bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone marrow cells migrate to the heart and skeletal muscle and participate in tissue repair after Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice
Authors: Souza Bruno S. d. F. , Azevedo Carine M. , Lima Ricardo S. d. , Kaneto Carla M. , Vasconcelos Juliana F. , Guimarães Elisalva T. , dos Santos Ricardo R. , Soares Milena B. P.
Published: July 2014

Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease, causes an intense inflammatory reaction in several tissues, including the myocardium. We have previously shown that transplantation of bone marrow cells (BMC) ameliorates the myocarditis in a mouse model of chronic Chagas disease. We investigated the participation of BMC in lesion repair in the heart and skeletal muscle, caused by T. cruzi infection in mice. Infection with a myotropic T. cruzi strain induced an increase in the percentage of stem cells and monocytes in the peripheral blood, as well as in gene expression of chemokines SDF‐1, MCP1, 2, and 3 in the heart and skeletal muscle. To investigate the fate of BMC within the damaged tissue, chimeric mice were generated by syngeneic transplantation of green fluorescent protein (GFP+) BMC into lethally irradiated mice and infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Migration of GFP+ BMC to the heart and skeletal muscle was observed during and after the acute phase of infection. GFP+ cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells were present in heart sections of chimeric chagasic mice. GFP+ myofibres were observed in the skeletal muscle of chimeric mice at different time points following infection. In conclusion, BMC migrate and contribute to the formation of new resident cells in the heart and skeletal muscle, which can be detected both during the acute and the chronic phase of infection. These findings reinforce the role of BMC in tissue regeneration.
Prediction of Recanalization in Acute Stroke Patients Receiving Intravenous and Endovascular Revascularization Therapy
Authors: Zhu Guangming , Michel Patrik , Jovin Tudor , Patrie James T. , Xin Wenjun , Eskandari Ashraf , Zhang Weiwei , Wintermark Max
Published: July 2014

Background and purpose

The study aims to assess the recanalization rate in acute ischemic stroke patients who received no revascularization therapy, intravenous thrombolysis, and endovascular treatment, respectively, and to identify best clinical and imaging predictors of recanalization in each treatment group.

Methods

Clinical and imaging data were collected in 103 patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by anterior circulation arterial occlusion. We recorded demographics and vascular risk factors. We reviewed the noncontrast head computed tomographies to assess for hyperdense middle cerebral artery and its computed tomography density. We reviewed the computed tomography angiograms and the raw images to determine the site and degree of arterial occlusion, collateral score, clot burden score, and the density of the clot. Recanalization status was assessed on recanalization imaging using Thrombolysis in Myocardial Ischemia. Multivariate logistic regressions were utilized to determine the best predictors of outcome in each treatment group.

Results

Among the 103 study patients, 43 (42%) received intravenous thrombolysis, 34 (33%) received endovascular thrombolysis, and 26 (25%) did not receive any revascularization therapy. In the patients with intravenous thrombolysis or no revascularization therapy, recanalization of the vessel was more likely with intravenous thrombolysis ( P = 0·046) and when M1/A1 was occluded ( P = 0·001). In this subgroup of patients, clot burden score, cervical degree of stenosis (North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial), and hyperlipidemia status added information to the aforementioned likelihood of recanalization at the patient level ( P < 0·001). In patients with endovascular thrombolysis, recanalization of the vessel was more likely in the case of a higher computed tomography angiogram clot density ( P = 0·012), and in this subgroup of patients gender added information to the likelihood of recanalization at the patient level ( P = 0·044).

Conclusion

The overall likelihood of recanalization was the highest in the endovascular group, and higher for intravenous thrombolysis compared with no revascularization therapy. However, our statistical models of recanalization for each individual patient indicate significant variability between treatment options, suggesting the need to include this prediction in the personalized treatment selection.
Fifty Years of Classification and Regression Trees
Authors: Loh Wei‐Yin
Published: July 2014

Fifty years have passed since the publication of the first regression tree algorithm. New techniques have added capabilities that far surpass those of the early methods. Modern classification trees can partition the data with linear splits on subsets of variables and fit nearest neighbor, kernel density, and other models in the partitions. Regression trees can fit almost every kind of traditional statistical model, including least‐squares, quantile, logistic, Poisson, and proportional hazards models, as well as models for longitudinal and multiresponse data. Greater availability and affordability of software (much of which is free) have played a significant role in helping the techniques gain acceptance and popularity in the broader scientific community. This article surveys the developments and briefly reviews the key ideas behind some of the major algorithms.
Microcirculatory Changes and General Responses to 5‐Hydroxytryptamine in Normothermic and Hypothermic Mice
Authors: Svanes Knut
Published: July 2014

Svanes, K. Microcirculatory changes and general responses to 5‐Hydroxytryptamine in Normothermic and hypothermic mice. Acta physiol. scand. 1968. 72. 404–411.

