bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) interact with the VPAC2 receptor and CRF1 receptors and modulate their function
Authors: Wootten D , Lindmark H , Kadmiel M , Willcockson H , Caron KM , Barwell J , Drmota T , Poyner DR 
Published: September 2012

Background and PurposeAlthough it is established that the receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) can interact with a number of GPCRs, little is known about the consequences of these interactions. Here the interaction of RAMPs with the glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor (GLP‐1 receptor), the human vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/pituitary AC‐activating peptide 2 receptor (VPAC2) and the type 1 corticotrophin releasing factor receptor (CRF1) has been examined.Experimental ApproachGPCRs were co‐transfected with RAMPs in HEK 293S and CHO‐K1 cells. Cell surface expression of RAMPs and GPCRs was examined by elisa. Where there was evidence for interactions, agonist‐stimulated cAMP production, Ca2+ mobilization and GTPγS binding to Gs, Gi, G12 and Gq were examined. The ability of CRF to stimulate adrenal corticotrophic hormone release in Ramp2+/– mice was assessed.Key ResultsThe GLP‐1 receptor failed to enhance the cell surface expression of any RAMP. VPAC2 enhanced the cell surface expression of all three RAMPs. CRF1 enhanced the cell surface expression of RAMP2; the cell surface expression of CRF1 was also increased. There was no effect on agonist‐stimulated cAMP production. However, there was enhanced G‐protein coupling in a receptor and agonist‐dependent manner. The CRF1 : RAMP2 complex resulted in enhanced elevation of intracellular calcium to CRF and urocortin 1 but not sauvagine. In Ramp2+/– mice, there was a loss of responsiveness to CRF.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe VPAC2 and CRF1 receptors interact with RAMPs. This modulates G‐protein coupling in an agonist‐specific manner. For CRF1, coupling to RAMP2 may be of physiological significance.
A merciful death for the “earliest bilaterian,” Vernanimalcula
Authors: Bengtson Stefan , Cunningham John A. , Yin Chongyu , Donoghue Philip C.J. 
Published: September 2012

SUMMARYFossils described as Vernanimalcula guizhouena, from the nearly 600 million‐year‐old Doushantuo Formation in South China, have been interpreted as the remains of bilaterian animals. As such they would represent the oldest putative record of bilaterian animals in Earth history, and they have been invoked in debate over this formative episode of early animal evolution. However, this interpretation is fallacious. We review the evidential basis of the biological interpretation of Vernanimalcula, concluding that the structures key to animal identity are effects of mineralization that do not represent biological tissues, and, furthermore, that it is not possible to derive its anatomical reconstruction on the basis of the available evidence. There is no evidential basis for interpreting Vernanimalcula as an animal, let alone a bilaterian. The conclusions of evolutionary studies that have relied upon the bilaterian interpretation of Vernanimalcula must be called into question.
A rapid course through the five electrographic stages of status epilepticus
Authors: Pender Ross A. , Losey Travis E. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryA 54‐year‐old woman was transferred to a university hospital for severe sepsis and multiorgan failure. A complex partial seizure was noted and she was placed on continuous electroencephalography (EEG). During EEG monitoring she developed generalized convulsive status epilepticus. After consultation with family it was decided not to escalate treatment due to her overall medical condition. She proceeded sequentially through the five stages of status epilepticus, described by Treiman et al. (1990) over 22 h and 30 min and then developed electrocerebral silence. This case is significant in that it is the first report of a single individual experiencing all five stages of status epilepticus displayed on a continuous EEG. The case further demonstrates the rapid progression of status epilepticus and exemplifies the need for prompt treatment.
