bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing marine biosecurity risks when data are limited: bioregion pathway and species-based exposure analyses
Authors: Azmi Fauziah , Primo Carmen , Hewitt Chad L. , Campbell Marnie L.
Published: December 2014

We evaluated two risk models (bioregion pathway and species-based exposure), with the aim to determine an effective strategy to implement marine biosecurity risk management in regions/countries where biological data are limited. We used the Port of Tanjung Priok, Jakarta Bay, Indonesia, as a case study to test both models. The bioregion pathway model illustrates that Tanjung Priok is highly connected to the East Asian Sea (∼91%), and the Northwest Pacific, Mediterranean, and Australia & New Zealand bioregions (“Very Low” risk), with other bioregions posing “Negligible” risk, highlighting the importance of understanding regional port linkages. The bioregion pathway model strength is grounded by using readily available shipping data; however, it does not classify species into threat categories but considers a larger number of species as an increasing threat. The species exposure model found that 51 species pose a theoretical risk (10 “Moderate”, 20 “High”, and 21 “Extreme” risks) to Tanjung Priok. These 51 species can be used as a “watch list” for this port. If biosecurity measures for this port were restricted to the outcomes of the bioregion pathway model only 4 of the 51 species highlighted by the species exposure model would have been captured. The species model was data intensive, requiring extensive species datasets and consequently may be unsuitable when data are limited.
A new isolated dSph galaxy near the Local Group
Authors: Karachentsev I. D. , Makarova L. N. , Makarov D. I. , Tully R. B. , Rizzi L.
Published: December 2014

Observations of the highly isolated dwarf spheroidal galaxy KKs 3 = [KK2000] 03 with the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys are presented. We measured the galaxy distance of 2.12 ± 0.07 Mpc using the tip of red giant branch method. The total blue absolute magnitude of the galaxy is estimated as MB = −10.8 mag. We briefly discuss the star formation history of KKs 3 derived from its colour–magnitude diagram. According to our calculation, the total stellar mass of the galaxy is 2.3 × 107 M⊙, and most stars (74 per cent) were formed at an early epoch more than 12 Gyr ago. A full description of the properties of the colour–magnitude diagram requires some extension of star formation in metallicity and age.
Effect of Fermentation and Oil Incorporation on the Retention of E Vitamers During Breadmaking
Authors: Buddrick Oliver , Jones Oliver A. H. , Morrison Paul D. , Small Darryl M.
Published: December 2014

All forms of baking and processing cause a loss of nutrients, including vitamin E, but little is known about these occurrences or if they could be avoided. The objective of this research was to study the incorporation of palm oil and the stability of vitamin E in palm oil during breadmaking. Wheat meal and rye breads were baked with and without the addition of 0, 2, 5, or 8% palm oil. The eight E group vitamers (tocopherols and tocotrienols) were extracted by using accelerated solvent extraction, freeze dried, and then analyzed with normal‐phase HPLC. Compared with the controls, the inclusion of palm oil was found to increase the quantity of all forms of vitamin E in the final baked products. It is concluded that palm oil is effective in increasing the vitamin E content of whole grain bread.
Scaling and biomechanics of surface attachment in climbing animals
Authors: Labonte David , Federle Walter
Published: December 2014

Attachment devices are essential adaptations for climbing animals and valuable models for synthetic adhesives. A major unresolved question for both natural and bioinspired attachment systems is how attachment performance depends on size. Here, we discuss how contact geometry and mode of detachment influence the scaling of attachment forces for claws and adhesive pads, and how allometric data on biological systems can yield insights into their mechanism of attachment. Larger animals are expected to attach less well to surfaces, due to their smaller surface-to-volume ratio, and because it becomes increasingly difficult to distribute load uniformly across large contact areas. In order to compensate for this decrease of weight-specific adhesion, large animals could evolve overproportionally large pads, or adaptations that increase attachment efficiency (adhesion or friction per unit contact area). Available data suggest that attachment pad area scales close to isometry within clades, but pad efficiency in some animals increases with size so that attachment performance is approximately size-independent. The mechanisms underlying this biologically important variation in pad efficiency are still unclear. We suggest that switching between stress concentration (easy detachment) and uniform load distribution (strong attachment) via shear forces is one of the key mechanisms enabling the dynamic control of adhesion during locomotion.
The functional significance of density and distribution of outgrowths on co-opted contact pairs in biological arresting systems
Authors: Filippov Alexander E. , Popov Valentin L. , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: December 2014

Microstructures responsible for temporary arresting of contacting surfaces are widely distributed on surfaces in different organisms. Recent morphological studies show that these structures have different density of outgrowths and not ideal distribution pattern on both complementary parts of the contact. One can suggest that this difference is optimized by natural selection to get stronger mechanical arrest within the system. In this paper, we simulate such a system numerically, both in the frames of continuous contact and discrete dynamical models to prove this hypothesis and elucidate other aspects of optimization of such mechanical adhesive systems.
The frequency and duration of
Salmonella
–macrophage adhesion events determines infection efficiency
Authors: Achouri Sarra , Wright John A. , Evans Lewis , Macleod Charlotte , Fraser Gillian , Cicuta Pietro , Bryant Clare E.
Published: December 2014

