bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presence of two host races of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) collected in Turkey
Authors: Satar S. , Kersting U. , Yokomi R.
Published: November 2012

The aphid, Aphis gossypii, is a primary pest of citrus, cotton, cucurbits and greenhouse‐grown vegetables in Turkey and throughout Europe. There is some previous empirical data suggesting that host‐adapted genotypes of this aphid exist which may in fact be host‐races. To determine if host races of A. gossypii are indeed present in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey, reciprocal host transfer experiments and life table analyses were performed with multiple asexual lineages (= clones) of the aphid collected from different hosts. The collection hosts included citrus, cucumber, eggplant, okra, sweet pepper and cotton. Aphid developmental times on the host from which the aphid was originally collected (= collection or natal host) were shorter (5.2–6.0 days) and had a higher intrinsic rate of population growth (rm = 0.25–0.44) than the 6.6–7.3 days required when the aphid was reared on a non‐original collection host (= non‐collection host or non‐natal host) and had rm = 0.03–0.30. Total immature mortality of the cotton clone, especially in the first nymphal stage, was high (51–100%) with low rm (0–0.03) on cucumber, citrus and sweet pepper. Aphid populations transferred from citrus, eggplant and okra to cotton (rm = 0.29–0.30) did not differ significantly in their performance from that of the cotton population on cotton (rm = 0.34), whereas that from sweet pepper and cucumber populations (rm = 0.22–0.24) were significantly lower. These data have allowed us to separate A. gossypii into two distinct biological groups: (a) a ‘generalist’ population obtained from cucumber, sweet pepper, citrus, eggplant and okra which exhibited statistically better development on cotton; versus (b) a population from cotton which, by comparison on reciprocal hosts, developed poorly on non‐natal hosts except on eggplant. Development of the cotton clone on cucumber and okra was not improved after four successive generations on the non‐natal host. The good development of A. gossypii from eggplant and cotton on these reciprocal hosts suggests that these particular clones were similar, if not identical, host races.
Prodrugs of 5‐Aminolevullinic Acid for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Kloek Joris , Beijersbergen van Henegouwen Gerard M.J
Published: November 2012

Abstract— The use of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) as a protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) precursor for photodynamic therapy (PDT) became very popular in a short time. However, despite its advantages, ALA also has a drawback; it shows a poor ability to diffuse through biological membranes because of its low Iipophilicity. As a consequence, a high dose of ALA must be administered in order to increase PpIX in the afflicted tissue at a level sufficient for PDT. A possible solution to this problem is the use of derivatives of ALA. ALA prodrugs are expected to have better diffusing properties as a result of their enhanced Jipophilicity and are converted into the parent ALA after enzymatic hydrolysis. In this report, results are presented of the synthesis of a number of ALA derivatives. The ALA prodmgs were investigated regarding the optimum conditions for cell penetration and PPIX formation in an in vitro cellular test system. It is shown that several prod· rugs do indeed enhance the amount of accumulated PPIX considerably as compared to ALA. Finally, the most promising prodrugs were tested in an animal model and showed increased PPIX formation under these conditionsas well.
Noninvasive Hemodynamic Monitoring in Heart Failure: Utilization of Impedance Cardiography
Authors: Yancy Clyde , Abraham William T.
Published: November 2012

The annual health care cost incurred by heart failure patients is about $56 billion, two thirds of which is spent on management of acutely decompensated patients. Hemodynamic evaluation is helpful for optimization of treatment, monitoring clinical outcomes, and overall prognostication of heart failure patients, but historically could only be obtained via costly invasive procedures that carry substantial risks. Impedance cardiography (ICG) is a noninvasive and economical outpatient procedure that has been shown to provide reliable hemodynamic values comparable to those obtained from pulmonary artery catheterization. Recent clinical studies involving hundreds of patients have validated the accuracy and reproducibility of ICG compared with invasive techniques. The direct and derived measurements and the clinical applications of ICG in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure are presented, as are three clinical case studies demonstrating the utility of ICG in the hemody‐namic‐guided management of heart failure. ICG is a viable, noninvasive technique in early‐ and late‐stage heart failure that provides assistance in diagnostic evaluation, longitudinal prognostication, and therapeutic decisions.
Dental case manager encounters: the association with retention in dental care and treatment plan completion
Authors: Lemay Celeste A. , Tobias Carol , Umez‐Eronini Amarachi A. , Brown Carolyn , McCluskey Amanda , Fox Jane E. , Bednarsh Helene , Cabral Howard J.
Published: November 2012

