaoki , Honda Kazuhisa , Kamisoyama Hiroshi
Published: February 2014

The utilization of copra meal as a feed ingredient is limited because it contains a high level of mannan. However, recent findings indicate that the effect of copra meal on growth performance in broiler chickens can be improved by the supplementation of mannanase in the diet. In the present study, we examined the effect of mannanase‐hydrolyzed copra meal (MCM) on growth performance and muscle protein metabolism in growing broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Forty 8‐day‐old male broiler chicks were assigned to two groups (four birds in each pen, five replicates) and fed either a commercial diet (as a control diet) or a diet containing MCM at 0.2% until 22 days of age. Dietary MCM significantly increased the weights of body, breast muscle, and thighs in chickens, whereas the weights of abdominal adipose tissue and liver were not affected. Cumulative feed intake was significantly increased by MCM. Dietary MCM significantly decreased plasma 3‐methylhistidine level. The messenger RNA and protein levels of muscle protein metabolism‐related factors were not altered by MCM. These findings suggest that the growth‐promoting effect of MCM is related to the suppression of muscle proteolysis in growing broiler chickens.
Modelling headache and migraine and its pharmacological manipulation
Authors: Erdener S E , Dalkara T
Published: February 2014

Similarities between laboratory animals and humans in anatomy and physiology of the cephalic nociceptive pathways have allowed scientists to create successful models that have significantly contributed to our understanding of headache. They have also been instrumental in the development of novel anti‐migraine drugs different from classical pain killers. Nevertheless, modelling the mechanisms underlying primary headache disorders like migraine has been challenging due to limitations in testing the postulated hypotheses in humans. Recent developments in imaging techniques have begun to fill this translational gap. The unambiguous demonstration of cortical spreading depolarization (CSD) during migraine aura in patients has reawakened interest in studyingCSDin animals as a noxious brain event that can activate the trigeminovascular system.CSD‐based models, including transgenics and optogenetics, may more realistically simulate pain generation in migraine, which is thought to originate within the brain. The realization that behavioural correlates of headache and migrainous symptoms like photophobia can be assessed quantitatively in laboratory animals, has created an opportunity to directly study the headache in intact animals without the confounding effects of anaesthetics. Headache and migraine‐like episodes induced by administration of glyceryltrinitrate andCGRPto humans and parallel behavioural and biological changes observed in rodents create interesting possibilities for translational research. Not unexpectedly, species differences and model‐specific observations have also led to controversies as well as disappointments in clinical trials, which, in return, has helped us improve the models and advance our understanding of headache. Here, we review commonly used headache and migraine models with an emphasis on recent developments.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Animal Models in Psychiatry Research. To view the other articles in this section visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-20
Ethanol self‐administration and nicotine treatment increase brain levels of CYP2D in African green monkeys
Authors: Miller R T , Miksys S , Hoffmann E , Tyndale R F
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose

CYP2D6 metabolizes many centrally acting drugs, neurotoxins and endogenous neurochemicals, and differences in brain levels of CYP2D have been associated with brain function and drug response. Alcohol consumers and smokers have higher levels of CYP2D6 in brain, but not liver, suggesting ethanol and/or nicotine may induce human brain CYP2D6. We investigated the independent and combined effects of chronic ethanol self‐administration and nicotine treatment on CYP2D expression in African green monkeys.

Experimental Approach

Forty monkeys were randomized into control, ethanol‐only, nicotine‐only and ethanol + nicotine groups. Two groups voluntarily self‐administered 10% ethanol in sucrose solution for 4 h·day−1, whereas two groups consumed sucrose solution on the same schedule. Two groups received daily s.c. injections of 0.5 mg·kg−1 nicotine in saline bid, whereas two groups were injected with saline on the same schedule.

Key Results

Both nicotine and ethanol dose‐dependently increased CYP2D in brain; brain mRNA was unaffected, and neither drug altered hepatic CYP2D protein or mRNA. The combination of ethanol and nicotine increased brain CYP2D protein levels to a greater extent than either drug alone (1.2–2.2‐fold, P < 0.05 among the eight brain regions assessed). Immunohistochemistry revealed the induction of brain CYP2D protein within specific cell types and regions in the treatment groups.

