bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of an Economic Issue as a Possible Indicator of Suicide Risk: A Discussion of Stock Prices and Suicide
Authors: Inoue Ken , Fukunaga Tatsushige , Okazaki Yuji
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  There were more than 30,000 suicides in 1998 in Japan, and since then, the numbers have remained high. In 2009, the number of suicides per a day was c. 90. This phenomenon constitutes a major social problem. One of the major reasons for the rapid increase in the number of suicides appears to be the worsening economic problems. It is therefore necessary to research the relationship between economic issues and suicide. In this study, we examined the relationship between the value of the Nikkei Stock Average and suicide rates in Japan. The value of the Nikkei Stock Average may be related to suicide among men. On the basis of the results, relevant researchers and organizations should understand the factors that relate to suicide to better carry out specific suicide prevention measures.
Beneficial effects of edaravone, a novel antioxidant, in rats with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Arumugam Somasundaram , Thandavarayan Rajarajan A. , Veeraveedu Punniyakoti T. , Nakamura Takashi , Arozal Wawaimuli , Sari Flori R. , Giridharan Vijayasree V. , Soetikno Vivian , Palaniyandi Suresh S. , Harima Meilei , Suzuki Kenji , Nagata Masaki , Kodama Makoto , Watanabe Kenichi
Published: January 2012

Edaravone, a novel antioxidant, acts by trapping hydroxyl radicals, quenching active oxygen and so on. Its cardioprotective activity against experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) was reported. Nevertheless, it remains to be determined whether edaravone protects against cardiac remodelling in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The present study was undertaken to assess whether edaravone attenuates myocardial fibrosis, and examine the effect of edaravone on cardiac function in rats with DCM after EAM. Rat model of EAM was prepared by injection with porcine cardiac myosin 28 days after immunization, we administered edaravone intraperitoneally at 3 and 10 mg/kg/day to rats for 28 days. The results were compared with vehicle‐treated rats with DCM. Cardiac function, by haemodynamic and echocardiographic study and histopathology were performed. Left ventricular (LV) expression of NADPH oxidase subunits (p47phox, p67phox, gp91phox and Nox4), fibrosis markers (TGF‐β1 and OPN), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers (GRP78 and GADD 153) and apoptosis markers (cytochrome C and caspase‐3) were measured by Western blotting. Edaravone‐treated DCM rats showed better cardiac function compared with those of the vehicle‐treated rats. In addition, LV expressions of NADPH oxidase subunits levels were significantly down‐regulated in edaravone‐treated rats. Furthermore, the number of collagen‐III positive cells in the myocardium of edaravone‐treated rats was lower compared with those of the vehicle‐treated rats. Our results suggest that edaravone ameliorated the progression of DCM by modulating oxidative and ER stress‐mediated myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis.
Implementation of step sectioning in the examination of sentinel lymph nodes to improve the detection of micrometastases in breast cancer patients
Authors: VALLA MARIT , GJERTRUD MJØNES PATRICIA , KNOPP SYNNE
Published: January 2012

Valla M, Mjønes PG, Knopp S. Implementation of step sectioning in the examination of sentinel lymph nodes to improve the detection of micrometastases in breast cancer patients. APMIS 2012; 120: 521–28.

The object of this study was to examine whether a new protocol for examination of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) would lead to the detection of more metastases. Sections of 1 mm would identify most SLN macrometastases, and step sections at intervals of 200–250 μm would identify most micrometastases. A total of 111 breast cancer patients who underwent the SLN procedure at St. Olavs University Hospital in Trondheim, Norway in 2008 were included in the study group. Their SLNs were processed according to a new standardized protocol with sections of 2–3 mm being step sectioned at intervals of 200–250 μm. A total of 109 breast cancer patients undergoing the SLN procedure in 2007 were used as a reference group. Metastases were found in 29% of the cases, compared with 26% in the reference group. Step sectioning of SLNs revealed metastases in five cases initially found to be negative. The metastases of the study group were smaller, with a median value of 1.25 mm compared with 4.25 mm in the reference group. Step sectioning led to the detection of metastases in SLNs initially found to be negative. The median size of the metastases was considerably smaller in the study group than in the reference group.
Smooth muscle in the human mitral valve: extent and implications for dynamic modelling
Authors: NORDRUM IVAR S. , SKALLERUD BJØRN
Published: January 2012

Nordrum IS, Skallerud B. Smooth muscle in the human mitral valve: extent and implications for dynamic modelling. APMIS 2012; 120: 484–94.