Salmonella enterica
causes a range of important diseases in humans and a in a variety of animal species. The ability of bacteria to adhere to, invade and survive within host cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of
Salmonella
infections. In systemic salmonellosis, macrophages constitute a niche for the proliferation of bacteria within the host organism.
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium is flagellated and the frequency with which this bacterium collides with a cell is important for infection efficiency. We investigated how bacterial motility affects infection efficiency, using a combination of population-level macrophage infection experiments and direct imaging of single-cell infection events, comparing wild-type and motility mutants. Non-motile and aflagellate bacterial strains, in contrast to wild-type bacteria, collide less frequently with macrophages, are in contact with the cell for less time and infect less frequently. Run-biased
Salmonella
also collide less frequently with macrophages but maintain contact with macrophages for a longer period of time than wild-type strains and infect the cells more readily. Our results suggest that uptake of
S.
Typhimurium by macrophages is dependent upon the duration of contact time of the bacterium with the cell, in addition to the frequency with which the bacteria collide with the cell.
Antiviral adhesion molecular mechanisms for influenza: W. G. Laver's lifetime obsession
Authors: Garman Elspeth F.
Published: December 2014

Infection by the influenza virus depends firstly on cell adhesion via the sialic-acid-binding viral surface protein, haemagglutinin, and secondly on the successful escape of progeny viruses from the host cell to enable the virus to spread to other cells. To achieve the latter, influenza uses another glycoprotein, the enzyme neuraminidase (NA), to cleave the sialic acid receptors from the surface of the original host cell. This paper traces the development of anti-influenza drugs, from the initial suggestion by MacFarlane Burnet in 1948 that an effective ‘competitive poison’ of the virus' NA might be useful in controlling infection by the virus, through to the determination of the structure of NA by X-ray crystallography and the realization of Burnet's idea with the design of NA inhibitors. A focus is the contribution of the late William Graeme Laver, FRS, to this research.
The role of cellular adhesion molecules in virus attachment and entry
Authors: Bhella David
Published: December 2014

As obligate intracellular parasites, viruses must traverse the host-cell plasma membrane to initiate infection. This presents a formidable barrier, which they have evolved diverse strategies to overcome. Common to all entry pathways, however, is a mechanism of specific attachment to cell-surface macromolecules or ‘receptors’. Receptor usage frequently defines viral tropism, and consequently, the evolutionary changes in receptor specificity can lead to emergence of new strains exhibiting altered pathogenicity or host range. Several classes of molecules are exploited as receptors by diverse groups of viruses, including, for example, sialic acid moieties and integrins. In particular, many cell-adhesion molecules that belong to the immunoglobulin-like superfamily of proteins (IgSF CAMs) have been identified as viral receptors. Structural analysis of the interactions between viruses and IgSF CAM receptors has not shown binding to specific features, implying that the Ig-like fold may not be key. Both proteinaceous and enveloped viruses exploit these proteins, however, suggesting convergent evolution of this trait. Their use is surprising given the usually occluded position of CAMs on the cell surface, such as at tight junctions. Nonetheless, the reason for their widespread involvement in virus entry most probably originates in their functional rather than structural characteristics.
The evolutionarily stable distribution of fitness effects
Authors: Rice Daniel P. , Good Benjamin H. , Desai Michael M.
Published: December 2014

The distribution of fitness effects of new mutations (the DFE) is a key parameter in determining the course of evolution. This fact has motivated extensive efforts to measure the DFE or to predict it from first principles. However, just as the DFE determines the course of evolution, the evolutionary process itself constrains the DFE. Here, we analyze a simple model of genome evolution in a constant environment in which natural selection drives the population toward a dynamic steady state where beneficial and deleterious substitutions balance. The distribution of fitness effects at this steady state is stable under further evolution, and provides a natural null expectation for the DFE in a population that has evolved in a constant environment for a long time. We calculate how the shape of the evolutionarily stable DFE depends on the underlying population genetic parameters. We show that, in the absence of epistasis, the ratio of beneficial to deleterious mutations of a given fitness effect obeys a simple relationship independent of population genetic details. Finally, we analyze how the stable DFE changes in the presence of a simple form of diminishing returns epistasis.
Stimulus set meaningfulness and neurophysiological differentiation: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Boly Melanie , Sasai Shuntaro , Gosseries Olivia , Oizumi Masafumi , Casali Adenauer , Massimini Marcello , Tononi Giulio
Published: December 2014