Conclusions and Implications

Ethanol and nicotine increase brain CYP2D protein levels in monkeys, in a region and treatment‐specific manner, suggesting that CNS drug responses, neurodegeneration and personality may be affected among people who consume alcohol and/or nicotine.
Ginsenoside Rb3 attenuates oxidative stress and preserves endothelial function in renal arteries from hypertensive rats
Authors: Wang Youhua , Dong Jinghui , Liu Ping , Lau Chi Wai , Gao Zhen , Zhou Duan , Tang Jingyi , Ng Chi Fai , Huang Yu
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose

Panax ginseng is commonly used to treat cardiovascular conditions in Oriental countries. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying the vascular benefits of ginsenoside Rb3 (Rb3) in hypertension.

Experimental Approach

Rings of renal arteries were prepared from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats and were cultured ex vivo for 8 h. Contractile responses of the rings were assessed with myograph techniques. Expression of NADPH oxidases was assessed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using dihydroethidium fluorescence imaging and production of NO was determined using the fluorescent NO indicator DAF‐FM diacetate in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Key Results

Ex vivo treatment with Rb3 concentration‐dependently augmented endothelium‐dependent relaxations, suppressed endothelium‐dependent contractions and reduced ROS production and expressions of NOX‐2, NOX‐4 and p67phox in arterial rings from SHR. Rb3 treatment also normalized angiotensin II (Ang II)‐stimulated elevation in ROS and expression of NOX‐2 and NOX‐4 in arterial rings from WKY rats. Rb3 inhibited Ang II‐induced reduction of NO production and phosphorylation of endothelial NOS in cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Rb3 also inhibited oxidative stress in renal arterial rings from hypertensive patients or in Ang II‐treated arterial rings from normotensive subjects.

Conclusion and Implications

Ex vivo Rb3 treatment restored impaired endothelial function in arterial rings from hypertensives by reversing over‐expression of NADPH oxidases and over‐production of ROS, and improved NO bioavailability. Our findings suggest that medicinal plants containing Rb3 could decrease oxidative stress and protect endothelial function in hypertension.
Synthesis of Novel Heterocyclic Ring‐Fused 18β‐Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivatives with Antitumor and Antimetastatic Activity
Authors: Gao Cheng , Dai Fu‐Jun , Cui Hai‐Wei , Peng Shi‐Hong , He Yuan , Wang Xue , Yi Zheng‐Fang , Qiu Wen‐Wei
Published: February 2014

Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is one of the most important triterpenoic acids shows many pharmacological effects, especially antitumor activity. GA triggers apoptosis in various tumor cell lines. However, the antitumor activity of GA is weak, thus the synthesis of new synthetic analogs with enhanced potency is needed. By introducing various five‐member fused heterocyclic rings at C‐2 and C‐3 positions, 18 novel GA derivatives were obtained. These compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against the growth of eight different tumor cell lines using a SRB assay. The most active compound 37 showed IC50 between 5.19 and 11.72 μm, which was about 11‐fold more potent than the lead compound GA. An apoptotic effect of GA and 37 was determined using flow cytometry and trypan blue exclusion assays. We also demonstrated here for the first time that GA and the synthetic derivatives exhibited inhibitory effect on migration of the tested tumor cells, especially 37 which was about 20‐fold more potent than GA on antimetastatic activity.
Oral treatment with SEW2871, a sphingosine-1-phosphate type 1 receptor agonist, ameliorates experimental colitis in interleukin-10 gene deficient mice
Authors: Dong J , Wang H , Wu G , Zhao J , Zhang L , Zuo L , Zhu W , Gong J , Li Y , Gu L , Li J
Published: February 2014

