bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumour necrosis factor-mediated macrophage activation in the target organ is critical for clinical manifestation of uveitis
Authors: Khera T K , Copland D A , Boldison J , Lait P J P , Szymkowski D E , Dick A D , Nicholson L B
Published: February 2012

Clinically available anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) biologics, which inhibit both soluble (sTNF) and transmembrane forms (tmTNF) of TNF, eliminating all TNF signalling, have successfully treated autoimmune diseases including uveitis. These have potentially serious side effects such as reactivation of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis and, therefore, more specific inhibition of TNF signalling pathways may maintain clinical efficacy while reducing adverse effects. To determine the effects of specific pharmacological inhibition of sTNF on macrophage activation and migration, we used a mouse model of uveitis (experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis; EAU). We show that selective inhibition of sTNF is sufficient to suppress EAU by limiting inflammatory CD11b+ macrophages and CD4+ T cell migration into the eye. However, inhibition of both sTNF and tmTNF is required to inhibit interferon-γ-induced chemokine receptor 2, CD40, major histocompatibility complex class II and nitric oxide (NO) up-regulation, and signalling via tmTNF is sufficient to mediate tissue damage. In confirmation, intravitreal inhibition of sTNF alone did not suppress disease, and inflammatory cells that migrated into the eye were activated, generating NO, thus causing structural damage to the retina. In contrast, intravitreal inhibition of both sTNF and tmTNF suppressed macrophage activation and therefore disease. We conclude that sTNF is required for inflammatory cell infiltration into target tissue, but at the tissue site inhibition of both sTNF and tmTNF is required to inhibit macrophage activation and to protect from tissue damage.
Determination of organic carbon and nitrogen in particulate organic matter and particle size fractions of Brookston clay loam soil using infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Yang X. M. , Xie H. T. , Drury C. F. , Reynolds W. D. , Yang J. Y. , Zhang X. D.
Published: February 2012

The objective of this study was to determine whether models developed from infrared spectroscopy could be used to estimate organic carbon (C) content, total nitrogen (N) content and the C:N ratio in the particulate organic matter (POM) and particle size fraction samples of Brookston clay loam. The POM model was developed with 165 samples, and the particle size fraction models were developed using 221 samples. Soil organic C and total N contents in the POM and particle size fractions (sand, 2000–53 µm; silt, 53–2 µm; clay, <2 µm) were determined by using dry combustion techniques. The bulk soil samples were scanned from 4000 to 400 cm−1 for mid‐infrared (MIR) spectra and from 8000 to 4000 cm−1 for near‐infrared (NIR) spectra. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis and the ‘leave‐one‐out' cross‐validation procedure were used for the model calibration and validation. Organic C and N content and C:N ratio in the POM were well predicted with both MIR‐ and NIR‐PLSR models ( = 0.84–0.92; = 0.78–0.87). The predictions of organic C content in soil particle size fractions were also very good for the model calibration ( = 0.84–0.94 for MIR and = 0.86–0.92 for NIR) and model validation ( = 0.79–0.94 for MIR and = 0.84–0.91 for NIR). The prediction of MIR‐ and NIR‐PLSR models for the N content and the C:N ratio in the sand and clay fractions was also satisfactory ( = 0.73–0.88; = 0.67–0.85). However, the predictions for the N content and C:N ratio in the silt fraction were poor ( = 0.23–0.55; = 0.20–0.40). The results indicate that both MIR and NIR methods can be used as alternative methods for estimating organic C and total N in the POM and particle size fractions of soil samples. However, the NIR model is better for estimating organic C and N in POM and sand fractions than the MIR model, whereas the MIR model is superior to the NIR model for estimating organic C in silt and clay fractions and N in clay fractions.
Full waveform inversion and distance separated simultaneous sweeping: a study with a land seismic data set
Authors: Plessix René‐Édouard , Baeten Guido , de Maag Jan Willem , ten Kroode Fons , Rujie Zhang
Published: February 2012

Dense, wide‐aperture and broad frequency band acquisition improves seismic imaging and potentially allows the use of full waveform inversion for velocity model building. The cost of dense acquisitions however limits its applicability. Blended or simultaneous shooting could lead to a good compromise between cost and dense acquisition, although the cross‐talk between simultaneous sweeps may reduce imaging capabilities. Onshore, a compromise is achieved with distance separated simultaneous sweeping acquisition, because the shots are easily separated when the processing focuses on pre‐critical reflected events. Full waveform inversion for velocity model building however relies on post‐critical reflected, refracted and diving events. These events can interfere in a distance separated simultaneous sweeping acquisition. By using a single vibrator, single receiver data set recorded in Inner Mongolia, China, a distance separated simultaneous sweeping data set is created to study the robustness of full waveform inversion in this acquisition context. This data set is well suited for full waveform inversion since it contains frequencies down to 1.5 Hz and offsets up to 25 km. Full waveform inversion after a crude deblending of the distance separated simultaneous sweeping data set leads to a result very similar to the one obtained from the single vibrator, single receiver data set. The inversion of the blended data set gives a slightly less good result because of the cross‐talk but it is still quite satisfactory.
Reduced variability in range‐edge butterfly populations over three decades of climate warming
Authors: Oliver Tom H. , Roy David B. , Brereton Tom , Thomas Jeremy A.
Published: February 2012