Genetic structure and origin of Busseola fusca populations in Cameroon
Authors: Sezonlin Michel , Ndemah Rose , Goergen Georg , Le Rü Bruno , Dupas Stéphane , Silvain Jean‐François 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe cereal stem borer Busseola fusca Fuller (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a species endemic to sub‐Saharan Africa. It is a major pest of maize and cultivated sorghum, the main cereal crops on the African mainland. Previous studies using mitochondrial markers revealed the presence of three clades of haplotypes (W, KI, KII) among B. fusca populations. Previous preliminary studies based on a few B. fusca individuals collected from three localities within the Guineo‐Congolian rain forest in Cameroon demonstrated a matching with clade KII, a fairly surprising result because the putative centre of origin of that clade is located 3 000 km away in East Africa. To check this finding, 120 individuals of B. fusca covering several Cameroonian sites belonging to both Guineo‐Congolian rain forest and Afromontane vegetation mosaics were collected. Comparison of cytochrome b sequences using the same marker revealed low mitochondrial diversity (h = 0.483 ± 0.054, π = 0.073 ± 0.061%). Moreover, molecular diversity in the Guineo‐Congolian rain forest zone was lower than that in Afromontane vegetation, which is therefore thought to be the likely starting point for the colonization of other zones in Cameroon. The study showed a moderate but significant structuring between populations (ΦST = 0.034, P<0.001) as well as within and among the two Cameroonian phytogeographical groups considered (ΦSC = 0.000 and ΦCT = 0.051, respectively, both P<0.001). Nested clade phylogeographic analysis indicated that all Cameroonian clades with significant geographical associations were interpreted as a phenomenon of contiguous range expansion. All results suggest that the Cameroonian population of B. fusca is relatively recent and originates from the recent geographical expansion of clade KII.
The potential of trehalose to replace insect hemolymph in artificial media for Trichogramma dendrolimi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Lü Xin , Han Shi‐Chou , Li Li‐Ying , Grenier Simon , De Clercq Patrick 
Published: September 2012

AbstractInsect additives have been shown to improve the value of artificial media for Trichogramma species, but at the same time maintain dependence on parallel cultures of host insects. In the present study, Trichogramma dendrolimi Matsumura was reared in vitro from egg to adult on artificial media with different contents of pupal hemolymph of Chinese oak silkmoth Antheraea pernyi (Guérin‐Méneville) and with supplements of distilled water, or of trehalose dissolved in water or in Grace's insect medium. The results indicated insect hemolymph was the key component of artificial medium. Developmental parameters, including rates of parasitism, pupation, adult emergence and normal adults, and numbers of produced adults, were increased on media supplemented with trehalose even when the proportion of pupal hemolymph was reduced. Two artificial media, the first containing 30% hemolymph and 10% trehalose in water with 98.9% parasitism rate, 77.7.0% pupation rate, 77.2% emergence rate, 80.0% normal adult rate and 333 produced adults, and the second containing 25% hemolymph and 15% trehalose in Grace's insect medium with 97.8% parasitism rate, 91.0% pupation rate, 85.2% emergence rate, 76.1% normal adult rate and 757 produced adults, were believed to hold potential to mass produce T. dendrolimi. The use of trehalose to partially replace pupal hemolymph in artificial medium of this and other Trichogramma species may contribute to a significant reduction in their production cost and may as such help to evade problems related to short supplies of lepidopteran eggs, which currently constitute the main factitious host for the mass rearing of the parasitoids.
Comparison of abundance and habitat usage for common bottlenose dolphins between sites exposed to differential anthropogenic stressors within the estuaries of southern Georgia, U.S.A
Authors: Balmer Brian C. , Schwacke Lori H. , Wells Randall S. , Adams Jeffrey D. , Clay George R. , Lane Suzanne M. , McLellan William A. , Rosel Patricia E. , Sparks Kate , Speakman Todd , Zolman Eric S. , Ann Pabst D. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe health of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) within southern Georgia estuaries is of particular concern due to high levels of anthropogenic contaminants in their tissues. Dolphins in this region have the highest polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations recorded for any marine mammal and these concentrations correlate to distance from a Superfund point‐source in the Turtle/Brunswick River Estuary (TBRE). Currently, little is known about the population structure of dolphins in this region. This study identifies and compares baseline data on abundance, habitat use, site‐fidelity, and ranging patterns of dolphins across two adjacent field sites; Brunswick, including the TBRE, and Sapelo, including the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve. Sapelo is relatively undeveloped and was selected for comparison to the more contaminated TBRE. Dolphin densities increased with tributary size in both sites but dolphin density and total abundance were significantly higher in Sapelo than in Brunswick. Anthropogenic stressors within the TBRE may be an important factor contributing to the differences in abundance, density, and habitat use observed in this study.
