bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endocrine and Neurobehavioral Abnormalities Induced by Propofol Administered to Neonatal Rats
Authors: Tan Sijie , Xu Changqing , Zhu Wanting , Willis Jesse , Seubert Christoph N. , Gravenstein Nikolaus , Sumners Colin , Martynyuk Anatoly E.
Published: July 2014

Background:

The authors studied whether neonatal propofol anesthesia affects development of the endocrine and neural systems.

Methods:

Sprague–Dawley rats were anesthetized using intraperitoneal propofol for 5 h on postnatal days (P) 4, 5, or 6. Pups that received either saline or intralipid, but not those in the negative control groups, were also maternally separated for 5 h. Serum levels of corticosterone were measured immediately after anesthesia and in adulthood after prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle testing (≥P80), followed by measurement of hippocampal neuronal activity.

Results:

Propofol acutely increased corticosterone levels to 146.6 ± 23.5 ng/ml (n = 6) versus 16.4 ± 3.5 ng/ml (n = 6) and 18.4 ± 3.2 ng/ml (n = 6) in saline- and intralipd-treated pups, respectively. In adulthood, the propofol group exhibited exacerbated endocrine responses to stress in a form of increased corticosterone levels (1,171.58 ± 149.17 ng/ml [n = 15] vs. 370.02 ± 36.01 ng/ml [n = 10] in the saline group). The propofol group had increased the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in CA1 neurons of male and female rats, but reduced prepulse inhibition of startle was detected only in males. The Na+–K+–2Cl− cotransporter inhibitor bumetanide, administered to pups before propofol injection, alleviated long-term endocrine and prepulse inhibition abnormalities. Exogenous corticosterone, administered to naive pups, induced synaptic and endocrine but not prepulse inhibition effects, similar to those of propofol.

Conclusion:

Propofol-caused acute increases in corticosterone levels and γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor–mediated excitation at the time of anesthesia may play mechanistic roles in development of exacerbated endocrine responses to stress and neurobehavioral abnormalities.
Vitamin and Zinc Status Pretreatment and Posttreatment in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Santucci Neha R. , Alkhouri Razan H. , Baker Robert D. , Baker Susan S.
Published: July 2014

Vitamin deficiencies are common in inflammatory bowel disease. Here we present 5‐year follow‐up data of 61 patients. No folate or vitamin B12 deficiency was identified throughout the study. A daily multivitamin supplement was sufficient to replete 100% of vitamin A–deficient and vitamin E–deficient patients. A total of 52% of vitamin D–deficient patients corrected, but 15% who had normal vitamin D levels at diagnosis developed deficiency. A total of 63% of zinc‐deficient patients normalized their zinc status, but 15% developed zinc deficiency at follow‐up despite supplementation.
Distinctive Colonic Mucosal Cytokine Signature in New‐Onset, Untreated Pediatric Crohn Disease
Authors: Sylvester Francisco A. , Draghi Andrew , Menoret Antoine , Fernandez Marina L. , Wang Zhu , Vella Anthony T.
Published: July 2014

Objective:

The aim of the study was to compare the colonic mucosal immune response in children with new, untreated Crohn disease (CD‐New), CD in remission (CD‐Remission), and unaffected children (CTRL [controls]).

Methods:

We performed flow cytometry of mitogen‐stimulated colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells isolated from colonic biopsies and 72‐hour biopsy explant cultures, and analyzed the supernatant by an unbiased multiplex cytokine array of 45 analytes.

Results:

Thirty‐six children were studied (mean age 14 ± 3 years, 14 girls): 12 CD‐New, 11 CD‐Remission, and 13 CTRL. We found that stimulation of lamina propria mononuclear cells isolated from colonic biopsies induced comparable intracellular cytokine levels of interferon (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐17, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in T cells from CD‐New, CD‐Remission, and CTRL, suggesting that mucosal innate inflammation plays a larger role than activated T cells in CD‐New. To measure factors released during the ongoing inflammatory response in CD‐New, we cultured colonic biopsy explants and uncovered 13/45 factors that were significantly higher in CD‐New versus CD‐Remission, whereas 10 were increased in CD‐New over CTRL. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software revealed the anticipated interconnectivity of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and CSF‐2 in CD‐New of the colon. A novel subnetwork of chemokines was, however, evident, whereas IL‐17a appeared as a peripheral factor. Principal component analysis and hierarchal clustering showed that CD‐New and CD‐Remission separated into distinct subgroups based on the 13 factors.

Conclusions:

At diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, the colonic cytokine response contains a predominance of innate immune factors, with chemoattractants and vascular adhesion molecules playing a central role.
Outcome After Anal Intrasphincteric Botox Injection in Children With Surgically Treated Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Han‐Geurts Ingrid J.M. , Hendrix Vivian C. , de Blaauw Ivo , Wijnen Marc H.W.A. , van Heurn Ernest L.W.
Published: July 2014

Objectives:

A nonrelaxing internal anal sphincter is present in a relatively large proportion of children with surgically treated Hirschsprung disease (HD) and can cause obstructive gastrointestinal symptoms. The short‐ and long‐term outcome and adverse effects of intrasphincteric botulinum toxin (Botox) injections in children with obstruction after surgically treated HD are evaluated.

