bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latitudinal gradients in taxonomic overdescription rate affect macroecological inferences using species list data
Authors: Jones Owen R. , Purvis Andy , Quicke Donald L. J.
Published: September 2011

Species lists for particular geographic areas are often used in macroecology and conservation; for example, they have been used to identify hotspots of biological diversity, and for the study of latitudinal species diversity gradients. However, there is uncertainty over the accuracy of species lists due to undiscovered species and synonymy of described species. This paper concentrates on taxonomic overdescription caused by the latter. Where bias in the amount of taxonomic overdescription occurs along a variable of interest (e.g. latitude or body size), inferences from macroecological studies may be affected. This form of taxonomic overdescription is likely to be most pronounced in speciose groups, where many species have relatively small geographic range sizes and have low numerical abundance. A good example of such a group is the wasp family Ichneumonidae. We first use taxonomic and region‐specific species list data for the Ichneumonidae to estimate the probability of species validity. Then we use this estimated probability to statistically correct the region's species richness estimate using a Monte Carlo simulation approach, and examine the effect the correction has on three major macroecological patterns: the relative species richness of geographic regions, latitudinal species richness pattern, and body size. Our results indicate that although there is significant geographic variation in overdescription, the bias is not sufficient to qualitatively alter broad‐scale macroecological conclusions such as hotspot identity, and the qualitative global patterns of diversity and mean body size.
Does the interpolation accuracy of species distribution models come at the expense of transferability?
Authors: Heikkinen Risto K. , Marmion Mathieu , Luoto Miska
Published: September 2011

Model transferability (extrapolative accuracy) is one important feature in species distribution models, required in several ecological and conservation biological applications. This study uses 10 modelling techniques and nationwide data on both (1) species distribution of birds, butterflies, and plants and (2) climate and land cover in Finland to investigate whether good interpolative prediction accuracy for models comes at the expense of transferability – i.e. markedly worse performance in new areas. Models’ interpolation and extrapolation performance was primarily assessed using AUC (the area under the curve of a receiver characteristic plot) and Kappa statistics, with supplementary comparisons examining model sensitivity and specificity values. Our AUC and Kappa results show that extrapolation to new areas is a greater challenge for all included modelling techniques than simple filling of gaps in a well‐sampled area, but there are also differences among the techniques in the degree of transferability. Among the machine‐learning modelling techniques, MAXENT, generalized boosting methods (GBM), and artificial neural networks (ANN) showed good transferability while the performance of GARP and random forest (RF) decreased notably in extrapolation. Among the regression‐based methods, generalized additive models (GAM) and generalized linear models (GLM) showed good transferability. A desirable combination of good prediction accuracy and good transferability was evident for three modelling techniques: MAXENT, GBM, and GAM. However, examination of model sensitivity and specificity revealed that model types may differ in their tendencies to either increased over‐prediction of presences or absences in extrapolation, and some of the methods show contrasting changes in sensitivity vs specificity (e.g. ANN and GARP). Among the three species groups, the best transferability was seen with birds, followed closely by butterflies, whereas reliable extrapolation for plant species distribution models appears to be a major challenge at least at this scale. Overall, detailed knowledge of the behaviour of different techniques in various study settings and with different species groups is of utmost importance in predictive modelling.
A simple and efficient method for DNA extraction from skin and paraffin‐embedded tissues applicable to T‐cell clonality assays
Authors: Sidorova Julia V. , Biderman Bella V. , Nikulina Elena E. , Sudarikov Andrey B.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  PCR‐based clonality assay of rearranged T‐cell receptor genes gamma and beta (TCRG and TCRB) in a number of cases could be essential to discriminate between cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas and reactive lymphoproliferative lesions in the skin. However, extraction of good‐quality DNA from skin specimens (especially formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded) remains a challenge. Common procedures, being labour‐intensive and time‐consuming and requiring toxic solvents such as phenol and chloroform, still may end up with DNA sample of insufficient quality. We herewith present a simple and efficient method for DNA isolation based on ammonia extraction of tissue, followed by neutralization and simultaneous salting out of proteins with acetic acid. We have analysed 30 samples – 24 fresh (16 skin, two spleen and six lymph node) and six paraffin‐embedded. Standard procedure (proteinase K digestion, followed by phenol/chloroform extraction) has been carried out simultaneously. We observed good PCR signal for TCRG rearrangements in 30 samples processed with the new protocol and only in 20 extracted with proteinase K/phenol/chloroform. For TCRB, the success rate was 29 of 30 with the new protocol, compared to 11 of 30 with conventional protocol. The proposed method of DNA extraction should improve the value of T‐cell clonality assay, because insufficient DNA quality and quantity may bias analysis towards monoclonality and therefore cause false‐positive results.
Seed germination cues and the importance of the soil seed bank across an environmental gradient in the Serengeti
Authors: Anderson T. Michael , Schütz Martin , Risch Anita C.
Published: September 2011