Little is known about dental case managers as few programs have been scientifically evaluated. The goal of this study was to explore the impact of dental case manager on retention in dental care and completion of treatment plans, while specifically exploring the number of dental case manager encounters. Fourteen programs enrolled people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in dental care and a longitudinal study between 2007 and 2009. The 758 participants had a total of 2715 encounters with a dental case manager over twelve months: 29% had a single encounter; 21% had two; 27% had 3–4 and; 23% had 5–29 encounters. Adjusting for baseline characteristics, participants receiving more encounters were significantly more likely to complete their Phase 1 treatment plan, be retained in dental care, and experience improvements in overall oral health status. Organizations considering efforts to improve the oral health of vulnerable, hard‐to‐engage populations should consider these findings when planning interventions.
Oral health comparison between children with neutropenia and healthy controls
Authors: Park Michael S. , Tenenbaum Howard C. , Dror Yigal , Gloguaer Michael
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to assess and compare the oral health of children with neutropenia, who are under the active care of a hematologist in a designated marrow failure and myelodysplasia program, to a healthy control group. Children aged 6–18 with neutropenia attending the Marrow Failure and Myelodysplasia Program at SickKids Hospital and controls attending the Children's Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto were asked to participate in the study consisting of a patient questionnaire followed by a dental and radiographic examination. Fifteen patients with neutropenia (mean age 12.14 ± 4.04 years) and 26 healthy controls (mean age 11.61 ± 3.82 years) participated in this study. Patients with neutropenia reported significantly increased mouth sores (p < .008) and bleeding gums while brushing (p < .001). The dmft/t score was significantly lower for the neutropenia group (p < .009). The clinical examination also showed that there were no statistically significant differences with respect to ulcerations, gingival recession, tooth mobility, gingival inflammation, periodontal bone loss, DMFT/T scores, plaque, and calculus levels. Preliminary data demonstrates that pediatric patients who are under the active care of a hematologist do not present with an increased risk of oral diseases.
Global Governance of Health and the Requirements of Human Rights
Authors: Ooms Gorik , Hammonds Rachel
Published: November 2012

As globalisation increases interdependence health becomes a subject of global governance, posing new challenges to the present global governance mechanisms. The authors explore two areas in which new mechanisms of global governance of health have emerged in the first decade of the 21st century: firstly, international assistance to finance healthcare and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria; and secondly, the Social Protection Floor which aims to ensure basic social guarantees for all. They argue that human rights can help to combine and strengthen these mechanisms, serving as a guide for a true partnership between people across borders, rather than merely a set of norms imposed upon states. Through a Framework Convention on Global Health, the Global Fund could become the cornerstone of a global social protection regime and act as an incentive for compliance with the Social Protection Floor.
Semi‐automated assignment of vegetation survey plots within an a priori classification of vegetation types
Authors: Oliver Ian , Broese Elizabeth A. , Dillon Martin L. , Sivertsen Dominic , McNellie Megan J.
Published: November 2012

Assignment of large numbers of vegetation plots to a priori vegetation classifications is increasingly being required to support natural resource management, monitoring and conservation at regional scales. Several automated systems have been developed that use quantitative synoptic tables and algorithm‐based plot‐to‐type assignment. However, where synoptic tables do not exist, and qualitative species lists characterise vegetation type classifications, existing systems may not apply. In these situations, vegetation experts may resort to manual assignment processes that can be slow, subjective and fraught with difficulties.

This study combines repeatable and objective quantitative analyses, with new software, to deliver a semi‐automated plot‐to‐type assignment process appropriate for a priori classifications based on qualitative species lists. The flexible semi‐automated assignment program (SAAP) calculates a quantitative goodness‐of‐fit score between plots and types, based on the species that characterise each a priori vegetation type, and the species that characterise groups of plots derived from quantitative analyses.

We applied the SAAP to a case‐study of 630 native vascular plant species from 930 plots, and an a priori classification of 99 vegetation types. We varied vegetation data set transforms [cover per cent (0–100%), cover score (0–6) and presence–absence (1, 0)] and analysis settings and tested the degree to which the SAAP provided plot‐to‐type assignment concordant with manual expert assignment.

Results provided clear evidence supporting the choice of particular data set transformations and analysis settings to maximise concordance. The SAAP allocated up to 50% of plots to the same expert‐assigned vegetation type, and more than 70% of plots to an expert‐assigned vegetation type ranked in the top five by the SAAP.

When coupled with repeatable and objective quantitative analyses, the SAAP provides vegetation experts with a new semi‐automated and quantitative decision support tool to assist with the assignment of vegetation plots within a priori vegetation classifications defined by characteristic species lists.
Health Care Utilization After Interdisciplinary Chronic Pain Treatment: Part I. Description of Utilization of Costly Health Care Interventions
Authors: McGeary Donald D. , Seech Todd , Peterson Alan L. , McGeary Cindy A. , Gatchel Robert J. , Vriend Catherine
Published: November 2012

