bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Future advantages in energetics, activity time, and habitats predicted in a high‐altitude pit viper with climate warming
Authors: Huang Shu‐Ping , Chiou Chyi‐Rong , Lin Te‐En , Tu Ming‐Chung , Lin Chia‐Chen , Porter Warren P.
Published: January 2013

A future warmer climate is generally predicted to threaten reptiles. But many high‐altitude reptiles that rely on external heat to survive current cold climate may benefit from future warmth. This prediction can be tested by simulating activity time and energetics of reptiles with a biophysical model.

We modelled the potential response of a high‐altitude snake, Trimeresurus gracilis, to a 3 °C increase in air temperature, using the biophysical/behavioural NicheMapper™ model. Using animal and environmental properties, we first analysed the effects of shade level (i.e. the reduction of solar radiation) on activity time and energetics of T. gracilis. We then computed activity time, energetics and potential habitats in its current range of Taroko National Park, Taiwan (>1800 m in altitude), with a spatial climate, vegetation and topography data set.

In the current climate, increased shade levels were predicted to decrease activity time, maintenance energy requirements and discretionary energy (i.e. energy left after maintenance costs are met). In heavy shade (i.e. 81–100% reduction of solar radiation) at 3000 and 3500 m, T. gracilis was predicted to have impaired digestive capacity and hence to be unable to meet basic maintenance costs for survival. In a warmer climate, the predicted digestive capacity, energetics and activity time of T. gracilis increase. But in heavy shade at 3500 m, the digestive capacity was predicted to remain impaired for supporting basic energy requirements for survival.

In the current climate, the predicted suitable habitat area (i.e. where T. gracilis obtains positive discretionary energy) in coniferous and coniferous–broadleaf forests decreased with increasing elevation. At elevations higher than 3000 m, most suitable habitats were in open areas like grasslands where T. gracilis was also predicted to have more discretionary energy than in heavily forested habitats. Our field sightings agreed with model predictions. A warmer climate was generally predicted to increase the activity time, energetics and habitat area, given the current vegetation pattern.

Overall, we demonstrate that metabolism, digestive function and vegetative shade levels are critical elements affecting T. gracilis' energetics and habitats with climate change. Trimeresurus gracilis is likely to benefit energetically from future warmth.
Telomere length, non‐breeding habitat and return rate in male American redstarts
Authors: Angelier Frédéric , Vleck Carol M. , Holberton Rebecca L. , Marra Peter P.
Published: January 2013

Telomeres are long repetitive noncoding sequences of DNA located at the ends of chromosomes. Recently, the study of telomere dynamics has been increasingly used to investigate ecological questions. However, little is currently known about the relationships that link environmental conditions, telomere dynamics and fitness in wild vertebrates.

Using a small migratory bird (American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla), we investigated how telomere dynamics can be affected by non‐breeding habitat quality and to what extent telomere length can predict the return rate of males.

We show that telomeres shorten in most individuals over a 1‐year period and, importantly, that telomeres of individuals wintering in a low‐quality habitat shorten more than those of individuals wintering in a high‐quality habitat.

In addition, we found that longer telomeres are associated with a higher return rate than shorter telomeres, although the relationship between return rate and telomere length did not depend on habitat quality.

Our study suggests that telomere dynamics are affected by environmental conditions and are related to indices of fitness in a migratory bird species.
Female‐biased obligate strategies in a partially migratory population
Authors: Fudickar Adam M. , Schmidt Andreas , Hau Michaela , Quetting Michael , Partecke Jesko
Published: January 2013

Partial migration occurs when a breeding population consists of seasonal migrants and year‐round residents. Although it is common among birds, the basis of individual movement decisions within partially migratory populations is still unresolved.

Over 4 years, we used state of the art tracking techniques, a combination of geolocators and radio transmitters, to follow individual European blackbirdsTurdus merulayear round from a partially migratory population to determine individual strategies and departure and arrival dates. The individual‐based tracking combined with measures of energetic and hormonal (corticosterone) state enabled us to distinguish between obligate and facultative migration and to test several classical hypotheses of partial migration: the ‘Arrival Time’‐, ‘Dominance’‐ and ‘Thermal Tolerance’‐hypotheses.

Two distinct periods of departures from the breeding grounds were observed during the study; one in early autumn, and another during the midst of winter. Although blackbirds that migrated in autumn were never observed overwintering within 300 km of the study site, four individuals that departed in the winter were observed within 40 km. Females were significantly more likely to migrate in autumn than males but there was no difference in the age or body size of migrants and non migrants in autumn. Just prior to autumn migration, migrants had higher fat scores than non migrants and tended to have higher concentrations of baseline corticosterone, but similar concentrations of triglycerides. Unlike autumn migrants, we found no difference between the tendencies of males versus females to depart in winter, nor did we find any difference in body size or age of individuals that departed in the winter.

