bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity and the three‐year longitudinal course of bipolar disorder
Authors: Goldstein Benjamin I , Liu Shang‐Min , Schaffer Ayal , Sala Regina , Blanco Carlos
Published: January 2013

Goldstein BI, Liu S‐Min, Schaffer A, Sala R, Blanco C. Obesity and the three‐year longitudinal course of bipolar disorder.  Bipolar Disord 2013: 00: 000–000. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Objectives:  Despite substantial cross‐sectional evidence that obesity is associated with an increased medical and psychiatric burden in bipolar disorder (BD), few longitudinal studies have examined this topic.

Methods:  Subjects with BD (n = 1600) who completed both Wave 1 and Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions were included. Analyses examined the association between obesity at Wave 1, and the subsequent course of BD, and of psychiatric and medical comorbidities, between Wave 1 and Wave 2.

Results:  BD subjects with obesity (n = 506; 29.43%), compared to BD subjects without obesity (n = 1094; 70.57%) were significantly more likely to have a major depressive episode and to receive counseling for depression during follow‐up, more likely to report a lifetime suicide attempt, and less likely to develop new‐onset alcohol use disorders. These differences were no longer significant, however, after controlling for baseline demographic variables. No significant differences in new episodes or treatment of mania/hypomania were observed. After controlling for demographic variables, obese subjects remained significantly more likely to report any new‐onset medical condition [odds ratio (OR) = 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.63–3.30], new‐onset hypertension (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.16–2.82) and arthritis (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.07–2.52). Obese subjects were significantly more likely to report physician‐diagnosed diabetes (OR = 6.98, 95% CI: 4.27–11.40) and hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.63–3.30) (assessed in Wave 2 only). The incidence of heart attacks was doubled among obese subjects, although this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:  The association between obesity and increased prospective depressive burden appears to be explained by baseline demographic variables. By contrast, obesity independently predicts the accumulation of medical conditions among adults with BD. Treatment of obesity could potentially mitigate the psychiatric and medical burden of BD.
Radial Gradients in Wood Specific Gravity, Water and Gas Content in Trees of a Mexican Tropical Rain Forest
Authors: Schüller Elisabeth , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel , Hietz Peter
Published: January 2013

Cell walls, water, and gas that have mechanical and physiological functions in wood, and wood specific gravity (WSG) is related to demographic traits. To understand variation in wood structure and function, we analyzed radial changes in WSG, in the gas and the water fractions from trees growing in four different habitats in a southern Mexican rain forest. Mean WSG was 0.55 ± 0.16, slightly lower than reported for other tropical forests. In 27 species, WSG decreased and in two species, it increased from pith to bark with a strong (r2 = 0.65) negative correlation between WSG in the center of the tree and the radial WSG gradient. Habitat had some effect on mean WSG and trees growing on karst had significantly higher WSG than the same species growing on alluvial soil. The cell wall, water, and gas fractions accounted for 35 percent (range: 16–50), 42 percent (28–65), and 23 percent (2–56), respectively, of wood volume, with a negative correlation between the gas and the cell wall and between the gas and the water fractions, but not between the cell wall and water fractions. Radially increasing WSG is advantageous for pioneer trees with fast initial growth. We found that the water displacement method may result in biased WSG estimates. To increase the accuracy of WSG data, we suggest to measure sample volume geometrically using a constant diameter (that of the borer tip), to include radial variation in WSG, and to consider for possible site effects on species‐specific WSG.
Detection of occult invasion in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast with sentinel node metastasis
Authors: Osako Tomo , Iwase Takuji , Kimura Kiyomi , Horii Rie , Akiyama Futoshi
Published: January 2013

By definition, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – pre‐invasive breast cancer – does not metastasize to the lymph nodes. However, since the introduction of molecular whole‐node analysis using the one‐step nucleic acid amplification assay for sentinel node (SN) biopsies, the number of patients with DCIS and SN metastasis has increased. The pathogenesis and clinical management of DCIS with SN metastasis remain controversial. In this case–control study, in order to elucidate the pathogenesis of SN metastasis in DCIS, we compared occult invasions between the SN‐positive and SN‐negative DCIS and investigated predictive factors of occult invasion. The subjects were 24 patients selected from 285 patients with a routine postoperative diagnosis of DCIS who had undergone SN biopsy using the one‐step nucleic acid amplification whole‐node assay between 2009 and 2011. Of these 24 patients, 12 were SN‐positive, and 12 were SN‐negative. The 12 SN‐negative patients make up the control group and were selected from the 273 SN‐negative patients based on patient characteristics. All paraffin blocks of the primary tumor from each patient were step‐sectioned with 500‐μm intervals until the block was exhausted and histopathologically examined. We analyzed 1830 step‐sectioned slides and found occult invasions were more frequent in the SN‐positive group (7/12, 58.3%) than in the SN‐negative group (3/12, 25.0%). All occult invasions were <5 mm. There was no correlation between occult invasion and SN tumor burden, non‐SN metastasis, or patient characteristics. Our results suggest true metastasis from occult invasion may be a potent pathogenesis indicating nodal metastasis in postoperatively diagnosed DCIS. Patient follow‐up is required to elucidate the prognostic impact of nodal metastasis and occult invasion.
Relations, relationships and relatedness: residential child care and the family metaphor
Authors: Kendrick Andrew
Published: January 2013

Residential care has had a poor reputation. There are concerns about the abuse of children in care, and evidence of poor outcomes and poor practice. In this context, residential care is often compared in a negative way to family placements. On the other hand, residential care can also provide a positive experience for some children and young people. Residential care has increasingly been contrasted with family placements, and yet children and young people describe their positive experiences in residential care as like being in a family, and refer to care staff using kin terms, such as ‘dad’ or ‘sister’.

