bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Captopril avoids hypertension, the increase in plasma angiotensin II but increases angiotensin 1–7 and angiotensin II‐induced perfusion pressure in isolated kidney in SHR
Authors: Castro‐Moreno P. , Pardo J. P. , Hernández‐Muñoz R. , López‐Guerrero J. J. , Del Valle‐Mondragón L. , Pastelín‐Hernández G. , Ibarra‐Barajas M. , Villalobos‐Molina R.
Published: September 2012

We investigated captopril effects, an ACE inhibitor, on hypertension development, on Ang II and Ang‐(1‐7) plasma concentrations, on Ang II‐induced contraction in isolated kidneys, and on kidney AT1R from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats.

Five weeks‐old SHR and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were treated with captopril at 30 mg/kg/day, in drinking water for 2 or 14 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured, and isolated kidneys were tested for perfusion pressure and AT1R expression; while Ang II and Ang‐(1‐7) concentrations were determined in plasma.

Captopril did not modify SBP in WKY rats and avoided its increase as SHR aged. Plasma Ang‐II concentration was ∼4‐5 folds higher in SHR rats, and captopril reduced it (P < 0.05); while captopril increased Ang‐(1‐7) by ∼2 fold in all rat groups.

Captopril increased Ang II‐induced pressor response in kidneys of WKY and SHR rats, phenomenon not observed in kidneys stimulated with phenylephrine, a α1‐adrenoceptor agonist.

Captopril did not modify AT1R in kidney cortex and medulla among rat strains and ages.

Data indicate that captopril increased Ang II‐induced kidney perfusion pressure but not AT1R density in kidney of WKY and SHR rats, due to blockade of angiotensin II synthesis; however, ACE inhibitors may have other actions like activating signaling processes that could contribute to their diverse effects.
House dust mite allergic airway inflammation facilitates neosensitization to inhaled allergen in mice
Authors: van Rijt L. S. , Logiantara A. , Utsch L. , Canbaz D. , Boon L. , van Ree R.
Published: September 2012

Background

The mechanism by which many monosensitized allergic individuals progress to polysensitization over time remains to be elucidated. Mouse models have contributed greatly to the understanding of sensitization to inhaled allergens in healthy airways but hardly any studies have addressed sensitization during established allergy. We hypothesized that an allergic inflammatory milieu might facilitate sensitization to inhaled allergens by the presence of mature dendritic cells (DCs) and IL‐4.

Methods

Mice with house dust mite (HDM)‐induced allergic airway inflammation received a single intratracheal dose of ovalbumin (OVA), 2 days after the last HDM exposure. Ten days later, sensitization was assessed by rechallenge with OVA. We evaluated the following factors for their importance in neosensitization: (1) maturation and recruitment of DCs to the airways, (2) dependency on DCs using CD11cDTR conditional knockout mice, (3) presence of ongoing airway inflammation by comparing sensitization at day 2 and day 14 after the last HDM exposure and (4) dependency on IL‐4 by treatment with blocking antibodies.

Results

House dust mite ‐induced inflammation facilitated neosensitization to OVA. HDM‐induced inflammation increased the number of airway DCs with a mature phenotype but a DC reduction of 93% did not inhibit sensitization. Neosensitization to OVA was dependent on ongoing inflammation and in particular on IL‐4.

Conclusions

These findings show that HDM‐induced allergic airway inflammation facilitates neosensitization to a second inhaled allergen in an IL‐4‐dependent manner and provide insight into the underlying mechanism of the frequently observed progression to polysensitization in HDM‐monosensitized individuals.
Mutational spectrum and geno‐phenotype correlation in Chinese families with Hereditary Angioedema
Authors: Xu Y.‐Y. , Zhi Y.‐X. , Yin J. , Wang L.‐L. , Wen L.‐P. , Gu J.‐Q. , Guan K. , Craig T. , Zhang H.‐Y.
Published: September 2012

Background

Hereditary angioedema is a rare autosomal dominant disease, and its correlation between genotype and phenotype seems not to exist. So far, there are very few studies on Chinese population. We aimed to establish a Chinese genetic database of hereditary angioedema and investigated the potential correlation between genotype and phenotype.

Method

All the eight exons and intron–exon boundaries of C1 inhibitor gene were detected in 48 unrelated families with HAE. The correlations between genotype and clinical parameters were evaluated by R statistical software.

Results

Thirty‐five different mutations (25 of them were novel) and 7 SNPs (3 of them were novel) were identified. Significant difference was found in the level of C1 inhibitor antigen (P = 0.01793) between different groups of mutational types. The correlation between different groups of mutational types and the level of C1 inhibitor antigen (0.5047, P = 0.00027) was significant. The different groups of mutational types showed neither difference nor correlations of clinical parameters (severity score and the level of C1 inhibitor function).

