bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Familial testicular germ cell tumors (FTGCT) – overview of a multidisciplinary etiologic study
Authors: Greene M. H. , Mai P. L. , Loud J. T. , Pathak A. , Peters J. A. , Mirabello L. , McMaster M. L. , Rosenberg P. , Stewart D. R.
Published: October 2014

This Review summarizes the cumulative results of the National Cancer Institute Clinical Genetics Branch Multidisciplinary Etiologic Study of Familial Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (FTGCT). Initiated 12 years ago, this protocol enrolled 724 subjects from 147 unrelated families with either ≥2 affected men (n = 90) with TGCT or a proband with bilateral TGCT and a negative family history for this cancer (n = 57). Data were collected directly from 162 subjects evaluated at the NIH Clinical Center, and 562 subjects provided information from their home communities (Field Cohort). The primary study aims included (i) ascertaining, enrolling eligible FTGCT kindred, (ii) characterizing the clinical phenotype of multiple‐case families, (iii) identifying the underlying genetic mechanism for TGCT susceptibility in families, (iv) evaluating counseling, psychosocial, and behavioral issues resulting from membership in an FTGCT family, and (v) creating an annotated biospecimen repository to permit subsequent translational research studies. Noteworthy findings include (i) documenting the epidemiologic similarities between familial and sporadic TGCT, (ii) demonstrating significantly younger age‐at‐diagnosis for familial vs. sporadic TGCT, (iii) absence of a dysmorphic phenotype in affected family members, (iv) shifting the focus of gene discovery from a search for rare, highly penetrant susceptibility variants to the hypothesis that multiple, more common, lower penetrance genes underlie TGCT genetic risk, (v) implicating testicular microlithiasis in FTGCT risk, and (vi) observing that aberrant methylation may contribute to FTGCT risk. A clinically based, biospecimen‐intensive, multidisciplinary research strategy has provided novel, valuable insights into the etiology of FTGCT, and created a research resource which will support FTGCT clinical and laboratory studies for years to come.
Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for infant acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with KMT2A (MLL) rearrangements: a retrospective study from the paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia working group of the Japan Society for Haematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Kato Motohiro , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Koh Katsuyoshi , Kato Keisuke , Takita Junko , Inagaki Jiro , Yabe Hiromasa , Goto Hiroaki , Adachi Souichi , Hayakawa Akira , Takeshita Yasufumi , Sawada Akihisa , Atsuta Yoshiko , Kato Koji
Published: October 2014

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is still considered to play an important role as a consolidation therapy for high‐risk infants with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Here, we retrospectively analysed outcomes of HSCT in infants with ALL based on nationwide registry data of the Japan Society for Haematopoietic Cell Transplantation. A total of 132 allogeneic HSCT for infant ALL with KMT2A (MLL) gene rearrangements, which were performed in first complete remission (CR1), were analysed. The 5‐year overall survival rate after transplantation was 67·4 ± 4·5%). Although recent HSCT (after 2004) had a trend toward better survival, no statistical correlation was observed between outcomes and each factor, including age at diagnosis, initial leucocyte count, cytogenetics, donor types or conditioning of HSCT. Myeloablative conditioning with total body irradiation did not provide a better survival (60·7 ± 9·2%) over that with busulfan (BU; 67·8 ± 5·7%). Two of the 28 patients treated with irradiation, but none of the 90 BU‐treated patients, developed a secondary malignant neoplasm. In conclusion, allogeneic HSCT using BU was a valuable option for infant ALL with KMT2A rearrangements in CR1.
Thalidomide‐prednisone maintenance following autologous stem cell transplant for Multiple Myeloma: effect on thrombin generation and procoagulant markers in NCIC CTG MY.10
Authors: Kovacs Michael J. , Davies Gwynivere A. , Chapman Judy‐Anne W. , Bahlis Nizar , Voralia Michael , Roy Jean , Kouroukis C. Tom , Chen Christine , Belch Andrew , Reece Donna , Zhu Liting , Meyer Ralph M. , Shepherd Lois , Stewart Keith A.
Published: October 2014

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has an increased incidence in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), especially during chemotherapy. Mechanisms including upregulation of procoagulant factors, such as factor VIII, have been postulated. The National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group MY.10 phase III clinical trial compared thalidomide‐prednisone to observation for 332 patients with MM post‐autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), with a primary endpoint of overall survival and various secondary endpoints including the incidence of VTE. One hundred and fifty‐three patients had biomarker data, including D‐dimer, factor VIII and thrombin anti‐thrombin (TAT) levels collected post‐ASCT at baseline and 2 months after intervention investigating in‐vivo thrombin generation. Differences between the time‐points included a significant reduction over time in D‐dimer, factor VIII and TAT levels in the observation group and sustained elevation of D‐dimer, significant increase in factor VIII and reduction in TAT levels in the thalidomide‐prednisone group. Eight VTE events were reported in this subset of study patients, all in the thalidomide‐prednisone arm, with a trend to increase in D‐dimer levels over time in those patients with VTE. This study provides physiological and clinical evidence for an increased risk of VTE associated with thalidomide‐prednisone maintenance therapy post‐ASCT for MM.
The interactive effects of mortality salience and political orientation on moral judgments
Authors: Bassett Jonathan F. , Van Tongeren Daryl R. , Green Jeffrey D. , Sonntag Michael E. , Kilpatrick Harrison
Published: October 2014