With the growing diversity of families in Western society, there have been significant developments in sociological theories of families, and these highlight the importance of family practices and displaying family. New kinship studies in anthropology have raised questions about the nature of the family. Research on children's conceptualization of family has begun to identify features of ‘family‐like’ relationships.

These theories will be discussed in relation to the ambivalence about residential care, current thinking about residential child care and, importantly, the way in which some children and young people use the family metaphor to express their experience. The paper will explore the ways in which this can develop and benefit practice in residential care.
Conservation Strategies for Species Affected by Apparent Competition
Authors: WITTMER HEIKO U. , SERROUYA ROBERT , ELBROCH L. MARK , MARSHALL ANDREW J.
Published: January 2013

Apparent competition is an indirect interaction between 2 or more prey species through a shared predator, and it is increasingly recognized as a mechanism of the decline and extinction of many species. Through case studies, we evaluated the effectiveness of 4 management strategies for species affected by apparent competition: predator control, reduction in the abundances of alternate prey, simultaneous control of predators and alternate prey, and no active management of predators or alternate prey. Solely reducing predator abundances rapidly increased abundances of alternate and rare prey, but observed increases are likely short‐lived due to fast increases in predator abundance following the cessation of control efforts. Substantial reductions of an abundant alternate prey resulted in increased predation on endangered huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) deer in Chilean Patagonia, which highlights potential risks associated with solely reducing alternate prey species. Simultaneous removal of predators and alternate prey increased survival of island foxes (Urocyon littoralis) in California (U.S.A.) above a threshold required for population recovery. In the absence of active management, populations of rare woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) continued to decline in British Columbia, Canada. On the basis of the cases we examined, we suggest the simultaneous control of predators and alternate prey is the management strategy most likely to increase abundances and probabilities of persistence of rare prey over the long term. Knowing the mechanisms driving changes in species’ abundances before implementing any management intervention is critical. We suggest scientists can best contribute to the conservation of species affected by apparent competition by clearly communicating the biological and demographic forces at play to policy makers responsible for the implementation of proposed management actions.

Estrategias de Conservación para Especies Afectadas por Competencia Aparente
Corporate Governance and Accounting Conservatism: Evidence from the Banking Industry
Authors: Leventis Stergios , Dimitropoulos Panagiotis , Owusu‐Ansah Stephen
Published: January 2013

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

In this paper, we empirically investigate whether US listed commercial banks with effective corporate governance structures engage in higher levels of conservative financial accounting and reporting.

Research Findings/Insights

Using both market‐ and accrual‐based measures of conservatism and both composite and disaggregated governance indices, we document convincing evidence that well‐governed banks engage in significantly higher levels of conditional conservatism in their financial reporting practices. For example, we find that banks with effective governance structures, particularly those with effective board and audit governance structures, recognize loan loss provisions that are larger relative to changes in nonperforming loans compared to their counterparts with ineffective governance structures.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We contribute to the extant literature on the relationship between corporate governance and quality of accounting information by providing evidence that banks with effective governance structures practice higher levels of accounting conservatism.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The findings of this study would be useful to US bank regulators/supervisors in improving the existing regulatory framework by focusing on accounting conservatism as a complement to corporate governance in mitigating the opaqueness and intense information asymmetry that plague banks.
Gait performance in relation to aortic pulse wave velocity, carotid artery elasticity and peripheral perfusion in healthy older adults
Authors: Gonzales Joaquin U.
Published: January 2013

Arterial stiffening is a widely known physiological change that occurs with ageing, but the functional consequences of vascular ageing are unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), mechanical properties of the carotid and femoral arteries and/or peripheral perfusion was associated with gait performance measured using a 400‐m walk test. Twenty‐one healthy older (68 ± 5 years) adults without cardiovascular disease participated in this study. Applanation tonometry was used to measure PWV, and Doppler ultrasound was used to measure arterial wall properties of the left common carotid and common femoral artery along with femoral blood flow. The median walk distance in the first 2 min of the test was 585 ft, and the overall gait speed was 1·5 m s−1. Gait performance was inversely correlated with PWV (distance: r = ‐0·51; speed: r = −0·48; P<0·05) and carotid artery stiffness index β (distance: r = −0·56; speed: r = −0·51; P<0·05) after adjustment for age, body mass index, waist circumference and systolic blood pressure. No significant correlations were found between gait performance and femoral artery stiffness index β or femoral artery blood flow. These results found higher central arterial stiffness, as assessed by segmental arterial stiffness or local arterial wall properties, is associated with lower gait performance in older adults independent of other confounders.
Some viral microRNAs were up‐regulated in megakaryocytes incubated with immune thrombocytopenia plasma
Authors: Wang Ya , Huang Rui , Song Chaoyang , Hu Haiyan , Zhang Meixia
Published: January 2013

