bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Updated thresholds for serum alanine aminotransferase level in a large‐scale population study composed of 34 346 subjects
Authors: Wu W.‐C. , Wu C.‐Y. , Wang Y.‐J. , Hung H.‐H. , Yang H.‐I. , Kao W.‐Y. , Su C.‐W. , Wu J.‐C. , Chan W.‐L. , Lin H.‐C. , Lee F.‐Y. , Lee S.‐D.
Published: July 2012

Background

The sensitivity of current upper limit of normal (ULN) of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels for detecting chronic liver disease has been challenged recently.

Aim

To identify modulating factors for serum ALT levels and to refine its ULN threshold.

Methods

We enrolled 34 346 consecutive subjects who completed the health check‐up at Taipei Veterans General Hospital from 2002 to 2009. ULN was set for healthy ALT level to the 95th percentile of the reference healthy population.

Results

A group of 21 282 subjects were used as a training set to define an ULN with the highest sensitivity; afterwards, this ULN was validated in another set of 13 064 subjects. A reference healthy population was selected from the training set after excluding subjects with any abnormalities in independent risk factors associated with elevated serum ALT level (>40 IU/L) by multivariate analysis like body mass index, waist circumference, glucose, cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, triglyceride, hepatitis B virus surface antigen, anti‐hepatitis C virus antibody and fatty liver. The new ULN of serum ALT level defined as the 95% percentile in the healthy population were 21 IU/L and 17 IU/L for men and women respectively. These cut‐off values had the highest Youden's index and areas under the corresponding receiver operating curves among four widely applied thresholds in both the training and validation sets.

Conclusions

The suggested threshold of upper limit of normal provides better discrimination between healthy and unhealthy status. Viral hepatitis, metabolic syndrome and fatty liver are the major risk factors of elevated serum alanine aminotransferase levels.
Cirrhotic patients at increased risk of peptic ulcer bleeding: a nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Luo J.‐C. , Leu H.‐B. , Hou M.‐C. , Huang C.‐C. , Lin H.‐C. , Lee F.‐Y. , Chang F.‐Y. , Chan W.‐L. , Lin S.‐J. , Chen J.‐W.
Published: July 2012

Background

Few large population‐based studies have compared the occurrence of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients.

Aims

To investigate if cirrhotic patients have higher risk of PUB than the general population and to identify possible risk factors of PUB in cirrhotic patients.

Methods

Using the National Health Insurance Research Database, a nationwide population‐based dataset in Taiwan and matching age, gender, comorbidities and ulcerogenic medication by propensity score, 4013 cirrhotic patients, 8013 chronic hepatitis patients and 7793 normal controls were compared. The log‐rank test was used to analyse differences in accumulated PUB‐free survival rates between the groups. Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed to evaluate independent risk factors for PUB in all patients and identified risk factors of PUB in cirrhotic patients.

Results

During the 7‐year follow‐up, cirrhotic patients had significantly higher incidences of PUB than chronic hepatitis patients and controls, respectively (P < 0.001 by log‐rank test). By Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, cirrhosis was independently associated with increased risk of PUB (hazard ratio: 4.22; 95% CI 3.37–5.29, P < 0.001) after adjusting for age, gender, economic status, underlying comorbidities and ulcerogenic medication. Age, male, diabetes, chronic renal disease, history of gastro‐oesophageal variceal bleeding and use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were risk factors for PUB in cirrhotic patients.

Conclusion

Cirrhotic patients have a significantly higher risk of peptic ulcer bleeding after adjustments for possible confounding factors like age, gender, economic status, underlying comorbidities and ulcerogenic medication.
A prognostic model for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria undergoing non‐transplant therapies, based on 1106 patients
Authors: Lee Y.‐H. , Hsu C.‐Y. , Hsia C.‐Y. , Huang Y.‐H. , Su C.‐W. , Lin H.‐C. , Chiou Y.‐Y. , Huo T.‐I.
Published: July 2012

Background

The Milan criteria are used to select candidates with small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for liver transplantation. Due to severe shortage of donors, majority of patients within the Milan criteria need to seek alternative treatments.

Aim

To propose a prognostic model for these patients undergoing non‐transplant therapies.

Methods

A total of 1106 HCC patients, who were within the Milan criteria and received non‐transplant therapies were retrospectively analysed. Patients were randomly assigned to the derivation and validation set according to treatments. A prognostic model was constructed from independent predictors of survival identified in the multivariate Cox model of the derivation set and was confirmed in the validation set.

Results

In the Cox model, serum bilirubin ≥1.5 mg/dL [risk ratio (RR): 1.525, P = 0.016], α‐fetoprotein (AFP) ≥100 ng/mL (RR: 1.728, P < 0.001), mild ascites (RR: 1.705, P = 0.025) and moderate/severe ascites (RR: 4.163, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of poor survival in the derivation set (n = 553). A prognostic model with a total of 0–4 points was derived with the sum of three variables: 1 point each for bilirubin ≥1.5 mg/dL, AFP ≥100 ng/mL and mild ascites, and 2 points for moderate/severe ascites. This scoring system accurately predicted the survival in the validation set (n = 553; P < 0.001). The model consistently discriminated the survival in patients stratified by curative and noncurative treatments (both P values <0.001).