Methods:

The outcome of children with surgically treated HD treated with intrasphincteric Botox injections for obstructive symptoms was analyzed with a retrospective chart review between 2002 and 2013 in the University Medical Centers of Maastricht and Nijmegen.

Results:

A total of 33 patients were included. The median time of follow‐up was 7.3 years (range 1–24). A median of 2 (range 1–5) injections were given. Initial improvement was achieved in 76%, with a median duration of 4.1 months (range 1.7–58.8). Proportion of children hospitalized for enterocolitis decreased after treatment from 19 to 7. A good long‐term response was found in 49%. Two children experienced complications: transient pelvic muscle paresis with impairment of walking. In both children symptoms resolved within 4 months without treatment.

Conclusions:

Intrasphincteric Botox injections in surgically treated HD are an effective long‐term therapy in approximately half of our patients with obstructive symptoms. The possibility of adverse effects should be noticed.
Intractable Diarrhea of Infancy
Authors: Hizarcioglu‐Gulsen Hayriye , Saltik‐Temizel Inci N. , Demir Hulya , Gurakan Figen , Ozen Hasan , Yuce Aysel
Published: July 2014

Objectives:

Intractable diarrhea of infancy (IDI), a group of prolonged diarrheal disorders, is difficult to diagnose and manage. We documented general features of patients and the causes of IDI.

Methods:

The present retrospective study included 60 hospitalized patients with IDI ages 0 to 24 months during January 2000 to December 2010. Detailed history, laboratory and endoscopic findings, diagnoses, and clinical courses were reviewed. Descriptive analyses were used for statistical evaluation.

Results:

The male/female ratio was 1.4. The median age at onset of diarrhea was 12 days. A total of 70% and 11% of patients were severely and moderately malnourished, respectively. Carbohydrate malabsorption (CM) and food allergies (n = 11, 18% for both) were the most frequent causes. A total of 16 of the patients (27%) did not have a specific diagnosis. The other diagnoses were infections (n = 5), immune‐mediated disorders (IMD) (n = 6), congenital enterocyte defects (CED) (n = 3, 5%), short bowel syndrome (n = 2), cystic fibrosis (n = 2), intestinal pseudoobstruction (n = 1), congenital disorder of glycosylation (n = 1), abetalipoproteinemia (n = 1), and proprotein convertase (PC) 1 deficiency (n = 1). Stool calprotectin level was high in 10 of 19 patients with Crohn disease (n = 3, mean 1116 ± 851 mg/L), food allergy (n = 4, mean 516 ± 288 mg/L), and undefined etiology (n = 3, mean 616 ± 780 mg/L). The mean duration of hospitalization was 76 days.

Conclusions:

IDI is a heterogenous group of diarrheal disorders. The most frequent causes were CM and food allergies in our study. Because high levels of calprotectin support inflammation, calprotectin levels may help to discriminate CED and inflammatory causes of IDI.
Bonsai: An event-based framework for processing and controlling data streams
Authors: Lopes Gonçalo , Bonacchi Niccolò , Frazão João , Neto Joana P. , Atallah Bassam V. , Soares Sofia , Moreira Luís , Matias Sara , Itskov Pavel M. , Correia Patrícia A. , Medina Roberto E. , Calcaterra Lorenza , Dreosti Elena , Paton Joseph J. , Kampff Adam R.
Published: July 2014

The design of modern scientific experiments requires the control and monitoring of many parallel data streams. However, the serial execution of programming instructions in a computer makes it a challenge to develop software that can deal with the asynchronous, parallel nature of scientific data. Here we present Bonsai, a modular, high-performance, open-source visual programming framework for the acquisition and online processing of data streams. We describe Bonsai’s core principles and architecture and demonstrate how it allows for flexible and rapid prototyping of integrated experimental designs in neuroscience. We specifically highlight different possible applications which require the combination of many different hardware and software components, i0ncluding behaviour video tracking, electrophysiology and closed-loop control of stimulation parameters.
Probabilities of Fitness Consequences for Point Mutations Across the Human Genome
Authors: Gulko Brad , Hubisz Melissa J. , Gronau Ilan , Siepel Adam
Published: July 2014

We describe a novel computational method for estimating the probability that a point mutation at each position in a genome will influence fitness. Thesefitness consequence(fit-Cons) scores serve as evolution-based measures of potential genomic function. Our approach is to cluster genomic positions into groups exhibiting distinct “fingerprints” based on high-throughput functional genomic data, then to estimate a probability of fitness consequences for each group from associated patterns of genetic polymorphism and divergence. We have generated fitCons scores for three human cell types based on public data from EN-CODE. Compared with conventional conservation scores, fitCons scores show considerably improved prediction power forcis-regulatory elements. In addition, fitCons scores indicate that 4.2–7.5% of nucleotides in the human genome have influenced fitness since the human-chimpanzee divergence, and, in contrast to several recent studies, they suggest that recent evolutionary turnover has had limited impact on the functional content of the genome.
Combined Increases in Mitochondrial Cooperation and Oxygen Photoreduction Compensate for Deficiency in Cyclic Electron Flow in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Dang Kieu-Van , Plet Julie , Tolleter Dimitri , Jokel Martina , Cuiné Stéphan , Carrier Patrick , Auroy Pascaline , Richaud Pierre , Johnson Xenie , Alric Jean , Allahverdiyeva Yagut , Peltier Gilles
Published: July 2014