Populations at the high latitude edge of species’ geographical ranges are thought to show larger interannual population fluctuations, with subsequent higher local extinction risk, than those within the ‘core’ climatic range. As climate envelopes shift northward under climate warming, however, we would expect populations to show dampened variability. We test this hypothesis using annual abundance indices from 19 butterfly species across 79British monitoring sites between 1976 and 2009, a period of climatic warming. We found that populations in the latter (warmer) half of the recording period show reduced interannual population variability. Species with more southerlyEuropean distributions showed the greatest dampening in population variability over time. Our results suggest that increases in population variability occur towards climatic range boundaries.British sites, previously existing at the margins of suitable climate space, now appear to fall closer to the core climatic range for many butterfly species.
Chronic kidney disease stressors influence choice of dialysis modality
Authors: Harwood Lori , Wilson Barbara , Sontrop Jessica , Clark Alexander M.
Published: February 2012

harwood l., wilson b., sontrop j. & clark a.m. (2012) Chronic kidney disease stressors influence choice of dialysis modality. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(11), 2454–2465.

Aim.  This article is a report of a study examining the relationships between chronic kidney disease stressors and coping strategies with dialysis modality.

Background.  People with chronic kidney disease are given information to enable dialysis modality choice. This education increases awareness and may alleviate concerns and stress. Disease‐related stressors and coping may affect dialysis selection. Understanding the influence of stress and coping on dialysis choices will assist in providing responsive programmes. Reducing stress and encouraging coping may increase home dialysis which, despite economic and patient benefits, remains underused.

Design.  A prospective correlational design was used.

Methods.  Information was obtained from the Chronic Kidney Disease Stress Inventory and the Jalowiec Coping Scale in 223 individuals not on dialysis between the years 2005–2007. Data were recorded with respect to modality at dialysis initiation (n = 76) from 2005–2010. The effects of stress, coping and patient parameters on modality selection were compared using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results.  Individuals on home dialysis vs. in‐centre haemodialysis reported significantly fewer pre‐dialysis stressors. Coping was not associated with dialysis modality. Individuals on in‐centre haemodialysis had a lower serum creatinine, less advanced kidney disease and weighed more than those who started on a home therapy. Physiological stressors were most common and are amenable to interventions.

Conclusion.  Pre‐dialysis stress levels predicted dialysis modality. Interventional studies are recommended to address chronic kidney disease stressors with the outcome of improving home‐dialysis usage.
Current SEM techniques for de‐ and re‐construction of centromeres to determine 3D CENH3 distribution in barley mitotic chromosomes
Authors: SCHROEDER‐REITER E. , SANEI M. , HOUBEN A. , WANNER G.
Published: February 2012

Combined light microscopic (LM) and field emission scanning electron microscopic (FESEM) techniques with FluoroNanogold labelling allowed quantification and high resolution analysis of 3D distribution of the centromere‐specific histone H3 variant CENH3 in barley mitotic chromosomes. Chromosomes were investigated with fluorescence LM, conventional FESEM, low‐voltage FESEM and combined FIB/FESEM techniques for unprecedented comprehensive analysis to determine chromatin distribution patterns in the centromere. Using data from FIB/FESEM sectioning of centromeric regions of chromosomes, it was possible to render 3D reconstruction of the CENH3 distribution with highest resolution achieved to date. Complementary data derived from each approach show that CENH3 localizes not only to the primary constriction, but also in the pericentric regions and is distributed exclusively in the interior, rather than on the surface, of the centromere. This is relevant for understanding kinetochore assembly and digresses from current models of centromere structure. We emphasize here this broad microscopic approach, focusing on technical aspects of combined FESEM techniques, for which advantages and limitations are discussed, providing a relevant example—in the field of centromeric research—for application to investigations of other subcellular biological structures.
Soil sampling and isolation of extracellular DNA from large amount of starting material suitable for metabarcoding studies
Authors: TABERLET PIERRE , PRUD’HOMME SOPHIE M. , CAMPIONE ETIENNE , ROY JULIEN , MIQUEL CHRISTIAN , SHEHZAD WASIM , GIELLY LUDOVIC , RIOUX DELPHINE , CHOLER PHILIPPE , CLÉMENT JEAN‐CHRISTOPHE , MELODELIMA CHRISTELLE , POMPANON FRANÇOIS , COISSAC ERIC
Published: February 2012