5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) was injected i.v. into unanesthetized, anesthetized normothermic and hypothermic (21–22° C) mice, and the general effects of the injections were observed. In addition, conjunctival microscopy and hematocrit determinations were performed. 5‐HT was found to cause a syndrome characterized by exophtalmus, respiratory distress, cyanosis, edema, evacuation of bowels, salivation, lethargy, constriction and slow blood flow in the metarterioles, dilatation and stasis in the venules, and hemoconcentration. In general the reaction to 5‐HT was relatively mild in unanesthetized mice, moderate in anesthetized normothermic mice and severe in hypothermic mice. The marked reaction to 5‐HT under hypothermia might be due to retarded elimination of 5‐HT from the blood.
Changes in the Amount of Adrenergic Transmitter in the Female Genital Tract of Rabbit During Pregnancy
Authors: Rosengren E. , Sjöberg N.‐O.
Published: July 2014

Rosengren, E. and N.‐O. Sjöberg. Changes in the amount of adrenergic transmitter in the female genital tract of rabbit during pregnancy. Acta physiol. scand. 1968. 72. 412–424.

The noradrenaline present in the female reproductive organs — ovary, oviduct, uterus, and vagina — of the rabbit is stored in adrenergic nerves. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that these nerves are related to the vascular bed and the smooth muscle walls; besides the vascular nerves the ovary also contains adrenergic nerves unrelated to the vessels. The adrenergic innervation of the genital organs originates from sympathetic ganglia located near the effector organs, as well as from pre‐ and paravertebral ganglia. During the former half of pregnancy a marked increase in neuronal noradrenaline occurs in the reproductive organs, except in the ovary. In the uterus and the vagina this increase is followed by a dramatic decrease in total noradrenaline during the latter half of pregnancy; by the end of pregnancy the uterus is almost completely devoid of noradrenaline‐containing sympathetic nerves. The findings are discussed in terms of an humoral influence on the adrenergic neurons supplying the female reproductive tract.
Position and Velocity Sensitivity of Muscle Spindles in the Cat. I. Primary and Secondary Endings Deprived of Fusimotor Activation
Authors: Lennerstrand Gunnar
Published: July 2014

Responses of primary and secondary muscle spindle endings of the ankle extensor and flexor muscles in the cat were studied in the absence of fusimotor activation by applying length changes of triangular form over a large range of velocities. Both position and velocity responses were determined. No differences were obtained in these responses between endings in extensor and flexor muscles or between endings in fast and slow muscles. It was found necessary to subdivide the velocity responses into two different components based on the great difference in time course of their transients. Mathematical expressions for the two components are given in an Appendix. They were denoted the ‘quick’ and the ‘slow’ velocity responses respectively. Primary and secondary endings differed both with respect to the ‘quick’ and the ‘slow’ components of the velocity response. Endings with response characteristics typical of both primary and secondary endings were distinguished as a special group. They have been referred to as endings of intermediate type. Some possible spindle mechanisms responsible for the observed properties of the spindle endings are discussed.
Metabolism of Dopamine and Noradrenaline in Rabbit Caudate Nucleus in vitro
Authors: Jonason Jan , Rutledge Charles O.
Published: July 2014

Slices of rabbit caudate nuclei were incubated with labeled dopamine or noradrenaline. It was found that the catabolism of dopamine proceeded at a rate higher than that of noradrenaline. Deamination of both amines was the major pathway of catabolism with O‐methylation playing a relatively minor role. This was detected by isolating and quantitating each of the known deaminated and O‐methylated products of each amine. Pretreatment of rabbits with protriptyline did not inhibit the amount of catabolites formed or the amount of amines retained by the tissue. Synthesis of noradrenaline from dopamine could not be detected in this preparation. The results of this study indicate that the dopamine containing neurons of the caudate nucleus differ in some of their properties from the noradrenaline containing neurons in the cerebral cortex.
A Comparative Study of Membrane Properties of Innervated and Chronically Denervated Fast and Slow Skeletal Muscles of the Rat
Authors: Albuquerque E. X. , Thesleff S.
Published: July 2014

The electrophysiological properties of the innervated extensor and soleus muscles are in most aspects similar. In low [Na]o, however, the rate of rise and the amplitude of the action potential were lower in the soleus than in the extensor muscle. The ACh sensitivity in the innervated extensor muscle is limited to the end‐plate region, while in the soleus the sensitivity extends beyond the end‐plate towards the tendon. Denervation brought a marked change in membrane properties. The electrical time constant of the membrane increased in both muscles almost threefold, and the calculated transverse resistance of unit are of the membrane in the extensor from 372 Σ cm2 to 759 Σ cm2, while in the soleus the values were 393 Σ cm2 to 458 Σ cm2. Denervation increased the threshold for action potential generation and reduced significantly the rate of rise and the amplitude of the spike. These changes were more apparent in the soleus. It is suggested that the decrease in excitability may reflect the lengthening of the time constant and possibly a reduction in the number of membrane sites connected with the passive ionic transport. The ACh sensitivity of denervated muscles covered the entire membrane surface and was similar in both muscles.
Pulse and Respiratory Grouping of Sympathetic Impulses in Human Muscle Nerves
Authors: Hagbarth K.‐E. , Vallbo Å. B.
Published: July 2014

