bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti‐GM2 ganglioside antibodies are a biomarker for acute canine polyradiculoneuritis
Authors: Rupp Angie , Galban‐Horcajo Francesc , Bianchi Ezio , Dondi Maurizio , Penderis Jacques , Cappell Joanna , Burgess Karl , Matiasek Kaspar , McGonigal Rhona , Willison Hugh J.
Published: March 2013

Acute canine polyradiculoneuritis (ACP) is considered to be the canine equivalent of the human peripheral nerve disorder Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS); an aetiological relationship, however, remains to be demonstrated. In GBS, anti‐glycolipid antibodies (Abs) are considered as important disease mediators. To address the possibility of common Ab biomarkers, the sera of 25 ACP dogs, 19 non‐neurological, and 15 epileptic control dogs were screened for IgG Abs to 10 glycolipids and their 1 : 1 heteromeric complexes using combinatorial glycoarrays. Anti‐GM2 ganglioside Abs were detected in 14/25 ACP dogs, and anti‐GA1 Abs in one further dog. All controls except for one were negative for anti‐glycolipid Abs. In this cohort of cases and controls, the glycoarray screen reached a diagnostic sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 97%; a lower sensitivity (32%) was reported using a conventional glycolipid ELISA. To address the possible pathogenic role for anti‐GM2 Abs in ACP, we identified GM2 in canine sciatic nerve by both mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography overlay. In immunohistological studies, GM2 was localized predominantly to the abaxonal Schwann cell membrane. The presence of anti‐GM2 Abs in ACP suggests that it may share a similar pathophysiology with GBS, for which it could thus be considered a naturally occurring animal model.
Expression of Toll‐like receptor 9 in mouse and human lungs
Authors: Schneberger David , Caldwell Sarah , Kanthan Rani , Singh Baljit
Published: March 2013

Toll‐like receptors (TLR) recognize conserved molecular motifs of microorganisms, and constitute an important part of the innate immune system. Numerous studies have shown the importance of these receptors, including TLR9, in establishing effective immune responses to a broad range of infections, and in disorders such as COPD. TLR9 detects unmethylated DNA and is expressed in a wide range of immune cells in mice and humans, as well as other species. Most TLR9 expression studies have been done on cultured or isolated cells, but none that we know of on intact lung. Because cell‐specific expression of TLR9 is important to understand its precise role in lung physiology, we tested mouse and human lung tissues for expression of TLR9 mRNA and protein with in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. We found TLR9 mRNA and protein expression in bronchial epithelium, vascular endothelium, alveolar septal cells and alveolar macrophages in both species. Immuno‐electron microscopy delineated TLR9 expression in plasma membrane, cytoplasm and the nucleus of various lung cells. Lungs from human cases of COPD had significantly increased numbers of TLR9‐positive cells. These are the first data showing TLR9 mRNA and protein expression in intact human and mouse lungs. The data may be useful for clarifying the role of TLR9 in the contributions of specific cells to lung physiology.
Fundamental ratios and logarithmic periodicity in human limb bones
Authors: Pietak Alexis , Ma Siyan , Beck Caroline W. , Stringer Mark D.
Published: March 2013

Fundamental mathematical relationships are widespread in biology yet there is little information on this topic with regard to human limb bone lengths and none related to human limb bone volumes. Forty‐six sets of ipsilateral upper and lower limb long bones and third digit short bones were imaged by computed tomography. Maximum bone lengths were measured manually and individual bone volumes calculated from computed tomography images using a stereologic method. Length ratios of femur : tibia and humerus : ulna were remarkably similar (1.21 and 1.22, respectively) and varied little (<7%) between individuals. The volume ratio of femur : tibia was approximately half that of humerus : ulna (1.58 and 3.28, respectively; P < 0.0001). Lower limb bone volume ratios varied much more than upper limb ratios. The relationship between bone length and volume was found to be well described by power laws, with R2 values ranging from 0.983 to 0.995. The most striking finding was a logarithmic periodicity in bone length moving from distal to proximal up the limb (upper limb λ = 0.72, lower limb λ = 0.93). These novel data suggest that human limb bone lengths and volumes follow fundamental and highly conserved mathematical relationships, which may contribute to our understanding of normal and disordered growth, stature estimation, and biomechanics.
Natural course of temporomandibular disorders with low pain‐related impairment: a 2‐to‐3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Manfredini D. , Favero L. , Gregorini G. , Cocilovo F. , Guarda‐Nardini L.
Published: March 2013

To describe the natural course of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with low levels of pain‐related impairment, independently by the physical diagnoses they received. Amongst all patients who attended the TMD Clinic, University of Padova, Italy, during the year 2009, those who: (i) had Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) axis II Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) grade 0 or 1 scores, (ii) received counselling on their signs and symptoms at the time of their first visit and suggestions on how to self‐manage their symptoms, (iii) did not attend the Clinic since the time of their last visit and (iv) were visited by the same resident, were recalled for a follow‐up assessment during the period from September to December 2011. Sixty‐nine patients (79% females; mean age 47.4 ± 11.3 years; range 26–77) of 86 who were potentially eligible accepted to enter the study. The time span since the first visit ranged from 23 to 36 months. At the follow‐up assessment, the percentage of patients with muscle disorders decreased from 68.1% to 23.1%; disc displacement with reduction remained unchanged (52.1%), whilst the 5.7% of patients who had disc displacement without reduction with limited opening then showed absence of limitation; diagnoses related to other joint disorders decreased from 30.4% to 14.4% for arthralgia and from 27.5% to 24.6% for osteoarthritis/osteoarthrosis. In a sample of patients TMD with low pain‐related impairment followed up with a single recall assessment at 2‐to‐3 years, the natural course of disease was generally favourable.
Obesity and asthma at school entry: Co‐morbidities and temporal trends
Authors: James Santhamma , Pezic Angela , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise , Lafferty Antony , Glasgow Nicholas , Ciszek Karen , Kljakovic Marjan , Douglas Kirsty
Published: March 2013