Conclusion

The newly proposed prognostic scoring model, based on serum bilirubin and AFP level, and severity of ascites, is informative to predict the survival in non‐transplant HCC patients within the Milan criteria.
Engraftment defect of cytokine‐cultured adult human mobilized CD34+ cells is related to reduced adhesion to bone marrow niche elements
Authors: Kallinikou Konstantina , Anjos‐Afonso Fernando , Blundell Michael P. , Ings Stuart J. , Watts Michael J. , Thrasher Adrian J. , Linch David C. , Bonnet Dominique , Yong Kwee L.
Published: July 2012

In vitro exposure of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) to cytokines in expansion or gene therapy protocols reduces homing and engraftment in vivo. We have previously reported that this is related in part to altered tissue specificity of short‐term homing, leading to loss of cells in non‐haematopoietic tissues. Here we demonstrate that defective engraftment persists when cultured HSPC are transplanted by intrabone injection. Changes in engraftment function occur within 24 h of cytokine exposure, and are evident when engraftment is analysed solely in the injected bone. A novel ex vivo model of the bone marrow was developed, in which the attachment of infused HSPC in rodent long bones is reduced following culture with cytokines. Finally, cultured HSPC demonstrated reduced adhesion to N‐cadherin, osteopontin and vascular cell‐adhesion molecule‐1, ligands present in bone marrow niches. These changes in adhesive function occur rapidly, and are not related to downregulation of the relevant receptors. Our findings suggest that cytokine exposure of adult human HSPC results in altered adhesion within bone marrow niches, further leading to reduced engraftment potential in vivo.
High‐throughput sequencing analysis of the chromosome 7q32 deletion reveals IRF5 as a potential tumour suppressor in splenic marginal‐zone lymphoma
Authors: Fresquet Vicente , Robles Eloy F. , Parker Anton , Martinez‐Useros Javier , Mena Maria , Malumbres Raquel , Agirre Xabier , Catarino Susana , Arteta David , Osaba Lourdes , Mollejo Manuela , Hernandez‐Rivas Jesus M. , Calasanz Maria Jose , Daibata Masanori , Dyer Martin J.S. , Prosper Felipe , Vizcarra Esperanza , Piris Miguel‐Ángel , Oscier David , Martinez‐Climent Jose Angel
Published: July 2012

Using high‐resolution genomic microarray analysis, a distinct genomic profile was defined in 114 samples from patients with splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL). Deletion or uniparental disomy of chromosome 7q were detected in 42 of 114 (37%) SMZLs but in only nine of 170 (5%) mature B‐cell lymphomas (P < 0·00001). The presence of unmutated IGHV, genomic complexity, 17p13‐TP53 deletion and 8q‐MYC gain, but not 7q deletion, correlated with shorter overall survival of SMZL patients. Mapping studies narrowed down a commonly deleted region of 2·7 Mb in 7q32.1‐q32.2 spanning a region between the SND1 and COPG2 genes. High‐throughput sequencing analysis of the 7q32‐deleted segment did not identify biallelic deletions/insertions or clear pathogenic gene mutations, but detected six nucleotide changes in IRF5 (n = 2), TMEM209 (n = 2), CALU (n = 1) and ZC3HC1 (n = 1) not found in healthy individuals. Comparative expression analysis found a fourfold down‐regulation of IRF5 gene in lymphomas with 7q32 deletion versus non‐deleted tumours (P = 0·032). Ectopic expression of IRF5 in marginal‐zone lymphoma cells decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis in vitro, and impaired lymphoma development in vivo. These results show that cryptic deletions, insertions and/or point mutations inactivating genes within 7q32 are not common in SMZL, and suggest that IRF5 may be a haploinsufficient tumour suppressor in this lymphoma entity.
Assembling infrastructures and business models for service design and innovation
Authors: Kuk George , Janssen Marijn
Published: July 2012

Most of the service innovation in e‐government initiatives has been initially focused on making a digital version of an equivalent physical service, followed by creating new services through either adopting new business models or overhauling existing infrastructures. The former approach uses variants of e‐commerce business models to drive service innovation whereas the latter entails changes to the backend for driving system efficiency and integration, which later serve for reorganising and improving service provision. Each approach presents a different way of assembling services, infrastructures, people and business models. The ramifications of each assemblage to service innovation are less understood. This paper seeks to examine the intended and unintended consequences of these two contrasting approaches inductively and deductively. Our findings show that a frontend approach enables quick improvements and enacts a variety of structures, with each structure inscribing a set of new path‐dependent routines in the infrastructures. In the backend approach it took longer to introduce new services. Yet the services were of a higher quality and required less modification in the long run. Quantitative analyses confirmed these findings. We attributed the alignment advantage of backend approach to better interdepartmental collaboration organised around a technology platform for system and service integration, concentrating resources on a coherent rather than a diverse set of business models. This approach realigns practices and routines and technology internally, whereas the explorative, diverse use of business models in the frontend approach for service innovation is less sustainable.
Understanding complex interactions using social network analysis
Authors: Pow Janette , Gayen Kaberi , Elliott Lawrie , Raeside Robert
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this paper is to raise the awareness of social network analysis as a method to facilitate research in nursing research.