During oxygenic photosynthesis, metabolic reactions of CO2 fixation require more ATP than is supplied by the linear electron flow operating from photosystem II to photosystem I (PSI). Different mechanisms, such as cyclic electron flow (CEF) around PSI, have been proposed to participate in reequilibrating the ATP/NADPH balance. To determine the contribution of CEF to microalgal biomass productivity, here, we studied photosynthesis and growth performances of a knockout Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutant (pgrl1) deficient in PROTON GRADIENT REGULATION LIKE1 (PGRL1)–mediated CEF. Steady state biomass productivity of the pgrl1 mutant, measured in photobioreactors operated as turbidostats, was similar to its wild-type progenitor under a wide range of illumination and CO2 concentrations. Several changes were observed in pgrl1, including higher sensitivity of photosynthesis to mitochondrial inhibitors, increased light-dependent O2 uptake, and increased amounts of flavodiiron (FLV) proteins. We conclude that a combination of mitochondrial cooperation and oxygen photoreduction downstream of PSI (Mehler reactions) supplies extra ATP for photosynthesis in the pgrl1 mutant, resulting in normal biomass productivity under steady state conditions. The lower biomass productivity observed in the pgrl1 mutant in fluctuating light is attributed to an inability of compensation mechanisms to respond to a rapid increase in ATP demand.
An acylamide metal–organic framework with an unprecedented four-connecting trinodal topology and amide oxygen coordination
Authors: Li Jian-Qiang , Wu Xiao-Liu , Liu Shu-Juan , Luo Ming-Biao
Published: July 2014

The three-dimensional ZnIIcoordination polymer poly[[bis(μ2-benzene-1,4-dicarboxylato){μ4-N1,N3,N5-tris[(pyridin-3-yl)methyl]benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide}dizinc(II)] monohydrate], {[Zn2(C8H4O4)2(C27H24N6O3)]·H2O}n, is characterized by a rare (4,4,4)-connected (4.62.72.8)(4.62.73)(42.62.72) topology. The tricarboxamide ligand adopts an unprecedented tetradentate coordination mode, with one carboxamide O atom participating in the coordination. The polymer was further characterized by thermogravimetric and solid-state luminescence analysis.
Psoriasis and bone mineral density: Implications for long‐term patients
Authors: D'Epiro Sara , Marocco Chiara , Salvi Monica , Mattozzi Carlo , Luci Cecilia , Macaluso Laura , Giancristoforo Simona , Campoli Marco , Scarnò Marco , Migliaccio Silvia , Calvieri Stefano , Richetta Antonio
Published: July 2014

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with several comorbidities. Osteoporosis is defined as a reduction in bone mineral density with impaired bone microarchitecture. Several mechanisms may be implicated as a possible cause for the association between psoriasis and osteoporosis, such as systemic inflammation, anti‐psoriatic drug intake and joint dysfunction for psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The aim of the present study was to assess bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with psoriasis, correlating the prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, mean duration of psoriatic disease, PsA and previous treatments for psoriasis. Forty‐three consecutive patients with psoriasis, 19 of whom were affected by the arthropathic form, were enrolled. We evaluated the severity of psoriasis as measured by PASI score, the CASPAR criteria and ultrasounds of the joints to verify the diagnosis of PsA and the age of psoriasis onset to estimate mean disease duration. Patients underwent a bone density scan of the lumbar spine and femoral neck by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry to measure BMD. Patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis showed a statistically significant longer average duration of psoriatic disease (17 years), compared to patients affected by psoriasis with normal T‐score (8.8 years) (P = 0.04). The linear logistic regression confirms a significant relation between mean psoriatic disease duration and BMD alterations (P = 0.04). Our results suggest the necessity of an early diagnostic evaluation of bone metabolism in patients with psoriasis, especially if characterized by longer disease duration.
Maternal effects influence phenotypes and survival during early life stages in an aquatic turtle
Authors: Mitchell Timothy S. , Maciel Jessica A. , Janzen Fredric J.
Published: July 2014

Offspring phenotypic variation can be substantially influenced by non‐genetic factors such as maternal effects, which ultimately can influence organismal fitness. For oviparous organisms that lack parental care, oviposition‐site choice and egg size are maternal effects that can greatly affect offspring traits. Yet, few studies examine the consequences of these traits in the wild.

We manipulated the contents of natural painted turtle nests such that offspring spent two life stages (incubation and hibernation) in either maternally selected nest sites or randomly selected nest sites and quantified treatment differences in environmental parameters and offspring phenotypes. Additionally, we tracked the fates of individual eggs and hatchlings, which allowed us to quantify the strength and form of selection acting on egg size during incubation and, for the first time, body size during hibernation.

Maternally selected nest sites were warmer and produced offspring that were longer and hatched earlier than their siblings emerging from cooler, randomly selected nests. Treatments did not affect any measured traits during hibernation.

We detected no selection on egg size during the incubation stage, but significant linear selection favouring larger hatchlings during hibernation.

Our results suggest that nest‐site choice allows mothers to partially control the environment of their incubating eggs, but is less effective at controlling hatchling environments during hibernation. Additionally, we provide novel support for the ‘bigger‐is‐better’ hypothesis in turtles by showing a positive relationship between size and survival during the hibernation stage.
Experimental evaluation shows limited influence of pine plantations on the connectivity of highly fragmented bird populations
Authors: Mortelliti Alessio , Westgate Martin J. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: July 2014

Conversion of natural and agricultural areas to conifer plantations is an important element of global change. Despite their widespread distribution and global importance, it is still unclear whether conifer plantations hinder or enhance movement by biota.