Objectives

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in hematopoiesis, such as megakaryocytopoiesis. Although immature megakaryocytes in bone marrow are one of the most typical characteristics of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) which is often preceded by viral infection, there has been so far no report on the relationship between viral miRNAs, maturity of megakaryocytes, and ITP. This study aims to investigate whether viral miRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of ITP, for example, by modulating the production of megakaryocytes.

Methods

Plasma samples from adult patients with acute ITP or healthy volunteers were added to the culture system wherein umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells were proliferating into megakaryocytes. Flow cytometry and electron microscope were used to identify the differences between the two groups of megakaryocytes. Microarray analysis and real‐time quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) were used to quantify the expression levels of viral miRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis of the microarray results was performed.

Results

The yield and maturity of megakaryocytes were significantly repressed in the presence of ITP plasma compared with the control: (11.89 ± 1.62)% vs. (33.61 ± 3.24)% (P < 0.001). The expression levels of 14 viral miRNAs were significantly up‐regulated in the ITP group, five of which were further verified using qRT‐PCR (P < 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis to the 14 up‐regulated viral miRNAs indicated that most of the predicted target genes of viral miRNAs were related to cell development, metabolic process, and biosynthesis, which might be related to mechanism of maturation defect of megakaryocytes.

Conclusion

Expression levels of certain viral miRNAs can be up‐regulated by the treatment with plasma from ITP patients, indicating viral mRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of ITP, possibly by regulating megakaryocytopoiesis.
Leukocytosis in polycythemia vera and splenomegaly in essential thrombocythemia are independent risk factors for hemorrhage
Authors: Chou Yi‐Sheng , Gau Jyh‐Pyng , Yu Yuan‐Bin , Pai Jih‐Tung , Hsiao Liang‐Tsai , Liu Jin‐Hwang , Hong Ying‐Chung , Liu Chun‐Yu , Yang Ching‐Fen , Chen Po‐Min , Chiou Tzeon‐Jye , Tzeng Cheng‐Hwai
Published: January 2013

Background

Long‐term outcomes are favorable for patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and for patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET). However, hemorrhage is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in those patients.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited 247 patients who had received a diagnosis of PV (n = 101) or ET (n = 146) during the period 2001–2010.

Results

After a median follow‐up period of 36.2 months, the cumulative incidence of hemorrhage was 39.6% in patients with PV (6.2% per person‐year) and 29.7% in patients with ET (5.9% person‐years). Episodes of major bleeding occurred in 9.9% of patients with PV and in 14.4% of patients with ET. Overall survival was significantly shorter among patients with hemorrhage than among those without said complication (P < 0.001 for overall patients; P = 0.002 for patients with PV; P = 0.026 for patients with ET). In the univariate analysis, age ≥60 yr (OR: 4.77, P = 0.046) and WBC ≥ 16 × 109/L (OR: 4.15, P = 0.010) were predictors of hemorrhage in patients with PV, and age ≥60 yr (OR: 3.25, P = 0.040), WBC ≥ 16 × 109/L (OR: 2.89, P = 0.024), albumin <4.0 g/dL (OR: 4.10, P = 0.002), and splenomegaly (OR: 5.19, P = 0.002) were predictors of hemorrhage in patients with ET. Multivariate analysis showed that WBC ≥ 16 × 109/L was the only significant risk factor for hemorrhage in patients with PV (OR: 3.51, P = 0.026) and that splenomegaly was the only risk factor for hemorrhage in patients with ET (OR: 3.00, P = 0.048).

Conclusion

Leukocytosis in PV and splenomegaly in ET are independent risk factors for hemorrhage.
Distinct neuroendocrine mechanisms control neural activity underlying sex differences in sexual motivation and performance
Authors: Balthazart Jacques , de Meaultsart Céline Corbisier , Ball Gregory F. , Cornil Charlotte A.
Published: January 2013