Autumn migration was sex biased and resembled obligate migration. Our results provide strong support for the ‘Arrival Time’ hypothesis for partial migration in the autumn. We found no clear support for the ‘Dominance’ or ‘Thermal Tolerance’ hypotheses. By tracking individuals year round, we were able to identify a second period of departures. Overall, these results suggest the co‐occurrence of obligate autumn migrants, winter movements and sedentary individuals within a single population.
Human papillomavirus and oral disease – emerging evidence: a review
Authors: Prabhu SR , Wilson DF
Published: January 2013

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections have received considerable attention in recent years. Of the 120 or so known types of the virus, some cause a variety of benign wart‐like lesions of the skin and genital and oral mucosae, whilst others are aetiologically associated with cervical and anogenital cancers. Recent epidemiologic evidence suggests that HPV may also be an independent risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer. In this context it has been suggested that HPV virus may modulate the process of carcinogenesis in some tobacco and alcohol induced oropharyngeal cancers and act as the primary oncogenic agent for inducing carcinogenesis among non‐smokers. Dental practitioners have a major role in detecting all lesions of the oral mucosa caused, or possibly caused, by HPV. This paper briefly reviews the current state of knowledge of molecular and clinical aspects of HPV infections of the oral mucosa.
A Minimal Set of SNPs for the Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis of β‐Thalassaemia
Authors: Papasavva Thessalia E. , Lederer Carsten W. , Traeger‐Synodinos Jan , Mavrou Ariadne , Kanavakis Emmanuel , Ioannou Christiana , Makariou Christiana , Kleanthous Marina
Published: January 2013

β‐thalassaemia is one of the commonest autosomal recessive single‐gene disorders worldwide. Prenatal tests use invasive methods, posing a risk for the pregnancy itself. Development of a noninvasive prenatal diagnostic method is, therefore, of paramount importance. The aim of the present study is to identify high‐heterozygote informative single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), suitable for the development of noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) of β‐thalassaemia. SNP genotyping analysis was performed on 75 random samples from the Cypriot population for 140 SNPs across the β‐globin cluster. Shortlisted, highly heterozygous SNPs were then examined in 101 carrier families for their applicability in the noninvasive detection of paternally inherited alleles. Forty‐nine SNPs displayed more than 6% heterozygosity and were selected for NIPD analysis, revealing 72.28% of the carrier families eligible for qualitative SNP‐based NIPD, and 92% for quantitative detection. Moreover, inference of haplotypes showed predominant haplotypes and many subhaplotypes with sufficient prevalence for diagnostic exploitation. SNP‐based analyses are sensitive and specific for the detection of the paternally inherited allele in maternal plasma. This study provides proof of concept for this approach, highlighting its superiority to NIPD based on single markers and thus providing a blueprint for the general development of noninvasive prenatal diagnostic assays for β‐thalassaemia.
Comparison of combined, biochemical and nuchal translucency screening for Down syndrome in first trimester in Northern Finland
Authors: Peuhkurinen Sini , Laitinen Paivi , Honkasalo Timppa , Ryynanen Markku , Marttala Jaana
Published: January 2013

Objective

To compare the efficacy of fetal nuchal translucency screening, maternal serum screening and combined screening for Down syndrome.

Design

A prospective study.

Setting

University hospital and its public health care district in Northern Finland.

Population

A total of 35 314 women participated in the first‐trimester screening for Down syndrome within the public healthcare system in 2002–08. There were 95 pregnancies involving Down syndrome. Serum samples were obtained from 35 314 women, nuchal translucency was measured in 27 144 pregnancies and full combined screening was performed in those pregnancies, including 76 involving Down syndrome.

Methods

The adjusted estimated risk for Down syndrome was calculated using the Perkin Elmer AutoDELFIA® time‐resolved fluoroimmunoassay kit for the measurement of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A and free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin. Nuchal translucency was measured by trained personnel in a university or district hospital. Risk cut‐off figures 1:250 and 1:300 at term were used.

Main outcome measures

Differences in detection rate, false‐positive rate, positive and negative predictive values between nuchal translucency screening, serum screening and combined screening.

Results

Using the risk cut‐off figure 1:250, the detection rates for serum screening, nuchal translucency screening and combined screening were 64.2, 64.5 and 72.4%, respectively and the false‐positive rates were 7.8, 4.4 and 4.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

Combined screening is the method of choice for Down syndrome screening in Finland.
Effects of craniosacral therapy as adjunct to standard treatment for pelvic girdle pain in pregnant women: a multicenter, single blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Elden Helen , Östgaard Hans‐Christian , Glantz Anna , Marciniak Pia , Linnér Ann‐Charlotte , Olsén Monika Fagevik
Published: January 2013

Objective

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a disabling condition affecting 30% of pregnant women. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of craniosacral therapy as an adjunct to standard treatment compared with standard treatment alone for PGP during pregnancy.

Design

Randomized, multicenter, single blind, controlled trial.

