bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myoclonus
Authors: Shorvon Simon
Published: September 2013

Myoclonus was not a word used by Gowers, but he nevertheless made a clear description of what we would now call Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy and obviously recognized much of the wider range of myoclonic disorders. Myoclonus can be classified by clinical features, into epileptic, symptomatic, physiological and essential myoclonus. Epileptic myoclonus is probably largely cortical in origin and best considered as a ‘fragment of epilepsy’. It occurs principally in idiopathic generalized epilepsy, photic-induced and stimulus sensitive epilepsy, in some partial and symptomatic epilepsies, epilepsia partialis continua, childhood syndromes, progressive myoclonic epilepsy and in the later stages of status epilepticus. There are a long list of diverse causes of symptomatic myoclonus and also causes of progressive myoclonic epilepsy. These numerous genetic, biochemical and degenerative conditions are heterogeneous and involve different physiological pathways. The neurophysiological investigation of myoclonus includes EEG, EMG, back-averaged EEG and somatosensory evoked potentials. Treatment is largely the same, regardless of cause, and includes the use of valproate, benzodiazepines, levetiracetam, piracetam, and to a lesser extent barbiturate antiepileptic drugs or zonisamide.
Tic Disorders and Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Rickards Hugh
Published: September 2013

Tic disorders are relatively common and have been confused with epilepsy in two situations: blank episodes can be mistaken for absence epilepsy and complex behaviors can be mistaken for localization-related epilepsy of frontal or temporal origin. Careful history taking, with focus on the patient’s subjective experiences, and careful observation during the relevant paroxysmal behavior can aid the distinction between tics and epilepsy.
Defective chromatin recruitment and retention of NHEJ core components in human tumor cells expressing a Cyclin E fragment
Authors: Chatterjee Payel , Plesca Dragos , Mazumder Suparna , Boutros Jean , Yannone Steven M. , Almasan Alexandru
Published: September 2013

Exposure to genotoxic agents, such as ionizing radiation (IR), produces double-strand breaks, repaired predominantly in mammalian cells by non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). Ku70 was identified as an interacting partner of a proteolytic Cyclin E (CycE) fragment, p18CycE. p18CycE endogenous generation during IR-induced apoptosis in leukemic cells and its stable expression in epithelial tumor cells sensitized to IR. γH2AX IR-induced foci (IRIFs) and comet assays indicated ineffective NHEJ DNA repair in p18CycE-expressing cells. DNA pull-down and chromatin recruitment assays revealed that retention of NHEJ factors to double-strand breaks, but not recruitment, was diminished. Similarly, IRIFs of phosphorylated T2609 and S2056-DNA-PKcs and its target S1778-53BP1 were greatly decreased in p18CycE-expressing cells. As a result, DNA-PKcs chromatin association was also increased. 53BP1 IRIFs were suppressed when p18CycE was generated in leukemic cells and in epithelial cells stably expressing p18CycE. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated was activated but not its 53BP1 and MDC1 targets. These data indicate a profound influence of p18CycE on NHEJ through its interference with DNA-PKcs conformation and/or dimerization, which is required for effective DNA repair, making the p18CycE-expressing cells more IR sensitive. These studies provide unique mechanistic insights into NHEJ misregulation in human tumor cells, in which defects in NHEJ core components are rare.
Brian Stewart Worthington. 9 June 1938 — 9 December 2007
Authors: Mansfield Sir Peter , Roebuck Eric J.
Published: September 2013

Brian Worthington was born into modest circumstances in Oldham and attended the local primary school, from which he moved to Hulme Grammar School, where he studied until he was 18 years of age. He was academically talented and attained the standard to enter university and indeed medical school with a scholarship to Guy’s Hospital in London. He graduated in physiology and medicine and was drawn towards radiology and in particular neuroradiology. He became a consultant for the Nottingham and Derby hospitals, but followed that with a university career as a Professor of Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Nottingham. He was a pioneer in clinical magnetic resonance imaging, for which he was honoured in many ways. Moreover, Brian Worthington was fascinated in all things Icelandic and became a fluent speaker in that language. With his wife Margaret and two sons, Andrew and Stuart, he maintained a close family relationship with his parents.
Modelling the spread of American foulbrood in honeybees
Authors: Datta Samik , Bull James C. , Budge Giles E. , Keeling Matt J.
Published: September 2013

We investigate the spread of American foulbrood (AFB), a disease caused by the bacterium
Paenibacillus larvae
, that affects bees and can be extremely damaging to beehives. Our dataset comes from an inspection period carried out during an AFB epidemic of honeybee colonies on the island of Jersey during the summer of 2010. The data include the number of hives of honeybees, location and owner of honeybee apiaries across the island. We use a spatial SIR model with an underlying owner network to simulate the epidemic and characterize the epidemic using a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) scheme to determine model parameters and infection times (including undetected ‘occult’ infections). Likely methods of infection spread can be inferred from the analysis, with both distance- and owner-based transmissions being found to contribute to the spread of AFB. The results of the MCMC are corroborated by simulating the epidemic using a stochastic SIR model, resulting in aggregate levels of infection that are comparable to the data. We use this stochastic SIR model to simulate the impact of different control strategies on controlling the epidemic. It is found that earlier inspections result in smaller epidemics and a higher likelihood of AFB extinction.
Fast and accurate propagation of coherent light
Authors: Lewis R. D. , Beylkin G. , Monzón L.
Published: September 2013

