bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myocardial collagen turnover after surgical ventricular restoration in heart failure patients
Authors: ten Brinke Ellen A. , Witkowski Tomasz G. , Delgado Victoria , Klein Patrick , Klok Margreet , Marsan Nina A. , Klautz Robert J. , van der Wall Ernst E. , Bax Jeroen J. , van der Laarse Arnoud , Steendijk Paul
Published: August 2011

Aims

Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) aims to normalize left ventricular (LV) volume and shape in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy and anterior wall scar. The chronic effects on LV function may depend on alterations in myocardial collagen metabolism. The present study evaluated myocardial collagen synthesis and degradation rates at baseline and at 6 months follow‐up after SVR. We hypothesize that the chronic effects of SVR on LV function and clinical outcome depend on alterations in myocardial collagen metabolism.

Methods and results

Serum levels of aminoterminal propeptides of type I and III collagen (PINP, PIIINP), carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), and tenascin‐C (TNC) were measured at baseline and 6 months after SVR in 24 patients. In addition, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, LV volumes and function were evaluated. At follow‐up, a significant improvement in NYHA class (from 3.2 ± 0.8 to 1.4 ± 0.6, P< 0.001) and LV ejection fraction (from 28 ± 9 to 35 ± 7%, P< 0.001) was found, whereas E/A ratio tended to increase (from 1.4 ± 1.1 to 1.9 ± 1.1, P= 0.064). Serum levels of PINP, PIIINP, ICTP, and TNC increased significantly (PINP: from 37 ± 15 to 67 ± 26 μg/L, P< 0.001; PIIINP: from 4.9 ± 1.7 to 7.9 ± 4.0 μg/L, P< 0.001; ICTP: from 5.9 ± 3.7 to 10.0 ± 5.3 μg/L, P< 0.001; TNC: from 30 ± 20 to 44 ± 23 μg/L, P= 0.020). At follow‐up, an LV ejection fraction <34% and E/A ratio ≥2.0 were significantly associated with increased serum levels of PIIINP and ICTP.

Conclusion

In patients who underwent SVR, myocardial collagen metabolism was significantly enhanced 6 months after surgery. Serum levels of myocardial collagen turnover biomarkers were related to post‐surgical LV systolic and diastolic function.
Kidney injury molecule‐1 and N‐acetyl‐ß‐d‐glucosaminidase in chronic heart failure: possible biomarkers of cardiorenal syndrome
Authors: Jungbauer Carsten G. , Birner Christoph , Jung Bettina , Buchner Stefan , Lubnow Matthias , von Bary Christian , Endemann Dierk , Banas Bernhard , Mack Matthias , Böger Carsten A. , Riegger Günter , Luchner Andreas
Published: August 2011

Aims

Patients with chronic heart failure are often characterized by impaired renal function, also referred to as cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). The aim of this study was to assess whether novel markers of kidney injury are elevated in chronic heart failure and CRS.

Methods and results

The new renal biomarkers kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1), N‐acetyl‐ß‐d‐glucosaminidase (NAG) and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) were assessed from urine samples of 173 individuals. Patients with chronic heart failure (n= 150) were characterized by decreased ejection fraction (32 ± 9% vs. controls 62 ± 4%, P < 0.001) and increased plasma N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (median 1460 pg/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 630–3000 pg/mL vs. controls 56, IQR 25–64l pg/mL, P < 0.001). Urinary analysis showed that KIM‐1 was significantly elevated in heart failure patients compared with healthy controls (1100, IQR 620–1920 vs. 550, IQR 320–740 ng/g urinary creatinine, P < 0.001). Further, KIM‐1 increased significantly with decreasing left ventricular function (r = −0.37, P < 0.001) and severity of New York Heart Association (NYHA)‐class (r = 0.5, P < 0.001). N‐acetyl‐ß‐d‐glucosaminidase showed a weaker response but correlated significantly with left ventricular dysfunction (r = −0.18, P= 0.015) and more severe clinical condition (r = 0.22, P= 0.04). In contrast, NGAL showed no significant correlation. Kidney injury molecule‐1 and NAG were also predictors of all‐cause mortality and the composite of all‐cause mortality and rehospitalization for heart failure (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Kidney injury molecule‐1 and NAG are elevated in symptomatic heart failure. This finding may be present in patients with apparently normal kidney function and indicates tubular injury in chronic heart failure. Kidney injury molecule‐1 and NAG are potential markers of CRS with additional prognostic value.
Biogeographic patterns of reef fish community structure in the northeastern Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Burt John A. , Feary David A. , Bauman Andrew G. , Usseglio Paolo , Cavalcante Georgenes H. , Sale Peter F.
Published: August 2011

