bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, phenology, and biomass allocation of alien Solidago species in central Europe
Authors: Szymura Magdalena , Szymura Tomasz H.
Published: July 2014

Plant invasion is a major threat to the integrity of an ecosystem. Exceptionally successful invaders in Europe are the American species of Solidago genus. In this study we examined growth, reproduction, and phenology of Solidago species, of American origin, growing in central Europe (S. altissima, S. canadensis, S. gigantea, S. graminifolia). These taxa were compared with two native species: Solidago virgaurea and Tanacetum vulgare. We observed high differentiation in height, number of shoots, and biomass production between individuals within taxa. Generally, the invasive species produced substantially (two to five times) more biomass than the native ones, being statistically significant in the comparison of alien Solidago graminifolia and S. gigantea versus native S. virgaurea and T. vulgare. The ratio of biomass of reproductive parts to overall biomass varied considerably among years, but generally the lowest one was for Solidago altissima, and the highest for S. graminifolia. It shows a lack of a clear pattern of differentiation between alien and native species in terms of biomass investment in reproduction. We observed a general tendency of allocation of a major part of biomass in rhizomes by phalanx species (S. graminifolia and S. gigantea), while species with guerrilla strategy (S. altissima and S. canadensis) invested more biomass in stems and leaves. However, because of the high variability there was no clear, stable pattern of statistically significant differences between these two groups. The results suggest that S. graminifolia reveals a strong potential of invasion, in spite of its, so far limited, distribution in Europe.
Impact of third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal tears at first birth on subsequent pregnancy outcomes: a cohort study
Authors: Edozien LC , Gurol‐Urganci I , Cromwell DA , Adams EJ , Richmond DH , Mahmood TA , van der Meulen JH
Published: July 2014

Objective

To investigate, among women who have had a third‐ or fourth‐degree perineal tear, the mode of delivery in subsequent pregnancies as well as the recurrence rate of third‐ or fourth‐degree tears.

Design

A retrospective cohort study of deliveries using a national administrative database.

Setting

The English National Health Service between 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2012.

Population

A total of 639 402 primiparous women who had a singleton, term, vaginal live birth between April 2004 and March 2011, and a second birth before April 2012.

Methods

Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios, adjusted for other risk factors.

Main outcome measures

Mode of delivery and recurrence of tears at second birth.

Results

The rate of elective caesarean at second birth was 24.2% for women with a third‐ or fourth‐degree tear at first birth, and 1.5% for women without (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 18.3, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 16.4–20.4). Among women who had a vaginal delivery at second birth, the rate of third‐ or fourth‐degree tears was 7.2% for women with a third‐ or fourth‐degree tear at first birth, compared with 1.3% for women without (aOR 5.5, 95% CI 5.2–5.9).

Conclusions

The risk of a severe perineal tear is increased five‐fold in women who had a third‐ or fourth‐degree tear in their first delivery. This increased risk should be taken into account when decisions about mode of delivery are made.
The Effect of Medicaid Primary Care Provider Reimbursement on Access to Early Childhood Caries Preventive Services
Authors: Herndon Jill Boylston , Tomar Scott L. , Catalanotto Frank A. , Vogel W. Bruce , Shenkman Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To examine receipt of early childhood caries preventive services (ECCPS) in two states' Medicaid programs before and after the implementation of reimbursement to medical primary care providers (M‐PCPs).

Data Sources

Enrollment and claims data from the Florida and Texas Medicaid programs for children ≤54 months of age during the period 2006–2010.

Study Design

We conducted time trend‐adjusted, difference‐in‐differences analyses by using modified Poisson regressions combined with generalized estimating equations (GEEs) to analyze the effect of M‐PCP reimbursement on the likelihood that an enrollee had an ECCPS visit after controlling for age, sex, health status, race/ethnicity, geographic location, and enrollment duration.

Data Extraction Methods

Enrollment data were linked to claims data to create a panel dataset with child‐month observations.

Principal Findings

Reimbursement to M‐PCPs was associated with an increased likelihood of ECCPS receipt in general and topical fluoride application specifically in both states.

Conclusions

Reimbursement to M‐PCPs can increase access to ECCPS. However, ECCPS receipt continues to fall short of recommended care, presenting opportunities for performance improvement.
qPCR‐based molecular sexing by copy number variation in rRNA genes and its utility for sex identification in soft‐shell turtles
Authors: Literman Robert , Badenhorst Daleen , Valenzuela Nicole
Published: July 2014

Sex diagnosis is important in ecology, evolution, conservation biology, medicine, and food production. However, sex diagnosis is difficult in species without conspicuous sexual dimorphism or at life stages before such differences develop. This problem is exacerbated when the diagnostic trait is a continuous (non‐discrete) variable to which general analytical methods are not commonly applied.

Here we demonstrate the use of copy‐number variation between males and females of the nucleolar organizing region (NOR) in the genome of Apalone spinifera softshell turtles, which we quantify by real‐time PCR. We analyze these continuous data using mixture models that can be applied either in discriminant analysis when a subset of individuals of known sex is used as a training set, or in clustering procedures when all individuals are of unknown sex.