The mitral valve is increasingly been regarded as having dynamic and contractile capabilities, but the presence of muscle in the valve has been investigated to a limited extent. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence, architecture and phenotype of muscle in the human mitral valve. Twelve mitral valves were cut into strips, sectioned for histology, and the cut edges examined by microscope after staining included immunophenotyping. Smooth muscle bundles were present at the atrial side of the leaflets, and distinctly more in the anterior leaflet than in the posterior leaflet. The smooth muscle bundles extended up to two‐thirds the distance from the annulus to the rim of the leaflets, and they ran in various directions, but seemingly mainly perpendicular to the annulus. The thickness and density of the bundles seemed to decrease with the distance from the annulus, and also in a radial direction from the centre portion of each leaflets attachment at the annulus towards the rim. Cross striation was not detected. Cardiac muscle in the left atrial wall extended into the annular base of the leaflets in close proximity to the annular border of the smooth muscle bundles in the leaflets. In conclusion, especially the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve seems to have a separate smooth muscle formed as a meshwork of bundles close to the atrial surface.
Occupational risk factors for hand dermatitis among professional cleaners in Spain
Authors: Mirabelli Maria C. , Vizcaya David , Martí Margarit Anna , Antó Josep Maria , Arjona Lourdes , Barreiro Esther , Orriols Ramon , Gimenez‐Arnau Ana , Zock Jan‐Paul
Published: January 2012

Background. Dermatitis is an important health outcome for workers whose jobs put them in contact with irritants or sensitizing agents.

Objectives. We conducted an analysis of data from the Epidemiological Study on the Risk of Asthma in Cleaning Workers 2 (EPIASLI2) to assess worksites and cleaning products as risk factors for hand dermatitis among professional cleaning workers.

Materials/methods. We distributed 4993 questionnaires to employees of 37 cleaning companies, and used data from 818 (16%) respondents who provided information about skin symptoms and cleaning‐related exposures. We assessed associations between the frequencies of worksite and cleaning product exposures and a symptom‐based definition of hand dermatitis among current cleaning workers (n = 693) and a comparison population (n = 125).

Results. Hand dermatitis was reported by 28% of current cleaning workers, versus 18% of the comparison population, and was associated with cleaning outdoor areas and schools, and the use of hydrochloric acid [prevalence ratio (PR) 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22–3.02] and dust mop products (PR 1.75, 95% CI 1.11–2.75).

Conclusions. Professional cleaning workers may not be sufficiently protected from cutaneous disease at work. Future research should further investigate the roles of multiple product exposures and personal protective equipment.
Topical hesperidin improves epidermal permeability barrier function and epidermal differentiation in normal murine skin
Authors: Hou Maihua , Man Mona , Man Wenyan , Zhu Wenyuan , Hupe Melanie , Park Kyungho , Crumrine Debra , Elias Peter M. , Man Mao‐Qiang
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Orange peel extract appears to exhibit beneficial effects on skin whitening, inflammation, UVB protection, as well as keratinocyte proliferation. In the present study, we determine whether topical hesperidin influences epidermal permeability barrier function and its underlying mechanisms. Hairless mice were treated topically with 2% hesperidin or 70% ethanol alone twice daily for 6 days. At the end of treatment, basal transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured 2 and 4 h post barrier disruption. Epidermal proliferation and differentiation were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis. Additionally, lamellar body density and secretion were assessed by electron microscopy. Although there were no significant differences in basal barrier function, in comparison with control animals, topical hesperidin significantly accelerated barrier recovery at both 2 and 4 h after acute barrier abrogation. Enhanced barrier function in hesperidin‐treated skin correlated with stimulation of both epidermal proliferation and differentiation, as well as enhanced lamellar body secretion. These results indicate that topical hesperidin enhances epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis at least in part due to stimulation of epidermal proliferation, differentiation, as well as lamellar body secretion.
Prey habitat selection under shared predation: tradeoffs between risk and competition?
Authors: Vijayan Sundararaj , Morris Douglas W. , McLaren Brian E.
Published: January 2012

An individual's choice of habitat should optimize amongst conflicting demands in a way that maximizes its fitness. Habitat selection by one species will often be influenced by presence and abundance of competitors that interact directly and indirectly with each other (such as through shared predators). The optimal habitat choice will thus depend on competition for resources by other species that can also modify predation risk. It may be possible to disentangle these two effects with careful analysis of density‐dependent habitat selection by a focal prey species. We tested this conjecture by calculating habitat isodars (graphs of density assuming ideal habitat selection) of chital deer living in two adjoining dry‐forest habitats in Gir National Park and Sanctuary, western India. The habitats differed only in presence (Sanctuary) and absence (National Park) of domestic prey (cattle and buffalo). Both species are preyed on by Asiatic lions. The habitat isodar revealed at low densities, that chital live in small groups and prefer habitat co‐occupied by livestock that reduce food resources, but also reduce predation risk. At higher densities, chital form larger groups and switch their preference toward risky habitat without livestock. The switch in chital habitat use is consistent with theories predicting that prey species should trade off safety in favor of food as population density increases.
Sequential movement into coastal habitats and high spatial overlap of predator and prey suggest high predation pressure in protected areas
Authors: Barnett Adam , Semmens Jayson M.
Published: January 2012