Soil seed banks are an important source of new individuals for many plant populations and contribute to future genetic variability. In general, the size and persistence of soil seed banks is predicted to be greater where growth occurs in unpredictable pulses, where opportunities for disturbance‐related recruitment are frequent and where the probability of recruitment failure is high. In savanna ecosystems, characterized by disturbance from fire and unpredictable water availability, soil seed banks should be relatively important sources of recruitment. However, the few studies conducted in savannas are inconclusive about the importance of soil seed banks and, more specifically, how seed banks should change across environmental gradients. We determined the number of viable seeds in the soil seed bank across savanna‐grasslands in the Serengeti, an ecosystem characterized by frequent fire and seasonal drought. Soils were exposed to a combination of smoke and heat, cues which may be required to break seed dormancy in such ecosystems. Our a priori expectation was to observe large seed banks in regions characterized by seasonal drought and comparatively smaller seed banks in regions of higher moisture availability and high fire frequencies. In contrast to our hypothesis, seed germination increased strongly with precipitation and fire frequency. In addition, there was a significant interaction effect between fire and rainfall: low rainfall sites with frequent fire had greater seed germination than low rainfall sites with low fire frequency. Moreover, in laboratory experiments, heat had a negative, smoke a positive effect on final seed germination numbers. Together, these findings suggest that fire may be a key factor in driving herbaceous seed bank dynamics in tropical savannas.
Head and neck amyloidosis: clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical analysis of 14 cases
Authors: Gouvêa Adriele Ferreira , Ribeiro Ana Carolina Prado , León Jorge Esquiche , Carlos Román , de Almeida Oslei Paes , Lopes Márcio Ajudarte
Published: September 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 178–185

Background:  Amyloidosis is associated with or caused by amyloid deposition. These fibrillar proteins may be deposited extracellularly causing tissue damage or impairment.

Objectives:  The aim of the study was to retrospectively review pathology archives in two oral diagnostic centers for cases fulfilling criteria of amyloidosis and to differentiate AA and AL types of amyloidosis.

Methods:  The clinicopathological features, alkaline Congo red staining, with and without pretreatment with potassium permanganate, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with anti‐AA, anti‐kappa (κ), and anti‐lambda (λ) light chain antibodies were carried out and analyzed.

Results:  The search identified 14 cases. Ten patients were women and four were men, with a mean age of 58 years. Eleven patients had systemic involvement by amyloidosis (associated either with multiple myeloma or plasma cell dyscrasia/monoclonal gammopathies), while three presented the localized type, one of them associated with plasmacytoma. All cases showed positivity for κ or λ light chains (AL‐amyloid) and presented resistance to the potassium permanganate pretreatment.

Conclusions:  Our results show that the head and neck region is preferentially affected by systemic AL‐amyloidosis, usually associated with plasma cell dyscrasia. Interestingly, two cases affected by inflammatory rheumatic diseases presented AL‐amyloid deposition. Moreover, even after pretreatment with potassium permanganate, which was helpful in highlighting the presence of AL‐amyloid, in agreement with the IHC findings, clinical classifications should be carefully made in systemic amyloidosis.
Rac1 and Calmodulin Interactions Modulate Dynamics of ARF6‐Dependent Endocytosis
Authors: Vidal‐Quadras Maite , Gelabert‐Baldrich Mariona , Soriano‐Castell David , Lladó Anna , Rentero Carles , Calvo Maria , Pol Albert , Enrich Carlos , Tebar Francesc
Published: September 2011

The main cellular Ca2+ sensor, calmodulin (CaM), interacts with and regulates several small GTPases, including Rac1. The present study revealed high binding affinity of Rac1 for CaM and uncovered two new essential binding domains in Rac1: the polybasic region, important for phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate 5‐kinase (PIP5K) interaction, and the adjacent prenyl group. CaM inhibition increased Rac1 binding to PIP5K and induced an extensive phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PI4,5P2)‐positive tubular membrane network. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that the tubules were plasma membrane invaginations resulting from an ADP‐ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6)‐dependent and clathrin‐independent pathway. The role of Rac1 in this endocytic route was analyzed by expressing constitutively active and inactive mutants. While active Rac1 impaired tubulation, the inactive mutant enhanced it. Intriguingly, inactive mutant expression elicited tubulation by recruiting PIP5K and inhibiting Rac1 at the plasma membrane. Accordingly, CaM inhibition inactivated Rac1 and increased Rac1/PIP5K interaction. Therefore, our findings highlight an important new role for Rac1 and CaM in controlling clathrin‐independent endocytosis.
A clinico‐demographic analysis of maxillofacial trauma in the elderly
Authors: Al‐Qamachi Laith Hussein , Laverick Sean , Jones D.C.
Published: September 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00431.x

A clinico‐demographic analysis of maxillofacial trauma in the elderly

Introduction:  The elderly represent an increasing proportion of society. Management of maxillofacial trauma in this population may be complicated by coexisting medical conditions, requiring multi‐disciplinary care.

Methods:  This retrospective audit assesses the incidence and pattern of maxillofacial trauma in elderly patients (≥60 years) presented to the Merseyside Regional Maxillofacial Unit. Over the time period of 2003, 2004 and 2005, 7905 trauma patients presented to the accident and emergency department, of whom 757 were elderly (10%).

Results:  Results indicated that the male to female ratio was 1:1.4. The commonest cause of injury was a fall (83%) followed by an assault (6%); the majority of falls occurring in the home.