Sexual behavior can be usefully parsed into an appetitive and a consummatory component. Both appetitive and consummatory male‐typical sexual behaviors (respectively,ASBandCSB) are activated in male Japanese quail by testosterone (T) acting in the medial preoptic nucleus (POM), but never observed in females. This sex difference is based on a demasculinization (= organizational effect) by estradiol during embryonic life forCSB, but a differential activation by T in adulthood forASB. Males expressing rhythmic cloacal sphincter movements (RCSMs; a form ofASB) or allowed to copulate display increased Fos expression inPOM. We investigated Fos brain responses in females exposed to behavioral tests after various endocrine treatments. T‐treated females displayedRCSM, but never copulated when exposed to another female. Accordingly they showed an increased Fos expression inPOMafterASBbut notCSBtests. Females treated with the aromatase inhibitor Vorozolein ovoand T in adulthood displayed both male‐typicalASBandCSB, and Fos expression inPOMwas increased after both types of tests. Thus, the neural circuit mediatingASBis present or can develop in both sexes, but is inactive in females unless they are exposed to exogenous T. In contrast, the neural mechanism mediatingCSBis not normally present in females, but can be preserved by blocking the embryonic production of estrogens. Overall these data confirm the difference in endocrine controls and probably neural mechanisms supportingASBandCSBin quail, and highlight the complexity of mechanisms underlying sexual differentiation of behavior.
The association between BsmI polymorphism and bone mineral density in young patients with epilepsy who are taking phenytoin
Authors: Phabphal Kanitpong , Geater Alan , Limapichart Kitti , Sathirapanya Pornchai , Setthawatcharawanich Suwanna , Witeerungrot Natthawan , Thammakumpee Natawan , Leelawattana Ratana
Published: January 2013

Purpose:  This study sought to determine the association between BsmI polymorphism and bone mineral density, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, and parathyroid hormone levels in patients with epilepsy.

Methods:  We recruited ambulatory young adults with epilepsy who were taking phenytoin. Data regarding demographics, basic laboratory studies, history of clinical epilepsy, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D levels, as well as BsmI polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, were obtained. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and left femur were measured using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry.

Key Findings:  Ninety‐four patients were included in the study. BsmI polymorphism had a statistically significant lower T‐score of the lumbar spine and left femoral neck than patients with wild‐type VDR gene (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). In addition, patients with BsmI polymorphism had a statistically significant lower z‐score of the lumbar spine and left femoral neck than patients with wild‐type VDR gene (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). The 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level in patients with wild‐type genes was higher than in epileptic patients with BsmI polymorphism (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). Parathyroid hormone level in patients with wild‐type VDR gene or patients having BsmI polymorphism was not correlated with BMD at either site.

Significance:  In patients with epilepsy taking phenytoin, having BsmI polymorphism was associated with lower BMD.
Healing of large dentofacial defects
Authors: Sándor George K.B. , Carmichael Robert P. , Ylikontiola Leena P. , Jan Ahmed , Duval Marc G. , Clokie Cameron M.L.
Published: January 2013

Dentofacial defects can be small or very large, consisting of defects in the craniomaxillofacial region with missing soft tissue, bony and other hard tissue components. Such combined mucosal, osseous and even cartilaginous defects can be reconstructed using flaps and bone grafts, or hopefully, in the future with bone graft substitutes or even tissue engineered constructs. The healing of such wounds always relies on the vascularity of the surrounding tissues. This chapter seeks to provide a physiological basis for the mechanisms involved in the healing of such large complex defects. The reconstruction of specific defects must follow sound and logical surgical principles. The authors employ the concept of the reconstructive surgical ladder, in which techniques of step‐wise increasing complexity are used with a strong preference for the simplest possible procedure at the outset. A number of techniques are presented along with the principles of tissue engineering and the basis for bone regeneration using adipose derived stem cells, growth factors and resorbable scaffolds.
Strong natural selection during plant restoration favors an unexpected suite of plant traits
Authors: Kulpa Sarah M. , Leger Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2013

Restoration is an opportunity to study natural selection: One can measure the distribution of traits in source propagules used to found populations, compare this with the distribution of traits in successful recruits, and determine the strength and direction of selection on potentially adaptive traits. We investigated whether natural selection influenced seedling establishment during postfire restoration in the Great Basin, an area where large‐scale restoration occurs with a few widely available cultivars planted over a large range of environmental conditions. We collected seeds from established plants of the perennial grass Elymus elymoides ssp. californicus (squirreltail) at two restoration sites and compared the distribution of phenotypic traits of surviving plants with the original pool of restoration seeds. Seeds were planted in common gardens for two generations. Plants grown from seeds that established in the field were a nonrandom subset of the original seeds, with directional selection consistently favoring a correlated suite of traits in both field sites: small plant and seed size, and earlier flowering phenology. These results demonstrate that natural selection can affect restoration establishment in strong and predictable ways and that adaptive traits in these sites were opposite of the current criteria used for selection of restoration material in this system.
Structural and biochemical characterization of the N‐terminal domain of flocculin Lg‐Flo1p from Saccharomyces pastorianus reveals a unique specificity for phosphorylated mannose
Authors: Sim Lyann , Groes Magnus , Olesen Kjeld , Henriksen Anette
Published: January 2013

The mechanism of yeast flocculation is generally considered to be mediated through the interaction of cell surface flocculins and mannan carbohydrates. In the present study, the crystal structure of the soluble 25‐kDa lectin domain of flocculin 1 from brewer's yeast (Lg‐Flo1p) was resolved to 2.5 Å, and its binding specificity towards oligosaccharides was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. Lg‐Flo1p displays broad specificity towards sugars and has a 14‐fold higher affinity for mannose 1‐phosphate and glucose 1‐phosphate compared to their unphosphorylated counterparts. Based on the results of a structural analysis, we propose that this higher affinity is the result of a charge interaction with a lysine residue in a carbohydrate‐binding loop region, NAKAL, unique to NewFlo type flocculins. This raises the possibility of a unique mechanism of flocculation in NewFlo type yeast, which recognizes phosphorylated cell surface mannans.