Population connectivity is difficult to quantify without detailed studies such as those using capture–mark–recapture methods. A novel solution is to quantify the synchrony in abundance between populations over time. Using this approach, more connected populations are expected to display synchrony, whereas disconnected populations are expected to fluctuate asynchronously. Here, we compared the relative effects of spatial proximity and matrix type on the population synchrony of a suite of forest‐dependent birds in a long‐term, fully controlled, and replicated landscape‐scale experiment in south‐eastern Australia.

Our experiment consisted of comparing bird populations inhabiting remnant eucalypt patches surrounded by Radiata pinePinus radiataplantations (50 patches) with bird populations inhabiting remnant eucalypt patches where the surrounding landscapes are grazing fields (55 patches). Our data set encompassed 10 years and included 52 bird species characterized by different life history traits. After controlling for the effects of rainfall and patch characteristics on population dynamics, we found that spatial proximity, not matrix type, was the main driver of population synchrony for 16 species. The effect of the pine plantation matrix was negative (it reduced synchrony). However, the magnitude of its effect was particularly low (being significant only in four species).

Synthesis and applications. Our results show that pine plantations do not increase connectivity. In fact, they have little effect, with the exception of a few species, for which they may constitute a barrier. The implications of our findings for landscape management are that the conversion of agricultural areas to plantation forestry does not promote substantial movement of individuals (to the extent that would synchronize populations). Therefore, plantation expansion should not be promoted on the belief that it increases connectivity relative to an agricultural matrix.
Assessing trends in biodiversity over space and time using the example ofBritish breeding birds
Authors: Harrison Philip J. , Buckland Stephen T. , Yuan Yuan , Elston David A. , Brewer Mark J. , Johnston Alison , Pearce‐Higgins James W.
Published: July 2014

Partitioning biodiversity change spatially and temporally is required for effective management, both to determine whether action is required and whether it should be applied at a regional level or targeted more locally. As biodiversity is a multifaceted concept, comparative analyses of different indices, focussing on different components of biodiversity change (evenness vs. abundance), give better information than a single headline index.

We model changes in the spatial and temporal distribution ofBritish breeding birds using generalized additive models applied to count data collected between 1994 and 2011. Abundance estimates, accounting for differences in detectability, are then used in community‐specific (farmland and woodland) biodiversity indices. Temporal trends in biodiversity, and change points in those trends, are assessed at different spatial scales. The geometric mean of relative abundance, a headline indicator of biodiversity change, is assessed together with a goodness‐of‐fit evenness measure focussing separately on the rare and common species in the communities.

Our analysis reveals predominantly declining trends in biodiversity indices for farmland and woodland bird communities in southern and easternEngland, perhaps signalling environmental deterioration in this part of the country. Conversely, our results also show generally more positive trends in the north ofBritain, consistent with north–south gradient expectations from the effects of climate change. We also reveal predominantly positive changes in evenness for the common species and negative changes in evenness for the rarer species in the communities, consistent with previously documented homogenization in bird communities.

Synthesis and applications. Bird populations are seen as good indicators of ecosystem health, and trends for different communities can be indicative of wider biodiversity changes within their respective habitats. However, temporal trends in biodiversity at the national level may miss opposing trends occurring at different locations within the nation. We develop methods that allow assessment of how temporal trends vary spatially and whether these trends differ for the rare and common species in the respective communities. Our methods may be used to test hypotheses about the processes that generate the trends.
Contractual Interpretation, Registered Documents and Third Party Effects
Authors: Barber Matthew , Thomas Rod
Published: July 2014

This article considers whether extrinsic material should be available in interpreting registered documents when these may be contractual in nature or relate to contractual agreements. Many registers, for example the current scheme for recording land title, are intended to facilitate the reliance of third parties on their content, an objective that suggests that extrinsic material should be excluded. Such an approach, however, could itself cause unfairness and conflicts with the way that contractual documents are normally interpreted. Exploring this question leads us to consider the contextual approach to contractual interpretation generally and whether it should take account of the contemplated effects of contractual language on third parties. After concluding in the affirmative, we then ask whether this is sufficient as an approach to interpreting contractual documents entered into a register.
The Effects of Uncertainty and Disclosure on Auditors' Fair Value Materiality Decisions
Authors: GRIFFIN JEREMY B.
Published: July 2014

Financial accounting standards increasingly require fair value measurements. I experimentally examine how uncertainty affects auditors’ adjustment decisions when evaluating fair values. I manipulate two types of uncertainty, input subjectivity and outcome imprecision, and one reporting choice, supplemental disclosure. I find that auditors are most likely to require adjustments when fair values contain both more input subjectivity and more outcome imprecision, but that this likelihood diminishes when clients supplement recognized fair values with additional disclosure. Thus, consistent with moral licensing, I find that auditors tolerate greater potential misstatement in the financial statements when clients provide disclosure, suggesting that the SEC's preference for supplemental disclosure may have the unintended consequence of affecting fair values recognized in the body of the financial statements. I also provide evidence that auditors determine adjustment size by comparing recorded fair value to the nearest bound, rather than the midpoint, of the auditors’ own range estimate, consistent with strict application of auditing standards.
The Difficult Task of Assessing Perimortem and Postmortem Fractures on the Skeleton: A Blind Text on 210 Fractures of Known Origin
Authors: Cappella Annalisa , Amadasi Alberto , Castoldi Elisa , Mazzarelli Debora , Gaudio Daniel , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: July 2014