In two studies, the authors examined how threat induced by reminders of mortality would moderate the effect of political orientation on moral judgments. In Study 1, university students (n = 113) categorized their political orientation, were randomly assigned to complete a fear of death or public speaking scale, and then completed a moral foundations questionnaire. In Study 2, university students (n = 123) rated their political orientations, were randomly assigned to write about their own death or dental pain, and then completed a moral foundations questionnaire. In both studies, mortality salience intensified the moral differences between liberals and conservatives. These findings were primarily the result of the reactions of liberals, who responded to mortality salience with increased ratings of the fairness/cheating virtue in Study 1 and the care/harm virtue in Study 2.
Extending the translational potential of targeting NO/cGMP‐regulated pathways in the CVS
Authors: Papapetropoulos Andreas , Hobbs Adrian J , Topouzis Stavros
Published: October 2014

The discovery of NO as both an endogenous signalling molecule and as a mediator of the cardiovascular effects of organic nitrates was acknowledged in 1998 by the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine. The characterization of its downstream signalling, mediated through stimulation of soluble GC (sGC) and cGMP generation, initiated significant translational interest, but until recently this was almost exclusively embodied by the use of PDE5 inhibitors in erectile dysfunction. Since then, research progress in two areas has contributed to an impressive expansion of the therapeutic targeting of the NO‐sGC‐cGMP axis: first, an increased understanding of the molecular events operating within this complex pathway and second, a better insight into its dys‐regulation and uncoupling in human disease. Already‐approved PDE5 inhibitors and novel, first‐in‐class molecules, which up‐regulate the activity of sGC independently of NO and/or of the enzyme's haem prosthetic group, are undergoing clinical evaluation to treat pulmonary hypertension and myocardial failure. These molecules, as well as combinations or second‐generation compounds, are also being assessed in additional experimental disease models and in patients in a wide spectrum of novel indications, such as endotoxic shock, diabetic cardiomyopathy and Becker's muscular dystrophy. There is well‐founded optimism that the modulation of the NO‐sGC‐cGMP pathway will sustain the development of an increasing number of successful clinical candidates for years to come.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of the Gasotransmitters. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-6
Tool Using
Authors: Kahrs Björn A. , Lockman Jeffrey J.
Published: October 2014

Research on the development of tool use in children has often emphasized the cognitive bases of this achievement, focusing on the choice of an artifact, but has largely neglected its motor foundations. However, research across diverse fields, from evolutionary anthropology to cognitive neuroscience, converges on the idea that the actions that embody tool use are also critical for understanding its ontogenesis and phylogenesis. In this article, we highlight findings across these fields to show how a deeper examination of the act of tool using can inform developmental accounts and illuminate what makes human tool use unique.
Randomized controlled trial of asthma risk with paracetamol use in infancy – a feasibility study
Authors: Riley J. , Braithwaite I. , Shirtcliffe P. , Caswell‐Smith R. , Hunt A. , Bowden V. , Power S. , Stanley T. , Crane J. , Ingham T. , Weatherall M. , Mitchell E. A. , Beasley R.
Published: October 2014

Background

There is non‐experimental evidence that paracetamol (acetaminophen) use may increase the risk of developing asthma. However, numerous methodological issues need to be resolved before undertaking a randomized controlled trial to investigate this hypothesis.

Objective

To establish the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial of liberal paracetamol as usually given by parents/guardians vs. a comparator (restricted paracetamol in accordance with WHO guidelines, ibuprofen or placebo), and childhood asthma risk.

Methods

Questionnaires were completed by parents/guardians of infants admitted to Wellington Hospital with bronchiolitis to assess views about comparator treatments. Subsequently, infants of parents/guardians who provided informed consent were randomized to restricted or liberal paracetamol use for 3 months with paracetamol use recorded.

Results

Of 120 eligible participants, 72 (60%) parents/guardians completed the questionnaire. Ibuprofen, restricted paracetamol and placebo were acceptable to 42 (58%), 29 (40%) and 9 (12%) parents/guardians, respectively. 36 (30%) infants were randomized to restricted or liberal paracetamol. Paracetamol use was greater for the liberal vs. restricted group for reported [Hodges–Lehmann estimator of difference 0.94 mg/kg/day (95% CI 0.2–3.52), P = 0.02] and measured use [Hodges–Lehmann estimator of difference 2.11 mg/kg/day (95% CI 0.9–4.18), P = 0.004]. The median reported and measured use of paracetamol was 2.0‐fold and 3.5‐fold greater in the liberal vs. restricted group.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Although separation in paracetamol dosing is likely to be achieved with a liberal vs. restricted paracetamol regime, ibuprofen is the preferred comparator treatment in the proposed RCT of paracetamol use and risk of asthma in childhood.
Local and systemic effects of cat allergen nasal provocation
Authors: Scadding G. W. , Eifan A. , Penagos M. , Dumitru A. , Switzer A. , McMahon O. , Phippard D. , Togias A. , Durham S. R. , Shamji M. H.
Published: October 2014

Background

Cat allergen is widely distributed in homes and schools; allergic sensitization is common.