In theory, predators should attempt to match the distribution of their prey, and prey to avoid areas of high predation risk. However, there is a scarcity of empirical knowledge on predator and prey spatial use when both are moving freely in their natural environment. In the current study, we use information collated on a predators’ diet, its population structure, as well as predator and prey relative abundance, and track the movements of predator and prey simultaneously to compare habitat use and evaluate predation pressure. The study was conducted in elasmobranch protected areas of coastal Tasmania, Australia. The species considered were the broadnose sevengill shark Notorynchus cepedianus, the apex predator in the area, and five chondrichthyan prey species. Notorynchus cepedianus and its prey show similar seasonality in the use of these coastal areas: more abundant in warmer months and absent in winter. Predator and prey also showed high spatial overlap and similar habitat use patterns. These similar movement patterns of predator and prey combined with the additional ecological information (diet, population structure of predator, relative abundance of predator and prey) suggests that N. cepedianus move into coastal areas to exploit seasonally abundant prey. Also, while in protected areas, chondrichthyans are subjected to high predation pressure. Overall, results illustrate the value of simultaneously recording and integrating multiple types of information to explore predator–prey relationships and predation pressure.
The role of species’ ecological traits in climatically driven altitudinal range shifts of central European birds
Authors: Reif Jirˇí , Flousek Jirˇí
Published: January 2012

Climate change is one of the most important recent forces modulating the structure of ecological communities worldwide. Although a number of studies have documented climatically induced altitudinal range shifts, with species move upwards with increasing temperature and tracking their climatic optima, an examination of interspecific variability in such altitudinal shifts remains unexplored. Using a unique dataset on the altitudinal distribution of birds in a central European mountain range, collected with constant effort and methodology over more than 20 years, we examined the effects of particular species’ ecological traits on interspecific variability in altitudinal range shifts. We predicted that shifts would be greater in species with narrower European climatic niches, breeding in open habitats, feeding on insects and originally breeding at lower altitudes. Patterns of the shifts differed within the time period studied. In the first decade, no climate change was observed and species did not show any direction in their altitudinal shifts. In the second decade, local spring temperatures increased and species moved to higher altitudes. These altitudinal shifts were related to species’ habitat preferences, with open habitat species shifting to higher altitudes than forest species. The effect of other predictors was relatively small. The habitat effects imply either stronger self‐regulation of the forest microclimate compared to open habitats, with forest species less forced to move upwards, or a delayed shift in the alpine timberline due to the slow growth of trees. In the latter case, forest species would face unfavourable climatic conditions and at the same time be constrained by the limited distribution of their habitat. Our study shows that species’ ecology can considerably alter the actual outcome of the impacts of ongoing climate change in mountain areas.
Evidence of enhanced freezing damage in treeline plants during six years of CO2 enrichment and soil warming
Authors: Rixen Christian , Dawes Melissa A. , Wipf Sonja , Hagedorn Frank
Published: January 2012

Climate change and elevated atmospheric CO2 levels could increase the vulnerability of plants to freezing. We analyzed tissue damage resulting from naturally occurring freezing events in plants from a long–term in situ CO2 enrichment (+ 200 ppm, 2001–2009) and soil warming (+ 4°C since 2007) experiment at treeline in the Swiss Alps (Stillberg, Davos). Summer freezing events caused damage in several abundant subalpine and alpine plant species in four out of six years between 2005 and 2010. Most freezing damage occurred when temperatures dropped below –1.5°C two to three weeks after snow melt. The tree Larix decidua and the dwarf shrubs Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum hermaphroditum showed more freezing damage under experimentally elevated CO2 and/or temperatures than under control conditions. Soil warming induced a 50% die‐back of E. hermaphroditum during a single freezing event due to melting of the protective snow cover. Although we could not identify a clear mechanism, we relate greater freezing susceptibility to a combination of advanced plant phenology in spring and changes in plant physiology. The climate record since 1975 at the treeline site indicated a summer warming by 0.58°C/decade and a 3.5 days/decade earlier snow melt, but no significant decrease in freezing events during the vegetation period. Therefore, in a warmer climate with higher CO2 levels but constant likelihood of extreme weather events, subalpine and alpine plants may be more susceptible to freezing events, which may partially offset expected enhanced growth with global change. Hence, freezing damage should be considered when predicting changes in growth of alpine plants or changes in community composition under future atmospheric and climate conditions.
Connecting litter quality, microbial community and nitrogen transfer mechanisms in decomposing litter mixtures
Authors: Lummer Dennis , Scheu Stefan , Butenschoen Olaf
Published: January 2012