Database

Structural data have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession number 4GQ7.
Kinetic mechanism and inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis d‐alanine:d‐alanine ligase by the antibiotic d‐cycloserine
Authors: Prosser Gareth A. , de Carvalho Luiz Pedro S.
Published: January 2013

d‐cycloserine (DCS) is an antibiotic that is currently used in second‐line treatment of tuberculosis. DCS is a structural analogue of d‐alanine, and targets two enzymes involved in the cytosolic stages of peptidoglycan synthesis: alanine racemase (Alr) and d‐alanine:d‐alanine ligase (Ddl). The mechanisms of inhibition of DCS have been well‐assessed using Alr and Ddl enzymes from various bacterial species, but little is known regarding the interactions of DCS with the mycobacterial orthologues of these enzymes. We have over‐expressed and purified recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ddl (MtDdl; Rv2981c), and report a kinetic examination of the enzyme with both its native substrate and DCS. MtDdl is activated by K+, follows an ordered ter ter mechanism and displays distinct affinities for d‐Ala at each d‐Ala binding site (Km,d‐Ala1 = 0.075 mm, Km,d‐Ala2 = 3.6 mm). ATP is the first substrate to bind and is necessary for subsequent binding of d‐alanine or DCS. The pH dependence of MtDdl kinetic parameters indicate that general base chemistry is involved in the catalytic step. DCS was found to competitively inhibit d‐Ala binding at both MtDdl d‐Ala sites with equal affinity (Ki,DCS1 = 14 μm, Ki,DCS2 = 25 μm); however, each enzyme active site can only accommodate a single DCS molecule at a given time. The pH dependence of Ki,DCS2 revealed a loss of DCS binding affinity at high pH (pKa = 7.5), suggesting that DCS binds optimally in the zwitterionic form. The results of this study may assist in the design and development of novel Ddl‐specific inhibitors for use as anti‐mycobacterial agents.
Time‐Elevation Head Sections: Improved Visualization of Data from Multilevels
Authors: Pehme Peeter , Parker Beth L.
Published: January 2013

Hydrogeologic investigations of fractured rock are evolving toward increasing spatial and temporal resolution with increasing use of multilevel systems with 10 or more intervals in a single borehole, each with auto‐sampling sensors monitoring pressure, temperature or chemistry for weeks or months, creating large quantities of densely sampled data (time and space). These data are typically displayed as hydrographs for analysis of site‐specific controls on groundwater flow. We present a method for presentation of high density pressure head data from multilevel installations referred to as time‐elevation head (TEH) sections that improves visualization of spatial and temporal responses of the hydrogeologic system to external stresses. Data collected from two multilevel installations, each with 13 functioning pressure transducers monitoring the upper 40 m of a dolostone aquifer, over a period of 83 d, prior to, during and after a pumping test are used to present TEH sections and examples of data processing. TEH sections are produced using commercially available software designed for geophysical data collected at closely spaced intervals along sub‐parallel lines. These algorithms perform calculations orthogonally either in time (“X” axis) or elevation (“Y” axis) to interpolate a regular grid of head and subsequently when filtering is used to identify subtle trends within the data. The base and filtered TEH sections are used to interpret response of the system to transients and infer hydrogeologic characteristics of the site. The utility of the process is dependent on the precision and accuracy of the head data as well as an informed user to avoid introducing spurious features into the sections.
Left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease and the effects of hemodialysis
Authors: Hayashi Shirley Yumi , Nowak Jacek , Lindholm Bengt , Nascimento Marcelo Mazza do , Lind Britta , Bjällmark Anna , Larsson Matilda , Pachaly Maria Aparecida , Seeberger Astrid , Riella Miguel C. , Brodin Lars‐Åke
Published: January 2013

Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony is a known cause of mortality in patients with heart failure and may possibly play a similar role in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in whom sudden death is one of the most common and as yet not fully explained cause of death. LV synchronicity and its relationship with increased volume load and various biomarkers was analyzed in 145 patients including 53 patients with CKD stages 3 and 4 and in 92 CKD stage 5 patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) using color tissue Doppler imaging and tissue synchronization imaging. The HD patients were evaluated both before and after a single HD session. LV dyssynchrony was defined as a regional difference in time to peak systolic myocardial velocity, between 12 LV segments > 105 milliseconds. LV dyssynchrony was present in 54% of the patients with no difference between CKD 3 and 4 (58%), HD (48%), and PD (51%). LV dyssynchrony was independently associated with LV mass index and increased estimation of LV end‐diastolic pressure. A single HD session resulted in significant changes in LV synchronicity variables—with improvement in 50% of the patients—especially in patients with higher myocardial systolic velocities and lower LV mass index. Abnormalities in LV synchronicity are highly prevalent in CKD patients already prior to dialysis treatment and are associated with LV hypertrophy, LV dysfunction and load conditions, underlining the importance of volume status for LV synchronicity in CKD patients.
A comparative study of flow cytometric T cell receptor Vβ repertoire and T cell receptor gene rearrangement in the diagnosis of large granular lymphocytic lymphoproliferation
Authors: Hsieh Y.‐C. , Chang S.‐T. , Huang W.‐T. , Kuo S.‐Y. , Chiang T.‐A. , Chuang S.‐S.
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) are medium‐ to large‐sized lymphocytes with azurophilic cytoplasmic granules. Reactive vs. neoplastic LGLs are usually morphologically indistinguishable.

