bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do linear landscape elements in farmland act as biological corridors for pollen dispersal?
Authors: Van Geert Anja , Van Rossum Fabienne , Triest Ludwig
Published: November 2009

1. Habitat fragmentation in agricultural landscapes has reduced the population sizes of many plant species while increasing their spatial isolation. Restoration or maintenance of the connectivity by gene flow between the fragmented patches may be determinant to sustaining viable populations, especially for insect‐pollinated species. Functional biological corridors facilitating pollen flow between remnants in a human‐dominated matrix might achieve this.

2. Dye dispersal was investigated for the extremely fragmented insect‐pollinated herb Primula vulgaris, using fluorescent dye particles as pollen analogues, in a study site comprising 20 populations, of which 13 pairs were physically connected by a linear landscape elements (LLEs, ditches), and 11 pairs were not connected by an LLE. The dye deposition events were used to fit a model of pollen dispersal at the landscape level. We examined whether existing LLEs in the intensively used agricultural landscape act as functional corridors for pollen dispersal. The effects of LLE length and size and plant density of the recipient population on the dispersal patterns were tested.

3. Dye dispersal showed a leptokurtic decay distribution, with 80% of the dye transfers occurring at less than 85.1 m, and a maximal distance of 1010.8 m. The mean distance travelled by fluorescent dye particles based on the dye dispersal model was δ = 87 m.

4. Dye dispersal between populations was found to be significantly higher when populations were connected by an LLE, than when populations were unconnected. For the group of population pairs connected by an LLE, dye deposition significantly decreased with the distance to dye source, but was not related to recipient population size and plant density.

5. Synthesis. Our study is, to our knowledge, the first to demonstrate that existing LLEs in an intensively used farmland may act as functional biological corridors facilitating pollen dispersal through pollinator movements. The maintenance or restoration of a network of populations connected by LLEs, but also by other landscape structures (e.g. population relays in vegetation patches and networks of small elements allowing indirect connections) should be strongly encouraged.
Higher treefall rates on slopes and waterlogged soils result in lower stand biomass and productivity in a tropical rain forest
Authors: Ferry Bruno , Morneau François , Bontemps Jean‐Daniel , Blanc Lilian , Freycon Vincent
Published: November 2009

1. Relationships between tropical rain forest biomass and environmental factors have been determined at regional scales, e.g. the Amazon Basin, but the reasons for the high variability in forest biomass at local scales are poorly understood. Interactions between topography, soil properties, tree growth and mortality rates, and treefalls are a likely reason for this variability.

2. We used repeated measurements of permanent plots in lowland rain forest in French Guiana to evaluate these relationships. The plots sampled topographic gradients from hilltops to slopes to bottomlands, with accompanying variation in soil waterlogging along these gradients. Biomass was calculated for >175 tree species in the plots, along with biomass productivity and recruitment rates. Mortality was determined as standing dead and treefalls.

3. Treefall rates were twice as high in bottomlands as on hilltops, and tree recruitment rates, radial growth rates and the abundance of light‐demanding tree species were also higher.

4. In the bottomlands, the mean wood density was 10% lower than on hilltops, the basal area 29% lower and the height:diameter ratio of trees was lower, collectively resulting in a total woody biomass that was 43% lower in bottomlands than on hilltops.

5. Biomass productivity was 9% lower in bottomlands than on hilltops, even though soil Olsen P concentrations were higher in bottomlands.

6. Synthesis. Along a topographic gradient from hilltops to bottomlands there were higher rates of treefall, which decreased the stand basal area and favoured lower allocation to height growth and recruitment of light‐demanding species with low wood density. The resultant large variation in tree biomass along the gradient shows the importance of determining site characteristics and including these characteristics when scaling up biomass estimates from stand to local or regional scales.
PolY, a transcriptional regulator with ATPase activity, directly activates transcription of polR in polyoxin biosynthesis in Streptomyces cacaoi
Authors: Li Rui , Liu Gang , Xie Zhoujie , He Xihong , Chen Wenqing , Deng Zixin , Tan Huarong
Published: November 2009

polY, a transcriptional regulatory gene in the polyoxin biosynthetic cluster of Streptomyces cacaoi, was analysed, and its deduced product (PolY) showed amino acid sequence homology to AfsR from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2). PolY contains an OmpR‐like DNA binding domain at its N‐terminal and an ATPase domain in the middle of the protein. Disruption of polY abolished polyoxin biosynthesis, which could be restored by the integration of a single copy of polY into the chromosome of the disruption mutant. Transcription of polR, a pathway‐specific regulatory gene of polyoxin biosynthesis, was controlled by polY. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and DNase I protection experiments indicated that PolY bound to the promoter region of polR, and the binding site contained a direct nucleotide repeat typical of Streptomyces antibiotic regulatory protein binding sites. PolY exhibited ATPase activity in vitro. Additionally, binding of ADP/ATPγS to ATPase domain triggered the oligomerization of PolY and enhanced its DNA binding activity. Consistently, further experiments in vivo demonstrated that changes of ADP/ATP concentrations significantly affected PolY activity in the cell. These results suggested that the ATPase domain might be a sensor of endogenous pool of ADP/ATP, whose change modulated PolY activity under the physiological conditions.
Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of microsphere adapalene vs. conventional adapalene for acne vulgaris
Authors: Rao G. Raghu Rama , Ghosh Sanjay , Dhurat Rachita , Sharma Akhilesh , Dongre Prashant , Baliga Vidyagauri P.
Published: November 2009