Burt, J. A., Feary, D. A., Bauman, A. G., Usseglio, P., Cavalcante, G. H., and Sale, P. F. 2011. Biogeographic patterns of reef fish community structure in the northeastern Arabian Peninsula. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1875–1883. This study provides the first large-scale comparison of reef-associated fish communities in the northeastern Arabian Peninsula, with 24 sites spanning >3000 km of coastline in the southern Persian Gulf, the western Gulf of Oman, and the northwestern Arabian Sea, each with its own unique environmental conditions. Multivariate analyses revealed three distinct community types that were represented mainly by sites within each major water body, with >70% dissimilarity in community structure between each. Persian Gulf communities had low species richness, abundance, and biomass of reef fish compared with the other subregions, with communities dominated by herbivores and generalist predators that had little association with live coral. Reef fish biomass in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea was comparable, and communities were dominated by fish with moderate coral association. However, there were relatively more herbivores and larger fish in the Arabian Sea than in the Gulf of Oman, where communities were dominated by planktivores. Species richness was highest in the Arabian Sea when differences in abundance among regions were accounted for. The influence of distinct environmental and oceanographic conditions on reef fish community structure in each of these areas is discussed.
Age determination in merobenthic octopuses using stylet increment analysis: assessing future challenges using Macroctopus maorum as a model
Authors: Doubleday Zoë A. , White Jimmy , Pecl Gretta T. , Semmens Jayson M.
Published: August 2011

Doubleday, Z. A., White, J., Pecl, G. T., and Semmens, J. M. 2011. Age determination in merobenthic octopuses using stylet increment analysis: assessing future challenges using Macroctopus maorum as a model. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 2059–2063. Stylet increment analysis (SIA) is a method recently developed to age octopuses; it involves the enumeration of daily growth increments within stylets (an internal shell). To examine the potential of SIA in a merobenthic octopus species, SIA was applied to Macroctopus maorum collected from southeast Australia and New Zealand (n = 147). The stylets had clear concentric growth increments and a core-like region. However, low increment counts (≤224 d) produced non-feasibly high (≤21.7% body weight per day) instantaneous growth rates, based on the assumption that increment number relates to age (d). In the light of these results, the issues surrounding the application of SIA to merobenthic octopuses is discussed, particularly in relation to the lack of understanding in regard to stylet development in the early life history stages and the importance of validating age at first increment formation.
Copepod reproductive success in spring-bloom communities with modified diatom and dinoflagellate dominance
Authors: Vehmaa Anu , Kremp Anke , Tamminen Timo , Hogfors Hedvig , Spilling Kristian , Engström-Öst Jonna
Published: August 2011

Vehmaa, A., Kremp, A., Tamminen, T., Hogfors, H., Spilling, K., and Engström-Öst, J. 2012. Copepod reproductive success in spring-bloom communities with modified diatom and dinoflagellate dominance. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 351–357. Dinoflagellates have increased and diatoms decreased in the Baltic Sea in recent decades, possibly because of changes in the climate and altered patterns of stratification. The hypothesis that grazing copepods would benefit from the change in species composition was tested experimentally by studying the reproductive output of the crustacean copepod Eurytemora affinis in five Baltic Sea phytoplankton spring communities dominated by different dinoflagellates (Biecheleria baltica, Gymnodinium corollarium) and diatoms (Chaetoceros cf. wighamii, Skeletonema marinoi, and Thalassiosira baltica). After a 5-d acclimation and a 4-d incubation, egg production, egg hatching success, and the RNA:DNA ratio of E. affinis were measured. Egg production was highest on a G. corollarium-dominated diet and lowest on a S. marinoi-dominated diet and on a B. baltica-dominated natural spring bloom, but there were no differences in hatching success. The results demonstrate strong species-specific effects unconstrained by the dominating group. Hence, the hypothesis of specific effects derived from a diatom or dinoflagellate diet is too simplistic, and there is a need to explore phytoplankton taxa at a species level to reveal the reasons for copepod reproductive success.
Benford's Law and the Detection of Election Fraud
Authors: Deckert Joseph , Myagkov Mikhail , Ordeshook Peter C.
Published: August 2011

The proliferation of elections in even those states that are arguably anything but democratic has given rise to a focused interest on developing methods for detecting fraud in the official statistics of a state's election returns. Among these efforts are those that employ Benford's Law, with the most common application being an attempt to proclaim some election or another fraud free or replete with fraud. This essay, however, argues that, despite its apparent utility in looking at other phenomena, Benford's Law is problematical at best as a forensic tool when applied to elections. Looking at simulations designed to model both fair and fraudulent contests as well as data drawn from elections we know, on the basis of other investigations, were either permeated by fraud or unlikely to have experienced any measurable malfeasance, we find that conformity with and deviations from Benford's Law follow no pattern. It is not simply that the Law occasionally judges a fraudulent election fair or a fair election fraudulent. Its “success rate” either way is essentially equivalent to a toss of a coin, thereby rendering it problematical at best as a forensic tool and wholly misleading at worst.
First Report of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici Races with Virulence to Wheat Stem Rust Resistance Genes Sr31 and Sr24 in Eritrea
Authors: Wolday A. , Fetch T. , Hodson D. P. , Cao W. , Briere S.
Published: August 2011