A meaningful set of stimuli, such as a sequence of frames from a movie, triggers a set of different experiences. By contrast, a meaningless set of stimuli, such as a sequence of 'TV noise' frames, triggers always the same experience – of seeing 'TV noise' – even though the stimuli themselves are as different from each other as the movie frames. We reasoned that the differentiation of cortical responses underlying the subject's experiences, as measured by Lempel-Ziv complexity (incompressibility) of functional MRI images, should reflect the overall meaningfulness of a set of stimuli for the subject, rather than differences among the stimuli. We tested this hypothesis by quantifying the differentiation of brain activity patterns in response to a movie sequence, to the same movie scrambled in time, and to 'TV noise', where the pixels from each movie frame were scrambled in space. While overall cortical activation was strong and widespread in all conditions, the differentiation (Lempel-Ziv complexity) of brain activation patterns was correlated with the meaningfulness of the stimulus set, being highest in the movie condition, intermediate in the scrambled movie condition, and minimal for 'TV noise'. Stimulus set meaningfulness was also associated with higher information integration among cortical regions. These results suggest that the differentiation of neural responses can be used to assess the meaningfulness of a given set of stimuli for a given subject, without the need to identify the features and categories that are relevant to the subject, nor the precise location of selective neural responses.
Structures ofDrosophila melanogasterRab2 and Rab3 bound to GMPPNP
Authors: Lardong Jennifer A. , Driller Jan H. , Depner Harald , Weise Christoph , Petzoldt Astrid , Wahl Markus C. , Sigrist Stephan J. , Loll Bernhard
Published: December 2014

Rab GTPases belong to the large family of Ras proteins. They act as key regulators of membrane organization and intracellular trafficking. Functionally, they act as switches. In the active GTP-bound form they can bind to effector proteins to facilitate the delivery of transport vesicles. Upon stimulation, the GTP is hydrolyzed and the Rab proteins undergo conformational changes in their switch regions. This study focuses on Rab2 and Rab3 fromDrosophila melanogaster. Whereas Rab2 is involved in vesicle transport between the Golgi and the endoplasmatic reticulum, Rab3 is a key player in exocytosis, and in the synapse it is involved in the assembly of the presynaptic active zone. Here, high-resolution crystal structures of Rab2 and Rab3 in complex with GMPPNP and Mg2+are presented. In the structure of Rab3 a modified cysteine residue is observed with an enigmatic electron density attached to its thiol function.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of the CARD domain of apoptosis repressor with CARD (ARC)
Authors: Kim Seong Hyun , Park Hyun Ho
Published: December 2014

Apoptosis repressor with caspase-recruiting domain (ARC) is an apoptosis repressor that inhibits both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis signalling. Human ARC contains an N-terminal caspase-recruiting domain (CARD domain) and a C-terminal proline- and glutamic acid-rich (P/E-rich) domain. The CARD domain in ARC is the domain that is directly involved in inhibition of the extrinsic pathway. In this study, the N-terminal CARD domain of ARC was overexpressed, purified and crystallized. X-ray diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 2.1 Å and the crystals were found to belong to space groupP61orP65, with unit-cell parametersa= 98.28,b= 98.28, c = 51.86 Å, α = 90, β = 90, γ = 120°.
Crystal structure of (S)-4-carbamoyl-4-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)butanoic acid
Authors: Otogawa Kohei , Ishikawa Kazuhiko , Shiro Motoo , Asahi Toru
Published: December 2014

In the title compound, C13H12N2O5, the phthalimide ring system is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.0479 (14) Å. In the crystal, each molecule is linkedviasix neighbouring molecules into a three-dimensional network through N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, which form anR32(8) ring motif.
Crystal structure of (E)-1-(4′-methyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-3-(3-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Vidhyasagar T. , Rajeswari K. , Shanthi D. , Kayalvizhi M. , Vasuki G. , Thiruvalluvar A.
Published: December 2014

In the title compound, C22H17NO3, the molecule has anEconformation about the C=C bond, and the C—C=C—C torsion angle is −177.7 (3)°. The planes of the terminal benzene rings are twisted by 41.62 (16)°, while the biphenyl unit is non-planar, the dihedral angle between the planes of the rings being 38.02 (15)°. The dihedral angle between the nitrophenyl ring and the inner benzene ring is 5.29 (16)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by two weak C—H...π interactions, forming rectangular tubes propagating along theb-axis direction.
Directional dispersal has not evolved during the cane toad invasion
Authors: Brown Gregory P. , Phillips Benjamin L. , Shine Richard
Published: December 2014

The ability to disperse along a consistent compass heading strongly affects the rate and efficiency of an animal's displacement, and thus is under selection at the expanding edge of a biological invasion.

We used radiotelemetry to assess whether the dispersal direction of cane toads (Rhinella marina) changed as a function of time since invasion, by comparing (i) toads at a single site monitored annually for 10 years subsequent to toad arrival; (ii) toads collected from sites across the species' invaded range in Australia, and radiotracked at a common site; and (iii) the offspring of those transported toads that were reared in captivity under common‐garden conditions.

The first of these data sets showed non‐random directionality, indicating strong spatial sorting operating on this trait: toads moved in a north‐westerly direction for the first 6 years post‐invasion, but in random directions thereafter. Despite the evidence for trait sorting, no consistent directionality was seen in toads relocated from populations with different invasion histories nor in their offspring. Why do we see no evolutionary shifts?

Dispersal directionality of the offspring was not correlated with that of their parents, arguing against a genetic basis to this behavioural trait. Thus, while an expanding invasion front creates an evolutionary pressure for animals to move in a specific direction, evolution of this trait has not occurred in this system because directionality is not heritable.