Background.  The application of social network analysis in assessing network properties has allowed greater insight to be gained in many areas including sociology, politics, business organisation and health care. However, the use of social networks in nursing has not received sufficient attention.

Design.  Review of literature and illustration of the application of the method of social network analysis using research examples.

Methods.  First, the value of social networks will be discussed. Then by using illustrative examples, the value of social network analysis to nursing will be demonstrated.

Results.  The method of social network analysis is found to give greater insights into social situations involving interactions between individuals and has particular application to the study of interactions between nurses and between nurses and patients and other actors.

Conclusion.  Social networks are systems in which people interact. Two quantitative techniques help our understanding of these networks. The first is visualisation of the network. The second is centrality. Individuals with high centrality are key communicators in a network.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Applying social network analysis to nursing provides a simple method that helps gain an understanding of human interaction and how this might influence various health outcomes. It allows influential individuals (actors) to be identified. Their influence on the formation of social norms and communication can determine the extent to which new interventions or ways of thinking are accepted by a group. Thus, working with key individuals in a network could be critical to the success and sustainability of an intervention. Social network analysis can also help to assess the effectiveness of such interventions for the recipient and the service provider.
Costing a pilot complex community‐based childhood obesity intervention
Authors: Spoor C. , Sahota P. , Wellings C. , Rudolf M. C. J.
Published: July 2012

Background: Childhood obesity has significant impact on future health and economic consequences. Evidence of effectiveness of interventions is developing, although little is known about costs. Therefore, the direct costs to health care and other public sector agencies of a pilot community‐based childhood obesity treatment programme were estimated.

Methods: The present study comprised a retrospective review of resource use of an intervention drawing resources from local government and primary care sectors and delivered across multiple settings. Ninety‐six children, aged 8–16 years old; body mass index (BMI) >98th centile; mean BMI SD 3.1 and low quality of life scores attended a 12‐month programme delivered by nonhealth professionals. Direct costs to health care and other public sector agencies were assessed.

Results: Total programme direct costs were £82 380 (€94 736, $123 569) in the base case or £120 474 (€138 546, $180 713) when venues were treated as real additional costs, and varied only slightly with the number of participants in the programme. Costs per participant were £858 (€987, $1287) in the base case or £1255 (€1443, $1883) when venues were treated as additional costs. Costs per participant were sensitive to the number of participants, varying between £691 (€795, $1037) and £2026 (€2330, $3039) when venue costs were zero and between £1009 (€1160, $1514) and £2978 (€3425, $4467) with venue costs added.

Conclusions: It is possible to provide a community‐based service at reasonable cost, and probably less than for health professional delivered services. Further work is required to assess the possible effects of the programme on wider service resource use, on users’ costs and on programme effectiveness.
The prescription rate of antibacterial agents in dogs in Norway – geographical patterns and trends during the period 2004–2008
Authors: Kvaale M. K. , Grave K. , Kristoffersen A. B. , Norström M.
Published: July 2012

The aim of the present study was to describe the prescription rate and patterns of antibacterial agents in the Norwegian dog population in relation to time and place during 2004–2008. Prescription data were collected from the Norwegian prescription database (NorPD), whereas an estimate of the dog population was obtained from the Norwegian Kennel Club (NKK). Maps of the geographical prescription rate patterns were generated in the software ArcGIS 9.2. This study indicates an increased usage of antibacterial agents in dogs in Norway during the study period in which antibacterial agents for systemic use and especially the combination amoxicillin and clavulanic acid accounted for the major part. Among antibacterial agents defined as critically important for human medicine, an increase was observed in the prescription rate of quinolones. The geographical prescription rate patterns were stable during the study period, which indicated that the identified increase in usage of antimicrobial agents occurred all over the country, but that there were regional differences in the prescribing behaviour. Prescription data from the NorPD of antibacterial agents to dogs can be used as a basis to perform a risk‐based sampling approach to detect emerging antimicrobial resistance in the dog population.
Associations between gastric sensorimotor function, depression, somatization, and symptom‐based subgroups in functional gastroduodenal disorders: are all symptoms equal?
Authors: Clauwaert N. , Jones M. P. , Holvoet L. , Vandenberghe J. , Vos R. , Tack J. , Van Oudenhove L.
Published: July 2012

Background  Previous work indicated that psychosocial factors (depression and somatization) are more strongly associated with symptom severity and weight loss in functional dyspepsia (FD) than gastric sensorimotor function. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the association of these etiopathogenetic factors with Rome III symptom‐based subgroups in FD [epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), postprandial distress syndrome (PDS)]. We aimed to test whether gastric sensitivity and emptying, depression, and somatization are differentially associated with empirically derived functional gastroduodenal disorders (FGD) symptom factors in one comprehensive model.

Methods  In 259 tertiary care FD patients, we studied gastric sensorimotor function with barostat and gastric emptying breath test. Depression, somatization, and FGD symptoms were measured using self‐report questionnaires. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on 7 FGD symptoms was used to determine the fit of a latent variable structure based on Rome III symptom‐based subgroups. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the putative relationships of the symptom factors with gastric sensorimotor function, depression, and somatization.