Synergistic effects on decomposition in litter mixtures have been suggested to be due to the transfer of nitrogen from N‐rich to N‐poor species. However, the dominant pathway and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We conducted an experiment to investigate and quantify the control mechanisms for nitrogen transfer between two litter species of contrasting nitrogen status (15N labeled and unlabeledFagus sylvaticaandFraxinus excelsior) in presence and absence of micro‐arthropods. We found that15N was predominantly transferred actively aboveground by saprotrophic fungi, rather than belowground or passively by leaching. However, litter decomposition remained unaffected by N‐dynamics and was poorly affected by micro‐arthropods, suggesting that synergistic effects in litter mixtures depend on complex environmental interrelationships. Remarkably, more15N was transferred from N‐poor beech than N‐rich ash litter. Moreover, the low transfer of15N from ash litter was insensitive to destination species whereas the transfer of15N from labeled beech litter to unlabeled beech was significantly greater than the amount of15N transferred to unlabeled ash suggesting that processes of nitrogen transfer fundamentally differ between litter species of different nitrogen status. Microbial analyses suggest that nitrogen of N‐rich litter is entirely controlled by bacteria that hamper nitrogen capture of microbes in the environment supporting the source‐theory. In contrast, nitrogen of N‐poor fungal dominated litter is less protected and transferable depending on the nitrogen status and the transfer capacity of the microbial community of the co‐occurring litter species supporting the gradient‐theory. Thus, our results challenge the traditional view regarding the role of N‐rich litter in decomposing litter mixtures. We rather suggest that N‐rich litter is only a poor nitrogen source, whereas N‐poor litter, can act as an important nitrogen source in litter mixtures. Consequently both absolute and relative differences in initial litter C/N ratios of co‐occurring litter species need to be considered for understanding nitrogen dynamics in decomposing litter mixtures.
Roe deer may markedly alter forest nitrogen and phosphorus budgets across Europe
Authors: Abbas F. , Merlet J. , Morellet N. , Verheyden H. , Hewison A. J. M. , Cargnelutti B. , Angibault J. M. , Picot D. , Rames J. L. , Lourtet B. , Aulagnier S. , Daufresne T.
Published: January 2012

Most forests in Europe are patchily distributed within the agricultural landscape. Therefore, forest biogeochemistry in Europe cannot be understood without considering the connectivity of nutrient cycles between forest patches and fertilized cropland. In this paper, we quantified the role of roe deer, the most widespread wild ungulate in Europe, as a vector of nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilized fields to forest patches, in a typical agricultural landscape of southwestern Europe. We derived a model of nutrient transfer from a data set on deer density, landscape‐use by individual deer, and nutrient content in feces. The model shows that the magnitude of nutrient transfer is highly sensitive to the proportion of forest patches within the landscape, and to the way deer use the landscape to feed and defecate. Hence, the magnitude of nutrient transfer varies substantially across the landscape. Locally, deer may significantly fertilize the forest, transferring the equivalent of almost 20% of the atmospheric deposition of nitrogen, and the equivalent of 0.13% of the total stock of phosphorus from cropland to forest patches each year. These inputs may markedly influence the biogeochemistry of forests in the long run, and the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio available to trees and forest plants. These results highlight the significant, but, heterogeneous, role of wild ungulates in forest biogeochemistry across Europe.
Temporal pollen pattern in temperate trees: expedience or fate?
Authors: Geburek Thomas , Hiess Karin , Litschauer Rudolf , Milasowszky Norbert
Published: January 2012

European forests are populated with a variety of wind‐pollinated tree species. Their pollen productivity and spatio‐temporal pattern are largely unknown. Long‐term data (17 years) collected at 22 sites across Austria were presented and the pollen production of 12 tree genera was analysed. We ranked the tree genera according to their pollen productivity taking actual tree abundances of the Austrian Forestry Inventory into account. The productivity varied strongly among tree genera with a maximum for Betula. Pollen production in Larix, Abies and Picea amounted to approximately 1/20, while in increasing order Salix, Quercus, Alnus, Populus and Fraxinus produced approximately 1/3 to 1/4 of the respective Betula estimate. In general, pollen quantity in broadleaves was higher than in conifers. We analysed the temporal pollen production pattern by means of hierarchical cluster analysis and identified three major groups: [(Fagus, Larix, Picea, Abies), (Alnus, Betula, Fraxinus)], [Carpinus],[Populus, Salix, Pinus, Quercus]. Distance matrices based on life‐history traits as well as molecular phylogeny were also constructed; they correlated significantly with each other by means of Mantel‐tests. However, there was no significant relationship between the distances on temporal pollen production with the other matrices. Intermittent or idiosyncratic pollen production was studied by means of deviation from expected means, skewness and spindle diagrams. We proposed that Fagus, Carpinus, Larix, Picea and Abies belong to ‘masting pollen producers’, while the remaining genera idiosyncratically produced pollen over the monitored period. Moreover we correlated the distance matrix of pollen production for each tree genus at each sampling site with respective ‘ecological distance matrices’ based on aerial and altitudinal distance among sites. Significant correlations were detected for tree genera (Fagus, Larix, Picea) which were also prone to pollen masting, thus indicating a Moran effect.
Interplay between Allee effects and collective movement in metapopulations
Authors: Fernandez Aina Astudillo , Hance Thierry , Deneubourg Jean Louis
Published: January 2012

Population growth can be positively or negatively dependent on density. Therefore, the distribution pattern of individuals in a patchy environment can greatly affect the growth of each subpopulation and thereby of the metapopulation. When population growth presents positive density‐dependence (Allee effect), the distribution pattern becomes crucial, as small populations have an increased extinction risk. The way in which individuals move between patches largely determines the distribution pattern and thereby the population dynamics. Collective movement, in particular, should be expected to increase the potential number of colonisers and therefore the probability of colonising success. Here, we use mathematical modelling (differential equations and stochastic simulations) to study how collective movement can influence metapopulation dynamics when Allee effects are at stake. The models are inspired by the two‐spotted spider mite, a phytophagous pest of recognised agricultural importance. This sub‐social mite displays trail laying/following behaviour that can provoke collective movement. Moreover, experimental evidence suggests that it is subject to Allee effects. In the first part of this study we present a single‐species population growth model incorporating Allee effects, and study its properties. In the second part, this growth model is integrated into a larger simulation model consisting of a set of interconnected patches, in which the individuals move from one patch to the other either independently or collectively. Our results show that collective movement is more advantageous than independent dispersal only when Allee effects are present and strong enough. Furthermore they provide a theoretical framework that allows the quantification of the interplay between Allee effects and collective movement.
Plant–frugivore networks are less specialized and more robust at forest–farmland edges than in the interior of a tropical forest
Authors: Menke Sebastian , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Schleuning Matthias
Published: January 2012