Conclusion:  Management of maxillofacial injuries in this population should focus on targeted prevention programmes, which address known risk factors for falling. We believe that this is a public health issue. Members of the maxillofacial team should be aware of common risk factors of falls in elderly. Better collaboration with the Medicine for Elderly team should be considered at an early stage on managing these patients.
Management of a post‐radiotherapy xerostomic patient – a case report
Authors: Singh Yashpal , Saini Monika , Siwach Amit , Mittal Rashmi
Published: September 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00519.x

Management of a post‐radiotherapy xerostomic patient – a case report

Objective:  The objective of the study was to fabricate complete denture with palatal reservoir filled with artificial saliva for a post radiotherapy edentulous patient.

Background:  Xerostomia is a subjective complaint rather than a disease. It is caused by irradiation, medication, Sjogren's syndrome & neurological factors such as stress. Radiotherapeutic treatment of head and neck cancer patients often causes long term dysfunction involving their salivary function, swallowing capabilities & taste. All three of these domains are affected by radiation‐ induced damage to the salivary glands. This in turn results in poor retention of complete denture, frequent trauma to alveolar ridge & other oral infections. All these events drastically affects quality of life of ageing patients.

Material and Method:  A complete denture in heat cure acrylic resin was fabricated in which a palatal reservoir was made on the palatal side.

Results:  Problems arising due to xerostomia were reduced to a great extent.

Conclusion:  Prosthodontic management of Xerostomic patient include several techniques. This paper presents a case report of post radiotherapy edentulous patient in which complete denture with palatal reservoir filled with artificial saliva was fabricated.
Multiple NF‐Y‐binding CCAAT boxes are essential for transcriptional regulation of the human C7orf24 gene, a novel tumor‐associated gene
Authors: Ohno Yuji , Hattori Akira , Ueda Masamichi , Kageyama Susumu , Yoshiki Tatsuhiro , Kakeya Hideaki
Published: September 2011

Human chromosome 7 ORF 24 (C7orf24) has been identified as a tumor‐related protein, and shown to be a γ‐glutamyl cyclotransferase. In the current study, we characterized the promoter region of the human C7orf24 gene to explore the transcriptional regulation of the gene. We revealed that the human C7orf24 promoter is a TATA‐less promoter, containing five CCAAT boxes aligned in a forward orientation. By performing a luciferase reporter assay with 5′‐deleted and site‐directed mutated constructs in HeLa, MCF‐7 and IMR‐90 cells, we found that three proximal CCAAT boxes are important for basal transcription. Electrophoretic mobility gel shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that NF‐Y specifically bound to all three CCAAT boxes. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of C7orf24 were significantly reduced in HeLa cells depleted of NF‐YB, a subunit of NF‐Y. These results suggested that NF‐Ys bound to the three proximal CCAAT boxes play a central role in the transcription of the gene. Furthermore, as in the case of other genes transcribed under the control of multiple NF‐Ys, such as human E2f1 and cyclin b1, the C7orf24 gene expression profile oscillated during the cell cycle, implying that C7orf24 is a novel cell cycle‐associated gene.
Circadian expression of steroidogenic cytochromes P450 in the mouse adrenal gland – involvement of cAMP‐responsive element modulator in epigenetic regulation of Cyp17a1
Authors: Košir Rok , Zmrzljak Ursula Prosenc , Bele Tanja , Acimovic Jure , Perse Martina , Majdic Gregor , Prehn Cornelia , Adamski Jerzy , Rozman Damjana
Published: September 2011

The cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes Cyp51, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Cyb11b1, Cyp11b2 and Cyp21a1 are involved in the adrenal production of corticosteroids, whose circulating levels are circadian. cAMP signaling plays an important role in adrenal steroidogenesis. By using cAMP responsive element modulator (Crem) knockout mice, we show that CREM isoforms contribute to circadian expression of steroidogenic CYPs in the mouse adrenal gland. Most striking was the CREM‐dependent hypomethylation of the Cyp17a1 promoter at zeitgeber time 12, which resulted in higher Cyp17a1 mRNA and protein expression in the knockout adrenal glands. The data indicate that products of the Crem gene control the epigenetic repression of Cyp17 in mouse adrenal glands.
In vitro and in vivo studies on matrix metalloproteinases interacting with small intestine submucosa wound matrix
Authors: Shi Lei , Ramsay Sarah , Ermis Ryan , Carson Dennis
Published: September 2011

Small intestine submucosa (SIS), a bioactive extracellular matrix (ECM) containing critical components of the ECM including collagens, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans, has been widely used for wound healing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction between SIS and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMP‐1, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 displayed different binding affinities, indicated by a loss in activity in solution upon incubation with SIS at 53·8%, 85·9%, and 36·9% over 24 hours, respectively. A cell migration study was conducted to evaluate the effects of MMPs and SIS on keratinocytes. The results indicated that MMPs inhibit keratinocyte migration in vitro, and that the inhibition can be significantly reduced by pre‐incubating the MMP solution with SIS. To evaluate activity in vivo a diabetic mouse wound healing study was conducted. Biopsy samples were collected on different days for analysis of MMP levels by gelatin zymography. MMP activity was found to be attenuated by SIS treatment on day 3 after wounding. On day 7, the attenuation became less significant indicating that the MMP binding ability of SIS had become saturated. SIS was able to reduce MMP activity immediately, and may reduce the inhibitory effects of MMPs on keratinocyte migration.
Acceleration of wound repair by curcumin in the excision wound of mice exposed to different doses of fractionated γ radiation
Authors: Jagetia Ganesh Chandra , Rajanikant Golgod Krishnamurthy
Published: September 2011