Key Results  The results of the CFA show a good fit [Cmin/DF = 1.54, CFI(comparative fit index) = 0.97] for the three‐factor solution based on Rome III subgroups. The SEM also fitted the data well (Cmin/DF = 1.24, CFI = 0.98) and demonstrated that gastric sensitivity and depression are associated with PDS and nausea and vomiting. Gastric emptying is uniquely associated with EPS and somatization is strongly associated with all three symptom factors.

Conclusions & Inferences  Confirmatory factor analysis confirms the existence of three FGD symptom factors, corresponding to Rome III symptom‐based subgroups. The SEM results suggest that different psychobiological mechanisms may play a role in these subgroups.
Validity of Using ICD‐9‐CM Codes to Identify Selected Categories of Obstetric Complications, Procedures and Co‐morbidities
Authors: Goff Sarah L. , Pekow Penelope S. , Markenson Glenn , Knee Alexander , Chasan‐Taber Lisa , Lindenauer Peter K.
Published: July 2012

Background: The ability to measure and track changes in risk‐adjusted obstetric complication rates using administrative data underpins efforts to improve obstetric quality of care, but the validity of this approach has not been adequately evaluated. We sought to assess the validity of using composites of ICD‐9‐CM codes to identify selected categories obstetric complications and risk factors associated with complications.

Methods: Patients with ICD‐9‐CM codes for obstetric trauma/laceration, infection, haemorrhage, episiotomy or obesity discharged between January 2009 and March 2010 were identified in the study hospital's administrative data. One hundred medical records with ICD‐9‐CM codes of interest were randomly selected for review from each of the five categories. An additional 60 medical records without the ICD‐9‐CM codes of interest served as controls for each category. Sensitivity and specificity for the selected categories was estimated using inverse proportional weighting to adjust for sampling based on presence of one of the ICD‐9‐CM codes of interest.

Results: Weighted sensitivities ranged from 0.15 [95% CI 0.11, 0.20] for obesity to 1.00 for overall infection while specificities ranged from 0.994 [95% CI 0.987, 0.998] for obesity to 0.999 [95% CI 0.996, 1.000] for episiotomy. Obese patients were not reliably identified and it was not possible ascertain whether some diagnoses were present on admission.

Conclusions: For selected categories of obstetric complication diagnoses, use of composite sets of ICD‐9‐CM codes may be a valid method to identify patients within these complication categories.
Off‐Trial Evaluation of the B cell–Targeting Treatment in the Refractory Cases of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA)‐Associated Vasculitis: Long‐Term Follow‐Up from a Single Centre
Authors: Pullerits R. , Ljevak M. , Vikgren J. , Bokarewa M.
Published: July 2012

The aim of the study was to evaluate long‐term clinical and immunological effects of anti‐B cell treatment in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis refractory to conventional immunosuppressive treatment. Rituximab (RTX) was added to the ongoing immunosuppressive treatment in 29 patients with refractory ANCA‐associated vasculitis. The disease activity was measured using Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score/Wegener’s granulomatosis (BVAS/WG score), and clinical laboratory variables were recorded. The median BVAS/WG score before treatment was 6 (IQR 3–8), and 28 patients (97%) had disease flare classified either severe (62%) or limited (34%). Six of 29 patients (21%) achieved a complete remission, and 12 (41%) had a treatment response with ≥50% decrease in BVAS/WG score at 6 months. Fourteen patients (64%) with kidney involvement achieved remission, and in seven patients (50%), no flare was seen during the follow‐up period. Three patients had renal flare and were successfully re‐treated with RTX. Seventeen patients had disease symptoms from airways and eyes at RTX initiation, whereas only 29% displayed ≥50% treatment response. Limited clinical improvement was seen in patients with endobronchial lesions and trachea‐subglottic granulomatous disease. RTX is a potent therapeutic option for ANCA‐associated vasculitis refractory to conventional treatment. Best response may be expected in patients with vasculitic manifestations.
AFILAMENTOUS FLOWERorthologue plays a key role in leaf patterning in opium poppy
Authors: Vosnakis Nikolaos , Maiden Afiqah , Kourmpetli Sofia , Hands Philip , Sharples Donna , Drea Sinéad
Published: July 2012

The plant‐specificYABBYgenes were initially defined by their roles in determining abaxial/adaxial cell fate in lateral organs of eudicots, and repressing meristematic genes in differentiating tissues such as leaves. InArabidopsis thaliana FILAMENTOUS FLOWER(FIL) is also required for inflorescence and floral meristem establishment and flower development in a pathway involving the floral transition and identity genes. Here we describe the characterization of aFILorthologue from the basal eudicot,Papaver somniferum(the opium poppy), and demonstrate a role for the gene in patterning the highly lobed leaf of the poppy. Silencing ofPapsFILusing viral‐induced gene silencing resulted in leaves of reduced laminar area, more pronounced margin serration and, in some cases, leaf bifurcation. In contrast, the gene does not appear to affect the development of the flower, and these variations in function are discussed in relation to its taxonomic position as a basal eudicot and its determinate growth habit.
Ectoparasite fitness in auxiliary hosts: phylogenetic distance from a principal host matters
Authors: Khokhlova I. S. , Fielden L. J. , Degen A. A. , Krasnov B. R.
Published: July 2012