Aim

A decline in asthma prevalence from 2000 to 2005 was reported previously. The objective is to examine the temporal trends for the prevalence of obesity and other childhood disorders and consider the extent to which associations between asthma and other co‐morbidities can be accounted for by body mass index.

Methods

Serial cross‐sectional surveys of primary school entrants (n = 18 999) in the Australian Capital Territory between 2001 and 2005 were used. Asthma, recent respiratory symptoms and diabetes data were extracted from parental reports. Anthropometric measurements were obtained from health assessments by school nurses. Child obesity was defined using the age and sex‐specific Cole criteria. Time trends for the prevalence of obesity and other disorders, and the association between ‘current asthma’ and co‐morbidities were analysed using multiple logistic regression and other analyses.

Results

Obesity prevalence was 5.24% in 2001 decreasing to 3.60% in 2005 (test of linear trend P = 0.02). Overweight (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16, 1.46), P < 0.001) and obese (AOR 1.36 (95% CI 1.13, 1.62), P = 0.001) children were more likely to report ‘asthma ever’. Children with diabetes (AOR 9.35 (95% CI 3.11, 28.12, P < 0.001)) and attention deficit (AOR 3.39 (95% CI 2.04, 5.64), P < 0.001) were more likely to report ‘current asthma’.

Conclusions

The pattern of association with co‐morbidities was different for asthma and obesity. The temporal decline/plateau effect in ‘current asthma’ could not be explained by concurrent body mass index changes. The decline in obesity was largely driven by the 2005 findings. Longer term trends need to be evaluated further.
Self‐reported oral cancer screening by smoking status in Maryland: trends over time
Authors: Viswanath Archana , Kerns Timothy J. , Sorkin John D. , Dwyer Diane M. , Groves Carmela , Steinberger Eileen K.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

The study aims to examine whether a higher proportion of current and former smokers reported having an oral cancer screening (OCS) exam in the past year compared with never smokers in Maryland between 2002 and 2008.

Methods

Secondary analysis of the Maryland Cancer Surveys (conducted in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008), population‐based, random‐digit‐dial surveys on cancer screening among adults age 40 years and older. Of 20,197 individuals who responded to the surveys, 19,054 answered questions on OCS and smoking. Results are weighted to the Maryland population.

Results

Self‐reported OCS in the past year increased from 33 percent in 2002 to 40 percent in 2008. Screening among never and former smokers increased from about 35 percent to 42 percent and from 35 percent to 43 percent, respectively; screening among current smokers remained between 23 percent and 25 percent. In the adjusted analysis, current smokers had decreased odds of screening compared with never smokers; no significant difference was observed between former and never smokers. When the variable dental visit in the last year was included in the adjusted analysis, it became the strongest predictor of OCS.

Conclusions

Between 2002 and 2008, self‐reported OCS in the last year increased among former and never smokers, but remained unchanged for current smokers. A visit to a dental professional attenuated the difference in OCS between current and never smokers. Dental visit in the last year was the strongest predictor of OCS.
Leading determinants of efficient dental care delivery
Authors: Jurasic M. Marianne , Gibson Gretchen , Rich Sharron , O'Toole Terry G. , Bestgen Susan , Arola Patricia E. , Jones Judith A.
Published: March 2013

Objective

Identify structure and process variables that significantly contributed to dentist productivity across VA Dental Service clinics using multiple VA national datasets from fiscal year 2010.

Methods

A retrospective, longitudinal analysis with the primary outcome of care provided, as measured by relative value units per clinically mapped full‐time employee equivalent dentist, per year. Predictor variables included physical plant variables, staffing variables, complexity of the patient population, workplace climate, and environment of care. Predictor variables were initially assessed in a bivariate analysis with the primary outcome and those significant at P < 0.2 were entered into an ordinary least squares regression model.

Results

Dentist productivity and several predictor variables were significantly different between sites with and without resident training programs; therefore, two explanatory models were constructed. In both models, increasing the assistant‐to‐dentist ratio was the most important driver for increasing productivity. Additional drivers include the resident‐to‐dentist ratio, use of technology, and connectedness and engagement with the medical center as demonstrated by participation in various committees and/or boards. Final models explained over 50 percent of the variance in productivity.

