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Soybean is a crucial source of food, protein, and oil worldwide that is facing challenges from biotic stresses. Infestation of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) stands out as detrimentally affecting plant growth and grain production. Understanding soybean responses to T. urticae infestation is pivotal for unravelling the dynamics of mite–plant interactions. We evaluated the physiological and molecular responses of soybean plants to mite infestation after 5 and 21 days.We employed visual/microscopy observations of leaf damage, H2O2 accumulation, and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the impact of mite infestation on shoot length/dry weight, chlorophyll concentration, and development stages was analysed. Proteomic analysis identified differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) after early (5 days) and late (21 days) infestation. Furthermore, GO, KEGG, and protein–protein interaction analyses were performed to understand effects on metabolic pathways.Throughout the analysed period, symptoms of leaf damage, H2O2 accumulation, and lipid peroxidation consistently increased. Mite infestation reduced shoot length/dry weight, chlorophyll concentration, and development stage duration. Proteomics revealed 185 and 266 DAPs after early and late mite infestation, respectively, indicating a complex remodelling of metabolic pathways. Photorespiration, chlorophyll synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and Krebs cycle/energy production were impacted after both early and late infestation. Additionally, specific metabolic pathways were modified only after early or late infestation.This study underscores the detrimental effects of mite infestation on soybean physiology and metabolism. DAPs offer potential in breeding programs for enhanced resistance. Overall, this research highlights the complex nature of soybean response to mite infestation, providing insights for intervention and breeding strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyslipidemia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease. Curcumin, a bioactive polyphenol from Curcuma longa, can improve lipid profile. This study aims to analyze the effects of Curcuma Longa extract supplementation on lipid profile and lipoprotein subfractions in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This is a longitudinal, double‐blind, washout‐period randomized clinical trial. The patients were randomized into two groups: the curcumin group (n = 10) (orange and carrot juice with 2.5 g of Curcuma Longa extract) and the control group (n = 11) (juice without curcumin) 3x/w during HD sessions for 3 months. After the washout period, patients continued the supplementation as a crossover for the same period. The lipid profile was measured using enzymatic assays. The high‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein subfractions analyses were performed using LipoprintTM. In the curcumin group, the triglyceride values tended to decrease with a different triglyceride variation between the pre and post‐intervention for the control and curcumin groups of 38.5 (19.8) mg/dL (p = 0.06). There was no statistical difference in the others parameters. In conclusion, Curcuma longa extract may be a good nutritional strategy to reduce triglyceride plasma levels in hemodialysis patients, but it seems ineffective for the other parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epiphytic and rupicolous plants inhabit environments with limited water resources. Such plants commonly use Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), a photosynthetic pathway that accumulates organic acids in cell vacuoles at night, so reducing their leaf water potential and favouring water absorption. Foliar water uptake (FWU) aids plant survival during drought events in environments with high water deficits. We hypothesized that FWU represents a strategy employed by epiphytic and rupicolous orchids for water acquisition and that CAM will favour increased water absorption.We examined 6 epiphyte, 4 terrestrial and 6 rupicolous orchids that use C3 (n = 9) or CAM (n = 7) pathways. Five individuals per species were used to evaluate FWU, structural characteristics and leaf water balance.Rupicolous species with C3 metabolism had higher FWU than other species. FWU (Cmax and k) could be related to succulence, SLM and leaf RWC. The results indicated that high orchid leaf densities favoured FWU, as area available for water storage increases with leaf density. Structural characteristics linked to water storage (e.g. high RWC, succulence), on the other hand, could limit leaf water absorption by favouring high internal leaf water potentials.Epiphytic, rupicolous and terrestrial orchids showed FWU. Rupicolous species had high levels of FWU, probably through absorption from mist. However, succulence in plants with CAM appears to mitigate FWU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decaying vacuum cosmological models evolving smoothly between two extreme (very early and late time) de Sitter phases are able to solve or at least to alleviate some cosmological puzzles; among them we have (i) the singularity, (ii) horizon, (iii) graceful-exit from inflation, and (iv) the baryogenesis problem. Our basic aim here is to discuss how the coincidence problem based on a large class of running vacuum cosmologies evolving from de Sitter to de Sitter can also be mollified. It is also argued that even the cosmological constant problem becomes less severe provided that the characteristic scales of the two limiting de Sitter manifolds are predicted from first principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The tongue plays an important role in oral functions. Reduced tongue strength is often noted among children with mouth‐breathing behaviour. The purposes of this study were to measure the tongue pressure in children with mouth‐breathing behaviour, to compare these values to those of children with nasal‐breathing behaviour and to analyse the relationship between age and tongue pressure in children with a mouth‐breathing pattern and in children with a nasal‐breathing pattern. In this cross‐sectional analytical observational study, we enroled 40 children aged 5‐12 years who either exhibited mouth‐breathing behaviour (n = 20) or nasal‐breathing behaviour (gender‐ and age‐matched [±2 years] controls; n = 20). Tongue pressure was evaluated