We describe a fast algorithm to propagate, for any user-specified accuracy, a time-harmonic electromagnetic field between two parallel planes separated by a linear, isotropic and homogeneous medium. The analytical formulation of this problem (ca 1897) requires the evaluation of the so-called Rayleigh–Sommerfeld integral. If the distance between the planes is small, this integral can be accurately evaluated in the Fourier domain; if the distance is very large, it can be accurately approximated by asymptotic methods. In the large intermediate region of practical interest, where the oscillatory Rayleigh–Sommerfeld kernel must be applied directly, current numerical methods can be highly inaccurate without indicating this fact to the user. In our approach, for any user-specified accuracy
ϵ
>0, we approximate the kernel by a short sum of Gaussians with complex-valued exponents, and then efficiently apply the result to the input data using the unequally spaced fast Fourier transform. The resulting algorithm has computational complexity

, where we evaluate the solution on an
N
×
N
grid of output points given an
M
×
M
grid of input samples. Our algorithm maintains its accuracy throughout the computational domain.
Sexual and parental antagonism shape genomic architecture
Authors: Patten Manus M. , Úbeda Francisco , Haig David
Published: September 2013

Populations with two sexes are vulnerable to a pair of genetic conflicts: sexual antagonism that can arise when alleles have opposing fitness effects on females and males; and parental antagonism that arises when alleles have opposing fitness effects when maternally and paternally inherited. This paper extends previous theoretical work that found stable linkage disequilibrium (LD) between sexually antagonistic loci. We find that LD is also generated between parentally antagonistic loci, and between sexually and parentally antagonistic loci, without any requirement of epistasis. We contend that the LD in these models arises from the admixture of gene pools subject to different selective histories. We also find that polymorphism maintained by parental antagonism at one locus expands the opportunity for polymorphism at a linked locus experiencing parental or sexual antagonism. Taken together, our results predict the chromosomal clustering of loci that segregate for sexually and parentally antagonistic alleles. Thus, genetic conflict may play a role in the evolution of genomic architecture.
Holarctic genetic structure and range dynamics in the woolly mammoth
Authors: Palkopoulou Eleftheria , Dalén Love , Lister Adrian M. , Vartanyan Sergey , Sablin Mikhail , Sher Andrei , Edmark Veronica Nyström , Brandström Mikael D. , Germonpré Mietje , Barnes Ian , Thomas Jessica A.
Published: September 2013

Ancient DNA analyses have provided enhanced resolution of population histories in many Pleistocene taxa. However, most studies are spatially restricted, making inference of species-level biogeographic histories difficult. Here, we analyse mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in the woolly mammoth from across its Holarctic range to reconstruct its history over the last 200 thousand years (kyr). We identify a previously undocumented major mtDNA lineage in Europe, which was replaced by another major mtDNA lineage 32–34 kyr before present (BP). Coalescent simulations provide support for demographic expansions at approximately 121 kyr BP, suggesting that the previous interglacial was an important driver for demography and intraspecific genetic divergence. Furthermore, our results suggest an expansion into Eurasia from America around 66 kyr BP, coinciding with the first exposure of the Bering Land Bridge during the Late Pleistocene. Bayesian inference indicates Late Pleistocene demographic stability until 20–15 kyr BP, when a severe population size decline occurred.
Pseudomonas chengduensis sp. nov., isolated from landfill leachate
Authors: Tao Yong , Zhou Yan , He Xiaohong , Hu Xiaohong , Li Daping
Published: September 2013

Strain MBRTwas isolated from landfill leachate in a solid-waste disposal site in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. An analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolate was closely related to members of the genusPseudomonas, sharing the highest sequence similarities withPseudomonas toyotomiensisHT-3T(99.8 %),Pseudomonas alcaliphilaAL15-21T(99.7 %) andPseudomonas oleovoransATCC 8062T(99.4 %). Multi-locus sequence analysis based on three housekeeping genes (gyrB,rpoBandrpoD) provided higher resolution at the species level than that based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, which was further confirmed by less than 70 % DNA–DNA relatedness between the new isolate andP. toyotomiensisHT-3T(61.3 %),P. alcaliphilaAL15-21T(51.5 %) andP. oleovoransATCC 8062T(57.8 %). The DNA G+C content of strain MBRTwas 61.9 mol% and the major ubiquinone was Q-9. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were C18 : 1ω7cand/or C18 : 1ω6c, C16 : 0, and C16 : 1ω7cand/or C16 : 1ω6c. Polyphasic analysis indicates that strain MBRTrepresents a novel species of the genusPseudomonas, for which the namePseudomonas chengduensissp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MBRT( = CGMCC 2318T = DSM 26382T).
Accurate determination of surface orientation of single-crystal wafers using high-resolution X-ray rocking curve measurements
Authors: Kim Chang Soo , Bin Seok Min , Jeon Hyeon-Gu , O Byungsung , Choi Young Dae
Published: September 2013