Forest fragmentation and local disturbance are prevailing threats to tropical forest ecosystems and affect frugivore communities and animal seed dispersal in different ways. However, very little is known about the effects of anthropogenic forest edges and of local disturbance on the structure and robustness of plant–frugivore networks. We carried out focal tree observations to record the frugivore species feeding on eight canopy tree species in the forest interior and at forest–farmland edges in a little and a highly disturbed part of a Kenyan rain forest. For each frugivore species, we recorded its body mass and its forest dependence. We examined how forest edge and local disturbance affected the abundance, the richness and the composition of the frugivore community and tested whether forest edge and local disturbance affected plant frugivore networks. Abundance and species richness of frugivores were higher at edges than in the forest interior. Forest visitors and small‐bodied frugivores increased, while forest specialists decreased in abundance at forest edges. The changes in frugivore community composition resulted in plant–frugivore networks that were more connected, more nested and more robust against species extinctions at forest–farmland edges than in the forest interior. Network specialization was lower at forest edges than in the forest interior because at the edges plant specialization on frugivores was very low in small‐fruited species. In contrast, small‐fruited plants were more specialized than large‐fruited plants in the forest interior. Our findings suggest that forest‐visiting birds may stabilize seed‐dispersal services for small‐fruited plant species at rain forest margins, while seed‐dispersal services for large‐fruited plant species may be disrupted at forest edges due to the decrease of large‐bodied frugviores. To assess the ultimate consequences of bird movements from farmland to forest edges for ecosystem functioning, future studies are required to investigate the seed‐dispersal qualities provided by forest‐visiting bird species in the tropics.
Food resources and foraging habits of the common shrew,Sorex araneus: does winter food shortage explain Dehnel's phenomenon?
Authors: Churchfield Sara , Rychlik Leszek , Taylor Jan R. E.
Published: January 2012

It is widely assumed that winter is a critical time for homeotherms because of decreased ambient temperatures coupled with reduced food supply. Shrews are excellent models for investigating overwintering strategies, not only because of their particularly small size, high energy requirements relative to their size and short fasting endurance, but also the dramatic reduction in body size (Dehnel's phenomenon) exhibited by soricine shrews in northern temperate winters. The cause of Dehnel's phenomenon is poorly understood but food supply is implicated. To test the hypothesis that winter at higher latitudes is a period of food shortage for small homeotherms, we compared feeding habits of common shrews,Sorex araneus, and abundance and biomass of their prey in winters and summers in northeastern Poland using scat analysis combined with pitfall and ground core sampling for invertebrates. Ground‐surface activity and numbers of invertebrates in pitfall traps were greatly reduced in winter but, contrary to prediction, no significant differences between winter and summer were found in total numbers and biomass of prey invertebrates in ground core samples. However, certain prey types changed seasonally with respect to numbers, biomass and distribution in the soil profile, which was reflected in shrews’ food composition and foraging behaviour. Dehnel's phenomenon appears not to be caused by reduction in total prey numbers and biomass, at least in our study area. Smaller body mass coupled with lowering of absolute food requirements may have important survival value in winter with its reduced numbers of certain major prey coupled with increased difficulty of locating and extracting invertebrates within the soil profile resulting in higher energetic costs of foraging.
Membrane Trafficking Pathways inAlzheimer's Disease
Authors: Rajendran Lawrence , Annaert Wim
Published: January 2012

Membrane proteins are constantly being trafficked in cells and the relevant proteins inAlzheimer's disease (AD), such as the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its processing enzymes, are not exempted from that. Molecular cell biologists have been endeavoring to ascertain a roadmap forAPPprocessing and trafficking in various cell types including neurons. This has led to the identification of numerous regulatory sorting mechanisms, protein–protein interactions and lipidic microenvironments that largely define how and where the substrateAPPmeets its processing enzymes. However, the cell biology of tau, and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, has long been regarded as a separate field. Nonetheless, recent progress is bringing both worlds together in a new paradigm on howAβ toxicity and tau are physiologically connected. Here, we discuss an update of our current appraisal on how membrane trafficking may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease and how this could be exploited for effective therapy.
Plant diversity is linked to nutrient limitation of dominant species in a world biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Pekin Burak K. , Boer Matthias M. , Wittkuhn Roy S. , Macfarlane Craig , Grierson Pauline F.
Published: January 2012

Questions

What is the role of nutrient limitation of dominant species in maintaining plant species diversity at small spatial scales, particularly in biodiversity hotspots?