Conclusion

It appears that nonsense, frameshift, and mutations on Arg466 can cause lower level of C1 inhibitor antigen than missense and in‐frame mutations; however, it does not affect severity of symptoms.
Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma in children and adolescents – a comprehensive review of biology, clinical course and treatment options
Authors: Shankar Ananth , Daw Stephen
Published: September 2012

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (nLPHL) is a unique variant of Hodgkin lymphoma with an overall good prognosis. It is conspicuously different from classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and is now recognized as distinctive form of B cell lymphoma. Although it has an indolent clinical course, it has a propensity for multiple and often late relapses. Although the majority of children present with early stage disease and without B symptoms, treatment strategy has, until recently, been identical to that used for cHL. This approach is excessively toxic as it predisposes these children and adolescents to serious late effects including end organ damage to heart, gonads, lungs, thyroid and second malignant neoplasms. The aim of this article is to review the published literature on the treatment outcomes of nLPHL in affected children and adolescents, and discuss the options for treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted anti‐CD 20 antibody therapy.
Individual and Temporal Variation in Outcrossing Rates and Pollen Flow Patterns in Ceiba pentandra (Malvaceae: Bombacoidea)
Authors: Lobo Jorge , Solís Silvia , Fuchs Eric J. , Quesada Mauricio
Published: September 2012

Ceiba pentandra is a tropical tree with high rates of selfing in some populations. In mixed‐mating species, variation in selfing is due to changes in adult density or variability of incompatibility systems. The effect of spatial isolation and phenology on selfing rates and pollen flow distances was analyzed using microsatellites in a fragmented population of Ceiba pentandra, in southern Costa Rica. Adult trees within a heterogeneous landscape were classified as grouped or isolated. We compared selfing rates at the individual level, between isolation conditions and 2 yr (2007, 2009), which differed in the number of flowering individuals. Mixed mating was estimated in both years (tm = 0.624–0.759). Trees mated predominantly by outcrossing, while only a few trees reproduced through selfing. Spatial isolation did not significantly affect outcrossing rates. The progeny of grouped trees was mostly sired by near‐neighbors (<1 km) and by long‐distance pollen flow events in isolated trees. A reduction in the number of flowering individuals in 2009 reduced near‐neighbor matings, increased selfing in grouped trees, and decreased the number of unsampled sires in the progeny. Comparing selfing rates on individuals that flowered in both reproductive periods suggests a flexible mating system. Variation in self‐fertilization rates in this population appears to depend on variation of individual traits, such as genetic variability in self‐incompatibility genes, but it is independent of landscape heterogeneity. In contrast, pollen flow distances depend on local tree density as bats concentrate their foraging between near individuals to maximize energy efficiency.
Value of the clinical history in the diagnosis of urticaria/angioedema induced by NSAIDs with cross‐intolerance
Authors: Blanca‐Lopez N. , J. Torres M. , Doña I. , Campo P. , Rondón C. , Seoane Reula M. E. , Salas M. , Canto G. , Blanca M.
Published: September 2012

Background

Multiple Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID)‐induced urticaria/angioedema is the most common manifestation of hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs. Diagnostic evaluation is based on the clinical history and a drug provocation test.

Objective

To evaluate the role of the clinical history in the diagnosis of multiple NSAID‐induced urticaria/angioedema.

Methods

We studied a group of patients with an unequivocal history of urticaria and/or angioedema after NSAID intake. Subjects had to have had at least two episodes of cutaneous symptoms with two different COX‐1 inhibitors. The diagnosis was confirmed in all cases by a drug provocation test with acetyl salicylic acid (ASA). Multivariate analysis was done by analysing different variables, including number of drugs involved, episodes and time elapsed between drug intake and symptom onset.

Results

Of the total group of 75 cases with multiple NSAID‐induced urticaria/angioedema diagnosed according to the clinical history, 76% developed a positive drug provocation test with ASA. The risk for having hypersensitivity was 17 times higher in patients who developed symptoms within the first 60 min after drug intake, 13 times higher in those who experienced reactions with more than two non‐chemically related NSAIDs, and 10 times higher in women.

Conclusions

Drug provocation testing with ASA confirms the diagnosis of multiple NSAID‐induced urticaria/angioedema in up to 92% of cases with an unequivocal clinical history, when reactions occur within 1 h and more than two different NSAIDs are involved.
Analysis of the insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor gene in children born small for gestational age: in vitro characterization of a novel mutation (p.Arg511Trp)
Authors: Leal Andrea C. , Montenegro Luciana R. , Saito Renata F. , Ribeiro Tamaya C. , Coutinho Debora C. , Mendonca Berenice B. , Arnhold Ivo J. P. , Jorge Alexander A. L.
Published: September 2012

Background

Insulin‐like growth factor 1 insensitivity caused by IGF1R mutations has been previously identified as one of the causes of growth impairment in children born small for gestational age (SGA).

Objective

To analyse the IGF1R in children born SGA.

Subjects

From an initial cohort of 54 sequential children born SGA, without catch‐up growth, 25 children were selected for this IGF1R study due to the presence of serum IGF‐1 values above the mean for their age and sex.

Methods

The proximal IGF1R promoter region, the entire coding region and the exon–intron boundaries were directly sequenced, and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification analysis was performed. Fibroblast cultures were developed from one patient with a mutation for the in vitro characterization of IGF‐1 insensitivity.