SEW2871, a selective sphingosine-1-phosphate type 1 receptor (S1P1) agonist, has been shown to be effective in protecting kidneys against ischaemia–reperfusion injury by reducing CD4+ T cell infiltration in mice. However, the effects of SEW2871 on colitis remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SEW2871 on established colitis in interleukin (IL)-10 gene-deficient (IL-10–/–) mice, a murine model of Crohn's disease (CD). SEW2871 was administered by gavage at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks to IL-10–/– mice. Severity of colitis, serum amyloid A, tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO), T cells in blood and colon lamina propria (LP) and proinflammatory cytokine productions were evaluated. Furthermore, the phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 (p-STAT-3) expression in lymphocytes isolated from colon LP was also assessed. The 2-week administration of SEW2871 ameliorated established colitis in IL-10–/– mice, associated with a reduction of serum amyloid A concentration, a decreased colon MPO concentration, a depletion of the peripheral CD4+ CD45+ T cells and a reduction of the homing of T cells into colon LP. Moreover, typical cytokines of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 cells and p-STAT-3 expression were also suppressed by SEW2871 treatment. SEW2871 treatment ameliorates established experimental colitis in IL-10–/– mice, which may provide a new therapeutic approach for human CD therapy.
A new functional assay for the diagnosis of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) deficiency
Authors: Ammann S , Elling R , Gyrd-Hansen M , Dückers G , Bredius R , Burns S O , Edgar J D M , Worth A , Brandau H , Warnatz K , zur Stadt U , Hasselblatt P , Schwarz K , Ehl S , Speckmann C
Published: February 2014

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) deficiency, caused by mutations in BIRC4, is an immunodeficiency associated with immune dysregulation and a highly variable clinical presentation. Current diagnostic screening tests such as flow cytometry for XIAP expression or lymphocyte apoptosis assays have significant limitations. Based on recent evidence that XIAP is essential for nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domains (NOD)1/2 signalling, we evaluated the use of a simple flow cytometric assay assessing tumour necrosis factor (TNF) production of monocytes in response to NOD2 stimulation by muramyl dipeptides (L18-MDP) for the functional diagnosis of XIAP deficiency. We investigated 12 patients with XIAP deficiency, six female carriers and relevant disease controls. Irrespective of the diverse clinical phenotype, the extent of residual protein expression or the nature of the mutation, the TNF response was severely reduced in all patients. On average, L18-MDP induced TNF production in 25% of monocytes from healthy donors or female carriers, while fewer than 6% of monocytes responded in affected patients. Notably, the assay clearly discriminated affected patients from disease controls with other immunodeficiencies accompanied by lymphoproliferation, hypogammaglobulinaemia or inflammatory bowel disease. Functional testing of the NOD2 signalling pathway is an easy, fast and reliable assay in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected XIAP deficiency.
Chronic subthreshold subdural cortical stimulation for the treatment of focal epilepsy originating from eloquent cortex
Authors: Child Nicholas D. , Stead Matt , Wirrell Elaine C. , Nickels Katherine C. , Wetjen Nicholas M. , Lee Kendall H. , Klassen Bryan T.
Published: February 2014

Medically refractory epilepsy remains a major medical problem worldwide. Although some patients are eligible for surgical resection of seizure foci, a proportion of patients are ineligible for a variety of reasons. One such reason is that the foci reside in eloquent cortex of the brain and therefore resection would result in significant morbidity. This retrospective study reports our experience with a novel neurostimulation technique for the treatment of these patients. We identified three patients who were ineligible for surgical resection of the intracranially identified seizure focus because it resided in eloquent cortex, who underwent therapeutic trial of focal cortical stimulation delivered through the subdural monitoring grid. All three patients had a significant reduction in seizures, and two went on to permanent implantation, which resulted in long‐term reduction in seizure frequency. In conclusion, this small case report provides some evidence of proof of concept of the role of targeted continuous neocortical neurostimulation in the treatment of medically refractory focal epilepsy, and provides support for ongoing investigations into this treatment modality.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Genome‐wide association analyses of child genotype effects and parent‐of‐origin effects in specific language impairment
Authors: Nudel R. , Simpson N. H. , Baird G. , O'Hare A. , Conti‐Ramsden G. , Bolton P. F. , Hennessy E. R. ,   The SLI Consortium, Ring S. M. , Davey Smith G. , Francks C. , Paracchini S. , Monaco A. P. , Fisher S. E. , Newbury D. F.
Published: February 2014