Setting

University hospital, a private clinic and 26 maternity care centers in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Population

A total of 123 pregnant women with PGP.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to standard treatment (control group, n = 60) or standard treatment plus craniosacral therapy (intervention group, n = 63).

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome measures: pain intensity (visual analog scale 0–100 mm) and sick leave. Secondary outcomes: function (Oswestry Disability Index), health‐related quality of life (European Quality of Life measure), unpleasantness of pain (visual analog scale), and assessment of the severity of PGP by an independent examiner.

Results

Between‐group differences for morning pain, symptom‐free women and function in the last treatment week were in favor of the intervention group. Visual analog scale median was 27 mm (95% confidence interval 24.6–35.9) vs. 35 mm (95% confidence interval 33.5–45.7) (p = 0.017) and the function disability index was 40 (range 34–46) vs. 48 (range 40–56) (p = 0.016).

Conclusions

Lower morning pain intensity and less deteriorated function was seen after craniosacral therapy in conjunction with standard treatment compared with standard treatment alone, but no effects regarding evening pain and sick‐leave. Treatment effects were small and clinically questionable and conclusions should be drawn carefully. Further studies are warranted before recommending craniosacral therapy for PGP.
A fresh perspective on comparing the FDA and the CHMP/EMA: approval of antineoplastic tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Shah Rashmi R. , Roberts Samantha A. , Shah Devron R.
Published: January 2013

We compared and determined the reasons for any differences in the review and approval times of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European EMA/CHMP. Applications for these novel cancer drugs were submitted to them within a mean of 31.2 days of each other, providing a fair basis for comparison. The FDA had granted priority review to 12 TKIs but the EMA/CHMP did not grant the equivalent accelerated assessment to any. The FDA granted accelerated approvals to six (38%) and CHMP granted (the equivalent) conditional approvals to four (29%) of these agents. On average, the review and approval times were 205.3 days in the US compared with 409.6 days in the European Union (EU). The active review times, however, were comparable (225.4 days in the EU and 205.3 days in the US). Since oncology drug development lasts about 7 years, the 20 days difference in review times between the two agencies is inconsequential. Clock stops during review and the time required to issue an approval had added the extra 184.2 days to review time in the EU. We suggest possible solutions to expedite the EU review and approval processes. However, post‐marketing emergence of adverse efficacy and safety data on gefitinib and lapatinib, respectively, indicate potential risks of expedited approvals. We challenge the widely prevalent myth that early approval translates into early access or beneficial impact on public health. Both the agencies collaborate closely but conduct independent assessments and make decisions based on distinct legislation, procedures, precedents and societal expectations.
Novel aspects of preoperative chemoradiation therapy improving anti‐tumor immunity in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Tsuchikawa Takahiro , Hirano Satoshi , Tanaka Eiichi , Matsumoto Joe , Kato Kentaro , Nakamura Toru , Ebihara Yuma , Shichinohe Toshiaki
Published: January 2013

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. Little is known about the immune response in the tumor microenvironment after chemotherapy for initially unresectable tumor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immunological effects of chemoradiation therapy in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Seventeen patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma with and without preoperative chemoradiation therapy were retrospectively analyzed using immunohistochemical methods for HLA class I heavy chain, CD4+, CD8+, CD45RO+ and Foxp3+ T cell infiltrations. Seven of the 17 study patients received preoperative chemoradiation therapy. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltrations in the tumor microenvironment. However, the number of Foxp3+ T cell infiltrations was significantly lower in the neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy group. The HLA class I expression status was the same between the two groups. In conclusion, preoperative chemoradiation therapy in pancreatic adenocarcinoma is useful for reducing regulatory T cell levels in combination with its direct cytotoxic effects.
Norcantharidin inhibits tumor angiogenesis via blocking VEGFR2/MEK/ERK signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Long , Ji Qing , Liu Xuan , Chen Xingzhu , Chen Zhaohua , Qiu Yanyan , Sun Jian , Cai Jianfeng , Zhu Huirong , Li Qi
Published: January 2013

Norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated form of Cantharidin, a reagent isolated from blister beetles, has been shown to be an anti‐tumor agent capable of inhibiting proliferation as well as inducing apoptosis in many cancer cell lines. However, little is known about the effect of NCTD in tumor angiogenesis. In this study, we demonstrated that NCTD inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐induced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and capillary tube formation of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, we showed NCTD inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis of colon cancer cells (LOVO) in vivo. We then mechanistically described that NCTD specifically abrogated the phosphorylation/activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR2)/MEK/ERK pathway kinases, with little effect on the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and Akt, and on Cox‐2 expression. In summary, our results indicate that NCTD is a potential inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis by blocking VEGFR2/MEK/ERK signaling.
Associations of the type of childcare with reported preventive medical and dental care utilization for 1‐ to 5‐year‐old children in the United States
Authors: Kim Juhee , Kaste Linda M.
Published: January 2013

Objective

Despite that the majority of US children use nonparental childcare (NPC), research examining its effects on children's preventive healthcare utilization is lacking. Our aim was to contrast NPC against parental childcare in terms of preventive medical and dental care utilization.