Objective

To develop a model of cat allergen nasal challenge to establish dose–response and time–course characteristics and investigate local and systemic biomarkers of allergic inflammation.

Methods

Nineteen cat‐allergic individuals underwent titrated nasal challenge, range 0.243 to 14.6 μg/mL Fel d1, and matched diluent‐only provocation. Clinical response to 8 h was assessed by symptom scores and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF). Nasal fluid was collected using polyurethane sponges and analysed by ImmunoCAP and multiplex assays. Whole blood flow cytometry for basophil surface CD63, CD107a, and CD203c was carried out at baseline and 6 h post‐challenge.

Results

A dose–response to allergen was seen in symptom scores and PNIF, maximal at 10 000 BU/mL (4.87 μg/mL Fel d1), P < 0.0001 vs. diluent. Nasal fluid tryptase was elevated at 5 min after challenge (P < 0.05 vs. diluent); eotaxin, IL‐4, ‐5, ‐9, and ‐13 were increased at 8 h (P < 0.05 to P < 0.0001 vs. diluent); TSLP was undetectable; IL‐10, IL‐17A, and IL‐33 were unchanged compared to diluent challenge. Nasal fluid IL‐5 and IL‐13 correlated inversely with PNIF after challenge (IL‐5, r = −0.79, P < 0.0001; IL‐13, r = −0.60, P = 0.006). Surface expression of CD63 and CD107a was greater at 6 h than at baseline, both in the presence (both P < 0.05) and absence (CD63, P < 0.01; CD107a, P < 0.05) of in vitro allergen stimulation; no changes were seen on diluent challenge day.

Conclusions

Cat allergen nasal challenge produces local and systemic Th2‐driven inflammatory responses and has potential as a surrogate outcome measure in clinical trials.
Exhaled nitric oxide concentration in the period of 60 min after submaximal exercise in the cold
Authors: Stensrud Trine , Stang Julie , Thorsen Einar , Bråten Veslemøy
Published: October 2014

Background

Fractional expired nitric oxide (FENO) is decreased after exercise. The effect of exercise in the cold upon FENO is unknown.

Purpose

To examine changes in FENO after a short, high intensive exercise test in a cold and in a temperate environment.

Methods

Twenty healthy well‐trained subjects (eight females) aged 18–28 years performed an 8‐min exercise test at 18°C (SD = 1.0) and −10°C (SD = 1.2) ambient temperature. The tests were performed in a climate chamber in random order. The workload corresponded to 90–95% of peak heart rate (HRpeak) during the last 4 min. FENO was measured offline. Exhaled gas was sampled in Mylar® bags using a collector kit with a flow restrictor and analysed within 2 h. FENO was measured before exercise and repeatedly during the first hour after. ANOVA for repeated measures was used to compare differences in FENO after exercise between environments.

Results

There was no difference in baseline FENO. A significant difference in FENO between environments was found after warm‐up and from 20 to 30 min after exercise, with FENO being lower after exercise in the cold (P<0.05). The maximal reduction in FENO was seen 5 min after exercise and was not different between environments.

Conclusion

Recovery of FENO was slower after exercising in −10°C compared with 18°C.
Apocrine intraductal carcinoma in situ in nevus sebaceus: two case reports
Authors: Llamas‐Velasco Mar , Requena Luis , Podda Maurizio , Weidenthaler‐Barth Beate , Rütten Arno
Published: October 2014

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the mammary glands consists of a proliferation of ductal luminal cells with preserved polarity but lacking the marked intercellular cohesion of hyperplastic cells. We report two cases of DCIS arising in the apocrine glandular structures of a nevus sebaceus (NS). The first patient was a 44‐year‐old woman with a ductal neoplasm composed of multilayered ductal elements with a monomorphous cellularity and a polar orientation of nuclei. The neoplastic cells were positive for Cm5.2 and CK7. The second patient was a 67‐year‐old woman with phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica. A skin biopsy of an erythematous plaque within her NS showed an epithelioid monomorphous tumor with eosinophilic and slightly granular cytoplasm. Slight nuclear pleomorphism with some hyperchromatic nuclei was seen. The tumor cells were positive for CK7 and gross cystic disease fluid protein‐15. Actin showed a preserved layer of myoepithelial cells in both cases. Our cases are noteworthy, as secondary malignancies or multiple tumors arising in NS are rare, and the presence of multiple neoplasms in phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica is even rarer. Moreover, these tumors expand the spectrum of secondary malignant neoplasms arising in NS, as they closely resemble mammary DCIS.
Compulsory drug detention and injection drug use cessation and relapse in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Fairbairn Nadia , Hayashi Kanna , Ti Lianping , Kaplan Karyn , Suwannawong Paisan , Wood Evan , Kerr Thomas
Published: October 2014

Introduction and Aims

Strategies to promote the reduction and cessation of injection drug use are central to human immunodeficiency virus prevention and treatment efforts globally. Though drug use cessation is a major focus of drug policy in Thailand, little is known about factors associated with injection cessation and relapse in this setting.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted between July and October 2011 of a community‐recruited sample of people who inject drugs in Bangkok, Thailand. Using multivariate logistic regression, we examined the prevalence and correlates of injection drug use cessation with subsequent relapse.