using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument; 3 measurements were recorded for each participant, with a 30‐seconds rest interval. The average tongue pressure in the mouth‐breathing group was lower than that in the nasal‐breathing group. There was no difference in tongue pressure between genders. There was a strong and direct correlation between tongue pressure and age in the nasal‐breathing group. The breathing pattern impacts tongue pressure development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to characterize spatial patterns of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) movement related to bovine tuberculosis ( bTB) transmission risk to cattle in north-western Minnesota. Twenty-one adult deer (16 females and 5 males) were captured during winter (January-March) 2011 in areas adjacent to where an outbreak (2005-2009) of bTB occurred in deer and cattle. Deer were fitted with GPS collars programmed to collect deer location information every 90 min over a 15-month period. The exact locations of cattle, cattle feeding areas, and stored forage that were available to collared deer were assessed seasonally. In total, 47% ( n = 9) of collared deer survived to the end of the study. Causes of mortality included wolves ( n = 6), hunters ( n = 1) and unknown ( n = 2); additionally, 2 deer were censored due to collar malfunctions. Our results indicated that 5 deer (25%) had home ranges that included 6 cattle farms (20%). Most (77%) of the deer visits occurred in areas where cattle were present, with most visits (60%) from 00:00 to 06:00. March to May revealed the most farm visitations by deer (37%). This study provided baseline information regarding cattle-deer interactions critical to transmission of bTB in this region and suggested that risk mitigation practices should be implemented to separate wildlife and domestic livestock when feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to determine the range of neutral detergent fibre ( NDF) digestibility across sugarcane varieties and predict dry-matter ( DM) and NDF digestibility based on morphological and chemical composition. Whole plants of thirty-two commercial varieties were collected after 12 months regrowth (second cut) and evaluated for morphological traits, chemical composition, in situ digestibility of NDF ( NDFD) and of DM ( DMD), in vitro NDFD ( IVNDFD) and gas production dynamics from isolated NDF. The content of NDF ranged from 404 to 547 g kg−1 DM, DMD was between 593 and 739 g kg−1 and NDFD varied from 270 to 363 g kg−1. Cluster and discriminant analyses for NDFD agglomerated sugarcane genotypes into three groups (high, medium and low NDFD). The contents of NDF and lignin were the best univariate predictors of sugarcane DMD and NDFD respectively. Therefore, associating NDF and lignin improved the accuracy of DMD prediction. Associating lignin concentration with the number of dry leaves and stalk length significantly improved the goodness of fit of NDFD prediction. Contrary to expectations, silicon concentration was not related to NDFD. The principal component analysis patterned the content of neutral detergent solubles, NDFD and variables related to DM yield in different components. Hence, these characteristics would coexist in the same variety. Based on Lucas test and kinetics of gas production from NDF, sugarcane potentially digestible NDF (pd NDF) can be considered almost uniform (pd NDF digestibility = 677 g kg−1). In conclusion, associating chemical composition and morphological traits can successfully improve the screening of sugarcane genotypes for animal nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines ( DARC) is an atypical receptor that regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the role of DARC in asthma pathophysiology is unknown. Objective To determine the role of DARC in allergic airways disease in mice, and the association between DARC single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) and clinical outcomes in patients with asthma. Methods Mice with targeted disruption of the Darc gene ( Darc∆E2) or WT mice were challenged over 3 weeks with house dust mite ( HDM) antigen. Allergic airways disease was assessed 24 hours and 7 days following the final challenge. Additionally, associations between DARC SNPs and clinical outcomes were analysed in a cohort of poorly controlled asthmatics. Results Total airway inflammation following HDM did not differ between Darc∆E2 and WT mice. At 24 hours, Darc∆E2 mice had increased airway hyperresponsiveness; however, at 7 days airway hyperresponsiveness had completely resolved in Darc∆E2 but persisted in WT mice. In poorly controlled asthmatics, DARC SNPs were associated with worse asthma control at randomization and subsequent increased risk of healthcare utilization (odds ratio 3.13(1.37-7.27), P=.0062). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Our animal model and human patient data suggest a novel role for DARC in the temporal regulation in asthma pathophysiology and symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this Letter, the authors introduce a fractional angular number transform (FrANT). The new transform corresponds to a finite field version of the complex-valued discrete fractional angular transform and, therefore, its computation requires integer arithmetic only. Differently from other number-theoretic transforms, the possible lengths of an FrANT do not depend on the algebraic structure where it is defined. This provides more flexibility regarding the application of the transform in communications, cryptography and error correcting codes, for instance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal thickness of reliner material that provides the least amount of stress on thin mucosa and supporting bone in patients with complete removable dentures using a three-dimensional finite element analyses. The model was obtained from two CT scans of edentulous mandibles with dentures supported by the alveolar ridge. After virtual reconstruction, the three-dimensional models were exported to the solidworks cad software and divided into six groups based on the thickness of the reliner material as follows: (i) without material, (ii) 0·5 mm, (iii) 1 mm, (iv) 1·5 mm, (v) 2 mm and (vi) 2·5 mm. The applied load was 60 N and perpendicular to the long axis of the alveolar ridge of all the prosthetic teeth, and the mucosal thickness used was 1 mm. The analyses were based on the maximum principal