Conclusions

In multiprovider settings, predictors of dentist clinical productivity differ for sites with and without residency training programs. Although the assistant‐to‐dentist ratio is the most explanatory for each type of setting, other variables such as the resident‐to‐dentist ratio, use of technology, and connectedness/engagement with the medical center are uniquely significant to the two types of service sites and should also be considered to maximize productivity.
Physically effectiveness of beet pulp‐based diets in dairy cows as assessed by responses of feed intake, digestibility, chewing activity and milk production
Authors: Teimouri Yansari A.
Published: March 2013

Nine multiparous Holstein cows (DIM = 56 ± 5 day) were randomly assigned to three experimental diets containing fine‐dried (T1), normal‐dried (T2) and pelleted (T3) beet pulp (BP) at 12% on a dry matter basis in a 3 × 3 change over design in three 21 day periods to evaluate the effects of three types of BP. Bulk density, functional specific gravity and water‐holding capacity of ration and intake were similar, but intake of physically effective fibre was different among treatments. Without significant differences, nutrients' digestibility in T1 trended to be higher than T2 and T3. Ruminal liquid pH and N‐NH3 concentration were lower in T1 and higher in T3 than T2. Grinding and pelleting of BP increased and decreased volatile fatty acid concentration respectively. Grinding decreased acetate and propionate and increased butyrate and lactic acid. In contrary to pelleting, grinding of BP increased the particulate ruminal passage rate, but decreased ruminal mean retention time and lower compartment mean retention time. Pelleting of BP decreased ruminal passage rate, but increased ruminal mean retention time and lower compartment mean retention time. Grinding increased 5.64, 5.9 and 5.8% eating time, rumination and total chewing activity in comparison with normal BP respectively. Pelleting increased 2.7%, 16.3% and 10.0% eating time, rumination and total chewing activity in comparison with T2 respectively. Milk yield had no significant difference, but milk yield adjusted to 4% fat, and milk fat (kg/day), fat, protein, casein and total solid of milk (%) were affected by the treatments. Results from this experiment show that based on milk fat assay, grinding did not reduce effectiveness of BP, but pelleting significantly increased effectiveness of BP. In addition, based on total chewing activity, grinding did not reduce physically effectiveness of BP, but pelleting of BP increased its physically effectiveness.
A computationally convenient unit root test with covariates, conditional heteroskedasticity and efficient detrending
Authors: Westerlund Joakim
Published: March 2013

When testing for a unit root in a time series, in spite of the well‐known power problem of univariate tests, it is quite common to use only the information regarding the autoregressive behaviour contained in that series. In a series of influential papers, Elliott et al. (Efficient tests for an autoregressive unit root, Econometrica 64, 813–836, 1996), Hansen (Rethinking the univariate approach to unit root testing: using covariates to increase power, Econometric Theory 11, 1148–1171, 1995a) and Seo (Distribution theory for unit root tests with conditional heteroskedasticity, Journal of Econometrics 91, 113–144, 1999) showed that this practice can be rather costly and that the inclusion of the extraneous information contained in the near‐integratedness of many economic variables, their heteroskedasticity and their correlation with other covariates can lead to substantial power gains. In this article, we show how these information sets can be combined into a single unit root test.
Relationship between IL‐10 gene −1082A/G and −592C/A polymorphisms and the risk of hepatitis C infection: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun X.‐R. , Wu J. , Shi K.‐Q. , Tang K.‐F.
Published: March 2013

Increasing evidence suggests that interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) gene promoter polymorphisms may be associated with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and HCV clearance. To more precisely estimate the association between these variants and the risk of HCV infection, we performed a meta‐analysis of 26 studies describing the IL‐10–1082A/G, –819C/T, –592C/A genotypes, including 4039 chronic HCV infection cases and 2902 controls. When compared with a healthy population, the –1082GG allele had a 43% increased risk of chronic HCV infection in combined populations (GG vs GA + AA: odds ratio (OR) = 1.433, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.052–1.952, P = 0.023). In subgroup analysis by ethnicity, a significant increased risk was associated with the −1082GG genotype in the Caucasian population (GG vs AA: OR = 1.390, 95% CI: 1.108–1.744, P = 0.004; GG vs GA + AA: OR = 1.621, 95% CI: 1.267–2.075, P = 0.000). However, no significant association was found in Asian, African or Chinese populations. Moreover, a higher distribution of −592A was found in the spontaneously recovered population (AA vs CC: OR = 0.585, 95% CI = 0.387–0.884, P = 0.011; AA + AC vs CC: OR = 0.738, 95% CI = 0.551–0.988, P = 0.041; AA vs AC + CC: OR = 0.788, 95% CI = 0.664–0.935, P = 0.006) than that in the chronic HCV infection population. In conclusion, the IL‐10–1082GG allele may increase the risk of chronic HCV infection in Caucasian population, and people carrying the IL‐10–592A allele are more likely to clear HCV spontaneously.
Hepatitis B virus X induces cell proliferation in the hepatocarcinogenesis via up‐regulation of cytoplasmic p21 expression
Authors: Yano Masahiko , Ohkoshi Shogo , Aoki Yo‐hei , Takahashi Hiromichi , Kurita Sou , Yamazaki Kazuhide , Suzuki Kenta , Yamagiwa Satoshi , Sanpei Ayumi , Fujimaki Shun , Wakai Toshifumi , Kudo Shin‐ei , Matsuda Yasunobu , Aoyagi Yutaka
Published: March 2013

Background

Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) has been shown to induce hepatocarcinogenesis by disrupting the functions of intracellular molecules. Cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21 (Cip1/WAF1), known as a tumour‐suppressor gene, has been reported to have paradoxical function, that is, acting as an oncogene, particularly when expressed in the cytoplasm. The effects of HBx on the expression and function of p21 also remain controversial.