Results

Among 422 participants, 209 (49.5%) reported a period of injection drug use cessation of at least one year. In multivariate analyses, incarceration (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 13.07), voluntary drug treatment (AOR 2.75), midazolam injection (AOR 2.48) and number of years since first injection (AOR 1.07) were positively associated with injection cessation of duration greater than a year (all P < 0.05). Exposure to compulsory drug detention was positively associated (AOR 2.61) and methadone treatment was negatively associated (AOR 0.38) with short‐term cessation only. Injection drug use cessation was most often due to incarceration (74%), and relapse was associated with release from prison (66%).

Discussion and Conclusion

Half of the study participants had previously stopped injecting drugs for more than a year, and this was strongly associated with incarceration. Compulsory drug detention was associated with short‐term cessation and relapse. A range of evidence‐based strategies should be made available to facilitate sustained cessation of injection drug use in Thailand. [Fairbairn N, Hayashi K, Ti L, Kaplan K, Suwannawong P, Wood E, Kerr T. Compulsory drug detention and injection drug use cessation and relapse in Bangkok, Thailand. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:74–81]
The effect of gender and alcohol placement in the processing of sexual intent
Authors: Koukounas Eric , Djokic Jelena , Miller Peter
Published: October 2014

Introduction and Aims

Alcohol consumption in women is known to be perceived by men as signalling sexual intent. However, it is unclear whether such assumptions extend to the simple presence of alcohol. The present study investigated the association between gender and alcohol placement on processing of sexual intent.

Design and Methods

One hundred and forty‐seven sexually experienced male and female participants were shown a brief video of a social interaction between a man and woman depicted with a bottle of water or alcohol. Participants were then asked to rate the female target on sexual intent.

Results

Men inferred greater sexual intent compared to women in the female target when she was depicted with alcohol as compared to water. Contrary to previous research, personality traits did not contribute to perceptions of sexual intent. However, state (sexual‐related) variables such as likely sexual relationship between targets and attractiveness of the female target, did increase the level of sexual intent processed.

Discussion and Conclusions

These findings suggest that alcohol may be a cue used by men in their social environment to process sexual intent. The association of a woman with alcohol suggesting sexual intent could have potential implications for advertising practice which influences sexual beliefs toward women. [Koukounas E, Djokic J, Miller P. The effect of gender and alcohol placement in the processing of sexual intent. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:194–201]
The equal right to drink
Authors: Schmidt Laura A.
Published: October 2014

The starting place for this essay is Knupfer and Room's insight that more restrictive norms around drinking and intoxication tend to be selectively applied to the economically dependent segments of society, such as women. However, since these authors wrote in 1964, women in the US and many other societies around the globe have experienced rising economic independence. The essay considers how the moral categories of acceptable drinking and drunkenness may have shifted alongside women's rising economic independence, and looks at evidence on the potential consequences for women's health and wellbeing. I argue that, as women have gained economic independence, changes in drinking norms have produced two different kinds of negative unintended consequences for women at high and low extremes of economic spectrum. As liberated women of the middle and upper classes have become more economically equal to men, they have enjoyed the right to drink with less restraint. For them, alongside the equal right to drink has come greater equality in exposure to alcohol‐attributable harms, abuse and dependence. I further suggest that, as societies become more liberated, the economic dependency of low‐income women is brought into greater question. Under such conditions, women in poverty—particularly those economically dependent on the state, such as welfare mothers—have become subject to more restrictive norms around drinking and intoxication, and more punitive social controls. [Schmidt LA. The equal right to drink. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:581–7]
Plant extirpation at the site scale: implications for eradication programmes
Authors: Dodd Aaron J. , Ainsworth Nigel , Burgman Mark A. , McCarthy Michael A.
Published: October 2014

Aim

To identify the relative importance of commonly available site and species factors on the probability of extirpating a plant species at the site scale.

Location

Australia.

Methods

We reviewed the plant eradication literature and listed the factors commonly cited as influencing eradication success. We then analysed a database of 408 site‐scale extirpation attempts, across 17 species eradication programmes, by modelling the time until extirpation to determine the relative influence of these factors on the probability of extirpation, given time.

Results

The most commonly cited factors influencing eradication success can be classified into two groups as follows: those related to the ‘organisation’, being typically binary variables and amenable to management; and those related to the ‘site/species’, which typically were continuous values and usually beyond the control of the management agency. Detectability period, search distance, monitoring rate, infestation size, propagule longevity, time to reproductive maturity and previous eradication success all influenced the extirpation rate. Conversely, climate suitability, land use and general accessibility (distance to nearest manager) were relatively unimportant. By relating the influential site/species factors to a time‐dependent model, managers and policymakers can explicitly estimate the probability of successful extirpation at a site, given a particular time horizon. These estimates can then be aggregated up to the species scale to allow managers to set realistic goals regarding eradication time frames and resource requirements.