Specific language impairment (SLI) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects linguistic abilities when development is otherwise normal. We report the results of a genome‐wide association study of SLI which included parent‐of‐origin effects and child genotype effects and used 278 families of language‐impaired children. The child genotype effects analysis did not identify significant associations. We found genome‐wide significant paternal parent‐of‐origin effects on chromosome 14q12 (P = 3.74 × 10−8) and suggestive maternal parent‐of‐origin effects on chromosome 5p13 (P = 1.16 × 10−7). A subsequent targeted association of six single‐nucleotide‐polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 5 in 313 language‐impaired individuals and their mothers from the ALSPAC cohort replicated the maternal effects, albeit in the opposite direction (P = 0.001); as fathers' genotypes were not available in the ALSPAC study, the replication analysis did not include paternal parent‐of‐origin effects. The paternally‐associated SNP on chromosome 14 yields a non‐synonymous coding change within the NOP9 gene. This gene encodes an RNA‐binding protein that has been reported to be significantly dysregulated in individuals with schizophrenia. The region of maternal association on chromosome 5 falls between the PTGER4 and DAB2 genes, in a region previously implicated in autism and ADHD. The top SNP in this association locus is a potential expression QTL of ARHGEF19 (also called WGEF) on chromosome 1. Members of this protein family have been implicated in intellectual disability. In summary, this study implicates parent‐of‐origin effects in language impairment, and adds an interesting new dimension to the emerging picture of shared genetic etiology across various neurodevelopmental disorders.
Climate and host plant availability impact the future distribution of the bean leaf beetle (Cerotoma trifurcata)
Authors: Berzitis Emily A. , Minigan Jordan N. , Hallett Rebecca H. , Newman Jonathan A.
Published: February 2014

The bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata, has become a major pest of soybean throughout its North American range. With a changing climate, there is the potential for this pest to further expand its distribution and become an increasingly severe pest in certain regions. To examine this possibility, we developed bioclimatic envelope models for both the bean leaf beetle, and its most important agronomic host plant, soybean (Glycine max). These two models were combined to examine the potential future pest status of the beetle using climate change projections from multiple general circulation models (GCMs) and climate change scenarios. Despite the broad tolerances of soybean, incorporation of host plant availability substantially decreased the suitable and favourable areas for the bean leaf beetle as compared to an evaluation based solely on the climate envelope of the beetle, demonstrating the importance of incorporating biotic interactions in these predictions. The use of multiple GCM–scenario combinations also revealed differences in predictions depending on the choice of GCM, with scenario choice having less of an impact. While the Norwegian model predicted little northward expansion of the beetle from its current northern range limit of southern Ontario and overall decreases in suitable and favourable areas over time, the Canadian and Russian models predict that much of Ontario and Quebec will become suitable for the beetle in the future, as well as Manitoba under the Russian model. The Russian model also predicts expansion of the suitable and favourable areas for the beetle over time. Two predictions that do not depend on our choice of GCM include a decrease in suitability of the Mississippi Delta region and continued favourability of the southeastern United States.
An assessment of diabetes‐related knowledge among registered nurses working in hospitals in Jordan
Authors: Yacoub M.I. , Demeh W.M. , Darawad M.W. , Barr J.L. , Saleh A.M. , Saleh M.Y.
Published: February 2014

Background

Nurses play a vital role in caring for people with diabetes where knowledge constitutes the cornerstone of this care.

Aim

This study assessed the level of Jordanian nurses' perceived and actual knowledge of diabetes and examined the relationship between nurses' actual knowledge of diabetes and their different characteristics.

Methods

A cross‐sectional descriptive design was used to report knowledge regarding diabetes. Registered nurses were asked to complete self‐administered questionnaires. The Diabetes Self‐Report Tool and the Modified Diabetes Basic Knowledge Test were used to assess nurses' perceived and actual knowledge of diabetes.

Results

A total of 277 out of the 450 eligible registered nurses accepted to participate and returned questionnaires from seven hospitals in Jordan. Nurses in this study mostly demonstrated a knowledge deficit in clinical and theoretical‐based topics, such as initial treatment of hypoglycaemia, insulin storage and preparation; meal planning and duration of action with hypoglycaemic agents. Nurses' actual knowledge of diabetes was positively correlated with their perceived knowledge, perceived competence and level of education.

Limitations

Study participants were selected using convenience sampling. The length of time needed for nurses exceeded 50 min to complete study questionnaires.