Theoretical models of the variations of the peak positions of X-ray rocking curves as a function of the azimuthal angle of a single-crystal wafer have been proposed. These models completely describe the variations of the peak positions both when the surface normal of a wafer is parallel and when it is not parallel to the rotation axis of the goniometer used. Based on the models, an accurate measurement method for the surface orientation of a single-crystal wafer with a small surface miscut of <∼3° has been proposed through rocking curve measurements using a high-resolution X-ray diffractometer. The method measures the misalignment of the sample surface normal with respect to the rotation axis of the goniometer as well as the surface orientation of the wafer. The surface orientation has been measured for a 6 inch (152.4 mm) single-crystal sapphire wafer, and the misalignment of the surface normal from the rotation axis was determined. The results were compared with those from a different method. In addition, a simple and accurate method to obtain the surface orientation of a wafer is proposed by measuring only four rocking curves, two each at two sample azimuths 180° apart.
C70, C80, C90and carbon nanotubes by breaking of the icosahedral symmetry of C60
Authors: Bodner Mark , Patera Jiří , Szajewska Marzena
Published: September 2013

The icosahedral symmetry groupH3of order 120 and its dihedral subgroupH2of order 10 are used for exact geometric construction of polytopes that are known to exist in nature. The branching rule for theH3orbit of the fullerene C60to the subgroupH2yields a union of eight orbits ofH2: four of them are regular pentagons and four are regular decagons. By inserting into the branching rule one, two, three ornadditional decagonal orbits ofH2, one builds the polytopes C70, C80, C90and nanotubes in general. A minute difference should be taken into account depending on whether an even or odd number ofH2decagons are inserted. Vertices of all the structures are given in exact coordinates relative to a non-orthogonal basis naturally appropriate for the icosahedral group, as well as relative to an orthonormal basis. Twisted fullerenes are defined. Their surface consists of 12 regular pentagons and 20 hexagons that have three and three edges of equal length. There is an uncountable number of different twisted fullerenes, all with precise icosahedral symmetry. Two examples of the twisted C60are described.
Platonic solids generate their four-dimensional analogues
Authors: Dechant Pierre-Philippe
Published: September 2013

This paper shows how regular convex 4-polytopes – the analogues of the Platonic solids in four dimensions – can be constructed from three-dimensional considerations concerning the Platonic solids alone.Viathe Cartan–Dieudonné theorem, the reflective symmetries of the Platonic solids generate rotations. In a Clifford algebra framework, the space of spinors generating such three-dimensional rotations has a natural four-dimensional Euclidean structure. The spinors arising from the Platonic solids can thus in turn be interpreted as vertices in four-dimensional space, giving a simple construction of the four-dimensional polytopes 16-cell, 24-cell, theF4root system and the 600-cell. In particular, these polytopes have `mysterious' symmetries, that are almost trivial when seen from the three-dimensional spinorial point of view. In fact, all these induced polytopes are also known to be root systems and thus generate rank-4 Coxeter groups, which can be shown to be a general property of the spinor construction. These considerations thus also apply to other root systems such as A_{1}\oplus I_{2}(n) which induces I_{2}(n)\oplus I_{2}(n), explaining the existence of the grand antiprism and the snub 24-cell, as well as their symmetries. These results are discussed in the wider mathematical context of Arnold's trinities and the McKay correspondence. These results are thus a novel link between the geometries of three and four dimensions, with interesting potential applications on both sides of the correspondence, to real three-dimensional systems with polyhedral symmetries such as (quasi)crystals and viruses, as well as four-dimensional geometries arising for instance in Grand Unified Theories and string and M-theory.
Prevalence and predictors of anal incontinence during pregnancy and 1 year after delivery: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Johannessen HH , Wibe A , Stordahl A , Sandvik L , Backe B , Mørkved S
Published: September 2013

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence and predictors of anal incontinence (AI) in late pregnancy and 1 year after delivery.

Design

Prospective population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Two maternity units in Norway 2009–2010.

Population

Primiparae aged 18 years or over.

Methods

Primiparae answered questions on the St. Mark's score about AI during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. One year later, the same questionnaires were distributed by postal mail. Socio‐economic and delivery‐related data were obtained from hospital records.

Main outcome measures

Self‐reported AI.

Results

Answers on AI in late pregnancy were obtained from 1571 women, and 1030 responded 1 year later. Twenty‐four per cent experienced one and 4.7% experienced three or more AI symptoms in late pregnancy. One year later, this was reduced to 19% and 2.2%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied. Formed and loose stool incontinence were strongly associated at both time points. The main predictor of AI 1 year after delivery was AI in late pregnancy. Obstetric anal sphincter injury increased the risk of incontinence of stool and flatus (odds ratio [OR], 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7–9.6) after delivery. Urgency was associated with greater age (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0–3.3) and operative delivery (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3–2.9).