Methods

Associations of childcare and healthcare utilization were evaluated using the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health, a telephone interview of parent‐reported children's health (22 773 children ages 1‐ to 5‐year old). The type of childcare was categorized as parental care, center‐based care (CBC), nonrelative home care (NRHC), relative care (RCC), and mixed care (MCC). The outcome measures were preventive medical care (≥1 physical examination/well child check‐up visit) and preventive dental care (≥1 check‐ups/dental cleanings visit) during the past 12 months.

Results

Overall, 94.7% of 1‐ to 5‐year‐old children received preventive medical care, while only 53.6% received preventive dental care. The highest odds for preventive medical care was for 1‐ to 2‐year‐old children utilizing CBC [Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.11–7.30] and for 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children utilizing MCC (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.23–3.26) followed by CBC (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.13–2.42). Considering preventive dental care, a statistically significant increase occurred for 1‐ to 2‐year‐old children with CBC (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.62–2.30), and none occurred for any NPC above the parental childcare rates for 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children.

Conclusions

Childcare use, particularly center‐based care, may provide a means to raise preventive healthcare utilization for young children. Future regulations, as well as policy and program development, should consider promoting childcare settings as a means to improve preventive health care utilization.
Immune response to Streptococcus pneumoniae in asthma patients: comparison between stable situation and exacerbation
Authors: Otero C , Paz R D , Galassi N , Bezrodnik L , Finiasz M R , Fink S
Published: January 2013

In Argentina, more than 3 million people suffer from asthma, with numbers rising. When asthma patients acquire viral infections which, in turn, trigger the asthmatic response, they may develop subsequent bacterial infections, mainly by Streptococcus (S.) pneumoniae. This encapsulated Gram+ bacterium has been considered historically a T cell-independent antigen. Nevertheless, several papers describe the role of T cells in the immune response to S. pneumoniae. We evaluated the response to S. pneumoniae and compared it to the response to Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis, a different type of bacterium that requires a T helper type 1 (Th1) response, in cells from atopic asthmatic children, to compare parameters for the same individual under exacerbation and in a stable situation whenever possible. We studied asthma patients and a control group of age-matched children, evaluating cell populations, activation markers and cytokine production by flow cytometry, and cytokine concentration in serum and cell culture supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No differences were observed in γδ T cells for the same patient in either situation, and a tendency to lower percentages of CD4+CD25hi T cells was observed under stability.

A significantly lower production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and a significantly higher production of interleukin (IL)-5 was observed in asthma patients compared to healthy individuals, but no differences could be observed for IL-4, IL-13 or IL-10. A greater early activation response against M. tuberculosis, compared to S. pneumoniae, was observed in the asthmatic patients' cells. This may contribute to explaining why these patients frequently acquire infections caused by the latter bacterium and not the former.
Inference and Explanation in Counterfactual Reasoning
Authors: Rips Lance J. , Edwards Brian J.
Published: January 2013

This article reports results from two studies of how people answer counterfactual questions about simple machines. Participants learned about devices that have a specific configuration of components, and they answered questions of the form “If component X had not operated [failed], would component Y have operated?” The data from these studies indicate that participants were sensitive to the way in which the antecedent state is described—whether component X “had not operated” or “had failed.” Answers also depended on whether the device is deterministic or probabilistic—whether X's causal parents “always” or only “usually” cause X to operate. Participants' explanations of their answers often invoked non‐operation of causally prior components or unreliability of prior connections. They less often mentioned independence from these causal elements.
The Probabilities of Conditionals Revisited
Authors: Douven Igor , Verbrugge Sara
Published: January 2013

According to what is now commonly referred to as “the Equation” in the literature on indicative conditionals, the probability of any indicative conditional equals the probability of its consequent of the conditional given the antecedent of the conditional. Philosophers widely agree in their assessment that the triviality arguments of Lewis and others have conclusively shown the Equation to be tenable only at the expense of the view that indicative conditionals express propositions. This study challenges the correctness of that assessment by presenting data that cast doubt on an assumption underlying all triviality arguments.
Systematic Conservation Planning: A Better Recipe for Managing the High Seas for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use
Authors: Ban Natalie C. , Bax Nicholas J. , Gjerde Kristina M. , Devillers Rodolphe , Dunn Daniel C. , Dunstan Piers K. , Hobday Alistair J. , Maxwell Sara M. , Kaplan David M. , Pressey Robert L. , Ardron Jeff A. , Game Edward T. , Halpin Patrick N.
Published: January 2013