DNA metabarcoding refers to the DNA‐based identification of multiple species from a single complex and degraded environmental sample. We developed new sampling and extraction protocols suitable for DNA metabarcoding analyses targeting soil extracellular DNA. The proposed sampling protocol has been designed to reduce, as much as possible, the influence of local heterogeneity by processing a large amount of soil resulting from the mixing of many different cores. The DNA extraction is based on the use of saturated phosphate buffer. The sampling and extraction protocols were validated first by analysing plant DNA from a set of 12 plots corresponding to four plant communities in alpine meadows, and, second, by conducting pilot experiments on fungi and earthworms. The results of the validation experiments clearly demonstrated that sound biological information can be retrieved when following these sampling and extraction procedures. Such a protocol can be implemented at any time of the year without any preliminary knowledge of specific types of organisms during the sampling. It offers the opportunity to analyse all groups of organisms using a single sampling/extraction procedure and opens the possibility to fully standardize biodiversity surveys.
A network of enzymes involved in repair of oxidative DNA damage in Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Nagorska Krzysztofa , Silhan Jan , Li Yanwen , Pelicic Vladimir , Freemont Paul S. , Baldwin Geoff S. , Tang Christoph M.
Published: February 2012

Although oxidative stress is a key aspect of innate immunity, little is known about how host‐restricted pathogens successfully repair DNA damage. Base excision repair is responsible for correcting nucleobases damaged by oxidative stress, and is essential for bloodstream infection caused by the human pathogen, Neisseria meningitidis. We have characterized meningococcal base excision repair enzymes involved in the recognition and removal of damaged nucleobases, and incision of the DNA backbone. We demonstrate that the bi‐functional glycosylase/lyases Nth and MutM share several overlapping activities and functional redundancy. However, MutM and other members of the GO system, which deal with 8‐oxoG, a common lesion of oxidative damage, are not required for survival of N. meningitidis under oxidative stress. Instead, the mismatch repair pathway provides back‐up for the GO system, while the lyase activity of Nth can substitute for the meningococcal AP endonuclease, NApe. Our genetic and biochemical evidence shows that DNA repair is achieved through a robust network of enzymes that provides a flexible system of DNA repair. This network is likely to reflect successful adaptation to the human nasopharynx, and might provide a paradigm for DNA repair in other prokaryotes.
RcsB‐BglJ activates the Escherichia coli leuO gene, encoding an H‐NS antagonist and pleiotropic regulator of virulence determinants
Authors: Stratmann Thomas , Pul Ümit , Wurm Reinhild , Wagner Rolf , Schnetz Karin
Published: February 2012

The LysR‐type transcription factor LeuO is involved in regulation of pathogenicity determinants and stress responses in Enterobacteriaceae, and acts as antagonist of the global repressor H‐NS. Expression of the leuO gene is repressed by H‐NS, and it is upregulated in stationary phase and under amino acid starvation conditions. Here, we show that the heterodimer of the FixJ/NarL‐type transcription regulators RcsB and BglJ strongly activates expression of leuO and that RcsB‐BglJ regulates additional loci. Activation of leuO by RcsB‐BglJ is independent of the Rcs phosphorelay system. RcsB‐BglJ binds to the leuO promoter region and activates one of two leuO promoters mapped in vivo. Moreover, LeuO antagonizes activation of leuO by RcsB‐BglJ and acts as negative autoregulator in vivo and in vitro. Further, the H‐NS paralogue StpA causes repression of leuO in addition to H‐NS. Together, our data suggest a complex arrangement of regulatory elements and they indicate a feedback control mechanism of leuO expression.
Depletion of leaf‐type ferredoxin‐NADP+ oxidoreductase results in the permanent induction of photoprotective mechanisms in Arabidopsis chloroplasts
Authors: Lintala Minna , Lehtimäki Nina , Benz J. Philipp , Jungfer Andreas , Soll Jürgen , Aro Eva‐Mari , Bölter Bettina , Mulo Paula
Published: February 2012

Arabidopsis thaliana contains two photosynthetically competent chloroplast‐targeted ferredoxin‐NADP+ oxidoreductase (FNR) isoforms that are largely redundant in their function. Nevertheless, the FNR isoforms also display distinct molecular phenotypes, as only the FNR1 is able to directly bind to the thylakoid membrane. We report the consequences of depletion of FNR in the F1 (fnr1 × fnr2) and F2 (fnr1 fnr2) generation plants of the fnr1 and fnr2 single mutant crossings. The fnr1 × fnr2 plants, with a decreased total content of FNR, showed a small and pale green phenotype, accompanied with a marked downregulation of photosynthetic pigment‐protein complexes. Specifically, when compared with the wild type (WT), the quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) electron transport was lower, non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) was higher and the rate of P700+ re‐reduction was faster in the mutant plants. The slight over‐reduction of the plastoquinone pool detected in the mutants resulted in the adjustment of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging systems, as both the content and de‐epoxidation state of xanthophylls, as well as the content of α‐tocopherol, were higher in the leaves of the mutant plants when compared with the WT. The fnr1 fnr2 double mutant plants, which had no detectable FNR and possessed an extremely downregulated photosynthetic machinery, survived only when grown heterotrophically in the presence of sucrose. Intriguingly, the fnr1 fnr2 plants were still capable of sustaining the biogenesis of a few malformed chloroplasts.
Communicating health decisions: an analysis of messages posted to online prostate cancer forums
Authors: Sillence Elizabeth , Mo Phoenix K. H.
Published: February 2012

Background  Experiential websites such as message forums and blogs allow Prostate Cancer (PCa) patients to communicate their health decisions to peers. The issues surrounding this form of indirect involvement in public health are little understood.