A characteristic type of spontaneous activity consisting of grouped discharges of impulses was detected when recording with a tungsten semi‐microelectrode from peripheral nerve bundles innervating human skeletal muscles. An analysis of this phenomenon shows that the grouped discharges are due to volleys of impulses in efferent nerve fibres which are not skeletomotor. Some findings suggest that the efferent conduction velocity is very low (about 1 m/sec). The bursts were often “pulse‐synchronous” and they tended to appear periodically during certain phases of the respiratory cycle. They were not accompanied by any significant changes in the intensity of the afferent responses to phasic or sustained muscle stretch. In some experiments, repeated noxious stimuli triggered showers of impulses in the muscle nerves, similar to the spontaneous bursts. The findings lead to the conclusion that the phenomenon is due to rhythmic outbursts of impulses in sympathetic nerve fibres.
The Mechanisms behind the Rapid Blood Volume Restoration after Hemorrhage in Birds
Authors: Djojosugito Ahmad M. , Folkow Björn , Kovách Arisztid G. B.
Published: July 2014

The mechanisms responsible for the more efficient volume restoration after hemorrhage in birds as compared with mammals were studied in experiments on ducks. The results suggest that qualitatively similar mechanisms operate to mobilize tissue fluid in ducks as in cats (see Öberg 1964). The most important factor seems to be a strong reflex vasoconstriction in the skeletal muscles, increasing considerably the pre‐ to postcapillary resistance ratio with a fall in capillary pressure as a result. In this way net fluid absorption is reflexly initiated in the tissue which contains the largest tissue fluid reservoir in the body. At the same time the precapillary sphincters become secondarily relaxed, increasing the capillary surface area available for absorption. When in the course of a large blood loss arterial and venous pressures become reduced as well, this will further lower capillary pressure and do so in all tissues, thus enhancing fluid absorption. The results indicate that, from a quantitative point of view, considerable differences exist between ducks and cats. First, the reflex vasoconstriction and the subsequent capillary pressure fall are more pronounced in duck skeletal muscle. Second, the capillary surface area is approximately three times larger in duck muscle. These circumstances imply especially favourable conditions for rapid fluid absorption. It is probable that the greater resistance to blood loss and shock of most bird species as compared with mammals is directly related to their much greater capacity for fluid mobilization from the skeletal muscles.
The Effect of Mannitol, Sucrose, Raffinose and Dextran on Posthypertonic Hemolysis
Authors: Zade‐Oppen A. M. M.
Published: July 2014

Inhibition of the hemolysis that occurs after first increasing and then decreasing the concentration of solutes in the surrounding medium of human red blood cells (posthypertonic hemolysis) was studied in in vitro experiments with regard to its possible importance for blood preservation by freezing procedures; hemolysis after freezing and thawing is considered to be mainly due to such variations in solute concentrations (Lovelock 1953). All the tested substances, viz. mannitol, sucrose, raffinose and dextran, gave a substantial decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) liberation. The effect of such substances when used as additives in studies of blood preservation by freezing may thus have found an additional explanation. The low molecular weight substances decreased Hb liberation mainly by reducing the number of hemolysed cells. Dextran, however, decreased the amount of Hb liberated from the individual cell without an apparent decrease in the number of damaged cells. Thus when Hb liberation is decreased by the use of dextran, this reduction may not be a good measure of the damage to the cell population. The consistency of the results with a hypothesis for the mechanism of posthypertonic hemolysis is discussed. Assuming this hypothesis to be correct, the inhibitory effects of non‐penetrating additives seem, at least partially, to be also explicable.
The Origin of a Descending Pathway with Monosynaptic Action on Flexor Motoneurones
Authors: Grillner S. , Lund S.
Published: July 2014

The postsynaptic effects evoked in lumbar motoneurones were studied following electrical stimulation of the brain stem in the cat. The spinal cord was transected at the lower thoracic level leaving only the ipsilateral ventral quadrant intact. With a stereotactical method a low threshold focus was found in the medial brain stem from which monosynaptic EPSPs could be evoked in flexor motoneurones. It is concluded that this effect is mediated by fibres descending in the ipsilateral medial longitudinal fascicle and it is tentatively suggested that these fibres originate from the ipsilateral upper medullary or lower pontine reticular formation. Monosynaptic EPSPs were also evoked in some extensor motoneurones from this medial brain stem region and at such a strength of stimulation that stimulus escape to the lateral vestibulospinal tract is excluded.
Effect of Direct Tetanization on Twitch Tension in Developing Cat Leg Muscles
Authors: Nyström Bo
Published: July 2014

The effect of tetanization, using both indirect and direct stimulation, on the twitch response to post‐tetanic single shocks and on the tension response to a second tetanization has been studied in the gastrocnemius, soleus and extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) muscles of kittens ranging in age from 3–140 days, and in adult cats. Direct stimulation was applied in completely curarized animals. Nembutal® anaesthesia was used.

Equal tension was found to be produced by a first tetanization and a second one, the latter elicited during the period of twitch potentiation following the first. The second tetanization was, however, found to give a steeper rise in tension than the first.