Using individuals of known sex, the discriminant analysis exhibited 100% accurate classification rate for both the training set and the test set. Classification rates were also 100% when using the clustering procedure to identify groups and classify individuals in the absence of sex information. Standard curves using only male DNA provided better discrimination than using mixed‐sex DNA during qPCR. NOR copy number is an effective sex diagnostic for A. spinifera turtles. Our sexing approach using qPCR of 18S genes should prove useful for other taxa that also possess dimorphic NORs, as is known in some vertebrates and insects. While the 18S copy numbers in our dataset exhibited a non‐overlapping binomial distribution, this may not always be the case in future studies of A. spinifera or for other taxa.

Importantly however, our sex‐typing approach using mixture models provides an attractive alternative under overlapping distributions of these and of other continuous data such as hormone levels, gene expression levels, shape or behavior. We present an example using overlapping distributions of hormone levels in Chelydra serpentina turtles, to demonstrate the broader utility of mixture models for sex‐typing, and obtain a high correct classification of 90%.
China's Economic Influence in Latin America
Authors: Kotschwar Barbara
Published: July 2014

After decades of low‐level commercial interaction, China and Latin America significantly ramped up their economic relationship in the 2000s. China has jumped to first place as an export destination for many countries, and it is a major source of imports for all countries in the Latin America/Caribbean region. While not a major source of foreign direct investment overall, China has built a strong investment presence in certain countries, particularly in the natural resource and infrastructure sectors. China's influence in Latin America has presented a great opportunity for many countries, but it has also brought new risks. Three main challenges face the region: how to mitigate the impacts of increased commodity concentration as a result of China's strong demand for natural resources; how to avoid other natural resource curse effects; and how to manage the tapering of this growth. Latin American countries' relationships with China vary widely, so there is no single, coordinated regional response.
Overseas Impacts of China's Outward Direct Investment
Authors: Wang Bijun , Mao Rui , Gou Qin
Published: July 2014

China's outward direct investment (ODI) has grown rapidly since 2004. But along with such phenomenal growth is a mixed feeling toward Chinese investments in host countries. This article explores some overseas impacts of Chinese ODI based on an analysis of China's policy environment and investment patterns. We argue that what Chinese investors bring to host economies includes (i) massive job creation, but limited technology transfers to the local economy; (ii) ample capital as well as entry into the Chinese market; and (iii) damage from corporate social misbehavior. However, we suspect that these overseas impacts may be transitory as three dynamics, increased conflicts, accelerated learning and China's domestic structural changes, are simultaneously set in motion.
China in Global Economic Governance
Authors: Wang Hongying , French Erik
Published: July 2014

China has made contradictory claims about its attitude toward the existing international order. Is China a “responsible stakeholder” in the existing international regimes? Or has China been a new type of great power seeking to reform the existing world order, making it more friendly toward the global South? In this article, we look beyond Chinese rhetoric and examine China's behavior in global economic governance. A comparison with other emerging powers and traditional major powers shows that China has been actively involved in global economic governance. But, thus far, China has not exercised substantive leadership nor has it pushed hard for change to benefit the developing countries. The level of its support of the current regimes varies across issue areas and is primarily driven by its changing economic interest.
Prognostic factors in 151 patients with surgically resected non‐functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Song Ki Byung , Kim Song Cheol , Kim Ji Hoon , Hong Seung‐Mo , Park Kwang‐Min , Hwang Dae Wook , Lee Jae Hoon , Lee Young‐Joo
Published: July 2014

Background

Recently, non‐functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF‐PNETs) are increasing. It is important to know about the prognostic factors and long‐term survival rates in patients with NF‐PNET for the management of these diseases.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the records of 151 patients with NF‐PNET who had pancreatic resection between January 1995 and December 2010.

Result

The 10‐year overall survival, disease‐specific survival and disease‐free survival rate of the patients who underwent surgery for NF‐PNET were 72.6%, 85.1% and 57.2% respectively. The three staging systems (2004 World Health Organization classification, 2006 European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society stages and 2010 grading system) showed comparable prognostic relevance in disease‐specific survival of patients with resected NF‐PNETs. Lymph nodes metastasis, high Ki‐67 index and mitotic rate were the independent poor prognostic factors for disease‐specific survival in the patients with surgically resected NF‐PNET on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

We suggested that the three staging systems accurately reflect the prognosis in disease‐specific survival of patients with resected NF‐PNETs. Presence of lymph nodes metastases and high Ki‐67 index and mitotic rate were the independent poor prognostic factors after resection of NF‐PNET.
Tramadol can selectively manage moderate pain in children following European advice limiting codeine use
Authors: Marzuillo Pierluigi , Calligaris Lorenzo , Barbi Egidio
Published: July 2014

The European Medicine Agency recommendations limiting codeine use in children have created a void in managing moderate pain. We review the evidence on the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety profile of tramadol, a possible substitute for codeine.