Conclusion

One in four primiparae experienced AI in late pregnancy. One year later, still one in five suffered from incontinence. Sphincter injury predicted incontinence of stool and flatus, whereas greater age and operative delivery predicted urgency. The identification and adequate follow‐up of pregnant women with AI may reduce AI after delivery.
Pulsed Electric Field Processing of Orange Juice: A Review on Microbial, Enzymatic, Nutritional, and Sensory Quality and Stability
Authors: Buckow Roman , Ng Sieh , Toepfl Stefan
Published: September 2013

During the last decades pulsed electric field (PEF) processing received considerable attention due to its potential to enhance food products or create alternatives to conventional methods in food processing. It is generally acknowledged that PEF processing can deliver safe and chill‐stable fruit juices with fresh‐like sensory and nutritional properties. Relatively low‐processing temperature and short residence times can achieve highly effective inactivation of microorganisms while retaining product quality. A first commercial application of PEF for preservation of fruit juices was launched in 2006 in the United States. Since then, industrial‐scale processing equipment for liquid and solid products were developed and, in Europe in 2009, an industrial juice preservation line was installed using 20 kV/cm pulses at 40 to 50 °C to extend the chill‐stability of fruit juices, including citrus juices and smoothies, from 6 to 21 d. The related PEF processing costs are in the range of US $0.02 to 0.03 per liter and are justified due to access to new markets and reduced return of spoiled product. However, despite its commercial success there are still many unknown factors associated with PEF processing of fruit and citrus juices and many conflicting reports in the literature. This literature review, therefore, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current scientific knowledge of PEF effects on microbial, enzymatic, nutritional, and sensory quality and stability of orange juices.
Field evaluation of some bait additives against Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) (Rodentia: Hystricidae)
Authors: MUSHTAQ Muhammad , HUSSAIN Iftikhar , MIAN Afsar , MUNIR Shahid , AHMED Irfan , KHAN Abdul Aziz
Published: September 2013

This research study evaluated the effect of different additives on the bait consumption by Indian crested porcupine, a serious forest and agricultural pest, under field conditions. Different additives (saccharin, common salt, bone meal, fish meal, peanut butter, egg yolk, egg shell powder, yeast powder, mineral oil and coconut oil) at 2 and 5% each were tested for their relative preference, using groundnut–maize (1:1) as basic bait. All the additives were tested under a no‐choice test pattern. For control tests, no additive was mixed with the basic bait. Saccharin at 5% concentration significantly enhanced the consumption of bait over the basic bait, while 2% saccharin supplemented bait resulted in a non‐significant bait consumption. All other additives did not enhance the consumption of the bait material; rather, these worked as repellents. However, the repellency was lowest with the common salt, followed by egg yolk, egg shell powder, bone meal, peanut butter, mineral oil, fish meal and yeast powder, while coconut remained the most repellent compound. The present study suggested that groundnut–maize (1:1) supplemented with 5% saccharin was the preferred bait combination, and can be used with different rodenticides for the management of Indian crested porcupine.
The Effect of Gamma Irradiation as a Phytosanitary Treatment on Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Bartlett Pears
Authors: Abolhassani Yalda , Caporaso Fred , Rakovski Cyril , Prakash Anuradha
Published: September 2013

A major concern in exporting agricultural commodities is the introduction or spread of exotic quarantine pests to the new area. To prevent spread of insect pests, various phytosanitary measures are used. Worldwide commercial use of irradiation as a phytosanitary treatment has increased greatly in recent years; however, trade has been limited to tropical fruits. Bartlett pear is a major summer variety of California pears with great potential and market for export. In this study, the effect of gamma irradiation at dose levels of 400, 600, and 800 Gy on physicochemical properties and sensory attributes of early and late harvest Bartlett pears was investigated. Firmness and color changes indicate that irradiation delayed the ripening of pears by 1 d. For the early harvest pears, scarring, bruising, and off flavor were significantly increased at the highest irradiation dose (800 Gy). The appearance of early harvest 800 Gy irradiated pears was the only attribute that received significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower scores than the control in consumer testing. For the late harvest pears, the 400 Gy fruit had lowest levels of scarring and bruising as rated by trained panelist but consumers did not score the control and 800 Gy fruit differently for any attribute. Titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and chroma were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased and hue increased by irradiation for the early harvest pears. These results suggest that there was a difference in radiotolerance of early and late harvest pears, but in both cases, irradiation at 400 to 600 Gy seemed to maintain best quality.
Nutraceutical Properties of Flour and Tortillas Made with an Ecological Nixtamalization Process
Authors: Méndez Lilia Irene Rodríguez , Cárdenas Juan de Dios Figueroa , Gómez Minerva Ramos , Lagunas Lilia Leticia Méndez
Published: September 2013

The traditional nixtamalization (TN) process, used for obtaining maize‐based products, negatively affects bioactive compounds because of its highly alkaline pH. Recently, an ecological nixtamalization (EN) process has been developed that retains the pericarp and maintains the nejayote (wastewater) within the acidic‐neutral range. This study examines the effect of pH on the nutraceutical compounds (NC) of maize, such as polyphenolics and anthocyanins (ANT), as well as the effect on the antioxidant capacity (AC). The highest concentration of total phenolics (TP) in the maize kernel was found in the black and yellow genotypes, the highest concentration of ANT in the black genotypes, and the highest concentration of AC in the red and white genotypes. In the flour, TP levels were between 206 to 400 mg GA/100 g, ANT levels were 141 to 4107 mg cyanidin‐3 glucoside/kg, and AC levels were 2544 to 3001 mg AA/kg. In tortillas, TP levels were 255 to 319 mg GA/100 g, ANT levels were 32 to 3420 mg cyanidin‐3 glucoside/kg, and AC levels were from 1513 to 2695 mg AA/kg. The reduced loss of soluble solids, the pH, and the formation of compounds with proteins and carbohydrates from the EN process positively affected NC retention.
Phylogenetic eigenvector maps: a framework to model and predict species traits
Authors: Guénard Guillaume , Legendre Pierre , Peres‐Neto Pedro
Published: September 2013