Objective  This paper explores the types of decision‐making processes that people are exposed to on PCa online message boards. The kinds of treatment choices patients are making and the reports of their decision‐making processes to peers through an online environment are examined in the context of the Heuristic Systematic Model.

Method  Messages about treatment decision making were collected from four PCa websites. In total, 137 messages were selected from blogs and online forums and their decision‐making processes coded.

Results  Men looking online for information about treatment options for PCa are exposed to a range of decision‐making processes. Just under half (49.6%) of the messages reported non‐systematic decision processes, with deferral to the doctor and proof of cancer removal being the most common. For systematic processing (36.5%), messages most commonly considered treatment outcomes and side‐effects. Processes did not vary between the blogs and online forums.

Discussion and conclusion  Compared to previous studies far fewer messages reported non‐systematic decision processes and only a small number of messages reflected lay beliefs or misbeliefs about PCa treatment. Implications for men and their clinicians of seeking health information online are discussed.
Birth order effect on childhood food allergy
Authors: Kusunoki Takashi , Mukaida Kumiko , Morimoto Takeshi , Sakuma Mio , Yasumi Takahiro , Nishikomori Ryuta , Heike Toshio
Published: February 2012

To cite this article: Kusunoki T, Mukaida K, Morimoto T, Sakuma M, Yasumi T, Nishikomori R, Heike T. Birth order effect on childhood food allergy. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 250–254.

Higher birth order is associated with a smaller risk of allergy (birth order effect). The purpose of this study was to compare the significance of the birth order effect on the prevalence of specific allergic diseases [bronchial asthma (BA), atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), allergic conjunctivitis (AC), and food allergy (FA)] among schoolchildren. A questionnaire survey dealing with the prevalence of allergic diseases was administered to the parents of 14,669 schoolchildren aged 7–15 yr. Based on the data, the prevalence of each allergic disease was compared according to birth order (1st, 2nd, and 3rd or later). Multiple regression analysis was performed to test the significance of the differences.

There was no significant difference in the prevalence of BA or AD according to birth order. The prevalence of AR, AC, and FA decreased significantly as birth order increased. The prevalence of FA among those with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd or later birth order was 4.0%, 3.4%, and 2.6%, respectively (p = 0.01). With respect to symptoms in infancy, the prevalence of wheeze increased significantly and that of FA and eczema in infancy decreased significantly as birth order increased.

The present data show a significant birth order effect on FA. The effect was also observed for the prevalence of FA and eczema in infancy. These data support the concept of early, non‐allergen‐specific programming of IgE‐mediated immunity.
Galactone‐γ‐lactone‐dependent ascorbate biosynthesis alters wheat kernel maturation
Authors: Paradiso A. , de Pinto M. C. , Locato V. , De Gara L.
Published: February 2012

Kernel development and maturation involve several well‐characterised events, such as changes in ascorbate (ASC) metabolism, protein synthesis and storage, programmed cell death (PCD) of starchy endosperm and tissue dehydration. Despite many studies focusing on these events, whether and how they are metabolically related to each other, remains to be elucidated. In the present investigation, the changes in ASC‐related metabolism, PCD occurrence, kernel filling and dehydration have been analysed during kernel maturation, over a 3‐year period in plants grown under normal conditions and in plants displaying modified ASC synthesis. The obtained results suggest that ASC plays a pivotal role in the network of events characterising kernel maturation. During this process, a decrease in ASC content occurs. When ASC biosynthesis is improved in the kernel, by feeding the plants with its immediate precursor, L‐galactone‐γ‐lactone (GL), the decrease in ASC, observed during kernel maturation, is delayed. As a consequence, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity is also enhanced. Moreover, a delay in the ASC decrease permits a delay in PCD occurring in kernel storage tissues and in kernel dehydration. Interestingly, the data emerging from the present investigation suggest that the delay in the decrease in ASC content and APX activity also improves kernel filling. The relevance of the ascorbate‐dependent redox regulation for kernel productivity is discussed.
A morpho‐anatomical characterisation of Myrothamnus moschatus (Myrothamnaceae) under the aspect of desiccation tolerance
Authors: Korte N. , Porembski S.
Published: February 2012

Morpho‐anatomical traits of the rarely studied dicotyledonous desiccation‐tolerant shrub Myrothamnus moschatus were examined and compared for the first time to Myrothamnus flabellifolius under the aspect of desiccation tolerance. Both species almost exclusively occur on rock outcrops and differ mainly in their geographic range and leaf morphology (fan‐shaped in M. flabellifolius, lanceolate in M. moschatus) but have a very similar leaf and wood anatomy, except for the lack of hydathodes in M. moschatus. Both species adopt the parallel leaf venation of monocots, although this is more pronounced in M. moschatus. This provides a mechanical and protective advantage over the net venation pattern of most dicots and facilitates the reversible, drought‐induced, accordion‐like leaf contraction. The sclerenchyma, as a stabilising tissue, is mainly confined to vascular bundles in leaves of both species. Here, mechanical support seems to be less crucial for survival in long periods of drought than other morpho‐anatomical traits (e.g. parallel leaf venation).
Calpastatin overexpression in the skeletal muscle of mice prevents clenbuterol‐induced muscle hypertrophy and phenotypic shift
Authors: Douillard Aymeric , Galbes Olivier , Begue Gwenaelle , Rossano Bernadette , Levin John , Vernus Barbara , Bonnieu Anne , Candau Robin , Py Guillaume
Published: February 2012

Accumulating evidence suggests that the calpain/calpastatin system is involved in skeletal muscle remodelling induced by β2‐adrenoceptor agonist treatment. In addition to other pathways, the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, controlling protein synthesis, and the calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase 2 (CamK2) and AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways, recently identified as calpain substrates, could be relevant in β2‐adrenoceptor agonist‐induced skeletal muscle remodelling.

