bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Congenital’ nystagmus may hide various ophthalmic diagnoses
Authors: Holmström Gerd , Bondeson Marie‐Louise , Eriksson Urban , Åkerblom Hanna , Larsson Eva
Published: July 2013

Purpose

To investigate whether patients registered at a low‐vision centre with ‘nystagmus’ had any underlying, but so far unknown, ophthalmic diagnosis.

Methods

All patients registered at the low‐vision centre of Uppsala county with nystagmus as their major diagnosis were identified. Their medical records were studied to exclude those with other general diagnoses that could explain the nystagmus. The remaining group of patients underwent an ophthalmic examination, refraction and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Electroretinogram and genetic analyses were performed when indicated.

Results

Sixty‐two patients with nystagmus as their main diagnosis were registered at the low‐vision centre, Uppsala, and 43 of them had a major diagnosis other than nystagmus. Nystagmus was the major diagnosis in 19 patients, 15 of whom, aged 6–76 years, participated in the study. Two of the patients had foveal hypoplasia and albinism, four a seemingly isolated foveal hypoplasia, three achromatopsia, one rod‐cone dystrophy, one degenerative high myopia, and two could not be evaluated. Only two patients appeared to have ‘congenital’ nystagmus. Eleven of the patients underwent a comprehensive genetic investigation of the PAX 6 gene. In addition, four of the patients were analysed for mutations in FOXC1 and PITX2 and one in FRMD7. No mutations were found in any of the patients analysed.

Conclusion

The study illustrates that many patients in our study group with nystagmus had underlying ophthalmic diagnoses. Early diagnosis is important to facilitate habilitation and to provide genetic counselling and, in the future, possibly also gene therapy.
Identification of Pottery Firing Structures Using the Thermal Characteristics of Firing
Authors: Thér R.
Published: July 2013

Firing is a key step in the operational sequence of pottery technology and firing procedures affect many pottery characteristics. It is not clear whether these characteristics can be attributed to specific types of pottery structures. Analysis of 72 experimental pottery firings with a wide range of firing structures has shown that a significant difference exists between one‐space and two‐space firings, at the very least. The main criterion for description of the firing process consists in the firing procedure rather than the type of firing structure itself. Some types of firing structures are flexible in terms of applicable firing procedures; others, on the contrary, permit only a narrow range of firing procedures.
OldPinus ponderosagrowth responses to restoration treatments, climate and drought in a southwesternUSlandscape
Authors: Erickson Chris C. , Waring Kristen M.
Published: July 2013

Questions

Do landscape‐scale thin and burn restoration treatments have a long‐term, landscape‐scale impact on oldPinus ponderosagrowth? Is there a relationship between oldP. ponderosagrowth and climatic factors, in particular, drought, before and after restoration treatments?

Location

NorthwesternArizona,USA.

Methods

We looked at oldP. ponderosagrowth across the landscape in both an area ‘treated’ by thin and burn restoration treatments, and a neighbouring untreated area. We re‐visited each oldP. ponderosalocated on permanent 0.1‐ha plots installed across the landscape prior to treatment implementation and recorded tree status, diameter, aspect, slope and competition from neighbouring trees. Growth was analysed from shallow increment cores taken from each tree at breast height (1.37 m). Comparisons of growth between the treated and untreated areas were carried out using regional proxy and instrumental Palmer drought severity index values and instrument precipitation data.

Results

We found significant differences in precipitation and temperature between the treated and untreated areas, indicating a drier, less advantageous climate in the untreated area. Old trees in the treated area responded less negatively in diameter growth to treatments; both treatment and abiotic site factors were important in predicting post‐treatment growth. All old trees grew slowly during drought years; however, old trees in the treated area grew better after three recent drought years than old trees in the untreated area.

Conclusions

OldP. ponderosadiameter growth increased following restoration, though not immediately. Old trees in the treated area also grew better in the years after drought than old trees in the untreated area. Restoration, or similar treatments removing small, neighbouring trees may be critical in maintaining oldP. ponderosain the landscape, particularly under future climate change and increasing drought frequency in the westernUSA.
Pathogenic or not? Assessing the clinical relevance of copy number variants
Authors: Hehir‐Kwa JY , Pfundt R , Veltman JA , de Leeuw N
Published: July 2013

The availability of commercially produced genomic microarrays has resulted in the wide spread implementation of genomic microarrays, often as a first‐tier diagnostic test for copy number variant (CNV) screening of patients who are suspected for chromosomal aberrations. Patients with intellectual disability (ID) and/or multiple congenital anomalies (MCA) were traditionally the main focus for this microarray‐based CNV screening, but the application of microarrays to other (neurodevelopmental) disorders and tumor diagnostics has also been explored and implemented. The diagnostic workflow for patients with ID is now well established, relying on the identification of rare CNVs and determining their inheritance patterns. However, experience gained through screening large numbers of samples has revealed many subtleties and complexities of CNV interpretation. This has resulted in a better understanding of the contribution of CNVs to genomic disorders not only via de novo occurrence, but also via X‐linked and recessive inheritance models as well as through models taking into account mosaicisms, imprinting, and digenic inheritance. In this review, we discuss CNV interpretation within the context of these different genetic disease models and common pitfalls that can occur when searching for supportive evidence that a CNV is clinically relevant.
Familiar Verbs Are Not Always Easier Than Novel Verbs: How German Pre‐School Children Comprehend Active and Passive Sentences
Authors: Dittmar Miriam , Abbot‐Smith Kirsten , Lieven Elena , Tomasello Michael
Published: July 2013