Phylogenetic signals are the legacy related to evolutionary processes shaping trait variation among species. Biologists can use these signals to tackle questions related to the evolutionary processes underlying trait evolution, estimate the ancestral state of a trait and predict unknown trait values from those of related species (i.e. ‘phylogenetic modelling’). Approaches to model phylogenetic signals rely on quantitative descriptors of the structures representing the consequences of evolution on trait differences among species.

Here, we propose a novel framework to model phylogenetic signals: Phylogenetic Eigenvectors Maps (PEM). PEM are a set of eigenfunctions obtained from the structure of a phylogenetic graph, which can be a standard phylogenetic tree or a phylogenetic tree with added reticulations. These eigenfunctions depict a set of potential patterns of phenotype variation among species from the structure of the phylogenetic graph. A subset of eigenfunctions from a PEM is selected for the purpose of predicting the phenotypic values of traits for species that are represented in a tree, but for which trait data are otherwise lacking. This paper introduces a comprehensive view and the computational details of the PEM framework (with calculation examples), a simulation study to demonstrate the ability of PEM to predict trait values and four real data examples of the use of the framework.

Simulation results show that PEM are robust in representing phylogenetic signal and in estimating trait values.

The method also performed well when applied to the real‐world data: prediction coefficients were high (0·76–0·88), and no notable model biases were found.

Phylogenetic modelling using PEM is shown to be a useful methodological asset to disciplines such as ecology, ecophysiology, ecotoxicology, pharmaceutical botany, among others, which can benefit from estimating trait values that are laborious and often expensive to obtain.
Is pregnancy a trigger for recovery from an eating disorder?
Authors: Coker Elise L. , Mitchell‐Wong Lisa A. , Abraham Suzanne F.
Published: September 2013

Objective

Pregnancy produces significant changes in a woman's body weight and shape. This study examines changes in body mass index (BMI) and quality of life related to eating disorders (QOLED) prior to, during and after pregnancy in both women with and without eating disorders.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Royal North Shore Hospital, Northshore Private and Northside Clinic, Sydney.

Sample

The study comprised 178 pregnant women.

Methods

Women completed the QOLED questionnaire retrospectively before pregnancy, prospectively for each trimester of pregnancy and at 3, 6 and 12 months postpartum. The QOLED is a validated questionnaire used to assess quality of life related to eating disorders, including physical health, social function and psychological state. Changes in current BMI and QOLED were examined across the stages of pregnancy.

Results

The women with eating disorders (n = 19) had significantly lower BMIs before, during and after pregnancy. Both women with and without eating disorders had significant weight gain in the second and third trimesters compared with pre‐pregnancy. There were significant interactions between stage of pregnancy and eating disorder status on global QOLED scores. These scores improved significantly during second and third trimesters compared with pre‐pregnancy but varied after pregnancy, particularly among women with eating disorders. The QOLED scores for women with eating disorders remained within the eating disorder range throughout the study.

Conclusions

Pregnancy is not associated with recovery from eating disorders. Women with eating disorders need support during pregnancy and the postnatal year, and should not be told that their eating disorder will improve during this time.
Valsalva manoeuver, intra‐ocular pressure, cerebrospinal fluid pressure, optic disc topography: Beijing intracranial and intra‐ocular pressure study
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Wang Xiaolei , Jonas Jost B. , Wang Huaizhou , Zhang Xiaojun , Peng Xiaoxia , Ritch Robert , Tian Guohong , Yang Diya , Li Lei , Li Junfa , Wang Ningli
Published: September 2013

Purpose

To assess whether a Valsalva manoeuver influences intra‐ocular pressure (IOP), cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSF‐P) and, by a change in the trans‐laminar cribrosa pressure difference, optic nerve head morphology.

Methods

In the first part of the study, 20 neurological patients (study group ‘A’) underwent measurement of IOP and lumbar CSF‐P measurement in a lying position before and during a Valsalva manoeuver. In the second study part, 20 healthy subjects (study group ‘B’) underwent ocular tonometry and confocal scanning laser tomography of the optic nerve head before and during a Valsalva manoeuver.

Results

During the Valsalva manoeuver in study group ‘A’, the increase in CSF‐P by 10.5 ± 2.7 mmHg was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than the increase in IOP by 1.9 ± 2.4 mmHg. The change in CSF‐P was not significantly (p = 0.61) correlated with the change in IOP. During the Valsalva manoeuver in study group ‘B’, IOP increased by 4.5 ± 4.2 mmHg and optic cup volume (p < 0.001), cup/disc area ratio (p = 0.02), cup/disc diameter ratio (p = 0.03) and maximum optic cup depth (p = 0.01) significantly decreased, while neuroretinal rim volume (p = 0.005) and mean retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (p = 0.02) significantly increased.