Methods

We investigated 25 consecutive cases of LGL lymphoproliferation using flow cytometric T cell receptor Vβ (FC‐Vβ) repertoire and T cell receptor gene rearrangement (TCR‐GR) in detecting clonality.

Results

Seventeen patients (68%) were T‐LGL leukemia (T‐LGLL) with a male predominance, a median age of 67, and a median absolute LGL count of 2.592 × 109/L. All cases were clonal using the FC‐Vβ analysis, and all but one (94%) was clonal by TCR‐GR. Eight patients (32%) had reactive LGL lymphoproliferation. Two had EBV‐associated infectious mononucleosis; one was clonal by both FC‐Vβ and TCR‐GR; and the other was clonal only by TCR‐GR. The remaining six cases were polyclonal by both assays. Patients with reactive LGL lymphoproliferation were more frequently associated with an underlying/concurrent malignancy than those with T‐LGLL (4/8 cases vs. 1/17; P = 0.023, Fisher's exact test). We compared the demographic, hemogram, and clonality data between these two groups and found that the only significant difference was the lower median platelet count in the LGL lymphocytosis group (201 × 109/L vs. 223 × 109/L; P = 0.031; Student's t‐test). A literature review including the current study showed a high sensitivity of FC‐Vβ analysis for T‐LGLL (97.2%; 107/110 cases).

Conclusions

FC‐Vβ analysis was slightly more sensitive than TCR‐GR for the detection of clonal T cell lymphoproliferation. However, we must interpret the laboratory findings with clinical context as clonal T cell lymphoproliferation may occur in patients with viral infection.
Effective management of lower urinary tract dysfunction in idiopathic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kapoor Sona , Bourdoumis Andreas , Mambu Lewis , Barua Jayanta
Published: January 2013

Parkinson's disease, also known as paralysis agitans, is a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, with onset usually between the ages of 50 and 65 years, and is associated with loss of dopaminergic neurons in the subsantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies. It is characterized by the triad of resting tremor, muscular rigidity and bradykinesia. Often‐accompanying abnormalities include disorders of equilibrium, posture and autonomic function, including micturition. Symptoms from the lower urinary tract add a significant comorbidity factor in these patients. The incidence and prevalence of lower urinary tract dysfunction rise with increasing progression of the underlying neurological disease. They present a troublesome and difficult to treat health issue with a profound impact on the patient's quality of life. Storage symptoms seem to predominate. In the long term, renal function might be compromised, mainly as a result of elevated intravesical pressure. Various conservative, minimally‐invasive and surgical treatment options are available to prevent harmful sequelae, and to improve the quality of life of these patients. We present an overview of current and prospective treatment strategies.
Spatial Modeling of the Black Death in Sweden
Authors: Skog Lars , Hauska Hans
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this work is to determine whether spatial modeling can be used to model the spread of the Black Death. The study is limited to models for the propagation of the disease in Sweden in 1350. Geographic data of Swedish water bodies and medieval road networks, historical data on the population in Swedish parishes, including their medieval boundaries, along with historical notes and disease characteristics, were used to build alternative models for spatial distribution. Three different models are presented: one radial, one cost‐based and one combining network analysis and radial propagation. Simulations were made to depict different scenarios on the spread of the disease, as well as the drastic changes in the overall population of Sweden, over a couple of hundred years. For purpose of validation the population decrease estimated in each parish is compared with independent historical documents. Results from model scenarios are visualized in maps of propagation, animated video sequences and a web map service. Our analyses clearly demonstrate the power of spatial analysis and geographic information systems to describe, model and visualize epidemiologic processes in space and time.
Meyer's Anvil: Revisiting the Schema Concept
Authors: Byros Vasili
Published: January 2013

This article re‐examines the concept of a ‘schema’ in light of a new body of empirical evidence regarding the culture and cognition of key in the eighteenth century. The schema concept in music, which originated in the work of LeonardB. Meyer, holds that social and historical experience gives rise to knowledge structures that engender a situated psychology of hearing and a context‐contingent understanding of music. In previous studies by Meyer and RobertO. Gjerdingen, evidence for the schema concept has been advanced largely by interpreting a musical corpus as a metaphor for experience. That is, arguments for the existence of schemata as mental categories that configure a situated psychology of hearing have been presented primarily in the form of music analysis – historically situated patterns detected in musical scores. For this reason, the schema concept has remained, in Meyer's and Gjerdingen's words, a ‘hypothesis’ and ‘assum[ption]’ respectively.