At the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio in June 2012, world leaders committed to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (the high seas). Our analysis of gaps in high seas management indicates that a paradigm shift to a more systematic approach will be needed to safeguard high seas biodiversity from mounting threats. Experience from terrestrial and coastal areas indicates that a systematic approach to conservation planning and management can help to maintain ecosystem health and productivity while enabling sustainable use. Our analysis further demonstrates that the current legal regime on the high seas is insufficient to realize these objectives: management institutions have neither an adequate mandate for integrated planning nor the ability to effectively coordinate across multiple management regimes. We identify key elements for future high seas management and posit that a two‐pronged approach is most promising: the development of an improved global legal regime that incorporates systematic planning as well as the expansion of existing and new regional agreements and mandates. This combined approach is most likely to achieve the required ecosystem‐based, integrated and science‐based management that world leaders at Rio acknowledged should underpin ocean management.
Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma associated with juxta‐articular fibrotic nodules in a teenager
Authors: Ghatalia Pooja , Porter Joanne , Wroblewski Danielle , Carlson John Andrew
Published: January 2013

Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL) has rarely been reported in teenagers and is occasionally associated with Borrelia burgdorferi infection. Juxta‐articular fibrotic nodules represent a unique, localized fibrosing response to spirochete infections, namely Borreliosis. Herein, we report a 15‐year‐old healthy boy who presented with a 4‐year history of progressive acquisition of asymptomatic, erythematous nodules, ≤3 cm, beginning with his right forearm (3), then right arm (1) and lastly his right inner thigh (1). Biopsy showed PCMZL in three of five samples, and inflamed, fibrotic nodules, near the elbow in two. The bottom heavy lymphomatous nodules consisted of mostly small CD20+ CD43+ lymphocytes, some with plasmacytoid features. Mature plasma cells were lambda light chain restricted by in situ hybridization. The juxta‐articular fibrotic nodules were located in the deep dermis and subcutis, had peripheral plasma cell‐rich infiltrates, and showed nodular sclerosis (morphea profunda‐like) in one, and lamellar and angiocentric sclerosis in the other reminiscent of quiescent lesions of chronic localized fibrosing leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Immunohistochemistry for B. burgdorferi revealed rare positive organisms; however, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology were negative for B. burgdorferi as were serologic and/or PCR assays for Bartonella henselae, Ba. quintana, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Treponema pallidum, Helicobacter pylori and Babesia microti. No evidence of extracutaneous disease was found by the review of systems and imaging studies. A 4‐week trial of doxycycline therapy failed, whereas intralesional (IL) corticosteroid therapy induced rapid regression of his nodules. After two local recurrences, also treated with IL corticosteroids, he is well, without cutaneous disease, 20 months later. A literature review of 19 pediatric cases PCMZL reveals a similar natural history as adult PCMZL. Despite negative serology and PCR for B. burgdorferi, the occurrence of ipsilateral juxta‐articular fibrotic nodules, positive B. burgdorferi immunohistochemistry and rapid response to IL corticosteroids implicate the presence of a replicative or non‐replicative infectious (spirochetal) antigen in the initiation and promotion of this teenager's PCMZL.
Pharmacodynamic characteristics of lixisenatide once daily versus liraglutide once daily in patients with type 2 diabetes insufficiently controlled on metformin
Authors: Kapitza C. , Forst T. , Coester H.‐V. , Poitiers F. , Ruus P. , Hincelin‐Méry A.
Published: January 2013

Aim

Assess the pharmacodynamics of lixisenatide once daily (QD) versus liraglutide QD in type 2 diabetes insufficiently controlled on metformin.

Methods

In this 28‐day, randomized, open‐label, parallel‐group, multicentre study (NCT01175473), patients (mean HbA1c 7.3%) received subcutaneous lixisenatide QD (10 µg weeks 1–2, then 20 µg; n = 77) or liraglutide QD (0.6 mg week 1, 1.2 mg week 2, then 1.8 mg; n = 71) 30 min before breakfast. Primary endpoint was change in postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) exposure from baseline to day 28 during a breakfast test meal.

Results

Lixisenatide reduced PPG significantly more than liraglutide [mean change in AUC0:30–4:30h: −12.6 vs. −4.0 h·mmol/L, respectively; p < 0.0001 (0:30 h = start of meal)]. Change in maximum PPG excursion was −3.9 mmol/l vs. −1.4 mmol/l, respectively (p < 0.0001). More lixisenatide‐treated patients achieved 2‐h PPG <7.8 mmol/l (69% vs. 29%). Changes in fasting plasma glucose were greater with liraglutide (−0.3 vs. −1.3 mmol/l, p < 0.0001). Lixisenatide provided greater decreases in postprandial glucagon (p < 0.05), insulin (p < 0.0001) and C‐peptide (p < 0.0001). Mean HbA1c decreased in both treatment groups (from 7.2% to 6.9% with lixisenatide vs. 7.4% to 6.9% with liraglutide) as did body weight (−1.6 kg vs. −2.4 kg, respectively). Overall incidence of adverse events was lower with lixisenatide (55%) versus liraglutide (65%), with no serious events or hypoglycaemia reported.