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is a significant burden for chronic pain sufferers, their medical and allied health treatment providers, and the U.S. medical system. The U.S. military has seen a significant increase in CMP with increased injuries stemming from military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and advances in care for CMP are sorely needed. Poor chronic pain treatment in the military has led to high levels of costly health care utilization with related costs estimated in billions of dollars. The functional occupational restoration treatment (FORT) trial, funded by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (Department of Defense), was the first formal, randomized trial of a novel interdisciplinary management program for CMP among active duty service members. Excellent clinical outcomes at posttreatment and long‐term follow‐up have been reported elsewhere. This paper examined patterns of health care utilization among FORT study participants for a period of 1 year before and after the study intervention or yoked, 3‐week control period. We examined the military's Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application, which went online in 2004, to identify costly health visits and procedures consumed by study completers. We then compared utilization rates between those who received the interdisciplinary FORT treatment and those who were randomized to treatment as usual. Our analyses revealed significant between‐group differences at posttreatment (controlling for pretreatment intervention use), with FORT participants receiving significantly fewer procedures including emergency department intervention, injections, and radio frequency nerve ablations. This paper precedes a follow‐up study of mediating factors for health care utilization after interdisciplinary treatment.
Tracing the history and biogeography of the Australian blindsnake radiation
Authors: Marin Julie , Donnellan Stephen C. , Blair Hedges S. , Doughty Paul , Hutchinson Mark N. , Cruaud Corinne , Vidal Nicolas
Published: November 2012

Aim

We investigated the biogeographical history of Australian blindsnakes (Ramphotyphlops) with reference to Australia's palaeoclimatic history over the past 20 Myr, particularly the development of an extensive arid zone over this period. Terrestrial vertebrate lineages dating back to the Miocene or earlier are predicted to display some or all of the following patterns: (1) for taxa including mesic, arid and monsoonal representatives, a mesic distribution should be phylogenetically ancestral; (2) mesic and monsoon tropical lineages should have diverged before the onset of aridification (with arid lineages appearing later); and (3) refuges may have allowed local persistence and diversification of lineages in the monsoon tropical and mesic zones since the mid‐Miocene.

Location

Continental Australia.

Methods

We compiled a molecular data set comprising one mitochondrial and three nuclear genes for 107 individuals belonging to 28 blindsnake species. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference withRAxMLandMrBayes, respectively. Divergence times were assessed usingmultidivtime. Ancestral habitat states (arid and non arid) were reconstructed using the maximum likelihood method implemented inMesquite.

Results

The age of the AustralianRamphotyphlopsradiation was estimated at 21.9 Ma (95% credibility interval: 30.2–15.1 Ma). Mesic and monsoon tropical lineages are older than the onset of aridification, with mesic distribution appearing as ancestral on phylogenies. After the onset of aridification, lineages persisted and diversified in mesic, tropical and/or rocky refugia. Arid lineages diversified more recently (< 5 Ma).

Main conclusions

Australian blindsnakes join several other Australian squamate lineages with tropical‐mesic origins that successfully adapted to the expansion of aridity since the mid‐Miocene (c. 17 Ma) and now show evidence of multiple relatively recent evolutionary radiations across Australia. We further demonstrate that localized refugia permitted persistence and diversification of mesic taxa, with arid lineages diversifying much later (< 5 Ma) when the arid zone was well established.
Guidelines for management of androgenetic alopecia based on BASP classification–the Asian consensus committee guideline
Authors: Lee W.S. , Lee H.J. , Choi G.S. , Cheong W.K. , Chow S.K. , Gabriel M.T. , Hau K.L. , Kang H. , Mallari M.R. , Tsai R.Y. , Zhang J. , Zheng M.
Published: November 2012

Background  Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or pattern hair loss, is a common disorder in both Asian men and women. There are several guidelines for the treatment of AGA which are suitable for Caucasian patients; however, each of these has some limitations. Furthermore, in comparison with Caucasian patients, Asian patients with AGA have different types of hair loss and family histories which may alter the treatment response. There is currently no published AGA guideline for Asian patients.

Objectives  The Asian Consensus Committee for Androgenetic Alopecia aimed to develop an algorithmic guideline, based on the basic and specific (BASP) classification, for the treatment of AGA especially in Asian patients.

Methods  The committee collaborated extensively on reviewing available literature on AGA treatment in order to formulate an algorithmic guideline on AGA management.

Results  Previously published guidelines based on pre‐existing classifications of AGA cannot easily classify the patterns of AGA that are more frequently seen in Asians. The BASP classification not only facilitates the development of a unified and simplified algorithm, but also overcomes the disadvantages of previously reported classification systems.

Conclusions  The proposed treatment guideline for AGA based on the BASP classification may be useful for dermatologists in their approach to treating Asian patients with AGA in clinical practice. Ideally, clinicians should try to utilize this guideline consistently in their practice to monitor treatment response with the goal of enhancing successful outcomes. This will help boost patients' confidence and self‐esteem, thus improving patients compliance with the prescribed treatments.
The impact of MRI on stroke management and outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Burke James F , Gelb Douglas J , Quint Douglas J , Morgenstern Lewis B , Kerber Kevin A
Published: November 2012

Rationale, aims and objectives

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in stroke evaluation and is superior to computed tomography for the detection of acute ischaemia. We sought to evaluate the evidence that conventional MRI influences doctor management or patient outcomes in routine care.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMED, EMBASE and proceedings of the International Stroke Conference. Studies were included if they included patients presenting with possible stroke syndromes and they reported MRI results and resulting changes in management or outcome. Multiple reviewers determined inclusion/exclusion for each study, abstracted study characteristics and assessed study quality.

