Methotrexate therapy associates with reduced prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patients over the age of 60- more than just an anti-inflammatory effect? A cross sectional study

Introduction  

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) may contribute to the excess cardiovascular burden observed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The prevalence and associations of the MetS in RA remain uncertain: systemic inflammation and anti-rheumatic therapy may contribute. Methotrexate (MTX) use has recently been linked to a reduced presence of MetS, via an assumed generic anti-inflammatory mechanism. We aimed to: assess the prevalence of the MetS in RA; identify factors that associate with its presence; and assess their interaction with the potential influence of MTX.     

AFLP analysis reveals a lack of phylogenetic structure within <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum</Emphasis> section <Emphasis Type="Italic">Petota</Emphasis>

Background  

The secondary genepool of our modern cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) consists of a large number of tuber-bearing wild Solanum species under Solanum section Petota. One of the major taxonomic problems in section Petota is that the series classification (as put forward by Hawkes) is problematic and the boundaries of some series are unclear. In addition, the classification has received only partial cladistic support in all molecular studies carried out to date.     

The Leeds Evaluation of Efficacy of Detoxification Study (LEEDS) Prisons Project Study: protocol for a randomised controlled trial comparing methadone and buprenorphine for opiate detoxification

Many research-funding agencies now require open access to the results of research they have funded, and some also require that researchers make available the raw data generated from that research. Similarly, the journal Trials aims to address inadequate reporting in randomised controlled trials, and in order to fulfil this objective, the journal is working with the scientific and publishing communities to try to establish best practice for publishing raw data from clinical trials in peer-reviewed biomedical journals. Common issues encountered when considering raw data for publication include patient privacy – unless explicit consent for publication is obtained – and ownership, but agreed-upon policies for tackling these concerns do not appear to be addressed in the guidance or mandates currently established. Potential next steps for journal editors and publishers, ethics committees, research-funding agencies, and researchers are proposed, and alternatives to journal publication, such as restricted access repositories, are outlined.     

Physiological responses to folate overproduction in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactobacillus plantarum</Emphasis> WCFS1

Background  

Using a functional genomics approach we addressed the impact of folate overproduction on metabolite formation and gene expression in Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1. We focused specifically on the mechanism that reduces growth rates in folate-overproducing cells.     

Development of a colorimetric method for functional chloride channel assay

Anion channels play significant physiological roles in humans and animals. However, the effort of screening for anion channel modulators was limited by the available assay technologies. This report discusses the development of a cell-based functional chloride channel assay using iodine as the chloride channel functional indicator. Iodine concentrations were measured with modified Sandell-Kolthoff reaction using colorimetric detection. The assay was rapid and quantitative. When WSS-1 cells were activated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the condition that gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAA receptor) conducted outwardly rectifying chloride channel function, the EC50 of GABA was 7.69 microM. IC50s were 0.53 microM for bicuculline and 3.1 microM for picrotoxin, respectively, in the presence of 10 microM GABA. When Capan-1 cells were activated by forskolin, the EC50 was 0.14 microM. The assay can also be applied to inwardly rectifying anion channels as exemplified by GABAA channel with an EC50 of 294 microM. Thus, the assay is universal and reliable and can be used for anion channel high-throughput screening.     

Towards the development of a DNA-sequence based approach to serotyping of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmonella enterica</Emphasis>

Background  

The fliC and fljB genes in Salmonella code for the phase 1 (H1) and phase 2 (H2) flagellin respectively, the rfb cluster encodes the majority of enzymes for polysaccharide (O) antigen biosynthesis, together they determine the antigenic profile by which Salmonella are identified. Sequencing and characterisation of fliC was performed in the development of a molecular serotyping technique.     

Mothers after Gestational Diabetes in Australia (MAGDA): A Randomised Controlled Trial of a Postnatal Diabetes Prevention Program

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasingly prevalent risk factor for type 2 diabetes. We evaluated the effectiveness of a group-based lifestyle modification program in mothers with prior GDM within their first postnatal year.ConclusionsAlthough a 1-kg weight difference has the potential to be significant for reducing diabetes risk, the level of engagement during the first postnatal year was low. Further research is needed to improve engagement, including participant involvement in study design; it is potentially more effective to implement annual diabetes screening until women develop prediabetes before offering an intervention.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12610000338066