Fractionated irradiation (IR) before or after surgery of malignant tumours causes a high frequency of wound healing complications. Our aim was to investigate the effect of curcumin (CUM) on the healing of deep excision wound of mice exposed to fractionated IR by mimicking clinical conditions. A full‐thickness dermal excision wound was created on the shaved dorsum of mice that were orally administered or not with 100 mg of CUM per kilogram body weight before partial body exposure to 10, 20 or 40 Gy given as 2 Gy/day for 5, 10 or 20 days. The wound contraction was determined periodically by capturing video images of the wound from day 1 until complete healing of wounds. Fractionated IR caused a dose‐dependent delay in the wound contraction and prolonged wound healing time, whereas CUM administration before fractionated IR caused a significant elevation in the wound contraction and reduced mean wound healing time. Fractionated IR reduced the synthesis of collagen, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and nitric oxide (NO) at different post‐IR times and treatment of mice with CUM before IR elevated the synthesis of collagen, DNA and NO significantly. Histological examination showed a reduction in the collagen deposition, fibroblast and vascular densities after fractionated IR, whereas CUM pre‐treatment inhibited this decline significantly. Our study shows that CUM pre‐treatment accelerated healing of irradiated wound and could be a substantial therapeutic strategy in the management of irradiated wounds.
Exercise Training Improves the Defective Centrally Mediated Erectile Responses in Rats with Type I Diabetes
Authors: Zheng Hong , Mayhan William G. , Patel Kaushik P.
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction is a serious and common complication of diabetes mellitus. Apart from the peripheral actions, central mechanisms are also responsible for the penile erection.

Aim

The goal of the present study was to determine the impact of exercise training (ExT) on the centrally mediated erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type I diabetic (T1D) rats.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with STZ to induce diabetes mellitus. Three weeks after STZ or vehicle injections, rats were assigned to either ExT (treadmill running for 3–4 weeks) or sedentary groups to produce four experimental groups: control + sedentary, T1D + sedentary, control + ExT, and T1D + ExT.

Main Outcome Measure

After 3–4 weeks ExT, central N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced penile erectile responses were measured. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus was measured by using histochemistry, real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot approaches.

Results

In rats with T1D, ExT significantly improved the blunted erectile response, and the intracavernous pressure changes to NMDA (50 ng) microinjection within the PVN (T1D + ExT: 3.0 ± 0.6 penile erection/rat; T1D + sedentary: 0.5 ± 0.3 penile erection/rat within 20 minutes, P < 0.05). ExT improved erectile dysfunction induced by central administration of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) donor, SNP in T1D rats. Other behavior responses including yawning and stretching, induced by central NMDA and SNP microinjection were also significantly increased in T1D rats after ExT. Furthermore, we found that ExT restored the nNOS mRNA and protein expression in the PVN in T1D rats.

Conclusion

These results suggest that ExT may have beneficial effects on the erectile dysfunction in diabetes through improvement of NO bioavailability within the PVN. Thus, ExT may be used as therapeutic modality to up-regulate nNOS within the PVN and improve the central component of the erectile dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.
Neural Activation Toward Erotic Stimuli in Homosexual and Heterosexual Males
Authors: Kagerer Sabine , Klucken T.m. , Wehrum Sina , Zimmermann Mark , Schienle Anne , Walter Bertram , Vaitl Dieter , Stark Rudolf
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Studies investigating sexual arousal exist, yet there are diverging findings on the underlying neural mechanisms with regard to sexual orientation. Moreover, sexual arousal effects have often been confounded with general arousal effects. Hence, it is still unclear which structures underlie the sexual arousal response in homosexual and heterosexual men.

Aim

Neural activity and subjective responses were investigated in order to disentangle sexual from general arousal. Considering sexual orientation, differential and conjoint neural activations were of interest.

Methods

The functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study focused on the neural networks involved in the processing of sexual stimuli in 21 male participants (11 homosexual, 10 heterosexual). Both groups viewed pictures with erotic content as well as aversive and neutral stimuli. The erotic pictures were subdivided into three categories (most sexually arousing, least sexually arousing, and rest) based on the individual subjective ratings of each participant.

Main Outcome Measures

Blood oxygen level-dependent responses measured by fMRI and subjective ratings.

Results

A conjunction analysis revealed conjoint neural activation related to sexual arousal in thalamus, hypothalamus, occipital cortex, and nucleus accumbens. Increased insula, amygdala, and anterior cingulate gyrus activation could be linked to general arousal. Group differences emerged neither when viewing the most sexually arousing pictures compared with highly arousing aversive pictures nor compared with neutral pictures.