Results

Of 1813 articles screened, nine studies met inclusion criteria. None were randomized controlled trials, cohort studies or case‐control studies. We found little evidence that MRI affects outcomes – one single‐centre case series presented three patients. The remaining articles were studies of diagnostic tests or vignette‐based studies that described changes in doctor management attributed to MRI.

In the studies that suggested MRI influenced management, it did so in two ways. First, MRI distinguished stroke from mimics (e.g. brain tumours), thus enabling more appropriate selection of therapies. Second, even when MRI confirmed a suspected stroke diagnosis, it sometimes provided information (on stroke mechanism, localization, timing or pathophysiology) that influenced management.

Conclusions

The impact of MRI on management and outcomes in stroke patients has been inadequately studied. Further research is needed to understand how MRI may productively affect stroke management and outcomes.
Heat and Flow Properties of a Temperature Dependent Viscoplastic Fluid Including Viscous Dissipation
Authors: Labsi Nabila , Benkahla Youb Khaled , Boutra Abdelkader , Ammouri Abdellah
Published: November 2012

The present study concerns the numerical analysis using the finite volume method, of laminar forced convection flow of a viscoplastic fluid. The flow takes place in a circular pipe maintained at uniform wall temperature. The fluid consists of the sloe fruit juice with low pulp and pectin contents which obeys the rheological model of Bingham. The Nusselt number and the friction factor when both viscous dissipation and variability of the viscosity upon temperature for heating and cooling cases are taken into account are calculated and compared to those obtained for an isothermal flow when viscous dissipation is neglected. The results show that neglecting both viscous dissipation and the temperature dependency of viscosity leads to underestimate heat transfer and pressure drop.

Practical Applications

Heat transfer and pressure drop are important parameters in industries dealing with fluids, especially food industry. These parameters are used to predict the fluid's flow behavior and to estimate energy needed to for heating and transporting. A miscalculation of these parameters, when neglecting some factors in calculation such as the temperature dependency of viscosity or viscous dissipation, may result in significant errors in equipment design. The results obtained from the present study give an idea on how much heat transfer and pressure drop are underestimated when neglecting either the viscous dissipation or the temperature dependence of the fluid viscosity or both of them, when dealing with viscoplastic fluids such as fruit juices.
Physiological and Molecular Features of Puccinellia tenuiflora Tolerating Salt and Alkaline‐Salt Stress
Authors: Zhang Xia , Wei Liqin , Wang Zizhang , Wang Tai
Published: November 2012

Saline‐alkali soil seriously threatens agriculture productivity; therefore, understanding the mechanism of plant tolerance to alkaline‐salt stress has become a major challenge. Halophytic Puccinellia tenuiflora can tolerate salt and alkaline‐salt stress, and is thus an ideal plant for studying this tolerance mechanism. In this study, we examined the salt and alkaline‐salt stress tolerance of P. tenuiflora, and analyzed gene expression profiles under these stresses. Physiological experiments revealed that P. tenuiflora can grow normally with maximum stress under 600 mmol/L NaCl and 150 mmol/L Na2CO3 (pH 11.0) for 6 d. We identified 4,982 unigenes closely homologous to rice and barley. Furthermore, 1,105 genes showed differentially expressed profiles under salt and alkaline‐salt treatments. Differentially expressed genes were overrepresented in functions of photosynthesis, oxidation reduction, signal transduction, and transcription regulation. Almost all genes downregulated under salt and alkaline‐salt stress were related to cell structure, photosynthesis, and protein synthesis. Comparing with salt stress, alkaline‐salt stress triggered more differentially expressed genes and significantly upregulated genes related to H+ transport and citric acid synthesis. These data indicate common and diverse features of salt and alkaline‐salt stress tolerance, and give novel insights into the molecular and physiological mechanisms of plant salt and alkaline‐salt tolerance.
Dermabrasion may repigment vitiligo through stimulation of melanocyte precursors and elimination of hyperkeratosis
Authors: Awad Sherif Shoukry
Published: November 2012

Background

The observation of successful repigmentation of recalcitrant vitiligo patches in spite of rejection of epithelial grafts from the dermabraded skin presented a query about possible efficiency of dermabrasion itself in the repigmentation process.

Objectives

The aim of this work is to investigate the possible effectiveness of dermabrasion alone in managing stable vitiligo.

Methods

Ten patients with vitiligo were candidates in this study. Superficial dermabrasion was carried out using proper diamond fraises. Biopsy was obtained after 10 days of the procedure and examined pathologically. The patients were followed up for 3 months.

Results

Dermabrasion was able to repigment vitiliginous patches completely in six patients and partially in two patients, while two cases failed to repigment at all. Spindle melanocyte precursors were demonstrated in the epidermis 10 days after abrasion with regaining normal thickness of keratin layers.

Conclusion

Dermabrasion can repigment vitiligo through stimulation of melanocyte stem cells and elimination of hyperkeratosis.
The tolerability profile of clindamycin 1%/benzoyl peroxide 5% gel vs. adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel for facial acne: results of a randomized, single‐blind, split‐face study
Authors: Gonzalez Pablo , Vila Ricardo , Cirigliano Marcela
Published: November 2012

Background

Topical combination therapy, such as that with fixed‐dose clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide (BPO) or adapalene/BPO, is the recommended first‐line approach for the treatment of facial acne.