In the present study we investigated muscle hypertrophy and phenotypic shifts, as well as the molecular response of components of the Akt/mTOR pathway (i.e. Akt, eukaryotic initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1 (4E‐BP1), ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6), CamK2 and AMPK), in response to calpastatin overexpression in the skeletal muscle of mice treated with 1 mg/kg per day clenbuterol for 21 days. Using gene electrotransfer of a calpastatin expression vector into the tibialis anterior of adult mice, we found that calpastatin overexpression attenuates muscle hypertrophy and phenotypic shifts induced by clenbuterol treatment.

At the molecular level, calpastatin overexpression markedly decreased calpain activity, but was ineffective in altering the phosphorylation of Akt, 4E‐BP1 and rpS6. In contrast, calpastatin overexpression increased the protein expression of both total AMPK and total CamK2.

In conclusion, the results support the contention that the calpain/calpastatin system plays a crucial role in skeletal muscle hypertrophy and phenotypic shifts under chronic clenbuterol treatment, with AMPK and CamK2 probably playing a minor role. Moreover, the calpastatin‐induced inhibition of hypertrophy under clenbuterol treatment was not related to a decreased mTOR‐dependent initiation of protein translation.
Pilot 24 month study to compare mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus in the treatment of membranous lupus nephritis with nephrotic syndrome
Authors: YAP DESMOND YH , YU XUEQING , CHEN XIANG‐MEI , LU FUMING , CHEN NAN , LI XUE‐WANG , TANG COLIN SO , CHAN TAK MAO
Published: February 2012

Aim:  This pilot study compared mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and tacrolimus (Tac) in the treatment of severe membranous lupus nephritis (MLN).

Method:  This was a 24 month prospective, randomized, open‐label multi‐centre exploratory study on Chinese patients with biopsy‐proven pure Class V MLN with nephrotic syndrome. Patients were randomized to treatment with either MMF or Tac, both in combination with prednisolone and the efficacy and tolerability outcomes were examined.

Results:  Sixteen patients were included, seven in the MMF and nine in the Tac treatment arm. At 24 months the complete response, partial response and overall response rates were 57.1% vs. 11.1% (P = 0.049), 14.3% vs. 44.4% (P = 0.197) and 71.4% vs. 55.6% (P = 0.515) in the MMF and Tac groups, respectively. The two groups had similar reduction of proteinuria and longitudinal profiles of serum albumin and creatinine levels. Serum creatinine remained stable in both groups, except in two patients who had a transient increase associated with high Tac blood levels. Adverse events in the MMF group included herpes zoster in one patient and reversible leucopenia in another, while in the Tac group four patients had severe infections and one developed new onset diabetes. No relapse occurred during the study period.

Conclusion:  Both MMF and Tac when combined with corticosteroids are effective treatment options for severe MLN.
Circadian type and mood seasonality in adolescents
Authors: Tonetti Lorenzo , Fabbri Marco , Martoni Monica , Natale Vincenzo
Published: February 2012

The aim of the present study was to investigate, for the first time, the relationship between circadian preference and mood seasonality in adolescents. To this end, 1539 participants (881 female; 658 male) completed the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents and the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents to determine circadian preference and mood seasonality, respectively. Evening types achieved significantly higher mood seasonality scores than intermediate and morning types, as intermediates did than morning types. Agreeing with previous studies on young adults and adults, the present data indicate a significant relationship between eveningness and higher mood seasonality in adolescents.
Tissue engineering for pulmonary diseases: Insights from the laboratory
Authors: KUBO HIROSHI
Published: February 2012

Recent advances in stem cell research and tissue engineering have opened new paradigms for future therapies towards many intractable diseases. Many tissue engineering approaches are also applied in the pulmonary research field. Several materials have been utilized as scaffolds to support lung tissue engineering to recapitulate the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of the lung. Natural products and synthetic polymers are the two major components of the scaffold materials. Decellularization of allogeneic or xenogenic donor lungs is also utilized to obtain biological 3D matrix scaffolds. Decellularized lungs are recellularized with stem or progenitor cells. Cell sources are the key components for tissue engineering. The best cell source for tissue engineering is autologous cells obtained from patients because it does not induce an immunological response after transplantation. However, the stem/progenitor population in adult organs is generally small, and their capacity for proliferation or differentiation is limited. Knowledge about the endogenous stem/progenitor population in lung tissue has been expanded recently. Although the lung is the most challenging organ for tissue engineering because of its complex 3D structure and more than 40 different cell types, several breakthroughs in respiratory research have been made. These results give us a greater understanding of the possibilities and the limitations of tissue engineering for pulmonary diseases.
Tracheal colonization in preterm infants supported with nasal continuous positive airway pressure
Authors: Aly Hany , Badawy Magda , Tomerak Rania H. , El‐Kholy Amani A. , Hamed Abeer S.
Published: February 2012

Background:  The aim of this study was to examine endotracheal bacteriological status in premature infants who are supported by nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) without any history of tracheal intubation.