Conclusions

This study examined current knowledge among Jordanian registered nurses regarding diabetes. A knowledge deficit regarding diabetes was demonstrated by the nurses who participated in this study. The role of continuing education is essential to supporting nurses' knowledge of complex clinical conditions, such as diabetes. Adequate implementation and dissemination of evidence‐based guidelines on caring for people with diabetes is a prerequisite to improve the nurses' knowledge.

Implication for Nursing and Health Policy

Promoting continuing education in diabetes for nurses requires continuous effort and creativity. Healthcare system administrators must acknowledge and prioritize the need for this education.
Extreme distal bypass to improve wound healing in Buerger's disease
Authors: De Caridi Giovanni , Massara Mafalda , Villari Simona , Martelli Eugenio , Spinelli Francesco , Grande Raffaele , Butrico Lucia , de Franciscis Stefano , Serra Raffaele
Published: February 2014

Thromboangiitis obliterans or Buerger's disease is a rare non‐atherosclerotic segmental inflammatory vasculitis that most commonly involves small and medium‐sized arteries, veins and nerves of the extremities, and generally affects young tobacco smokers. A 53‐year‐old man was found to have critical ischaemia of his left lower limb with foot gangrene. He underwent extremely distal surgical revascularisation using a great saphenous vein bypass graft. The choice of a very distal artery as run‐off vessel promoted a faster wound healing and pain relief, with improvement in quality of life.
Damage to poplar caused by Pseudomonas syringae in combination with frost and fluctuating temperatures
Authors: de Kam M.
Published: February 2014

Frost sensitivity of poplar leaves is increased by Pseudomonas syringae, whereas fluctuating temperatures, when passing freezing point, stimulate the development of P. syringae in poplar bark. Disease symptoms commonly referred to frost damage, are in part due to a combined action of P. syringae and frost.

Symptoms on Populus trichocarpa caused by Pseudomonas syringae in combination with frost are described. They almost exclusively occur on the south side of the stems, just above soil level. Although this damage is commonly considered as the result of frost, P. syringae was regularly isolated from these so‐called 'frost‐cracks' and when inoculated into healthy plants, developed the same symptoms of the disease.

The writer demonstrates that P. syringae increases frost sensitivity in poplar leaves. Fluctuating temperatures promote the development of P. syringae in poplar bark, provided the temperature drops below freezing‐point.

Symptoms often considered to be caused by frost, are in reality in many cases the result of the cooperation between P. syringae and frost.

Dommages causés au peuplier par Pseudomonas syringae en association avec le gel et les variations de température

Sur Populus trichocarpa, les symptǒmes provoqués par Pseudomonas syringae en liaison avec le gel sont décrits. Ils se produisent presqu'exclusivement sur la face sud des troncs, juste au‐dessus du niveau du sol. Bien que ces dégǎts soient habituellement considérés comme le résultat du gel, P. syringae a été isolé régulièrement de ces soi‐disant «fissures de gel» et lorsqu'on l'a inoculé à des plantes saines, les měmes symptǒmes se sont manifestés.

L'auteur démontre que P. syringae accroǐt la sensibilité au gel des feuilles de peuplier. Des variations de température favorisent le développement de P. syringae dans l'écorce du peuplier, à condition que la température tombe en‐dessous de la température de congélation.

Des symptǒmes souvent considérés comme dus au gel sont en fait et dans de nombreux cas le résultat de la coopération entre P. syringae et le gel.

Schäden an Pappeln, verursacht durch Pseudomonas syringae in Kombination mit Frost und Temperaturschwankungen

Es werden Krankheitssymptome an Populus trichocarpa beschrieben, die durch Pseudomonas syringae und durch Frosteinwirkung entstanden. Sie erscheinen fast ausschließlich an der Südseite der Stämme, unmittelbar über der Bodenoberfläche. Obwohl diese Schäden meist als Folgen von Frost betrachtet werden, ließ sich aus den sogenannten Frostrissen regelmäßig P. syringae isolieren. In gesunde Pflanzen geimpft, entwickeln sich die gleichen Symptome.