Wheat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, has historically been a major limiting factor in wheat production. Identification of isolate Ug99 in Uganda in 1999 highlighted the vulnerability of a large proportion of the global wheat crop and raised international concerns. Since initial detection, seven races have been identified in the Ug99 lineage and occurrence has been confirmed in nine countries (4). During rust surveys of Eritrea undertaken in October 2010, stem rust was found to be widespread throughout the highland wheat-growing areas. Presence of P. graminis f. sp. tritici was recorded in 95% of the 92 cereal fields surveyed, with high disease severity (>40%) recorded at 50 sites. Collected stem rust samples were analyzed for race identity in a level 3 biocontainment laboratory in Canada. Nine collections yielded viable spores for infection studies. Virulence analysis with 20 differentials in the letter-code nomenclature system (1) identified two races from repeated experiments; TTKST (four confirmed isolates) and PTKST (five confirmed isolates). Both races belong to the Ug99 lineage and both exhibit combined Sr31 and Sr24 virulence. TTKST and PTKST differ only in their virulence or avirulence to Sr21, respectively. This first confirmation of TTKST and PTKST in Eritrea is important because it represents further geographical spread of Ug99-related races. Since first detection of a Sr24 variant of Ug99 (race TTKST) in Kenya in 2006 (1), these variants have become the predominant P. graminis f. sp. tritici pathotypes in most of eastern Africa. Race TTKST caused epidemics in Kenya in 2007, and race PTKST was first detected in Ethiopia the same year (T. Fetch, unpublished data). Recent detection of race PTKST in three additional southern Africa countries (South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [2,3]) indicates on-going range expansion within the African continent. Sr24-virulent variants of Ug99 are a cause for concern since a high frequency of cultivars from South America, Australia, the United States, and the CIMMYT are known to possess the Sr24 resistance gene. On the basis of observed occurrence and postulated migration routes of the original Ug99 (race TTKSK), the confirmed presence of TTKST and PTKST in Eritrea increases the possibility for range expansion out of Africa by crossing the Red Sea and into the Arabian Peninsula. Future spread of TTKST and PTKST to western Asia is considered highly likely.

References: (1) Y. Jin et al. Plant Dis. 92:923, 2008. (2) F. Mukoyi et al. Plant Dis. 95:1188, 2011. (3) Z. A. Pretorius et al. Plant Dis. 94:784, 2010. (4) R. P. Singh et al. Annu. Rev. Phytopathol. 49:465, 2011.
Effects of Prior Vegetative Growth, Inoculum Density, Light, and Mating on Conidiation of Erysiphe necator
Authors: Gadoury David M. , Wakefield Laura M. , Cadle-Davidson Lance , Dry Ian B. , Seem Robert C.
Published: August 2011

Initiation of asexual sporulation in powdery mildews is preceded by a period of superficial vegetative growth of mildew colonies. We found evidence of a quorum-sensing signal in Erysiphe necator that was promulgated at the colony center and stimulated conidiation throughout the colony. Removal of the colony center after putative signal promulgation had no impact upon timing of sporulation by 48-h-old hyphae at the colony margin. However, removal of the colony center before signaling nearly doubled the latent period. A relationship between inoculum density and latent period was also observed, with latent period decreasing as the number of conidia deposited per square millimeter was increased. The effect was most pronounced at the lowest inoculum densities, with little decrease of the latent period as the density of inoculation increased above 10 spores/mm. Furthermore, light was shown to be necessary to initiate conidiation of sporulation-competent colonies. When plants were inoculated and maintained in a day-and-night cycle for 36 h but subjected to darkness after 36 h, colonies kept in darkness failed to sporulate for several days after plants kept in light had sporulated. Once returned to light, the dark-suppression was immediately reversed, and sporulation commenced within 12 h. Merging of colonies of compatible mating types resulted in near-cessation of sporulation, both in the region of merging and in more distant parts of the colonies. Colonies continued to expand but stopped producing new conidiophores once pairing of compatible mating types had occurred, and extant conidiophores stopped producing new conidia. Therefore, in addition to a quorum-sensing signal to initiate conidiation, there appears to be either signal repression or another signal that causes conidiation to cease once pairing has occurred and the pathogen has initiated the ascigerous stage for overwintering.
Variation for Resistance to Kernel Infection and Toxin Accumulation in Winter Wheat Infected with Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Sneller Clay , Guttieri Mary , Paul Pierce , Costa José , Jackwood Ryan
Published: August 2011

Host resistance is the main way to control Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat. Despite improved levels of resistance to infection and spread in vegetative tissue, the toxin deoxynivalenol (DON) can still accumulate to unacceptable concentration levels. In this study, our objectives were to assess the genetic variation for resistance to kernel infection (RKI) and resistance to toxin accumulation (RTA) and their role in controlling DON. We collected spikes with different levels of visual symptoms from each of 32 wheat genotypes and at four environments and determined DON and fungal biomass (FB) from each sample. We assessed RKI by regressing FB on the level of visual symptoms and RTA by regressing DON on FB for each genotype. Significant genetic effects were found for RKI and RTA. Some genotypes consistently had low FB in their grain despite increasing visual symptoms suggesting RKI. Additionally, some genotypes consistently had low DON in their grain despite increasing FB levels suggesting a higher RTA in these genotypes. The variation for RKI and RTA explained a significant fraction of the variation for DON among genotypes with moderate visual symptoms using independent grain samples. Although RKI and RTA were significantly correlated (r = 0.58, P = 0.05), RTA was more predictive of DON accumulation because it modeled 32 to 44% of the genotype sum of squares for DON, while only 9 to 10% were predicted using RKI. Thus, variation for RTA was important in explaining variation for DON among genotypes with acceptable levels of resistance to fungal infection and spread. This work indicates that there is a need to develop a better understanding of RTA and rapid screening methods for this trait.
Elevated carbon dioxide affects behavioural lateralization in a coral reef fish
Authors: Domenici Paolo , Allan Bridie , McCormick Mark I. , Munday Philip L.
Published: August 2011