Results

The copy number variation analysis did not identify deletions involving the IGF1R gene. We identified two children carrying heterozygous nucleotide substitutions in IGF1R: c.16G>A/p.Gly6Arg and c.1531C>T/p.Arg511Trp. The first variant (p.Gly6Arg) was identified in control subjects (0·3%) and in a relative with normal growth; thus, it was considered to be a rare benign allelic variation. The second variant (p.Arg511Trp) was not found in 306 alleles from control subjects, and it segregated with the growth impairment phenotype in the patient's family. Fibroblasts obtained from this patient had a significantly reduced proliferative response and AKT phosphorylation after IGF‐1 stimulation compared with control fibroblasts.

Conclusion

The identification of an inactivating IGF1R mutation in the present cohort should encourage further studies of larger series to establish the precise frequency of this molecular defect in children with growth impairment of a prenatal onset.
Combining fetal sonography with genetic and allele pathogenicity studies to secure a neonatal diagnosis of Bardet–Biedl syndrome
Authors: Ashkinadze E , Rosen T , Brooks SS , Katsanis N , Davis EE
Published: September 2012

Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare pediatric ciliopathy characterized by marked clinical variability and extensive genetic heterogeneity. Typical diagnosis of BBS is secured at a median of 9 years of age, and sometimes well into adolescence. Here, we report a patient in whom prenatal detection of increased nuchal fold, enlarged echogenic kidneys, and polydactyly prompted us to screen the most commonly mutated genes in BBS and the phenotypically and genetically overlapping ciliopathy, Meckel–Gruber syndrome (MKS). We identified the common Met390Arg mutation in BBS1 in compound heterozygosity with a novel intronic variant of unknown significance (VUS). Testing of mRNA harvested from primary foreskin fibroblasts obtained shortly after birth revealed the VUS to induce a cryptic splice site, which in turn led to a premature termination and mRNA degradation. To our knowledge, this is the earliest diagnosis of BBS in the absence of other affected individuals in the family, and exemplifies how combining clinical assessment with genetic and timely assays of variant pathogenicity can inform clinical diagnosis and assist with patient management in the prenatal and neonatal setting.
Fasudil Ameliorates Disease Progression in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis, Acting Possibly Through Antiinflammatory Effect
Authors: Hou Shao‐Wei , Liu Chun‐Yun , Li Yan‐Hua , Yu Jie‐Zhong , Feng Ling , Liu Yue‐Ting , Guo Ming‐Fang , Xie Yong , Meng Jian , Zhang Hai‐Fei , Xiao Bao‐Guo , Ma Cun‐Gen
Published: September 2012

Aim

The purpose of this investigation was to further explore the mechanism(s) underlying the amelioration in EAE caused by Fasudil, particularly focusing on anti‐inflammatory effect.

Methods

We induced a chronic‐progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in B6 mice immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein35–55 and performed Fasudil intervention in early and late stages of the disease.

Results

The administration of Fasudil (40 mg/kg, i.p) had a therapeutic effect in delaying the onset and ameliorating the severity of EAE, accompanied by the improvement in myelination and the decrease in inflammatory cells in spinal cords. Fasudil inhibited TLR‐4, p‐NF‐kB/p65, and inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) and enhanced IL‐10 production in spinal cords. The ratio of arginase/iNOS was enhanced mainly in the spinal cords of EAE mice treated with Fasudil, reflecting a shift toward the M2 (antiinflammation) macrophage/microglia phenotype. The administration of Fasudil also induced the upregulation of CB2 receptor in spinal cords, but did not significantly trigger CB1 receptor. Levels of neurotrophic factors NGF, BDNF, and GDNF in the CNS were not altered by Fasudil.

Conclusion

Fasudil ameliorates disease progression in EAE, acting possibly through antiinflammatory pathway.
Diagnostic accuracy of liquid‐based endometrial cytology in the evaluation of endometrial pathology in postmenopausal women
Authors: Remondi C. , Sesti F. , Bonanno E. , Pietropolli A. , Piccione E.
Published: September 2012

C. Remondi, F. Sesti, E. Bonanno, A. Pietropolli and E. Piccione  Diagnostic accuracy of liquid‐based endometrial cytology cytology in the evaluation of endometrial pathology in postmenopausal women

Objective:  The aim of this study was to compare liquid‐based endometrial cytology with hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy regarding its diagnostic accuracy in a series of postmenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) or asymptomatic women with thickened endometrium assessed by transvaginal ultrasound as a screening procedure.

Methods:  Inclusion criteria were: menopausal status; the presence of AUB and/or thickened endometrium assessed by ultrasound (cut‐off 4 mm); a normal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear; and no adnexal pathology at ultrasound. Exclusion criteria were: previous endometrial pathology; and previous operative hysteroscopy. Of 768 postmenopausal women referred to our general gynaecology clinics, 121 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were recruited to the trial. Twenty‐one refused to participate. Cytological sampling was carried out by brushing the uterine cavity using the Endoflower device with no cervical dilation and the vial was processed using a ThinPrep® 2000 automated slide processor. The slides were stained using a Pap method.