Aims

We attempted to investigate the role of HBx in the hepatocarcinogenic process, focusing on the association with this paradoxical function of p21. The results obtained were further verified with experiments using the antihepatocarcinogenic action of interferon (IFN)‐β.

Methods

HBx transgenic mice (Xg) and HBx‐transfected hepatoma cell lines were used. Intracellular localization of p21 was determined by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence.

Results

Xg and HBx‐transfected cells exhibited increased expression of p21. Up‐regulation of p21 was positively correlated with the expression of cyclin D1 and inactive phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb). These HBx‐induced cell proliferative responses were cancelled by knockdown of p21, which resulted in growth reduction in HBx‐expressing cells, suggesting the oncogenic properties of HBx‐induced p21. HBx induced accumulation of p21 in the cytoplasm, and activation of PKCα was involved. Finally, IFN‐β‐treated Xg liver, as well as hepatoma cells, showed a shift of cytoplasmic p21 to the nucleus, accompanied by the abrogation of HBx‐induced oncogenic modulation.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that HBx induces hepatocarcinogenesis via PKCα‐mediated overexpression of cytoplasmic p21 and IFN‐β suppressed these molecular events by shifting p21 to the nucleus.
Role of follicle‐stimulating hormone on biliary cyst growth in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Onori Paolo , Mancinelli Romina , Franchitto Antonio , Carpino Guido , Renzi Anastasia , Brozzetti Stefania , Venter Julie , Francis Heather , Glaser Shannon , Jefferson Douglas M. , Alpini Gianfranco , Gaudio Eugenio
Published: March 2013

Background

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common genetic disorder characterized by the progressive development of renal and hepatic cysts. Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) has been demonstrated to be a trophic factor for biliary cells in normal rats and experimental cholestasis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL).

Aims

To assess the effect of FSH on cholangiocyte proliferation during ADPKD using both in vivo and in vitro models.

Methods

Evaluation of FSH receptor (FSHR), FSH, phospho‐extracellular‐regulated kinase (pERK) and c‐myc expression in liver fragments from normal patients and patients with ADPKD. In vitro, we studied proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cAMP levels in a human immortalized, non‐malignant cholangiocyte cell line (H69) and in an immortalized cell line obtained from the epithelium lining the hepatic cysts from the patients with ADPKD (LCDE) with or without transient silencing of the FSH gene.

Results

Follicle‐stimulating hormone is linked to the active proliferation of the cystic wall and to the localization of p‐ERK and c‐myc. This hormone sustains the biliary growth by activation of the cAMP/ERK signalling pathway.

Conclusion

These results showed that FSH has an important function in cystic growth acting on the cAMP pathway, demonstrating that it provides a target for medical therapy of hepatic cysts during ADPKD.
A Network Generalized Extreme Value Model for Route Choice Allowing Implicit Route Enumeration
Authors: Papola Andrea , Marzano Vittorio
Published: March 2013

This article introduces an adaptation of the Network GEV model for modelling joint choices, named Joint Network GEV (JNG), and its application to the route choice context, named Link‐Based JNG (LB‐JNG), assuming the choice of a route as the joint choice of all links belonging to that route. The LB‐JNG model aims at reproducing the effects of routes overlapping with a theoretical robust framework (since it belongs to the Network GEV, to date the most flexible closed‐form model in reproducing covariances), allowing at the same time for easy application to real networks through a closed‐form probability statement, a proper definition of its parameters and the availability of an implicit route enumeration algorithm for network loading. The article carries out first an overview of the theoretical properties of the JNG model. Then, the LB‐JNG adaptation to route choice is described, and its capability to reproduce the effects of routes overlapping is investigated using some test networks, wherein the performances of the proposed model are also compared with those of other route choice models available in the literature. Finally, an implicit route enumeration algorithm for macroscopic static stochastic network loading, based on a double‐step generalization of Dial's STOCH algorithm, is proposed and tested on real size networks.
Effect of repeated Campylobacter jejuni infection on gut flora and mucosal defense in a rat model of post infectious functional and microbial bowel changes
Authors: Sung J. , Morales W. , Kim G. , Pokkunuri V. , Weitsman S. , Rooks E. , Marsh Z. , Barlow G. M. , Chang C. , Pimentel M.
Published: March 2013

Background

Campylobacter jejuni infection is a leading cause of gastroenteritis and post infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI‐IBS). Unanswered questions include the role of cytokines, effects on gut flora, and why IBS is not more prevalent in countries with higher gastroenteritis rates. Therefore, we determined the effects of early and repeat C. jejuni infections on post infectious phenotypes, gut flora, and cytokine levels in a rat model of functional bowel and microbial changes.

Methods

Sprague‐Dawley rats were gavaged with 108 cfu C. jejuni as juveniles and again as adults (J+/A+), as adults only (J‐/A+), or vehicle (controls). Stool consistency during acute colonization, post infectious stool wet weight, total bacteria and Methanobrevibacter smithii levels in bowel segments, and ileal cytokines were evaluated.