Conclusion

Tramadol appears to be safe in both paediatric inpatients and outpatients. It may be appropriate to limit the current use of tramadol to monitored settings in children with risk factors for respiratory depression, subject to further safety evidence.
The Relationship between Perceived Health and Physical Activity Indoors, Outdoors in Built Environments, and Outdoors in Nature
Authors: Pasanen Tytti P. , Tyrväinen Liisa , Korpela Kalevi M.
Published: July 2014

Background: A body of evidence shows that both physical activity and exposure to nature are connected to improved general and mental health. Experimental studies have consistently found short term positive effects of physical activity in nature compared with built environments. This study explores whether these benefits are also evident in everyday life, perceived over repeated contact with nature. The topic is important from the perspectives of city planning, individual well‐being, and public health. Methods: National survey data (n = 2,070) from Finland was analysed using structural regression analyses. Perceived general health, emotional well‐being, and sleep quality were regressed on the weekly frequency of physical activity indoors, outdoors in built environments, and in nature. Socioeconomic factors and other plausible confounders were controlled for. Results: Emotional well‐being showed the most consistent positive connection to physical activity in nature, whereas general health was positively associated with physical activity in both built and natural outdoor settings. Better sleep quality was weakly connected to frequent physical activity in nature, but the connection was outweighed by other factors. Conclusion: The results indicate that nature provides an added value to the known benefits of physical activity. Repeated exercise in nature is, in particular, connected to better emotional well‐being.
Escaping the pushpin paradigm in geographic information science: (re)presenting national crime data
Authors: Singleton Alex , Brunsdon Chris
Published: July 2014

In 2011 the Home Office released the police.uk website, which provided a high‐resolution map of recent crime data for the national extents of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Through this free service, crimes were represented as points plotted on top of a Google map, visible down to a street level of resolution. However, in order to maintain confidentiality and to comply with data disclosure legislation, individual‐level crimes were aggregated into points that represented clusters of events that were located over a series of streets. However, with aggregation the representation of crimes as points becomes problematic, engendering spurious precision over where crimes occurred. Given obvious public sensitivity to such information, there are social imperatives for appropriate representation of crime data, and as such, in this paper we present a method of translating the ‘point’ crime events into a new representational form that is tied to street network geography; presenting these results in an alternate national crime mapping portal http://www.policestreets.co.uk.
Epstein–Barr virus infection induces an increase of T regulatory type 1 cells in Hodgkin lymphoma patients
Authors: Morales Olivier , Mrizak Dhafer , François Violaine , Mustapha Rami , Miroux Céline , Depil Stéphane , Decouvelaere Anne‐Valérie , Lionne‐Huyghe Pauline , Auriault Claude , de Launoit Yvan , Pancré Véronique , Delhem Nadira
Published: July 2014

Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) is present in the neoplastic cells of around 20–30% of patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL). Although, an immunosuppressive environment is currently described in HL patients, little is known concerning the regulatory mechanism induced by EBV proteins expression in tumour cells. This study aimed to investigate an association between regulatory Type 1 cells (Tr1) and EBV tissue positivity in HL patients. Transcriptomic analysis of both EBV‐positive and EBV‐negative tumours showed that EBV infection increased gene expression of Tr1‐related markers (ITGA2, ITGB2, LAG3) and associated‐immunosuppressive cytokines (IL10). This up‐regulation was associated with an over‐expression of several chemokine markers known to attract T‐helper type 2 (Th2) and regulatory T cells thus contributing to immune suppression. This Tr1 cells recruitment in EBV‐positive HL was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis of frozen nodes biopsies and by flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of EBV‐positive patients. Additionally, we showed that IL10 production was significantly enhanced in tumours and blood of EBV‐positive HL patients. Our results propose a new model in which EBV can recruit Tr1 cells to the nodes' microenvironment, suggesting that the expression of EBV proteins in tumour cells could enable the escape of EBV‐infected tumour cells from the virus‐specific CTL response.
Phase II study of bortezomib in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide and prednisone with or without doxorubicin followed by rituximab maintenance in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma
Authors: Craig Michael , Hanna Wahid T. , Cabanillas Fernando , Chen Chien‐Shing , Esseltine Dixie‐Lee , Neuwirth Rachel , O'Connor Owen A.
Published: July 2014