Der Autor weist nach, daß P. syringae die Frostempfindlichkeit der Pappelblätter erhöht. Temperaturschwankungen fördern die Entwicklung von P. syringae in der Pappelrinde, vorausgesetzt, daß die Temperatur unter den Gefrierpunkt sinkt.

Als Frostschäden betrachtete Symptome werden in praxi in vielen Fällen durch das Zusammenwirken von P. syringae und Frost hervorgerufen.
Observations under fluorescence on progress of basidiospore germination in Cronartium flaccidum (Alb. et Schw.) Wint. on the needle surface of certain pine species
Authors: Ragazzi A. , Fedi Irene Dellavalle
Published: February 2014

The authors have tested the behaviour of basidiospores of Cronartium flaccidum on needle surfaces of Pinus nigra var. austriaca, P. nigra var. laricio and P. sylvestris using Patton and Johnson fluorescence method.

On P. sylvestris a species well‐known for low susceptibility, the behaviour of basidiospores was different from the other two species.

A resistance factor was identified at the stage of basidiospore germination.

Germination of C. flaccidum basidiospores was tested on the needles of seedlings of three pine species possessing different susceptibility: Pinus nigra var. austriaca, P. nigra var. laricio and P. sylvestris using Patton and Johnson fluorescence methods.

Progress of germination was found to be different on P. sylvestris compared with that on P. nigra var. austriaca and P. nigra var. laricio in that its beginning is delayed to 20 hours after incubation as compared with the 10 and 5 hours in the cases of the latter two species. Percentages, 40 hours after incubation, are respectively 44, 93 and 83%.

A resistance factor in P. sylvestris a species with well‐known low susceptibility, was thus detected at the level of basidiospore germination.

La germination des basidiospores de Cronartium flaccidum sur des aiguilles de trois pins différents

La germination des basidiospores de Cronartium flaccidum à été observée sur des aiguilles des jeunes plants de Pinus sylvestris, P. nigra var. austriaca et P. nigra var. laricio qui montrent une résistance variée vis‐à‐vis de la rouille vesciculeuse.

On note les différences suivantes:

—– les basidiospores sur les aiguilles de P. nigra var. laricio débutent leur germination après 5 heures et celles sur P. sylvestris après 20 heures.

—– après 40 heures d'incubation 44% des basidiospores ont germé sur les aiguilles de P. sylvestris 93% sur P. nigra var. laricio et 83% sur P. nigra var. austriaca.

Pinus sylvestris possède une résistance contre l'infection puisque la germination des basidiospores est moin et plus lente que sur les deux variétés de P. nigra.

Keimung der Basidiosporen von Cronartium flaccidum auf den Nadeln von Kiefemarten

Die Keimung der Basidiosporen von Cronartium flaccidum wurde auf den Nadeln der Sämlinge von Pinus sylvestris, P. nigra var. austriaca und P. nigra var. laricio die eine verschiedene Kienzopfresistenz zeigen, kontrolliert. Zwischen den Kiefernarten bestehen folgende Unterschiede:

— Basidiosporen auf den Nadeln von P. nigra var. laricio fangen nach 5 Stunden zu keimen an, während die Basidiosporen auf den Nadeln von P. sylvestris nach 20 Stunden zu keimen beginnen;

— nach 40 Inkubationsstunden ist der Keimungsprozentsatz: 44 für die Basidiosporen auf den Nadeln der P. sylvestris 93 auf P. nigra var. laricio und 83 auf P. nigra var. austriaca.

Die Untersuchung zeigt für P. sylvestris Widerstandsfähigkeit gegen die Infektion wegen geringerer und später einsetzender Keimung der Basidiosporen an.
Biochemical aspects of stress physiology of plants and some considerations of defense mechanisms in conifers
Authors: Hoque E.
Published: February 2014

A review is given on biochemical aspects of stress physiology and defense mechanisms of plants with special reference to coniferous trees. To date, investigations on these topics have proceeded on a wide front. These include biotic (fungi, bacteria, parasitic higher plants, nematodes) and abiotic (temperature, moisture, light, pH, host‐plant nutrition) stress phenomena as well as their causal relationships to biochemical and histological defense mechanisms. Research dealing with hormonal control of defense mechanisms is emphasized in this review.