Conclusions

Once daily prebreakfast lixisenatide provided a significantly greater reduction in PPG (AUC) during a morning test meal versus prebreakfast liraglutide. Lixisenatide provided significant decreases in postprandial insulin, C‐peptide (vs. an increase with liraglutide) and glucagon, and better gastrointestinal tolerability than liraglutide.
Fueling Capitalism: Oil, the Regulation Approach, and the Ecology of Capital
Authors: Huber Matt
Published: January 2013

Despite a deepening set of socioecological contradictions, it is remarkable that oil's centrality to capitalism persists. In economic geography, the regulation approach has been useful in explaining the persistence of capitalism despite its contradictory tendencies, and scholars have recently applied the regulation approach to the geography of natural resources and environmental governance. In this article, I argue that environmental regulation theory is ill equipped to explain the persistence of petro‐capitalism in the United States. This literature has been constructed largely through a critique of regulation theory on two grounds: ignoring the ecological dimension and relying on periodization. Conversely, I aim to show that petro‐capitalism can be usefully analyzed through the very classical regulationist lens that environmental appropriations jettison. First, rather than positing nature as an unexamined “extra‐economic” dimension, the case of oil reveals how ecology can be integrated into a foundational concept of the regulation approach—the wage relation. Specifically, the Fordist wage relation of mass production for mass consumption was dependent on the construction of a specific kind of “high energy economy.” Massive productivity gains in the labor process, powered by electricity, created larger pressures for an equally energy‐intensive geography of consumption. In this respect, oil played a decisive role in the extension of the spaces between home and work through the partial generalization of automobility and single‐family home ownership. Second, I attempt to recuperate the method of “periodization” by explaining how a set of institutional supports served to regularize the provision of oil through the domestic oil market from 1935 through 1972. I end with a discussion of the “institutional exhaustion” of a specifically national form of petro‐Fordism during the 1970s.
Stability of organic matter in soils of the Belgian Loess Belt upon erosion and deposition
Authors: Wang X. , Cammeraat L. H. , Wang Z. , Zhou J. , Govers G. , Kalbitz K.
Published: January 2013

Soil erosion has significant impacts on terrestrial carbon (C) dynamics. It removes C‐rich topsoil and deposits it in lower areas, which might result in its stabilization against microbial decay. Subsequently, C‐poor deeper horizons will be exposed, which also affects C stabilization. We analysed factors governing soil organic C (SOC) mineralization in topsoil (5–10 cm) and subsoil (75–100 and 160–200 cm) horizons from two contrasting sites (up‐slope compared with down‐slope) in the Belgian Loess Belt; we refer to these as eroding and depositional sites, respectively. Deposition of eroded soil material resulted in significantly increased SOC contents throughout the entire soil profile (2 m) and microbial biomass C in the topsoil. In a 28‐day incubation experiment we studied effects of O2 concentrations (0, 5 and 20%) and substrate (glucose) availability on C mineralization, soil microbial biomass and CaCl2‐extractable C. Carbon enrichment at the depositional site was accompanied by weak mineralization rates and small contents of water‐extractable organic C. Addition of glucose stimulated microbial growth and enhanced respiration, particularly in the subsoil of the depositional site. Availability of O2 showed the expected positive relationship with C mineralization in topsoils only. However, small O2 concentrations did not decrease C mineralization in subsoils, indicating that controls on C dynamics were different in top‐ and subsoils. We conclude that reduced C mineralization contributed to C accumulation as observed at depositional sites, probably because of poor availability of C in subsoil horizons. Limited availability of O2 in subsoils can be excluded as an important control of soil C accumulation. We hypothesize that the composition of the microbial community after burial of the organic‐rich material might play a decisive role.
R164C mutation in FOXQ1 H3 domain affects formation of the hair medulla
Authors: Wu Baojin , Herbert Pratt C. , Potter Christopher S. , Silva Kathleen A. , Kennedy Vicki , Sundberg John P.
Published: January 2013

A number of single gene mutations in laboratory mice produce hair follicle defects resulting in deformed hair shafts. The radiation‐induced (SB/LeJ‐Foxq1sa) satin mutant mice have a satin‐like sheen to their hair and dilute colouration. This sheen is due to failure of the hair shafts to develop normal medullas, while the pigment dilution is due to the unrelated beige (lysosomal trafficking regulator, Lystbg) mutation. A new allelic mutation, Foxq1sa‐J, arose spontaneously on the albino (tyrosinase, Tyrc) MRL/MpJ‐Faslpr background. The Foxq1sa‐J allele has a C to T transition at position 490. By contrast, the Foxq1sa mutant allele was confirmed to be a 67 base pair deletion followed by two base changes (GA to AT). Morphologic changes were similar to those seen in Hoxc13 transgenic and targeted mutant mice. This new allelic mutation provides yet another tool to investigate formation of the interior structures of hair shafts.
Heavy metal‐associated isoprenylated plant protein (HIPP): characterization of a family of proteins exclusive to plants
Authors: de Abreu‐Neto João Braga , Turchetto‐Zolet Andreia C. , de Oliveira Luiz Felipe Valter , Bodanese Zanettini Maria Helena , Margis‐Pinheiro Marcia
Published: January 2013