Location

Southwest of Western Australia.

Methods

The extent of nutrient limitation was determined by measuring variation in the foliar nutrients of dominant plant species and total above‐ground biomass in relation to soil N and P across 16 plots. Plant species richness and evenness for the same plots were then regressed against foliar N:P and δ15N of the dominant species.

Results

Foliar N and P content as well as above‐ground biomass increased, while foliar N:P decreased with increasing soil N and P, suggesting that dominant species are limited by both N and P in southwest Australia. In contrast, foliar δ15N values only increased with decreasing soil P, indicating that δ15N enrichment reflects low P availability. Species richness increased at sites where foliar N:P was higher and δ15N more enriched, suggesting that a relatively greater number of rare plant species co‐exist where the growth of dominant vegetation is more nutrient‐limited.

Conclusions

The mechanisms that allow an exceptionally high number of plant species to co‐exist at small spatial scales in a southwest Australian biodiversity hotspot are linked to the extent to which the dominant plant species are limited in N and P. In addition, on nutrient‐impoverished soils, a foliar N:P ratio >16 can reflect N as well as P limitation. While foliar δ15N also reflects availability of soil P, it is not necessarily a reliable indicator of nutrient limitation in southwest Australia, and perhaps in other environments where plants are highly adapted to low‐nutrient conditions.
Systematic Review of Text‐Messaging Interventions to Promote Healthy Behaviors in Pediatric and Adolescent Populations: Implications for Clinical Practice and Research
Authors: Militello Lisa K. , Kelly Stephanie A. , Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek
Published: January 2012

Background: Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are major public health problems. Promoting positive behavior change is an ongoing challenge that warrants innovative solutions. Mobile phone use is becoming widespread across populations and merits further exploration as a strategy to promote wellness and reduce health disparities.

Aims: The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence using text messaging as a tool to deliver healthy lifestyle behavior intervention programs in pediatric and adolescent populations. The following question was used to guide the systematic review, “In pediatric and adolescent populations, how does the use of text‐message–based interventions versus control or comparison interventions affect healthy lifestyle behaviors?”

Methods: A systematic search for relevant literature was conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO, and by hand‐searching bibliographies. Evidence was compiled from experimental studies in peer‐reviewed journals published from 2004 to May 15, 2011. Data were extracted using guidelines set forth by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination.

Results: Thirty‐seven articles were identified from the comprehensive search. Eight articles representing seven studies (two articles were published describing different aspects of the outcomes from one study) met inclusion for this review. Mean age of participants in the study ranged from 8.7 to 17.9 years of age. Differences between groups on healthy lifestyle behaviors were significant in five studies.

Conclusions: This review supports previous literature suggesting that mobile phones are uniquely positioned to bridge gaps in health disparities and reach across demographics. Interventions using short messaging service may be most effective as a reminder system to support disease management behaviors. Existing recommendations for tailored, interactive, and family‐centered care are supported with mobile technology recommended to augment clinical practice and health behavior change efforts. However, more rigorous, theory‐based intervention research using mobile technology is warranted in pediatric and adolescent populations.
Protective Effects of Ginsenosides against Bisphenol A‐Induced Cytotoxicity in 15P‐1 Sertoli Cells via Extracellular Signal‐Regulated Kinase 1/2 Signalling and Antioxidant Mechanisms
Authors: Wang Limin , Hao Jie , Hu Jiangang , Pu Jun , Lü Zilan , Zhao Lina , Wang Qi , Yu Qiubo , Wang Yingxiong , Li Gang
Published: January 2012

Numerous studies have demonstrated that Bisphenol A (BPA) can cause reproductive toxicity. Ginseng has wide range of pharmacological actions and, more importantly, has proven its worth with respect to reproductive function in several reports. We have suggested that ginsenosides, the main active components of ginseng, may protect against BPA‐induced cell damage. Therefore, an in vitro culture model of 15P‐1 Sertoli cells was employed to investigate whether ginsenosides have protective effects on BPA‐stimulated 15P‐1 Sertoli cells. The results revealed that ginsenosides (75 μg/ml) significantly inhibited BPA‐induced decreases in cell viability and increases in apoptosis. Immunofluorescence staining showed that BPA exposure‐induced collapse of vimentin intermediate filaments was prevented by the application of ginsenosides. Ginsenosides also inhibited extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation and BPA‐induced alterations of Bcl‐2 and Bax protein expression in 15P‐1 Sertoli cells. Furthermore, the alterations of T‐AOC, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione and malondialdehyde levels in BPA‐stimulated cells were partially prevented with pre‐treatment with ginsenosides. Taken together, these results suggest that ginsenosides have protective effects against BPA‐induced cell damage and that these effects are mediated by preventing ERK1/2 phosphorylation and through the enhancement of cellular antioxidant capacity. Ginsenosides may therefore be beneficial in the prevention of environmental BPA‐induced, reproduction‐related toxicity.
The blue streak: a dynamic trait in the mud fiddler crab, Uca pugnax
Authors: Barnard Mollie E. , Strandburg‐Peshkin Ariana , Yarett Ian R. , Merz Rachel A.
Published: January 2012