Many studies show a developmental advantage for transitive sentences with familiar verbs over those with novel verbs. It might be that once familiar verbs become entrenched in particular constructions, they would be more difficult to understand (than would novel verbs) in non‐prototypical constructions. We provide support for this hypothesis investigating German children using a forced‐choice pointing paradigm with reversed agent‐patient roles. We tested active transitive verbs in study 1. The 2‐year olds were better with familiar than novel verbs, while the 2½‐year olds pointed correctly for both. In study 2, we tested passives: 2½‐year olds were significantly below chance for familiar verbs and at chance for novel verbs, supporting the hypothesis that the entrenchment of the familiar verbs in the active transitive voice was interfering with interpreting them in the passive voice construction. The 3½‐year olds were also at chance for novel verbs but above chance with familiar verbs. We interpret this as reflecting a lessening of the verb‐in‐construction entrenchment as the child develops knowledge that particular verbs can occur in a range of constructions. The 4½‐year olds were above chance for both familiar and novel verbs. We discuss our findings in terms of the relative entrenchment of lexical and syntactic information and to interference between them.
Differential Gene Expression Reveals Mitochondrial Dysfunction in an Imprinting Center Deletion Mouse Model of Prader–Willi Syndrome
Authors: Yazdi Puya G. , Su Hailing , Ghimbovschi Svetlana , Fan Weiwei , Coskun Pinar E. , Nalbandian Angèle , Knoblach Susan , Resnick James L. , Hoffman Eric , Wallace Douglas C. , Kimonis Virginia E.
Published: July 2013

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder caused by deficiency of imprinted gene expression from the paternal chromosome 15q11–15q13 and clinically characterized by neonatal hypotonia, short stature, cognitive impairment, hypogonadism, hyperphagia, morbid obesity, and diabetes. Previous clinical studies suggest that a defect in energy metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of PWS. We focused our attention on the genes associated with energy metabolism and found that there were 95 and 66 mitochondrial genes differentially expressed in PWS muscle and brain, respectively. Assessment of enzyme activities of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complexes in the brain, heart, liver, and muscle were assessed. We found the enzyme activities of the cardiac mitochondrial complexes II‫III were up‐regulated in the PWS imprinting center deletion mice compared to the wild‐type littermates. These studies suggest that differential gene expression, especially of the mitochondrial genes may contribute to the pathophysiology of PWS.
Boric acid ingestion clinically mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: Webb David V. , Stowman Anne M. , Patterson James W.
Published: July 2013

The ingestion of large amounts of boric acid, a component of household insecticides, is a rare occurrence, characterized by a diffuse desquamative skin eruption, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, delirium, acute renal failure and prolonged ileus. A 56‐year‐old male with a history of multiple previous suicide attempts was witnessed ingesting household roach killer and 4 days later presented to the hospital with lethargy, stiffness and a diffuse erythematous and desquamative eruption with bullous formation. He subsequently developed erythema of both palms as well as alopecia totalis. Histopathology from a right arm shave biopsy revealed a mostly intact epidermis with subtle vacuolar alteration of the basal layer, scattered intraepidermal apoptotic keratinocytes, parakeratosis with alternating layers of orthokeratosis and considerable superficial exfoliation; accompanying dermal changes included vasodilatation and mild perivascular inflammation. This report describes the cutaneous and systemic complications in a rare case of boric acid ingestion. There is little published material on the symptoms and histopathology following boric acid ingestion, but knowledge of this entity is important, both to differentiate it from other causes of desquamative skin rashes and to allow the initiation of appropriate clinical care.
Discounting Behaviour and the Magnitude Effect: Evidence from a Field Experiment in Denmark
Authors: Andersen Steffen , Harrison Glenn W. , Lau Morten I. , Rutström E. Elisabet
Published: July 2013

We evaluate the claim that individuals exhibit a magnitude effect in their discounting behaviour, where higher discount rates are inferred from choices made with lower principals, all else being equal. If the magnitude effect is quantitatively significant, it is not appropriate to use one discount rate that is independent of the scale of the project for cost–benefit analysis and capital budgeting. Using data from a field experiment in Denmark, we find statistically significant evidence of a magnitude effect that is much smaller than is claimed. This evidence surfaces only if one controls for unobserved individual heterogeneity in the population.
EXPERTS AND THEIR RECORDS
Authors: FRANKEL ALEXANDER , SCHWARZ MICHAEL
Published: July 2013

A market where short‐lived customers interact with long‐lived experts is considered. Experts privately observe which treatment best serves a customer, but are free to choose more or less profitable treatments. Customers only observe records of experts' past actions. If experts are homogeneous there exists an equilibrium where experts always choose the customer's preferred treatment (play truthfully). Experts are incentivized with the promise of future business: new customers tend to choose experts who performed less profitable treatments in the past. If expert payoffs are private information, experts can never always be truthful. But sufficiently patient experts may be truthful almost always. (JEL C73, D82)
Brain responses to audiovisual speech mismatch in infants are associated with individual differences in looking behaviour
Authors: Kushnerenko Elena , Tomalski Przemyslaw , Ballieux Haiko , Ribeiro Helena , Potton Anita , Axelsson Emma L. , Murphy Elizabeth , Moore Derek G.
Published: July 2013