Aims

To compare the tolerability of clindamycin 1%/BPO 5% gel vs. adapalene 0.1% BPO 2.5% gel for the first 2 weeks of treatment in patients with facial acne.

Patients/Methods

Using a randomized, single‐blind, split‐face method, 48 patients with acne received both clindamycin/BPO and adapalene/BPO once daily for 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was investigator‐assessed tolerability. Treatment efficacy, patient‐assessed tolerability and satisfaction, and safety were also investigated.

Results

Forty‐five patients completed treatment. Investigator‐rated scores for erythema, dryness, and peeling were significantly higher with adapalene/BPO than clindamycin/BPO. Patients rated clindamycin/BPO as significantly more tolerable than adapalene/BPO for redness, dryness, burning, itching, and scaling. Investigator Static Global Assessment scores and lesion counts improved with both products, with no significant difference between treatments. Patients' Global Change Assessment showed a statistically significant difference in favor of clindamycin/BPO at week 1, but not week 2. Overall, >80% of patients were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with treatment at week 2, but 63% of patients stated that they preferred clindamycin/BPO. Both products were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events (AEs), but a post hoc analysis indicated that treatment‐related AEs, including irritation, dryness and erythema, were significantly less common with clindamycin/BPO.

Conclusions

Clindamycin/BPO had a better tolerability profile than adapalene/BPO during 2 weeks of split‐face treatment. Treatment satisfaction was highest with clindamycin/BPO.
Prevalence of β‐lactamase‐producing bacteria in human periodontitis
Authors: Rams T. E. , Degener J. E. , van Winkelhoff A. J.
Published: November 2012

Background and Objective

Beta‐lactam antibiotics prescribed in periodontal therapy are vulnerable to degradation by bacterial β‐lactamases. This study evaluated the occurrence of β‐lactamase‐positive subgingival bacteria in chronic periodontitis subjects of USA origin, and assessed their in vitro resistance to metronidazole at a breakpoint concentration of 4 μg/mL.

Material and Methods

Subgingival plaque specimens from deep periodontal pockets with bleeding on probing were removed from 564 adults with severe chronic periodontitis before treatment. The samples were transported in VMGA III and then plated onto: (i) nonselective enriched Brucella blood agar (EBBA) and incubated anaerobically for 7 d; and (ii) selective trypticase soy‐bacitracin‐vancomycin (TSBV) and incubated for 3 d in air + 5% CO2. At the end of the incubation periods, the bacterial test species were identified and quantified. Specimen dilutions were also plated onto EBBA plates supplemented with 2 μg/mL of amoxicillin, a combination of 2 μg/mL of amoxicillin plus 2 μg/mL of the β‐lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid, or 4 μg/mL of metronidazole, followed by anaerobic incubation for 7 d. Bacterial test species presumptively positive for β‐lactamase production were identified by growth on EBBA primary isolation plates supplemented with amoxicillin alone and no growth on EBBA primary isolation plates containing both amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid. A subset of such isolates was subjected to nitrocefin‐based chromogenic disk testing to confirm the presence of β‐lactamase activity. In vitro resistance to 4 μg/mL of metronidazole was noted when growth of test species occurred on metronidazole‐supplemented EBBA culture plates.

Results

Two‐hundred and ninety‐four (52.1%) of the study subjects yielded β‐lactamase‐producing subgingival bacterial test species, with Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens, Fusobacterium nucleatum and other Prevotella species most frequently identified as β‐lactamase‐producing organisms. Of the β‐lactamase‐producing bacterial test species strains recovered, 98.9% were susceptible in vitro to metronidazole at 4 μg/mL.

Conclusion

The occurrence of β‐lactamase‐positive subgingival bacterial species in more than half of the subjects with severe chronic periodontitis raises questions about the therapeutic potential of single‐drug regimens with β‐lactam antibiotics in periodontal therapy. The in vitro effectiveness of metronidazole against nearly all recovered β‐lactamase‐producing subgingival bacterial species further supports clinical periodontitis treatment strategies involving the combination of systemic amoxicillin plus metronidazole.
Fine‐scale environmental control of hybridization in oaks
Authors: Lagache Lélia , Klein Etienne K. , Guichoux Erwan , Petit Rémy J.
Published: November 2012

Natural hybridization is attracting much interest in modern speciation and conservation biology studies, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In particular, it is unclear why environmental changes often increase hybridization rates. To study this question, we surveyed mating events in a mixed oak stand and developed a spatially explicit individual‐based hybridization model. This model, where hybridization is frequency‐dependent, pollen is nonlimiting and which allows immigrant pollen to compete with local pollen, takes into account species‐specific pollen dispersal and sexual barriers to hybridization. The consequences of pollen limitation on hybridization were studied using another simple model. The results indicate that environmental changes could increase hybridization rates through two distinct mechanisms. First, by disrupting the spatial organization of communities, they should decrease the proportion of conspecific pollen available for mating, thus increasing hybridization rates. Second, by decreasing the density of conspecifics, they should increase pollen limitation and thus hybridization rates, as a consequence of chance pollination predominating over deterministic pollen competition. Altogether, our results point to a need for considering hybridization events at the appropriate level of organization and provide new insights into why hybridization rates generally increase in disturbed environments.
Sustainable Public Debt and Economic Growth under Wage Rigidity
Authors: Greiner Alfred
Published: November 2012