Mud fiddler crabs, Uca pugnax, have a streak of blue coloration located on the front of the carapace above the mouth and centered between the eyes. We documented that this blue streak is absent in juveniles and develops as crabs become sexually mature. By photographing male crabs under controlled conditions in the laboratory, we demonstrated that the brightness of the blue streak (in comparison with the rest of the carapace) is dynamic, and can dim from bright blue to nearly black in fewer than two minutes. We examined blue streak variability in male crabs in response to physical factors (light and temperature) and social context to begin to understand what causes its dynamic response. The blue streak darkens in response to decreased ambient light, but does not respond to changes in temperature. In the field, it is brighter when crabs are roaming on the mudflat or fighting, but darker when crabs are basking or performing waving displays. The highly visual nature of fiddler crabs and the dynamic character of the blue streak suggest that it may communicate information about the state of a crab or its environment.
Receptor‐Dependent 4D‐QSAR Analysis of Peptidemimetic Inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi Trypanothione Reductase with Receptor‐Based Alignment
Authors: da Rocha Pita Samuel Silva , Albuquerque Magaly Girão , Rodrigues Carlos Rangel , Castro Helena Carla , Hopfinger Anton J.
Published: January 2012

Receptor‐dependent four‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (RD‐4D‐QSAR) studies were applied on a series of 21 peptides reversible inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi trypanothione reductase (TR) (Amino Acids, 20, 2001, 145). The RD‐4D‐QSAR (J Chem Inform Comp Sci, 43, 2003, 1591) approach can evaluate multiple conformations from molecular dynamics simulation and several superposition structure alignments inside a box composed by unitary cubic cells. The descriptors are the occupancy frequency of the atoms types inside the grid cells. We could develop 3D‐QSAR models that were highly predictive (q2 above 0.71). The 3D‐QSAR models can be visualized as a spatial map of atom types that are important on the comprehension of the ligand–enzyme interaction mechanism, pointing main pharmacophoric groups and TR subsites described in the literature. We were able also to identify some TR subsites for further development in the drug discovery process against tropical diseases not yet studied.
Pharmacophore and QSAR Studies to Design Novel Histone Deacetylase 2 Inhibitors
Authors: Xiang Yuhong , Hou Zhaoyan , Zhang Zhuoyong
Published: January 2012

One pharmacophore model and three quantitative structure–activity relationship models were developed on a series of benzimidazole and imidazole inhibitors of histone deacetylase 2. The goodness of hit score value of the best pharmacophore model was 0.756, which indicated that it is reliable to be used for virtual screening. The built pharmacophore model was used to search the NCI database. The hit compounds were subjected to molecular docking. The results showed that 25 compounds had high scores and strong interactions with histone deacetylase 2. In three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship studies, good predictive models were obtained using comparative molecular field analysis, comparative molecular similarity indices analysis, and Topomer comparative molecular field analysis. Some putative active compounds were proposed based on compound no. 41. Twenty‐six compounds had high scores and good interactions when they were docking into histone deacetylase 2.
Accurate evaluation and analysis of functional genomics data and methods
Authors: Greene Casey S. , Troyanskaya Olga G.
Published: January 2012

The development of technology capable of inexpensively performing large‐scale measurements of biological systems has generated a wealth of data. Integrative analysis of these data holds the promise of uncovering gene function, regulation, and, in the longer run, understanding complex disease. However, their analysis has proved very challenging, as it is difficult to quickly and effectively assess the relevance and accuracy of these data for individual biological questions. Here, we identify biases that present challenges for the assessment of functional genomics data and methods. We then discuss evaluation methods that, taken together, begin to address these issues. We also argue that the funding of systematic data‐driven experiments and of high‐quality curation efforts will further improve evaluation metrics so that they more‐accurately assess functional genomics data and methods. Such metrics will allow researchers in the field of functional genomics to continue to answer important biological questions in a data‐driven manner.
Synthesis and Singlet Oxygen Reactivity of 1,2‐Diaryloxyethenes and Selected Sulfur and Nitrogen Analogs
Authors: Nkepang Gregory , Pogula Praveen K. , Bio Moses , You Youngjae
Published: January 2012

1,2‐Diaryloxyethene has recently been proposed as a linker in singlet oxygen‐mediated drug release. Even though 1,2‐diaryloxyethenes look very simple, their synthesis was not an easy task. Previous methods are limited to symmetric molecules, lengthy step and low yield. We report on a facile synthetic method not only for 1,2‐diaryloxyethenes but also their sulfur and nitrogen analogs in yields ranging from 40 to 90% with more than 90% purity at the vinylation reaction.
mTHPC‐Mediated Photodynamic Therapy is Effective in the Metastatic Human 143B Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Reidy Kerstin , Campanile Carmen , Muff Roman , Born Walter , Fuchs Bruno
Published: January 2012