The distinction between perimortem and postmortem fractures is an important challenge for forensic anthropology. Such a crucial task is presently based on macro‐morphological criteria widely accepted in the scientific community. However, several limits affect these parameters which have not yet been investigated thoroughly. This study aims at highlighting the pitfalls and errors in evaluating perimortem or postmortem fractures. Two trained forensic anthropologists were asked to classify 210 fractures of known origin in four skeletons (three victims of blunt force trauma and one natural death) as perimortem, postmortem, or dubious, twice in 6 months in order to assess intraobserver error also. Results show large errors, ranging from 14.8 to 37% for perimortem fractures and from 5.5 to 14.8% for postmortem ones; more than 80% of errors concerned trabecular bone. This supports the need for more objective and reliable criteria for a correct assessment of peri‐ and postmortem bone fractures.
Vertical stratification of ichneumonid wasp communities: the effects of forest structure and life‐history traits
Authors: Di Giovanni Filippo , Cerretti Pierfilippo , Mason Franco , Minari Emma , Marini Lorenzo
Published: July 2014

Parasitoid wasp communities of the canopy of temperate forests are still largely unexplored. Very little is known about the community composition of parasitoids between canopy and understory and how much of this difference is related to forest structure or parasitoid biological strategies. In this study we investigated upon the difference in the community composition of the parasitic wasps Ichneumonidae between canopy and understory in a lowland temperate forest in northern Italy. We used general linear models to test whether parasitic strategy modifies species vertical stratification and the effect of forest structure. We also tested differences in β‐diversity between canopy and understory traps and over time within single forest layers. We found that stand basal area was positively related to species richness, suggesting that the presence of mature trees can influence local wasp diversity, providing a higher number of microhabitats and hosts. The ichneumonid community of the canopy was different from that of the understory, and the β‐diversity analysis showed higher values for the canopy, due to a higher degree of species turnover between traps. In our analyses, the vertical stratification was different between groups of ichneumonids sharing different parasitic strategies. Idiobiont parasitoids of weakly or deeply concealed hosts were more diverse in the understory than in the canopy while parasitoids of spiders were equally distributed between the two layers. Even though the ichneumonid community was not particularly species‐rich in the canopy of the temperate forests, the extension of sampling to that habitat significantly increased the number of species recorded.
Effects of 4‐hexylresorcinol on the phenoloxidase from Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae): In vivo and in vitro studies
Authors: Sharifi Mahboobeh , Ghadamyari Mohammad , Sajedi Reza H. , Mahmoodi Nosrat O.
Published: July 2014

Insecticidal effects of 4‐hexylresorcinol, a phenoloxidase (PO) inhibitor, were determined on Hyphantria cunea (Drury) under laboratory conditions. The LC50 for the 15‐d‐old larvae was estimated to be 2.95 g/L after 96 h exposure. The activities of glutathione S‐transferase (GST) and PO showed a decrease in larvae treated with 4‐hexylresorcinol, and the IC50 of GST and PO were estimated to be 0.8 and 0.43 g/L, respectively, 24 h after treatment. The PO from the hemolymph of fall webworm was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel‐filtration, and ion‐exchange chromatography, and then enzymatic characteristics and the mechanism of inhibition were determined using L‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA) as the substrate. The purified PO showed a single band on SDS‐PAGE with a molecular weight of about 70 kDa. The optimum pH for PO activity was observed at pH 7.0, optimum temperature was found to be 45 °C, and PO activity was strongly inhibited by Zn2+. IC50 values were estimated to be 8.2, 19.14, and 24.04 μmol/L for 4‐hexylresorsinol, kojic acid, and quercetin, respectively. The inhibitory potencies (i.e., I50 of each compound/I50 of 4‐hexylresorcinol) of kojic acid and quercetin on H. cunea PO were estimated to be 1.87 and 2.89, respectively. 4‐hexylresorcinol was determined to be a competitive inhibitor, and kojic acid and quercetin were determined to be mixed inhibitors. PO is one of the most important enzymes in an insect's immune system, and the use of PO inhibitors seems to be a promising approach for pest control due to their potential safety for humans.
Waterlogging responses of Schoenoplectus scirpoides (Schrad) Browning (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Naidoo Gonasageran , Naidoo Yougasphree
Published: July 2014