Conclusions

The Valsalva manoeuver‐associated short‐term increase in CSF‐P was significantly larger than a simultaneous short‐term increase in IOP. It led to a Valsalva manoeuver‐associated decrease or reversal of the trans‐laminar cribrosa pressure difference, which was associated with a change in the three‐dimensional optic nerve head morphology: optic cup‐related parameters decreased and neuroretinal rim‐related parameters enlarged. These findings may be of interest for the pathogenesis of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Intravitreal low‐dosage bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Harder Björn C. , von Baltz Stefan , Jonas Jost B. , Schlichtenbrede Frank C.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

To report on the therapeutic effect of intravitreal low‐dose bevacizumab for treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods

The single‐centre retrospective, non‐comparative case series study included all infants who consecutively underwent intravitreal injection of 0.375 mg bevacizumab (0.03 ml) under light sedation in topical anaesthesia as therapy of ROP in zone I or zone II.

Results

The clinical charts of 29 patients (57 eyes) with a median birth weight of 630 g (range: 290–1390 g) and median gestational age of 25 + 1 weeks (range: 23 + 1–30 weeks) were reviewed. Six children (12 eyes) were graded as ROP with zone I retinopathy and plus disease. The 23 remaining infants had extraretinal neovascularizations in zone II or partly zone I. The intravitreal bevacizumab injection was injected at a median age of 12 + 1 weeks (range: 7 + 4–21 + 4), the median follow‐up was 4.2 months (range: from 3 days to 45.1 months). In all eyes treated, a regression of plus disease occurred within two to six days, retinal neovascularizations regressed within 2–3 weeks and pupillary rigidity improved. None except one child in exceptionally bad general health conditions needed a second intravitreal bevacizumab injection. In none of the infants, any ophthalmologic side‐effects of the bevacizumab application were detected during the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

The intravitreal injection of a low dose of 0.375 mg bevacizumab showed a high efficacy as treatment for ROP. The question arises whether the low dosage of bevacizumab as compared to the dosage of 0.625 mg bevacizumab may be preferred.
Immunohistochemical analysis of extracellular matrix bleb capsules of functioning and non‐functioning glaucoma drainage implants
Authors: Välimäki Juha , Uusitalo Hannu
Published: September 2013

Purpose

To detect by immunohistochemical means the changes in bleb capsules at the cellular level between functioning and non‐functioning glaucoma drainage implants (GDIs).

Methods

Three samples each of functioning (1 Baerveldt and 2 Molteno implants) and non‐functioning filtration blebs (1 Molteno and 2 Ahmed implants) were studied. A non‐functioning bleb was defined as an intra‐ocular pressure (IOP) >21 mmHg or a <20% reduction in IOP from baseline on three consecutive follow‐up visits with maximal tolerated medication. The capsules were obtained between 6 and 108 months after GDI insertion for medical reasons only. Primary antibodies were used to stain fibronectin, tenascin, laminin, collagen IV and smooth muscle actin (SMA). The samples were graded on the basis of the intensity and quantity of immunohistochemical staining into four categories as follows: no staining or a mild, moderate or marked staining.

Results

The non‐functioning blebs expressed more fibronectin, tenascin and SMA through the whole capsule wall than the functioning blebs. In the functioning blebs, tenascin was found mainly in the inner layer of the capsule. More type IV collagen and laminin were also found in the non‐functioning bleb capsules than in the functioning blebs. No difference was found between the bleb capsules irrespective of whether they had been perfused with aqueous humour immediately after surgery (Ahmed) or after a delay (Molteno, Baerveldt).

Conclusion

Accumulation of extracellular matrix components and activated fibroblasts in the bleb capsules of non‐functioning GDI indicates the presence of an active wound healing process, suggesting a possible reduction in filtration through the bleb wall.
Change in retinal blood flow and retinal arterial diameter after intraocular pressure reduction in glaucomatous eyes
Authors: Kurvinen Leena , Kytö Janne P. , Summanen Paula , Vesti Eija , Harju Mika
Published: September 2013

Purpose

To study retinal blood flow and vessel diameter after intra‐ocular pressure (IOP) reduction in high‐ and low‐pressure glaucomas, that is, exfoliation glaucoma (ExG) and normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG).

Methods

The study included 17 eyes with ExG and 20 with NTG. A minimum of 25% IOP reduction was achieved by deep sclerectomy. Blood flow in the temporal peripapillary retina was measured with scanning laser Doppler flowmetry (Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter, HRF), and retinal vessel diameters were evaluated with the retinal vessel analyser (RVA). Examinations were carried out before and 3 months after the operation.

Results

Pre‐operative IOP was significantly higher in ExG than in NTG (median 26 mmHg, range 20–33 mmHg versus 15 mmHg, 12–20; p < 0.001). Surgery reduced IOP significantly both in ExG eyes (postoperative IOP 13 mmHg, 5–17; p < 0.001) and NTG eyes (9 mmHg, 3–13; p < 0.001). After the operation, systolic retinal flow was significantly reduced in ExG eyes, whereas in NTG, HRF parameters remained unchanged. Pre‐operatively, the central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and arteriovenous ratio (AVR) were higher in ExG than in NTG eyes. After IOP reduction, both CRAE and AVR were reduced in ExG eyes, but remained unchanged in NTG.