This non‐comparative phase II study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00715208) evaluated bortezomib in place of vincristine in established rituximab‐chemotherapy regimens in relapsed/refractory follicular (FL) or marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). Patients were allocated (physician/patient preference) to receive six 21‐d cycles of: bortezomib 1·6 mg/m2 (days 1, 8), rituximab 375 mg/m2 (day 1), cyclophosphamide 1000 mg/m2 (day 1) and prednisone 100 mg (days 1–5; VR‐CP; 47 FL, 1 MZL patients); or bortezomib, rituximab, prednisone per VR‐CP, cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 and doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 (day 1; VR‐CAP; 4 FL, 2 MZL, 1 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients). With VR‐CP, the response rate was 77%, with a 27% complete response rate. After a median follow‐up of 10·9 months, 40% of patients had relapsed/progressed or died. Median duration of response and progression‐free survival was 21·9 and 14·9 months, respectively. Common drug‐related grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (25%), thrombocytopenia (6%) and lymphopenia (6%). Thirteen (27%) patients reported peripheral neuropathy (one grade 3). With VR‐CAP, one FL patient achieved complete response and three FL and two MZL patients achieved partial responses. Three patients reported drug‐related grade 1/2 peripheral neuropathy. Weekly bortezomib and rituximab represents an active, feasible treatment platform in FL. VR‐CP was active and well tolerated in patients with relapsed/refractory FL.
Amyloid‐Aβ Peptide in Olfactory Mucosa and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Authors: Ayala‐Grosso Carlos A. , Pieruzzini Rosalinda , Diaz‐Solano Dylana , Wittig Olga , Abrante Ligia , Vargas Leslie , Cardier Jose
Published: July 2014

Patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) might develop olfactory dysfunction that correlates with progression of disease. Alteration of olfactory neuroepithelium associated with MCI may be useful as predictor of cognitive decline. Biomarkers with higher sensitivity and specificity would allow to understand the biological progression of the pathology in association with the clinical course of the disease. In this study, magnetic resonance images, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) load, Olfactory Connecticut test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) indices were obtained from noncognitive impaired (NCI), MCI and AD patients. We established a culture of patient‐derived olfactory stromal cells from biopsies of olfactory mucosa (OM) to test whether biological properties of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are concurrent with MCI and AD psychophysical pathology. We determined the expression of amyloid Aβ peptides in the neuroepithelium of tissue sections from MCI and AD, as well as in cultured cells of OM. Reduced migration and proliferation of stromal (CD90+) cells in MCI and AD with respect to NCI patients was determined. A higher proportion of anosmic MCI and AD cases were concurrent with the ApoE ε4 allele. In summary, dysmetabolism of amyloid was concurrent with migration and proliferation impairment of patient‐derived stem cells.
Sisyphean evolution in Darwin's finches
Authors: McKay Bailey D. , Zink Robert M.
Published: July 2014

The trajectory of speciation involves geographic isolation of ancestral populations followed by divergence by natural selection, genetic drift or sexual selection. Once started, the process may experience fits and starts, as sometimes diverging populations intermittently reconnect. In theory populations might cycle between stages of differentiation and never attain species status, a process we refer to as Sisyphean evolution. We argue that the six putative ground finch species (genus Geospiza) of the Galápagos Islands represent a dramatic example of Sisyphean evolution that has been confused with the standard model of speciation. The dynamic environment of the Galápagos, closely spaced islands, and frequent dispersal and introgression have prevented the completion of the speciation process. We suggest that morphological clusters represent locally adapted ecomorphs, which might mimic, and have been confused with, species, but these ecomorphs do not form separate gene pools and are ephemeral in space and time. Thus the pattern of morphological, behavioural and genetic variation supports recognition of a single species of Geospiza, which we suggest should be recognized as Darwin's ground finch (Geospiza magnirostris). We argue that instead of providing an icon of insular speciation and adaptive radiation, which is featured in nearly every textbook on evolutionary biology, Darwin's ground finch represents a potentially more interesting phenomenon, one of transient morphs trapped in an unpredictable cycle of Sisyphean evolution. Instead of revealing details of the origin of species, the mechanisms underlying the transient occurrence of ecomorphs provide one of the best illustrations of the antagonistic effects of natural selection and introgression.
TET2 as an epigenetic master regulator for normal and malignant hematopoiesis
Authors: Nakajima Hideaki , Kunimoto Hiroyoshi
Published: July 2014

DNA methylation is one of the critical epigenetic modifications regulating various cellular processes such as differentiation or proliferation, and its dysregulation leads to disordered stem cell function or cellular transformation. The ten‐eleven translocation (TET) gene family, initially found as a chromosomal translocation partner in leukemia, turned out to be a key enzyme for DNA demethylation. TET genes hydroxylate 5‐methylcytosine to 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine, which is then converted to unmodified cytosine through multiple mechanisms. Somatic mutations of the TET2 gene were reported in a variety of human hematological malignancies such as leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and malignant lymphoma, suggesting a critical role for TET2 in hematopoiesis. The importance of the TET‐mediated cytosine demethylation pathway is also underscored by a recurrent mutation of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) and IDH2 in hematological malignancies, whose mutation inhibits TET function through a novel oncometabolite, 2‐hydroxyglutarate. Studies using mouse models revealed that TET2 is critical for the function of hematopoietic stem cells, and disruption of TET2 results in the expansion of multipotent as well as myeloid progenitors, leading to the accumulation of premalignant clones. In addition to cytosine demethylation, TET proteins are involved in chromatin modifications and other cellular processes through the interaction with O‐linked β‐N‐acetylglucosamine transferase. In summary, TET2 is a critical regulator for hematopoietic stem cell homeostasis whose functional impairment leads to hematological malignancies. Future studies will uncover the whole picture of epigenetic and signaling networks wired with TET2, which will help to develop ways to intervene in cellular pathways dysregulated by TET2 mutations.
Adverse skeletal effects of drugs – beyond Glucocorticoids
Authors: O'Sullivan Susannah , Grey Andrew
Published: July 2014