Waterlogging responses of an emergent freshwater macrophyte, Schoenoplectus scirpoides, were investigated by carrying out laboratory and field experiments. Soil cores containing uniform plants of S. scirpoides were subjected to drained, 1/3 flooded, alternately flooded and drained at weekly intervals, and continuously flooded treatments for 6 months. Mean soil redox potential of the drained soil was 225 ± 29 mV and was significantly lower in the other treatments. Total dry biomass, above‐ground biomass and number of culms in the flooded/drained and flooded treatments were significantly higher than those in the drained and 1/3 flooded treatments. Below‐ground/above‐ground biomass ratios were highest in the drained treatment and significantly lower in the waterlogged treatments. Plant height and the growth rate of culms were least in the drained treatment and significantly higher in the other treatments. Culm specific gravity decreased significantly with increase in soil moisture. In the field study, soil redox potentials were moderately reduced in the inland and streamside sites, while culm elongation rate was significantly higher by 94% in the streamside compared with the inland site. Optimum growth occurred under flooded conditions, suggesting that the species could flourish with increasing water intrusion in estuarine areas, as predicted by global climate change.
Long‐term follow‐up of patients with thyroid eye disease treated with endoscopic orbital decompression
Authors: Gulati Shashi , Ueland Hans Olav , Haugen Olav H. , Danielsen Arild , Rødahl Eyvind
Published: July 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the outcome of endoscopic decompression in a series of patients with thyroid eye disease.

Methods

All 46 patients operated at our institution in the period 2001 to 2011 were invited for re‐examination. Thirty‐seven patients were included in the study and underwent a general otorhinolaryngological and ophthalmological examination. Nasal endoscopy, autoperimetry and a CT scan of the orbits and paranasal sinuses were performed. Preoperative and early postoperative data were obtained from hospital records. Re‐examination was performed from 12 months to 9 years postoperatively. Paired t‐test was used to evaluate the change in pre‐ and postoperative data. Image‐guided surgery was used in two patients.

Results

Visual acuity improved from a median value (range) of 0.8 (0.05–1.25) to 1.0 (0.4–1.25) (p = 0.006). Intra‐ocular pressure (IOP) was reduced from a median value (range) of 18 mmHg (10–27 mmHg) to 14 mmHg (8–24 mmHg) (p < 0.001). Median (range) Hertel values were 22.5 mm (14–29 mm) preoperatively and 19 mm (11–26 mm) postoperatively (p < 0.001). Mean reduction in proptosis was 4.0 mm. At follow‐up, visual fields were normal in 16/37 patients (43%) and with small defects in 12/37 patients (32%). Seventeen patients (46%) had diplopia preoperatively in one or more directions of gaze while 9 (24%) suffered from constant diplopia. After endoscopic decompression, new onset diplopia was seen in seven (19%) individuals, while worsening of diplopia occurred in eight (22%). Impaired motility in abduction and/or elevation was seen in 20 (54%) individuals before decompression and in 23 (62%) after.

Strabismus surgery was performed in 22 patients. On final examination 85% of the study population were totally free of diplopia or experienced diplopia only in the peripheral field of gaze. Three patients developed sinusitis. Of these, endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in two patients, and one patient was conservatively treated. Symptoms resolved in all three patients.

Conclusion

Endoscopic medial orbital decompression including removal of the medial floor of the orbit is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of thyroid eye disease. Navigation can be of valuable help to ensure complete resection of the bony walls. However, the majority of patients will need subsequent strabismus surgery, mainly due to significant increase of esotropia.
Addressing the burden of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia in countries with significant glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Olusanya Bolajoko O. , Emokpae Abieyuwa A. , Zamora Tara G. , Slusher Tina M.
Published: July 2014

Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an established worldwide risk factor for severe hyperbilirubinaemia. This literature review examined the pattern and management of severe hyperbilirubinaemia in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) where G6PD deficiency was 10% or more and found that it was frequently associated with neonatal mortality and, or, neurodevelopmental disorders.

Conclusion

Low‐ and middle‐income countries need to pay urgent attention to G6PD deficiency to curtail the preventable burden of jaundice‐related morbidity, mortality and disability.
Upregulation of Shiga Toxin Receptor CD77/Gb3 and Interleukin‐1β Expression in the Brain of EHEC Patients with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Neurologic Symptoms
Authors: Hagel Christian , Krasemann Susanne , Löffler Judith , Püschel Klaus , Magnus Tim , Glatzel Markus
Published: July 2014

In 2011, a large outbreak of Shiga toxin‐producing enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infections occurred in northern Germany, which mainly affected adults. Out of 3842 patients, 104 experienced a complicated course comprising hemolytic uremic syndrome and neurological complications, including cognitive impairment, aphasia, seizures and coma. T2 hyperintensities on magnet resonance imaging (MRI) bilateral in the thalami and in the dorsal pons were found suggestive of a metabolic toxic effect. Five of the 104 patients died because of toxic heart failure. In the present study, the post‐mortem neuropathological findings of the five EHEC patients are described. Histological investigation of 13 brain regions (frontal, temporal, occipital cortex, corpora mammillaria, thalamus, frontal operculum, corona radiata, gyrus angularis, pons, medulla oblongata, cerebellar vermis and cerebellar hemisphere) showed no thrombosis, ischemic changes or fresh infarctions. Further, no changes were found in electron microscopy. In comparison with five age‐matched controls, slightly increased activation of microglia and a higher neuronal expression of interleukin‐1β and of Shiga toxin receptor CD77/globotriaosylceramide 3 was observed. The findings were confirmed by Western blot analyses. It is suggested that CD77/globotriaosylceramide upregulation may be a consequence to Shiga toxin exposure, whereas increased interleukin‐1β expression may point to activation of inflammatory cascades.
SS18‐SSX‐regulated miR‐17 promotes tumor growth of synovial sarcoma by inhibiting p21WAF1/CIP1
Authors: Minami Yusuke , Kohsaka Shinji , Tsuda Masumi , Yachi Kazuhiro , Hatori Nobuaki , Tanino Mishie , Kimura Taichi , Nishihara Hiroshi , Minami Akio , Iwasaki Norimasa , Tanaka Shinya
Published: July 2014