The observed north‐westerly movements of toads at the invasion front were due to simple density differentials: in the first few years, most toads arriving at our study site originated from earlier‐colonized (and hence denser) populations to the south‐east.
Seismic envelope inversion: reduction of local minima and noise resistance
Authors: Luo Jingrui , Wu Ru‐Shan
Published: December 2014

Waveform inversion met severe challenge in retrieving long‐wavelength background structure. We have proposed to use envelope inversion to recover the large‐scale component of the model. Using the large‐scale background recovered by envelope inversion as new starting model, we can get much better result than the conventional full waveform inversion. By comparing the configurations of the misfit functional between the envelope inversion and the conventional waveform inversion, we show that envelope inversion can greatly reduce the local minimum problem. The combination of envelope inversion and waveform inversion can deliver more faithful and accurate final result with almost no extra computation cost compared to the conventional full waveform inversion. We also tested the noise resistance ability of envelope inversion to Gaussian noise and seismic interference noise. The results showed that envelope inversion is insensitive to Gaussian noise and, to a certain extent, insensitive to seismic interference noise. This indicates the robustness of this method and its potential use for noisy data.
Ricker‐compliant deconvolution
Authors: Claerbout Jon , Guitton Antoine
Published: December 2014

Ricker‐compliant deconvolution spikes at the center lobe of the Ricker wavelet. It enables deconvolution to preserve and enhance seismogram polarities. Expressing the phase spectrum as a function of lag, it works by suppressing the phase at small lags. A by‐product of this decon is a pseudo‐unitary (very clean) debubble filter where bubbles are lifted off the data while onset waveforms (usually Ricker) are untouched.
A conifer–angiosperm divergence in the growth vs. shade tolerance trade‐off underlies the dynamics of a New Zealand warm‐temperate rain forest
Authors: Lusk Christopher H. , Jorgensen Murray A. , Bellingham Peter J.
Published: December 2014

A central tenet of forest ecology is that succession and regeneration dynamics are driven by an interspecific trade‐off between juvenile growth rates in high light and shade tolerance. There is evidence, however, that a single trade‐off axis may fail to explain the dynamics of mixed conifer–angiosperm rain forests in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in New Zealand.

We tested for growth vs. shade tolerance trade‐offs by measuring juvenile growth of five podocarps and five broadleaved canopy angiosperms across a wide range of light environments in a New Zealand warm‐temperate rain forest. The light compensation point of growth was used as a measure of species light requirements, which we then compared with height growth in 10% light, approximating the environments encountered beneath small treefall gaps.

Despite considerable overlap between the ranges of both growth rates and compensation points found in the two lineages, major axis tests showed that the growth vs. shade tolerance trade‐off differed significantly between podocarp and angiosperm species. At a common compensation point, angiosperms were faster growing than podocarps in 10% light. However, juveniles of these angiosperm species were notably scarce in the more open environments associated with forest margins.

Synthesis. A conifer–angiosperm divergence in the growth vs. shade tolerance trade‐off may explain long‐standing problems of the dynamics of these forests. Although juveniles of most lowland podocarps can tolerate considerable shade, the more vigorous response of broadleaved angiosperms to small canopy openings enables them to out‐compete podocarps in old‐growth stands. The greater abundance of podocarp juveniles on forest margins cannot be attributed to them out‐competing angiosperm species where light is abundant and is likely to reflect superior resistance to frost and/or drought. The drivers of the dynamics of New Zealand's podocarp–broadleaved forests therefore differ appreciably from those ascribed to tropical and north‐temperate forests.
Corruption in Public Procurement Market
Authors: Mizoguchi Tetsuro , Van Quyen Nguyen
Published: December 2014

The paper presents a model of public procurement in which the contracting officer is corrupt and extracts bribes from the bidding firms. The firms submit multidimensional bids, which consist of the quality and the price of the project that they propose to realize. The firms differ in their costs of realizing the project at a given quality, and these costs are private information. The contracting official, in exchange for a bribe, abuses the power of his or her public office by distorting the quality ranking of the bids and by giving the favoured firm an opportunity to readjust its bid to undercut its rivals. Our analysis suggests that when the firms serve only the internal market, the public project is realized at low quality and inflated prices. However, when the firms are also allowed to sell the product they develop for the internal market in a foreign market, the auction is ex post efficient.
Vertical and Horizontal Segregation: Spatial Class Divisions in Oslo, 1970–2003
Authors: Ljunggren Jørn , Andersen Patrick Lie
Published: December 2014

A direct focus on social class has largely disappeared from questions concerning spatial divisions. Instead, studies on residential segregation usually focus on ethnicity, education or income; seemingly the common perception is that people are now divided by such factors and that class divisions belong to the past. Although the structures of inequality have changed in recent times, little is known about how they affect spatial divisions. Here, we investigate these issues by analysing the developments of class segregation in Norway's capital, Oslo, during a period of great societal change and welfare state expansion. We analyse both vertical segregation, between the upper class and the working class, and horizontal segregation, between class factions possessing a high level of mainly cultural or economic capital. We apply a Bourdieu‐inspired classification scheme to capture data on the parents of full cohorts of children aged 13–15 years in 1970, 1980 and 2003. The results support the idea of a changed class structure, with segregation levels between the upper and working classes having increased during this period. Moreover, there are also moderate and slightly increasing levels of horizontal segregation between top class factions based on cultural and economic capital.
Measuring acoustic habitats
Authors: Merchant Nathan D. , Fristrup Kurt M. , Johnson Mark P. , Tyack Peter L. , Witt Matthew J. , Blondel Philippe , Parks Susan E.
Published: December 2014