stress in the fibromucosa and the minimum principal stress in the basal bone. Stress concentration was observed in the anterior zone of the mandible in the mucosa and in the bone. The maximum and minimum principal stress in the mucosa and bone, respectively, decreased, whereas the thickness of the reliner material increased until 2 mm, which transmitted the lowest stress, compared with the control. Reliner materials with a thickness of 2·5 mm showed higher stress values than those with a thickness of 2 mm. In conclusion, reliner material with a thickness of 2 mm transmitted the lowest amount of stress to the mucosa and bone in 1 mm of mucosa thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until now, only Lasiodiplodia theobromae has been reported in association with gummosis and dieback of cashew plants and other tropical fruit plants in northeastern Brazil. This study aims to identify and characterize species of Lasiodiplodia associated with gummosis and dieback on tropical fruit plants grown in Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí and Rio Grande do Norte States in northeastern Brazil with a description of two new species: Lasiodiplodia caatinguensis sp. nov. and Lasiodiplodia pontae sp. nov. Fungal identification was accomplished using a combination of morphophysiological and pathogenic characteristics, together with phylogenetic analyses based on partial translation elongation factor 1-α sequence ( TEF1-α), internal transcribed spacer ( ITS) and β-tubulin ( β-tub). Six species of Lasiodiplodia were identified as being associated with several tropical fruit species: Lasiodiplodia brasiliense ( Manilkara zapota, Mangifera indica and Spondias purpurea), L. caatinguensis sp. nov. ( Anacardium occidentale, Citrus sinensis, S. purpurea and S. lutea), L. euphorbicola ( Annona muricata and Cocos nucifera), L. pontae sp. nov. ( A. occidentale and S. purpurea), L. pseudotheobromae ( A. occidentale, S. purpurea and Tamarindus indica) and L. theobromae ( A. occidentale, S. purpurea and Talisia esculenta) . This is the first study to use molecular data of Lasiodiplodia taken from the stems and branches of Annona spp., A. occidentale, M. zapota, T. indica, T. esculenta and Spondias spp. After L. caatinguensis sp. nov., the species L. pseudotheobromae and L. theobromae were the second most frequent species. All identified species were able to cause necrotic lesions at different levels of severity when inoculated on mango fruits and young plants of Annona spp., cashew and Spondias spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Delay in commencing adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer seems to impair survival in some retrospective studies. This study was planned to evaluate its impact on survival. Methods This was a retrospective study enrolling patients registered from 2000 to 2012 in two large cancer-dedicated institutions in Brazil. The primary outcome was overall survival according to early vs late chemotherapy initiation. The interval between the primary surgery and the start of adjuvant chemotherapy was calculated. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the impact of multiple prognostic factors on survival by Cox regression analysis. Results By the end of 2012, a total of 1963 Stage II and III colorectal patients were identified and 1318 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, with 22% and 46% of those starting adjuvant chemotherapy within 6 weeks and 8 weeks of surgery. The median period of follow-up was 41 months. Patients starting chemotherapy within 6-8 weeks of surgery had longer overall survival compared with those who started after (6 weeks vs later, hazard ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.57-0.99, P = 0.046; 8 weeks vs later, hazard ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.59-0.93, P = 0.011). In the multivariate analysis, age, stage, histological grade, angiolymphatic invasion, emergency surgery and preoperative therapy were independent prognostic factors, but the interval between surgery and start of adjuvant therapy was not. Conclusion In this large retrospective study, the standard prognostic factors impacted on survival whereas the timing of adjuvant therapy did not. Patients with delayed adjuvant chemotherapy may have worse prognostic factors which could play a major role in their poor outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phagocytosis is an important function of both invertebrate and vertebrate blood cells. In this study, the phagocytic activity of haemocyte subpopulations of penaeid shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, (Boone), against pathogenic and non-pathogenic particles was investigated in vitro. The haemocytes of penaeid shrimp were firstly separated by centrifugation on a continuous density gradient of iodixanol into four fractions with five subpopulations (sub), of which sub 1 (hyalinocytes) and sub 4 (semi-granulocytes) have the main function in phagocytosis of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria as well as fluorescent polystyrene beads. It was found that these haemocyte subpopulations engulfed virulent Vibrio campbellii and Vibrio harveyi at a higher rate than non-virulent Escherichia coli and polystyrene beads. When these bacteria were mixed with shrimp haemocyte subpopulations and incubated for 180 min, the percentage of viable intracellular V. campbellii (25.5 ± 6.0%) recovered was significantly higher than the percentage recovered from V. harveyi (13.5 ± 1.1%). No viable intracellular E. coli was observed in this study. In contrast to V. harveyi and E. coli, V. campbellii containing endosomes did not acidify in time. Incubation of haemocyte subpopulations with the most virulent V. campbellii strain resulted in a significant drop in haemocyte viability (41.4 ± 6.3% in sub 1 and 30.2 ± 15.1% in sub 4) after 180 min post-inoculation in comparison with the less virulent V. harveyi (84.1 ± 5.6% in sub 1 and 83.4 ± 4.1% in sub 4) and non-virulent E. coli (92.7 ± 2.8% in sub 1 and 92.3 ± 5.6% in sub 4) and polystyrene beads (91.9 ± 1.6% in sub 1 and 84.4 ± 3.4% in sub 4). These findings may be a valuable tool for monitoring shrimp health and immunological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long allele variant of the serotonin transporter ( SERT, 5- HTT) gene-linked polymorphic region (5- HTTLPR) is associated with higher levels of 5- HTT expression and reduced risk of developing affective disorders. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying this protective effect. One hypothesis is that 5- HTT expression influences aversive information processing, with reduced negative cognitive bias present in those with higher 5- HTT expression. Here we investigated this hypothesis using genetically-modified mice and a novel aversive learning paradigm. Mice with high levels of 5- HTT expression (5- HTT over-expressing, 5- HTTOE mice) and wild-type mice were trained to discriminate between three distinct auditory cues: one cue predicted footshock on all trials ( CS+); a second cue predicted the absence of footshock (CS−); and a third cue predicted footshock on 20% of trials ( CS20%), and was therefore ambiguous. Wild-type mice exhibited equivalently high levels of fear to the CS+ and CS20% and minimal fear to the CS−. In contrast, 5- HTTOE mice exhibited high levels of fear to the CS+ but minimal fear to the CS− and the CS20%. This selective reduction in fear to ambiguous aversive cues suggests that increased 5- HTT expression reduces negative cognitive bias for stimuli with uncertain outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of asthma. Objective We studied the association between 25-hydroxy (25- OH) vitamin D deficiency and asthma prevalence in two Peruvian populations close to the equator but with disparate degrees of urbanization. Methods We conducted a population-based study in 1441 children in two communities in Peru, of which 1134 (79%) provided a blood sample for 25- OH vitamin D analysis. Results In these 1134 children, mean age was 14.8 years; 52% were boys; asthma and atopy prevalence was 12% in Lima vs. 3% in Tumbes ( P < 0.001) and 59% in Lima vs. 41% in Tumbes ( P < 0.001), respectively; and, mean 25-OH vitamin D level was 20.8 ng/ mL in Lima vs. 30.1 ng/ mL in Tumbes ( P < 0.001). Prevalence of 25-OH vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/ mL) was 47% in Lima vs. 7% in Tumbes ( P < 0.001). In multi-variable logistic regression, we found that lower 25-OH vitamin D levels were associated with an increased odds of asthma (OR = 1.7 per each 10 ng/ mL decrease in 25-OH vitamin D levels, 95% CI 1.2-2.6; P < 0.01). In stratified analyses, the association between lower 25-OH vitamin D levels and asthma was limited to children with atopy (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.6) and not in those without atopy (OR = 0.9, 95% CI 0.5-2.0). We did not find associations between 25- OH vitamin D levels and other clinical biomarkers for asthma, including exhaled nitric oxide, total serum IgE and pulmonary function. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance Both asthma and 25- OH vitamin D deficiency were common among children living in Lima (latitude = 12.0°S) but not among those in Tumbes (3.6°S). The relationship between 25- OH vitamin D deficiency and asthma was similar in both sites and was limited among children with atopy. Future supplementation trials may need to consider stratification by atopy at the time of design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Allergic rhinitis is a disease with a high global disease burden, but risk factors that contribute to this condition are not well understood. Objective To assess the prevalence and risk factors of allergic rhinitis in two Peruvian populations with disparate degrees of urbanization. Methods We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study on 1441 children aged 13-15 years at enrollment (mean age 14.9 years, 51% boys) to investigate the prevalence of allergic disease. We used a standardized, Spanish validated questionnaire to determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and asked about sociodemographics and family history of allergies. Children also underwent spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide, allergy skin testing to 10 common household allergens and provided a blood sample for measurement of 25 OH vitamin D and total serum IgE. Results Overall prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 18% (95% CI 16% to 20%). When stratified by site, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 23% Lima vs. 13% in Tumbes ( P < 0.001); however, this difference was no longer significant after controlling for subject-specific factors ( P = 0.95). There was a strong association with other allergic diseases: 53% of children with asthma had allergic rhinitis vs. 15% in those without asthma ( P < 0.001) and 42% of children with eczema vs. 17% of those without eczema ( P < 0.001). Important risk factors for allergic rhinitis were parental rhinitis (adjusted OR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.9-4.7 for 1 parent and adjusted OR = 4.4, 95% CI 1.5-13.7 for 2 parents); allergic sensitization to common household aeroallergens (1.6, 1.1-2.3); being overweight (1.5, 1.0-2.3); exhaled nitric oxide ≥20 ppb (1.9, 1.3-2.7); and total serum IgE ≥ 95th percentile (2.4, 1.2-4.8). Population attributable risk of important factors for allergic rhinitis were 25% for high exhaled nitric oxide, 22% for allergic sensitization to common household aeroallergens, 22% for paternal rhinitis, 10% for being overweight and 7% for an elevated total serum IgE. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance Allergic rhinitis was prevalent in both settings, and important risk factors include elevated exhaled nitric oxide, allergic sensitization to common household aeroallergens, parental rhinitis, being overweight and high total serum IgE. When considering subject-specific factors, the difference in prevalence between the urban and rural settings became non-important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One obstacle to placing artificial posterior teeth in manufacturing complete dentures is a reduction of the space between the maxilla and the mandible. Occasionally, second molar placement is not performed, as it does not affect aesthetics, phonetics or comfort. The aim of this study was to compare the masticatory efficiency between patients wearing maxillary and mandibular complete dentures with reduced dental arches (without second molars) ( WSM) and with full dental arches ( FDA). Twenty subjects were divided into two groups and randomly received new complete dentures. Patients in Group 1 were given dentures WSM, and those in Group 2 were given dentures with FDA. After the post-placement visits, an initial masticatory efficiency test was performed with Optocal, an artificial