The evidenceIadvance here derives from a case study on Beethoven'sEroicaSymphony and whatIcall thele–sol–fi–solschema. The study was conducted in the spirit of the psychologically orientated, humanistic music theory that characterised Meyer's lifelong research program. By establishing a correlation between real listeners’ responses in the Symphony's reception history and the details of my own corpus study of music from the long eighteenth century (1720–1840), myEroicacase study brings a novel perspective to the idea that schemata engender a historical mode of listening. The case study bears out several hypotheses that are basic to Meyer's writings and perpetuated in Gjerdingen'sgalantstyle project: (1) that replicated patternings in eighteenth‐century works are commensurate with listeners’ knowledge structures; (2) that these knowledge structures are historically contingent and therefore engender a situated psychology of hearing; (3) that these situated psychologies are affected by style change; and (4) that schemata provide access to historical modes of listening today.
Effects of Human Population Density and Proximity to Markets on Coral Reef Fishes Vulnerable to Extinction by Fishing
Authors: BREWER T. D. , CINNER J. E. , GREEN A. , PRESSEY R. L.
Published: January 2013

Coral reef fisheries are crucial to the livelihoods of tens of millions of people; yet, widespread habitat degradation and unsustainable fishing are causing severe depletion of stocks of reef fish. Understanding how social and economic factors, such as human population density, access to external markets, and modernization interact with fishing and habitat degradation to affect fish stocks is vital to sustainable management of coral reef fisheries. We used fish survey data, national social and economic data, and path analyses to assess whether these factors explain variation in biomass of coral reef fishes among 25 sites in Solomon Islands. We categorized fishes into 3 groups on the basis of life‐history characteristics associated with vulnerability to extinction by fishing (high, medium, and low vulnerability). The biomass of fish with low vulnerability was positively related to habitat condition. The biomass of fishes with high vulnerability was negatively related to fishing conducted with efficient gear. Use of efficient gear, in turn, was strongly and positively related to both population density and market proximity. This result suggests local population pressure and external markets have additive negative effects on vulnerable reef fish. Biomass of the fish of medium vulnerability was not explained by fishing intensity or habitat condition, which suggests these species may be relatively resilient to both habitat degradation and fishing.

Efectos de la Densidad de Poblaciones Humanas y la Proximidad del Mercado sobre Peces de Arrecifes de Coral Vulnerables a la Extinción
Distance‐driven species turnover in Bornean rainforests: homogeneity and heterogeneity in primary and post‐logging forests
Authors: Kitching R. L. , Ashton L. A. , Nakamura A. , Whitaker T. , Khen Chey Vun
Published: January 2013

Selective logging is practiced extensively within tropical rainforests of south‐east Asia, and its impact on local biodiversity is well documented. Little is known, however, about the impact of selective logging on patterns of spatial heterogeneity of species. We set out to test the hypothesis that selective logging will lead to a homogenization of the associated faunal assemblages, using moths (Lepidoptera) as our subject taxa.

Large‐scale transects were established within primary and post‐logging lowland mixed dipterocarp rainforests around the Danum Valley Conservation Area and surroundings, Sabah, Malaysia (4°50′N–5°00′N and 117°35′E–117°45′E). Five study sites were located within each habitat with geometrically increasing inter‐site distances. Macro‐moths plus Pyraloidea were sampled by light trapping in 2007 and 2008. Vegetation state was also measured at each site.

A clear distance–decay relationship (decreasing assemblage similarity with increasing geographic distances) was observed in primary forest but was absent in the post‐logging forest. Large, comparable numbers of macro‐moth species were found in both primary and post‐logging forests. There were no significant differences in moth assemblage composition between primary and post‐logging forests.

There are important structural differences between primary and post‐logging forests reflected in the moth assemblages. A two‐stage hypothesis combining both neutral and niche concepts is probably the most parsimonious explanation of these results. First, the composition of the moth assemblage is almost certainly determined locally by the variety of plant–hosts available to larvae, with the plants representing important niche dimensions for the moth species. Second the turnover (or lack of same) in the underlying plant assemblage probably reflects clumping and, in turn, dispersal capacity of the commoner plants in each forest type. Although the impact of selective logging may be subtle, this study suggests that selective logging results in the spatial homogenization of macro‐moth assemblages.
Oligarchies in Amazonian tree communities: a ten‐year review
Authors: Pitman Nigel C. A. , Silman Miles R. , Terborgh John W.
Published: January 2013