Many organisms depend on sound for communication, predator/prey detection and navigation. The acoustic environment can therefore play an important role in ecosystem dynamics and evolution. A growing number of studies are documenting acoustic habitats and their influences on animal development, behaviour, physiology and spatial ecology, which has led to increasing demand for passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) expertise in the life sciences. However, as yet, there has been no synthesis of data processing methods for acoustic habitat monitoring, which presents an unnecessary obstacle to would‐be PAM analysts.

Here, we review the signal processing techniques needed to produce calibrated measurements of terrestrial and aquatic acoustic habitats. We include a supplemental tutorial and template computer codes in matlab and r, which give detailed guidance on how to produce calibrated spectrograms and statistical analyses of sound levels. Key metrics and terminology for the characterisation of biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic sound are covered, and their application to relevant monitoring scenarios is illustrated through example data sets. To inform study design and hardware selection, we also include an up‐to‐date overview of terrestrial and aquatic PAM instruments.

Monitoring of acoustic habitats at large spatiotemporal scales is becoming possible through recent advances in PAM technology. This will enhance our understanding of the role of sound in the spatial ecology of acoustically sensitive species and inform spatial planning to mitigate the rising influence of anthropogenic noise in these ecosystems. As we demonstrate in this work, progress in these areas will depend upon the application of consistent and appropriate PAM methodologies.
Chemoradiotherapy in elderly patients with advanced head and neck cancer under intensive nutritional support
Authors: Chang Pei‐Hung , Yeh Kun‐Yun , Huang Jen‐Seng , Chen Eric Yen‐Chao , Yang Shih‐Wei , Wang Cheng‐Hsu
Published: December 2014

Aim

To evaluate treatment tolerance, toxicities and survival in elderly patients with advanced head and neck cancer who received inpatient‐based intensive nutritional support with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in comparison with younger patients undergoing the same treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 126 stage III, IVA and IVB head and neck cancer patients who were treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy between 2007 and 2009 under an inpatient‐based nutritional support program. The clinical characteristics, treatment tolerance, toxicities and survival of patients older than 65 years were compared with those of identically treated patients younger than 65 years.

Results

There were 21 patients older than 65 years and 105 patients younger than 65 years. Clinical characteristics and treatment toxicities were similar between the groups, except that the elderly were less likely to tolerate cisplatin, experienced more weight loss, required more feeding tube support and tended to have >grade 3 hematological toxicities and to develop sepsis during the period of chemoradiotherapy. The 1‐ and 2‐year disease‐free survival and disease‐specific survival rates were nearly identical.

Conclusion

Age alone should not be considered a contraindication to aggressive chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer. Older patients require more careful multidisciplinary assessment of their supportive care needs to ensure successful completion of treatment and avoid further treatment‐related toxicity.
Differences in serum protein 2D gel electrophoresis patterns of Przewalski's (Mongolian wild horse) and thoroughbred horses
Authors: Barsuren Enkhbolor , Namkhai Bandi , Kong Hong Sik
Published: December 2014

The objective of this study was to assess differences in serum protein expression profiles of Przewalski's (Mongolian wild horse) and thoroughbred horses using proteome analysis. The serum proteins were separated by two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) and five different gene products were identified. Proteins represented by the five spots were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization–time‐of‐flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry (MS)/MS technology. The identities of all proteins were deduced based on their similarity to proteins in the human plasma protein database. Three proteins (a haptoglobin‐2 alpha glycoprotein and two haptoglobin‐2beta glycoproteins with different accession numbers) were downregulated in Przewalski's horse sera compared to thoroughbred horse sera. Moreover, two proteins (tetraspanin‐18 and pM5) were upregulated in Przewalski's horses compared to thoroughbred horses. Haptoglobin‐2 alpha and haptoglobin‐2beta may serve as candidate molecules in future studies of inflammation, coagulation, immune modulation and pro‐oxidant and antioxidant activity with consequential effects on the entire metabolism of the horse.
Co‐Prescribing of Potentially Interacting Drugs during Warfarin Therapy – A Population‐Based Register Study
Authors: Rikala Maria , Hauta‐Aho Milka , Helin‐Salmivaara Arja , Lassila Riitta , Korhonen Maarit Jaana , Huupponen Risto
Published: December 2014