We analyse the effects of public debt on economic growth in a basic endogenous growth model with persistent unemployment due to wages rigidities. We show that there exists either a unique balanced growth path or there are two balanced growth paths depending on structural parameters and on the flexibility of the labour market. Further, public debt does not affect long‐run growth and employment but only stability of the economy. Stability is more likely when governments put a high weight on stabilizing the debt to GDP ratio.
A novel method for efficient in vitro germination and tube growth of Arabidopsis thaliana pollen
Authors: Rodriguez‐Enriquez M. J. , Mehdi S. , Dickinson H. G. , Grant‐Downton R. T.
Published: November 2012

In addition to its importance in studies of plant reproduction and fertility, pollen is as widely employed as a model system of cell growth and development. This work demands robust, reproducible methods to induce pollen germination and morphologically normal growth of pollen tubes in vitro. Despite numerous advantages of Arabidopsis thaliana as a model plant, such experiments on pollen germination and pollen tube growth have often proved challenging.

Our new method employs a physical cellulosic membrane, overlying an agarose substrate. By modulating the substrate composition, we provide important insights into the mechanisms promoting pollen growth both in vitro and in vivo.

This effective new technical approach to A. thaliana pollen germination and tube growth results in swift, consistent and unprecedented levels of germination to over 90%. It can also promote rapid growth of long, morphologically normal pollen tubes.

This technical development demonstrates that exogenous spermidine and a cellulosic substrate are key factors in stimulating germination. It has potential to greatly assist the study of reproduction in A. thaliana and its closest relatives, not only for the study of germination levels and pollen tube growth dynamics by microscopy, but also for biochemical and molecular analysis of germinating pollen.
An algorithm to derive the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by photosynthetic elements of the canopy (FAPARps) from eddy covariance flux tower data
Authors: Ogutu Booker O. , Dash Jadunandan
Published: November 2012

The fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR) is a key vegetation biophysical variable in most production efficiency models (PEMs). Operational FAPAR products derived from satellite data do not distinguish between the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) absorbed by nonphotosynthetic and photosynthetic components of vegetation canopy, which would result in errors in representation of the exact absorbed PAR utilized in photosynthesis.

The possibility of deriving only the fraction of PAR absorbed by photosynthetic elements of the canopy (i.e. FAPARps) was investigated.

The approach adopted involved inversion of net ecosystem exchange data from eddy covariance measurements to calculate FAPARps. The derived FAPARps was then related to three vegetation indices (i.e. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index (MTCI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI)) in an attempt to determine their potential as surrogates for FAPARps. Finally, the FAPARps was evaluated against two operational satellite data‐derived FAPAR products (i.e. MODIS and CYCLOPES products).

The maximum FAPARps from the inversion approach ranged between 0.6 and 0.8. The inversion approach also predicted site‐specific Q10‐modelled daytime respiration successfully (R2 > 0.8). The vegetation indices were positively correlated (R2 = 0.67–0.88) to the FAPARps. Finally, the two operational FAPAR products overestimated the FAPARps. This was attributed to the two products deriving FAPAR for the whole canopy rather than for only photosynthetic elements in the canopy.
Ratiometric monitoring of transient apoplastic alkalinizations in the leaf apoplast of living Vicia faba plants: chloride primes and PM–H+‐ATPase shapes NaCl‐induced systemic alkalinizations
Authors: Geilfus Christoph‐Martin , Mühling Karl‐Hermann
Published: November 2012

Transient apoplastic alkalinization has been discussed as a general stress factor, and is thought to represent a root‐to‐shoot signal that transmits information regarding an ongoing NaCl stress event from the site of the trigger to the distant plant tissue. Surprisingly, despite this importance, a number of gaps exist in our knowledge of NaCl‐induced apoplastic pH alkalinization.

This study was designed in order to shed light onto the mechanisms responsible for the initiation and transiency of leaf apoplastic alkalinization under conditions of NaCl stress as supplied to roots.

An H+‐sensitive fluorescence probe, in combination with ratiometric microscopy imaging, was used for in planta live recording of leaf apoplastic pH.