Biochemische Aspekte der Streßphysiologie der Pflanzen und einige Betrachtungen der Abwehrmechanismen der Koniferen

Dieser Sammelbericht behandelt die biochemischen Aspekte der Streßphysiologie und der Abwehrmechanismen der Pflanzen mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Koniferen. Die Untersuchungen auf diesem Forschungsgebiet sind in großer Breite durchgeführt worden. Sie umfassen sowohl biotische (Pilze, Bakterien, parasitische höhere Pflanzen, Nematoden) als auch abiotische (Temperatur, Feuchtigkeit, Licht, pH‐Wert, Ernährung der Wirtspflanzen) Streßphänomene sowie ihre kausalen Beziehungen zu den biochemischen und den histologischen Abwehrmechanismen. Die Forschung über die hormonale Regulation der Abwehrmechanismen erfuhr in diesem Sammelbericht besondere Bedeutung.

Aspects biochimiques de la physiologie de stress des plantes et quelques considérations sur les mécanismes de défense chez les conifères

Une analyse est fournie des aspects biochimiques de la physiologie de stress et des mécanismes de défense des plantes avec intérět particulier porté au cas des conifères. Jusqu'à présent, les recherches dans ce domaine se sont étendues sur une large échelle. Elles comportent des aspects biotiques (champignons, bactéries, plantes supérieures, parasites, nématodes) et abiotiques (température, humidité, lumière, pH, nutrition de la plante‐hǒte) sur les phénomènes de stress aussi bien que sur leurs relations de cause à effet avec les mécanismes de défense tant biochimiques qu'histologiques. Les travaux concernant la dépendance hormonale de tels mécanismes de défense sont particulièrement étudiés dans ce document.
Metamorphic evolution of relict lawsonite‐bearing eclogites from the (U) HP metamorphic belt in the Chinese southwestern Tianshan
Authors: Du J. X. , Zhang L. F. , Bader T. , Chen Z. Y. , Lü Z.
Published: February 2014

In the Chinese southwestern Tianshan (U)HP belt, former lawsonite presence has been predicted for many (U)HP metamorphic eclogites, but only a very few lawsonite grains have been found so far. We discovered armoured lawsonite relicts included in quartz, which, on its part, is enclosed in porphyroblastic garnet in an epidote eclogite H711‐14 and a paragonite eclogite H711‐29. H711‐14 is mainly composed of garnet, omphacite, epidote and titanite, with minor quartz, paragonite and secondary barroisite and glaucophane. Coarse‐grained titanite occasionally occurs in millimetre‐wide veins in equilibrium with epidote and omphacite, and relict rutile is only preserved as inclusions in matrix titanite and garnet. H711‐29 shows the mineral assemblage of garnet, omphacite, glaucophane, paragonite, quartz, dolomite, rutile and minor epidote. Dolomite and rutile are commonly rimed by secondary calcite and titanite respectively. Porphyroblastic garnet in both eclogites is compositionally zoned and exhibits an inclusion‐rich core overgrown by an inclusion‐poor rim. Phase equilibria modelling predicts that garnet cores formed at the P‐peak (490–505 °C and 23–25.5 kbar) and coexisted with the lawsonite eclogite facies assemblage of omphacite + glaucophane + lawsonite + quartz. Garnet rims (550–570 °C and ~20 kbar) grew subsequently during a post‐peak epidote eclogite facies metamorphism and coexisted with omphacite + quartz ± glaucophane ± epidote ± paragonite. The results confirm the former presence of a cold subduction zone environment in the Chinese southwestern Tianshan. The P–T evolution of the eclogites is characterized by a clockwise P–T path with a heating stage during early exhumation (thermal relaxation). The preservation of lawsonite in these eclogites is attributed to isolation from the matrix by quartz and rigid garnet, which should be considered as a new type of lawsonite preservation in eclogites. The complete rutile–titanite transition in H711‐14 took place in the epidote eclogite facies stage in the presence of an extremely CO2‐poor fluid with X(CO2) [CO2/(CO2 + H2O) in the fluid] <<0.008. In contrast, the incomplete rutile–titanite transition in H711‐29 may have occurred after the epidote eclogite facies stage and the presence of dolomite reflects a higher X(CO2) (>0.01) in the coexisting fluid at the epidote eclogite facies stage.
Broad‐Based Employee Stock Ownership: Motives and Outcomes
Authors: KIM E. HAN , OUIMET PAIGE
Published: February 2014