Background  The present study was undertaken to compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a new microsphere adapalene formulation and conventional adapalene in adult patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

Materials and Methods  This prospective, randomized, assessor‐blind, multi‐centric (3 centres) comparative, post‐marketing phase IV study was undertaken in 175 patients with mild to moderate acne after approval by respective Institutional review boards. Patients fulfilling selection criteria were randomly assigned to either microsphere adapalene gel or conventional adapalene gel both once daily in the evening for 12 weeks after obtaining their informed consent. Efficacy variables included success rate and percent lesion reduction from baseline. Safety and tolerability was assessed on the basis of physical examination and monitoring of treatment–emergent adverse events.

Results  Of the 175 patients (88 in microsphere and 87 in conventional) 21 were lost to follow‐up and considered drop‐outs. There was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in mean inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesion and total lesion counts from 1st week onwards in both groups. A significantly lower number of microsphere treated patients (50%) reported a side effect (P < 0.05) as compared to 71.3% in conventional users. A highly significant decrease was observed in dryness and erythema (P < 0.01) in microsphere group compared to conventional. Eight patients in conventional group discontinued therapy due to severe irritation as compared to none in microsphere adapalene group.

Comment  Therapy with microsphere adapalene provided a better tolerability with minimal irritation compared to conventional adapalene, without compromising efficacy and could be a better therapeutic option for acne.
Cutaneous lymphangioma circumscriptum: frog spawn on the skin
Authors: Patel Gopal A. , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: November 2009

Lymphangiomas are congenital malformations of the lymphatic system that may involve the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and intestines. They account for 4% of all vascular tumors, but comprise 25% of benign vascular growths in children. They are hamartomatous in nature and may be grouped into cutaneous lymphangioma circumscriptum (CLC), cavernous lymphangiomas, and cystic hygromas. CLC appears localized to the dermis, although frequently extends deeper and laterally. It is important to distinguish CLC, a potentially recurrent disease, from an unusual type of metastatic carcinoma of the skin called carcinoma telangiectoides.
Lack of association between angiotensin I‐converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis in Spain
Authors: Coto‐Segura Pablo , Alvarez Victoria , Soto‐Sánchez Javier , Morales Blanca , Coto Eliecer , Santos‐Juanes Jorge
Published: November 2009

Data on the potential influence of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/ deletion (I/D) genotype on psoriasis are contradictory. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between the ACE gene I/D polymorphism and psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis. To investigate this, a genetic association study was conducted among 268 unrelated patients with psoriasis and 272 controls. The distribution of DD, ID, and II genotypes did not significantly differ between psoriatic patients and controls (DD: 39.6% vs. 34.2%; ID: 46.3% vs. 53.3%; II: 14.1% vs. 12.5%). In conclusion, the ACE polymorphism is not likely to be associated with either psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis in this study.
Diversity of host plant relationships and leaf galling behaviours within a small genus of thrips –GynaikothripsandFicusin south east Queensland, Australia
Authors: Tree Desley J , Walter G H
Published: November 2009

Thrips are well known as gall inducers, yet no field studies have been published on phlaeothripids in the genusGynaikothrips,which gallFicusleaves in Australia. A detailed field study was conducted in suburban Brisbane, Australia, on thrips species that induce leaf galls on fig trees.Gynaikothrips ficorumis evidently host specific as it induced leaf galls only onFicus microcarpa, and did so almost continuously throughout the spring and summer growing season. By contrast,G. australisinduced leaf galls onF. macrophylla,F. rubingosaandF. obliquabut only when flushes of new leaves appeared, and this occurred at intervals during spring and summer.Gynaikothrips ficorumfeeds on the upper surface of new leaves and this causes the leaf to fold and/or twist into a gall. The life of the gall is about 4 weeks, with the thrips pupating within it. Sometimes, the galls are invaded by a kleptoparasite thrips,Mesothrips jordani.Gynaikothrips australisfeeds on the underside of the new leaves and this causes the margins to curl under. The life of the gall is about 6 weeks, with the thrips pupating under the bark of the fig tree branches, and sometimes the galls are shared with an inquiline,G. additamentus.
Selandriinae, a subfamily of Tenthredinidae new to Australia, and a review of other Australian Tenthredinidae (Hymenoptera: Symphyta)
Authors: Schmidt Stefan , Smith David R
Published: November 2009