Main conclusions

Our paper illustrates how the probability of extirpation at the site scale can be quantitatively estimated and how these estimates can be used to inform decisions regarding broader species‐scale eradication programmes. We expect that the use of such quantitative approaches to select better eradication targets will improve eradication success rates over time.
Ecological impacts of invading seaweeds: a meta‐analysis of their effects at different trophic levels
Authors: Maggi E. , Benedetti‐Cecchi L. , Castelli A. , Chatzinikolaou E. , Crowe T. P. , Ghedini G. , Kotta J. , Lyons D. A. , Ravaglioli C. , Rilov G. , Rindi L. , Bulleri F.
Published: October 2014

Aim

Biological invasions are among the main threats to biodiversity. To promote a mechanistic understanding of the ecological impacts of non‐native seaweeds, we assessed how effects on resident organisms vary according to their trophic level.

Location

Global.

Methods

We performed meta‐analytical comparisons of the effects of non‐native seaweeds on both individual species and communities. We compared the results of analyses performed on the whole dataset with those obtained from experimental data only and, when possible, between rocky and soft bottoms.

Results

Meta‐analyses of data from 100 papers revealed consistent negative effects of non‐native seaweeds across variables describing resident primary producer communities. In contrast, negative effects of seaweeds on consumers emerged only on their biomass and, limited to rocky bottoms, diversity. At the species level, negative effects were consistent across primary producers' response variables, while only the survival of consumers other than herbivores or predators (e.g. deposit/suspension feeders or detritivores) decreased due to invasion. Excluding mensurative data, negative effects of seaweeds persisted only on resident macroalgal communities and consumer species survival, while switched to positive on the diversity of rocky‐bottom consumers. However, negative effects emerged for biomass and, in rocky habitats, density of consumers other than herbivores or predators.

Main conclusions

Our results support the hypothesis that seaweeds' effects on resident biodiversity are generally more negative within the same trophic level than on higher trophic guilds. Finer trophic grouping of resident organisms revealed more complex impacts than previously detected. High heterogeneity in the responses of some consumer guilds suggests that impacts of non‐native seaweeds at higher trophic levels may be more invader‐ and species‐specific than competitive effects at the same trophic level. Features of invaded habitats may further increase variability in seaweeds' impacts. More experimental data on consumers' response to invasion are needed to disentangle the effects of non‐native seaweeds from those of other environmental stressors.
Similar but not equivalent: ecological niche comparison across closely–related Mexican white pines
Authors: Aguirre‐Gutiérrez Jesús , Serna‐Chavez Héctor M. , Villalobos‐Arambula Alma R. , Pérez de la Rosa Jorge A. , Raes Niels
Published: October 2014

Aim

In the face of global environmental change, identifying the factors that shape the ecological niches of species and understanding the mechanisms behind them can help to draft effective conservation plans. The differences in the ecological factors that shape species distributions may then help to highlight differences between closely related taxa. We investigate the applicability of ecological niche modelling and the comparison of species distributions in ecological niche space to detect areas with priority for biodiversity conservation and to analyse differences in the ecological niche spaces used by closely related taxa.

Location

United States of America, Mexico and Central America.

Methods

We apply ordination and ecological niche modelling techniques to assess the main environmental drivers of the distribution of Mexican white pines (Pinus: Pinaceae). Furthermore, we assess the similarities and differences of the ecological niches occupied by closely related taxa. We analyse whether Mexican white pines occupy similar or equivalent ecological niches.

Results

All the studied taxa presented different responses to the environmental factors, resulting in a unique combination of niche conditions. Our stacked habitat suitability maps highlighted regions in southern Mexico and northern Central America as highly suitable for most species and thus with high conservation value. By quantitatively assessing the niche overlap, similarity and equivalency of Mexican white pines, our results prove that the distribution of one species cannot be implied by the distribution of another, even if these taxa are considered closely related.

Main conclusions

The fact that each Mexican white pine is constrained by a unique set of environmental conditions, and thus, their non‐equivalence of ecological niches has direct implications for conservation as this highlights the inadequacy of one‐fits all type of conservation measure.
Energy availability, spatio‐temporal variability and implications for animal ecology
Authors: Duncan Clare , Chauvenet Aliénor L. M. , Brown Molly E. , Pettorelli Nathalie
Published: October 2014

Aim

Global environmental change, through anthropogenic activities and climatic changes, is promoting broad‐scale alterations to energy availability across the world's ecosystems. However, spatio‐temporal variation in available energy is a key driver of animals' life histories, movement patterns and abundance, thus shaping the global distribution of individuals and species. As such, there is an increasing need to understand how and where changes to energy availability will produce the greatest impacts on animal ecology, and ultimately on the distribution of biodiversity.

Location

Global.