Conclusion

Results suggest that a widespread neural network is activated by highly sexually arousing visual stimuli. A partly distinct network of structures underlies sexual and general arousal effects. The processing of preferred, highly sexually arousing stimuli recruited similar structures in homosexual and heterosexual males.
Time to Onset of Action of Vardenafil: A Retrospective Analysis of the Pivotal Trials for the Orodispersible and Film-Coated Tablet Formulations
Authors: Debruyne Frans M.J. , Gittelman Marc , Sperling Herbert , Börner Matthias , Beneke Manfred
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Patients and physicians consider a rapid onset of action to be an important attribute of oral pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction.

Aim

To investigate the time to onset of action of a new orodispersible tablet (ODT) formulation of vardenafil.

Methods

A post hoc integrated analysis was performed on data from two 12-week, double-blind, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled phase III trials of 10 mg vardenafil ODT. Data for the vardenafil film-coated tablet were generated from a retrospective integrated analysis at week 12 of four double-blind, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, fixed-dose, placebo-controlled phase III trials. Time intervals (in 15-, 30-, and 60-minute increments, up to ≥6 hours after study medication intake) were determined for the period between dosing and start of sexual activity (with the intention of intercourse).

Main Outcome Measures

The total number of sexual intercourse attempts and Sexual Encounter Profile question 3 (SEP3) success rates were calculated per time interval.

Results

Within 15 minutes postdosing, mean per-patient SEP3 success rates were 62.5% (vardenafil ODT) vs. 29.4% (placebo), with corresponding overall SEP3 success rates of 59.8% and 38.2%. In this time interval, 5.3% vs. 2.8% of all sexual activity attempts were initiated by subjects taking vardenafil ODT (n = 89) or placebo (n = 62), respectively.

At 16–30 minutes postdosing, SEP3 success rates were 65.3% and 32.6% (mean per-patient) and 70.2% and 51.0% (overall) for vardenafil ODT vs. placebo, respectively, with a corresponding 10.4% and 8.7% of all sexual activity attempts being made by subjects taking vardenafil ODT (n = 170) or placebo (n = 118).

Comparable results were observed for vardenafil 10 and 20 mg film-coated tablet at corresponding time intervals.

Conclusions

Vardenafil ODT shows a rapid onset of action comparable with that of vardenafil film-coated tablet. In those men who begin sexual activity within 30 minutes after dosing, the majority of sexual attempts lead to successful intercourse.
The final parsec problem: aligning a binary with an external accretion disc
Authors: Nixon C. J. , King A. R. , Pringle J. E.
Published: September 2011

We consider the interaction between a binary system (e.g. two supermassive black holes or two stars) and an external accretion disc with misaligned angular momentum. This situation occurs in galaxy merger events involving supermassive black holes, and in the formation of stellar mass binaries in star clusters. We work out the gravitational torque between the binary and disc, and show that their angular momenta Jb, Jd stably counteralign if their initial orientation is sufficiently retrograde, specifically if the angle θ between them obeys cos θ < −Jd/2Jb, on a time short compared with the mass gain time of the central accretor(s). The magnitude Jb remains unchanged in this process. Counteralignment can promote the rapid merger of supermassive black hole binaries, and possibly the formation of coplanar but retrograde planets around stars in binary systems.
Too small to succeed? Lighting up massive dark matter subhaloes of the Milky Way
Authors: Di Cintio Arianna , Knebe Alexander , Libeskind Noam I. , Yepes Gustavo , Gottlöber Stefan , Hoffman Yehuda
Published: September 2011

Using Constrained Local UniversE Simulations (CLUES) of the formation of the Local Group in a cosmological context, we investigate the recently highlighted problem that the majority of the most massive dark subhaloes of the Milky Way (MW) are too dense to host any of its bright satellites. In particular, we examine the influence of baryonic processes and find that they leave a twofold effect on the relation between the peak of the rotation curve and its position (Vmax and Rmax). Satellites with a large baryon fraction experience adiabatic contraction, thus decreasing Rmax while leaving Vmax more or less unchanged. Subhaloes with smaller baryon fractions undergo a decrease in Vmax possibly due to outflows of material. Furthermore, the situation of finding subhaloes in simulations that lie outside the confidence interval for possible hosts of the bright MW dwarf spheroidals appears to be far more prominent in cosmologies with a high σ8 normalization and depends on the mass of the host. We conclude that the problem cannot be simply solved by including baryonic processes and hence demands further investigations.
Scale-dependent bias from primordial non-Gaussianity with trispectrum
Authors: Gong Jinn-Ouk , Yokoyama Shuichiro
Published: September 2011

We study the scale-dependent bias of the halo power spectrum arising from primordial non-Gaussianity. We present an analytic result of the halo bias including up to the trispectrum contributions. We find that the scale-dependent bias opens a new possibility of probing the relation between the non-linearity parameters fNL and τNL.
The Effect of Increased Travel Reimbursement Rates on Health Care Utilization in the VA
Authors: Nelson Richard E. , Hicken Bret , West Alan , Rupper Randall
Published: September 2011

Purpose: The reimbursement rate that eligible veterans receive for travel to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities increased from 11 to 28.5 cents per mile on February 1, 2008. We examined the effect of this policy change on utilization of outpatient, inpatient, and pharmacy services, stratifying veterans based on distance from a VA facility.