The use of a nonionic solute demonstrated that the alkalinization is induced in response to ionic, and not osmotic, components of NaCl stress. Tests with Cl−‐ or Na+‐accompanying counter‐ions strengthened the idea that the stress factor itself, namely Cl−, is transferred from root to shoot and elicits the pH alterations. Investigations with a plasma membrane ATPase inhibitor suggest that ATPase activity influences the course of the alkalinization by having a shaping re‐acidifying effect on the alkalinization.
The Relative Price of Non‐traded Goods under Imperfect Competition*
Authors: Coto‐Martinez Javier , Reboredo Juan C.
Published: November 2012

We consider the role of imperfect competition in explaining the relative price of non‐traded to traded goods within the Balassa–Samuelson framework. Under imperfect competition in these two sectors, relative prices depend on both productivity and mark‐up differentials. We test this hypothesis using a panel of sectors for 12 OECD countries. The empirical evidence suggests that relative price movements are well explained by productivity and mark‐up differentials.
C1‐INH concentrate for treatment of acute hereditary angioedema: a pediatric cohort from the I.M.P.A.C.T. studies
Authors: Schneider Lynda , Hurewitz David , Wasserman Richard , Obtulowicz Krystyna , Machnig Thomas , Moldovan Dumitru , Reshef Avner , Craig Timothy J.
Published: November 2012

Background

We analyzed the clinical response of pediatric and adolescent hereditary angioedema (HAE) patients to pdC1‐INH in the International Multicenter Prospective Angioedema C1‐INH Trials (I.M.P.A.C.T.) 1 and 2.

Methods

Patients included in this post hoc analysis of prospectively collected data were between 10 and 18 yr old with type I or II HAE and a documented history of abdominal or facial attacks. Patients received a single injection of pdC1‐INH concentrate (Berinert®, CSL Behring, Marburg, Germany) 20 U/kg. Efficacy end‐points were time from the administration of study drug to onset of symptom relief and time to complete relief of all symptoms.

Results

Seven pediatric patients were included in I.M.P.A.C.T.1 with only 1 attack analyzed per patient. Median time to onset of relief was 0.42 h and to complete resolution was 8.08 h. No patient experienced a worsening of symptoms during the 0–4‐h assessment period. Nine patients who experienced a total of 115 attacks were included in the analysis of I.M.P.A.C.T.2. Abdominal attacks were rated as ‘severe’ more frequently than were other types of attacks. The number of attacks per patient ranged from 2 to 42, and study participation ranged from 1 to 38 months. Median times to onset of symptom relief and to complete symptom resolution were 0.49 h and 14.1 h, respectively. Of 4 treatment‐emergent adverse events in both studies, only 2 were considered related to treatment.

Conclusions

Study results showed that outcomes with pdC1‐INH treatment of HAE in pediatric patients are comparable with outcomes in adults.
Impact of Physicians' Sex on Treatment Choices for Low Back Pain
Authors: Veldhuijzen Dieuwke S. , Karhof Steffi , Leenders Marianne E. C. , Karsch Anne Mieke , van Wijck Albert J. M.
Published: November 2012

Background

Little information is available regarding physicians' sex as a potential bias in making pain treatment decisions. This study investigated how sex of the medical care provider and patient characteristics influence choices that are made in the treatment of low back pain.

Methods

Data of 186 charts of patients with low back pain (46% males) who were seen by trained residents were analyzed in this retrospective observational study. The primary outcome was the first treatment choice that was made, which was categorized in three groups: pharmacological therapy; invasive procedures; or other options at the time of first consultation. Chi‐square statistics and multinominal logistic regression analysis were used to examine associations between physicians' and/or patients' sex and treatment choices.

Results

Physicians' sex was found to be a significant predictor of the first decision that was made in the treatment of low back pain. Female physicians tended to prescribe more pharmacological agents as their first treatment choice. No significant sex differences were found for invasive therapies or other treatment options as a first choice. These findings were found to be independent from previous received pain therapies before consultation by the specialized pain clinician. Further, patients' sex did not influence decisions on pain management nor did gender concordance or discordance in the patient–physician relationship.

Conclusions

Physicians' sex had a significant impact on pain management decisions in patients with low back pain. Female physicians prescribed more pharmacological agents as their first choice compared to male physicians.
Postnatal lineage mapping of follicular melanocytes with the Tyr::CreERT2 transgene
Authors: Harris Melissa L. , Pavan William J.
Published: November 2012

One of the main advantages of using inducible and conditional transgenes to study pigment cell biology is that they allow for genetic manipulation within melanocytes after roles in general neural crest or melanoblast development have been fulfilled. Specifically, we focus here on the ability of the Tyr::CreERT2 transgenic line to alter genes within follicular melanocytes postnatally. Using the Gt(ROSA)26Sortm1sor reporter allele, we present in detail the expression and activity of Tyr::CreERT2 when induced during hair morphogenesis and adult hair cycling. We find that despite similarities in expression pattern to endogenous TYR, Tyr::CreERT2 is effective at targeting both undifferentiated and differentiated melanocytes within the hair follicle. We also find that Tyr::CreERT2 provides the highest levels of recombination when induced during the early phases of hair growth. In conclusion, the descriptions provided here will guide future analyses of gene function within the melanocyte system of the hair follicle when using this Tyr::CreERT2 transgene.
Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Misconceptions Threaten the Validity of Self‐Reported Testing History
Authors: Royer Heather R. , Falk Elizabeth C. , Heidrich Susan M.
Published: November 2012

Objective

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing is fundamental to STD prevention and control. We sought to comprehensively examine young women's beliefs about the STD testing process.