Methods

We compiled data from the published literature where attempts (n = 171) have been made to find linkages between prevailing energy availability (primary productivity, indexed by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index; NDVI) and ecological parameters (abundance, distribution and life histories) for bird and mammal species. We extracted information on trophic level (diet) and body mass for the species considered in these studies, as well as long‐term site‐specific average energy availability, and levels of seasonality and interannual stability (all indexed using NDVI‐based metrics as proxies). We conducted a GLMM analysis to assess how these variables may structure the variability in the reported linkages between prevailing energy availability and the considered ecological parameters.

Results

Our analysis revealed that the strength of the reported relationships between metrics of prevailing energy availability and ecological parameters was highest in environments with high long‐term interannual stability in available energy, and for larger, non‐carnivorous animals. Importantly, we found no support for an influence of long‐term site‐specific average energy availability on the strength of these relationships.

Main conclusions

Overall, our results support the hypothesis that temporal stability in energy availability is a key factor controlling animal ecology over total available energy itself. These results may have some important implications for the future health and conservation requirements of currently largely stable regions under global environmental change.
Can a lifestyle intervention programme improve physical behaviour among adolescents and young adults with spastic cerebral palsy? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Slaman Jorrit , Roebroeck Marij , Dallmijer Annet , Twisk Jos , Stam Henk , van den Berg‐Emons Rita ,   Learn 2 Move Research Group
Published: October 2014

Aim

Optimal physical behaviour is important, as physical inactivity contributes to functional deterioration and reduced social participation. Nevertheless, research showed that persons with cerebral palsy (CP) have low physical activity levels. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention programme on physical behaviour.

Method

Fifty‐seven persons (36 completed the total study) with spastic CP (age range 16 to 25y; 27 males, 30 females), classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–IV were included in this randomized controlled trial. Twenty‐nine participants had a unilateral CP and 27 had a bilateral CP. A 6‐month lifestyle intervention consisting of fitness training and counselling on physical behaviour and sports participation was evaluated. Physical behaviour was objectively measured using ambulatory activity monitors. Self‐reported physical activity was determined using the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities.

Results

The intervention did not affect the objectively measured physical activity during the intervention (beta=0.34, CI=−1.70 to 2.37) or at follow‐up (beta=0.30, CI=−1.99 to 2.59). Self‐reported physical activity was positively affected during the intervention period (beta=7.61, CI=0.17–15.05); however, this effect was not present at follow‐up (beta=3.65, CI=−3.05 to 10.36).

Interpretation

The lifestyle intervention was ineffective in eliciting a behavioural change towards more favourable physical behaviour in adolescents and young adults with spastic CP.
Morphological changes during the transition from freshwater to sea water in an amphidromous goby,Sicyopterus lagocephalus(Pallas 1770) (Teleostei)
Authors: Ellien Céline , Werner Ugo , Keith Philippe
Published: October 2014

The widely distributed amphidromous gobySicyopterus lagocephalusneeds drastic change of habitat to fulfil its life cycle: adults live and spawn in rivers, where eggs hatch into prolarvae that have to reach the sea to acquire characteristics of planktonic larvae. Postlarvae return to rivers where they recruit and grow to the adult reproductive stage. Here, we describe the prolarval stages, namely from hatching to first contact with sea water, as well as the first marine larval stages. The observations were made under experimental conditions. We described 3 prolarval substages in freshwater (L1a–L1c). Prolarvae present a slight but visible ontogenetic development in freshwater, during which the yolk sac begins to reduce, the pigmentation increases on the body and in the eyes, and the lenses appear, although the eyes are not functional. Prolarvae need to reach the sea in a maximum of 96 h to pursue their development. Their transfer in sea water at a salinity of 36.5 induces important morphological modifications (i.e. yolk sac full absorption, appearance of pectoral fins, migration of the eyes in anterolateral position of the head, opening of mouth and anus), enabling the organisms to adapt to their new environment. This marine stage is divided into two substages: L2a corresponding to the organisation of the morphological structures adapted to the marine environment and L2b during which these morphological structures become functional. Whether it is in freshwater or sea water, the duration of the substages depends on the water temperature, but is similar for all individuals for a given temperature.
Nuclear factorI‐Cexpression pattern in developing teeth and its important role in odontogenic differentiation of human molar stem cells from the apical papilla
Authors: Gao Shuo , Zhao Yu‐Ming , Ge Li‐Hong
Published: October 2014

Nuclear factorI‐C(NFIC) has an important role in the development of murine dental roots, but its role in human root formation is unreported. We thus elucidated the regulatory role ofNFICin the differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla (hSCAPs). The first step for this was to determine the expression ofNFICin human teeth, and it was found thatNFICexpression was restricted to the odontoblasts and preodontoblasts of the developing molars of humans and mice.NFICwas found to be expressed in odontoblast‐like cells after the subcutaneous transplantation of hSCAPs.NFICexpression was concomitant with dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) in the mineralization of hSCAPs.NFICknockdown in hSCAPs significantly inhibited expression ofDSPPand promoted that of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), meanwhile upregulated the expression ofTGF‐β1and downregulatedSMAD3andSMAD4. NFIC expression was significantly upregulated afterTGF‐β1treatment in hSCAPs.NFICknockdown prolonged G1 phase of the cell cycle, but had no effect on cell proliferation and migration. These results suggest thatNFICis involved in the development of human root dentin and the regulation of odontoblastic differentiation of hSCAPs.NFICmay participate in theDMP1‐DSPPsignaling pathway and comprises a complex signaling cycle with TGF‐β1.
Antipathogen genes and the replacement of disease‐vectoring mosquito populations: a model‐based evaluation
Authors: Robert Michael A. , Okamoto Kenichi W. , Gould Fred , Lloyd Alun L.
Published: October 2014