Conclusion

The study showed that before IOP reduction, arterial diameter was larger in ExG eyes than in NTG eyes. IOP reduction resulted in vasoconstriction and reduction of flow in ExG, whereas in NTG, both vessel diameter and retinal flow remained unchanged.
How Useful is Pyrolysis‐GC/MS for the Assessment of Molecular Properties of Organic Matter in Archaeological Pottery Matrix? An Exploratory Case Study from North‐West Spain
Authors: Kaal J. , Lantes‐Suárez O. , Martínez Cortizas A. , Prieto B. , Prieto Martínez M. P.
Published: September 2013

We applied pyrolysis‐GC/MS to archaeological potsherds from prehistoric settlements in north‐west Spain, some of which are conspicuously black or exhibit a black inner core from incomplete burn‐out. Virtually all pyrolysis products could be related to thermally modified material (partially polycondensed aromatics and short‐chain alkyl moieties) that most probably formed during firing (as opposed to cooking). Principal component analysis and supporting evidence (elemental composition, colour parameters and SEM microscopy) showed that the firing conditions (redox conditions and firing intensity) control pyrolysate composition. Laboratory experiments are required to fully understand the pyrolysis fingerprints and sample pre‐treatment might enhance the information obtained.
Measuring stone volume – three‐dimensional software reconstruction or an ellipsoid algebra formula?
Authors: Finch William , Johnston Richard , Shaida Nadeem , Winterbottom Andrew , Wiseman Oliver
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To determine the optimal method for assessing stone volume, and thus stone burden, by comparing the accuracy of scalene, oblate, and prolate ellipsoid volume equations with three‐dimensional (3D)‐reconstructed stone volume.

Kidney stone volume may be helpful in predicting treatment outcome for renal stones. While the precise measurement of stone volume by 3D reconstruction can be accomplished using modern computer tomography (CT) scanning software, this technique is not available in all hospitals or with routine acute colic scanning protocols. Therefore, maximum diameters as measured by either X‐ray or CT are used in the calculation of stone volume based on a scalene ellipsoid formula, as recommended by the European Association of Urology.

Methods

In all, 100 stones with both X‐ray and CT (1–2‐mm slices) were reviewed. Complete and partial staghorn stones were excluded.

Stone volume was calculated using software designed to measure tissue density of a certain range within a specified region of interest.

Correlation coefficients among all measured outcomes were compared. Stone volumes were analysed to determine the average ‘shape’ of the stones.

Results

The maximum stone diameter on X‐ray was 3–25 mm and on CT was 3–36 mm, with a reasonable correlation (r = 0.77).

Smaller stones (<9 mm) trended towards prolate ellipsoids (‘rugby‐ball’ shaped), stones of 9–15 mm towards oblate ellipsoids (disc shaped), and stones >15 mm towards scalene ellipsoids.

There was no difference in stone shape by location within the kidney.

Conclusions

As the average shape of renal stones changes with diameter, no single equation for estimating stone volume can be recommended.

As the maximum diameter increases, calculated stone volume becomes less accurate, suggesting that larger stones have more asymmetric shapes.

We recommend that research looking at stone clearance rates should use 3D‐reconstructed stone volumes when available, followed by prolate, oblate, or scalene ellipsoid formulas depending on the maximum stone diameter.
Permafrost occurrence during the Last Permafrost Maximum in the Western Carpathian Mountains of Slovakia as inferred from cryogenic cave carbonate
Authors: Orvošová Monika , Deininger Michael , Milovský Rastislav
Published: September 2013

Coarse crystalline cryogenic cave carbonate (CCC) forms during the slow freezing of standing water pools and represents indirect proof of freezing temperature in the past. The dating by U‐series of CCC deposits from nine caves in the Western Carpathians Mountains of Slovakia suggests that freezing conditions, and possible permafrost conditions, occurred during the Last Permafrost Maximum (LPM, c. 20–18 ka BP). The CCC deposits occur in caves at elevations of between 800 and 1800 m a.s.l. They point to widespread alpine permafrost, the lower limit of discontinuous/sporadic permafrost being approximately 800 m a.s.l. The thickness of permafrost probably varied between 30 and 180 m. In the Vysoké Tatry Mountains at altitudes of ∼1800 m a.s.l., one occurrence of CCC suggests that subzero temperatures may have penetrated to a depth of over 285 m.
Fluvial system response to external forcing and human impact – Late Pleistocene and Holocene fluvial dynamics of the lower Guadalete River in western Andalucía (Spain)
Authors: Wolf Daniel , Seim Andrea , Faust Dominik
Published: September 2013