Research on audiovisual speech integration has reported high levels of individual variability, especially among young infants. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that this variability results from individual differences in the maturation of audiovisual speech processing during infancy. A developmental shift in selective attention to audiovisual speech has been demonstrated between 6 and 9 months with an increase in the time spent looking to articulating mouths as compared to eyes (Lewkowicz & Hansen‐Tift. (2012) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 109, 1431–1436; Tomalski et al. (2012) Eur. J. Dev. Psychol., 1–14). In the present study we tested whether these changes in behavioural maturational level are associated with differences in brain responses to audiovisual speech across this age range. We measured high‐density event‐related potentials (ERPs) in response to videos of audiovisually matching and mismatched syllables /ba/ and /ga/, and subsequently examined visual scanning of the same stimuli with eye‐tracking. There were no clear age‐specific changes in ERPs, but the amplitude of audiovisual mismatch response (AVMMR) to the combination of visual /ba/ and auditory /ga/ was strongly negatively associated with looking time to the mouth in the same condition. These results have significant implications for our understanding of individual differences in neural signatures of audiovisual speech processing in infants, suggesting that they are not strictly related to chronological age but instead associated with the maturation of looking behaviour, and develop at individual rates in the second half of the first year of life.
Ictal EEG‐fMRI in localization of epileptogenic area in patients with refractory neocortical focal epilepsy
Authors: Sierra‐Marcos Alba , Maestro Iratxe , Falcón Carles , Donaire Antonio , Setoain Javier , Aparicio Javier , Rumià Jordi , Pintor Luis , Boget Teresa , Carreño Mar , Bargalló Núria
Published: July 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of ictal electroencephalography (EEG)–combined functional magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) (EEG‐fMRI) in localizing epileptogenic zone in refractory neocortical focal epilepsy.

Methods

From the EEG‐fMRI database of our institution including 62 adult patients, 14 (age 18–46 years) experienced some ictal event during the test. Data were segmented into 10‐s blocks, and the results were analyzed by contrasting each block to the contiguous 10‐s block from the onset of seizure onward, in all cases. In seizures lasting >10 s (five cases), a supplementary analysis was performed, contrasting each block to a baseline condition, in the framework of the general linear model (GLM) of analysis. Regions of activations were compared to results from the different techniques performed during presurgical evaluation, such as SISCOM, positron emission tomography (PET), and invasive subdural EEG monitoring.

Key Findings

Regarding the structural MRI findings, nine cases presented some lesion, with blood oxygen level– dependent (BOLD) signal activation placed in the same location in eight of them (89%). SISCOM studies were performed in 11 patients; 5 were concordant with the increase in BOLD signal in a sublobar level, whereas in 3 cases the concordance was in a lobar level. Eleven patients underwent PET studies, being also concordant in a sublobar level in four of them and in a lobar level in four additional cases. Finally, invasive EEG evaluation was performed in three patients and all of them had the seizure‐onset zone in the initial area of BOLD activation.

Significance

This study adds relevant information to support the integration of EEG‐fMRI in the multidisciplinary presurgical workup in patients with refractory epilepsy.
Aldehyde‐forming fatty acyl‐CoA reductase from cyanobacteria: expression, purification and characterization of the recombinant enzyme
Authors: Lin Fengming , Das Debasis , Lin Xiaoxia N. , Marsh E. Neil G.
Published: July 2013

Long‐chain acyl‐CoA reductases (ACRs) catalyze a key step in the biosynthesis of hydrocarbon waxes. As such they are attractive as components in engineered metabolic pathways for ‘drop in’ biofuels. Most ACR enzymes are integral membrane proteins, but a cytosolic ACR was recently discovered in cyanobacteria. The ACR from Synechococcus elongatus was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified and characterized. The enzyme was specific for NADPH and catalyzed the reduction of fatty acyl‐CoA esters to the corresponding aldehydes, rather than alcohols. Stearoyl‐CoA was the most effective substrate, being reduced more rapidly than either longer or shorter chain acyl‐CoAs. ACR required divalent metal ions, e.g. Mg2+, for activity and was stimulated ~ 10‐fold by K+. The enzyme was inactivated by iodoacetamide and was acylated on incubation with stearoyl‐CoA, suggesting that reduction occurs through an enzyme‐thioester intermediate. Consistent with this, steady state kinetic analysis indicates that the enzyme operates by a ‘ping‐pong’ mechanism with kcat = 0.36 ± 0.023 min−1, Km (stearoyl‐CoA) = 31.9 ± 4.2 μm and Km (NADPH) = 35.6 ± 4.9 μm. The slow turnover number measured for ACR poses a challenge for its use in biofuel applications where highly efficient enzymes are needed.
Role of fluid and melt inclusion studies in geologic research
Authors: Kesler S. E. , Bodnar R. J. , Mernagh T. P.
Published: July 2013