Osteoporotic fractures are an important public health problem with significant individual and societal costs. In addition to the major risk factors for osteoporotic fracture, low bone mineral density (BMD), age, low body weight and history of fracture or falls, some drugs are now considered to be important secondary risk factor for bone loss and fracture, particularly amongst predisposed individuals. Currently available data are often generated from small observational clinical studies, making risk assessment and development of management guidelines difficult. In many cases, the exposed population has a low baseline risk for fracture and additional assessment and treatment may not be necessary. In this review, we focus on drugs other than glucocorticoids identified as potentially causing adverse skeletal effects, summarizing the existing evidence from preclinical and clinical studies, and suggest recommendations for patient management.
Progressive microcephaly is caused by compound‐heterozygous mutations in QARS
Authors: Waltl S.
Published: July 2014

Mutations in QARS, encoding glutaminyl‐tRNA synthetase, cause progressive microcephaly, cerebral–cerebellar atrophy, and intractable seizures

Zhang et al. (2014)

The American Journal of Human Genetics;94(4):547–558.
Strontium hydroxyapatite in situ gel‐forming system – a new approach for minimally invasive bone augmentation
Authors: Hao J. , Chou J. , Kuroda S. , Otsuka M. , Kasugai S. , Lang N. P.
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To achieve ideal functional and aesthetic requirements, ridge augmentation is often required before dental implant placement. Bone augmentation (especially vertical), which normally consists of complex and invasive surgeries, still remains challenge. This study seeks to investigate the feasibility of an injectable in situ gel‐forming system containing strontium hydroxyapatite (SrHA) and alginate for minimally invasive bone augmentation in a rat calvarial model.

Material and methods

SrHA–alginate solution was prepared by mixing SrHA powder with alginate solution (20 mg/mL) to the final concentration of 0.5% (w/v). Each animal received a 200‐μL single subperiosteal injection of either SrHA–alginate solution or alginate solution. The new bone formation was assessed at 0, 4, and 8 weeks histologically and radiologically.

Results

The SrHA–alginate solution materials could form solid gel once injected. As such, no sutures were required to close the injection site. Significantly greater amount of new bone formation was observed in the SrHA–alginate group compared with the alginate group both by micro‐CT and by histological section. The newly formed bone in the SrHA–alginate group originated both from the underlying original bone and from the elevated periosteum. A 2.3‐fold increase of the vertical bone height was observed in the SrHA–alginate group compared with 1.3‐fold increase in the alginate group.

Conclusions

Rat calvarial bone augmentation was achieved by a single subperiosteal injection of SrHA–alginate solution without any administration of stem cells or growth factors. The in situ gel‐forming material may hold potential therapeutic benefits for local bone augmentation in a minimally invasive manner.
A Postmortem Study to Compare Agonist and Antagonist 5‐HT1A Receptor‐binding Sites in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Becker Guillaume , Streichenberger Nathalie , Billard Thierry , Newman‐Tancredi Adrian , Zimmer Luc
Published: July 2014

Aims

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using 5‐HT1A receptor radioligands shows a decreased expression of this serotonin receptor in the hippocampus of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) at advanced stages. However, previous 5‐HT1A receptor radioligands used in human imaging were antagonists, thought to bind to 5‐HT1A receptors in different functional states (i.e., both the one which displays high affinity for agonists and is thought to mediate receptor activation, as well as the functional state which has low affinity for agonists). Comparing the PET imaging obtained using an agonist radioligand, which binds selectively to the functional state of the receptors, with the PET imaging obtained using an antagonist radioligand would therefore provide original information on 5‐HT1A receptor impairment during AD.

Methods

Quantitative autoradiography using 18F‐F15599 and 18F‐MPPF, a 5‐HT1A agonist and antagonist, respectively, was measured in hippocampi of 18 patients with AD.

Results

Functional 5‐HT1A receptors, labeled by 18F‐F15599, represented ~35% of total receptors, as estimated by 18F‐MPPF labeling. 18F‐F15599 binding decreased in dentate gyrus of patients with AD, as indicated by Braak's stages. In contrast, binding of 18F‐MPPF was statistically unchanged.