Key Results

C. jejuni colonization was longer for first exposures as juveniles (43.4 ± 1.7 days) vs. adults (30.4 ± 3.5 days) (P < 0.01) and shortest for second exposures (10.5 ± 1.7 days, P < 0.05). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) was more prevalent in J+/A+ (47%) than J‐/A+ rats (26%) (P = 0.019), but J‐/A+ rats had greater stool consistency alterations (P < 0.01). Ileal β‐defensin 2, TLR‐4, IL‐8, and β‐defensin 6 levels were increased in J‐/A+ rats and further increased in J+/A+ rats; TNF‐α was highest and IL6 lowest in J‐/A+ rats. Total bacteria increased, and M. smithii decreased, with successive infections.

Conclusions & Inferences

We conclude that C. jejuni infection results in long‐term alterations in small bowel flora, including methanogens. Mucosal defense mediators appear related to the number of infections, but not to SIBO development or the development of functional bowel phenotypes.
Competition between roots and microorganisms for nitrogen: mechanisms and ecological relevance
Authors: Kuzyakov Yakov , Xu Xingliang
Published: March 2013

Demand of all living organisms on the same nutrients forms the basis for interspecific competition between plants and microorganisms in soils. This competition is especially strong in the rhizosphere. To evaluate competitive and mutualistic interactions between plants and microorganisms and to analyse ecological consequences of these interactions, we analysed 424 data pairs from 41 15N‐labelling studies that investigated 15N redistribution between roots and microorganisms. Calculated Michaelis–Menten kinetics based on Km (Michaelis constant) and Vmax (maximum uptake capacity) values from 77 studies on the uptake of nitrate, ammonia, and amino acids by roots and microorganisms clearly showed that, shortly after nitrogen (N) mobilization from soil organic matter and litter, microorganisms take up most N. Lower Km values of microorganisms suggest that they are especially efficient at low N concentrations, but can also acquire more N at higher N concentrations (Vmax) compared with roots. Because of the unidirectional flow of nutrients from soil to roots, plants are the winners for N acquisition in the long run. Therefore, despite strong competition between roots and microorganisms for N, a temporal niche differentiation reflecting their generation times leads to mutualistic relationships in the rhizosphere. This temporal niche differentiation is highly relevant ecologically because it: protects ecosystems from N losses by leaching during periods of slow or no root uptake; continuously provides roots with available N according to plant demand; and contributes to the evolutionary development of mutualistic interactions between roots and microorganisms.

Contents

Summary
656

I.
Introduction
657

II.
General solution: trade of C for nutrients
657

III.
Methods
658

IV.
Interactions between roots and rhizosphere microorganisms
659

V.
Potential of plants and microorganisms for N uptake by their competition
661

VI.
Ecological relevance of competition between roots and microorganisms for N
662

VII.
Effect of biotic and abiotic factors on N flows between microorganisms and roots
663

VIII.
Conclusions and outlook
665

Acknowledgements
666

References
666
A mechanistic model for the photosynthesis–light response based on the photosynthetic electron transport of photosystem II in C3 and C4 species
Authors: Ye Zi‐Piao , Suggett David J. , Robakowski Piotr , Kang Hua‐Jing
Published: March 2013

A new mechanistic model of the photosynthesis–light response is developed based on photosynthetic electron transport via photosystem II (PSII) to specifically describe light‐harvesting characteristics and associated biophysical parameters of photosynthetic pigment molecules. This model parameterizes ‘core’ characteristics not only of the light response but also of difficult to measure physical parameters of photosynthetic pigment molecules in plants.

Application of the model to two C3 and two C4 species grown under the same conditions demonstrated that the model reproduced extremely well (r2 > 0.992) the light response trends of both electron transport and CO2 uptake.

In all cases, the effective absorption cross‐section of photosynthetic pigment molecules decreased with increasing light intensity, demonstrating novel operation of a key mechanism for plants to avoid high light damage.

In parameterizing these previously difficult to measure characteristics of light harvesting in higher plants, the model provides a new means to understand the mechanistic processes underpinning variability of CO2 uptake, for example, photosynthetic down‐regulation or reversible photoinhibition induced by high light and photoprotection. However, an important next step is validating this parameterization, possibly through application to less structurally complex organisms such as single‐celled algae.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act at 40: status, recovery, and future of U.S. marine mammals
Authors: Roman Joe , Altman Irit , Dunphy‐Daly Meagan M. , Campbell Caitlin , Jasny Michael , Read Andrew J.
Published: March 2013

Passed in 1972, the Marine Mammal Protection Act has two fundamental objectives: to maintain U.S. marine mammal stocks at their optimum sustainable populations and to uphold their ecological role in the ocean. The current status of many marine mammal populations is considerably better than in 1972. Take reduction plans have been largely successful in reducing direct fisheries bycatch, although they have not been prepared for all at‐risk stocks, and fisheries continue to place marine mammals as risk. Information on population trends is unknown for most (71%) stocks; more stocks with known trends are improving than declining: 19% increasing, 5% stable, and 5% decreasing. Challenges remain, however, and the act has generally been ineffective in treating indirect impacts, such as noise, disease, and prey depletion. Existing conservation measures have not protected large whales from fisheries interactions or ship strikes in the northwestern Atlantic. Despite these limitations, marine mammals within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone appear to be faring better than those outside, with fewer species in at‐risk categories and more of least concern.
Irreversible local sequelae of inadvertent extrusion of calcium hydroxide intra‐canal medication: a case report
Authors: Hanson C.J. , Macluskey M.
Published: March 2013