Although fluid inclusions were apparently known to early naturalists, actual research on fluid and melt inclusions began only in the mid‐1800s and grew very slowly for the next 100 years. Russian scientists began systematic studies of inclusions in the 1930s, but it was not until about 1960 that publications mentioning or using fluid inclusions began to increase from a few each year to the present annual level of about 700. Early research focused on ore deposits, first on temperatures and salinities of ore fluids and then on their stable isotopic and major element compositions. Later work extended to fluids in sedimentary and metamorphic environments. Publications using or mentioning melt inclusions only began to increase in number in about 1980 and have grown to today's level of about 200 per year. Early work on melt inclusions focused on igneous rocks with an emphasis on immiscibility and volatile elements and then on rare elements. Recent research on both fluid and melt inclusions has taken advantage of single inclusion analytical methods to investigate speciation and partitioning in both natural and experimental magmatic and aqueous systems.
Nrf2 deficiency leads to behavioral, neurochemical and transcriptional changes in mice
Authors: Muramatsu Hiroyuki , Katsuoka Fumiki , Toide Katsuo , Shimizu Yusuke , Furusako Shoji , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: July 2013

Nrf2 is a transcription factor that regulates the antioxidant and detoxification enzyme genes and provides defense against oxidative and electrophilic stresses in various tissues. In brain, while neuroprotective functions of Nrf2 have been well documented, Nrf2 contribution to the brain function remains to be elucidated. To address this issue, we investigated whether Nrf2 deficiency affects psychological behaviors, neurotransmitter systems and gene expressions in mice. We conducted four behavioral tests, social interaction, open‐field, rotarod and forced swimming tests and found that Nrf2 knockout mice exhibited reduced immobility in the forced swimming test. Neurochemical analyses revealed that the dopamine and serotonin metabolites increased in the brains of Nrf2 knockout mice. We also present a catalog of genes whose expression is Nrf2‐dependent in brain under unstressed conditions, which includes a number of xenobiotic‐metabolizing enzyme genes. These results thus support our contention that Nrf2 regulates its target genes in brain under unstressed conditions and loss of Nrf2 affects various brain functions.
HIV treatment as prevention among men who have sex with men in the UK: is transmission controlled by universal access to HIV treatment and care?
Authors: Brown AE , Gill ON , Delpech VC
Published: July 2013

Objectives

In the UK, free HIV care is provided through dedicated HIV clinics. Using the national cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) with diagnosed HIV infection and estimates of the number of undiagnosed men, we assessed whether high retention in HIV care and treatment coverage is sufficient to reduce HIV transmission.

Methods

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake and viral load distribution among diagnosed men were analysed by treatment status and CD4 count for the period between 2006 and 2010. A multi‐parameter evidence synthesis (MPES) method was used to estimate the size of the undiagnosed population. The viral load distribution among newly diagnosed untreated men was applied to the undiagnosed population. Infectivity was defined as a viral load > 1500 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL.

Results

Between 2006 and 2010, ART coverage among all HIV‐infected MSM (diagnosed and undiagnosed) increased from 49 to 60%, while the proportion of infectious men fell from 47 to 35%. Over the same period, the number of all HIV‐infected MSM increased from 30 000 to 40 100 and the number of infectious MSM remained stable at 14 000. Of the 14 000 infectious MSM in 2010, 62% were undiagnosed, 33% were diagnosed but untreated, and 5% received ART. Extending ART to all diagnosed HIV‐infected MSM with CD4 counts < 500 cells/μL in 2010 would have reduced the overall proportion of infectious men from 35 to 29% and halving the proportion who were undiagnosed would further have reduced this to 21%.

Conclusions

High ART coverage in the UK has reduced the infectivity of the HIV‐diagnosed population. However, the effectiveness of treatment as prevention will be limited unless the undiagnosed population is reduced through frequent HIV testing and consistent condom use.
Transcriptome profiling of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci reveals stage‐specific gene expression signatures for thiamethoxam resistance
Authors: Yang N. , Xie W. , Jones C.M. , Bass C. , Jiao X. , Yang X. , Liu B. , Li R. , Zhang Y.
Published: July 2013

Bemisia tabaci has developed high levels of resistance to many insecticides including the neonicotinoids and there is strong evidence that for some compounds resistance is stage‐specific. To investigate the molecular basis of B. tabaci resistance to the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam we used a custom whitefly microarray to compare gene expression in the egg, nymph and adult stages of a thiamethoxam‐resistant strain (TH‐R) with a susceptible strain (TH‐S). Gene ontology and bioinformatic analyses revealed that in all life stages many of the differentially expressed transcripts encoded enzymes involved in metabolic processes and/or metabolism of xenobiotics. Several of these are candidate resistance genes and include the cytochrome P450 CYP6CM1, which has been shown to confer resistance to several neonicotinoids previously, a P450 belonging to the Cytochrome P450s 4 family and a glutathione S‐transferase (GST) belonging to the sigma class. Finally several ATP‐binding cassette transporters of the ABCG subfamily were highly over‐expressed in the adult stage of the TH‐R strain and may play a role in resistance by active efflux. Here, we evaluated both common and stage‐specific gene expression signatures and identified several candidate resistance genes that may underlie B. tabaci resistance to thiamethoxam.
Strength of Infants' Bimanual Reaching Patterns is Related to the Onset of Upright Locomotion
Authors: Atun‐Einy Osnat , Berger Sarah E. , Ducz Jennifer , Sher Anat
Published: July 2013