Conclusion

These in vitro results support testing the concept of functional PET imaging using agonist radioligands in clinical studies.
Leaf traits influencing oviposition preference and larval performance of Cameraria ohridella on native and novel host plants
Authors: D'Costa Lilla , Simmonds Monique S.J. , Straw Nigel , Castagneyrol Bastien , Koricheva Julia
Published: July 2014

Leaf traits are known to influence the preference and performance of phytophagous insects. Traits that influence oviposition can differ from traits that favour larval development, but in native hosts the association between traits usually leads to positive preference‐performance relationships. However, when herbivores interact with novel hosts, traits that influence oviposition and successful larval development can become decoupled, leading to poor preference‐performance relationships. We investigated traits associated with preference and performance of the horse‐chestnut leaf miner, Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimic (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), on its native host, Aesculus hippocastanum L. (Sapindaceae), and on other species of Aesculus that are novel hosts for the leaf miner. Cameraria ohridella laid eggs on all species of Aesculus, but showed preferences for A. hippocastanum and the phylogenetically closely related Japanese horse‐chestnut, Aesculus turbinata Blume. Successful mine development, however, was observed only on A. hippocastanum and A. turbinata, which indicates a partial mismatch between female oviposition and larval performance. The two susceptible Aesculus species were very similar in their leaf traits, which might explain why larvae performed equally well on these species. In contrast, species resistant to C. ohridella [Aesculus chinensis Bunge, Aesculus indica (Camb) Hook, and Aesculus flava Aiton] showed considerable variation in leaf traits, which suggests that different species of Aesculus might have different mechanisms of resistance to C. ohridella, supporting the idea of different defensive syndromes in different species of plants.
Impact of plant architecture and extraguild prey density on intraguild predation in an agroecosystem
Authors: Gagnon Annie‐Ève , Brodeur Jacques
Published: July 2014

Several models and experimental studies conducted in confined environments have shown that intraguild predation (IGP) can modulate population abundances and structure communities. A number of ecological and abiotic factors determine the nature and frequency of IGP. This study examined the effect of plant architecture and extraguild prey density, and their interactions, on the occurrence of IGP between two species of ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) and Propylea quatuordecimpunctata L. (both Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Theoretical concepts predict that IGP levels would increase with a decrease of both extraguild prey density and plant structural complexity. We conducted a factorial experiment in an open soybean field into which coccinellid larvae were introduced in experimental plots for a period of 5 days. We tested two levels of soybean aphid [Aphis glycines Matsumara (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] density, low and high (100 and 1 000 aphids per plot, respectively), and two levels of plant complexity, low (by removing half of the branches from the soybean plants) and high (by leaving plants intact). We used species‐specific molecular markers to detect the presence of P. quatuordecimpunctata in the digestive tract of H. axyridis. Molecular gut‐content analysis of H. axyridis revealed that rates of IGP were higher (20%) at low aphid density than at high aphid density (<6%). Decreased plant complexity did not impact the frequency of IGP. In accordance with existing literature, this study demonstrates that IGP is amplified at low extraguild prey density. We conclude that considering environmental factors, such as extraguild prey density, is crucial to improve our ability to predict the impact of intraguild predation on community structure and, from an applied perspective, biological control.
Delays in time to surgery for minorities with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Thompson Atalie C. , Ivey Susan L. , Lahiff Maureen , Betjemann John P.
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To determine whether adult minority patients with medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) experience significantly longer times to anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) following presurgical evaluation.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 223 adult patients with epilepsy (PWE) and unilateral mesial temporal sclerosis who completed presurgical evaluation in the epilepsy monitoring unit at University of California, San Francisco, between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 2010, with follow‐up through December 31, 2012. Log‐rank test was performed for Kaplan‐Meier survival curves of time to ATL stratified by race/ethnicity and by limited English proficiency (LEP). Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards and Weibull modeling.

Results

African Americans (AAs) and Asian/Pacific Islanders (Asian/PIs) experienced significantly longer times to surgery than whites in Kaplan‐Meier plots (log‐rank test p = 0.02 and p = 0.005, respectively). AAs and Asian/PIs also had longer times to surgery after adjusting for frailty, LEP, sex, age, mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) laterality, and nonconcordant ictal electroencephalography (EEG) (adjusted HR = 0.22, p = 0.006; adjusted HR = 0.25, p = 0.003, respectively). Patients with LEP experienced significantly longer times to surgery than patients proficient in English (log‐rank test p = 0.0085; adjusted HR = 0.48, p = 0.041). In Cox modeling, nonconcordant ictal EEG studies (adjusted HR = 0.47, p = 0.01), left‐sided MTS (adjusted HR = 0.69, p = 0.023), and female sex (adjusted HR = 0.72, p = 0.048) were risk factors for longer times to surgery.

Significance

AA and Asian/PI patients as well as those with LEP have significantly longer times to ATL following presurgical evaluation. Future studies should be aimed at identifying the source of these disparities and developing targeted interventions to address them.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Why U.S. epilepsy hospital stays rose in 2006
Authors: Cárdenas Víctor M. , Román Gustavo C. , Pérez Adriana , Hauser W. Allen
Published: July 2014

Objective

We observed a substantial increase in age‐adjusted hospitalization rates in the United States National Hospital Discharge Survey data from 1996 to 2010. We aimed to assess reasons for this increase.

Methods

The National Hospital Discharge Survey collected data on a national sample of short‐term hospital stays in nonfederal hospitals. We determined epilepsy‐related discharge diagnoses by age, gender, and region using weighted analysis, and estimated age‐adjusted rates and annual percent changes using regression analysis. We also looked at epilepsy as the principal discharge diagnosis in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project.