Methods:  In this prospective study, we enrolled 60 premature infants with respiratory distress; of these, 30 were supported by CPAP without tracheal intubation, and 30 were intubated and mechanically ventilated. Infants were enrolled at a postnatal age of <24 h. Endotracheal (ET) cultures were taken at 24 h and at the 5th day of life. In the CPAP group, a suction catheter was sterilely inserted into the trachea while directly visualizing the vocal cords using a laryngoscope.

Results:  ET cultures taken on the 1st day of life showed colonization in 7/30 (23%) in the CPAP group versus 19/30 (63%) in the mechanically ventilated group (P= 0.002). Tracheal cultures on day 5 were positive in 5/30 (17%) and 11/30 (37%), respectively (P= 0.093). Klebsiella ssp. represented the most frequently isolated organism in both groups. A positive tracheal culture at 5 days was associated with a longer duration of respiratory support in the CPAP group (P= 0.05) but not in the ventilation group. Endotracheal culture at 5 days was associated with mortality in the ventilation group (8/11 vs 5/19, P= 0.02), but not in the CPAP group (1/5 vs 2/25, P= 0.45). Early endotracheal cultures did not relate with mortality in either of the groups.

Conclusion:  The trachea of premature infants supported with CPAP is at risk for bacterial colonization. Predisposing factors, mechanisms and clinical implications of these novel findings need to be studied.
Neurologic adverse events following influenza A (H1N1) vaccinations in children
Authors: Lee Seung Jae , Kim Young Ok , Woo Young Jong , Kim Myeong Kyu , Nam Tai‐Seung , Cho Young Kuk
Published: February 2012

Background:  Since the monovalent pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine was recommended worldwide in October 2009, there has been a shortage of pediatric clinical data for post‐vaccine neurologic adverse events (NAE), including Guillain–Barré syndrome. We reviewed pediatric NAE data following H1N1 vaccinations and for patients with peripheral neuropathy, we followed their progress.

Methods:  In our single‐center study, we retrospectively reviewed 14 cases of children who visited the Division of Pediatric Neurology in the Department of Pediatrics of Chonnam National University Hospital due to NAE following monovalent influenza A (H1N1) vaccination between November 2009 and March 2010.

Results:  Clinical diagnoses for major NAE included: polyneuropathy in the extremities (11/14, 78.6%), sensory mononeuropathy with numbness in the left fibula area (1/14, 7.1%), Bell's palsy (1/14, 7.1%) and recent‐onset acute headache only (1/14, 7.1%). Therefore, most patients were diagnosed as having peripheral neuropathy (13/14, 92.9%), and two met the Brighton Collaboration Guillain–Barré syndrome definition criteria for level 3 (the lowest level of diagnostic certainty).

Conclusions:  Post‐vaccine NAE were mainly motor weakness due to polyneuropathy, which had a good prognosis of complete improvement within a few months without sequelae.
A systematic review of the impact of foreign postings on accompanying spouses of military personnel
Authors: Blakely Gillian , Hennessy Catherine , Chung Man Cheung , Skirton Heather
Published: February 2012

Military spouses frequently cope with separation, but limited research reviewing the impact of an overseas relocation when a spouse accompanies their serving husband/wife has been conducted. A search for studies reviewing the impact of foreign postings on these accompanying spouses was undertaken utilizing 12 databases and other resources. Ultimately, 12 studies were analyzed and four key themes produced: functioning of a military family on an international posting, loss, wellbeing and support. Overall, additional stressors are associated with an overseas posting and experiences are specific to an individual and their circumstances. Further research is required to examine the potential relationship between a spouse's experiences overseas and the impact on their health and wellbeing. This would help to identify possible areas of health care provision and support necessary to maximize a military spouse's experience.
Long‐term outcomes of phacoemulsification cataract surgery performed by trainees and consultants in an Australian cohort
Authors: Fong Calvin Sze‐un , Mitchell Paul , de Loryn Tania , Rochtchina Elena , Hong Thomas , Cugati Sudha , Wang Jie Jin
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background:  It is unclear whether differences exist in surgical complication rates and long‐term visual acuity outcomes between patients whose phacoemulsification cataract surgery was performed by ophthalmological trainees and those performed by consultants.

Design:  Prospective clinical cohort study.

Participants:  1851 participants of the Cataract Surgery and Age‐related Macular Degeneration study, aged ≥64 years, had cataract surgery performed at Westmead Hospital, Sydney.

Methods:  Surgical complication rates and visual acuity at 24‐month postoperative visits were compared between patients who were operated on by trainees and those operated on by consultants.