MicroRNA (miRNA) can function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes, and also as potential specific cancer biomarkers; however, there are few published studies on miRNA in synovial sarcomas, and their function remains unclear. We transfected the OncomiR miRNA Precursor Virus Library into synovial sarcoma Fuji cells followed by a colony formation assay to identify miRNAs to confer an aggressive tumorigenicity, and identified miR‐17‐5p from the large colonies. MiR‐17 was found to be induced by a chimeric oncoprotein SS18‐SSX specific for synovial sarcoma, and all examined cases of human synovial sarcoma expressed miR‐17, even at high levels in several cases. Overexpression of miR‐17 in synovial sarcoma cells, Fuji and HS‐SYII, increased colony forming ability in addition to cell growth, but not cell motility and invasion. Tumor volume formed in mice in vivo was significantly increased by miR‐17 overexpression with a marked increase of MIB‐1 index. According to PicTar and Miranda algorithms, which predicted CDKN1A (p21) as a putative target of miR‐17, a luciferase assay was performed and revealed that miR‐17 directly targets the 3′‐UTR of p21 mRNA. Indeed, p21 protein level was remarkably decreased by miR‐17 overexpression in a p53‐independent manner. It is noteworthy that miR‐17 succeeded in suppressing doxorubicin‐evoked higher expression of p21 and conferred the drug resistance. Meanwhile, introduction of anti‐miR‐17 in Fuji and HS‐SYII cells significantly decreased cell growth, consistent with rescued expression of p21. Taken together, miR‐17 promotes the tumor growth of synovial sarcomas by post‐transcriptional suppression of p21, which may be amenable to innovative therapeutic targeting in synovial sarcoma.
Zebrafish as a New Model for Phenotype‐based Screening of Positive Inotropic Agents
Authors: Tang Chunlei , Xie Desheng , Feng Bainian
Published: July 2014

The zebrafish‐based assay is a widely used animal model system for cardiovascular research. In this study, we investigated the cardiac defects caused by terfenadine and tested the pharmacological response of digoxin to zebrafish with cardiac defects. The study suggested that zebrafish could be a suitable model for phenotype‐based screening and evaluation of positive inotropic agents. This phenotype‐based heart failure zebrafish model system was then utilized in in‐house library screen. Some positive inotropic compound was discovered, which could attenuate the cardiac defects by increasing the flow velocity of caudal artery blood.
A 9‐Year Prospective Case Series Using Multivariate Analyses to Identify Predictors of Early and Late Peri‐Implant Bone Loss
Authors: Vervaeke Stijn , Collaert Bruno , Cosyn Jan , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: July 2014

Purpose

The study aims to identify predictors of early and late peri‐implant bone loss following complete implant‐supported rehabilitation using multivariate analyses.

Materials and Methods

Fifty patients (28 women, 22 men; mean age 58, range 35–76) in need of a complete implant‐supported rehabilitation on five to eight implants were consecutively treated. Patients were reinvited for a clinical and radiographic examination after an average 9 years of function. Implant survival and peri‐implant bone loss were considered the dependent variables. Multivariate analyses were adopted to identify predictors of early and late peri‐implant bone loss.

Results

In total, 39 patients were examinated. Two implants failed after 4 years of function, resulting in an overall survival rate of 99.2%. After a mean follow‐up of 9 years, mean bone loss of 1.68 mm (SD 2.08, range −1.05 to 10.95) was found. The abutment height was a significant predictor of early peri‐implant bone loss (1 year) (p = .024), whereas smoking (p = .046) and history of periodontitis (p = .046) affected late peri‐implant bone loss.

Conclusion

Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that initial bone remodeling was affected by soft tissue thickness as reflected by the height of the abutment, whereas smoking and history of periodontitis affected long‐term peri‐implant bone stability.
Disease‐Modifying Effects of RHC80267 and JZL184 in a Pilocarpine Mouse Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Ma Lei , Wang Li , Yang Feng , Meng Xian‐Dong , Wu Chen , Ma Hui , Jiang Wen
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) often suffer from comorbid psychiatric diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, or impaired cognitive performance. Endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling is a key regulator of synaptic neurotransmission and has been implicated in the mechanisms of epilepsy as well as several mood disorders and cognitive impairments.

Aims

We employed a pilocarpine model of TLE in C57/BJ mice to investigate the role of eCB signaling in epileptogenesis and concomitant psychiatric comorbidities.