Elevated carbon dioxide (CO
2
) has recently been shown to affect chemosensory and auditory behaviour, and activity levels of larval reef fishes, increasing their risk of predation. However, the mechanisms underlying these changes are unknown. Behavioural lateralization is an expression of brain functional asymmetries, and thus provides a unique test of the hypothesis that elevated CO
2
affects brain function in larval fishes. We tested the effect of near-future CO
2
concentrations (880 µatm) on behavioural lateralization in the reef fish,
Neopomacentrus azysron
. Individuals exposed to current-day or elevated CO
2
were observed in a detour test where they made repeated decisions about turning left or right. No preference for right or left turns was observed at the population level. However, individual control fish turned either left or right with greater frequency than expected by chance. Exposure to elevated-CO
2
disrupted individual lateralization, with values that were not different from a random expectation. These results provide compelling evidence that elevated CO
2
directly affects brain function in larval fishes. Given that lateralization enhances performance in a number of cognitive tasks and anti-predator behaviours, it is possible that a loss of lateralization could increase the vulnerability of larval fishes to predation in a future high-CO
2
ocean.
Bees do not use nearest-neighbour rules for optimization of multi-location routes
Authors: Lihoreau Mathieu , Chittka Lars , Le Comber Steven C. , Raine Nigel E.
Published: August 2011

Animals collecting patchily distributed resources are faced with complex multi-location routing problems. Rather than comparing all possible routes, they often find reasonably short solutions by simply moving to the nearest unvisited resources when foraging. Here, we report the travel optimization performance of bumble-bees (
Bombus terrestris
) foraging in a flight cage containing six artificial flowers arranged such that movements between nearest-neighbour locations would lead to a long suboptimal route. After extensive training (80 foraging bouts and at least 640 flower visits), bees reduced their flight distances and prioritized shortest possible routes, while almost never following nearest-neighbour solutions. We discuss possible strategies used during the establishment of stable multi-location routes (or traplines), and how these could allow bees and other animals to solve complex routing problems through experience, without necessarily requiring a sophisticated cognitive representation of space.
Archaeocete-like jaws in a baleen whale
Authors: Fitzgerald Erich M. G.
Published: August 2011

The titanic baleen whales (Cetacea, Mysticeti) have a bizarre skull morphology, including an elastic mandibular symphysis, which permits dynamic oral cavity expansion during bulk feeding. How this key innovation evolved from the sutured symphysis of archaeocetes has remained unclear. Now, mandibles of the Oligocene toothed mysticete
Janjucetus hunderi
show that basal mysticetes had an archaeocete-like sutured symphysis. This archaic morphology was paired with a wide rostrum typical of later-diverging baleen whales. This demonstrates that increased oral capacity via rostral widening preceded the evolution of mandibular innovations for filter feeding. Thus, the initial evolution of the mysticetes' unique cranial form and huge mouths was perhaps not linked to filtering plankton, but to enhancing suction feeding on individual prey.
Transmission, trapping and filtering of waves in periodically constrained elastic plates
Authors: Haslinger S. G. , Movchan N. V. , Movchan A. B. , McPhedran R. C.
Published: August 2011

The paper discusses properties of flexural waves in elastic plates constrained periodically by rigid pins. A structured interface consists of rigid pin platonic gratings parallel to each other. Although the gratings have the same periodicity, relative shifts in horizontal and vertical directions are allowed. We develop a recurrence algorithm for constructing reflection and transmission matrices required to characterize the filtering of plane waves by the structured interface with shifted gratings. The representations of scattered fields contain both propagating and evanescent terms. Special attention is given to the analysis of trapped modes which may exist within the system of rigid pin gratings. Analytical findings are accompanied by numerical examples for systems of two and three gratings. We show geometries containing three gratings in which transmission resonances have very high quality factors (around 35 000). We also show that controlled lateral shifts of three gratings can give rise to a transmission peak with a sharp central suppression region, akin to the phenomenon of electromagnetic-induced transparency.
Repeated modification of early limb morphogenesis programmes underlies the convergence of relative limb length inAnolislizards
Authors: Sanger Thomas J. , Revell Liam J. , Gibson-Brown Jeremy J. , Losos Jonathan B.
Published: August 2011

The independent evolution of similar morphologies has long been a subject of considerable interest to biologists. Does phenotypic convergence reflect the primacy of natural selection, or does development set the course of evolution by channelling variation in certain directions? Here, we examine the ontogenetic origins of relative limb length variation amongAnolislizard habitat specialists to address whether convergent phenotypes have arisen through convergent developmental trajectories. Despite the numerous developmental processes that could potentially contribute to variation in adult limb length, our analyses reveal that, inAnolislizards, such variation is repeatedly the result of changes occurring very early in development, prior to formation of the cartilaginous long bone anlagen.
Shoot, shovel and shut up: cryptic poaching slows restoration of a large carnivore in Europe
Authors: Liberg Olof , Chapron Guillaume , Wabakken Petter , Pedersen Hans Christian , Hobbs N. Thompson , Sand Håkan
Published: August 2011