In each animal, the maximal post‐tetanic potentiation (PTP) of twitch tension obtained was of about equal magnitude following tetanization by indirect and direct stimulation. In newborn kittens, practically no PTP occurred in the gastrocnemius, whereas in the soleus there was a PTP of about 50 %. With age, the PTP produced by direct stimulation was found to increase in the gastrocnemius and decrease in the soleus, as after stimulation through the motor nerve. The time course of the effects produced by the two types of stimulation was also similar. After tetanization by both types of stimulation, potentiated twitches showed a steeper rise in tension than pre‐tetanic control twitches, and in the gastrocnemius they also showed a marked lengthening of half relaxation time. In the kitten soleus, little change took place in the latter. Non‐potentiated twitches of adult cat soleus muscle showed shortening of contraction and half relaxation time.

It is concluded that the main mechanism of twitch potentiation in the neuromuscular system of kittens and cats is located within the muscle fibres.
Development of squamous cell carcinoma into basal cell carcinoma under treatment with Vismodegib
Authors: Saintes C. , Saint‐Jean M. , Brocard A. , Peuvrel L. , Renaut J.J. , Khammari A. , Quéreux G. , Dréno B.
Published: July 2014

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in humans. Vismodegib, a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, has proved its effectiveness in treating non‐resectable advanced BCC.

Aim

However, its action on squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is unknown. We present three SCC cases developed into BCC in vismodegib‐treated patients.

Material and methods

We have described three cases of patients developing SCC during treatment by vismodegib for BCC.

Results

Patient 1 was treated with vismodegib for five facial BCC. Due to the progression of one of the lesions at month 3 (M3), a biopsy was performed and showed SCC. Patient 2 was treated with vismodegib for a large facial BCC. A biopsy was performed at M2 on a BCC area not responding to treatment and showed SCC. Patient 3 was treated with vismodegib for a BCC on the nose. Due to vismodegib ineffectiveness, a biopsy was performed and showed SCC.

Discussion

Two similar cases have been described in the literature. This could be due to the appearance of the squamous contingent of a metatypical BCC or to the squamous differentiation of stem cells through inhibition of the hedgehog pathway.

Conclusion

In practice, any dissociated response of a BCC to vismodegib should be biopsied.
Selection of non‐target tephritids for risk evaluation in classical biocontrol programmes against the olive fruit fly
Authors: Cobo A. , González‐Núñez M. , Sánchez‐Ramos I. , Pascual S.
Published: July 2014

The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the key pest of olives (Olea europaea L.). Classical biological control against this insect was previously attempted in Spain with Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), with very limited success. Other parasitoids are now available for new classical biological control programmes. Before release of exotic parasitoids, an assessment of their potential impact on non‐target species is required. Surveys were conducted in different olive groves in south‐eastern Madrid to study wild tephritids associated with Asteraceae plants. We recorded plant species and their abundance and collected flower heads to identify and quantify tephritid species. Fruits from Rosa canina L. were also collected. After a multicriteria analysis (MCA), we propose Urophora hispanica Strobl, U. stylata (Fabricius) and Carpomya schineri (Loew) as candidates for further risk assessment experiments. Additional information on new associations between tephritid flies and Asteraceae plants and on autochthonous Hymenoptera parasitizing tephritids is provided.
Beyond the functional matrix hypothesis: a network null model of human skull growth for the formation of bone articulations
Authors: Esteve‐Altava Borja , Rasskin‐Gutman Diego
Published: July 2014

Craniofacial sutures and synchondroses form the boundaries among bones in the human skull, providing functional, developmental and evolutionary information. Bone articulations in the skull arise due to interactions between genetic regulatory mechanisms and epigenetic factors such as functional matrices (soft tissues and cranial cavities), which mediate bone growth. These matrices are largely acknowledged for their influence on shaping the bones of the skull; however, it is not fully understood to what extent functional matrices mediate the formation of bone articulations. Aiming to identify whether or not functional matrices are key developmental factors guiding the formation of bone articulations, we have built a network null model of the skull that simulates unconstrained bone growth. This null model predicts bone articulations that arise due to a process of bone growth that is uniform in rate, direction and timing. By comparing predicted articulations with the actual bone articulations of the human skull, we have identified which boundaries specifically need the presence of functional matrices for their formation. We show that functional matrices are necessary to connect facial bones, whereas an unconstrained bone growth is sufficient to connect non‐facial bones. This finding challenges the role of the brain in the formation of boundaries between bones in the braincase without neglecting its effect on skull shape. Ultimately, our null model suggests where to look for modified developmental mechanisms promoting changes in bone growth patterns that could affect the development and evolution of the head skeleton.
STED microscopy: increased resolution for medical research?
Authors: Blom H. , Brismar H.
Published: July 2014

Optical imaging is crucial for addressing fundamental problems in all areas of life science. With the use of confocal and two‐photon fluorescence microscopy, complex dynamic structures and functions in a plethora of tissue and cell types have been visualized. However, the resolution of ‘classical’ optical imaging methods is poor due to the diffraction limit and does not allow resolution of the cellular microcosmos. On the other hand, the novel stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy technique, because of its targeted on/off‐switching of fluorescence, is not hampered by a diffraction‐limited resolution barrier. STED microscopy can therefore provide much sharper images, permitting nanoscale visualization by sequential imaging of individual‐labelled biomolecules, which should allow previous findings to be reinvestigated and provide novel information. The aim of this review is to highlight promising developments in and applications of STED microscopy and their impact on unresolved issues in biomedical science.
FERTILITY PRESERVATION IN PAEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY: RESULTS OF A PHYSICIAN SURVEY
Authors: Miller Steven D. , Li Yimei , Meyers Kevin E.C. , Caplan Arthur , Miller Victoria A. , Ginsberg Jill P.
Published: July 2014

Objective

Fertility preservation (FP) is a widespread practice in paediatric oncology when gonadotoxic medications such as cyclophosphamide (CPO) are used. FP practice outside of oncology has not been studied, although nephrologists regularly use CPO. This is the first study to explore FP practice by paediatric nephrologists when CPO is used.