Ten species of Tenthredinidae are now known in Australia. The subfamily Selandriinae is recorded for the first time, with the description of Neostromboceros teres sp. nov. Nematus oligospilus Förster, a Salix‐feeding species, is recently adventive in Australia. A new Queensland record is given for Senoclidea purpurata (F. Smith), a species previously recorded as Senoclidea furva (Konow). Four of the 10 species are considered native to Australia, and six of them have been introduced. A key is provided for the 10 species.
Insect pests and insect‐vectored diseases of palms
Authors: Gitau Catherine W , Gurr Geoff M , Dewhurst Charles F , Fletcher Murray J , Mitchell Andrew
Published: November 2009

Palm production faces serious challenges ranging from diseases to damage by insect pests, all of which may reduce productivity by as much as 30%. A number of disorders of unknown aetiology but associated with insects are now recognised. Management practices that ensure the sustainability of palm production systems require a sound understanding of the interactions between biological systems and palms. This paper discusses insect pests that attack palms, pathogens the insects vector as well as other disorders that are associated with these pests. We re‐examine the disease aetiologies and procedures that have been used to understand causality. Pest management approaches such as cultural and biological control are discussed.
Weed flora and weed management in established olive groves in Albania
Authors: HUQI BUJAR , DHIMA KICO , VASILAKOGLOU IOANNIS , KECO REMZI , SALAKU FATBARDH
Published: November 2009

Weed flora were surveyed during 2000 and 2001 in 10 established olive groves that were located in the area of Vlora, in south‐western Albania. The effectiveness of six weed management treatments (soil tillage, straw mulch, cover cropping [a mixture of rye with peas], and grazing, as well as glyphosate and diuron application) on the weed flora, olive yield, and fruit quality also were investigated in two locations during 2000, 2001, and 2002. More than 80 weed species were recorded, representing a total of 14 families, in which the families Poaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae, and Rosaceae predominated. The glyphosate application provided the highest and most consistent level of weed control, whereas diuron achieved sufficient weed control. The straw mulch provided acceptable weed control but the cover crop and the grazing did not sufficiently control the weeds. The highest fruit and oil yields were produced by the trees treated with the straw mulch as a result of the highest mean fruit weight in each year, followed by the soil tillage treatment. However, the olive trees in the plots treated with glyphosate or grazing provided lower or equal, respectively, fruit and oil yields than did those in the untreated plots (control). The results indicated that certain non‐chemical weed control methods, such as straw mulch, can be implemented successfully in established olive groves, providing satisfactory control of weeds and promoting the highest fruit and oil yields.
Searching for the right outcome? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled trials using carotid intima‐media thickness or pulse wave velocity to infer antiatherogenic properties of thiazolidinediones
Authors: Webb D. R. , Davies M. J. , Gray L. J. , Abrams K. R. , Srinivasan B. , Das S. , Taub N. , Lawrence I. , Sutton S. , Khunti K.
Published: November 2009

Introduction: Recent meta‐analyses cast doubt over purported beneficial effects of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor‐Gamma (PPAR‐γ) receptor agonists. Thiazolidinedione (TZD) trials using surrogate outcomes to postulate an antiatherogenic paradigm have been criticised as misinformative. We conducted an independent systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled TZD studies incorporating carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) or pulse wave velocity (PWV) as primary outcome measures. The aim was to provide an evidence‐based overview of TZD intervention studies using markers prospectively linked to vascular outcome in type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Systematic search of known databases for TZD intervention trials using mean thickness CIMT(n = 9) and ankle‐brachial PWV(n = 6) as primary outcome measures was performed. CIMT and PWV pooled weighted mean difference was calculated using a random effects model accounting for heterogeneity and publication bias. An indirect meta‐analysis provided a comparison of rosiglitazone and pioglitazone effects.

Results: A composite of combined placebo and comparator controlled trials demonstrated a significant weighted mean difference of–0.06 mm for CIMT (95% CI–0.09 to–0.02, p = 0.001) and–0.72 ms−1 for PWV (95% CI–1.28 to–0.16, p = 0.011) in favour of thiazolidiendione treatment. No TZD intraclass variation in CIMT (p = 0.96) or PWV (p = 0.33) change was observed.