Results

In the United States, on average, nearly 110,000 more admissions were reported each year with epilepsy as the principal discharge diagnosis in 2006–2010 than in 1996–2005, a 2.7‐fold increase in hospitalization rates from epilepsy. During this period, there were more hospitalizations with principal discharge diagnosis of epilepsy not otherwise specified, and among older patients. The number of discharges with seizure not otherwise specified dropped dramatically after 2006, and was more evident among pediatric patients. The age‐adjusted rates of hospital stays combining discharges with any mention of epilepsy (345.XX) or seizures unspecified (780.39) in seven discharge diagnoses, were similar in 1996–2005 and 2006–2010.

Significance

We postulate that the excess in hospitalizations with epilepsy as first discharge diagnosis in 2006–2010 in the United States was related to the changes in coding in 2006. Any use of U.S. hospital discharge data with epilepsy‐related diagnosis after that date will require further validation.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Traumatic brain injury manifested as optic neuropathy in the horse: A commentary and clinical case
Authors: Brooks D. E. , Plummer C. E. , Craft S. L. M. , Struthers J. D.
Published: July 2014

Blindness from head trauma is a serious debilitating disease in the horse. It appears that blunt trauma to the skull results in intracranial injury to the optic nerve at the optic chiasm from mechanical and vascular mechanisms. Systemically administered iron and calcium chelation therapy may enable some horses to recover vision.
Chemoprevention of photocarcinogenesis by lycopene
Authors: Ascenso Andreia , Ribeiro Helena , Marques Helena C. , Oliveira Helena , Santos Conceição , Simões Sandra
Published: July 2014

This review focuses on the photoprotection conferred by lycopene, one of the most potent anti‐oxidants. Lycopene has been recently proposed to play a critical role on anticarcinogenic action at different levels. The photoprotective properties of lycopene remain contradictory. Some studies point out a positive and others a negative effect in both in vitro and in vivo models. Currently, researchers recognise that crucial gaps exist in understanding the role of carotenoids as effective modulators of apoptosis, cell cycle dynamics and/or of their in vivo behaviour as cellular anti‐oxidants. The development of novel therapeutic strategies for skin disorders depends on our understanding of the molecular mechanism of UV damage on skin cells. The use of several effective phytocompounds, including lycopene, working through preventive and/or corrective pathways in the cell, may be an approach for reducing UV‐B‐generated damage.
The Advance of Poststructuralism and Its Influence on Family Therapy
Authors: Dickerson Victoria C.
Published: July 2014

Postmodernism began to influence family therapy very early in the 1980s with articles referencing postmodern ideas, focusing on meaning and multiplicity. With the appearance of narrative therapy on the scene in the 1990s there was a shift toward poststructural thinking, which refined the movement and politicized the clinical work. Even with a bit of a backlash, whether because this was a new idea or it somehow threatened a positivistic culture, a poststructural view has continued to have effects on family therapy. This article explores the variety of influences: the expansion of narrative ideas, the innovation of Madsen's collaborative helping, and also more nuanced effects. I argue that a poststructural view has effectively changed how many family therapists think and may also be subtly influencing how they might work.
Functional analysis of the fractalkine gene promoter in human aortic smooth muscle cells exposed to proinflammatory conditions
Authors: Gan Ana‐Maria , Butoi Elena , Manea Adrian , Pirvulescu Monica Madalina , Stan Daniela , Simion Viorel , Calin Manuela , Simionescu Maya , Manduteanu Ileana
Published: July 2014

Fractalkine (Fk) and its receptor CX3C receptor 1 contribute effectively to the atherosclerotic process, mediating the recruitment of leukocytes and promoting the interactions between monocytes/macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). As Fk expression is significantly increased in SMCs during atherogenesis, we aimed to uncover the detailed molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of the Fk gene. For this purpose, we cloned and characterized the human Fk promoter, and studied the specific roles of different transcription factors in its regulation in human aortic SMCs activated by interferon‐γ. In silico analysis of the Fk promoter indicated the presence of binding sites for various inflammatory modulators, such as nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1/STAT3, and activator protein‐1. Using a luciferase reporter plasmid, we identified a 2046‐bp region spanning the transcriptional start point of the Fk gene, which has strong constitutive promoter activity in SMCs. The effects of interferon‐γ on both Fk reporter activity and endogenous transcription were abolished by silencing NF‐κB, STAT1, and STAT3. Transient overexpression of p65/NF‐κB and STAT1/STAT3 increased Fk promoter activity, whereas c‐Jun/activator protein‐1 overexpression had no effect. The results obtained with chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed the existence of physical interactions of p65 and STAT1/STAT3 with the predicted elements of the Fk promoter. Moreover, Fk‐promoted monocyte chemotaxis was dependent on the janus kinase–STAT pathway. Investigation of the detailed molecular mechanisms by cloning and characterizing potential transcriptional response elements has identified the Fk regulatory mechanism in activated human SMCs.
Effects of high‐severity fire drove the population collapse of the subalpine Tasmanian endemic conifer Athrotaxis cupressoides
Authors: Holz Andrés , Wood Sam W. , Veblen Thomas T. , Bowman David M.J.S.
Published: July 2014