Infants typically exhibit a shift from unimanual to bimanual reaching toward the end of their first year, which has been linked to walking onset. Until now, however, it has been unclear whether it was the onset of walking per se that influenced reaching patterns or whether a more general shift to an upright posture might have prompted the reorganization of the motor system. To address this question, the current study longitudinally chronicled the uni‐ and bimanual reaching preferences of 25 infants every 3 weeks starting at 7 months, prior to the onset of pulling‐to‐stand and through the onset of cruising. Experimenters recorded infants' reaching behavior via a semi‐structured reaching procedure and documented their motor development. There was no relationship between the shift from uni‐ to bimanual reaching and the onset of pulling‐to‐stand. However, the onset of cruising was related to a shift in reaching pattern preference, suggesting that the increase in infants' bimanual reaching was prompted by a reorganization of the motor system in which the arms are recruited for use in new ways to support locomotion. We also discuss individual differences in the trajectory of reaching activity in terms of the pitfalls of using age as an explanatory variable.
Reduction in the use of seclusion by the methodical work approach
Authors: Boumans Christien E. , Egger Jos I. M. , Souren Pierre M. , Hutschemaekers Giel J. M.
Published: July 2013

Patient care in a psychiatric setting can benefit from a more systematic, transparent, and goal‐driven way of working. The methodical work approach, with its cyclic five phases, provides such an approach: (i) translation of problems into goals; (ii) search for means to realize the goals; (iii) formulation of an individualized plan; (iv) implementation of the plan; and (v) evaluation and readjustment. We examined the effect of the methodical work approach on the use of seclusion at a ward for the intensive treatment of inpatients with psychoses and substance‐use disorders. The team of this ward implemented the methodical work approach. Special attention was paid to the involvement of the patient and his/her family in the treatment process and to the role of the coordinating nurse. Compared to control wards within the same hospital, at the ward where the methodical work approach was implemented, a more pronounced reduction was achieved in the number of incidents and in the total hours of seclusion. Implementation of the methodical work approach can contribute to a reduction in the use of seclusion.
H9N2 influenza viruses from birds used in falconry
Authors: Wernery Ulrich , Shanmuganatham Karthik K. , Krylov Petr S. , Joseph Sunitha , Friedman Kimberly , Krauss Scott , Webster Robert G.
Published: July 2013

Background

H9N2 avian influenza viruses continue to spread in poultry and wild birds throughout Eurasia.

Objectives

To characterize H9N2 influenza viruses from pheasants, quail, and white‐bellied bustards (WBBs) used to train falcons in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods

Four H9N2 viruses were isolated from pheasants, quail, and WBB used for falconry in the UAE, and antigenic, molecular, phylogenetic analysis, and invivo characterization of H9N2 viruses were performed.

Results and conclusions

The pheasant and WBB isolates were antigenically and molecularly clearly related and along with the quail isolates contained multiple “avian–human” substitutions. The release of smuggled H9N2‐infected birds for falconry may contribute to the spread of these viruses to wild birds, domestic poultry, and humans.
Immunological and microbiological findings after the application of two periodontal surgical techniques: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kyriazis Thomas , Gkrizioti Sofia , Tsalikis Lazaros , Sakellari Dimitra , Deligianidis Aristeides , Konstantinidis Antonis
Published: July 2013

Aim

To examine microbiological and immunological alterations following two periodontal surgical techniques, over a 6‐month period.

Materials and methods

A total of 30 chronic periodontitis patients participated in the present randomized controlled clinical trial and were randomized in two groups. Modified Widman flap (MWF) was applied in the control group and apically positioned flap (APF), without intervention to the bone, in the experimental group. Gingival crevicular fluid samples and subgingival plaque samples from the operated sites were collected at baseline, 6th, 12th and 24th post‐operative week.

Results

No major differences were noticed in immunological and microbiological profile of patients receiving either modified MWF or APF, for a period of 6 months.

Conclusions

The choice of the periodontal surgical procedure does not seem to affect the immunological and the microbiological profile of patients with chronic periodontitis.
Impact of the Scottish Bowel Cancer Screening Programme on patient and tumour characteristics at a single centre
Authors: Mackay Craig , Ramsay George , Rafferty Anthony , Loudon Malcolm
Published: July 2013

Aims

The Scottish National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme aims to detect asymptomatic colorectal carcinomas and improve outcomes by identifying tumours at an earlier stage. We describe the characteristics of bowel cancers diagnosed through the screening programme since it was established in June 2007 by comparison with colorectal carcinomas from all other referral sources.

Methods

All patients with colorectal cancer discussed by our regional colorectal multidisciplinary team (MDT) from June 2007 to August 2011 were included. Patient and tumour characteristics were collated prospectively from MDT records. The database was then reviewed retrospectively.