Conclusion: TZDs exhibit significant beneficial effects on aorto‐carotid atherosclerosis when assessed using prospectively validated non‐invasive techniques. Inferring clinical benefit in the absence of confirmatory outcome trials is questionable and caution should be exercised when interpreting intervention data with surrogate endpoints. TZD‐induced congestive cardiac failure or other unknown PPAR‐γ adverse effects are plausible explanations for the conflicting results of intervention trials using markers of atherosclerosis and clinical event outcomes.
Cardiovascular morbidity, heart rates and use of antimuscarinics in patients with overactive bladder
Authors: Andersson Karl‐Erik , Sarawate Chaitanya , Kahler Kristijan H. , Stanley Elizabeth L. , Kulkarni Amit S.
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (retrospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To determine if cardiovascular (CV) comorbidity and treatment‐associated antimuscarinic effects differ between patients with and without overactive bladder (OAB), and between treated and untreated patients with OAB, as OAB, CV disorders and exposure to medications with antimuscarinic effects are common in older patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Adults from the HealthCore Integrated Research Database with a diagnosis of OAB (International Classification of Diseases‐9 codes; from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2006) or a pharmacy claim for an antimuscarinic OAB medication, formed the OAB cohort, further stratified as treated and untreated. A random sample of patients with neither a diagnosis for OAB nor any urinary bladder dysfunction, nor a pharmacy claim for antimuscarinics, formed the non‐OAB cohort. CV comorbidities and use of medications with antimuscarinic effects were assessed for the 12 months before OAB diagnosis/treatment. Information on heart rate (HR) on the day of the first OAB drug prescription was obtained from the GE Healthcare dataset. HR was assessed for patients aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of OAB who were prescribed antimuscarinics (oxybutynin or tolterodine) at any dose or oral formulation between January 1995 and November 2006.

RESULTS

The 6607 patients with OAB, with a substantial proportion with elevated HR at baseline, were more likely to have CV comorbidities (39% vs 21%;P < 0.001) and previous exposure to medications with antimuscarinic effects (33% vs 17%;P < 0.001) than the non‐OAB patients. Rate of CV comorbidities (40% vs 38%;P = 0.326) did not differ between treated and untreated patients with OAB. However, there was a difference in previous exposure to medications with antimuscarinic effects (37% vs 29%;P < 0.001); 39.1% of patients with OAB had a HR of >80 beats/min before starting antimuscarinic treatment.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the prevalence of CV comorbidities was significantly higher in patients with than without OAB; previous exposure to medications with antimuscarinic effects was also higher in patients with OAB. There was no difference in pre‐existing CV comorbidities between the treated and untreated patients with OAB, but the high use of medications with antimuscarinic effects among these patients suggests that the presence of CV comorbidity might not be considered before using antimuscarinic agents for OAB.
The development of childhood dietary preferences and their implications for later adult health
Authors: Venter C. , Harris G.
Published: November 2009

The food fed to infants and young children not only determines their health in childhood but also predicts the foods that they eat in later life. Because adult dietary preferences are partially formed in childhood, the childhood diet inevitably contributes to the long‐term health of the individual. We are all aware of preferences that have endured since childhood, and that our dietary habits only change if we have reason to adapt them, perhaps for a healthier lifestyle. Adopting a healthy diet in adulthood is likely to be considerably easier if we have developed healthy food preferences during our childhood.

Current information shows that toddlers are fed diets high in fat, sugar and salt and that mothers are confused about what toddlers should be eating.

A healthy diet for toddlers combines foods from all the five food groups. This combination involves mixing high‐calorie and low‐calorie foods. Healthy food options should be introduced from weaning, and offered repeatedly through the infant and toddler years. Furthermore, the whole family should model a healthy eating lifestyle in order to foster the acceptance of foods that constitute a well‐balanced diet.
Infant nutrition – protein and its influence on growth rate
Authors: Sidnell A. , Greenstreet E.
Published: November 2009

Breastfeeding provides the optimum nutrition for young infants and one of the aims of the new UK‐World Health Organization growth charts is to encourage healthcare professionals and parents to see breastfed infants' growth rate as the norm. Formula‐fed infants gain weight more quickly than breastfed infants in the first year of life, and this may be because of the greater quantity of protein in infant formula. Childhood obesity rates are increasing and obesity is probably the result of a multitude of factors. Observational studies have indicated that rapid growth in infancy may contribute to a later risk of obesity. New randomised controlled studies have shown that lower protein levels in infant formula can slow infants' weight gain, and this may offer short‐ and long‐term health benefits. New innovations in protein quality now allow reductions in the total protein content of infant formula.
Hydration in sport and exercise: water, sports drinks and other drinks
Authors: Shirreffs S. M.
Published: November 2009

There is evidence to suggest that exercise‐induced dehydration can have a negative impact on exercise performance, and restoration of fluid balance should be achieved after exercise. It is equally well known that muscle glycogen must be restored after exercise if subsequent performance is not to be negatively affected. Sports drinks are ideally placed to fill both these roles. However, while muscle glycogen restoration can be comfortably achieved by consumption of solid food, the same is not true for restoration of hydration status.

Clear evidence is available that drinking during exercise can improve performance, provided that the exercise is of sufficient duration for the drink to be emptied from the stomach and absorbed in the intestine. Generally, drinking plain water is better than drinking nothing, but drinking a properly formulated carbohydrate–electrolyte ‘sports’ drink can allow for even better exercise performance.