Poaching is a widespread and well-appreciated problem for the conservation of many threatened species. Because poaching is illegal, there is strong incentive for poachers to conceal their activities, and consequently, little data on the effects of poaching on population dynamics are available. Quantifying poaching mortality should be a required knowledge when developing conservation plans for endangered species but is hampered by methodological challenges. We show that rigorous estimates of the effects of poaching relative to other sources of mortality can be obtained with a hierarchical state–space model combined with multiple sources of data. Using the Scandinavian wolf (
Canis lupus
) population as an illustrative example, we show that poaching accounted for approximately half of total mortality and more than two-thirds of total poaching remained undetected by conventional methods, a source of mortality we term as ‘cryptic poaching’. Our simulations suggest that without poaching during the past decade, the population would have been almost four times as large in 2009. Such a severe impact of poaching on population recovery may be widespread among large carnivores. We believe that conservation strategies for large carnivores considering only observed data may not be adequate and should be revised by including and quantifying cryptic poaching.
Vector host-feeding preferences drive transmission of multi-host pathogens: West Nile virus as a model system
Authors: Simpson Jennifer E. , Hurtado Paul J. , Medlock Jan , Molaei Goudarz , Andreadis Theodore G. , Galvani Alison P. , Diuk-Wasser Maria A.
Published: August 2011

Seasonal epizootics of vector-borne pathogens infecting multiple species are ecologically complex and difficult to forecast. Pathogen transmission potential within the host community is determined by the relative abilities of host species to maintain and transmit the pathogen and by ecological factors influencing contact rates between hosts and vectors. Increasing evidence of strong feeding preferences by a number of vectors suggests that the host community experienced by the pathogen may be very different from the local host community. We developed an empirically informed transmission model for West Nile virus (WNV) in four sites using one vector species (Culex pipiens) and preferred and non-preferred avian hosts. We measured strong feeding preferences for American robins (Turdus migratorius) byCx. pipiens, quantified as the proportion ofCx. pipiensblood meals from robins in relation to their abundance (feeding index). The model accurately predicted WNV prevalence inCx. pipiensat three of four sites. Sensitivity analysis revealed feeding preference was the most influential parameter on intensity and timing of peak WNV infection inCx. pipiensand a threshold feeding index for transmission was identified. Our findings indicate host preference-induced contact heterogeneity is a key mediator of vector-borne pathogen epizootics in multi-species host communities, and should be incorporated into multi-host transmission models.
A ‘living fossil’ eel (Anguilliformes: Protanguillidae, fam. nov.) from an undersea cave in Palau
Authors: Johnson G. David , Ida Hitoshi , Sakaue Jiro , Sado Tetsuya , Asahida Takashi , Miya Masaki
Published: August 2011

We report the discovery of an enigmatic, small eel-like fish from a 35 m-deep fringing-reef cave in the western Pacific Ocean Republic of Palau that exhibits an unusual suite of morphological characters. Many of these uniquely characterize the Recent members of the 19 families comprising the elopomorph order Anguilliformes, the true eels. Others are found among anguilliforms only in the Cretaceous fossils, and still others are primitive with respect to both Recent and fossil eels. Thus, morphological evidence explicitly places it as the most basal lineage (i.e. the sister group of extant anguilliforms). Phylogenetic analysis and divergence time estimation based on whole mitogenome sequences from various actinopterygians, including representatives of all eel families, demonstrate that this fish represents one of the most basal, independent lineages of the true eels, with a long evolutionary history comparable to that of the entire Anguilliformes (approx. 200 Myr). Such a long, independent evolutionary history dating back to the early Mesozoic and a retention of primitive morphological features (e.g. the presence of a premaxilla, metapterygoid, free symplectic, gill rakers, pseudobranch and distinct caudal fin rays) warrant recognition of this species as a ‘living fossil’ of the true eels, herein described asProtanguilla palaugenus et species nov. in the new family Protanguillidae.
A micro-geography of fear: learning to eavesdrop on alarm calls of neighbouring heterospecifics
Authors: Magrath Robert D. , Bennett Thomas H.
Published: August 2011

Many vertebrates eavesdrop on alarm calls of other species, which is a remarkable ability, given geographical variation in community composition and call diversity within and among species. We used micro-geographical variation in community composition to test whether individuals recognize heterospecific alarm calls by: (i) responding to acoustic features shared among alarm calls; (ii) having innate responses to particular heterospecific calls; or (iii) learning specific alarm calls. We found that superb fairy-wrens (
Malurus cyaneus
) fled to cover to playback of noisy miner (
Manorina melanocephala
) aerial predator alarm calls only in locations where miners were present, suggesting that learning rather than acoustic structure determines response. Sites with and without miners were well within the dispersal distance of fairy-wrens, and philopatric males and dispersing females showed the same pattern, so that local genetic adaptation is extremely unlikely. Furthermore, where miners were present, fairy-wrens responded appropriately to different miner calls, implying eavesdropping on their signalling system rather than fleeing from miners themselves. Learned eavesdropping on alarm calls enables individuals to harvest ecologically relevant information from heterospecifics on an astonishingly fine spatial scale. Such phenotypic plasticity is valuable in a changing world, where individuals can be exposed to new species.
Endometriosis Presenting as Hydronephrosis
Authors: Bakheet Zaharani Ahmed , Pandyan G.V. Soundra
Published: August 2011