Results

During the study 209 916 (58%) of 364 759 invitations to participate in screening were accepted yielding 3895 (1.9%) positive results. The 255 (17%) screening‐detected (SD) patients and 1232 (83%) other referrals (ORs) were discussed at the MDT within this period. Median age at diagnosis was 65.5 years for SD vs. 71.6 in OR (P < 0.001) with 64% vs. 53% male [SD vs. OR (P < 0.001)]. There were more left‐sided tumours in SD (P = 0.005). Tumours were less advanced in SD group (P = 0.02) and more likely to undergo a laparoscopic resection (P = 0.003). Thirty (11.7%) of SD patients were dead at last follow‐up compared with 458 (37.2%) of those from other sources (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This cohort from a centre with an established screening programme supports the effect of screening in detecting earlier stage. Those with screen‐detected tumours were more likely to survive than patients from the OR group.
The Effect of Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) Treatments on Mechanical Properties of Plum (cv. President)
Authors: Altuntas Ebubekir , Ozturk Burhan
Published: July 2013

In this study, the effects of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) treatments on the mechanical behaviour of plum fruits (cv. President) were determined. The mechanical behaviour of plum fruits was determined in terms of rupture force, deformation at rupture point, absorbed energy and hardness. AVG treatments were as 0, 100, and 200 mg/L, and three different harvest times including August 28, September 4, and September 11 were used. The highest rupture forces required when loading along the y‐axis were found as the AVG doses increased through the three harvesting times categories; whereas, the lower force was required to rupture plum fruits with high 200 mg/L AVG values being tested for x‐loading orientation. The deformation at rupture point values observed for plum fruits compressed along the y‐axis were higher than those of the other orientations except for AVG dose of 100 mg/L for second harvesting time. Whereas, the absorbed energy and hardness of plum fruits tested along the y‐axis in 0 mg/L and along the z‐axis in 200 mg/L AVG treatments were higher than those of the other orientations, respectively.

Practical Applications

Plum has an important place in total fruit production of Turkey. Plum has a fast decay of within 1–8 weeks. Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) is an inhibitor of ethylene and it is a human and eco‐friendly organic product, it was used in apples, pears, peaches, plums and nectarines. AVG delays ripening and harvest of fruits, increases fruit firmness and prolongs shelf life. Plant growth regulators improve and protect of fruit quality. Growth regulatory substances have been evaluated among factors causing changes of the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of fruits. The mechanical properties of agricultural materials are to be known for design and improvement of relevant machines and facilities for harvesting, storing, handling and processing. Processing of plum fruits as juice and marmalade consist of a mechanical treatment of the plum (rupture force, deformation at rupture point, absorbed energy and hardness etc.), they are must eventually be analyzed with knowledge of the mechanical behavior of the plum.
Micro‐Ingredients Carry‐Over during Bucket Elevator Handling in Feed Industry: Influence of Process Parameters
Authors: Leloup M. , Putier F. , Solliec C. , Le Coq L.
Published: July 2013

Currently, carry‐over level of feed production lines can be accurately defined, but the causes are not identified yet because of a misunderstanding of this phenomenon. On‐site studies charged conveying equipment between mixer and pelleting press, and especially bucket elevator, to be responsible for carry‐over level increasing. A series of experiments has been carried out on a bucket elevator test bench in order to determine how process parameters influence carry‐over phenomenon. Product deposits on equipment walls represent, on average, 3.0% of the initial batch mass and contain about 0.2% of micro‐ingredient after one tracer batch passing and 0.1% after flushing batch passing. Experimental design results showed that parameters acting on micro‐ingredient deposited are different from those influencing collected product. Therefore, optimal position of tested process parameters will depend on the batch objective regarding its position in the production schedule.

Practical Applications

This work allows a new approach of understanding carry‐over phenomenon at pilot scale. Indeed, process parameters acting on micro‐ingredient deposits by a batch “n” have been differentiated from those acting on micro‐ingredient gathering by a batch “n + 1”. By this way, the results of this experimental study brought industrial solutions to control micro‐ingredient transfer, considering the batch position in the whole sequencing.
Dysregulation of leptin signaling in Alzheimer disease: evidence for neuronal leptin resistance
Authors: Bonda David J. , Stone Jeremy G. , Torres Sandy L. , Siedlak Sandra L. , Perry George , Kryscio Richard , Jicha Gregory , Casadesus Gemma , Smith Mark A. , Zhu Xiongwei , Lee Hyoung‐gon
Published: July 2013

Leptin signaling has received considerable attention in the Alzheimer disease (AD) field. Within the past decade, the peptide hormone has been demonstrated to attenuate tau hyperphosphorylation in neuronal cells and to be modulated by amyloid‐β. Moreover, a role in neuroprotection and neurogenesis within the hippocampus has been shown in animal models. To further characterize the association between leptin signaling and vulnerable regions in AD, we assessed the profile of leptin and the leptin receptor in AD and control patients. We analyzed leptin levels in CSF, and the concentration and localization of leptin and leptin receptor in the hippocampus. Significant elevations in leptin levels in both CSF and hippocampal tissue of AD patients, compared with age‐matched control cases, indicate a physiological up‐regulation of leptin in AD. However, the level of leptin receptor mRNA decreased in AD brain and the leptin receptor protein was localized to neurofibrillary tangles, suggesting a severe discontinuity in the leptin signaling pathway. Collectively, our results suggest that leptin resistance in the hippocampus may play a role in the characteristic changes associated with the disease. These findings are the first to demonstrate such dysregulated leptin‐signaling circuitry and provide novel insights into the possible role of aberrant leptin signaling in AD.