Of importance for rehydration purposes after exercise is consumption of both an adequate volume of fluid (greater than the net deficit of the sweat volume lost) and quantity of sodium. Without both of these, rehydration will be neither rapid nor complete and maintained. There is, however, no good evidence for the inclusion of any other electrolytes. The current generation of commercially available sports drinks are generally formulated to meet the needs of many athletes in many different situations.
The role of National Strategy Behaviour and Attendance consultants with regard to training and professional development in special educational needs
Authors: FROST BARRY
Published: November 2009

The year 2003 saw Behaviour and Attendance (B&A) consultants beginning work across the country, supporting (mostly) mainstream secondary schools. They are part of an extensive advisory team which is instrumental in improving standards in schools through the Government's Secondary National Strategy. Their brief was to develop and improve the systems, strategies and approaches for managing and improving behaviour and attendance, and thereby have a positive impact on learning and attainment. This approach has been confirmed in the fourth Steer Report which highlights improving behaviour and attainment via better understanding and provision for special educational needs and additional needs in mainstream schools. Each B&A consultant draws on their own strengths and strategies to work with school staff at many levels and support a wide range of focuses; some draw on their extensive experience of working with special educational needs and additional needs. This article provides an illustration of the role of such consultants specifically in relation to training and professional development in special educational needs or additional needs. It covers areas such as staff support, school management and systems, use of data and, of course, the social and emotional aspects of learning (SEAL).
TYPES OF PRAYER, HEART RATE VARIABILITY, AND INNATE HEALING
Authors: Stanley Ruth
Published: November 2009

Spiritual practices such as prayer have been shown to improve health and quality of life for those facing chronic or terminal illness. The early Christian healing tradition distinguished between types of prayer and their role in healing, placing great emphasis on the healing power of more integrated relational forms of prayer such as prayers of gratitude and contemplative prayer. Because autonomic tone is impaired in most disease states, autonomic homeostasis may provide insight into the healing effects of prayer. I report on observations in five volunteers engaging in five types of prayer. Using heart rate variability as a measure of autonomic tone and adaptability, I review the potential correlation of type of prayer with autonomic rebalance as measured specifically by psychophysiological coherence ratios. The five types—supplication, devotion, intercession, gratefulness, and contemplative prayer—elicited varying degrees of improvements in heart rate variability and corresponding psychophysiological coherence. These observations suggest a correlation of innate healing to prayer type that is consistent with teachings from the Christian healing tradition and with modern research. Further research is warranted to verify these hypotheses.
The Open Access Association? EAHIL’s new model for sustainability
Authors: McSean Tony , Jakobsson Arne
Published: November 2009

Objective:  To discover a governance structure and a business model for the European Association for Health Information and Libraries (EAHIL) which will be economically sustainable in the medium term, arresting a long‐term gradual decline in membership numbers and implementing new revenue streams to sustain association activity.

Methodology:  Reviewed survival strategies of other professional associations, investigated potential of emerging interactive web technologies, investigated alternative revenue streams based around the ‘franchise’ of the annual EAHIL conferences and workshops. A fully worked‐through and costed alternative structure was produced, based on abolition of the subscription, web‐based procedures and functions, increased income from advertising and sponsorship and a large measure of member participation and engagement. Statutes and Rules of Procedure were rewritten to reflect the changes. This plan was put through the Association’s approval cycle and implemented in 2005.

Results:  The new financial model has proved itself sustainable on the basis of the first 2 years’ operations. The long‐term gradual decline in membership was reversed, with membership numbers trebling across the EAHIL region. The software worked with minimal problems, including the online electoral process.

Conclusion:  With no identified precedent from other professional associations, the changes represented a considerable risk, which was justifiable because long‐term projections made it clear that continuing the traditional model was not viable. The result is a larger, healthier association with a stronger link to its membership. Long‐term risks include the high level of member commitment and expertise. There are also important questions about scalability—diseconomies of scale probably limit the applicability of the overall open access model to larger associations.
Diacylglycerol kinases in the regulation of dendritic spines
Authors: Kim Karam , Yang Jinhee , Kim Eunjoon
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 577–587.

Diacylglycerol (DAG) is an important lipid‐signaling molecule that binds and activates various downstream effectors. Tight control over the production and removal of DAG is important in maintaining the dynamic responses of the DAG signaling system to a changing environment. Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are enzymes that convert DAG to phosphatidic acid (PA). This conversion terminates DAG signaling and, at the same time, initiates additional signaling events downstream of PA, which also acts as a lipid‐signaling molecule. However, little is known about how (or if) DGKs are targeted to specific subcellular sites or how DGKs tightly regulate local DAG and PA signaling. Dendritic spines are tiny protrusions on neuronal dendrites that receive the majority of excitatory synaptic inputs. They are also the sites where DAG molecules are produced through activation of postsynaptic receptors, including metabotropic glutamate receptors and NMDA receptors. Accumulating evidence indicates that synaptic levels of DAG and PA are important determinants of dendritic spine stability and that the DGKζ isoform at excitatory postsynaptic sites is critically involved in spine maintenance. In addition, DGKζ appears to form a multi‐protein complex with functionally related proteins to organize efficient DAG and PA signaling pathways at excitatory synapses.
CONVERTIBLE DEBT AND RISK‐SHIFTING INCENTIVES
Authors: Eisdorfer Assaf
Published: November 2009