The 170 km long river course of the Guadalete River (western Andalucía) provides an excellent record of Late Pleistocene and Holocene fluvial sedimentation dynamics. Furthermore, its floodplain sediments are very well suited to describe geomorphic changes forced by climate fluctuations, sea‐level changes, tectonic influences and human activity. Multiproxy investigations were based on field mapping and the study of 18 profile sections, mainly including sedimentological characterisation, soil‐chemical analyses and radiocarbon dating of 34 samples. Findings were complemented by drillings and electrical resistivity tomography. The lowermost 50 km of the river section are divided into an upper and lower part (each 25 km long), based on different sediment preservation conditions. The boundary corresponds to the disappearance of the Late Pleistocene river terrace. Significant floodplain aggradation occurred at around 10 000 cal. years BP, while dynamics were strongly affected by sea‐level fluctuations until the early Holocene. Furthermore, sedimentation starting at 8000, 6100, 4600, 2200, 900 and 400 cal. years BP is related to enhanced fluvial dynamics due to environmental stress that presumably was triggered by climate fluctuations, that is, aridification. However, the strongest intensity of sedimentation at 400 cal. years BP points to climate anomalies in the course of the Little Ice Age. In contrast, several periods of stability associated with alluvial soil formation took place during the Bølling and Allerød interstadials, prior to 8000, 6100 and 5100, and after 4300 and 2000 cal. years BP. The anthropogenic signal in floodplain evolution is not clearly distinguishable from that of climate. However, human land use had the potential to amplify geomorphic processes, especially during periods of climate deteriorations that caused increasing stress on the environment.
Towards a better cannabis drug
Authors: Mechoulam Raphael , Parker Linda
Published: September 2013

This commentary discusses the importance of a new study entitled ‘Cannabidiol attenuates deficits of visuo‐spatial associative memory induced by Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol’ by Wright et al. from the Scripps Institute in La Jolla, California. The results in this study show that the non‐psychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol opposes some, but not all, forms of behavioural and memory disruption caused by Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol in male rhesus monkeys.

Linked Article

This article is a commentary on the research paper by Wright et al., pp 1365–1373 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.12199
Pancreatic cancer
Authors: Güngör C , Hofmann B T , Wolters‐Eisfeld G , Bockhorn M
Published: September 2013

In recent years, it has become clear that the current standard therapeutic options for pancreatic cancer are not adequate and still do not meet the criteria to cure patients suffering from this lethal disease. Although research over the past decade has shown very interesting and promising new therapeutic options for these patients, only minor clinical success was achieved. Therefore, there is still an urgent need for new approaches that deal with early detection and new therapeutic options in pancreatic cancer. To provide optimal care for patients with pancreatic cancer, we need to understand better its complex molecular biology and thus to identify new target molecules that promote the proliferation and resistance to chemotherapy of pancreatic cancer cells. In spite of significant progress in curing cancers with chemotherapy, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most resistant solid tumour cancers and many studies suggest that drug‐resistant cancer cells are the most aggressive with the highest relapse and metastatic rates. In this context, activated Notch signalling is strongly linked with chemoresistance and therefore reflects a rational new target to circumvent resistance to chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Here, we have focused our discussion on the latest research, current therapy options and recently identified target molecules such as Notch‐2 and the heparin‐binding growth factor midkine, which exhibit a wide range of cancer‐relevant functions and therefore provide attractive new therapeutic target molecules, in terms of pancreatic cancer and other cancers also.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Midkine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐4
Elevated CD8 T cell responses in type 1 diabetes patients to a 13 amino acid coeliac-active peptide from α-gliadin
Authors: Barbeau W E , Hontecillas R , Horne W , Carbo A , Koch M H , Bassaganya-Riera J
Published: September 2013

Some type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients have been reported to exhibit T cell reactivity to wheat gluten. We tested the hypothesis that this T cell reactivity could be abolished by using prolyl-endopeptidase (PEP), an enzyme that cleaves peptide bonds after proline. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from T1D patients and healthy controls. PBMCs were stimulated with a peptic–tryptic digest of wheat gluten; a peptic–tryptic-PEP digest of wheat gluten; and a 13 amino acid peptide from wheat gluten. Fluorescent-labelled antibodies to CD3, CD4 and CD8 cell marker proteins were utilized to determine proliferative responses of CD3, CD4 and CD8 T cells. There were no significant differences in proliferative responses of CD3 or CD4 T cells to the wheat gluten antigens. A significantly higher proportion of CD8+ T cells from T1D patients proliferated in the presence of the 13 amino acid peptide than when challenged with the peptic–tryptic or the peptic–tryptic–PEP digests of wheat gluten. PEP treatment had no significant effect on CD8 T cell reactivity to the peptic–trytic digest of wheat gluten. Our results suggest that wheat gluten-derived peptides, containing ≤ 13 amino acids, may evoke T cell responses in T1D patients.
Risk assessment and domestic violence – how do child welfare workers in three countries assess and substantiate the risk level of a 5‐year‐old girl?
Authors: Skivenes Marit , Stenberg Hanne
Published: September 2013

This paper examine how a sample of 301 child welfare workers in Norway, England and California, USA assess risk in cases of domestic violence. Decisions in child welfare cases are made under a high degree of uncertainty, and by using the vignette method, we explore whether child welfare systems and risk assessment approaches result in different assessment of risk level and substantiations. We find both cross‐country differences and similarities: Norwegian workers consider the risk level to be significantly higher than their peers in England and USA. However, workers' justifications for and identification of decisive factors in the case are strikingly similar across countries. These similarities are observed for both high‐risk and low‐risk assessors, and they may exist due to widespread knowledge about domestic violence and its negative consequences. We argue that the international differences in risk level assessments are due to system differences in the countries studied.