Methods: We compared health care utilization and costs on a sample of VA patients in the 10.5 months before the reimbursement rate increase and the 10.5 months after the reimbursement rate increase. Using a difference‐in‐difference technique, we ran multivariable logistic and count regressions for utilization and generalized linear models (GLM) for cost outcomes. Regressions were stratified based on urban and rural residence, as well as by distance thresholds.

Findings: Our cohort contained 250,958 veterans, 76.7% (n = 192,559) of whom were eligible to receive a travel reimbursement. After the reimbursement rate increase, eligible veterans at all distances were 6.8% more likely to have an outpatient encounter and had 2.6% more outpatient encounters in the VA compared to those not eligible for the reimbursement (P < .001). Similar results were found for prescription fills at all distances, but inpatient encounters remained generally unaffected.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that this policy change was successful in increasing access to VA care for patients regardless of location of residence.
Differences in Late‐Stage Diagnosis, Treatment, and Colorectal Cancer‐Related Death Between Rural and Urban African Americans and Whites in Georgia
Authors: Hines Robert B. , Markossian Talar W.
Published: September 2011

Purpose: Disparities in health outcomes due to a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) have been reported for a number of demographic groups. This study was conducted to examine the outcomes of late‐stage diagnosis, treatment, and cancer‐related death according to race and geographic residency status (rural vs urban).

Methods: This study utilized cross‐sectional and follow‐up data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program for all incident colon and rectal tumors diagnosed for the Atlanta and Rural Georgia Cancer Registries for the years 1992‐2007.

Findings: Compared to whites, African Americans had a 40% increased odds (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.30‐1.51) of late‐stage diagnosis, a 50% decreased odds (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.37‐0.68) of having surgery for colon cancer, and a 67% decreased odds (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.25‐0.44) of receiving surgery for rectal cancer. Rural residence was not associated with late stage at diagnosis or receipt of treatment. African Americans had a slightly increased risk of death from colon cancer (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.24) and a larger increased risk of death due to rectal cancer (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.14‐1.35). Rural residents experienced a 15% increased risk of death (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.32) due to colon cancer.

Conclusions: Further investigations should target African Americans and rural residents to gain insight into the etiologic mechanisms responsible for the poorer CRC outcomes experienced by these 2 segments of the population.
Cell‐type Selective Phototoxicity Achieved with Chlorophyll‐a Derived Photosensitizers in a Co‐culture System of Primary Human Tumor and Normal Lung Cells
Authors: Tracy Erin C. , Bowman Mary J. , Pandey Ravindra K. , Henderson Barbara W. , Baumann Heinz
Published: September 2011

The ATP‐dependent transporter ABCG2 exports certain photosensitizers (PS) from cells, implying that the enhanced expression of ABCG2 by cancer cells may confer resistance to photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated by those PS. In 35 patient‐derived primary cultures of lung epithelial and stromal cells, PS with different subcellular localization and affinity for ABCG2 displayed cell‐type specific retention both independent and dependent on ABCG2. In the majority of cases, the ABCG2 substrate 2‐[1‐hexyloxyethyl]‐2‐devinyl pyropheophorbide‐a (HPPH) was lost from fibroblastic cells more rapidly than from their epithelial counterparts, even in the absence of detectable ABCG2 expression, facilitating selective eradication by PDT of epithelial over fibroblastic cells in tumor/stroma co‐cultures. Pairwise comparison of normal and transformed epithelial cells also identified tumor cells with elevated or reduced retention of HPPH, depending on ABCG2. Enhanced ABCG2 expression led to the selective PDT survival of tumor cells in tumor/stroma co‐cultures. This survival pattern was reversible through HPPH derivatives that are not ABCG2 substrates or the ABCG2 inhibitor imatinib mesylate. PS retention, not differences in subcellular distribution or cell signaling responses, was determining cell type selective death by PDT. These data suggest that up‐front knowledge of tumor characteristics, specifically ABCG2 status, could be helpful in individualized PDT treatment design.
Nondrug Interventions for Treatment of Hypertension
Authors: Woolf Kevin J. , Bisognano John D.
Published: September 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:829–835. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The treatment of hypertension is no longer limited to the simple prescription of pharmaceuticals. For many patients, maximal medical therapy is insufficient to adequately treat refractory hypertension. In addition, some patients may prefer to explore therapies that do not involve drugs as an initial step. Utilizing our broadening understanding of the physiology of hypertension, new technology and interventions have been developed that allow for treatments that do not rely on medications. In addition, dietary supplements and modification, as well as herbal supplements, may be useful under the right circumstances. Lifestyle modification remains a necessary part of treatment for all patients with hypertension. This article will review the evidence behind some available nondrug interventions for the treatment of hypertension.
Non‐expert clinicians' detection of autistic traits among attenders of a youth mental health service
Authors: Fraser Richard , Cotton Sue , Gentle Ellen , Angus Beth , Allott Kelly , Thompson Andrew
Published: September 2011

Aims: The aims of this study were to determine the point prevalence of autism spectrum disorders and to estimate the prevalence of autistic traits in a youth mental health service.