I argue that convertible debt, in contrast to its perceived role, can produce shareholders’ risk‐shifting incentives. When a firm's capital structure includes convertible debt, every investment decision affects not only the distribution of the asset value but also the likelihood that the debt will be converted and thereby the distribution of the firm's leverage. This suggests that managers can engage in risk‐increasing projects if a higher asset risk generates a more favorable distribution of leverage. Empirical evidence using 30 years of data supports my argument.
BACKDATING AND DIRECTOR INCENTIVES: MONEY OR REPUTATION?
Authors: Minnick Kristina , Zhao Mengxin
Published: November 2009

We investigate how director incentives affect the occurrence of firms' backdating employee stock options. Directors with more wealth tied up in stock options may pursue activities that lead to personal gain, such as option backdating, which potentially increases the option recipient's compensation. We document a positive and significant association between director option compensation and the likelihood that firms backdate stock options. Our results question the effectiveness of director option compensation in aligning the interests with those of shareholders and help to explain the recent decline in the use of director option grants by many firms.
Evaluation of fresh frozen plasma administration in dogs with pancreatitis: 77 cases (1995–2005)
Authors: Weatherton Linda K. , Streeter Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2009

Objective –Compare outcome of dogs that did and did not receive fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for treatment of pancreatitis.

Design –Retrospective case series between 1995 and 2005.

Setting –University referral hospital.

Animals –Seventy‐four dogs were enrolled with a total of 77 cases as 2 dogs had repeat episodes of pancreatitis. Diagnosis of pancreatitis was based on clinical signs, physical examination, and abdominal ultrasonographic examination.

Interventions –The medical database was searched for dogs with a diagnosis of pancreatitis. Information collected included signalment, vital signs, CBC, use of FFP, length of stay, use of antimicrobials and supplemental nutrition, surgical intervention, preexisting illness, evidence of a coagulopathy and outcome. Outcome was compared between those patients that did and did not receive FFP.

Measurements and Main Results –Fifty‐nine dogs survived to discharge. Two dogs with repeat pancreatitis survived to discharge after each episode. Thirteen dogs died and 2 were euthanized. FFP was administered to 20 dogs. Two dogs that were hospitalized for repeat pancreatitis did not receive FFP. Seven of 20 (35%) cases that received plasma died or were euthanized compared with 6 of 57 (12%) cases that did not receive plasma. Plasma administration was significantly related to outcome (P<0.001). Severity of illness scores were difficult to assign, however, dogs meeting criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome were not more likely to receive FFP. Other therapies included supplemental nutrition, antimicrobials, and surgical intervention, which did not affect outcome.

Conclusions –Mortality rate for those dogs receiving plasma was higher than those that did not. Severity of illness scores were difficult to assign; however, preexisting illness, evidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and presence of a coagulopathy were not significantly different between the groups that did and did not receive FFP. No benefit for administration of FFP was noted. Additional investigation should be performed to confirm this result.
Characterization of biosynthesis and modes of action of prostaglandin E2and prostacyclin in guinea pig mesenteric lymphatic vessels
Authors: Rehal Sonia , Blanckaert Pauline , Roizes Simon , von der Weid Pierre‐Yves
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: Rhythmical transient constrictions of the lymphatic vessels provide the means for efficient lymph drainage and interstitial tissue fluid balance. This activity is critical during inflammation, to avoid or limit oedema resulting from increased vascular permeability, mediated by the release of various inflammatory mediators. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and prostacyclin modulate lymphatic contractility in isolated guinea pig mesenteric lymphatic vessels.

Experimental approach: Quantitative RT‐PCR was used to assess the expression of mRNA for enzymes and receptors involved in the production and action of PGE2and prostacyclin in mesenteric collecting lymphatic vessels. Frequency and amplitude of lymphatic vessel constriction were measured in the presence of these prostaglandins and the role of their respective EP and IP receptors assessed.

Key results: Prostaglandin E2and prostacyclin decreased concentration‐dependently the frequency, without affecting the amplitude, of lymphatic constriction. Data obtained in the presence of the EP4receptor antagonists, GW627368x (1 µM) and AH23848B (30 µM) and the IP receptor antagonist CAY10441 (0.1 µM) suggest that PGE2predominantly activates EP4, whereas prostacyclin mainly stimulates IP receptors. Inhibition of responses to either prostaglandin with H89 (10 µM) or glibenclamide (1 µM) suggested a role for the activation of protein kinase A and ATP‐sensitive K+channels.