We studied reproductive performance in two flea species (Parapulex chephrenisandXenopsylla ramesis) exploiting either a principal or one of eight auxiliary host species. We predicted that fleas would produce more eggs and adult offspring when exploiting (i) a principal host than an auxiliary host and (ii) an auxiliary host phylogenetically close to a principal host than an auxiliary host phylogenetically distant from a principal host. In both flea species, egg production per female after one feeding and production of new imago after a timed period of an uninterrupted stay on a host differed significantly between host species. In general, egg and/or new imago production in fleas feeding on an auxiliary host was lower than in fleas feeding on the principal host, except for the auxiliary host that was the closest relative of the principal host. When all auxiliary host species were considered, we did not find any significant relationship between either egg or new imago production in fleas exploiting an auxiliary host and phylogenetic distance between this host and the principal host. However, when the analyses were restricted to auxiliary hosts belonging to the same family as the principal host (Muridae), new imago production (forP. chephrenis) or both egg and new imago production (forX. ramesis) in an auxiliary host decreased significantly with an increase in phylogenetic distance between the auxiliary and principal host. Our results demonstrated that a parasite achieves higher fitness in auxiliary hosts that are either the most closely related to or the most distant from its principal host. This may affect host associations of a parasite invading new areas.
Cis‐ and trans‐acting genetic factors contribute to heterogeneity in the rate of crossing over between the Drosophila simulans clade species
Authors: Cattani M. V. , Kingan S. B. , Presgraves D. C.
Published: July 2012

In the genus Drosophila, variation in recombination rates has been found within and between species. Genetic variation for both cis‐ and trans‐acting factors has been shown to affect recombination rates within species, but little is known about the genetic factors that affect differences between species. Here, we estimate rates of crossing over for seven segments that tile across the euchromatic length of the X chromosome in the genetic backgrounds of three closely related Drosophila species. We first generated a set of Drosophila mauritiana lines each having two semidominant visible markers on the X chromosome and then introgressed these doubly marked segments into the genetic backgrounds of its sibling species, Drosophila simulans and Drosophila sechellia. Using these 21 lines (seven segments, three genetic backgrounds), we tested whether recombination rates within the doubly marked intervals differed depending on genetic background. We find significant heterogeneity among intervals and among species backgrounds. Our results suggest that a combination of both cis‐ and trans‐acting factors have evolved among the three D. simulans clade species and interact to affect recombination rate.
Restriction of transpiration rate under high vapour pressure deficit and non‐limiting water conditions is important for terminal drought tolerance in cowpea
Authors: Belko N. , Zaman‐Allah M. , Diop N.N. , Cisse N. , Zombre G. , Ehlers J.D. , Vadez V.
Published: July 2012

Drought stress is a major constraint on cowpea productivity, since the crop is grown under warm conditions on sandy soils having low water‐holding capacity. For enhanced performance of crops facing terminal drought stress, like cowpea, water‐saving strategies are crucial. In this work, the growth and transpiration rate (TR) of 40 cowpea genotypes with contrasting response to terminal drought were measured under well‐watered conditions across different vapour pressure deficits (VPD) to investigate whether tolerant and sensitive genotypes differ in their control of leaf water loss. A method is presented to indirectly assess TR through canopy temperature (CT) and the index of canopy conductance (Ig). Overall, plants developed larger leaf area under low than under high VPD, and there was a consistent trend of lower plant biomass in tolerant genotypes. Substantial differences were recorded among genotypes in TR response to VPD, with tolerant genotypes having significantly lower TR than sensitive ones, especially at times with the highest VPD. Genotypes differed in TR response to increasing VPD, with some tolerant genotypes exhibiting a clear VPD breakpoint at about 2.25 kPa, above which there was very little increase in TR. In contrast, sensitive genotypes presented a linear increase in TR as VPD increased, and the same pattern was found in some tolerant lines, but with a smaller slope. CT, estimated with thermal imagery, correlated well with TR and Ig and could therefore be used as proxy for TR. These results indicate that control of water loss discriminated between tolerant and sensitive genotypes and may, therefore, be a reliable indicator of terminal drought stress tolerance. The water‐saving characteristics of some genotypes are hypothesised to leave more soil water for pod filling, which is crucial for terminal drought adaptation.
Expression of anatomical leaf traits in homoploid hybrids between deciduous and evergreen species ofVaccinium
Authors: Piwczyński M. , Ponikierska A. , Puchałka R. , Corral J.M.
Published: July 2012