Methods: Following three educational sessions on autism spectrum disorders, treating clinicians were interviewed to determine whether the clients on their caseloads had (i) a confirmed prior diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder; (ii) were felt to exhibit autistic traits; or (iii) were not felt to exhibit autistic traits.

Results: Information on autism spectrum disorder status was obtained for 476 patients. Of the included patients, 3.4% (n = 16) had a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and 7.8% (n = 37) were reported by treating clinicians to exhibit autistic traits.

Conclusions: The rate of autism spectrum disorder was higher in this population than that in community samples with twice as many again being identified as having autistic traits by their treating clinicians. This has implications for correct diagnosis and appropriate management in these settings.
Composition and stratification of a tachinid (Diptera: Tachinidae) parasitoid community in a European temperate plain forest
Authors: STIREMAN JOHN O. , CERRETTI PIERFILIPPO , WHITMORE DANIEL , HARDERSEN SÖNKE , GIANELLE DAMIANO
Published: September 2011

Abstract.  1. We analysed the canopy and understorey communities of flies in the family Tachinidae, the most diverse group of parasitoid Diptera, in a small and isolated temperate plain forest in northern Italy. Our objective was to assess whether and how these communities differ from one another, and how species distribution relates to forest structure, host distribution, mating sites, and season.

2. The study was carried out in 2008 with 14 Malaise traps installed between April and November in an equal number of sites randomly selected inside the forest, seven on the ground and seven in the tree canopy.

3. Overall species richness, abundance, and turnover were greater in the understorey traps, but most diversity metrics indicate greater overall diversity and evenness in the canopy traps. Community ordination and estimates of beta diversity indicate that the two habitat‐associated communities are distinct and should both be considered in assessments of insect diversity and community structure. Indicator species values revealed the presence of a number of species that were effective indicators of canopy and understorey habitats. No strong male bias in canopy traps was observed across species; however, the only significant sex ratio biases in the canopy were towards males. Both male and female biases were observed in understorey traps, depending upon the species.
A new version of PRT software for sibling groups reconstruction with comments regarding several issues in the sibling reconstruction problem
Authors: ALMUDEVAR ANTHONY , ANDERSON ERIC C.
Published: September 2011

Pedigree reconstruction using genotypic markers has become an important tool for the study of natural populations. The nonstandard nature of the underlying statistical problems has led to the necessity of developing specialized statistical and computational methods. In this article, a new version of pedigree reconstruction tools (PRT 2.0) is presented. The software implements algorithms proposed in Almudevar & Field (Journal of Agricultural Biological and Environmental Statistics, 4, 1999, 136) and Almudevar (Biometrics, 57, 2001a, 757) for the reconstruction of single generation sibling groups (SG). A wider range of enumeration algorithms is included, permitting improved computational performance. In particular, an iterative version of the algorithm designed for larger samples is included in a fully automated form. The new version also includes expanded simulation utilities, as well as extensive reporting, including half‐sibling compatibility, parental genotype estimates and flagging of potential genotype errors. A number of alternative algorithms are described and demonstrated. A comparative discussion of the underlying methodologies is presented. Although important aspects of this problem remain open, we argue that a number of methodologies including maximum likelihood estimation (COLONY 1.2 and 2.0) and the set cover formulation (KINALYZER) exhibit undesirable properties in the sibling reconstruction problem. There is considerable evidence that large sets of individuals not genetically excluded as siblings can be inferred to be a true sibling group, but it is also true that unrelated individuals may be genetically compatible with a true sibling group by chance. Such individuals may be identified on a statistical basis. PRT 2.0, based on these sound statistical principles, is able to efficiently match or exceed the highest reported accuracy rates, particularly for larger SG. The new version is available at http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/biostat/people/faculty/almudevar.cfm.
Vitamin D levels: its relationship to bone mineral density response and disease activity in premenopausal Malaysian systemic lupus erythematosus patients on corticosteroids
Authors: YEAP Swan Sim , OTHMAN Ahmad Zaidi , ZAIN Amir Azlan , CHAN Siew Pheng
Published: September 2011

Aim:  To determine if baseline vitamin D levels would influence the gain in bone mineral density (BMD) in female systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients on corticosteroids (CS) taking bone‐active medication.

Method:  Premenopausal SLE patients participating in a trial assessing the efficacy of calcium alone, calcitriol and calcium, and alendronate and calcium, on BMD in patients on CS, were studied. Patients were randomly allocated to the treatment groups at the start of the study and followed up for 2 years. Serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured at baseline.