The most serious urological complication of endometriosis is hydronephrotic renal atrophy secondary to ureteric involvement. As only half of these patients are symptomatic, it is commonly diagnosed late and more by the clinicians awareness and suspicion of this entity. We report a case of an unmarried young female who presented primarily with left loin pain of 2-year duration. She was found to have lower ureteric stricture by an IVU done by her referring doctor. Further workup at our center showed that she had pelvic endometriosis with hydronephrosis secondary to extrinsic ureteric endometriosis. She had a first-degree relative with the same disease. She had no menstrual problems. Diagnostic laparoscopy, biopsy of the lesion, ureteric dilatation with stenting, along with hormonal treatment was given to her as first line of treatment. There was no improvement of the ureteric obstruction even after 6 months of treatment. Finally, surgical excision of the endometrioma, left oophorectomy, along with resection of the ureteric stricture with uretero-ureterostomy was done. This case report includes details of her further management and outcome along with a brief review of literature.
Familial Clustering of Unexplained Transient Respiratory Distress in 12 Newborns from Three Unrelated Families Suggests an Autosomal-Recessive Inheritance
Authors: Guala Andrea , Carrera Paola , Pastore Guido , Somaschini Marco , Ancora Gina , Faldella Giacomo , De Filippi Paolo , Ferrero Federica , Guarino Roberta , Danesino Cesare
Published: August 2011

We report on 12 near-term babies from three families in which an unexplained transient respiratory distress was observed. No known risk factor was present in any family and no sequelae were recorded at follow-up. The most common causes of respiratory distress at birth are Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (NRD) and Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN), and their cumulative incidence is estimated to be about 2%. Genetic factors have been identified in NRD (surfactant genes) or suggested for TTN (genes affecting lung liquid clearance). Survivors from NRD may develop clinically relevant sequelae, while TTN does not cause any problem later in life. Our cases do not immediately fit NRD or TTN, while familial recurrence suggests the existence of a previously unreported subgroup on patients with respiratory distress for which autosomal-recessive inheritance is likely.
Can Spinal Bupivacaine Analgesia Treatment Make a Difference on Urinary Bladder Healing According to the Intramuscular Pethidine Analgesia Treatment in Rats?
Authors: Senayli Yeswim , Senayli Atilla , Koseoglu R. Dogan , Kaya Ziya , Özkan Fatih , Etikan Ilker
Published: August 2011

We designed a study to compare the healing levels found with intramuscular pethidine with those found with intrathecal local anesthetic treatments. The urinary bladder is suggested to be the most useful tissue in the evaluation of the effects of the drugs. Nineteen male, Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200–300 g were used in this study. A sagittal section was made in the urinary bladder after suitable anesthesia and laparotomy. Bladders were closed with 5-0 plain catguts 5 min later. There were nine rats in the control group and pethidine (0.5 g/kg) was administered intramuscularly in the gluteal muscle region to treat pain after the operations. There were 11 rats in the study group and each received a spinal injection of 0.25% bupivacaine after the operation. Rats were followed for 7 days to define pain. Specimens, particularly the incised region of the bladder, were evaluated for inflammation and fibrosis. Grading scales were used for this purpose. Statistical analyses of the data were performed using the Chi-square test. Statistical analyses were nonsignificant for inflammation (p≤ 0.151) and nonsignificant for fibrosis (p≤ 0.105). The treatments may have the same effects on organ healing mechanisms. Statistical difference is not shown in this study, but use of other combinations of pain treatments to evaluate the healing may demonstrate which of these possibilities is true.
Origin, Fate, and Function of Epicardium-Derived Cells (EPDCs) in Normal and Abnormal Cardiac Development
Authors: Lie-Venema Heleen , van den Akker Nynke M. S. , Bax Noortje A. M. , Winter Elizabeth M. , Maas Saskia , Kekarainen Tuija , Hoeben Rob C. , deRuiter Marco C. , Poelmann Robert E. , Gittenberger-de Groot Adriana C.
Published: August 2011

During heart development, cells of the primary and secondary heart field give rise to the myocardial component of the heart. The neural crest and epicardium provide the heart with a considerable amount of nonmyocardial cells that are indispensable for correct heart development. During the past 2 decades, the importance of epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) in heart formation became increasingly clear. The epicardium is embryologically formed by the outgrowth of proepicardial cells over the naked heart tube. Following epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, EPDCs form the subepicardial mesenchyme and subsequently migrate into the myocardium, and differentiate into smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. They contribute to the media of the coronary arteries, to the atrioventricular valves, and the fibrous heart skeleton. Furthermore, they are important for the myocardial architecture of the ventricular walls and for the induction of Purkinje fiber formation.