Design

Survey study. Descriptive statistics and chi‐squared analyses were employed to analyse the data.

Participants

US paediatric nephrologists were sent a survey via email. The survey queried participants about FP practice behaviours, FP attitudes and barriers to practice.

Main Outcome Measures

Of 579 nephrologists invited, 32% responded to the survey.

Results

CPO was dosed in mg/kg by 23% of physicians, g/m2 by 40% and both by 37%. About 80% agreed that pubertal females should be offered a fertility referral, while 58% report that they actually refer. Factors negatively associated with referral include lack of training, lack of referral network and adherence to gonadotoxic dose limits. Results were similar for male patients.

Conclusion

The survey showed that FP practice in the United States is widespread among nephrologists. Lack of referral networks is a notable barrier for nephrologists. Perceived adherence to dose limits may be problematic given the variable dosing regimens utilised. This is due to the risk of unintended overdose in large adolescents dosed in mg/kg whose cumulative dose exceeds gonadotoxic limits in g/m2. This paper has implications for nephrology care providers and other specialists who utilise CPO, generalists who care for these patients and oncologists with extant FP referral networks.
Presolar grains in the CM2 chondrite Sutter's Mill
Authors: Zhao Xuchao , Lin Yangting , Yin Qing‐Zhu , Zhang Jianchao , Hao Jialong , Zolensky Michael , Jenniskens Peter
Published: July 2014

The Sutter's Mill (SM) carbonaceous chondrite is a regolith breccia, composed predominantly of CM2 clasts with varying degrees of aqueous alteration and thermal metamorphism. An investigation of presolar grains in four Sutter's Mill sections, SM43, SM51, SM2‐4, and SM18, was carried out using NanoSIMS ion mapping technique. A total of 37 C‐anomalous grains and one O‐anomalous grain have been identified, indicating an abundance of 63 ppm for presolar C‐anomalous grains and 2 ppm for presolar oxides. Thirty‐one silicon carbide (SiC), five carbonaceous grains, and one Al‐oxide (Al2O3) were confirmed based on their elemental compositions determined by C‐N‐Si and O‐Si‐Mg‐Al isotopic measurements. The overall abundance of SiC grains in Sutter's Mill (55 ppm) is consistent with those in other CM chondrites. The absence of presolar silicates in Sutter's Mill suggests that they were destroyed by aqueous alteration on the parent asteroid. Furthermore, SM2‐4 shows heterogeneous distributions of presolar SiC grains (12–54 ppm) in different matrix areas, indicating that the fine‐grained matrix clasts come from different sources, with various thermal histories, in the solar nebula.
The Yersinia pestis siderophore, yersiniabactin, and the ZnuABC system both contribute to zinc acquisition and the development of lethal septicaemic plague in mice
Authors: Bobrov Alexander G. , Kirillina Olga , Fetherston Jacqueline D. , Miller M. Clarke , Burlison Joseph A. , Perry Robert D.
Published: July 2014

Bacterial pathogens must overcome host sequestration of zinc (Zn2+), an essential micronutrient, during the infectious disease process. While the mechanisms to acquire chelated Zn2+ by bacteria are largely undefined, many pathogens rely upon the ZnuABC family of ABC transporters. Here we show that in Yersinia pestis, irp2, a gene encoding the synthetase (HMWP2) for the siderophore yersiniabactin (Ybt) is required for growth under Zn2+‐deficient conditions in a strain lacking ZnuABC. Moreover, growth stimulation with exogenous, purified apo‐Ybt provides evidence that Ybt may serve as a zincophore for Zn2+ acquisition. Studies with the Zn2+‐dependent transcriptional reporter znuA::lacZ indicate that the ability to synthesize Ybt affects the levels of intracellular Zn2+. However, the outer membrane receptor Psn and TonB as well as the inner membrane (IM) ABC transporter YbtPQ, which are required for Fe3+ acquisition by Ybt, are not needed for Ybt‐dependent Zn2+ uptake. In contrast, the predicted IM protein YbtX, a member of the Major Facilitator Superfamily, was essential for Ybt‐dependent Zn2+ uptake. Finally, we show that the ZnuABC system and the Ybt synthetase HMWP2, presumably by Ybt synthesis, both contribute to the development of a lethal infection in a septicaemic plague mouse model.
Climate warming delays and decreases seedling emergence in a Mediterranean ecosystem
Authors: Cochrane J. Anne , Hoyle Gemma L. , Yates Colin. J. , Wood Jeff , Nicotra Adrienne B.
Published: July 2014