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive therapeutic modality approved for palliative and curative treatment of some forms of local cancers, precancerous lesions and nononcological disorders. As a prerequisite for future studies in animal models aiming at an intraoperative application of PDT in osteosarcoma (OS), in the present study, we investigated the uptake and the dark‐ and photo‐toxicity of the photosensitizer mTHPC in the metastatic human OS cell line 143B, which, intratibially injected into SCID mice, reproduces spontaneous, aggressive lung metastasis, the main cause of death in OS patients. The uptake of mTHPC by 143B cells was time‐ and dose‐dependent. mTHPC accumulated to higher levels in the 143B than in the parental low‐metastatic HOS cell line. A significant decrease in viability of 143B cells, reflecting mTHPC dark‐toxicity, occurred upon incubation in the dark at mTHPC concentrations ≥2.5 μg mL−1. In phototoxicity experiments with illumination by 652 nm laser light (2.5–10 J cm−2), the half‐maximal lethal doses of mTHPC ranged from 0.012 to 0.047 μg mL−1. This treatment activated caspase‐3, ‐7 and ‐9 and Z‐VAD‐FMK‐inhibitable PARP cleavage, indicating caspase‐dependent apoptosis. In conclusion, PDT with mTHPC is effective in the metastatic 143B human osteosarcoma cell line in vitro.
Phylogeny meets ecotoxicology: evolutionary patterns of sensitivity to a common insecticide
Authors: Hammond John I. , Jones Devin K. , Stephens Patrick R. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: January 2012

Pesticides commonly occur in aquatic systems and pose a substantial challenge to the conservation of many taxa. Ecotoxicology has traditionally met this challenge by focusing on short‐term, single‐species tests and conducting risk assessments based on the most sensitive species tested. Rarely have ecotoxicology data been examined from an evolutionary perspective, and to our knowledge, there has never been a phylogenetic analysis of sensitivity, despite the fact that doing so would provide insights into patterns of sensitivity among species and identify which clades are the most sensitive to a particular pesticide. We examined phylogenetic patterns of pesticide sensitivity in amphibians, a group of conservation concern owing to global population declines. Using the insecticide endosulfan, we combined previously published results across seven species of tadpoles and added eight additional species from the families Bufonidae, Hylidae, and Ranidae. We found significant phylogenetic signal in the sensitivity to the insecticide and in the existence of time lag effects on tadpole mortality. Bufonids were less sensitive than hylids, which were less sensitive than the ranids. Moreover, mortality time lags were common in ranids, occasional in hylids, and rare in bufonids. These results highlight the importance of an evolutionary perspective and offer important insights for conservation.
The genetics of uveal melanoma: an emerging framework for targeted therapy
Authors: Harbour J. William
Published: January 2012

Uveal melanoma is the second most common form of melanoma and the most common primary intraocular malignancy. Until recently, very little was known about the genetics of this aggressive cancer. Mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressors that are common in other cancers are conspicuously absent in uveal melanoma. In recent years, however, uveal melanoma has begun to yield its secrets, and a fascinating picture is emerging of how it develops and progresses. Mutations in the Gq alpha subunits, encoded by GNAQ and GNA11, appear to be early or perhaps initiating events that require further mutations for malignant transformation. On the other hand, mutations in the BRCA1‐associated protein‐1 (BAP1) appear to occur later and demarcate a molecular brink beyond which metastasis becomes highly likely. BAP1 mutations can also occur in the germline, leading to a distinctive cancer predisposition syndrome. These mutations appear to be key events that provide the potential for targeted therapy. This article will review the genetic findings in uveal melanoma over the past two decades and suggest important areas for future work.
Multimodal imaging of dry age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Forte Raimondo , Querques Giuseppe , Querques Lea , Massamba Nathalie , Le Tien Valerie , Souied Eric H.
Published: January 2012

Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to understand clinical significance of near‐infrared reflectance (NIR), blue fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and near‐infrared autofluorescence (NIA) in dry age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), by correlation with fluorescein angiography (FA) and cross‐sectional spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT).

Methods:  We evaluated 110 eyes (62 patients, mean age: 64 ± 8 years) diagnosed with dry AMD between January 2010 and December 2010, which underwent NIR (λ = 830 nm), FAF and FA (excitation λ = 488 nm; emission λ > 500 nm), NIA (excitation λ = 787 nm; emission λ > 800 nm), and simultaneous SD OCT scanning using a combined confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope/SD OCT device (Spectralis HRA + OCT; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany).

Results:  Drusen showed variable increased/decreased NIR, FAF, NIA and FA, which corresponded to variable increased/decreased thickness of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and possible presence of subretinal deposits on SD OCT. Geographic atrophy (GA) was present in 43/110 eyes (39.0%) and showed increased NIR and fluorescence (FA), absent FAF and NIA, and loss of RPE on SD OCT. The hyperautofluorescence of the GA margin was never larger in FAF than that in NIA, while in 16.2% of cases, it was larger in NIA than that in FAF and corresponded to mild choroidal hyperreflectivity on SD OCT.

Conclusions:  Simultaneous recording of SD OCT scans provided ultrastructural data for the evaluation of NIR, FAF, NIA and FA in dry AMD. Near‐infrared autofluorescence might detect earlier than FAF areas of RPE cell loss at the GA margin.