We analysed the occurrence of co‐prescribing of potentially interacting drugs during warfarin therapy in the community‐dwelling population of Finland. We identified drugs having interaction potential with warfarin using the Swedish Finnish INteraction X‐referencing drug–drug interaction database (SFINX) and obtained data on drug purchases from the nationwide Prescription Register. We defined warfarin users as persons purchasing warfarin in 2010 (n = 148,536) and followed them from their first prescription in 2010 until the end of the calendar year. Co‐prescribing was defined as at least 1‐day overlap between warfarin and interacting drug episodes. In addition, we identified persons who initiated warfarin therapy between 1 January 2007 and 30 September 2010 (n = 110,299) and followed these incident users for a 3‐month period since warfarin initiation. Overall, 74.4% of warfarin users were co‐prescribed interacting drugs. Co‐prescribing covered 46.4% of the total person‐years of warfarin exposure. Interacting drugs that should be avoided with warfarin were co‐prescribed for 13.4% of warfarin users. The majority of the co‐prescriptions were for drugs that are not contraindicated during warfarin therapy but require special consideration. Among incident users, 57.1% purchased potentially interacting drugs during the 3‐month period after initiation, while 9.0% purchased interacting drugs that should be avoided with warfarin. To conclude, the occurrence of co‐prescribing of potentially interacting drugs was high during warfarin therapy. Our findings highlight the importance of close monitoring of warfarin therapy and the need for further studies on the clinical consequences of co‐prescribing of interacting drugs with warfarin.
Primary Melanocytic Tumors of the Central Nervous System: a Review with Focus on Molecular Aspects
Authors: Küsters‐Vandevelde Heidi V.N. , Küsters Benno , van Engen‐van Grunsven Adriana C.H. , Groenen Patricia J.T.A. , Wesseling Pieter , Blokx Willeke A.M.
Published: December 2014

Primary melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) represent a spectrum of rare tumors. They can be benign or malignant and occur in adults as well as in children, the latter often in the context of neurocutaneous melanosis. Until recently, the genetic alterations in these tumors were largely unknown. This is in contrast with cutaneous and uveal melanomas, which are known to harbor distinct oncogenic mutations that can be used as targets for treatment with small‐molecule inhibitors in the advanced setting. Recently, novel insights in the molecular alterations underlying primary melanocytic tumors of the CNS were obtained, including different oncogenic mutations in tumors in adult patients (especially GNAQ, GNA11) vs. children (especially NRAS). In this review, the focus is on molecular characteristics of primary melanocytic tumors of the CNS. We summarize what is known about their genetic alterations and discuss implications for pathogenesis and differential diagnosis with other pigmented tumors in or around the CNS. Finally, new therapeutic options with targeted therapy are discussed.
Plasma levels of mannan-binding lectin-associated serine proteases MASP-1 and MASP-2 are elevated in type 1 diabetes and correlate with glycaemic control
Authors: Jenny L , Ajjan R , King R , Thiel S , Schroeder V
Published: December 2014

There is increasing evidence that the complement system plays an important role in diabetes and the development of diabetic vascular complications. In particular, mannan-binding lectin (MBL) levels are elevated in diabetes patients, and diabetes patients with diabetic nephropathy have higher MBL levels than diabetes patients with normal renal function. The MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs) MASP-1, MASP-2 and MASP-3 and MBL-associated protein MAp44 have not yet been studied in diabetes patients. We therefore measured plasma levels of MASP-1, MASP-2, MASP-3 and MAp44 in 30 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and 17 matched control subjects, and in 45 adults with T1DM and 31 matched control subjects. MASP-1 and MASP-2 levels were significantly higher in children and adults with T1DM than in their respective control groups, whereas MASP-3 and MAp44 levels did not differ between patients and controls. MASP-1 and MASP-2 levels correlated with HbA1c, and MASP levels decreased when glycaemic control improved. Because MASP-1 and MASP-2 have been shown to interact directly with blood coagulation, elevated levels of these proteins may play a role in the enhanced thrombotic environment and consequent vascular complications in diabetes.
Transalveolar sinus floor elevation using osteotomes without grafting in severely atrophic maxilla: a 5‐year prospective study
Authors: Gu Ying‐Xin , Shi Jun‐Yu , Zhuang Long‐Fei , Qian Shu‐Jiao , Mo Jia‐Ji , Lai Hong‐Chang
Published: December 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical success of dental implants placed in severely atrophic maxilla (residual bone height ≤4 mm) using transalveolar sinus floor elevation (TSFE) without grafting. Furthermore, the implant stability during the healing period was also evaluated.

Materials and methods

Twenty five generally healthy patients with 37 Straumann® Standard Plus SLA implants were included in the study. After a modified Summers TSFE without grafting was performed, the smooth collar was embedded 0.5–1 mm beneath the cortical bone level. Follow‐ups were conducted at 12, 36, and 60 months after crown placement. Implant survival rate, resonance frequency analysis (RFA), and clinical and radiographic parameters were evaluated.

Results

At 5‐year follow‐up, 35 implants fulfilled the survival criteria, representing a 5‐year cumulative survival rate of 94.6% at implant level and 92% at subject level. The mean value of implant stability quotient (ISQ) ranged from 67.8 to 72.8, and the lowest values were reached at 4 weeks. No significant difference was found with the passage of time in modified plaque index (P = 0.92), pocket probing depth (P = 0.34), and modified bleeding index (P = 0.4). The average residual bone height was 2.81 mm (SD: 0.74 mm) in this study. The average crestal bone loss (CBL) significantly increased from 0.83 mm at 1‐year examination to 1.47 mm at 3‐year examination (P < 0.001). The average CBL remained stable at years 3 and 5 (1.47 vs. 1.54 mm, P = 0.083).