Temperature and moisture impact strongly on the early stages of a plant's life cycle. Global climate change is altering the environmental cues that seeds receive resulting in compromised seedling emergence and changes to seedling performance. Here, we investigate how temperature and moisture affect these early stages of plant development in four Banksia species collected from a longitudinal climate gradient in southwest Western Australia. A common garden was used to examine the between‐species and among‐population variation in seedling emergence, growth and leaf traits under two soil temperature regimes and three levels of precipitation. We predicted that reduced moisture and increased temperature would delay and reduce total seedling emergence and negatively affect seedling performance. Furthermore, we expected that within species there would be geographically structured variation in response to the treatments. Species differed significantly in all measured traits. Soil warming resulted in strong impacts on regenerative traits, significantly slowing seedling emergence in two species and reducing total seedling emergence in three species. In addition, warming altered seedling performance with significant reductions to the above‐ground leaf biomass ratio of three species. In contrast, response to soil moisture manipulation was minimal across all species but possibly due to issues regarding implementation of an effective moisture treatment. The species that showed the greatest decline in emergence under warmed conditions (B. quercifolia) also showed the smallest vegetative shift; the species with the smallest decline in emergence (B. coccinea) showed a relatively large vegetative shift. Among‐population differences were significant for many traits, however, trait differentiation was inconsistent across species and, contrary to our hypothesis, the variation we observed was not clearly associated with the climate gradient. As these among‐population differences in traits are not easy to predict, we caution the use of simple rules for choosing seed populations for conservation and restoration.
Litter quality and environmental controls of home‐field advantage effects on litter decomposition
Authors: Veen G. F. (Ciska) , Freschet Grégoire T. , Ordonez Alejandro , Wardle David A.
Published: July 2014

The ‘home‐field advantage (HFA) hypothesis’ predicts that plant litter is decomposed faster than expected in the vicinity of the plant where it originates from (i.e. its ‘home’) relative to some other location (i.e. ‘away’) because of the presence of specialized decomposers. Despite growing evidence for the widespread occurrence HFA effects, what drives HFA is not understood as its strength appears highly variable and context‐dependent. Our work advances current knowledge about HFA effects by testing under what conditions HFA is most important. Using published data on mass loss from 125 reciprocal litter transplants from 35 studies, we evaluated if HFA effects were modulated by macroclimate, litter quality traits, and the dissimilarity between ‘home’ and ‘away’ of both the quality of reciprocally exchanged litters and plant community type. Our results confirmed the occurrence of an overall, worldwide, HFA effect on decomposition with on average 7.5% faster decomposition at home. However, there was considerable variation in the strength and direction (sometimes opposite to expectations) of these effects. While macroclimate and average litter quality had weak or no impact on HFA effects, home‐field effects became stronger (regardless of the direction) when the quality of ‘home’ and ‘away’ litters became more dissimilar (e.g. had a greater dissimilarity in N:P ratio; F1,42= 6.39, p = 0.015). Further, home‐field effects were determined by the degree of difference between the types of dominant plant species in the ‘home’ versus ‘away’ communities (F2,105= 4.03, p = 0.021). We conclude that home‐field advantage is not restricted to particular litter types or climate zones, and that the dissimilarity in plant communities and litter quality between the ‘home’ and ‘away’ locations, are the most significant drivers of home‐field effects.
Does frenotomy improve breast‐feeding difficulties in infants with ankyloglossia?
Authors: Ito Yasuo
Published: July 2014

The aim of this systematic review was to critically examine the existing literature regarding the effectiveness of tongue‐tie division in infants with ankyloglossia, using the new grades of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) rating system. A clinical question was structured according to patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome, as follows: in infants with poor breast‐feeding and ankyloglossia (patient), does frenotomy (intervention), compared to lactation support alone (comparison), improve feeding (outcome)? An electronic literature search was systematically conducted from databases including PubMed, Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (Igaku Chuo Zasshi), CINAHL, and Cochrane Library using the key words “ankyloglossia,” “tongue‐tie,” “frenotomy,” and/or “breast‐feeding” in English and equivalent terms in Japanese. The literature search yielded four randomized clinical trials, and 12 observational studies for analysis. The quality of the literature was rated in regard to the two most important outcomes (sucking/latching, and nipple pain) and five less important outcomes (milk supply/milk production, continuation of breast‐feeding, weight gain, adverse events, and dyad distress) in accordance with the GRADE system. Evidence levels of the most important outcomes were rated either A (strong evidence) or B (moderate evidence), and less important outcomes were rated C (weak evidence); every outcome consistently showed a favorable effect of frenotomy on breast‐feeding. The literature review supported an overall moderate quality of evidence for the effectiveness of frenotomy for the treatment of breast‐feeding difficulties in infants with ankyloglossia. No major complications from frenotomy were reported.
A case of pediatric live‐donor liver transplantation with a left lateral segment reduction by a linear stapler after reperfusion
Authors: Zenitani Masahiro , Ueno Takehisa , Nara Keigo , Nakahata Kengo , Uehara Shuichiro , Soh Hideki , Oue Takaharu , Kondo Hiroki , Nagano Hiroaki , Usui Noriaki
Published: July 2014