Conclusions and implications: Our findings characterized the inhibition of lymphatic pumping induced by PGE2or prostacyclin in guinea pig mesenteric lymphatics. This action is likely to impair oedema resolution and to contribute to the pro‐inflammatory actions of these prostaglandins.
Berry anthocyanins and anthocyanidins exhibit distinct affinities for the efflux transporters BCRP and MDR1
Authors: Dreiseitel A , Oosterhuis B , Vukman KV , Schreier P , Oehme A , Locher S , Hajak G , Sand PG
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: Dietary anthocyanins hold great promise in the prevention of chronic disease but factors affecting their bioavailability remain poorly defined. Specifically, the role played by transport mechanisms at the intestinal and blood–brain barriers (BBB) is currently unknown.

Experimental approach: In the present study, 16 anthocyanins and anthocyanidins were exposed to the human efflux transporters multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), using dye efflux, ATPase and, for BCRP, vesicular transport assays.

Key results: All test compounds interacted with the BCRP transporterin vitro. Of these, seven emerged as potential BCRP substrates (malvidin, petunidin, malvidin‐3‐galactoside, malvidin‐3,5‐diglucoside, cyanidin‐3‐galactoside, peonidin‐3‐glucoside, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside) and 12 as potential inhibitors of BCRP (cyanidin, peonidin, cyanidin‐3,5‐diglucoside, malvidin, pelargonidin, delphinidin, petunidin, delphinidin‐3‐glucoside, cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside, malvidin‐3‐glucoside, pelargonidin‐3,5‐diglucoside, malvidin‐3‐galactoside). Malvidin, malvidin‐3‐galactoside and petunidin exhibited bimodal activities serving as BCRP substrates at low concentrations and, at higher concentrations, as BCRP inhibitors. Effects on MDR1, in contrast, were weak. Only aglycones exerted mild inhibitory activity.

Conclusions and implications: Although the anthocyanidins under study may alter pharmacokinetics of drugs that are BCRP substrates, they are less likely to interfere with activities of MDR1 substrates. The present data suggest that several anthocyanins and anthocyanidins may be actively transported out of intestinal tissues and endothelia, limiting their bioavailability in plasma and brain.
Cluster Headache is Associated With the Alcohol Dehydrogenase 4 (ADH4) Gene
Authors: Rainero Innocenzo , Rubino Elisa , Gallone Salvatore , Fenoglio Pierpaola , Negro Elisa , De Martino Paola , Savi Lidia , Pinessi Lorenzo
Published: November 2009

(Headache 2010;50:92‐98)

Background/Objectives.— Alcohol is a well‐known trigger factor for cluster headache attacks during the active phases of the disease. The alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) pathway, which converts alcohol to the toxic substance acetaldehyde, is responsible for most of the alcohol breakdown in the liver. Humans have 7 ADH genes, tightly clustered on chromosome 4q21‐q25, that encode different ADH isoforms. The ADH4 gene encodes the class II ADH4 pi subunit, which contributes, in addition to alcohol, to the metabolization of a wide variety of substrates, including retinol, other aliphatic alcohols, hydroxysteroids, and biogenic amines. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of genetic variants within the ADH4 gene with cluster headache susceptibility and phenotype.

Methods.— A total of 110 consecutive unrelated cluster headache patients and 203 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls of Caucasian origin were involved in the study. Patients and controls were genotyped for 2 bi‐allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ADH4 gene: SNP1 – rs1800759 and SNP2 – rs1126671. Allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies of the examined polymorphisms were compared between cases and controls.

Results.— Genotype frequencies of the rs1126671 polymorphism resulted significantly different between cluster headache patients and controls (χ2 = 10.269, P = .006). The carriage of the AA genotype, in comparison with remaining genotypes, was associated with a significantly increased disease risk (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.25‐4.37). Haplotype analysis confirmed the association between the ADH4 gene and the disease. No association between different clinical characteristics of cluster headache and the examined polymorphisms was found.

Conclusion.— Our data suggest that cluster headache is associated with the ADH4 gene or a linked locus. Additional studies are warranted to elucidate the role of this gene in the etiopathogenesis of the disease.
MTHFR 677C>T and ACE D/I Polymorphisms in Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Schürks Markus , Rist Pamela M. , Kurth Tobias
Published: November 2009

(Headache 2010;50:588‐599)

Background.— Data on the association between the MTHFR 677C>T and ACE D/I polymorphisms and migraine including aura status are conflicting.

Objective.— The objective of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis on this topic.

Methods.— We searched for studies published until March 2009 using electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index) and reference lists of studies and reviews on the topic. Assessment for eligibility of studies and extraction of data was performed by 2 independent investigators. For each study we calculated the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) assuming additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models. We then calculated pooled ORs and 95% CIs.