Firms initiating broad‐based employee share ownership plans often claim employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) increase productivity by improving employee incentives. Do they? Small ESOPs comprising less than 5% of shares, granted by firms with moderate employee size, increase the economic pie, benefiting both employees and shareholders. The effects are weaker when there are too many employees to mitigate free‐riding. Although some large ESOPs increase productivity and employee compensation, the average impacts are small because they are often implemented for nonincentive purposes such as conserving cash by substituting wages with employee shares or forming a worker‐management alliance to thwart takeover bids.
Uterus allotransplantation in cynomolgus macaque: A preliminary experience with non‐human primate models
Authors: Kisu Iori , Mihara Makoto , Banno Kouji , Hara Hisako , Masugi Yohei , Araki Jun , Iida Takuya , Yamada Yohei , Kato Yojiro , Shiina Takashi , Suganuma Nobuhiko , Aoki Daisuke
Published: February 2014

Aim

Uterine transplantation (UTx) is a potential option for child‐bearing in women with uterine infertility. Recovery of uterine function after allogeneic UTx in non‐human primates has not been reported. The objective of this study is to establish the functional uterine transplant model in non‐human primates.

Methods

Uteri of two cynomolgus monkeys were simultaneously removed, cooled at 4°C and perfused with heparin saline. The uteri were interchanged with each other and then orthotopically transplanted. Immunosuppressive protocols included use of three agents (tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone) in case 1 and two agents (tacrolimus and methylprednisolone) in case 2. Transabdominal ultrasonography, vaginoscopy and biopsy of the transplanted uterine cervix were routinely conducted to monitor rejection after surgery.

Results

The blood concentration of tacrolimus decreased 11 days after surgery and evidence of rejection was found in biopsy of the uterine cervix in both cases. The suspected rejection disappeared 23 days after surgery in case 1 and temporary menstruation resumed at 3 months after surgery. In case 2, blood flow to the uterine artery gradually decreased and the uterus resulted in atrophy due to ischemia, which has been triggered by rejection.

Conclusion

Allogeneic UTx in the cynomolgus monkeys resulted in temporary recovery of menstruation with three immunosuppressants and uterine atrophy with two immunosuppressants. This preliminary experience suggests that recovery of uterine function after allogeneic UTx in non‐human primates is possible but more experiments are required.
Efficacy of lycopene‐enriched virgin olive oil for treating burning mouth syndrome: a double‐blind randomised
Authors: Cano‐Carrillo P. , Pons‐Fuster A. , López‐Jornet P.
Published: February 2014

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an intensive chronic oral mucosal pain condition of unknown aetiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of lycopene‐enriched virgin olive oil used to treat the condition, comparing this with a placebo. This study took the form of a double‐bind, randomised clinical trial. A total of 60 patients with BMS were randomly divided into two groups: Group I (n = 30) treated with lycopene‐enriched virgin olive oil (300 ppm) (1·5 mL three times a day) and Group II (n = 30) treated with a placebo (1·5 mL three times a day). Evaluations were made before and after 12 weeks of product/placebo application. Symptoms were evaluated by VAS, whilst patient psychological profiles were assessed using the HAD scale and patient quality of life using the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) and the Medical Outcome Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF36). Fifty patients completed the 12‐week treatment (26 in Group I and 24 in Group II). Visual analogue scale pain values improved in both groups but without statistically significant differences between the groups (P = 0·57). Oral quality of life also improved. Four patients in Group I (treatment) left the study and six left Group II (placebo). No patients experienced any adverse effects resulting from treatment at any of the evaluation times. Patients were lost from the sample due to lack of compliance. It was found that the lipid profile did not change during the 3‐month study period as a result of the application of lycopene‐enriched olive oil (Group I); nor did any change occur in the placebo group (Group II). In this way, the placebo effect was seen to be strong. The topical lycopene‐enriched virgin olive oil is a very safe and an effective similar way that the placebo for treating patients with BMS. However, future studies are required to establish the treatment for patients with chronic and painful syndrome.