test food. Fifteen days later, second molars were placed in Group 1 and removed from Group 2, and a new test was performed. Comminuted material was treated and sieved under vibration. The mean and standard deviation of masticatory efficiency with FDA were 10·4 and 8·1, respectively. In the tests WSM, the mean and standard deviation were 8·4 and 3·3, respectively. After removing the second molars in Group 2 and adding them in Group 1, the mean and standard deviation were 15·7 and 14·7 for Group 1 and 12·5 and 10·4 for Group 2, respectively. Within the limitations of this study, placing artificial teeth up to the first molars can be performed when needed without compromising masticatory efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background High-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia ( AIN) is currently considered a precursor of anal cancer. The population most susceptible to AIN is men who have sex with men ( MSM), especially if they are infected by HIV. Objectives We analysed the population diagnosed with AIN and evaluated anal cytology as a method of screening the at-risk population. Methods We undertook a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with AIN by means of a surgical biopsy between 2008 and 2010. We analysed the risk factors of the population affected and the degree of agreement with the cytology performed previously. Results During the study period 41 patients were diagnosed with AIN and seven with anal canal carcinoma in situ; 77% were men, most MSM. A history of receptive anal intercourse was found in 81% of the patients and in 71% there was an association with anogenital warts; 32 patients were HIV-positive, most of them men. Of the patients with anal dysplasia of any type in the cytology, 90% had some grade of AIN or carcinoma in situ in the later biopsy. The degree of agreement between the cytology and the biopsy was 94% in the high-grade dysplasias and 50% in the low-grade dysplasias. Conclusions Anal cytology in at-risk populations has a high degree of agreement with the biopsy when performed surgically, though less in low-grade dysplasias, which must always be studied. More studies evaluating the degree of progression of AIN to anal cancer are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike bacteria and mammals, plant DNA repair pathways are not well characterised, especially in monocots. The understanding of these processes in the plant cell is of major importance, since they may be directly involved in plant acclimation and adaptation to stressful environments. Hence, two sugarcane ESTs were identified as homologues of AP endonuclease from the base-excision repair pathway: Sc ARP1 and Sc ARP3. In order to understand their probable function and evolutionary origin, structural and phylogenetic studies were performed using bioinformatics approaches. The two predicted proteins present a considerable amino acid sequence similarity, and molecular modelling procedures indicate that both are functional, since the main structural motifs remain conserved. However, inspection of the sort signal regions on the full-length c DNAs indicated that these proteins have a distinct organelle target. Furthermore, variances in their promoter cis-element motifs were also found. Although the m RNA expression pattern was similar, there were significant differences in their expression levels. Taken together, these data raise the hypothesis that the Sc ARP is an example of a probable gene duplication event that occurred before monocotyledon/dicotyledon segregation, followed by a sub-functionalisation event in the Poaceae, leading to new intracellular targeting and different expression levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although known as a Na,K-ATPase inhibitor, several other cellular and systemic actions have been ascribed to the steroid Ouabain (Oua). Particularly in the immune system, our group showed that Ouabainacts ondecreasing lymphocyte proliferation, synergizing with glucocorticoids in spontaneous thymocyte apoptosis, and also lessening CD14 expression and blocking CD16 upregulation on human monocytes. However, Ouabain effects on dendritic cells (DCs) were not explored so far. Considering the peculiar plasticity and the importance of DCs in immune responses, the aim of our study was to investigate DC maturation under Ouabain influence. To generate immature DCs, human monocytes were cultured with IL-4 and GM-CSF (5 days). To investigate Ouabain role on DC activation, DCs were stimulated with TNF-α for 48 h in the presence or absence of Ouabain. TNF-induced CD83 expression and IL-12 production were abolished in DCs incubated with 100 nM Ouabain, though DC functional capacity concerning lymphocyte activation remained unaltered. Nevertheless, TNF-α-induced antigen capture downregulation, another maturation marker, occurred even in the presence of Ouabain. Besides, Ouabain increased HLA-DR and CD86 expression, whereas CD80 expression wasmaintained. Collectively, our results suggest thatDCs respond to Ouabainmaturating into a distinct category, possibly contributing to the balance between immunity and tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up to now, only a few brief procedures for purifying white spot syndrome virus ( WSSV) have been described. They were mainly based on sucrose, Na Br and Cs Cl density gradient centrifugation. This work describes for the first time the purification of WSSV through iodixanol density gradients, using virus isolated from infected tissues and haemolymph of Penaeus vannamei ( Boone). The purification from tissues included a concentration step by centrifugation (2.5 h at 60 000 g) onto a 50% iodixanol cushion and a purification step by centrifugation (3 h at 80 000 g) through a discontinuous iodixanol gradient (phosphate-buffered saline, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%). The purification from infected haemolymph enclosed a dialysis step with a membrane of 1 000 k Da (18 h) and a purification step through the earlier iodixanol gradient. The gradients were collected in fractions and analysed. The number of particles, infectivity titre ( in vivo), total protein and viral protein content were evaluated. The purification from infected tissues gave WSSV suspensions with a very high infectivity and an acceptable purity, while virus purified from haemolymph had a high infectivity and a very high purity. Additionally, it was observed that WSSV has an unusually low