We investigated the anatomical expression of leaf traits in hybrids between evergreenVaccinium vitis‐idaeaand deciduousV. myrtillus. We compared parents from four populations with their respective F1 hybrids and tested whether (i) transgression can be the source of novel anatomical traits in hybrids; (ii) expression of transgressive traits is more probable for traits with similar values in parents and intermediate for more distinct values, as predicted by theory; and (iii) independent origin of hybrids leads to identical trait expression profiles among populations. We found that anatomical leaf traits can be divided into four categories based on their similarity to parents: intermediate, parental‐like, transgressive and non‐significant. Contrary to the common view, parental‐like trait values were equally important in shaping the hybrid profile, as were intermediate traits. Transgression was revealed in 17/144 cases and concerned mainly cell and tissue sizes. As predicted by theory, we observed transgressive segregation more often when there was little phenotypic divergence, but intermediate values when parental traits were differentiated. It is likely that cell and tissue sizes are phylogenetically more conserved due to stabilising selection, whereas traits such as leaf thickness and volume fraction of the intercellular spaces, showing a consistent intermediate pattern across populations, are more susceptible to directional selection. Hybrid populations showed little similarity in expression profile, with only three traits identically expressed across all populations. Thus local adaptation of parental species and specific genetic background may be of importance.
Do sterile females affect the sexual performance of sterile males of Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae)?
Authors: Orozco D. , Hernández M. R. , Meza J. S. , Quintero J. L.
Published: July 2012

The release of sterile males to suppress the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens (Loew) population was simulated in field cages to compare the sexual performance of sterile males with wild females in the presence and absence of sterile females. Using different release ratios of sterile and wild individuals, this study showed that the presence of sterile females negatively affected the sexual performance of sterile males in mating with wild females. We found that the sterility induced was proportional to the magnitude of the sterile/fertile ratio. These results indicate that the release of sterile males without sterile females can significantly improve the efficiency of the sterile insect technique for the control of A. ludens.
Toxicity of insecticidal soaps to the Asian citrus psyllid and two of its natural enemies
Authors: Hall D. G. , Richardson M. L.
Published: July 2012

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is an important pest of citrus because it transmits plant pathogens responsible for a serious disease of citrus known as huanglongbing. Conventional insecticides are frequently used to manage ACP. Insecticidal soaps (hereafter ‘soaps’) are an insect control option labelled for commercial use as well as for use by homeowners and organic growers. Soaps have been shown to be toxic to some insect pests and therefore might be an alternative to conventional pesticides for control of ACP, but the efficacy of soaps against ACP was largely unknown. Our objective was to test whether different concentrations of two insecticidal soaps, M‐Pede and Safer Insecticidal Soap Concentrate, caused mortality of ACP adults, nymphs and eggs. In addition, we tested whether these soaps were toxic to two natural enemies of ACP, adults of the lady beetle Cycloneda sanguinea (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and the parasitoid Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Direct sprays of M‐Pede or Safer Insecticidal Soap were acutely toxic to ACP adults (regardless of gender) and nymphs when applied in solutions of 0.8–2% in water. Insecticidal soaps were non‐toxic to eggs at rates of up to 2%. Residues of soap were less toxic to adult ACP than direct sprays, even when applied at concentrations of up to 4%. M‐Pede or Safer soap at high concentrations (for example, 2% v/v in water) may be an effective alternative to conventional pesticides to manage adult and nymphal ACP, although multiple applications may be needed if a target population includes eggs. A 2% concentration of either soap applied as a direct spray was non‐toxic to adult C. sanguinea but acutely toxic to adult T. radiata. Soaps therefore may be compatible with biological control of ACP by adult coccinellids but not the parasitoid T. radiata.
Proteins Involved in the Interaction of Potato Tubers with Pectobacterium atrosepticum: a Proteomic Approach to Understanding Partial Resistance
Authors: Barzic Marie Renee , Com Emmanuelle
Published: July 2012

Potato can be severely affected by various pathogens, including Pectobacterium atrosepticum, the cause of bacterial soft rot on tubers and of blackleg on stems. To date, no complete resistance to P. atrosepticum is available, so that only cultivars exhibiting partial resistance can be found. The mechanistic basis of this type of resistance is still poorly understood. A proteomic approach was thus developed to identify pathways specifically activated during the interaction between potato tubers and P. atrosepticum. Protein profiles on silver‐stained gels in the 5–8 pH range were obtained from healthy and infected tubers from two cultivars differing for resistance level and analyzed by 2‐DE and nano‐LC‐MS/MS. Thirteen proteins were differentially up‐regulated in the partially resistant cv. Kerpondy; by contrast, no significant differences in protein profiles of inoculated and control tubers were observed in the susceptible cv. Bintje. Mass spectrometry and database searching showed that these proteins are involved in energetic metabolism (glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, 2‐phosphoglycerate dehydratase or enolase, fructose biphosphate aldolase and ATPase α subunit), cytoskeleton structure (actin), protein catabolism (cysteine protease inhibitor) and patatins or patatin precursors. Their involvement in defence responses of cv. Kerpondy to P. atrosepticum is discussed. Proteomic appears as an efficient approach to have insight into the mechanisms and pathways leading to potato resistance against P. atrosepticum.
In vitro photodynamic therapy against Foncecaea pedrosoi and Cladophialophora carrionii
Authors: Lyon Juliana Pereira , Moreira Leonardo Marmo , Dutra de Carvalho Vanessa Silva , dos Santos Fabio Vieira , de Lima Carlos José , de Resende Maria Aparecida
Published: July 2012