In pediatric LDLT, graft reduction is sometimes required because of the graft size mismatch. Dividing the portal triad and hepatic veins with a linear stapler is a rapid and safe method of reduction. We herein present a case with a left lateral segment reduction achieved using a linear stapler after reperfusion in pediatric LDLT. The patient was a male who had previously undergone Kasai procedure for biliary atresia. We performed the LDLT with his father's lateral segment. According to the pre‐operative volumetry, the GV/SLV ratio was 102.5%. As the patient's PV was narrow, sclerotic and thick, we decided to put an interposition with the IMV graft of the donor between the confluence and the graft PV. The graft PV was anastomosed to the IMV graft. The warm ischemic time was 34 min, and the cold ischemic time was 82 min. The ratio of the graft size to the recipient weight (G/R ratio) was 4.2%. After reperfusion, we found that the graft had poor perfusion and decided to reduce the graft size. We noted good perfusion in the residual area after the lateral edge was clamped with an intestinal clamp. The liver tissue was sufficiently fractured with an intestinal clamp and then was divided with a linear stapler. The final G/R ratio was 3.6%. The total length of the operation was 12 h and 20 min. The amount of blood lost was 430 mL. No surgical complications, including post‐operative hemorrhage and bile leakage, were encountered. We believe that using the linear stapler decreased the duration of the operation and was an acceptable technique for reducing the graft after reperfusion.
Bioavailability of a generic of the immunosuppressive agent mycophenolate mofetil in pediatric patients
Authors: González‐Ramírez Rodrigo , González‐Bañuelos Jessica , Villa María de la Salud , Jiménez Braulio , García‐Roca Pilar , Cruz‐Antonio Leticia , Castañeda‐Hernández Gilberto , Medeiros Mara
Published: July 2014

The use of generic immunosuppressive agents is controversial, especially for the treatment of pediatric patients, as information on the bioavailability of generic immunosuppressants in children is particularly scarce. The aim of the study was to compare the bioavailabilities of two products containing mycophenolate mofetil, the innovator and a generic, in children. Pediatric patients with end‐stage renal disease on the waiting list for renal transplantation received a single oral dose of mycophenolate mofetil as either the innovator product (CellCept®, Roche) or the generic (Tevacept®, Teva Pharmaceuticals). A nine point pharmacokinetic profile was obtained. Mycophenolic acid concentration was quantitated in plasma by HPLC, plasma concentration‐against‐time curves were constructed, and bioavailability parameters were determined. Pharmaceutical quality analysis of both formulations, including drug content and dissolution profile, was also performed. There were no statistically significant differences between formulations in bioavailability parameters. Interindividual variability was very important, but individual values of AUC, an indicator of the extent of drug absorption, were within the same range for both formulations. The two formulations exhibited similar drug content and dissolution profiles, as well as comparable mycophenolic acid plasma levels in an end‐stage renal failure population.
Seminal Leucocytary Profile in Beef Bulls
Authors: Zart AL , Jurgielewicz VCL , Fernandes CE
Published: July 2014

Contents

Despite evidences that seminal leucocytes could affect semen quality, references for the frequency and concentration of these cells in bulls are not available. The aim of this study was to determine the normal concentration of leucocytes in beef bulls and to correlate this characteristic with semen quality. First, 57 bulls from artificial insemination centres were evaluated to obtain the normal leucocytary profile values. Next, 382 bulls were subjected to breeding soundness evaluation. The average concentration of leucocytes in bovine semen was 4.73 × 106/ml. Unsatisfactory bulls showed a higher number of leucocytes/field than that in the satisfactory ones. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the unsatisfactory bulls showed 6.5‐fold more chances of having higher leucocyte counts than satisfactory ones. Values of up to 1 leucocyte/field in the bull ejaculate are considered physiologically normal, whereas >5 leucocytes/field is associated with poor semen quality.
Neuromuscular disease and respiratory physiology in children: Putting lung function into perspective
Authors: Fauroux Brigitte , Khirani Sonia
Published: July 2014

Neuromuscular diseases represent a heterogeneous group of disorders of the muscle, nerve or neuromuscular junction. The respiratory muscles are rarely spared in neuromuscular diseases even if the type of muscle involvement, severity and time course greatly varies among the different diseases. Diagnosis of respiratory muscle weakness is crucial because of the importance of respiratory morbidity and mortality. Presently, routine respiratory evaluation is based on non‐invasive volitional tests, such as the measurement of lung volumes, spirometry and the maximal static pressures, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain in some young children. Other tools or parameters are thus needed to assess the respiratory muscle weakness and its consequences in young children. The measurement of oesogastric pressures can be helpful as they allow the diagnosis and quantification of paradoxical breathing, as well as the assessment of the strength of the inspiratory and expiratory muscles by means of the oesophageal pressure during a maximal sniff and of the gastric pressure during a maximal cough. Sleep assessment should also be part of the respiratory evaluation of children with neuromuscular disease with at least the recording of nocturnal gas exchange if polysomnography is not possible or unavailable. This improvement in the assessment of respiratory muscle performance may increase our understanding of the respiratory pathophysiology of the different neuromuscular diseases, improve patient care, and guide research and innovative therapies by identifying and validating respiratory parameters.
“All the World's a Stage”: AGISFramework for Recreating Personal Time‐Space from Qualitative and Quantitative Sources
Authors: Lafreniere Don , Gilliland Jason
Published: July 2014