Results:  Thirty‐eight patients were studied. One (2%) patient had osteoporosis, nine (24%) had osteopenia and all others had normal BMD. The mean baseline 25(OH)D levels were 21.6 ± 4.6 ng/mL (± 1 SD). Twelve (32%) patients had vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL]. There was a significant negative correlation between SLEDAI scores and 25(OH)D levels, that is, patients with high SLEDAI scores had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels (P = 0.033). Left femoral neck BMD was significantly lower in the deficient compared to insufficient group (P = 0.042). There was a trend toward better BMD gain at 2 years in the vitamin D insufficient compared to the deficient group, which did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion:  This study showed that in female SLE patients, low vitamin D levels are associated with higher disease activity and suggests that patients who have higher vitamin D levels have a better BMD response during treatment with bone‐active agents.
The Association between Radiographic Greater Tuberosity Cystic Change and Rotator Cuff Tears: A Study of 105 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Pan Yong-Wei , Mok Daniel , Tsiouri Chrysi , Chidambaram Ramiah
Published: September 2011

Background

Cystic changes in the greater tuberosity of the humerus are common, and are often reported to be associated with rotator cuff tear or ageing. The present study aimed to assess whether cysts on plain radiograph of the shoulder are indicative of rotator cuff tears.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and five consecutive patients with painful shoulders who underwent arthroscopic procedures were recruited prospectively. The observed radiographic cysts in the tuberosity were correlated with arthroscopic findings of their rotator cuff, as well as with other pathologies.

Results

Cysts appeared more often in shoulders with rotator cuff tears than in those without tears ( p < 0.001). The overall positive predictive value for a patient with a painful shoulder in the presence humeral cysts was 68%. This rises to 85% if the patient is aged 60 years or older. Cysts occurred with similar probability in shoulders with or without superior labral tears, calcific tendinitis, impingement and frozen shoulder.

Discussion

Cystic changes in the greater tuberosity were closely associated with rotator cuff tears and age. When humeral cysts are detected on plain radiographs in a patient with a painful shoulder, the index of suspicion for rotator cuff tear should be high, particularly for those patients aged over 60 years.
Liver stiffness measured by transient elastography is a predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma development in viral hepatitis
Authors: Akima Takashi , Tamano Masaya , Hiraishi Hideyuki
Published: September 2011

Aim:  To investigate the value of liver stiffness in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with viral hepatitis, and to prospectively investigate relationships between liver stiffness and HCC development.

Methods:  Liver stiffness was measured by transient elastography for 157 patients with viral hepatitis, along with various other parameters potentially associated with HCC. HCC was initially present in 41 patients and absent in 116 patients, of whom 106 patients were followed prospectively for HCC development. Diagnostic performances of liver stiffness and other clinical parameters in predicting presence of HCC were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the ROC curve (AUROC).

Results:  Liver stiffness was significantly higher in patients with HCC (24.9 ± 19.5 kPa) than in patients without HCC (10.9 ± 8.4 kPa; P < 0.0001). Age (P < 0.0001), platelet cell count (P = 0.0001), prothrombin activity (P = 0.0009), alpha fetoprotein (P = 0.0091), and des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP) (P = 0.0099) also differed significantly between patients with and without HCC. The largest AUROC was for liver stiffness. Differences between liver stiffness and age, platelet cell count, prothrombin activity, and DCP were not significant, but the AUROC of liver stiffness was superior to that of alpha fetoprotein (P = 0.03850). Using a cut‐off liver stiffness of 12.5 kPa, development of HCC was identified in 10 of the 106 patients followed. Multivariate analysis identified liver stiffness ≥12.5 kPa, age ≥60 years, and serum total bilirubin ≥1.0 mg/dL as significantly correlated with development of HCC.

Conclusions:  Liver stiffness as measured by transient elastography is a predictor of HCC development in viral hepatitis.
Highly sensitive AFP‐L3% assay is useful for predicting recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative treatment pre‐ and postoperatively
Authors: Kobayashi Masahiro , Hosaka Tetsuya , Ikeda Kenji , Seko Yuya , Kawamura Yusuke , Sezaki Hitomi , Akuta Norio , Suzuki Fumitaka , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Saitoh Satoshi , Arase Yasuji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: September 2011

Aim:  The micro‐total analysis system (µTAS), a fully automated immunoassay system using microchip capillary electrophoresis, is highly sensitive and able to quickly assay the AFP‐L3%. The clinical usefulness of this system was studied.

Methods:  We retrospectively enrolled 250 patients who underwent curative treatment for primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (93 patients underwent hepatic resection and 157, radiofrequency ablation [RFA]).

Results:  The sensitivity for µTAS AFP‐L3% was 40.3% at the cutoff value of 5% in a range of AFP less than 20 ng/mL where the conventional method was unable to determine AFP‐L3%. The sensitivity for AFP‐L3% remained high even at stage I and at tumor size less than 2 cm (42.5% and 46.0%, respectively). Recurrence rate of patients with AFP‐L3% greater than 5% was significantly higher than that of patients with less than 5% (P = 0.001). Furthermore, in resected patients, the postoperative AFP‐L3% remained elevated with value greater than 5% was related to HCC recurrence (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that multiple tumors (P = 0.004), preoperative AFP‐L3% greater than 5% (P = 0.003), albumin less than 3.5 g/dL (P = 0.008), and RFA (P = 0.003) were significant prognostic factors of recurrence.

Conclusions:  The µTAS was found to be a highly sensitive assay for AFP‐L3% in patients with curative treatment of HCC. A cutoff value of 5% was useful for predicting recurrence after the curative treatment and detecting small tumors and early stage HCC. Additionally, postoperative AFP‐L3% was found to be a prognostic factor of HCC recurrence.