Recently, genetic strategies aimed at controlling populations of disease‐vectoring mosquitoes have received considerable attention as alternatives to traditional measures. Theoretical studies have shown that female‐killing (FK), antipathogen (AP), and reduce and replace (R&R) strategies can each decrease the number competent vectors. In this study, we utilize a mathematical model to evaluate impacts on competent Aedes aegypti populations of FK, AP, and R&R releases as well as hybrid strategies that result from combinations of these three approaches. We show that while the ordering of efficacy of these strategies depends upon population life history parameters, sex ratio of releases, and switch time in combination strategies, AP‐only and R&R/AP releases typically lead to the greatest long‐term reduction in competent vectors. R&R‐only releases are often less effective at long‐term reduction of competent vectors than AP‐only releases or R&R/AP releases. Furthermore, the reduction in competent vectors caused by AP‐only releases is easier to maintain than that caused by FK‐only or R&R‐only releases even when the AP gene confers a fitness cost. We discuss the roles that density dependence and inclusion of females play in the order of efficacy of the strategies. We anticipate that our results will provide added impetus to continue developing AP strategies.
Foot placement of the equine forelimb: Relationship between foot conformation, foot placement and movement asymmetry
Authors: Wilson A. , Agass R. , Vaux S. , Sherlock E. , Day P. , Pfau T. , Weller R.
Published: October 2014

Reasons for performing study

Hoof conformation, foot placement and movement asymmetry are routinely assessed as part of the lameness examination. However, to date, few studies have described these parameters, or the interplay between them, in the general horse population.

Objectives

To assess foot conformation and foot placement in the forelimbs of a group of general purpose horses and investigate the relationships between foot placement, foot conformation and movement asymmetry.

Study design

Observational cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Forty‐three horses were included in the study. Measurements were taken from photographs of each forelimb to assess foot conformation. Video footage was recorded simultaneously from perpendicular cameras at both walk and trot and used to categorise foot placement. Inertial sensor data were used to assess head movement asymmetry in trot.

Results

There was a high degree of variation in foot placement between and within horses, but a ‘lateral heel’ placement was most common in walk and a ‘lateral’ placement most common in trot. Foot placement was associated with dorsal and palmar hoof angles but there was no relationship between foot placement and the other conformation parameters, nor with movement asymmetry. Moderate negative correlations were found between several of the conformation parameters and movement asymmetry.

Conclusions

A relationship exists between foot conformation and movement asymmetry with decreasing hoof width and hoof length related to increasing amount of movement asymmetry. In the population of horses studied here – deemed to be ‘well functioning’ by their owners/riders – foot placement was found to be independent of movement asymmetry and, to a large extent, independent of foot conformation.
A natural heme‐signature variant of CYP267A1 from Sorangium cellulosum So ce56 executes diverse ω‐hydroxylation
Authors: Khatri Yogan , Hannemann Frank , Girhard Marco , Kappl Reinhard , Hutter Michael , Urlacher Vlada B. , Bernhardt Rita
Published: October 2014

A novel naturally occurring heme‐signature variant of CYP267A1 from myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum So ce56 and its mutant L366F, the actual mimic of the ‘conserved’ heme‐signature of cytochromes P450, were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli in a soluble form and purified. The UV–visible characteristics of both variants were highly similar. Although leucine replaced the phenylalanine in the heme‐signature domain of CYP267A1, EPR measurements of the ligand‐free wild‐type CYP267A1 and the mutant L366F showed low‐spin rhombic species suggesting a conserved heme environment of the P450s. The need of primary redox partners for the orphan P450 was sustained by the bovine redox system and a class‐I electron transfer path was provided during fatty acid hydroxylation. CYP267A1 showed higher activity and produced more diverse ω‐hydroxylated products compared with L366F. In both enzymes the regioselectivity of the fatty acid hydroxylation shifted towards the inner carbon atoms of the fatty acid chains with increasing carbon chain lengths. Our docking results in a homology model of the protein showed that longer fatty acids need to be folded to fit into the binding pocket. In the mutant L366F, the ω‐1 and ω‐2 positions which exhibit the largest electron density of the highest occupied molecular orbital are preferred. It is speculated that the leucine heme‐signature variant of P450 might have evolved under selective evolutionary pressure, which confers an increased advantage to generate a broader spectrum of related alcohols and carboxylic acids required for the bacterial homeostasis or metabolism in a particular ecological niche.
New insight into the mechanism underlying fibroin secretion in silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Long Dingpei , Lu Weijian , Zhang Yang , Guo Qing , Xiang Zhonghuai , Zhao Aichun
Published: October 2014