Results:  In 98 cases with histological biopsies, endometrial cytology detected five cases of endometrial carcinoma, 10 of atypical hyperplasia and 47 of non‐atypical hyperplasia; 36 cases were negative. In two cases cytology was inadequate because of uterine cervical stenosis. Taking atypical hyperplasia or worse as a positive test and outcome, the diagnostic accuracy of the endometrial cytology was 93.5%, with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 95%, a positive predictive value of 73% and a negative predictive value of 99%. All the carcinomas were detected by cytology. Only 42% of women with a positive diagnosis were symptomatic. The cytological sampling was well tolerated by all patients. No complication was registered.

Conclusions:  Liquid‐based endometrial cytology can be considered an useful diagnostic method in the detection of endometrial pathology as a first‐line approach, particularly if associated with transvaginal ultrasound.
A four‐stage model explaining the higher risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in South Asians compared with European populations
Authors: Bhopal R. S.
Published: September 2012

With approximately 1.5 billion people at risk, the staggeringly high risk of Type 2 diabetes in South Asians comprises a global problem. The causes of this high risk are complex, with 23 major risk factors identified in a Lancet seminar. This paper proposes a four‐stage explanatory model: (1) the birth of a small, adipose, lowlean mass South Asian baby—the phenotype tracking through life; (2) in childhood and early adulthood, the deposition of any excess energy intake preferentially in upper body and ectopic fat stores rather than in the lower body or superficial subcutaneous fat stores; (3) as a consequence of points 1 and 2, and exacerbated by an environment of low physical activity and excess calories, the accelerated appearance of high levels of plasma insulin, triglycerides and glucose, and the fatty‐liver vicious cycle; (4) β‐cell failure as a result of fewer β‐cells at birth, exposure to apoptotic triggers such as fat in the pancreas, and high demand from insulin resistance, which causes diabetes. Other risk factors—especially energy‐dense hyperglycaemic diet and low physical activity—play into this pathway. The recommended behavioural changes fit with this model, which brings clarity to guide future research, policy, practice and health promotion.
Can diabetes prevention programmes be translated effectively into real‐world settings and still deliver improved outcomes? A synthesis of evidence
Authors: Johnson M. , Jones R. , Freeman C. , Woods H. B. , Gillett M. , Goyder E. , Payne N.
Published: September 2012

Objective

Randomized trials provide evidence that intensive lifestyle interventions leading to dietary and physical activity change can delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes. Translational studies have assessed the impact of interventions based on, but less intensive than, trial protocols delivered in community settings with high‐risk populations. The aim of this review was to synthesize evidence from translational studies of any design to assess the impact of interventions delivered outside large randomized trials.

Methods

Medical and scientific databases were searched using specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were included that used a tested diabetes preventive study protocol with an adult population at risk from Type 2 diabetes. Included papers were quality assessed and data extracted using recommended methods.

Results

From an initial 793 papers, 19 papers reporting 17 studies were included. Translational studies from a range of settings utilized a variety of methods. All were based on the US Diabetes Prevention Programme protocol or the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study, with modifications that increased feasibility and access. The main outcome that was reported in all studies was weight change. Weight loss, which occurred in all but one study, was greater in intervention arms than in control subjects. No consistent differences were found in blood glucose or waist circumference.

Conclusions

Translational studies based on the intensive diabetes prevention programmes showed that there is potential for less intensive interventions both to be feasible and to have an impact on future progression to diabetes in at‐risk individuals.
Stepwise intensification of insulin therapy in Type 2 diabetes management—exploring the concept of the basal‐plus approach in clinical practice
Authors: Owens D. R.
Published: September 2012

Basal insulin provides an effective method for initiating insulin therapy in people with Type 2 diabetes, resulting in significant improvements in glycaemic control, lower rates of hypoglycaemia and less weight gain than either prandial or premixed insulin regimens. However, the progressive nature of Type 2 diabetes and the inability of basal insulin to correct excessive postprandial glucose excursions mean that insulin therapy will eventually need to be intensified, typically by adding prandial insulin as part of a basal–bolus or premixed insulin regimen. The aim of this review is to summarize recent clinical evidence for a staged ‘basal‐plus’ strategy for insulin intensification where one, two or three prandial insulin injections are added to basal insulin according to individual need. In the early stages of insulin therapy, most individuals seem to achieve favourable glycaemic control with basal insulin alone, or in combination with a single prandial insulin injection. The addition of a single prandial insulin injection at the largest meal is well tolerated and associated with significant improvements in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), low rates of hypoglycaemia and limited weight gain. More people achieve recommended HbA1c targets with a basal‐plus strategy, compared with twice‐daily premixed insulin therapy, with lower rates of hypoglycaemia. The data indicate that a step‐by‐step approach with the basal‐plus strategy is a promising alternative method of insulin intensification that allows for individualization of treatment and may delay progression to a full basal–bolus insulin replacement therapy for many individuals.
The lived experiences of young people (13–16 years) with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and their parents – a qualitative phenomenological study
Authors: Spencer J. E. , Cooper H. C. , Milton B.
Published: September 2012

Aims

Within a programme of research aiming to develop a technology‐based educational intervention for young people with Type 1 diabetes, this study aimed to explore adolescents’ and parents’ experiences of living with Type 1 diabetes from an interpretive phenomenological perspective.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 adolescents with Type 1 diabetes from a diabetes clinic in North West England, and 27 of their parents.