Fatty Acid Composition Including Trans‐Fatty Acids in Edible Oils and Fats: Probable Intake in Indian Population
Authors: Dixit Sumita , Das Mukul 
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  The susceptibility of trans‐fat to the human health risk prompted the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) to prepare regulations or compulsory claims for trans‐fatty acids (TFA) in edible oils and fats. In this study, analysis of fatty acid composition and TFA content in edible oils and fats along with the possible intake of trans‐fat in Indian population was carried out. The analysis was carried out as per the Assn. of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methodology and the results were statistically analyzed. The average TFA content in nonrefined mustard and refined soybean oils exceeded by 1.16‐ to 1.64‐fold as compared to the Denmark limit of 2% TFA in fats and oils destined for human consumption. In branded/nonbranded butter and butter oil samples, average TFA limit exceeded by 4.2‐ to 9.5‐fold whereas hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) samples exceeded the limit by 9.8‐fold, when compared to Denmark standards. The probable TFA intake per day through different oils in Indian population were found to be less than WHO recommendation. However Punjab having highest consumption of HVO (–15 g/d) showed 1.09‐fold higher TFA intake than the WHO recommendation, which is alarming and may be one of the factors for high cardiovascular disease mortality rate that needs further elucidation. Thus there is a need to prescribe TFA limit for edible oil, butter, and butter oil in India and to reduce the already proposed TFA levels in HVO to safeguard the health of consumers.Practical Application:  The probable daily intake of trans‐fatty acid (TFA) especially through hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) was assessed. In absence of any specification for TFA and fatty acid composition for edible oils, butter, and butter samples, a pressing need was felt to prescribe TFA limit in India. The study indicates that TFA intake through HVO consumption is higher in States like Punjab than the recommended daily intake prescribed by WHO. Hence, strategies should be adopted to either decrease the consumption of HVO or to modify the industrial processing method of HVO with less content of TFA to safeguard the health of consumers.
Effects of Potato Fiber and Potato‐Resistant Starch on Biomarkers of Colonic Health in Rats Fed Diets Containing Red Meat
Authors: Paturi Gunaranjan , Nyanhanda Tafadzwa , Butts Christine A. , Herath Thanuja D. , Monro John A. , Ansell Juliet 
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  The effects of red meat consumption with and without fermentable carbohydrates on indices of large bowel health in rats were examined. Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed cellulose, potato fiber, or potato‐resistant starch diets containing 12% casein for 2 wk, then similar diets containing 25% cooked beef for 6 wk. After week 8, cecal and colonic microbiota composition, fermentation end‐products, colon structure, and colonocyte DNA damage were analyzed. Rats fed potato fiber had lower Bacteroides‐Prevotella‐Porphyromonas group compared to other diet groups. Colonic Bifidobacterium spp. and/or Lactobacillus spp. were higher in potato fiber and potato‐resistant starch diets than in the cellulose diet. Beneficial changes were observed in short‐chain fatty acid concentrations (acetic, butyric, and propionic acids) in rats fed potato fiber compared with rats fed cellulose. Phenol and p‐cresol concentrations were lower in the cecum and colon of rats fed potato fiber. An increase in goblet cells per crypt and longer crypts were found in the colon of rats fed potato fiber and potato‐resistant starch diets. Fermentable carbohydrates had no effect on colonic DNA damage. Dietary combinations of red meat with potato fiber or potato‐resistant starch have distinctive effects in the large bowel. Future studies are essential to examine the efficacy of different types of nondigestible carbohydrates in maintaining colonic health during long‐term consumption of high‐protein diets.Practical Application:  Improved understanding of interactions between the food consumed and gut microbiota provides knowledge needed to make healthier food choices for large bowel health. The impact of red meat on large bowel health may be ameliorated by consuming with fermentable dietary fiber, a colonic energy source that produces less harmful by‐products than the microbial breakdown of colonic protein for energy. Developing functional red meat products with fermentable dietary fiber could be one way to promote a healthy and balanced macronutrient diet.