Main Outcome Measures:  Surgical outcomes included operative complications recorded in surgical audit forms and 24‐month postoperative visual acuity.

Results:  Of 1851 patients, 1274 (68.8%) were reviewed 24 months after surgery. Of these, 976 had data on the type of surgeon who performed the operation. After excluding 152 challenging cases and three cases operated on by first‐year trainees at the beginning of their training, 821 patients were included in this study, of those, 498 were operated on by trainees and 323 by consultants. Habitual visual acuity ≥6/12 was achieved in 77.3% (n = 385/498) and 74.3% (n = 240/323), respectively, of the two groups of patients 24 months postoperatively. Of 514 patients who had surgical audit data, the major complication rate was numerically greater, but not significantly different for the 330 trainee‐operated (6.1%) patients, compared with the 184 consultant‐operated patients (2.7%, P = 0.091).

Conclusions:  We found relatively comparable complication rates and visual outcomes after 2 years between patients operated on by ophthalmological trainees and those by consultants, in a cataract surgical cohort at Westmead Hospital.
Asian age‐related macular degeneration phenotyping study: rationale, design and protocol of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Cheung Chui Ming G , Bhargava Mayuri , Laude Augustinus , Koh Adrian CH , Xiang Li , Wong Doric , Niang Thet , Lim Tock Han , Gopal Lingam , Wong Tien Y
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background:  Current knowledge of the phenotypic characteristics (e.g. clinical features, risk factors, natural history and treatment response) of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in Asians remains limited. This report summarizes the rationale and study design of a prospective observational study of Asian neovascular AMD, including polypoidal choroidovasculopathy variant.

Design:  The Asian AMD phenotyping study is a prospective, observational clinical study of Asian patients with neovascular AMD or polypoidal choroidovasculopathy in three tertiary eye centres in Singapore.

Participants:  The study aims to recruit 500 consecutive patients from the retinal clinics of three tertiary eye centres in Singapore.

Methods:  Standardized examination procedures include interviews, a comprehensive eye examination, digital photography of the retina, fundus fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography and spectral domain optical coherence tomography using a standardized protocol. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses and stored for genetic and proteomic studies.

Main Outcome Measures:  The aim of the study was to build a comprehensive database of clinical, angiographic, functional and natural history data of Asian AMD over a 12‐month follow‐up period.

Results:  This article discusses the methodology and design of this prospective multi‐centred study.

Conclusion:  This study will provide in‐depth longitudinal data of the evolution of clinical features, risk factors, natural history and treatment pattern and response of Asian AMD and polypoidal choroidovasculopathy, allowing unique insights into pathogenesis and the design of new treatment strategies.
Follicular thyroid cancer: minimally invasive tumours can give rise to metastases
Authors: Ban Ee Jun , Andrabi Ali , Grodski Simon , Yeung Meei , McLean Catriona , Serpell Jonathan
Published: February 2012

Background:  The histological characteristics of follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) are important predictors of prognosis, and lesions can be classified as either minimally invasive follicular carcinoma (MIFC) or widely invasive follicular carcinoma (WIFC) based on histopathological characteristics. There has been controversy surrounding the histological classification of FTC, which can present challenges to clinicians attempting to deliver accurate prognostic information to their patients. The aim of the present study was to examine cases of metastatic FTC for characteristics that may predict aggressive tumour behaviour.

Methods:  The Monash University Endocrine Surgery Unit database was searched for patients with FTC. The histopathology reports were collated for these patients to confirm the diagnosis of FTC, classify patients into MIFC versus WIFC, and examine for key characteristics such as the capsular and/or vascular invasion. The thyroid specimens from patients with metastatic FTC were examined by reviewing pathologists. It was hypothesized that patients with metastatic disease would likely have WIFC as their primary lesion.

Results:  There were 64 patients with FTC identified during the period of 1997–2009. Of these, 10 patients were found to have metastatic disease. On review of the histopathology, three patients were found to have WIFC,four patients had MIFC and three patients did not have definite features of FTC found in the thyroid gland.

Conclusion:  Currently accepted histological classification of FTC is inadequate and fails to accurately predict patients with distant metastatic disease and a more aggressive clinical course. It is thus the policy of our unit to recommend total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine ablation for all patients with FTC.
Reducing the burden of morbidity and medical utilization of older patients by outpatient geriatric services: Implications to primary health‐care settings
Authors: Tao Ping , Lin Ming‐Hsien , Peng Li‐Ning , Lee Wui‐Chiang , Lin Fang‐Yue , Lee Chen‐Hsen , Chien Ching‐Wen , Shen Vivien , Chen Liang‐Kung
Published: February 2012

Aim:  That geriatric evaluation and management (GEM) is associated with better quality of care for elderly patients has been reported by previous studies, but evidence supporting that GEM can reduce the burden of morbidity (BOM) was lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of outpatient GEM on reducing BOM and medical utilization in Taiwan.