Results.— Thirteen studies investigated the association between the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism and migraine. The TT genotype was associated with an increased risk for any migraine, which only appeared for migraine with aura (pooled OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.02‐2.13), but not for migraine without aura. Nine studies investigated the association of the ACE D/I polymorphism with migraine. The II genotype was associated with a reduced risk for migraine with aura (pooled OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.55‐0.93) and migraine without aura (pooled OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.70‐0.99). Results for both variants were driven by studies in non‐Caucasian populations. Results among Caucasians did not suggest an association. Extractable data did not allow investigation of gene–gene interactions.

Conslusions.— The MTHFR 677TT genotype is associated with an increased risk for migraine with aura, while the ACE II genotype is protective against both migraine with and without aura. Results for both variants appeared only among non‐Caucasian populations. There was no association among Caucasians.
Headache Triggers in the US Military
Authors: Theeler Brett J. , Kenney Kimbra , Prokhorenko Olga A. , Fideli Ulgen S. , Campbell William , Erickson Jay C.
Published: November 2009

(Headache 2010;50:790‐794)

Background.— Headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors. Military service members have a high prevalence of headache but the factors triggering headaches in military troops have not been identified.

Objective.— The objective of this study is to determine headache triggers in soldiers and military beneficiaries seeking specialty care for headaches.

Methods.— A total of 172 consecutive US Army soldiers and military dependents (civilians) evaluated at the headache clinics of 2 US Army Medical Centers completed a standardized questionnaire about their headache triggers.

Results.— A total of 150 (87%) patients were active‐duty military members and 22 (13%) patients were civilians. In total, 77% of subjects had migraine; 89% of patients reported at least one headache trigger with a mean of 8.3 triggers per patient. A wide variety of headache triggers was seen with the most common categories being environmental factors (74%), stress (67%), consumption‐related factors (60%), and fatigue‐related factors (57%). The types of headache triggers identified in active‐duty service members were similar to those seen in civilians. Stress‐related triggers were significantly more common in soldiers. There were no significant differences in trigger types between soldiers with and without a history of head trauma.

Conclusion.— Headaches in military service members are triggered mostly by the same factors as in civilians with stress being the most common trigger. Knowledge of headache triggers may be useful for developing strategies that reduce headache occurrence in the military.
Triptans, Serotonin Agonists, and Serotonin Syndrome (Serotonin Toxicity): A Review
Authors: Ken Gillman P.
Published: November 2009

(Headache 2010;50:264‐272)

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have suggested that fatal serotonin syndrome (SS) is possible with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and triptans: this warning affects millions of patients as these drugs are frequently given simultaneously. SS is a complex topic about which there is much misinformation. The misconception that 5‐HT1A receptors can cause serious SS is still widely perpetuated, despite quality evidence that it is activation of the 5‐HT2A receptor that is required for serious SS. This review considers SS involving serotonin agonists: ergotamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, bromocriptine, and buspirone, as well as triptans, and reviews the experimental foundation underpinning the latest understanding of SS. It is concluded that there is neither significant clinical evidence, nor theoretical reason, to entertain speculation about serious SS from triptans and SSRIs. The misunderstandings about SS exhibited by the FDA, and shared by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (in relation to methylene blue), are an important issue with wide ramifications.
ECOLOGICAL DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN SYMPATRIC PSEUDOCRYPTIC SPECIES IN THE ESTUARINE BENTHIC DIATOMNAVICULA PHYLLEPTA(BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Vanelslander Bart , Créach Véronique , Vanormelingen Pieter , Ernst Anneliese , Chepurnov Victor A. , Sahan Emel , Muyzer Gerard , Stal Lucas J. , Vyverman Wim , Sabbe Koen
Published: November 2009

The occurrence of cryptic and pseudocryptic species, often living in sympatry, is widespread among microalgae. This phenomenon raises important questions about niche partitioning between these closely related species. To date, however, few studies have addressed the ecological mechanisms underlying sympatry in cryptic and pseudocryptic species. As a result, we have only a limited understanding of the factors that govern their distribution along environmental gradients. Here, we used the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 18S rRNA gene, and the RUBISCO LSU (rbcL) chloroplast gene sequence data together with cell wall morphology to show that estuarine populations of the widespread and common benthic diatomNavicula phylleptaKütz. consist of pseudocryptic species. Growth rate measurements in function of salinity showed thatN. phylleptastrains assigned to the different species differed in their tolerance to low salinities (<5 practical salinity units, psu), which was reflected by their different (but widely overlapping) distribution in the Westerschelde estuary (the Netherlands). Multiple regression analyses of the factors determining the abundance of the different species in field samples revealed that, in addition to salinity, sediment type and ammonium concentrations were probably equally important. Our results show thatN. phylleptasensu lato comprises different species with specialized ecophysiological characteristics rather than generalists with a broad adaptability to different environmental conditions.