Effect of Steam Baking on Acrylamide Formation and Browning Kinetics of Cookies
Authors: Isleroglu Hilal , Kemerli Tansel , Sakin‐Yilmazer Melike , Guven Gonul , Ozdestan Ozgul , Uren Ali , Kaymak‐Ertekin Figen 
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  Effects of baking method and temperature on surface browning and acrylamide concentration of cookies were investigated. Cookies were baked in natural and forced convection and steam‐assisted hybrid ovens at 165, 180, and 195 °C and at different times. For all oven types, the acrlyamide concentration and surface color of cookies increased with increasing baking temperature. Significant correlation was observed between acrylamide formation and browning index, BI, which was calculated from Hunter L, a, and b color values, and it showed that the BI may be considered as a reliable indicator of acrylamide concentration in cookies. Acrylamide formation and browning index in cookies were considered as the first‐order reaction kinetics and the reaction rate constants, k, were in the range of 0.023 to 0.077 (min−1) and 0.019 to 0.063 (min−1), respectively. The effect of baking temperature on surface color and acrylamide concentration followed the Arrhenius type of equation, with activation energies for acrylamide concentration as 6.87 to 27.84 kJ/mol; for BI value as 19.54 to 35.36 kJ/mol, for all oven types. Steam‐assisted baking resulted in lower acrylamide concentration at 165 °C baking temperature and lower surface color for all temperatures. Steam‐assisted baking is recommended as a healthy way of cooking providing the reduction of harmful compounds such as acrylamide for bakery goods, at a minimal level, while keeping the physical quality.Practical Application:  The kinetics of acrylamide formation and browning of cookies will possibly allow definition of optimum baking temperatures and times at convectional and steam‐assisted baking ovens. The kinetic model can be used by developing baking programs that can automatically control especially a new home‐scale steam‐assisted hybrid oven producing healthy products, for the use of domestic consumers.
Efficacy of flexible spectral imaging color enhancement on the detection of small intestinal diseases by capsule endoscopy
Authors: Kobayashi Yuka , Watabe Hirotsugu , Yamada Atsuo , Hirata Yoshihiro , Yamaji Yutaka , Yoshida Haruhiko , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to estimate the efficacy of flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) on the detection of small intestinal diseases by capsule endoscopy (CE).MethodsSix individuals without significant lesions and 18 patients with following diseases were selected: four tumors, five angioectasias, seven ulcerative diseases, one ulcerative lesion and tumor and one ulcerative lesion and angioectasia. Three endoscopists reviewed all CE videos on standard and three types of FICE modes and compared their sensitivity and specificity for detection of small intestinal diseases.ResultsThe overall sensitivity of CE was 94.4% at standard mode, 90.7% at FICE channel (Ch) 1, 87.0% at FICE Ch 2 and 87.0% at FICE Ch 3 and the overall specificity of CE was 66.7%, 55.6%, 77.8% and 66.7%, respectively, per patient. There was no significant difference between the standard and each FICE mode. In per‐lesion analysis, FICE Ch 1 detected more angioectasias and ulcerative lesions than the standard mode (angioectasia, 25.7 vs 21.0, P = 0.005; ulcerative lesions, 19.3 vs 14.0, P = 0.06). However, FICE Ch 1 missed more tumors than the standard mode (4.3 vs 10.0, P = 0.003).ConclusionsAlthough FICE Ch 1 is better in detecting angioectasias and ulcerative lesions and worse in tumors or polyps than the standard mode, the patient‐based sensitivity and specificity of small intestinal diseases are not different between standard and each FICE mode. Further experiences with and improvement of FICE are required.
Adherence to Canadian C‐Spine Rule in a regional hospital: A retrospective study of 406 cases
Authors: Paxton Mark , Heal Clare F , Drobetz Herwig 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIntroductionCervical spine radiography may be over‐utilised in an emergency department setting. The Canadian C‐Spine Rule has been developed to reduce unnecessary radiography. Our aim was to retrospectively determine the proportion of cervical spine radiographs requested through the emergency department for trauma patients that were clinically indicated, according to the Canadian C‐Spine Rule.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional survey conducted at a regional centre in Northern Queensland, Australia. All cervical spine radiographs for trauma, performed at the Mackay Base Hospital from 1 January 2009 to the 31 December 2009, were reviewed. The relevant patient charts were audited for evidence of indications for radiography.ResultsOf 406 patients in the study, 155 patients (38%) (95% confidence interval 33.3%, 42.7%) had cervical spine imaging performed that was not indicated according to the Canadian C‐Spine Rule. None of these patients had a significant cervical spine injury on radiography.ConclusionApplying the Canadian C‐Spine Rule would have safely reduced the incidence of cervical spine radiography by 38%. This would also reduce costs, patient morbidity and radiation exposure.