Results

Living with Type 1 diabetes in adolescence was characterized by three distinct stages: (1) adapting to the diagnosis; (2) learning to live with Type 1 diabetes; (3) becoming independent. Experiential learning was key to adolescents developing self‐management skills and independence. Parents and health professionals were instrumental in facilitating environments that gave adolescents the freedom to learn through trial and error. They also provided the support, feedback and discussion necessary to facilitate such learning.

Conclusions

For adolescents to become independent in Type 1 diabetes self‐management, they must develop capability through experiential learning. It is important that parents and health professionals understand the important role they play in this process and have the skills to support adolescents in this way. Data from this study have been used to develop an online interactive ‘Adolescent Diabetes Needs Assessment Tool’, which assesses individual learning and support needs to aid the process of feedback and discussion.
Cardiovascular risk in the young type 1 diabetes population with a low 10‐year, but high lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease
Authors: McVeigh G. E. , Gibson W. , Hamilton P. K.
Published: September 2012

Diabetes mellitus is associated with excess cardiovascular mortality that is evident in all age groups, but is most pronounced in young people with type 1 diabetes. Cardiovascular risk estimation models generally estimate the probability of future events over a 10‐year time horizon. Due to the dependency on age, children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes would be considered at low short‐term risk but high life‐time risk of developing a cardiovascular event. Guidelines recommend screening particularly for microvascular complications including nephropathy and retinopathy beginning around puberty. Identification of early microvascular abnormalities in children and adolescents not only predict later development of long‐term microvascular complications and further end‐organ damage but are associated with an increased risk for future macrovascular events. This may be because of the fact that the same glycaemic mechanisms responsible for the occurrence of microvascular disease may also apply to the development of atherosclerosis. Alternatively, interventions that reduce the development of microvascular end‐organ damage may also delay the development of associated macrovascular disease. Screening for subclinical atherosclerosis, especially in the coronary and carotid vessels, has been advocated as a means of detecting early atherosclerotic disease in asymptomatic individuals with the aim of potentially reclassifying cardiovascular risk and guiding therapeutic interventions. Currently there is no randomized clinical trial evidence that additional screening using non‐invasive imaging techniques alters cardiovascular disease outcomes. We do not know the best approach or combination of approaches to assess risk and reduce cardiovascular disease burden in type 1 diabetes mellitus. All screening interventions carry harms as well as benefits and until further evidence becomes available additional screening using non‐invasive imaging tests for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis cannot be currently recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes.
Presence of fungi inScots pine needles found to correlate with air quality as measured by bioindicators in northernSpain
Authors: Romeralo C. , Diez J. J. , Santiago N. F.
Published: September 2012

Atmospheric pollution has increased worldwide during the last decades affecting forest ecosystems. Thermal power plants give off high levels of contaminants, which can damage forest health. Bioindicators can be helpful tools used for evaluating environment changes by giving an accurate measure of the extent of pollution. The focus of this study was to analyse fungal mycoflora inPinus sylvestrisstands near a thermal power plant and the possible correlation between the presence of the fungi and the air quality as measured by lichens and mosses. Fungi associated with pine needles were selected as subjects of this study because of their phytopathological importance and association with the pine trees' decline. Samples for this study were selected from eight plots in close proximity to a thermal power station in northern Spain. Symptoms of decline were previously observed in all the plots before sampling was performed. Lichens were used as bioindicators of environmental quality in two ways, first using the Index of Atmospheric Purity and second through categorization of lichen species based on their sensitivity. In addition, botanical quality was measured regarding the presence or absence of mosses. With two seasonal samplings (autumn and spring) and the use of four types of pine needle plant material (green needles, dried needles, half–green, half‐dried needles and fallen needles), both endophytes and epiphytes present in the needles were isolated and observed. Thirty fungal species in total were identified of the 1095 isolates obtained. Furthermore, significant differences in fungal isolates were observed between seasons and among the different plant material. Results showed that both environmental air quality and botanical quality were negatively correlated with the relative isolation frequency of fungi. The higher number of isolates was attributed to a possible infection produced by fungi, which could be a leading factor in the trees' decline.
Transportation into narrative worlds: implications for entertainment media influences on tobacco use
Authors: Green Melanie C. , Clark Jenna L.
Published: September 2012

Aims

A growing body of research suggests that smoking portrayals in movies influence adolescent tobacco use. However, the mechanism for this influence remains unclear. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of research on narrative transportation theory, particularly as applied to movies and smoking. We propose that this theory can provide a valuable framework for guiding research on the role of entertainment media in smoking and other addictive behaviors.

Methods

We review empirical work on transportation theory and highlight the psychological mechanisms underlying transportation effects. ‘Transportation into narrative worlds’ refers to cognitive, emotional and imagery engagement into a narrative (including movies and entertainment media). We link this work with research on the effects of movie smoking.