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been originally developed for cancer treatment, but recently, it has been successfully employed against microorganisms, including fungi. Chromoblastomycosis is a subcutaneous fungal infection that is recalcitrant to conventional antifungal drug therapy. The most frequent species involved are Foncecaea pedrosoi and Cladophialophora carrionii. The present study aimed to verify the efficacy in vitro of PDT employing methylene blue (MB) as a photosensitiser and Light emmiting diode (LED) (InGaAl) as the light source. Methylene blue at the concentrations of 16, 32 and 64 μg/mL and LED (InGalP) were employed for 15 min against spores of two isolates of F. pedrosoi and two isolates of C. carrionii. The spores were plated on Sabouraud Dextrose agar and the number of colony forming units was counted after 7–10 days of incubation at 37 °C. The PDT with MB and LED was efficient in reducing the growth of all samples tested. Better results were obtained for the concentration of 32 μg/mL of MB. The treatment proved to be highly effective in killing the samples of F. pedrosoi and Cladophialophora pedrosoi tested in vitro. PDT arises as a promising alternative for the treatment of this subcutaneous infection.
Molecular characterization of central neurocytomas: Potential markers for tumor typing and progression
Authors: Vasiljevic Alexandre , Champier Jacques , Figarella‐Branger Dominique , Wierinckx Anne , Jouvet Anne , Fèvre‐Montange Michelle
Published: July 2012

Central neurocytomas (CNs) are rare intraventricular tumors presenting a favorable prognosis after surgery. Their transcriptomic profile is poorly characterized. We performed a microarray transcriptomic study to search for molecular markers that might improve diagnostic accuracy. Microarray analysis was performed on five CNs (3 primary and 2 recurrent CNs) using CodeLink human whole genome bioarrays, and the gene expression in CNs was compared with that in four pineal parenchymal tumors, consisting of two pineocytomas (PCs) and two pineoblastomas (PBs), other periventricular tumors which may present neuronal differentiation. We identified genes that were highly expressed in CNs compared to normal brain and might be candidates for the molecular typing of CNs. Several genes are part of the Wnt/β‐catenin and sonic hedgehog signaling pathways or mainly linked to calcium function or maintenance of neural progenitors. Moreover, several genes are overexpressed in both CNs and PCs and/or PBs such as INSM1 and NEUROD4, involved in neural or neuroendocrine differentiation. The overexpression of eight candidate genes in CNs (CHRDL2, IGF2, KiSS‐1, CAL2, NTS, NHLH1, RGS16 and SCGN) was confirmed by real‐time RT‐PCR. Of the genes overexpressed in the recurrent CNs compared to the primary CNs, AQP5, KiSS‐1, FZD7, AURKB, UBE2C and PTTG1 are genes which may be involved in tumor progression. Our study shows the potential involvement of various genes in the pathogenesis of CNs. These genes could be potential candidate markers for improving the characterization of CNs and some could be involved in CN tumorigenesis.
Gut bacterial translocation is associated with microinflammation in end‐stage renal disease patients
Authors: WANG FEIQIAN , JIANG HONGLI , SHI KEHUI , REN YI , ZHANG PAN , CHENG SHAOLI
Published: July 2012

Aim:  To investigate whether gut bacteria translocation occurs in end‐stage renal disease patients and contributes to microinflammation in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods:  The subjects were divided into two groups: nondialysed ESRD patients (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 10). Blood samples from all participants were subjected to bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA amplification and DNA pyrosequencing to determine the presence of bacteria, and the alteration of gut microbiomes were examined with the same methods. High‐sensitive C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 were detected. Plasma D‐lactate was tested for gut permeability.

Results:  Bacterial DNAs were detected in the blood of 20% (6/30) of the ESRD patients. All the observed genera in blood (Klebsiella spp, Proteus spp, Escherichia spp, Enterobacter spp, and Pseudomonas spp) were overgrown in the guts of the ESRD patients. Plasma D‐lactate, High‐sensitive C‐reactive protein, and interleukin‐6 levels were significantly higher in patients with bacterial DNA than those without. The control group showed the same results as that of patients without bacterial DNA.

Conclusion:  Bacterial translocation occurs in ESRD patients and is associated with microinflammation in end stage renal disease.
Diagnostic criteria for Werner syndrome based on Japanese nationwide epidemiological survey
Authors: Takemoto Minoru , Mori Seijiro , Kuzuya Masafumi , Yoshimoto Shinya , Shimamoto Akira , Igarashi Masahiko , Tanaka Yasuhito , Miki Tetsuro , Yokote Koutaro
Published: July 2012

Aim:  Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disorder of progeroid symptoms and signs. It is caused by mutations in the WRN gene, which encodes a RecQ DNA helicase. The aim of this study was to revise the diagnostic criteria for Japanese Werner syndrome.

Methods:  A nationwide epidemiological study was carried out from 2009 to 2011, involving 6921 surveys sent to hospitals with more than 200 beds to assess existing WS diagnostic criteria, as well as additional signs of high incidence on the basis of clinical experience with WS.

Results:  The existing diagnostic criteria were reviewed, and signs with >90% incidence were listed as cardinal signs. Several criteria were added, including genetic testing and calcification of the Achilles tendon, whereas criteria that are practically difficult to obtain, such as measurement of urinary hyaluronic acid, were omitted.