Athrotaxis cupressoides is a slow‐growing and long‐lived conifer that occurs in the subalpine temperate forests of Tasmania, a continental island to the south of Australia. In 1960–1961, human‐ignited wildfires occurred during an extremely dry summer that killed many A. cupressoides stands on the high plateau in the center of Tasmania. That fire year, coupled with subsequent regeneration failure, caused a loss of ca. 10% of the geographic extent of this endemic Tasmanian forest type. To provide historical context for these large‐scale fire events, we (i) collected dendroecological, floristic, and structural data, (ii) documented the postfire survival and regeneration of A. cupressoides and co‐occurring understory species, and (iii) assessed postfire understory plant community composition and flammability. We found that fire frequency did not vary following the arrival of European settlers, and that A. cupressoides populations were able to persist under a regime of low‐to‐mid severity fires prior to the 1960 fires. Our data indicate that the 1960 fires were (i) of greater severity than previous fires, (ii) herbivory by native marsupials may limit seedling survival in both burned and unburned A. cupressoides stands, and (iii) the loss of A. cupressoides populations is largely irreversible given the relatively high fuel loads of postfire vegetation communities that are dominated by resprouting shrubs. We suggest that the feedback between regeneration failure and increased flammability will be further exacerbated by a warmer and drier climate causing A. cupressoides to contract to the most fire‐proof landscape settings.
Applying a framework for landscape planning under climate change for the conservation of biodiversity in the Finnish boreal forest
Authors: Mazziotta Adriano , Triviño Maria , Tikkanen Olli‐Pekka , Kouki Jari , Strandman Harri , Mönkkönen Mikko
Published: July 2014

Conservation strategies are often established without consideration of the impact of climate change. However, this impact is expected to threaten species and ecosystem persistence and to have dramatic effects towards the end of the 21st century. Landscape suitability for species under climate change is determined by several interacting factors including dispersal and human land use. Designing effective conservation strategies at regional scales to improve landscape suitability requires measuring the vulnerabilities of specific regions to climate change and determining their conservation capacities. Although methods for defining vulnerability categories are available, methods for doing this in a systematic, cost‐effective way have not been identified. Here, we use an ecosystem model to define the potential resilience of the Finnish forest landscape by relating its current conservation capacity to its vulnerability to climate change. In applying this framework, we take into account the responses to climate change of a broad range of red‐listed species with different niche requirements. This framework allowed us to identify four categories in which representation in the landscape varies among three IPCC emission scenarios (B1, low; A1B, intermediate; A2, high emissions): (i) susceptible (B1 = 24.7%, A1B = 26.4%, A2 = 26.2%), the most intact forest landscapes vulnerable to climate change, requiring management for heterogeneity and resilience; (ii) resilient (B1 = 2.2%, A1B = 0.5%, A2 = 0.6%), intact areas with low vulnerability that represent potential climate refugia and require conservation capacity maintenance; (iii) resistant (B1 = 6.7%, A1B = 0.8%, A2 = 1.1%), landscapes with low current conservation capacity and low vulnerability that are suitable for restoration projects; (iv) sensitive (B1 = 66.4%, A1B = 72.3%, A2 = 72.0%), low conservation capacity landscapes that are vulnerable and for which alternative conservation measures are required depending on the intensity of climate change. Our results indicate that the Finnish landscape is likely to be dominated by a very high proportion of sensitive and susceptible forest patches, thereby increasing uncertainty for landscape managers in the choice of conservation strategies.
Patients' antibiotic knowledge: a trial assessing the impact of verbal education
Authors: Northey Alyce , McGuren Therese , Stupans Ieva
Published: July 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of involving community pharmacy staff in patient education about antibiotic resistance, thus improving antibiotic knowledge.

Methods

Thirty-four patients presenting a valid antibiotic script for dispensing at three community pharmacies in regional New South Wales, Australia were randomly allocated by ballot draw to an intervention group or control group. Those in the intervention group were provided with verbal education based on an Australian National Prescribing Service patient leaflet regarding antibiotics.

Key findings

This paper presents pilot data indicating that there was a significant increase in antibiotic knowledge determined approximately 1 month after receiving verbal antibiotic education (33.3 ± 40.8) as compared with patients not receiving verbal antibiotic education (−5.1 ± 23.0), t (18.9) = 2.957, P = 0.008.

Conclusions

This study has shown that verbal education, provided within a community pharmacy, regarding antibiotics improved patients' knowledge about antibiotics and provides evidence for the critical role of pharmacy staff in patient education.
Lamentations 5:21 within the Development of Thomas Aquinas' Theology of the Grace of Conversion
Authors: Abril Michael Anthony
Published: July 2014

As a case study in Thomas Aquinas' use of Scripture, this article examines his appeals to Lamentations 5:21 over the course of his career, highlighting the ways in which it informs the development of his mature theology of the grace of conversion. These considerations show how key Scripture verses not only inspire the material content of Thomas' theology, but also serve as indispensible formal components for its expression.