This paper revisits various hypotheses about oligarchic patterns in Amazonian tree communities put forward by Pitman et al. (2001). Together, these hypotheses predict that most lowland sites in the Amazon are located within large patches of relatively homogeneous edaphic and other environmental conditions, where an oligarchy of common, frequent tree species accounts for a majority of trees. To assess the degree to which these hypotheses have been corroborated or refuted over the last ten years, we reviewed > 200 studies published since 2001. We found overwhelming support for the hypo thesis that large‐scale oligarchies of common and frequent species are a common feature of Amazonian tree communities. At least 22 studies have documented oligarchies in Amazonian woody plant communities to date, and no studies have looked for oligarchies as defined by Pitman et al. (2001) and failed to find them. We argue that six publications that offer critiques of the oligarchy hypothesis do not constitute valid tests. The other hypotheses in Pitman et al. (2001)– one regarding the specific oligarchic taxa that dominate forests near the eastern base of the Andes and one that attempts to explain why oligarchic species exist – are less well supported by the literature, in large part because they have not been subjected to many tests. We discuss links between these hypotheses and other well‐known patterns and hypotheses in ecology (the abundance–occupancy relationship, the Janzen–Connell hypothesis, the niche‐environment hypothesis, and the niche breadth hypothesis), and provide additional detail to facilitate rigorous tests in the future. The paper concludes by presenting remote sensing evidence that large patches of relatively homogeneous environmental conditions account for most of the upland forest landscape across Amazonian Peru.
Cryogenic Core Collection and Preservation of Subsurface Samples for Biomolecular Analysis
Authors: Johnson Richard L. , Brow Christina N. , Johnson Reid O'Brien , Simon Holly M.
Published: January 2013

A cryogenic coring system for the collection and preservation of biomolecules in unconsolidated subsurface solid samples is presented here. The sampler is based on existing direct‐push coring technology, with the addition of a cryogenic step to freeze the sample in situ. Once brought to the surface, the frozen cores can be packed in dry ice and shipped to the laboratory for further processing and analysis. The approach prevents redistribution of fluids during sample recovery and shipping, and because the cores are frozen in situ there is little loss of solid material during retrieval to ground surface. To evaluate the performance of the approach, DNA analyses of samples collected by cryogenic coring in a very large physical model are compared with results from water samples and horizontal core samples taken in close proximity. The data indicate that the vertical distribution of DNA within the cryogenic core can be measured at the centimeter scale, providing unprecedented characterization of subsurface biogeochemical interfaces.
Adaptive plasticity and genetic divergence in feeding efficiency during parallel adaptive radiation of whitefish (Coregonusspp.)
Authors: Lundsgaard‐Hansen B. , Matthews B. , Vonlanthen P. , Taverna A. , Seehausen O.
Published: January 2013

Parallel phenotypic divergence in replicated adaptive radiations could either result from parallel genetic divergence in response to similar divergent selection regimes or from equivalent phenotypically plastic response to the repeated occurrence of contrasting environments. In post‐glacial fish, replicated divergence in phenotypes along the benthic‐limnetic habitat axis is commonly observed. Here, we use two benthic‐limnetic species pairs of whitefish from two Swiss lakes, raised in a common garden design, with reciprocal food treatments in one species pair, to experimentally measure whether feeding efficiency on benthic prey has a genetic basis or whether it underlies phenotypic plasticity (or both). To do so, we offered experimental fish mosquito larvae, partially burried in sand, and measured multiple feeding efficiency variables. Our results reveal both, genetic divergence as well as phenotypically plastic divergence in feeding efficiency, with the phenotypically benthic species raised on benthic food being the most efficient forager on benthic prey. This indicates that both, divergent natural selection on genetically heritable traits and adaptive phenotypic plasticity, are likely important mechanisms driving phenotypic divergence in adaptive radiation.
Effects of inbreeding and temperature stress on life history and immune function in a butterfly
Authors: Franke K. , Fischer K.
Published: January 2013

Theory predicts that inbreeding depression should be more pronounced under environmental stress due to an increase in the expression of recessive deleterious alleles. If so, inbred populations may be especially vulnerable to environmental change. Against this background, we here investigate effects of inbreeding, temperature stress and its interactions with inbreeding in the tropical butterfly Bicyclus anynana. We use a full‐factorial design with three levels of inbreeding (F = 0/0.25/0.38) and three temperature treatments (2 h exposure to 1, 27 or 39 °C). Despite using relatively low levels of inbreeding significant inbreeding depression was found in pupal mass, pupal time, thorax mass, abdomen fat content, egg hatching success and fecundity. However, stress resistance traits (heat tolerance, immune function) were not affected by inbreeding and interactions with temperature treatments were virtually absent. We thus found no support for an increased sensitivity of inbred individuals to environmental stress, and suspect that such patterns are restricted to harsher conditions. Our temperature treatments evidently imposed stress, significantly reducing longevity, fecundity, egg hatching success and haemocyte numbers, while fat content, protein content and lysozyme activity remained unaffected. Males and females differed in all traits measured except pupal time, protein content and phenoloxidase (PO) activity. Correlation analyses revealed, among others, a trade‐off between PO and lysozyme activity, and negative correlations between fat content and several other traits. We stress that more data are needed on the effects of inbreeding, temperature variation and sexual differences on insect immune function before more general conclusions can be drawn.