Design and Sample

Descriptive, cross‐sectional, survey investigation. Women aged 18–24 (n = 302) drawn from four women's health clinics and one university classroom.

Measures

Participants completed the RoTEST, which measures five domains of women's STD testing beliefs and a demographic survey.

Results

Many women believed they would be screened for all STDs when they receive STD testing (40%) and that visual inspection by a provider was a valid method of STD screening for gonorrhea (35%), chlamydia (32%) and HSV (77%). More than a quarter believed that a Pap test screens for gonorrhea (23%) and chlamydia (26%). Twenty‐one percent reported that discussing STD testing with a provider is difficult and most reported feeling more comfortable seeking STD testing from an STD specialist rather than a family doctor (79%).

Conclusions

Young women have numerous misconceptions about the STD testing process that may interfere with the validity of their self‐reported STD testing history and subsequently undermine public health efforts to improve STD prevention and control. Innovative approaches to educating women about the testing process are needed.
Innate immune responses against Cryptosporidium parvum infection
Authors: McDonald V. , Korbel D.S. , Barakat F.M. , Choudhry N. , Petry F.
Published: November 2012

Cryptosporidium parvum infects intestinal epithelial cells and is commonly the parasite species involved in mammalian cryptosporidiosis, a major health problem for humans and neonatal livestock. In mice, immunologically mediated elimination of C. parvum requires CD4+ T cells and IFN‐γ. However, innate immune responses also have a significant protective role in both adult and neonatal mice. NK cells and IFN‐γ have been shown to be important components in immunity in T and B cell‐deficient mice, but IFN‐γ‐dependent resistance has also been demonstrated in alymphocytic mice. Epithelial cells may play a vital role in immunity as once infected these cells have increased expression of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines and demonstrate antimicrobial killing mechanisms, including production of NO and antimicrobial peptides. Toll‐like receptors facilitate the establishment of immunity in mice and are involved in the development of inflammatory responses of infected epithelial cells and also dendritic cells.
Influence of Maternal and Paternal Birthweight on Offspring Birthweight – a Population‐based Intergenerational Study
Authors: Mattsson Kristina , Rylander Lars
Published: November 2012

Background

The correlation between infant birthweight and parental birthweight has received substantial interest. However, fewer studies including the birthweight of the father have had access to large sets of population‐based data. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of maternal and paternal birthweight on the birthweight of the offspring in the context of other birthweight determinants, with a special focus on the contribution of paternal birthweight.

Methods

The data used were retrieved from the Swedish Population Register, Medical Birth Register and Multi‐Generation Register. Full‐term, singleton births were included and linked through personal ID numbers given to every resident at birth, forming 137 538 mother–father–child units with valid birthweights. The analyses were made through linear regression models.

Results

The positive association for both maternal and paternal birthweight remained after introducing other determinants in the model, yielding a difference in offspring birthweight by 164 g [95% confidence interval 159, 170] and 149 g [95% confidence interval 145, 154] for every 1000 g rise in birthweight of the mother and father respectively. Maternal birthweight explained 6% of the variance in birthweight, whereas paternal birthweight explained 3%. There was no difference when analyses were stratified according to gender.

Conclusion

These results suggest that maternal and paternal birthweight remain relevant for infant birthweight, even after consideration of other determinants of birthweight.
Geriatric Assessment for the Nephrologist
Authors: Wiggins Jocelyn , Bitzer Markus
Published: November 2012

Dialysis providers are increasingly being presented with progressively older and frailer patients, in all healthcare settings from the acute hospital to the community dialysis center. These patients commonly bring more than kidney failure with them, with a complex constellation of chronic illness, comorbidity, and functional and cognitive impairment. Navigating these challenges and coordinating the care of these highly complex patients significantly increase the work of the whole dialysis team. This article reviews the role of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in these patients and discusses how each of its elements interacts with routine dialysis care.
Reliability, factorial validity, and interrelationships of five commonly used change of direction speed tests
Authors: Stewart P. F. , Turner A. N. , Miller S. C.
Published: November 2012

Change of direction speed (CODS) is often considered a main determinant of successful performance in many team sports and is routinely measured using field‐based tests. However, controversy regarding test selection still exists based upon the reliability and specificity of the tests. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the reliability, factorial validity, and interrelationships of five frequently used CODS tests (Illinois, L‐Run, Pro‐Agility, T‐test, and 505). Forty‐four physical education students (male n = 24; female n = 20; age; 16.7 ± 0.6), who compete within team sports, to varying levels of competition, participated in this study. Three trials for each of the five tests were recorded. All tests had high (intraclass correlation coefficient) test–retest reliability (r = 0.88–0.95) and low typical percentage error (1.95–2.40%). The principle component factor analysis resulted in the extraction of one significant component which explained 89.52% of the total variance. All selected tests were positively and strongly correlated (r = 0.84–0.89). Based upon the results of this study, it was concluded that all tests are highly reliable and valid measures of CODS, with all tests assessing a general athletic ability to change direction. Future research should investigate the factorial validity of the CODS test within homogenous samples.