Metallochaperones are key proteins for the safe transport of metallic ions inside the cell. HIPPs (heavy metal‐associated isoprenylated plant proteins) are metallochaperones that contain a metal binding domain (HMA) and a C–terminal isoprenylation motif. In this study, we provide evidence that proteins of this family are found only in vascular plants and may be separated into five distinct clusters. HIPPs may be involved in (a) heavy metal homeostasis and detoxification mechanisms, especially those involved in cadmium tolerance, (b) transcriptional responses to cold and drought, and (c) plant–pathogen interactions. In particular, our results show that the rice (Oryza sativa) HIPP OsHIPP41 gene is highly expressed in response to cold and drought stresses, and its product is localized in the cytosol and the nucleus. The results suggest that HIPPs play an important role in the development of vascular plants and in plant responses to environmental changes.
Losing ground: past history and future fate of Arctic small mammals in a changing climate
Authors: Prost Stefan , Guralnick Robert P. , Waltari Eric , Fedorov Vadim B. , Kuzmina Elena , Smirnov Nickolay , van Kolfschoten Thijs , Hofreiter Michael , Vrieling Klaas
Published: January 2013

According to the IPCC, the global average temperature is likely to increase by 1.4–5.8 °C over the period from 1990 to 2100. In Polar regions, the magnitude of such climatic changes is even larger than in temperate and tropical biomes. This amplified response is particularly worrisome given that the so‐far moderate warming is already impacting Arctic ecosystems. Predicting species responses to rapid warming in the near future can be informed by investigating past responses, as, like the rest of the planet, the Arctic experienced recurrent cycles of temperature increase and decrease (glacial–interglacial changes) in the past. In this study, we compare the response of two important prey species of the Arctic ecosystem, the collared lemming and the narrow‐skulled vole, to Late Quaternary climate change. Using ancient DNA and Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM), we show that the two species, which occupy similar, but not identical ecological niches, show markedly different responses to climatic and environmental changes within broadly similar habitats. We empirically demonstrate, utilizing coalescent model‐testing approaches, that collared lemming populations decreased substantially after the Last Glacial Maximum; a result consistent with distributional loss over the same period based on ENM results. Given this strong association, we projected the current niche onto future climate conditions based on IPCC 4.0 scenarios, and forecast accelerating loss of habitat along southern range boundaries with likely associated demographic consequences. Narrow‐skulled vole distribution and demography, by contrast, was only moderately impacted by past climatic changes, but predicted future changes may begin to affect their current western range boundaries. Our work, founded on multiple lines of evidence suggests a future of rapidly geographically shifting Arctic small mammal prey communities, some of whom are on the edge of existence, and whose fate may have ramifications for the whole Arctic food web and ecosystem.
Burden of treatment for chronic illness: a concept analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Sav Adem , King Michelle A. , Whitty Jennifer A. , Kendall Elizabeth , McMillan Sara S. , Kelly Fiona , Hunter Beth , Wheeler Amanda J.
Published: January 2013

Context

Treatment burden, the burden associated with the treatment and management of chronic illness, has not yet been well articulated.

Objective

Using Rodgers' (1989, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 14, 330–335) method of concept analysis, this review describes the ways in which treatment burden has been conceptualized to define the concept and to develop a framework for understanding its attributes, antecedents and consequences.

Methods

Leading databases were searched electronically between the years 2002 and 2011. To ensure the review focused on actual observations of the concept of interest, articles that did not measure treatment burden (either qualitatively or quantitatively) were excluded. An inductive approach was used to identify themes related to the concept of treatment burden.

Main results

Thirty articles, identified from 1557 abstracts, were included in the review. The attributes of treatment burden include burden as a dynamic process, as a multidimensional concept, and comprising of both subjective and objective elements. Prominent predisposing factors (antecedents) include the person's age and gender, their family circumstances, possible comorbidity, high use of medications, characteristics of treatment and their relationship with their health‐care provider. The most dominant consequences are poor health and well‐being, non‐adherence to treatment, ineffective resource use and burden on significant others. Furthermore, many of these consequences can also become antecedents, reflecting the cyclic and dynamic nature of treatment burden.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the need for researchers and health‐care professionals to engage in collaborative discussions and make cooperative efforts to help alleviate treatment burden and tailor treatment regimens to the realities of people's daily lives.
Does the calcification of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma resemble the calcium deposition of osteogenesis/odontogenesis?
Authors: Song‐tao Qi , Xiao‐rong Yan , Jun Pan , Yong‐jian Deng , Jin Liang , Guang‐long Huang , Yun‐tao Lu , Jian Ruan , Xiang‐zhao Li , Jia‐ming Xu
Published: January 2013

Aims

Calcification in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is troublesome for surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to examine the osteogenic proteins that play important roles in the calcium deposition of the odontogenic/osteogenic tissues in craniopharyngioma.