Calcium hydroxide is a highly alkaline bacteriocidal intra‐canal medicament. We present the case of a patient who developed anaesthesia of upper lip and cheek on the right side of her face following the placement of intra‐canal calcium hydroxide medicament into tooth 16 and the inadvertent extrusion of this paste. A route, along which the paste tracked, is proposed to account for the neural changes. The clinical presentation, radiographic investigations, treatment is outlined and discussed. The mechanism of toxicity of the paste is reviewed.
Juvenile ossifying fibroma of jaws: a clinicopathological analysis of eight cases
Authors: Gopinath D. , Beena V.T. , Padmakumar S.K. , Sugirth R.
Published: March 2013

Background

Juvenile ossifying fibroma is defined as an aggressive variant of the ossifying fibroma and includes juvenile trabecular ossifying fibroma and juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review was made of all the biopsies performed at the Government Dental College, Trivandrum between 2001 and 2010. The reason for consultation was analysed, along with patient age, sex, clinical and radiological characteristics, tentative diagnosis, histological diagnosis, and treatment provided.

Results and conclusion

Among the eight cases reported as juvenile ossifying fibroma, there were five girls and three boys with a mean patient age of 14 years (range 9–20 years). The most frequent location was the mandible (six cases). Size of the lesions was 2 cm on average. Four patients presented with painful, hard tumour mass with a duration of several months. The remaining four cases were hard swellings without any symptoms. Four of the lesions were also completely radiolucent, three cases showed mixed radiolucent radio‐opaque picture, and one was radio‐opaque. Microscopically, four cases were trabecular variant, two were psammomatoid type, and rest of the two cases exhibited both patterns with a predominant trabecular pattern. Surgical resection was performed in all the eight cases. Follow‐up was performed in six cases, of which two recurred after 3 years. Rest of the two patients did not report back to our institution.
Angiosarcoma of the mandible: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Chehal H.K. , Mitchell M.W. , Cohen D.M. , Bhattacharyya I.
Published: March 2013

Angiosarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm of mesenchymal origin. It is characterised by endothelial differentiation. Lesions are most commonly seen in the head and neck region, especially on the skin of the scalp in elderly men. Oral and intraosseous lesions are comparatively rare. We report an exceedingly rare case of primary intraosseous angiosarcoma in a 79‐year‐old male arising in the mandibular left retromolar region.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Requirements of Pacing Over Time
Authors: PEREIRA EULÁLIA , FERREIRA NUNO , CAEIRO DANIEL , PRIMO JOÃO , ADÃO LUÍS , OLIVEIRA MARCO , GONÇALVES HELENA , RIBEIRO JOSÉ , SANTOS ELISABETH , LEITE DANIEL , BETTENCOURT NUNO , BRAGA PEDRO , SIMÕES LINO , VOUGA LUÍS , GAMA VASCO
Published: March 2013

Background

A permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation is common after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to evaluate requirements of pacing and incidence of pacemaker dependency during the first year after TAVI.

Methods

From August 2007 until May 2011, 65 patients underwent TAVI with self‐expandable prosthesis. Five patients paced at baseline and two procedure‐related deaths were excluded. Evaluation of ventricular pacing percentage (VP%) and look for spontaneous rhythm were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

PPM implantation was required in 19/58 patients (33%). Mean VP% decreased between assessments (59% at 3 months, 48% at 6 months, 50% at 12 months), but overall VP% at 1 year was high (57% ± 43%) and most patients were paced ≥10% of time. A favorable annulus‐to‐aorta angle was associated with lower pacing requirements (60% of patients paced ≤10% of time vs 10% of patients paced >10% of time presented an angle ≤30⁰, P = 0.039). Pacemaker dependency was established in 27% of patients and could be predicted by the presence of porcelain aorta (odds ratio = 30, confidence interval 95% 1–638, P = 0.029). New postprocedural left bundle branch block (LBBB) had a negative impact on 1‐year survival (58% vs 82% in non‐LBBB group, P = 0.111). PPM implantation had no impact on 1‐year survival.

Conclusions

One third of patients required PPM after TAVI and full recovery of advanced conduction abnormalities seems unlikely. Unfavorable aortic root orientation may hinder the deployment of the valve and contribute to the continued impairment of the conduction system. Porcelain aorta was a strong predictor of pacemaker dependency.
Questioning the evidence of organic compounds called sponge biomarkers
Authors: Antcliffe Jonathan B.
Published: March 2013