In vitro reconstruction of human junctional and sulcular epithelium
Authors: Dabija‐Wolter G. , Bakken V. , Cimpan M. R. , Johannessen A. C. , Costea D. E. 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to develop and characterize standardized in vitro three‐dimensional organotypic models of human junctional epithelium (JE) and sulcular epithelium (SE).MethodsOrganotypic models were constructed by growing human normal gingival keratinocytes on top of collagen matrices populated with gingival fibroblasts (GF) or periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PLF). Tissues obtained were harvested at different time points and assessed for epithelial morphology, proliferation (Ki67), expression of JE‐specific markers (ODAM and FDC‐SP), cytokeratins (CK), transglutaminase, filaggrin, and basement membrane proteins (collagen IV and laminin1).ResultsThe epithelial component in 3‐ and 5‐day organotypics showed limited differentiation and expressed Ki‐67, ODAM, FDC‐SP, CK 8, 13, 16, 19, and transglutaminase in a similar fashion to control JE samples. PLF supported better than GF expression of CK19 and suprabasal proliferation, although statistically significant only at day 5. Basement membrane proteins started to be deposited only from day 5. The rate of proliferating cells as well as the percentage of CK19‐expressing cells decreased significantly in 7‐ and 9‐day cultures. Day 7 organotypics presented higher number of epithelial cell layers, proliferating cells in suprabasal layers, and CK expression pattern similar to SE.ConclusionBoth time in culture and fibroblast type had impact on epithelial phenotype. Five‐day cultures with PLF are suggested as JE models, 7‐day cultures with PLF or GF as SE models, while 9‐day cultures with GF as gingival epithelium (GE) models. Such standard, reproducible models represent useful tools to study periodontal bacteria–host interactions in vitro.
Potential involvement of collagen‐binding proteins of Streptococcus mutans in infective endocarditis
Authors: Nomura R , Naka S , Nemoto H , Inagaki S , Taniguchi K , Ooshima T , Nakano K 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveStreptococcus mutans, a major pathogen of dental caries, is considered to be one of the causative agents of infective endocarditis (IE). Two types of cell surface collagen‐binding proteins, Cnm and Cbm, have been identified in the organism. The aim of the present study was to analyze these proteins as possible etiologic factors for IE.Materials and MethodsThe binding activities of S. mutans strains to collagen types I, III, and IV were analyzed relative to the presence of Cnm and Cbm, as were their adhesion and invasion properties with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In addition, distributions of the genes encoding Cnm and Cbm in S. mutans‐positive heart valve specimens extirpated from IE and non‐IE patients were analyzed by PCR.ResultsMost of the Cbm‐positive strains showed higher levels of binding to type I collagen as well as higher rates of adhesion and invasion with HUVEC as compared to the Cnm‐positive strains. Furthermore, the gene encoding Cbm was detected significantly more frequently in heart valve specimens from IE patients than from non‐IE patients.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the collagen‐binding protein Cbm of S. mutans may be one of the potential important factor associated with the pathogenesis of IE.
Microbial diversity in the oral cavity of healthy Chinese Han children
Authors: Xin BC , Luo AH , Qin J , Paster BJ , Xu YL , Li YL , Yang DQ 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the oral microbial diversity of healthy Chinese Han children.MethodsDental plaques were sampled from the oral cavity of ten healthy Chinese Han children. The oral microbiome was examined using the 16S rRNA–based Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray. The microbial diversity and similarity were analyzed using the Chao–Jaccard similarity index.ResultsA total of 112 species, which belonged to nine bacterial phyla and 41 genera, were detected. Each individual harbored an average of 54.1 microbial species (ranging from 37 to 69) and 26.2 genera (ranging from 21 to 31), with interindividual variations both at the species and genus level. Thirteen genera were conserved among all individuals. The Chao–Jaccard similarity index averages, at the genus and species level, were 0.642 (ranging from 0.485 to 0.871) and 0.506 (ranging from 0.338 to 0.676), respectively, suggesting that the healthy oral community was more conserved at the genus level than at the species level.ConclusionAlthough there was interindividual variation in the oral microflora, some bacterial genera were conserved among individuals, supporting the existence of a core microbiome in the oral cavity of healthy Chinese Han children.