Results

Research suggests that individuals who are more highly transported into narratives show greater attitude, belief and behavior change. Transportation effects work through reducing counterarguing, creating connections (identification and liking) with characters and increasing perceptions of realism and emotional involvement. We propose several future directions and research challenges for applying a transportation framework to the issue of entertainment media effects on smoking and tobacco disparities. Understanding factors contributing to transportation may provide a more nuanced view of who will be affected by movie smoking, and understanding the psychological processes underlying narrative persuasion may guide intervention efforts.

Conclusions

Narrative transportation theory suggests that individuals' cognitive, emotional and imagery immersion in a narrative is a key mechanism of attitude, belief and behavior change. This theory provides a potentially generative and psychologically grounded framework for increasing knowledge about the boundary conditions and processes underlying the effects of entertainment media on tobacco use.
Population impact of reimbursement for smoking cessation: a natural experiment in the Netherlands
Authors: Willemsen Marc C. , Segaar Dewi , van Schayck Onno C. P.
Published: September 2012

Aims

To report on the impact of financial reimbursement of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation in combination with behavioural support on the number of enrollees to proactive counselling in the Dutch national quitline.

Design

Descriptive time–series analysis was used to compare quitline enrolment in 2010 and 2012 (no reimbursement) with 2011 (reimbursement).

Settings

National smoking cessation quitline.

Participants

Smokers signing up for proactive counselling.

Measurements

Treatment enrolment data recorded by the quitline as part of usual care from 2010, 2011 and 2012 (until May).

Findings

In 2010, a total of 848 smokers started treatment. In 2011, 9091 smokers enrolled. In 2012, the number of enrollees dropped dramatically, even below the 2010 level. In addition, the proportion of smokers in the population dropped from 27.2% in 2010 to 24.7% in 2011.

Conclusions

The introduction of a national reimbursement system in the Netherlands was associated with a more than 10‐fold increase in telephone counselling for smoking cessation and suggests that reimbursement for smoking cessation contributed to improvements in public health.
Motivational typologies of drinkers: do enhancement and coping drinkers form two distinct groups?
Authors: Littlefield Andrew K. , Vergés Alvaro , Rosinski Jenny M. , Steinley Douglas , Sher Kenneth J.
Published: September 2012

Aims

This study used a person‐centered approach to test whether drinking motive typologies could be identified.

Design

Longitudinal study of college students within the Intensive Multivariate Prospective Alcohol College‐Transitions (IMPACTS) data set.

Setting

University campus in the United States.

Participants

University students (baseline n reporting alcohol motives = 2158; baseline age = 18.60 years old).

Measurements

The Drinking Motives Questionnaire‐Revised (DMQ‐R).

Findings

Using Steinley & Brusco's cluster analysis approach [based on the theoretical ratio expected between the within sum of squares and the total sum of squares when the data are divided into two clusters when no cluster structure is present; the cut‐off for the ratio is 0.25 for uniform (multivariate uniform) distributions and 0.36 for normal (multivariate normal) distributions], we examined whether there was evidence for distinct clusters of individuals that differed on their overall level of motives to drink. We tested the fit of a one‐group (cluster) solution compared to multi‐cluster solutions. Both cross‐sectionally and prospectively, the data could not be partitioned into two or more clusters [regardless of whether the cut‐off assuming a multivariate uniform distribution (i.e. 0.25) or the more liberal multivariate normal distribution (i.e. 0.36) was used]. These findings showed that enhancement and coping drinkers do not form two distinct groups but, rather, these motives exist on a continuum such that individuals who are high in one internal motive tend to be high in the other motive.

Conclusions

Coping and enhancement drinkers do not form two distinct groups. Variable‐centered approaches to drinking motives may be a better alternative to classifying all drinkers as either enhancement or coping drinkers for both clinical and research endeavors.
Mineralogical composition of the clay fraction of soils derived from granitoids of the Sudetes and Fore‐Sudetic Block, southwest Poland
Authors: Weber J. , Tyszka R. , Kocowicz A. , Szadorski J. , Debicka M. , Jamroz E.
Published: September 2012

Parent rock strongly affects the properties of the derived soil, especially in the case of shallow soils derived from igneous rocks. Although there are several papers dealing with the subject, no research has been conducted to compare the range of soils derived from different granitoids, varying gradually in mineralogical composition (plagioclase to alkali feldspar ratio) and in their susceptibility to weathering processes. Therefore, clay mineralogy and properties of soils derived from tonalites, granodiorites, granites and leucogranites (alkali feldspar granites), located in very similar climatic conditions in central Europe and with similar topography and vegetation, were analysed. To determine how the parent rock influences the soil material, the physico‐chemical properties, chemical composition and mineralogy of the upper soil horizons, weathered material and solid plutonic rock were studied. Results obtained indicated that the type of granitoid parent rock does not affect soil properties such as pH, acidity, base saturation and organic carbon content, which are mainly influenced by climatic factors. The study of clay minerals showed that the clay fraction of soil material consisted of different amounts of illite, kaolinite and vermiculite. Illite and/or kaolinite dominate in pedons derived from leucogranite, granite and granodiorite, while vermiculite predominates in tonalite‐derived soils. On the other hand, soils derived from leucogranite, granite and granodiorite revealed the presence of vermiculite in the deeper horizons, while A horizons had less or none of this mineral. This indicates that in the conditions of the temperate climate of Lower Silesia, southwest Poland, transformation of vermiculite into illite occurred.
Indirect effects of parasites in invasions
Authors: Dunn Alison M. , Torchin Mark E. , Hatcher Melanie J. , Kotanen Peter M. , Blumenthal Dana M. , Byers James E. , Coon Courtney A.C. , Frankel Victor M. , Holt Robert D. , Hufbauer Ruth A. , Kanarek Andrew R. , Schierenbeck Kristina A. , Wolfe Lorne M. , Perkins Sarah E.
Published: September 2012