Conclusion

According to the current evidence, it is feasible to place cylindrical implants in severely atrophic maxilla. High survival rate could be achieved following TSFE without grafting at least within 5‐year follow‐up.
The impact of short duration, high intensity exercise on cardiac troponin release
Authors: George Keith P , Grant Marie Clare , Davies Bruce , Baker Julien S.
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the appearance of cardiac troponins (cTnI and/or cTnT) after a short bout (30 s) of ‘all‐out’ intense exercise and to determine the stability of any exercise‐related cTnI release in response to repeated bouts of high intensity exercise separated by 7 days recovery. Eighteen apparently healthy, physically active, male university students completed two all‐out 30 s cycle sprint, separated by 7 days. cTnI, blood lactate and catecholamine concentrations were measured before, immediately after and 24 h after each bout. Cycle performance, heart rate and blood pressure responses to exercise were also recorded. Cycle performance was modestly elevated in the second trial [6·5% increase in peak power output (PPO)]; there was no difference in the cardiovascular, lactate or catecholamine response to the two cycle trials. cTnI was not significantly elevated from baseline through recovery (Trial 1: 0·06 ± 0·04 ng ml−1, 0·05 ± 0·04 ng ml−1, 0·03 ± 0·02 ng ml−1; Trial 2: 0·02 ± 0·04 ng ml−1, 0·04 ± 0·03 ng ml−1, 0·05 ± 0·06 ng ml−1) in either trial. Very small within subject changes were not significantly correlated between the two trials (r = 0·06; P>0·05). Subsequently, short duration, high intensity exercise does not elicit a clinically relevant response in cTnI and any small alterations likely reflect the underlying biological variability of cTnI measurement within the participants.
The number of FoxP3+ cells in transbronchial lung allograft biopsies does not predict bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome within the first five years after transplantation
Authors: Krustrup Dorrit , Iversen Martin , Martinussen Torben , Schultz Hans Henrik L. , Andersen Claus B.
Published: December 2014

Background

An important limitation to the success of lung transplantation is the development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). It has been hypothesized that regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) are related to the risk of BOS. We aim to evaluate whether the number of forkhead box P3 (FoxP3+) cells/mm2in lung allograft biopsies is a predictor of long‐term outcome.

Materials and Methods

A total of 58 consecutive lung transplant patients were included in the study. For 233 routine surveillance biopsy samples, the numbers of FoxP3+ cells/mm2were assessed by immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against FoxP3. BOS scores were calculated for the first five yr after transplantation.

Results

We determined that acute rejection was related to the time elapsed from transplantation to BOS with hazard ratios of 3.18 (p = 0.02) and 3.73 (p = 0.04) when comparing the levels of acute rejection grade 1 and grade 2/3, respectively, to no rejection. According to a Cox regression analysis, the number of FoxP3+ cells/mm2was not predictive of time to BOS.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our data indicate that the number of FoxP3+ cells in the lung allograft did not correlate with BOS‐free survival time. Previous studies have been contradictory and included different time points. Our findings emphasize the importance of including a time factor.
Neurocysticercosis: A natural human model of epileptogenesis
Authors: Nash Theodore E. , Mahanty Siddhartha , Loeb Jeffrey A. , Theodore William H. , Friedman Alon , Sander Josemir W. , Singh Gagandeep , Cavalheiro Esper , Del Brutto Oscar H. , Takayanagui Osvaldo M. , Fleury Agnes , Verastegui Manuela , Preux Pierre‐Marie , Montano Silvia , Pretell E. Javier , White A. Clinton , Gonzales Armando E. , Gilman Robert H. , Garcia Hector H.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To develop a better understanding of mechanisms of seizures and long‐term epileptogenesis using neurocysticercosis.

Methods

A workshop was held bringing together experts in epilepsy and epileptogenesis and neurocysticercosis.

Results

Human neurocysticercosis and parallel animal models offer a unique opportunity to understand basic mechanisms of seizures. Inflammatory responses to degenerating forms and later‐stage calcified parasite granulomas are associated with seizures and epilepsy. Other mechanisms may also be involved in epileptogenesis.

Significance

Naturally occurring brain infections with neurocysticercosis offer a unique opportunity to develop treatments for one of the world's most common causes of epilepsy and for the development of more general antiepileptogenic treatments. Key advantages stem from the time course in which an acute seizure heralds a start of the epileptogenic process, and radiographic changes of calcification and perilesional edema provide biomarkers of a chronic epileptic state.
The frequencies of haplotypes defined by three polymorphisms of the IL‐31 gene: −1066, −2057, and IVS2+12 in Polish patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Sokołowska‐Wojdyło Małgorzata , Gleń Jolanta , Zabłotna Monika , Rębała Krzysztof , Trzeciak Magdalena , Sikorska Monika , Ruckemann‐Dziurdzińska Katarzyna , Nedoszytko Boguslaw , Florek Aleksandra , Nowicki Roman
Published: December 2014

Background

Severe pruritus is one of the cardinal symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD). Recently, the interleukin (IL)‐31 cytokine has been implicated in the induction and maintenance of severe pruritus and chronic skin inflammation in several pruritic skin diseases, including AD.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the association of the IL‐31 gene haplotypes with pruritus and severity of AD, as well as their correlation to the serum IL‐31 levels.