Methods and results

Craniopharyngiomas (n = 89) were investigated for the presence and expression pattern of the osteoinductive/odontoinductive factor bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (Bmp2) and two osteoblastic differentiation makers, Runt‐related transcription factor‐2 (Runx2) and Osterix, using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Our results showed that Bmp2, Runx2 and Osterix levels increased in cases with high calcification and correlated positively with the degree of calcification in ACP, whereas they showed little or no expression in squamous papillary craniopharyngioma. In ACP, Bmp2 was expressed primarily in the stellate reticulum and whorl‐like array cells; Runx2 and Osterix tended to be expressed in calcification‐related epithelia, including whorl‐like array cells and epithelia in/around wet keratin and calcification lesions.

Conclusions

Our study indicated, for the first time, that osteogenic factor Bmp2 may play an important role in the calcification of ACP via autocrine or paracrine mechanisms. Given the presence of osteogenic markers (Runx2 and Osterix), craniopharyngioma cells could differentiate into an osteoblast‐like lineage, and the process of craniopharyngioma calcification resembles that which occurs in osteogenesis/odontogenesis.
Treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder in patients with severe mental illness: A review
Authors: Mabey Linda , van Servellen Gwen
Published: January 2013

Although the prevalence of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is high among those with severe mental illness, little is known about the use of interventions to lessen the burden of PTSD in this population. Currently, there are limited data about safe and effective interventions to treat these individuals. This systematic published work review presents the scientific published work reporting studies of psychological treatment approaches for individuals with comorbid PTSD and severe mental illness. A secondary aim of this study was to identify the specific models implemented and tested, and their impact upon patient outcomes. A review of the published work from January 2001 through January 2012 of English‐language publications retrieved from the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, and the American Psychological Association generated abstracts (PsycINFO) databases was conducted. Six studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. The treatment programs described were cognitive–behavioural therapy, psychoeducation, exposure‐based cognitive–behavioural therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Evidence of the effectiveness of these programs is examined. Data to support the use of these interventions are limited, indicating the need for further research and efficacy trials. Future areas of research and implications for nursing are discussed.
Genomics and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Johnson Norah L. , Giarelli Ellen , Lewis Celine , Rice Catherine E.
Published: January 2013

Purpose: To present the current state of the evidence regarding translation of genetics (the study of single genes) and genomics (the study of all genes and gene‐gene or gene‐environment interactions) into health care of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods: This article presents an overview of ASD as an international health challenge, the emerging science related to broad diagnostic criteria, and the role of the nurse in research, education, and practice.

Findings: Much progress is being made in the understanding of genetics and genomics of ASD. Environmental factors are thought to contribute to the risk of developing ASD by interacting with a number of genes in different ways, thus suggesting causal heterogeneity. The rising identified prevalence of ASD, the changing diagnostic criteria for ASD, and the complexity of the core and associated features have made it difficult to define the ASD phenotype (observable behaviors that result from gene‐environment interaction). Because early identification improves opportunities for intervention, researchers are looking for a useful biomarker to detect ASD. This search is complicated by the likelihood that there are multiple causes for multiple expressions that are defined as the autism spectrum.

Conclusions: To date, genetic and genomic research on ASD have underscored the complexity of the causes of ASD indicating that there are very complex genetic processes involved that are still not well understood.

Clinical Relevance: Nurses will benefit from new knowledge related to early identification, diagnosis, and implications for the family to promote early intervention. Families who have a child with ASD will require nursing support for advocacy for optimal health outcomes.
An Overview of the Genomics of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Taylor Jacquelyn Y. , Kraja Aldi T. , de las Fuentes Lisa , Stanfill Ansley Grimes , Clark Ashley , Cashion Ann
Published: January 2013

Purpose: This article provides a brief overview of the diagnostic criteria and genomic risk factors for the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Organizing Constructs: Contributions of cardiovascular, obesity, and diabetes genomic risk factors to the development of MetS as reported in the literature have been reviewed.

Findings: The genomic risk factors for the development of MetS are strongly linked to the genomic risk factors that make up the components of the disease. Many of the cardiovascular and renal genomic risk factors for MetS development are similar to those found in the development of hypertension and dyslipidemia. Obesity may act as a master trigger to turn on the gene expression changes necessary for the other components of the disease. Studies in the genomics of type 2 diabetes show a number of overlapping genes and polymorphisms that influence both the development of diabetes and MetS.

Conclusions: Although health practitioners now have some insights into the genomics of risk factors associated with MetS, the overall understanding of MetS remains inadequate. Clinical applications based on some of the discussed genomic risk factors are being developed but are not yet available for the diagnosis and treatment of MetS.

Clinical Relevance: A broad knowledge of the genomic contributions to disease processes will enable the clinician to better utilize genomics to assess and tailor management of patients.