Elevated concentrations of an organic compound, 24‐isopropylcholestane, found in thePrecambrianHuqfSupergroup ofOman may provide the oldest known sponge ‘fossil’. This evidence is of critical importance for a properly balanced understanding of the origin of animals. Several different pelagophyte (ClassPelagophyceae part of theStramenopiles within theChromaveolata) algae are also capable of producing these exact compounds, and may similarly have done so in deep time. Modern marine algae are also reported to produce structural isomers that are compositionally identical to the sponge marker; they do this in copious quantities. Further, 24‐isopropylcholestane can be produced by diagenetic alteration of compounds produced in large quantities by algae. It is also possible that contamination by petroleum derived lubricating oil used when coring while extracting these compounds from subsurface layers, has affected the data. All extinct organisms that may have produced this compounds are unavailable for analysis by the modern organic chemist and cannot be eliminated from the list of possible producers of the sponge marker. There are also significant uncertainties regarding the dating of the strata from which these ancient compounds are found. Although the compounds are widely reported asc. 751 Ma, they are younger than 645 Ma. It seems more likely that these compounds represent algal biochemical evolution at a time when algal burial occurred in great quantity with well known coeval algal fossils but no sponge fossils. The macroalgal biomass may have declined during the agronomic revolution at the base of theCambrianPeriod owing to processing by metazoans, accounting for the comparative scarcity of these sponge markers inPhanerozoic sediments, after which time sponge spicules and body fossils become evident.
A randomized comparison of the laryngeal mask airway supreme™ and laryngeal mask airway unique™ in infants and children: does cuff pressure influence leak pressure?
Authors: Jagannathan Narasimhan , Sohn Lisa , Sommers Katherine , Belvis Dawn , Shah Ravi D. , Sawardekar Amod , Eidem Jami , DaGraca Justin , Mukherji Isabella
Published: March 2013

Background

The cuff pressure for optimal airway sealing with first‐generation laryngeal mask airway has been shown to be 40 cm H2O in children. Currently, there are no data regarding the ideal intracuff pressure for the laryngeal mask airway Supreme (Supreme) in children.

Objectives

To compare the clinical performance of the laryngeal mask airway supreme with the laryngeal mask airway unique in infants and children.

Materials and methods

One hundred eighty children were assigned to receive either a Supreme or a laryngeal mask airway‐U. We hypothesized higher airway leak pressure with the Supreme at both 40 cm H2O and 60 cm H2O, when compared with the laryngeal mask airway‐U. Ease and time of insertion, insertion attempts, fiber optic examination, quality of airway, efficacy of mechanical ventilation, success of gastric tube placement (Supreme), incidence of gastric insufflation, and complications were also assessed.

Results

Airway leak pressure at an intracuff pressure of 60 cm H2O for the Supreme was 17.4 (5.2) vs laryngeal mask airway‐U at 18.4 (6.6) cm H2O and did not differ when compared to an intracuff pressure of 40 cm H2O for both devices; Supreme at 17.2 (5) vs laryngeal mask airway‐U at 17.7 (6) cm H2O. The laryngeal mask airway‐U was associated with higher first‐attempt success rates. The Supreme was associated with less gastric insufflation than the laryngeal mask airway‐U.

Conclusions

Intracuff pressures of 40 cm H2O may be sufficient for the Supreme in children, and there may be no added benefit of an intracuff pressure of 60 cm H2O, as leak pressures were similar. The Supreme may be preferred over the laryngeal mask airway‐U for its lower rates of gastric insufflation and provision for gastric access when mechanical ventilation is utilized.
Digital palpation of endotracheal tube tip as a method of confirming endotracheal tube position in neonates: an open‐label, three‐armed randomized controlled trial
Authors: Saboo Ashwin R. , Dutta Sourabh , Sodhi Kushaljit Singh
Published: March 2013

Objective

To compare the malposition rates of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) when the insertional length (IL) is determined by a weight‐based nomogram versus when IL is determined by palpation of the ETT tip.

Design

Open‐label, randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Setting

Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Subjects

All newborn babies admitted in NICU requiring intubation.

Interventions

Subjects were randomly allocated to one of three groups, wherein IL was determined by (i) weight‐based nomogram alone, (ii) weight‐based nomogram combined with suprasternal palpation of ETT tip performed by specially trained neonatology fellows, or (iii) combination of weight‐based and suprasternal methods by personnel not specially trained.

Primary Outcome

Rate of malposition of ETT as judged on chest X‐ray (CXR).

Results

Fifty seven babies were randomized into group 1(n = 15), group 2 (n = 20), and group 3 (n = 22). The proportion of correct ETT placement was highest in group 2, being 66.7%, 83.3%, and 66.7% in groups 1 through 3, respectively (P value = 0.58). No complication was attributable to palpation technique.

Conclusion

Suprasternal palpation shows promise as a simple, safe, and teachable method of confirming ETT position in neonates.
Comparison of topical tramadol and ketamine in pain treatment after tonsillectomy
Authors: Tekelioglu Umit Y. , Apuhan Tayfun , Akkaya Akcan , Demirhan Abdullah , Yildiz Isa , Simsek Tugce , Gok Uzeyir , Kocoglu Hasan
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Aim

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of topically applied ketamine or tramadol on early postoperative pain scores in children undergoing tonsillectomy. The secondary aim of the study is to assess nausea, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, and sore throat characteristics of the patients.

Background

Tonsillectomy surgery is frequently associated with postoperative pain, which usually requires substantial consumption of analgesics including opioids. Safe and effective post‐tonsillectomy pain control is still a clinical dilemma, in spite of the use of various surgical and anesthetic techniques.

Methods

A total of 60 children, aged between 4 and 10 years, scheduled for tonsillectomy, were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Study drugs were administered to both tonsillar fossae for 5 min. In 5 ml artificial saliva, Group K (n = 20) received 0.4 ml (20 mg) ketamine and Group T (n = 20) received 0.8 ml tramadol HCl solution. Group C (n = 20) received only 5 ml saline as a control. Ramsay Sedation Scale and FACES PRS Score, nausea, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, and sore throat were evaluated.