Methods and Results

We sought to alter the neuronal levels of a known eCB receptor ligand, 2‐arachidonylglycerol (2‐AG), through the use of RHC80267 or JZL184. Pilocarpine‐treated mice were treated with RHC80267 (1.3 μmol) or JZL184 (20 mg/kg) immediately after the termination of status epilepticus (SE), which was followed by daily treatment for the next 7 days. Our results indicated that RHC80267 treatment significantly reduced the percentage of mice suffering from spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) in addition to decreasing the duration of observed seizures when compared to vehicle treatment. Furthermore, RHC80267 attenuated depression and anxiety‐related behaviors, improved previously impaired spatial learning and memory, and inhibited seizure‐induced hippocampal neuronal loss during the chronic epileptic period. In contrast, JZL184 administration markedly increased the frequency and the duration of observed SRS, enhanced the previously impaired neuropsychological performance, and increased hippocampal damage following SE.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that RHC80267 treatment after the onset of SE could result in an amelioration of the effects found during the chronic epileptic period and yield an overall decrease in epileptic symptoms and comorbid conditions. Thus, alterations to endocannabinoid signaling may serve as a potential mechanism to prevent epileptogenesis and manipulation of this signaling pathway as a possible drug target.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Promotes Long‐Term Survival and Axonal Regeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells after Optic Nerve Injury: Comparison with CNTF and BDNF
Authors: Wong Wai‐Kai , Cheung Anny Wan‐Suen , Yu Sau‐Wai , Sha Ou , Cho Eric Yu Pang
Published: July 2014

Aims

Different trophic factors are known to promote retinal ganglion cell survival and regeneration, but each had their own limitations. We report that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) confers distinct advantages in supporting ganglion cell survival and axonal regeneration, when compared to two well‐established trophic factors ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Methods

Ganglion cells in adult hamster were injured by cutting the optic nerve. HGF, CNTF, or BDNF was injected at different dosages intravitreally after injury. Ganglion cell survival was quantified at 7, 14, or 28 days postinjury. Peripheral nerve (PN) grafting to the cut optic nerve of the growth factor–injected eye was performed either immediately after injury or delayed until 7 days post‐injury. Expression of heat‐shock protein 27 and changes in microglia numbers were quantified in different growth factor groups. The cellular distribution of c‐Met in the retina was examined by anti‐c‐Met immunostaining.

Results

Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) was equally potent as BDNF in promoting short‐term survival (up to 14 days post‐injury) and also supported survival at 28 days post‐injury when ganglion cells treated by CNTF or BDNF failed to be sustained. When grafting was performed without delay, HGF stimulated twice the number of axons to regenerate compared with control but was less potent than CNTF. However, in PN grafting delayed for 7 days after optic nerve injury, HGF maintained a better propensity of ganglion cells to regenerate than CNTF. Unlike CNTF, HGF application did not increase HSP27 expression in ganglion cells. Microglia proliferation was prolonged in HGF‐treated retinas compared with CNTF or BDNF. C‐Met was localized to both ganglion cells and Muller cells, suggesting HGF could be neuroprotective via interacting with both neurons and glia.

Conclusion

Compared with CNTF or BDNF, HGF is advantageous in sustaining long‐term ganglion cell survival and their propensity to respond to favorable stimuli.
Stage: Stereotypical Trust Assessment Through Graph Extraction
Authors: Şensoy Murat , Yilmaz Burcu , Norman Timothy J.
Published: July 2014

Bootstrapping trust assessment where there is little or no evidence regarding a subject is a significant challenge for existing trust and reputation systems. When direct or indirect evidence is absent, existing approaches usually assume that all agents are equally trustworthy. This naive assumption makes existing approaches vulnerable to attacks such as Sybil and whitewashing. Inspired by real‐life scenarios, we argue that malicious agents may share some common patterns or complex features in their descriptions. If such patterns or features can be detected, they can be exploited to bootstrap trust assessments. Based on this idea, we propose the use of frequent subgraph mining and state‐of‐the‐art knowledge representation formalisms to estimate a priori trust for agents. Our approach first discovers significant patterns that may be used to characterize trustworthy and untrustworthy agents. Then, these patterns are used as features to train a regression model to estimate the trustworthiness of agents. Last, a priori trust for unknown agents (e.g., newcomers) is estimated using the discovered features based on the trained model. Through empirical evaluation, we show that the proposed approach significantly outperforms well‐known trust approaches if trustworthiness of agents is correlated with patterns in their descriptions or social networks. Furthermore, we show that the proposed approach performs at least as good as the existing approaches if such correlations do not exist.
A case of pulmonary sarcoidosis with endobronchial nodules
Authors: Ji Xiao‐Qing , Wang Li‐Xia , Lu De‐Gan
Published: July 2014

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disorder of unknown cause that is characterized pathologically by noncaseating granulomas and predominantly affects the lungs and the lymphatic system, especially intrathoracically. Diagnosis is based on the association of a compatible clinical and radiological presentation, the presence of characteristic histopathological lesions and the exclusion of other potential causes of granuloma. Although the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes are almost involved, endobronchial nodular lesions of sarcoidosis with lung involvements are rare. We report a case of sarcoidosis with lung involvements and endobronchial nodules as confirmed by bronchial biopsy.
Imaging findings from a case of pleural low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma similar to mesothelioma with pleural effusion
Authors: Liang Wenjie , Xu Shunliang
Published: July 2014

Low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma as a rare type of tumor shows no specific clinical symptoms and is mainly treated via total or partial surgical resection. We present a 40‐year‐old woman accompanied with respiratory symptoms. The chest contrast‐enhanced computed tomography scan revealed pleural lesions mimicking pleural mesothelioma. Further chest contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a cystic solid mass in the right cavity. The mass was partially resected. Pathological examination revealed pleural low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma. We report the imaging manifestations of this case. Contrast‐enhanced MRI examination is a necessary step for those cystic solid masses that occur in the pleura.