image

In this study, increased leptin was found in CSF and hippocampus in Alzheimer disease indicating its physiological up‐regulation, yet leptin receptor mRNA was decreased and leptin receptor protein was localized to neurofibrillary tangles, suggesting a discontinuity in the leptin signaling pathway. The lack of leptin signaling within degenerating neurons may represent a novel neuronal leptin resistance in Alzheimer disease.
Detection of molecular alterations in methamphetamine‐activated Fos‐expressing neurons from a single rat dorsal striatum using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS)
Authors: Liu Qing‐Rong , Rubio Francisco J. , Bossert Jennifer M. , Marchant Nathan J. , Fanous Sanya , Hou Xingyu , Shaham Yavin , Hope Bruce T.
Published: July 2013

Methamphetamine and other drugs activate a small proportion of all neurons in the brain. We previously developed a fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS)‐based method to characterize molecular alterations induced selectively in activated neurons that express the neural activity marker Fos. However, this method requires pooling samples from many rats. We now describe a modified FACS‐based method to characterize molecular alterations in Fos‐expressing dorsal striatal neurons from a single rat using a multiplex pre‐amplification strategy. Fos and NeuN (a neuronal marker) immunohistochemistry indicate that 5–6% of dorsal striatum neurons were activated 90 min after acute methamphetamine injections (5 mg/kg, i.p.) while less than 0.5% of neurons were activated by saline injections. We used FACS to separate NeuN‐labeled neurons into Fos‐positive and Fos‐negative neurons and assessed mRNA expression using RT‐qPCR from as little as five Fos‐positive neurons. Methamphetamine induced 3–20‐fold increases of immediate early genes arc, homer‐2, c‐fos, fosB, and its isoforms (ΔfosB and a novel isoform ΔfosB‐2) in Fos‐positive but not Fos‐negative neurons. Immediate early gene mRNA induction was 10‐fold lower or absent when assessed in unsorted samples from single dorsal striatum homogenates. Our modified method makes it feasible to study unique molecular alterations in neurons activated by drugs or drug‐associated cues in complex addiction models.

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Methamphetamine and other drugs activate a small proportion of all neurons in the brain. We here report an improved method to characterize molecular alterations induced selectively in activated neurons that express the neural activity marker Fos. We used FACS along with targeted PCR pre‐amplification to assess acute methamphetamine‐induced gene expression from as few as 5 Fos‐expressing neurons from a single rat dorsal striatum. Methamphetamine induced 3–20‐fold increases of immediate early genes (IEGs) in Fos‐positive but not Fos‐negative neurons. Targeted PCR pre‐amplification makes it feasible to study unique molecular alterations in neurons activated by drugs or drug‐associated cues in complex addiction models.
In vivo peripheral nervous system insulin signaling
Authors: Grote Caleb W. , Ryals Janelle M. , Wright Douglas E.
Published: July 2013

Alterations in peripheral nervous system (PNS) insulin support may contribute to diabetic neuropathy (DN); yet, PNS insulin signaling is not fully defined. Here, we investigated in vivo insulin signaling in the PNS and compared the insulin responsiveness to that of muscle, liver, and adipose. Non‐diabetic mice were administered increasing doses of insulin to define a dose‐response relationship between insulin and Akt activation in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and sciatic nerve. Resulting EC50 doses were used to characterize the PNS insulin signaling time course and make comparisons between insulin signaling in the PNS and other peripheral tissues (i.e., muscle, liver, and adipose). The results demonstrate that the PNS is responsive to insulin and that differences in insulin signaling pathway activation exist between PNS compartments. At a therapeutically relevant dose, Akt was activated in the muscle, liver, and adipose at 30 min, correlating with the changes in blood glucose levels. Interestingly, the sciatic nerve showed a similar signaling profile as insulin‐sensitive tissues; however, there was not a comparable activation in the DRG or spinal cord. These results present new evidence regarding PNS insulin signaling pathways in vivo and provide a baseline for studies investigating the contribution of disrupted PNS insulin signaling to DN pathogenesis.
Overweight and Obesity Difference of Chinese Population Between Different Urbanization Levels
Authors: Tian Xiangyang , Zhao Genming , Li Yinghua , Wang Liang , Shi Ying
Published: July 2013

Purpose

To determine the difference of Body Mass Index (BMI), the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and their predictors among residents of different urbanization levels in China.

Methods

A stratified, multistage, random cluster sampling method was used to select a representative sample aged 18‐60 years in metropolitan, prefecture, and rural areas in 4 provinces and Beijing City in China. A total of 6,159 residents were interviewed. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between urbanization levels and the prevalence of overweight/obesity adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle factors.

Findings

The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 21.0% and 2.5%, respectively. Compared to metropolitan residents (BMI = 22.76 ± 3.20 kg/m2), rural and prefecture residents had a higher BMI, 23.17 ± 3.49 kg/m2 (P < .001) and 23.06 ± 3.31 kg/m2 (P = .004), respectively. Multiple logistic regression showed that, compared to the rural residents, those in prefecture and metropolitan areas were less likely to be overweight and obese (OR = 0.80 [95% CI: 0.68‐0.94] and OR = 0.68 [95% CI: 0.57‐0.80], respectively). The prevalence of overweight/obesity was higher in males (OR = 1.68 [95% CI: 1.43‐1.97]) and patients with noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCD; OR = 2.50 [95% CI: 2.16‐2.89]). Less frequency of physical activity was associated with a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity (OR: 0.85, [95% CI: 0.74, 0.97]).