Whereas the exact signaling cascades in EPDC migration and function still need to be elucidated, recent research has revealed several factors that are involved in EPDC migration and specialization, and in the cross-talk between EPDCs and other cells during heart development. Among these factors are the Ets transcription factors Ets-1 and Ets-2. New data obtained with lentiviral antisense constructs targeting Ets-1 and Ets-2 specifically in the epicardium indicate that both factors are independently involved in the migratory behavior of EPDCs. Ets-2 seems to be especially important for the migration of EPDCs into the myocardial wall, and to subendocardial positions in the atrioventricular cushions and the trabeculae.

With respect to the clinical importance of correct EPDC development, the relation with coronary arteriogenesis has been noted well before. In this review, we also propose a role for EPDCs in cardiac looping, and emphasize their contribution to the development of the valves and myocardial architecture. Lastly, we focus on the congenital heart anomalies that might be caused primarily by an epicardial developmental defect.
The Use and Abuse of Limits of Detection in Environmental Analytical Chemistry
Authors: Brown Richard J. C.
Published: August 2011

The limit of detection (LoD) serves as an important method performance measure that is useful for the comparison of measurement techniques and the assessment of likely signal to noise performance, especially in environmental analytical chemistry. However, the LoD is only truly related to the precision characteristics of the analytical instrument employed for the analysis and the content of analyte in the blank sample. This article discusses how other criteria, such as sampling volume, can serve to distort the quoted LoD artificially and make comparison between various analytical methods inequitable. In order to compare LoDs between methods properly, it is necessary to state clearly all of the input parameters relating to the measurements that have been used in the calculation of the LoD. Additionally, the article discusses that the use of LoDs in contexts other than the comparison of the attributes of analytical methods, in particular when reporting analytical results, may be confusing, less informative than quoting the actual result with an accompanying statement of uncertainty, and may act to bias descriptive statistics.
Septins: New Microtubule Interacting Partners
Authors: Silverman-Gavrila Rosalind , Silverman-Gavrila Lorelei
Published: August 2011

Originally characterized as regulators of cytokinesis, septins were later implicated in other cellular processes. Recent studies show that septins have a broader role in microtubule-dependent processes, such as karyokinesis, exocytosis, and maintenance of cell shape. Many members of the septin family have been shown to colocalize or interact with the microtubule cytoskeleton, suggesting that these might be general properties of septins. Septins could play an important role in regulating microtubule dynamics by interacting with microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) that modulate microtubule stability. Being able to associate with both microtubules and actin, septins can play an important role as adaptors between the two cytoskeletons and as regulators of processes in which both actin and microtubules are involved. As septins are associated with various neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, a better understanding of the biology of septins and their interactions with microtubules is important in order to develop possible therapeutic strategies for these diseases.
Surgical Treatment for Recurrent Refractory Skenitis
Authors: Miranda E. P. , Almeida D. C. , Ribeiro G. P. , Parente J. M. , Scafuri A. G.
Published: August 2011

We report a case of persistent skenitis that was initially misdiagnosed and treated as a urinary infection. Despite an adequate course of antibiotics, the symptoms failed to improve. The case was ultimately resolved with surgical intervention, which resulted in its prompt and complete resolution.
Wound Myiasis in a Patient with Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Namazi Mohammad , Fallahzadeh Mohammad Kazem M. K.
Published: August 2011

A 60-year-old, otherwise healthy, male farmer presented to our Dermatology Department with a large ulcer on his lower right leg. The lesion had started as a small papule 6 months before, which became eroded and transformed into a rather rapidly progressive ulcer. On careful inspection, numerous larvae were found moving within the wound. The larvae were analyzed and found to be Lucilia sericata (the green bottle blowfly). The lesion was diagnosed histopathologically as squamous cell carcinoma. The myiasis was treated by submerging the wound in a dilute permanganate potassium solution.
Low Mortality and Key Aspects of Delivery of Care for End-Stage Renal Disease in Italy
Authors: Lauder Alexander , Schieppati Arrigo , Conte Ferruccio , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Batlle Daniel
Published: August 2011

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a global health problem. There are differences in mortality among patients with ESRD amid industrialized countries that may be related to their respective systems of delivery of care. A nationwide survey was completed in Italy, a country with low mortality rate for ESRD patients, in order to help understand key aspects of ESRD delivery of care that contribute to mortality. Survey responses were obtained and analyzed from 131 of 575 dialysis centers (23%), covering data from 13,170 dialysis patients in 2006. The mortality rate was 11.2% and the prevalence of diabetes-associated kidney disease was 21%. Of the patients, 88% were on hemodialysis and 12% were on peritoneal dialysis. Most patients were in the age range of 65–75 years (66.7%), were seen by a nephrologist at CKD stage 3, and began dialysis at mean estimated GFR of 9.6 ml/min/1.73 m2. AV fistulae were the prevailing form of vascular access (83%) and were most frequently placed by a nephrologist (61.2%). In 98% of the dialysis centers, a nephrologist was present during dialysis sessions. The following may explain the low mortality for ESRD patients in Italy: low prevalence of diabetes, high use of AV fistulae, delivery of care by nephrologists beginning in pre-ESRD stages, their involvement in placement of dialysis vascular access, and their physical presence requirement during dialysis sessions. These findings portray key aspects of the contemporary delivery of care for Italian dialysis patients and provide a platform for international comparison of healthcare systems for ESRD.
Interstitial Cells of Blood Vessels
Authors: Pucovský Vladimír
Published: August 2011