Methods:  Data of this retrospective case–control study were obtained from the 2004–2006 Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients who attended the outpatient GEM program for over 6 months in a tertiary medical center in 2005 were enrolled as the case group, and a 1:5 age and gender‐matched control group was formed by randomly‐selected patients from the same medical center for comparisons. BOM was obtained by applying the Adjusted Clinical Group (ACG) program, and medical utilization variables were totalled for each patient from the NHIRD. Patients were further reassigned to two morbidity categories, the low (resource utilization bands ≤ 3) and high (resource utilization bands > 3) morbidity category, according to their degree of morbidity before statistical analyses.

Results:  Data of 4254 elderly patients (709 cases, 3545 controls) were included in the study. BOM and medical utilization were increased in both groups in both morbidity categories during the study period. However, the growth of BOM, total medical expenditure, number of emergency department visit, and days and expenditure of hospitalization were significantly reduced in the case than the control group in the low morbidity category, not the high morbidity category.

Conclusion:  Outpatient GEM could effectively reduce growth of BOM and medical utilization for relatively healthy elderly patients in Taiwan where elderly patients haverelatively free access to general and specialty care. The results of this study implied the potential benefits of systematically implementing GEM in primary health‐care settings to improve the quality of care and slow down the growth of BOM for elderly patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ••: ••–••.
Depressive symptoms and level of physical activity in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Vital Thays Martins , Hernandez Salma S. Soleman , Stein Angelica Miki , Garuffi Marcelo , Corazza Danilla Icassatti , Andrade Larissa Pires de , Costa José Luiz Riani , Stella Florindo
Published: February 2012

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of depressive symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease, to assess whether there was an association between physical activity level and depressive symptoms in this population, and to assess whether more active patients had lower rates of depressive symptoms when compared with less active patients.

Methods:  The study included 37 patients with Alzheimer's disease and used the following instruments: the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia and the Baecke Questionnaire Modified for the Elderly. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to determine whether the data were normally distributed. The Spearman correlation test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test was used. P‐values less than 5% were considered statistically significant.

Results and discussion:  The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the sample was 35.13%. The Spearman correlation test verified the relationship between level of physical activity and depressive symptoms (rho = −0,4), and between the sports activities domain and depressive symptoms (rho = −0,4). Patients who were more active had lower depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:  The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the sample was 35.13%. Patients who were more active had lower rates of depressive symptoms. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ••: ••–••.
Morphological convergence and molecular divergence: the taxonomic status of Sceloporus serrifer (squamata, phrynosomatidae) subspecies
Authors: Martínez‐Méndez Norberto , Mejía Omar , Rocha‐Gómez Alejandra , Méndez‐De La Cruz Fausto R.
Published: February 2012

Martínez‐Méndez, N., Mejía, O., Rocha‐Gómez, A. & Méndez‐De La Cruz, F. R. (2012) Morphological convergence and molecular divergence: the taxonomic status of Sceloporus serrifer (squamata, phrynosomatidae) subspecies. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 97–108.

The systematics of the subspecies included in Sceloporus serrifer has undergone several taxonomic and nomenclatural rearrangements. This species previously comprised two recognized subspecies, Sceloporus serrifer serrifer and Sceloporus serrifer prezygus, which inhabit contrasting habitats. In this study, we re‐evaluate the taxonomic status of both subspecies using molecular and morphological evidence. Sceloporus serrifer serrifer was recovered as a paraphyletic group, whereas S. s. prezygus was recovered as a polyphyletic group. The molecular results indicate the existence of two independent lineages that diverged at least 1.29 Myr, with the populations currently recognized as S. s. prezygus from the Cuchumatanes Mountains representing a secondary invasion of S. s. serrifer from the lowlands. The lack of meristic differences among the highland populations of different species suggests convergence in similar environments achieved by two different lineages.
Association between obesity and alteration of sperm DNA integrity and mitochondrial activity
Authors: Fariello Roberta M. , Pariz Juliana R. , Spaine Deborah M. , Cedenho Agnaldo P. , Bertolla Ricardo P. , Fraietta Renato
Published: February 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (cohort)

Level of Evidence 3a

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The relationship between high levels of BMI and changes in altered standard semen analysis parameters are described in the literature. However, the functional characteristics of the sperm are essential to complete the evaluation of male infertility. Thus, this study provides important information about the functionality of the sperm of men with different levels of BMI.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of obesity on semen analysis, sperm mitochondrial activity and DNA fragmentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A transversal study of 305 male patients, presenting for clinical evaluation, was carried out. The patients were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI) as follows: eutrophic (BMI < 25 kg/m2, n= 82), overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and <30, n= 187) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, n= 36).

The variables analysed were semen analysis, rate of sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm mitochondrial activity.

Groups were compared using one‐way analysis of variance followed by a least significant difference post‐hoc test. A P‐value of <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

No differences were observed in age, ejaculatory abstinence, ejaculate volume, sperm vitality, morphology or round cell and neutrophil count among the groups.

The eutrophic group had a higher percentage of sperm with progressive motility (P= 0.001). Mitochondrial activity was lower in the obese group (P= 0.037) when compared to the eutrophic, and the percentage of sperm with DNA damage was higher in the obese group (P= 0.004) than the other two groups.

CONCLUSION

Increased BMI values are associated with decreased mitochondrial activity and progressive motility and increased DNA fragmentation.