Conclusions

The rural population had an increased prevalence of overweight/obesity compared to both the prefecture and metropolitan populations. Male gender, older age, and NCD were positively associated with the prevalence of overweight/obesity. Policies are urgently needed to combat the overweight and obesity challenge in rural China.
The use of negative pressure wound therapy following subcarapacial abscess excision in a tortoise
Authors: Hedley J. , Woods S. , Eatwell K.
Published: July 2013

A 42‐year‐old female Testudo graeca was referred with a five‐month history of a non‐healing carapacial wound. Previous treatment had involved long‐term antibiotic therapy and conscious debridement of necrotic tissue. On presentation an extensive deep wound with purulent discharge was visible on the right side of the carapace. A computed tomographic scan was performed to assess the extent of the wound. This revealed a large carapacial deficit with two underlying soft tissue masses. Surgical debridement was performed under general anaesthesia resulting in an even larger defect. Because of the extensive nature of the deficit, negative pressure wound therapy was applied to aid wound healing. A negative pressure of approximately 120 mmHg was maintained and bandages were changed every third day. Wound healing progressed rapidly and a healthy granulation bed was formed within 16 days.
Determinants of the EONIA Spread and the Financial Crisis
Authors: Soares Carla , Rodrigues Paulo M. M.
Published: July 2013

To understand the impact of the 2007–9 financial crisis, we model the Euro overnight interest rate average (EONIA) spread against the main reference rate as an exponential general autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (EGARCH) model. Before the fixed rate full allotment policy of the European Central Bank (ECB) (period 2004–8), we follow a two regime approach, however afterwards (2008–9), a conventional EGARCH seems more adequate. The results suggest a greater difficulty during the turmoil for the ECB to steer the EONIA spread. The liquidity policy and in particular the provision of long‐term liquidity was effective in reducing market volatility.
Old‐male paternity advantage is a function of accumulating sperm and last‐male precedence in a butterfly
Authors: Kehl Tobias , Karl Isabell , Fischer Klaus
Published: July 2013

Old‐male mating advantage has been convincingly demonstrated inBicyclus anynanabutterflies. This intriguing pattern may be explained by two alternative hypotheses: (i) an increased aggressiveness and persistence of older males during courtship, being caused by the older males' low residual reproductive value; and (ii) an active preference of females towards older males what reflects a good genes hypothesis. Against this background, we here investigate postcopulatory sexual selection by double‐matingBicyclus anynanafemales to older and younger males, thus allowing for sperm competition and cryptic mate choice, and by genotyping the resulting offspring. Virgin females were mated with a younger virgin (2–3 days old) and afterwards an older virgin male (12–13 days old) or vice versa. Older males had a higher paternity success than younger ones, but only when being the second (=last) mating partner, while paternity success was equal among older and younger males when older males were the first mating partner. Older males produced larger spermatophores with much higher numbers of fertile sperm than younger males. Thus, we found no evidence for cryptic female mate choice. Rather, the findings reported here seem to result from a combination of last‐male precedence and the number of sperm transferred upon mating, both increasing paternity success.
Severe Workplace Conflict: The Experience of Mobbing
Authors: Shallcross Linda , Ramsay Sheryl , Barker Michelle
Published: July 2013

Workplace mobbing is a particularly serious phenomenon that is extremely costly to organizations and the health of those targeted. This article reports on a study of self‐identified targets of mobbing, which advances understanding of the way the problem is conceptualized, including associated informal and formal power relationships with organizations. Participants report a number of experiences, such as lengthy investigations and escalation of conflict, that result in an increasingly unbalanced sense of power away from the individual and toward the organization. Revealed is a mismatch between the expected organizational justice processes and support and the actual experience. Findings support a five‐stage process of mobbing, which commences with unresolved conflict and leads ultimately to expulsion from the organization. The study contributes an understanding of a sixth transformational stage that allows the development of personal agency and a rebalanced sense of power. Recommendations of strategic approaches to address the phenomenon of mobbing are discussed.
Counterproductive Work Behavior and Conflict: Merging Complementary Domains
Authors: Raver Jana L.
Published: July 2013

Scholarship on counterproductive work behavior (CWB) and related constructs (e.g., deviance, bullying, harassment, aggression, incivility, mobbing, revenge) has advanced the understanding of the factors that drive employees to engage in harmful actions at work and illuminated the effects of such behavior on individual, group, and organizational outcomes. Despite the many parallels between CWB and conflict processes as well as scholars' calls for better integration, there has been surprisingly little cross‐fertilization between these areas. Accordingly, the goal of this special issue is to provide an outlet for research and theory that have investigated CWB with a conflict lens. In this overview of the special issue, I begin by briefly describing the nature of CWB and possible reasons for the lack of integration with conflict research. I then provide an overview of the articles in this special issue and conclude with a synthesis and suggested future research questions.