Blood vessels are made up of several distinct cell types. Although it was originally thought that the tunica media of blood vessels was composed of a homogeneous population of fully differentiated smooth muscle cells, more recent data suggest the existence of multiple smooth muscle cell subpopulations in the vascular wall. One of the cell types contributing to this heterogeneity is the novel, irregularly shaped, noncontractile cell with thin processes, termedinterstitial cell, found in the tunica media of both veins and arteries. While the principal role of interstitial cells in veins seems to be pacemaking, the role of arterial interstitial cells is less clear. This review summarises the knowledge of the functional and structural properties of vascular interstitial cells accumulated so far, offers hypotheses on their physiological role, and proposes directions for future research.
Objective Outcome Evaluation of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong: Findings Based on Individual Growth Curve Models
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: August 2011

The Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) is a curricular-based program that attempts to promote positive youth development in Hong Kong. In the second year of the Full Implementation Phase, 20 experimental schools (n = 2,784 students) and 23 control schools (n = 3,401 students) participated in a randomized group trial. Analyses based on linear mixed models via SPSS showed that participants in the experimental schools displayed better positive youth development than did participants in the control schools based on different indicators derived from the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale. Differences between experimental and control participants were also found when students who joined the Tier 1 Program and perceived the program to be beneficial were employed as participants of the experimental schools.
High Origin of Radial Arteries: A Report of Two Rare Cases
Authors: Zhan Dong , Zhao Yi , Sun Jun , Ling Eng-Ang , Yip George W.
Published: August 2011

Variations in the arterial supply of the upper limb are relatively common, with reported prevalence rates ranging from 11 to 24.4%. Of these, the most commonly encountered variation in the arm is a high origin of the radial artery. However, after consecutively dissecting and examining 600 Singaporean Chinese cadavers (1,200 upper limbs), we found only two cases of this. In both cases, the brachioradial artery originated from the upper one-third of the brachial artery and continued distally as the radial artery in the forearm. The local prevalence of 0.33% of this variation is significantly lower compared against populations from other geographical regions. Although rare, recognition of the variation is of fundamental importance to clinical practice.
Active Surveillance for Localized Prostate Cancer – Current Practices and Recommendations
Authors: Wu Jennifer N. , Dall'Era Marc A.
Published: August 2011

Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed solid tumor in American men, due in part to widespread screening and aggressive diagnostic practices. Prostate cancer autopsy studies show the uniquely high prevalence rates of small, indolent tumors in men dying of other causes. These findings have led to increased concern for the overdetection and overtreatment of prostate cancer. Active surveillance for prostate cancer allows one to limit prostate cancer treatment with concomitant risks of treatment-related morbidity to the men who will benefit the most from aggressive therapies. Several tools have been developed in treated and surveyed men to assist physicians in selecting men with potentially indolent tumors amenable to active surveillance. Recent published results describe institutional experiences with active surveillance and delayed selective therapy for men with low-grade, early prostate cancer. Although median follow-up from these studies is relatively short, the outcomes appear favorable. Data from these reports provide information for selecting men for this approach, as well as for following them over time and determining triggers for further intervention. Ongoing clinical trials with watchful waiting and active surveillance for prostate cancer will ultimately provide improved evidence for managing early, localized disease.
The Mechanical Components of the Dynein Motor
Authors: Höök Peter
Published: August 2011

Unlike our understanding of the other two classes of cytoskeletal motor proteins, the myosins and kinesins, we have only recently begun to comprehend the molecular mechanism for how dynein produces force and movement. The slow progress has been attributed, in part, to the enormous size of the dynein force-producing head, but also to the complex interplay between its structural components, each of which has a unique role in regulating dynein motor activity. The integrated and highly coordinated mechanism by which these structures work together in powering the dynein machinery is discussed in this review.
Regulation of Skp2 Expression and Activity and Its Role in Cancer Progression
Authors: Chan Chia-Hsin , Lee Szu-Wei , Wang Jing , Lin Hui-Kuan
Published: August 2011

The regulation of cell cycle entry is critical for cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. One of the key players regulating cell cycle progression is the F-box protein Skp2. Skp2 forms a SCF complex with Skp1, Cul-1, and Rbx1 to constitute E3 ligase through its F-box domain. Skp2 protein levels are regulated during the cell cycle, and recent studies reveal that Skp2 stability, subcellular localization, and activity are regulated by its phosphorylation. Overexpression of Skp2 is associated with a variety of human cancers, indicating that Skp2 may contribute to the development of human cancers. The notion is supported by various genetic mouse models that demonstrate an oncogenic activity of Skp2 and its requirement in cancer progression, suggesting that Skp2 may be a novel and attractive therapeutic target for cancers.