Results

There was no difference among the groups in terms of baseline characteristics, including age, sex, and ASA profile (P > 0.05 for all). Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) values were not significantly different among the groups in all time points (P > 0.05 for all). There was a statistically significant difference among the groups according to Ramsay Sedation Scales in 40th minute (P < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences among the groups in terms of Wong‐Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale Score in all time points (P < 0.004 for all). There was a statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of rescue analgesia necessity in 5th and 10th minute (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003). There was a statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of sore throat in 5th and 10th minute (P < 0.001 for both). Neither rescue analgesia necessity nor sore throat characteristics was different between the Group T and Group K in all time points.

Conclusion

Topical tramadol and ketamine seem to be safe, effective, and easy analgesic approach for decreasing tonsillectomy pain.
Activation domains for controlling plant gene expression using designed transcription factors
Authors: Li Jianquan , Blue Ryan , Zeitler Bryan , Strange Tonya L. , Pearl Jocelynn R. , Huizinga David H. , Evans Steve , Gregory Philip D. , Urnov Fyodor D. , Petolino Joseph F.
Published: March 2013

Targeted gene regulation via designed transcription factors has great potential for precise phenotypic modification and acceleration of novel crop trait development. To this end, designed transcriptional activators have been constructed by fusing transcriptional activation domains to DNA‐binding proteins. In this study, a transcriptional activator from the herpes simplex virus, VP16, was used to identify plant regulatory proteins. Transcriptional activation domains were identified from each protein and fused with zinc finger DNA‐binding proteins (ZFPs) to generate designed transcriptional activators. In addition, specific sequences within each transcriptional activation domain were modified to mimic the VP16 contact motif that interacts directly with RNA polymerase II core transcription factors. To evaluate these designed transcriptional activators, test systems were built in yeast and tobacco comprising reporter genes driven by promoters containing ZFP‐binding sites upstream of the transcriptional start site. In yeast, transcriptional domains from the plant proteins ERF2 and PTI4 activated MEL1 reporter gene expression to levels similar to VP16 and the modified sequences displayed even greater levels of activation. Following stable transformation of the tobacco reporter system with transcriptional activators derived from ERF2, GUS reporter gene transcript accumulation was equal to or greater than those derived from VP16. Moreover, a modified ERF2 domain displayed significantly enhanced transcriptional activation compared with VP16 and with the unmodified ERF2 sequence. These results demonstrate that plant sequences capable of facilitating transcriptional activation can be found and, when fused to DNA‐binding proteins, can enhance gene expression.
Engineering cherry rootstocks with resistance to Prunus necrotic ring spot virus through RNAi‐mediated silencing
Authors: Song Guo‐qing , Sink Kenneth C. , Walworth Aaron E. , Cook Meridith A. , Allison Richard F. , Lang Gregory A.
Published: March 2013

Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) is a major pollen‐disseminated ilarvirus that adversely affects many Prunus species. In this study, an RNA interference (RNAi) vector pART27–PNRSV containing an inverted repeat (IR) region of PNRSV was transformed into two hybrid (triploid) cherry rootstocks, ‘Gisela 6’ (GI 148‐1) and ‘Gisela 7’(GI 148‐8)’, which are tolerant and sensitive, respectively, to PNRSV infection. One year after inoculation with PNRSV plus Prune Dwarf Virus, nontransgenic ‘Gisela 6’ exhibited no symptoms but a significant PNRSV titre, while the transgenic ‘Gisela 6’ had no symptoms and minimal PNRSV titre. The nontransgenic ‘Gisela 7’ trees died, while the transgenic ‘Gisela 7’ trees survived. These results demonstrate the RNAi strategy is useful for developing viral resistance in fruit rootstocks, and such transgenic rootstocks may have potential to enhance production of standard, nongenetically modified fruit varieties while avoiding concerns about transgene flow and exogenous protein production that are inherent for transformed fruiting genotypes.
On the Unintelligibility of Wittgenstein's Tractatus
Authors: Hessell Cameron
Published: March 2013

“Resolute” readings of Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico‐Philosophicus maintain that the book is divided into two parts: an intelligible “frame” and an unintelligible “body.” This article questions the validity of the “frame/body distinction” and, by extension, the resolute reading itself. It first establishes the tenability of the resolute programme as entirely dependent upon such a frame/body distinction. It then explores three possible ways the claim that the Tractatus contains such a distinction might be grounded, arguing in each case why it cannot do so. It therefore concludes that the frame/body distinction is unjustified, and the resolute reading untenable.
Realism, Mind and Evolution
Authors: Haldane John
Published: March 2013

Perceptual experience is perspectival, and human minds occupy a variety of “viewpoints.” These considerations provide grounds for both realist and anti‐realist philosophies. Each is represented in adjacent areas of thought, and often connects with familiar debates between “conservatives” and “liberals,” which in turn are commonly related to disputes about religious and naturalistic accounts of the world and of the place of human beings within it. These have been joined from an orthogonal direction by Thomas Nagel in his recent book Mind and Cosmos. This is considered and contrasted with the ideas of Thomas Aquinas before returning to the possibility of reconciling perspectivalism with an account of what it could mean to speak of the world as it is in itself.