Methods

A total of 127 patients with AD and 96 healthy controls were analyzed for polymorphic variants of the IL‐31 gene using an amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction method. IL‐31 haplotype frequencies were estimated with the use of tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms, expectation‐maximization, and Excoffier–Laval–Balding algorithms. Serum IL‐31 levels were measured using a standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results

The frequency of AAG, AGA, AGG, and GAA haplotypes of the IL‐31 gene was higher in patients with AD than in controls. The mean IL‐31 levels in serum were lower in controls than in the patients (P < 0.00001) and were higher in those with severe vs. mild AD (P = 0.008). No correlation was found between IL‐31 and the severity of pruritus. The haplotype AAA was associated with a high IL‐31 serum level (P = 0.008) and with severe AD (high SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index) (P = 0.013). The haplotype GAA was associated with a severe form of pruritus (P = 0.016) and the haplotype GGG with the mild one (P = 0.07).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the severity of AD in a Polish population is associated with some specific haplotypes of the IL‐31 gene, which can indicate their prognostic role also renews the questions concerning the role of IL‐31 in pruritus in AD.
Interventions for the treatment of trachoma: An overview of Cochrane systematic reviews
Authors: Lockwood Craig , Stern Cindy
Published: December 2014

Trachoma is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Infection with C. trachomatis produces characteristic changes to the inner surface of the eyelids, resulting in sequela that when left untreated, leads to vision impairment and blindness. Repeated trachoma infections can cause severe scarring of the inside of the eyelid and can cause the eyelashes to scratch the cornea (trichiasis). The objective of this overview was to synthesize the evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews regarding the treatment of trachoma, and to provide a brief and user‐friendly front end for health professionals, researchers and policy makers. Face washing plus topical tetracycline eye ointment gave no additional protective benefit against active trachoma when compared with topical tetracycline eye ointment alone. Nor was any benefit conferred in the presence of severe trachoma. Primary health‐care education was found to be effective in reducing the odds of active trachoma. Evidence of benefit from insecticide spray or provision of latrines away from living areas was inconclusive for active trachoma. Surgical interventions that involve full‐thickness incision with tarsal rotation are more effective than alternate surgical procedures.
Assessment of the Healthy Eating Index‐2005 as a predictor of early childhood caries
Authors: Zaki Nadine A. A. , Dowidar Karin M. L. , Abdelaziz Wafaa E. E.
Published: December 2014

Background

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a multifactorial disease resulting mainly from a time‐specific interaction of micro‐organisms with sugars on a tooth surface.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of dietary intake, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index‐2005 (HEI‐2005) to ECC.

Design

Cross‐sectional analytical study.

Methods

Sixty preschool children were equally divided into three groups according to their caries experience [Group 1: caries‐free children, group 2: children with ECC, group 3: children with severe early childhood caries (S‐ECC)]. The decayed (non‐cavitated or cavitated), missing (due to caries) and filled tooth surfaces (dmfs) score was determined through visual dental examination for each child. Questionnaires were collected recording the demographic characteristics of the families as well as 24‐h food recall forms capturing the dietary intake of the children during the previous day. Accordingly, the HEI‐2005 score was calculated for each child.

Results

The caries experience of the children in this study was significantly associated with their age. Caries‐free children showed significantly higher ‘Whole fruit’, ‘Milk’, ‘Sodium’ and total HEI‐2005 scores.

Conclusions

The study findings illustrate the prominent protective role played by healthful dietary practices against dental caries in preschool children.
West Indian iguana Cyclura spp reintroduction and recovery programmes: zoo support and involvement
Authors: Grant T. D. , Hudson R. D.
Published: December 2014

Many West Indian rock iguanas Cyclura spp comprise small restricted island populations that are threatened by habitat conversion and degradation, free‐ranging domestic animals and invasive species. In the 1980s, concerted conservation efforts were initiated for Caribbean iguanas, using a combination of captive‐breeding programmes and head‐starting of wild‐collected hatchlings for reintroduction, and habitat protection. Zoological facilities have been involved in the conservation efforts from the start, providing expertise, resources and extensive funding for various aspects of the conservation programmes, and by providing space to house ex situ groups of iguanas as assurance populations. Health assessments of wild and captive iguanas, and databases related to the biology and health of the species have benefited not only the wild populations but also those being bred and maintained in captivity. Data compilation and analysis through the use of population‐management software have made it possible to manage the genetic diversity of the individuals being captive bred for release. The involvement of zoological facilities has been fundamental to the efforts that have gone into bringing the Grand Cayman blue iguana Cyclura lewisi and the Jamaican iguana Cyclura collei back from the brink of extinction. A review of the conservation efforts for West Indian iguanas, including the role played by zoos, is presented.