Introduced species disrupt native communities and biodiversity worldwide. Parasitic infections (and at times, their absence) are thought to be a key component in the success and impact of biological invasions by plants and animals. They can facilitate or limit invasions, and positively or negatively impact native species.

Parasites have not only direct effects on their hosts, but also indirect effects on the species with which their hosts interact. Indirect effects include density‐mediated effects (resulting from parasite‐induced reduction in host reproduction and survival) as well as trait‐mediated indirect effects (resulting from parasite‐induced changes in host phenotype, behaviour or life history). These effects are not mutually exclusive but often interact.

The importance of these indirect interactions for invasion success, and the extent to which these effects ramify throughout communities and influence ecosystems undergoing biological invasion provide the focus of our review. Examples from the animal and plant literature illustrate the importance of parasites in mediating both competitive and consumer–resource interactions between native and invasive species.

Parasites are involved in indirect interactions at all trophic levels. Furthermore, the indirect effects of parasitic infection are important at a range of biological scales from within a host to the whole ecosystem in determining invasion success and impact.

To understand the importance of parasitic infection in invasion success and in the outcomes for invaded communities requires an interdisciplinary approach by ecologists and parasitologists, across animal and plant systems. Future research should develop a framework integrating community ecology, evolution and immunology to better understand and manage the spread of invasive species and their diseases.
Capacity for thermal acclimation differs between populations and phylogenetic lineages within a species
Authors: Seebacher Frank , Holmes Sebastian , Roosen Nicholas J. , Nouvian Morgane , Wilson Robbie S. , Ward Ashley J. W.
Published: September 2012

Within‐individual plasticity (acclimation) counteracts potentially negative physiological effects resulting from environmental changes and thereby maintains fitness across a broad range of environments. The capacity for the acclimation of individuals may therefore determine the persistence of populations in variable environments.

We determined phylogenetic relationships by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) analysis of six populations of mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) from coastal and mountain environments and compared their capacity for thermal acclimation to test the hypotheses that acclimation capacity is greater in more seasonal environments with less diurnal variability, that acclimation is genetically constrained and that demographic processes determine acclimation capacity.

We show that populations are divided into distinct genetic lineages and that populations within lineages have distinct genetic identities. There were significant differences in the capacity for acclimation between traits (swimming performance, citrate synthase and lactate dehydrogenase activities), between lineages and between populations within lineages.

We rejected the hypothesis that climatic conditions (coastal vs. mountain) determined the capacity for acclimation, but accepted the hypotheses that demographic processes and genetic constraint influenced thermal acclimation.

The importance of our data lies in proof of concept that there can be substantial variation in thermal plasticity between populations within species. Similar responses are likely to be found in other species that comprise structured populations. Many predictions of the impact of climate change on biodiversity assume a species‐specific response to changing environments. Based on our results, we argue that this resolution can be too coarse and that analysis of the impacts of climate change and other environmental variability should be resolved to a population level.
Functional properties of limited hydrolysed cross‐linked casein–gelatin composites
Authors: Sheng Wen‐Wen , Zhao Xin‐Huai
Published: September 2012

A casein–gelatin composite was prepared by cross‐linking of caseinate and bovine gelatin with a microbial transglutaminase, and the impact of limited proteolysis by trypsin on some functional properties of the composite was investigated in the present work. Two hydrolysed composites were prepared with degree of hydrolysis (DH) of 1 and 2% and analysed by SDS‐PAGE to reflect polypeptide profiles. Some functional properties of the two hydrolysed composites were evaluated, among which solubility, digestibility in vitro, surface hydrophobicity and emulsifying properties showed dependence on the DH. Limited proteolysis of the composite improved its solubility in pH 3–10, especially when the DH was 2%. Compared to the composite, the hydrolysed composites showed an increased emulsifying activity index (about 357–408%), emulsion stability index (about 23–28%) and digestibility in vitro (about 65–80% for pepsin, whereas 2–3% for pepsin–trypsin hydrolysis), together with a decreased surface hydrophobicity (about 55–62%) and oil absorption capacity (about 20–23%). The applied proteolysis also led to the aqueous dispersions of the two hydrolysed composites much lower apparent viscosity, storage and loss modulus.
Empirical and diffusion models to describe water transport into chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: da Silva Wilton P. , e Silva Cleide M. D. P. S. , de Sousa Jossyl A. R. , Farias Vera S. O.
Published: September 2012