buoyant density and that it is very sensitive to high external pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Identification of risk factors for reduced asthma control could improve the understanding and treatment of asthma. A promoter polymorphism in the 5-lipoxygenase gene affects gene expression and response to asthma therapy, but its impact on disease control remains unclear. Objective We sought to determine if the ALOX5 promoter SP1 tandem repeat polymorphism was associated with changes in cysteinyl leukotriene production, lung function, airway inflammation and asthma control score. Methods We analysed 270 children, 6- to 17-years old, with poorly controlled asthma enrolled in a 6-month clinical trial ( NCT00604851). In secondary analysis, we associated the ALOX5 promoter SP1 tandem repeat polymorphism genotype (rs59439148) with asthma outcomes using both additive and recessive genetic models. We evaluated FEV1 percent predicted, symptom control, exhaled nitric oxide and urinary LTE4 levels. Results Of all children, 14.8% (40/270) (and 28% (38/135) of African Americans) carried two non-5-repeat variant alleles of rs59439148. Children who were homozygous for variant alleles had significantly higher urinary LTE4 levels (38 vs. 30 nmol/mol creatinine, P = 0.0134), significantly worse FEV1% predicted (84 vs. 91, P = 0.017) and a trend towards worse asthma control. FEV1% predicted values were significantly negatively correlated with urinary LTE4 ( r = −0.192, P = 0.009). Conclusion and Clinical Relevance Carrying two copies of a minor variant ALOX5 promoter SP1 tandem repeat allele contributes to increased cys LT exposure as determined by urinary LTE4 levels, reduced lung function and potentially worse asthma control. ALOX5 promoter SP1 tandem repeat genotype may be a risk factor for worse asthma outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children and adults. An important genetic component to asthma susceptibility has long been recognized, most recently through the identification of several genes (e.g., ORMDL3, PDE4D, HLA- DQ, and TLE4) via genome-wide association studies. Objective To identify genetic variants associated with asthma affection status using genome-wide association data. Methods We describe results from a genome-wide association study on asthma performed in 3855 subjects using a panel of 455 089 single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs). Result The genome-wide association study resulted in the prioritization of 33 variants for immediate follow-up in a multi-staged replication effort. Of these, a common polymorphism (rs9272346) localizing to within 1 Kb of HLA- DQA1 (chromosome 6p21.3) was associated with asthma in adults ( P-value = 2.2E-08) with consistent evidence in the more heterogeneous group of adults and children ( P-value = 1.0E-04). Moreover, some genes identified in prior asthma GWAS were nominally associated with asthma in our populations. Conclusion Overall, our findings further replicate the HLA- DQ region in the pathogenesis of asthma. HLA- DQA1 is the fourth member of the HLA family found to be associated with asthma, in addition to the previously identified HLA- DRA, HLA- DQB1 and HLA- DQA2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the intra- and interobserver reliability of assessment of three-dimensional power Doppler (3D-PD) indices from single spherical samples of the placenta. Methods Women with singleton pregnancies at 24-40 weeks' gestation were included. Three scans were independently performed by two observers; Observer 1 performed the first and third scan, intercalated by the scan of Observer 2. The observers independently analyzed the 3D-PD datasets that they had previously acquired using four different methods, each using a spherical sample: random sample extending from basal to chorionic plate; random sample with 2 cm3 of volume; directed sample to the region subjectively determined as containing more color Doppler signals extending from basal to chorionic plate; or directed sample with 2 cm3 of volume. The vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were evaluated in each case. The observers were blinded to their own and each other's results. Additional evaluation was performed according to placental location: anterior, posterior and fundal or lateral. Intra- and interobserver reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Results Ninety-five pregnancies were included in the analysis. All three placental 3D-PD indices showed only weak to moderate reliability (ICC < 0.66 and ICC < 0.48, intra- and interobserver, respectively). The highest values of ICC were observed when using directed spherical samples from basal to chorionic plate. When analyzed by placental location, we found lower ICCs for lateral and fundal placentae compared to anterior and posterior ones. Conclusion Intra- and interobserver reliability of assessment of placental 3D-PD indices from single spherical samples in pregnant women greater than 24 weeks' gestation is poor to moderate, and clinical usefulness of these indices is likely to be limited. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate and compare the intraobserver and interobserver reliability and agreement for the biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) obtained by two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US) and three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US). Methods Singleton pregnant women between 24 and 40 weeks were invited to participate in this study. They were examined using 2D-US in a blinded manner, twice by one observer, intercalated by a scan by a second observer, to determine BPD, AC and FL. In each of the three examinations, three 3D-US datasets (head, abdomen and thigh) were acquired for measurements of the same parameters. We determined EFW using Hadlock's formula. Systematic errors between 3D-US and 2D-US were examined using the paired t-test. Reliability and agreement were assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), limits of agreement (LoA), SD of differences and proportion of differences below arbitrary points. Results We evaluated 102 singleton pregnancies. No significant systematic error between 2D-US and 3D-US was observed. The ICC values were higher for 3D-US in both intra- and interobserver evaluations; however, only for FL was there no overlap in the 95% CI. The LoA values were wider for 2D-US, suggesting that random errors were smaller when using 3D-US. Additionally, we observed that the SD values determined from 3D-US differences were smaller than those obtained for 2D-US. Higher proportions of differences were below the arbitrarily defined cut-off points when using 3D-US. Conclusion 3D-US improved the reliability and agreement of fetal measurements and EFW compared with 2D-US. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Santos VR, Ribeiro FV, Lima JA, Miranda TS, Feres M, Bastos MF, Duarte PM. Partial- and full-mouth scaling and root planing in type 2 diabetic subjects: a 12-mo follow-up of clinical parameters and levels of cytokines and osteoclastogenesis-related factors. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 45-54. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of full-mouth scaling and root planing (FMSRP) and partial-mouth scaling and root planing (PMSRP), up to 12 mo after treatment, on clinical parameters, and levels of cytokines and osteoclastogenesis-related factors in type 2 diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis. Material and Methods: Thirty-four subjects received FMSRP ( n = 17) or PMSRP ( n = 17) within 24 h or in multiple sessions, respectively. Clinical parameters and local levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23, IL-4, receptor activator of NF-β ligand and osteoprotegerin were assessed at baseline, and 3, 6 and 12 mo after therapies. Results: Clinical parameters improved after both therapies ( p < 0.05), and no between-group differences were observed at any time-point ( p > 0.05). Overall, there were no considerable differences in the local levels of the biomarkers studied between groups ( p > 0.05). The IL-23 concentration and total amount of IFN-γ increased in the FMSRP group and decreased in the PMSRP group from baseline to 3 mo and from baseline to 6 mo, respectively ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both PMSRP and FMSRP promoted benefits in clinical parameters and showed a similar modulation of cytokines and osteoclastogenesis-related factors at 12 mo in type 2 diabetic subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study related to the genetic diversity of endophytic fungi identified as Colletotrichum species associated with Brazilian pepper tree, a medicinal plant. It informs that the endophytes were identified by morphological and molecular methods, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) taxon-specific with primers.

Previously the authors found that a common polymorphism, rs12422149 (SLCO2B1{NM_007256.2}:c.935G>A), in the gene coding for OATP2B1, was associated with absorption of and response to montelukast in humans. In vitro studies showed that citrus juice could reduce the permeability of montelukast consistent with known inhibition of organic anion-transporting polypeptides. To study the clinical significance of c.935G>A, the authors conducted a single-dose, pharmacokinetic study of montelukast co-ingested with citrus juice. On average, co-ingestion with either orange juice or 4× concentrated grapefruit juice had a minimal effect on the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero extrapolated to infinite time (AUC0→∞) of montelukast relative to co-ingestion with Gatorade control (n = 24). However when the data were stratified by genotype at c.935 (G/G n = 21, A/G n = 5), a significant reduction in AUC0→∞ was detected with orange juice in G/G homozygotes (AUC0→∞, G/G, Gatorade = 2560 ± 900 ng·h·mL−1 vs AUC0→∞, G/G, orange juice = 2010 ± 650 ng·h·mL−1, P = .032). Significantly, A/G heterozygotes showed reduced AUC0→∞ relative to G/G homozygotes, independent of treatment (AUC0→∞, G/G, combined treatments = 2310 ± 820 ng·h·mL−1 vs AUC0→∞, A/G, combined treatments = 1460 ± 340 ng·h·mL−1, P = 2.0 × 10−5) replicating previous observations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives – To evaluate the efficacy and safety of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial-onset seizures. Material and methods – Double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study consisting of an 8-week baseline period, after which patients were randomized to placebo ( n = 87) or once-daily ESL 800 mg ( n = 85) or 1200 mg ( n = 80). Patients received half dose during 2 weeks preceding a 12-week maintenance period. Results – Seizure frequency over the maintenance period was significantly ( P < 0.05) lower than placebo in both ESL groups. Responder rate was 23% (placebo), 35% (800 mg), and 38% (1200 mg). Median relative reduction in seizure frequency was 17% (placebo), 38% (800 mg), and 42% (1200 mg). The most common adverse events (AEs) (>10%) were dizziness, somnolence, headache, and nausea. The majority of AEs were of mild or moderate severity. Conclusions – Once-daily treatment with ESL 800 and 1200 mg was effective and generally well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CBA/J mice are resistant to Leishmania major infection but are permissive to L. amazonensis infection. In addition, CBA/J macrophages control L. major but not L. amazonensis infection in vitro . Phagocytosis by macrophages is known to determine the outcome of Leishmania infection. Pattern recognition receptors (PRR) adorning antigen presenting cell surfaces are known to coordinate the link between innate and adaptive immunity. The macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) is a PRR that is preferably expressed by macrophages and is capable of binding Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. No research on the role of MARCO in Leishmania –macrophage interactions has been reported. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, that MARCO expression by CBA/J macrophages is increased in response to both in vitro and in vivo L. major infections, but not to L. amazonensis infection. In addition, a specific anti-MARCO monoclonal antibody reduced L. major infection of macrophages by 30%–40% in vitro . The draining lymph nodes of anti-MARCO-treated mice displayed a reduced presence of immunolabelled parasite and parasite antigens, as well as a reduced inflammatory response. These results support the hypothesis that MARCO has a role in macrophage infection by L. major in vitro as well as in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The demographical evolution and the technological revolution seen in the last decades, in developed countries, have dramatically changed the practice of Neurology. However, the academic curriculum in many medical schools has not been updated accordingly over many of the European Countries. The Education Committee of the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) implemented in 2000 a Task Force on pre-graduate education trying to give guidelines to adequate pre-graduate education to the present status. Methods and discussion: Based on the results of two questionnaires, the first sent to the delegates of the EFNS and to the delegates of the European Board of Neurology, and the second answered by the Task Force members themselves, this paper describes the Task Force recommendations aimed to improve Neurology Education in the Medical Schools. These recommendations are also discussed with the analyses of the current bibliography available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) plays an important role in the lung and in augmenting allergic inflammation in asthma. The gene encoding ANP, NPPA, is located on chromosome 1p36, a region that has been linked to asthma. Objectives Determine associations between asthma and four common SNPs on the NPPA gene: C/G (rs13305986) in the promoter; G/A (rs5063) in Exon 1 resulting in NPPAMet32→Val substitution; T/C (rs5065) in Exon 3 resulting in an Arg152→Ter substitution; and T/C in the 3′UT region (rs5067). Methods A case–control design was used in White participants. The screening cohort consisted of 336 asthmatic cases who participated in a large clinical trial and 154, non-asthmatic controls. The replicate cohort consisted of 172 asthmatic cases from a second clinical trial and 115 healthy controls. Demographic characteristics were well matched for cases and controls in the screening cohort. Adjusted (age, gender, body mass index) odds ratio (OR) were calculated by χ2 and logistic regression; a P-value of 0.0167 defined the threshold of significance. Results The C allele of rs5067 was associated with asthma in the screening and replicate cohorts: adjusted ORs (95% confidence intervals) 0.5 (0.29–0.84; P=0.009) and 0.24 (0.11–0.53; P<0.0001), respectively. The C allele of rs5065 was associated with asthma in the screening cohort but not in the replicate. The population-attributable risk for asthma in carriers of the C allele for rs5067 was 23.3%. Conclusions For rs5067, the risks of asthma in carriers of the C allele in the screening and replicate cohorts were reduced by 50% and 76%, respectively. NPPA may be an important susceptibility gene for asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging modifies a number of functional and phenotypic parameters of cells from the immune system. In this study, the activities of two members of the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport proteins, ABCB1 and ABCC (measured by rhodamine 123 efflux and Fluo-3 efflux respectively), were compared in murine bone marrow cells and thymocytes of young (3–4 weeks old), adult (2–3 months old) and old (18 months old) mice. ABCB1 activity was shown to be age regulated in murine bone marrow mononuclear cells and thymocytes. In the bone marrow, the increased amount of cells with ABCB1 activity observed in old mice was restricted to the c-kit−Sca-1+ and c-kit+Sca-1+ subpopulations. Only a small percentage of c-kit+ cells in the thymus had ABCB1 activity, and this subpopulation increased with age. In the thymus, old age augmented this activity in the CD4− CD8− double-negative cells and in the CD4+ and CD8+ single-positive populations. The activity of another ABC transporter, the ABCC-related activity, was also modified by age in the bone marrow. However, the age-related increase was observed in the subpopulations were ABCB1 was not modified, namely the non-progenitor population (c-kit−Sca-1−cells) and c-kit+Sca-1− cells. Nearly, all thymocytes expressed the ABCC1 molecule in an active form and aging did not affect this pattern. This study demonstrates an independent upregulation of ABCB1 and ABCC activities during the aging process. The increases were observed in different subsets of cells but followed a developmentally regulated pattern. The functions played by these transporters and alterations in aging are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a major shift in emphasis within neurology from being a largely diagnostic discipline to one much more actively involved in treating disease. There have been major scientific advances leading to new and effective treatments. There is also a much greater awareness of the burden of neurological disease (Olesen J, Leonardi M. European Journal of Neurology 2003; 10: 471) and informed sufferers are requesting specific intervention. There is wide variation in the delivery of neurological services throughout Europe. This is reflected in manpower levels, the place of neurology related to other medical specialties and different mixes of hospital and private office practice. These differences have been thrown into sharper focus by the recent expansion of the European Union (EU). Initial training in neurology is given to undergraduate/pre-graduate students. Post-graduate education is delivered within a residency program leading to specialist qualification and certification. We now recognize that this is only the beginning of a life long program of continuous education and development (CME/CPD). National and international exchange programs facilitate the growth of knowledge and promote professional harmony and cooperation. The free migration of medical specialists has been an aspiration but remains limited by cultural, linguistic, personal, professional, political and economic factors. Two bodies, the European Board of Neurology (EBN–UEMS) (Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes) and the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) are actively involved in harmonising and developing neurology at the European level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate a new method of deriving the reproductive number for vector-borne diseases from the early epidemic curves for vector-borne diseases with incubations in the vectors and in the hosts. Method We applied the model to several dengue epidemics in different climatic regions of Brazil: Brasilia, Belém, Fortaleza, Boa Vista. Results The new method leads to higher estimates of the reproductive number than previous models. Conclusion At present, Aedes aegypti densities, the meeting of more compatible strains of viruses and mosquitoes, may lead to re-emergence of urban yellow fever epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]