Conclusion:  The 26‐year‐old diagnostic criteria for WS were revised on the basis of the results of a nationwide epidemiological study. The proposed revised criteria will facilitate simpler, faster and more robust diagnosis of WS in the Japanese population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 475–481.
Use of a laboratory only score system to define trajectories and outcomes of older people admitted to the acute hospital as medical emergencies
Authors: Romero‐Ortuno Roman , Silke Bernard
Published: July 2012

Aim:  Increasing numbers of older people are admitted to hospital as medical emergencies. They are a heterogeneous population with uncertain trajectories and outcomes. Our aim was to retrospectively characterize subgroups of older inpatients based on their acuity trajectories.

Methods:  This was a single‐center patient series from St James's Hospital Dublin, Ireland (2002–2010). The Medical Admissions Risk System (MARS) score was used to classify a sample of 14 607 patients aged ≥65 years, from admission to end of episode, into four trajectory groups: (i) static high acuity (group 1); (ii) static low acuity (group 2); (iii) inpatient deterioration (group 3); and (iv) inpatient improvement (group 4). K‐means cluster analysis was used for the classification.

Results:  Group 1 (4.1%): median length of stay (LOS) 7.4 days, 23.6% used intensive care, mortality rate 79.2%; sepsis and renal failure were the dominant features. Group 2 (76.6%): median LOS 8.0 days, 5.2% used intensive care, mortality rate 9.5%; younger age, low comorbidity and diseases of non‐vital organs were predominant. Group 3 (7.6%): median LOS 17.2 days, 17.4% used intensive care, mortality rate 76.1%; high comorbidity and sepsis/respiratory disease featured. Group 4 (11.7%): median LOS 12.1 days, 12.8% used intensive care, mortality rate 22.7%; sepsis and renal/metabolic disease were frequent, and comorbidity levels were intermediate.

Conclusions:  In older acute medical inpatients, the outcome seemed more driven by specific diagnoses (such as sepsis and renal failure) and comorbidity, than by age. Using the MARS score to retrospectively categorize older inpatients might help to understand their heterogeneity and promote the design of appropriate care pathways. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 405–412.
High prevalence of sarcopenia and reduced leg muscle mass in Japanese patients immediately after a hip fracture
Authors: Hida Tetsuro , Ishiguro Naoki , Shimokata Hiroshi , Sakai Yoshihito , Matsui Yasumoto , Takemura Marie , Terabe Yasuto , Harada Atsushi
Published: July 2012

Aim:  Sarcopenia‐related falls and fractures are becoming an emerging problem as a result of rapid aging worldwide. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia by estimating the muscle mass of the arms and legs of patients with and without hip fracture.

Methods:  This cross‐sectional study examined 357 patients immediately after a hip fracture (the HF group) and in 2511 patients from an outpatient clinic who did not have a hip fracture (the NF group) at single institution in Japan. We carried out whole‐body dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry to analyze body composition with skeletal muscle mass index (SMI; lean mass / height2) and bone mineral density (BMD). We carried out stepwise logistic regression analysis to determine the factors associated with a hip fracture.

Results:  Lower appendicular SMI (P < 0.001), leg SMI (P < 0.001), and higher prevalence of sarcopenia (P < 0.001) were observed in the HF group after controlling for age and sex. The arm SMI was similar in both groups (P > 0.95). In multivariate analysis, the presence of sarcopenia, older age and lower BMD were associated with the occurrence of a hip fracture (OR 1.476, P = 0.002; OR 1.103, P < 0.001; OR 0.082, P < 0.001; respectively).

Conclusion:  This study showed a higher prevalence of sarcopenia and more reduced leg muscle mass in patients after a hip fracture than in the outclinic patients who did not have hip fractures. The results imply sarcopenia can be a risk factor for a hip fracture. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 413–420.
Functional lateralization in auditory cortex under informational masking and in silence
Authors: Königs Liane , Gutschalk Alexander
Published: July 2012

The N1m is an evoked magnetic field in auditory cortex that is automatically elicited by tones in silence but not in the context of multiple other tones: when listeners are unaware of a tone stream because of informational masking, no N1m‐like activity is observed. In contrast, N1m‐like activity is evoked when listeners are aware of the regular tone stream in the same context but in another trial. Here we compared this awareness‐related negativity (ARN) with the automatic N1m. First, we evaluated whether stimulus lateralization by ear or interaural time differences modulates hemispheric lateralization of the response, as a putative marker of sensory processing. Second, we evaluated the stimulus‐independent hemispheric balance thought to indicate higher level cortical processing. The results dissociate three, partly overlapping, time intervals: the P1m (45–85 ms) was evoked by missed and detected target tones alike. Subsequent negative activity was only observed when listeners indicated awareness of the target stream inside the multi‐tone masker. In the N1m time interval (75–175 ms), hemispheric balance of the ARN and N1m was modulated by stimulus lateralization. In the subsequent time interval (175–275 ms), auditory‐cortex activity was generally right‐lateralized in silence and balanced under informational masking, but was not modulated by stimulus lateralization. These results suggest that the same auditory‐cortex activity that varies with perceptual awareness also shows sensory response features. This is in accordance with models for visual perception, suggesting that sensory competition determines whether midlevel visual responses occur automatically or vary with perceptual state.