In order to investigate the role of different parts of the fibroin heavy chain (H‐chain) in the secretion of fibroin in the silk gland of the silkworm (Bombyx mori) in vivo, two enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)/H‐chain fusion genes with deduced protein sequences containing an identical N‐terminal region and different C‐terminal regions of the H‐chain were introduced into the B. mori genome using a piggyBac‐mediated germline transformation. EGFP fluorescence and molecular analysis showed the products of two different EGFP/H‐chain fusion proteins were secreted into the posterior silk gland lumen and aggregated in the middle silk gland and spun into cocoons. The results revealed that only the non‐repetitive N terminus of the H‐chain is essential for secretion of the H‐chain into the posterior silk gland lumen. In addition, our results also indicated that the most likely post‐translational modification of the H‐chain is at the C‐terminal domain. Here, our results not only provide a theoretical basis for the genetic modification of silk fiber as a functional biomaterial but also are of great significance to establishing a new silk gland bioreactor to mass‐produce exogenous proteins in an active form.
Contemporaneous climate directly controls broad‐scale patterns of woody plant diversity: a test by a natural experiment over 14,000 years
Authors: Vázquez‐Rivera Héctor , Currie David J.
Published: October 2014

Aim

Broad‐scale diversity gradients are strongly correlated with climate. This correlation may reflect direct control of richness by contemporaneous climate. Alternatively, factors that were collinear with contemporaneous climate may have affected richness (e.g. temperature during the Last Glacial Maximum, LGM). We tested the hypothesis that contemporaneous climate directly controls broad‐scale patterns of richness. If climate directly (i.e. causally) controls richness, then when climate changes, richness should vary with climate through time in the same way that richness varies with climate through space. We also tested hypotheses that suggest that patterns of richness are primarily determined by processes associated with climate at the LGM.

Location

North America, north of Mexico.

Methods

We used temperature changes over the last 14,000 years in North America as a ‘natural experiment’. We compared a proxy of woody plant family richness (based on fossilized pollen) with two reconstructions of the spatio‐temporal variation of temperature across North America at 1000‐year intervals.

Results

We found that the spatial and temporal regional variations in richness of woody plant families, observed at 1000‐year intervals and expressed as a function of temperature, remained quite congruent during the changing climate since the end of the Pleistocene (the last c. 11,000 years). Between 14,000 and 11,000 yr bp, lags occurred during cooling periods, when richness remained anomalously high; however, richness was not anomalously low during the rapid warming in the late Pleistocene. Richness was significantly less strongly related to climate change since the LGM.

Main conclusions

Our results provide a strong test of the hypothesis that, in ecological time, contemporaneous climate controls most of the broad‐scale variation in patterns of richness. Richness, independently of the responses of individual species, is likely to track current climate change, except possibly when temperature changes are very rapid.
Using the Health Belief Model to explain patient involvement in patient safety
Authors: Bishop Andrea C. , Baker G. Ross , Boyle Todd A. , MacKinnon Neil J.
Published: October 2014

Background

With the knowledge that patient safety incidents can significantly impact patients, providers and health‐care organizations, greater emphasis on patient involvement as a means to mitigate risks warrants further research.

Objective

To understand whether patient perceptions of patient safety play a role in patient involvement in factual and challenging patient safety practices and whether the constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM) help to explain such perceptions.

Design

Partial least squares (PLS) analysis of survey data.

Setting and Participants

Four inpatient units located in two tertiary hospitals in Atlantic Canada. Patients discharged from participating units between November 2010 and January 2011.

Intervention

None.

Results

A total of 217 of the 587 patient surveys were returned for a final response rate of 37.0%. The PLS analysis revealed relationships between patient perceptions of threat and self‐efficacy and the performance of factual and challenging patient safety practices, explaining 46 and 42% of the variance, respectively.

Discussion

The results from this study provide evidence for the constructs and relationships set forth by the HBM. Perceptions of patient safety were shown to influence patient likelihood for engaging in selected patient safety practices. While perceptions of barriers and benefits and threats were found to be a contributing factor to patient involvement in patient safety practices, self‐efficacy plays an important role as a mediating factor.

Conclusions

Overall, the use of the HBM within patient safety provides for increased understanding of how such perceptions can be influenced to improve patient engagement in promoting safer health care.
Observation of Crack Propagation in Glass Using X‐ray Phase Contrast Imaging
Authors: Parab Niranjan D. , Black John T. , Claus Benjamin , Hudspeth Matthew , Sun Jianzhuo , Fezzaa Kamel , Chen Weinong W.
Published: October 2014

High‐speed X‐ray phase contrast imaging synchronized with a Kolsky bar apparatus was utilized to investigate the cracking behavior of a borosilicate glass, a soda lime glass, and a glass ceramic in front of a cylindrical projectile with an impact velocity of 5 ms−1. For each material, three different surface conditions were prepared for the impacted edge of the specimen. Angular cracking was observed in front of the projectile for borosilicate glass. For soda lime glass, straight cracking was observed. For glass ceramic, curved cracking was observed in front of the projectile. Cracking behavior was observed to be independent of the surface condition on the impacted edge.