This article presents a methodological model for the study of the space‐time patterns of everyday life. The framework utilizes a wide range of qualitative and quantitative sources to create two environmental stages, social and built, which place and contextualize the daily mobilities of individuals as they traverse urban environments. Additionally, this study outlines a procedure to fully integrate narrative sources in aGIS. By placing qualitative sources, such as narratives, within a stage‐basedGIS, researchers can begin to tell rich spatial stories about the lived experiences of segregation, social interaction, and environmental exposure. The article concludes with a case study utilizing the diary of a postal clerk to outline the wide applicability of this model for space‐timeGISresearch.
Treated asymptomatic bacteriuria during first year after renal transplantation
Authors: Gołębiewska J. E. , Dębska‐Ślizień A. , Rutkowski B.
Published: July 2014

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are widespread in renal transplant (RTx) recipients with asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB) as the predominant form. It is necessary to determine if AB is a risk factor for symptomatic UTIs.

Methods

We analyzed clinical data and urine cultures performed within the first 12 months after RTx in 209 consecutive patients undergoing RTx at Gdańsk Transplantation Center between January 2007 and December 2009.

Results

We observed 170 AB episodes in 83 patients. This accounted for 53% of all diagnosed UTIs in 111 patients, with more than half of AB episodes occurring during the first month post transplant. The most prevalent uropathogen was Enterococcus faecium (36.8%, n = 32) and, from the second month after RTx, Escherichia coli (54.2%, n = 45). Female gender, use of induction with anti‐thymocyte globulin, comorbidity measured by Charlson Comorbidity Index, history of acute rejection, and cytomegalovirus infection were risk factors for developing AB, and no differences in risk factors were seen for developing a symptomatic UTI vs. an AB after RTx. All patients with AB received antibiotic therapy. AB was an independent risk factor for symptomatic UTIs, but only 21 of 152 episodes of symptomatic UTIs were preceded by AB with the same causative agent.

Conclusions

AB is a common finding in the RTx population and AB episodes may be considered a risk factor for symptomatic infections. It remains to be determined if the treatment of AB in RTx patients is in fact helpful or harmful in preventing symptomatic infections.
Letter to the Editor: Sufficiently entangled polymers do show shear strain localization at high enough Weissenberg numbers
Authors: Wang Shi-Qing , Liu Gengxin , Cheng Shiwang , Boukany Pouyan E. , Wang Yangyang , Li Xin
Published: July 2014

This Letter concludes that the recent data of Li et al. [J. Rheol. 57, 1411–1428 (2013)] are entirely consistent with the previous observations of the occurrence and absence of shear banding during startup shear and nonquiescent relaxation after large stepwise shear. In other words, based on the linear viscoelastic characteristics of these solutions depicted in Fig. 5(a) of Li et al., we find their results to follow from the previous analysis: One insufficiently entangled solution naturally exhibited homogeneous shear under the explored conditions. The two more entangled solutions did not exhibit shear banding and nonquiescent relaxation, because the samples appear to have significant polydispersity in the molecular weight distribution and because the applied shear rates were much lower than those needed to produce shear banding. Thus, the observations of Li et al. support rather than refute the existing knowledge concerning nonlinear rheological responses of entangled polymer solutions to startup and stepwise shear.
Enhanced Antimalarial Activity by a Novel Artemether-Lumefantrine Lipid Emulsion for Parenteral Administration
Authors: Ma Yufan , Lu Tingli , Zhao Wen , Wang Ying , Chen Ting , Mei Qibing , Chen Tao
Published: July 2014

Artemether and lumefantrine (also known as benflumetol) are difficult to formulate for parenteral administration because of their low aqueous solubility. Cremophor EL as an emulsion excipient has been shown to cause serious side effects. This study reports a method of preparation and the therapeutic efficacies of novel lipid emulsion (LE) delivery systems with artemether, lumefantrine, or artemether in combination with lumefantrine, for parenteral administration. Their physical and chemical stabilities were also evaluated. Furthermore, the
in vivo
antimalarial activities of the lipid emulsions developed were tested in
Plasmodium berghei
-infected mice. Artemether, lumefantrine, or artemether in combination with lumefantrine was encapsulated in an oil phase, and the
in vivo
performance was assessed by comparison with artesunate for injection. It was found that the lumefantrine lipid emulsion (LUM-LE) and artemether-lumefantrine lipid emulsion (ARM-LUM-LE-3) (1:6) began to decrease the parasitemia levels after only 3 days, and the parasitemia inhibition was 90% at doses of 0.32 and 0.27 mg/kg, respectively, with immediate antimalarial effects greater than those of the positive-control group and constant antimalarial effects over 30 days. LUM-LE and ARM-LUM-LE-3 demonstrated the best performance in terms of chemical and physical stabilities and antiplasmodial efficacy, with a mean particle size of 150 nm, and they have many favorable properties for parenteral administration, such as biocompatibility, physical stability, and ease of preparation.