To describe water transport in a porous media, a mathematical model is usually used. Among the models available in the literature, empirical and diffusive ones can be cited. In this paper, Page and diffusion models are used to describe drying and soaking of chickpea. In addition, new empirical equation is proposed to describe the mentioned processes. According to the results, the two empirical models well describe drying and soaking, but the proposed one gives the best statistical indicators. The use of the diffusion model to describe the drying process makes it possible to determine the effective diffusivities (7.13 × 10−11, 10.39 × 10−11 and 13.78 × 10−11 m2 s−1 for the drying air at 40, 50 and 60 °C, respectively) and also the activation energy associated with the process (27.9 kJ mol−1).
Physicochemical properties of extruded germinated wheat and barley as modified by CO2 injection and difference extrusion conditions
Authors: Singkhornart Sasathorn , Gu Bon‐Jae , Ryu Gi Hyung
Published: September 2012

Germinated wheat and barley were extruded with a pilot‐scale corotating twin‐screw extruder under different barrel temperatures (100 and 120 °C), feed moisture content (30 and 35%) and CO2 injection. The effect of germination, barrel temperature, feed moisture content and CO2 injection on physical properties, proximate composition, γ‐aminobutyric acid, β‐glucan, phytic acid and protease activity was investigated. Results indicated that the barrel temperature, moisture content and CO2 injection significantly affected water absorption index (WAI), water‐soluble solid index (WSI), specific length, expansion ratio, bulk density, mechanical properties and colour of all extruded products (P < 0.05). Extrusion process significantly decreased γ‐aminobutyric acid and protease activity in extruded germinated wheat (EGW) and barley (EGB) products (with and without CO2 injection). However, extrusion process (with and without CO2 injection) increased β‐glucan in EGB and decreased phytic acid in EGW. The content of proximate composition, γ‐aminobutyric acid, β‐glucan, phytic acid and protease activity was slightly affected by CO2 injection.
Anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity in bran extracts of some Thai black rice varieties
Authors: Pitija Kitsada , Nakornriab Muntana , Sriseadka Tinakorn , Vanavichit Apichart , Wongpornchai Sugunya
Published: September 2012

This study investigated both the anthocyanin content and the antioxidant capacity of a set of genetically related glutinous and nonglutinous Thai black rice varieties. The ethanol/water extracts of the brans of these black rice varieties showed relatively potent antioxidant activities compared with those of tocopherol. These antioxidant activities were determined by thiocyanate, H2O2‐scavenging chemiluminescence (XYZ), Cu++/bathocuproine colorimetry (PAO) and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging assay. The structural identification and quantification of the black rice anthocyanins performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation and tandem mass spectrometry found cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside and peonidin‐3‐O‐glucoside as the major anthocyanins in the ranges of 16.01–34.40 and 2.43–7.36 μg mL−1, respectively. The comparative study in terms of quantity of these phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of the black rice bran extracts suggested the contribution of overall phenolic components rather than that of the particular anthocyanin pigments.
Chloroplast DNA diversity associated with protected slopes and valleys for hybridizing Eucalyptus species on isolated ranges in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Pollock Laura J. , Bayly Michael J. , Nevill Paul G. , Vesk Peter A.
Published: September 2012

Aim  To relate genetic diversity to topographic features and to investigate genetic interactions between Eucalyptus species in a local centre of endemism and diversity in south‐eastern Australia.

Location  Grampian Ranges, Victoria, Australia.

Methods  We documented chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation for a group of endemic Eucalyptus species (E. serraensis, E. verrucata and E. victoriana) that dominate rocky, high‐elevation ridgelines of the Grampian Ranges and for one closely‐related, widespread species (E. baxteri) occupying flanking slopes and valleys. We documented genetic patterns across the landscape using cpDNA microsatellites, and related them to topographic features (exposed west‐facing versus protected east‐facing slopes and valleys). We also determined the extent of local haplotype sharing between populations of endemic species and neighbouring E. baxteri downslope with cpDNA microsatellites, and haplotype sharing between the endemic group and more distantly related species (E. obliqua, E. pauciflora and E. willisii) with sequences of the JLA+ chloroplast region.

Results  We detected 26 cpDNA microsatellite haplotypes in a relatively small area of c. 20 km × 50 km. Populations of E. baxteri on east‐facing slopes and valleys had greater cpDNA microsatellite diversity than E. baxteri and endemic species on exposed west‐facing slopes. Endemic species frequently shared chloroplast haplotypes with E. baxteri downslope. Sharing of JLA+ haplotypes with species outside the endemic group was mostly restricted to E. victoriana, which had cpDNA more similar to the species from other sections of Eucalyptus (E. obliqua, E. willisii and E. pauciflora).

Main conclusions  Intensive sampling of related species on small isolated mountain ranges allowed us to relate genetic diversity to fine‐scale habitats and to document extensive local haplotype sharing between species. This study contributes to a general understanding of the environmental conditions that enable plant population persistence by linking concentrations of genetic diversity to particular habitats.